bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remarks on the Bohnenblust–Hille inequalities
Authors: Paulino Djair , Pellegrino Daniel , Santos Joedson
Published: July 2020

We revisit the Bohnenblust–Hille multilinear and polynomial inequalities and prove some new properties. Our main result is a multilinear version of a recent result on polynomials whose monomials have a uniformly bounded number of variables.
The impact of a lower order term in a Dirichlet problem with a singular nonlinearity
Authors: Boccardo Lucio , Croce Gisella
Published: July 2020

In this paper we study the existence and regularity of solutions to the following Dirichlet problem

\begin{cases}
-\operatorname{div}(a(x)|\nabla u|^{p-2} \nabla u) + u|u|^{r-1} = \frac{f(x)}{u^{\theta}} & \text{in }\Omega, \\
u > 0 & \text{in }\Omega, \\
u = 0 & \text{on }\partial\Omega
\end{cases}

proving that the lower order term

u|u|^{r-1}

has some regularizing effects on the solutions.
A Narrative Review of Strategies to Increase Patient Safety Event Reporting by Residents
Authors: Aaron Maria , Webb Adam , Luhanga Ulemu
Published: July 2020

Background

Because residents are often on the frontlines of patient care and are likely to witness adverse events firsthand, it is critical they report patient safety events. They may, however, be underreporting.

Objective

We examined the current literature to identify strategies to increase patient safety event reporting by residents.

Methods

We used CINAHL (EBSCO Information Services, Ipswich, MA), EMBASE (Elsevier, Amsterdam, the Netherlands), PsycINFO (APA Publishing, Washington, DC), and PubMed (National Center for Biotechnology Information, Bethesda, MD) databases. The search was limited to English-language articles published in peer-reviewed journals through March 2020. Key terms included “residents, trainees, fellows, interns, graduate medical education, house staff, event reporting, patient safety reporting, incident reporting, adverse event, and medical error.” To organize findings, we adapted a published framework of strategies for encouraging self-protective behavior.

Results

We identified 68 articles that described strategies used to increase event reporting. The most sustainable interventions used a combination of 3 of the 5 strategies: behavior modeling, surveys and messaging, and required limited financial support. The survey creates awareness; the behavior modeling is critical for educational purposes, and the reminders help to reinforce the new behavior and embed it into routine patient care activities. We noted a dearth of studies involving trainees in root cause analysis following submission of event reports.

Conclusions

The most successful sustainable interventions were those that combined strategies that minimized time for busy physicians, incorporated accessible event reporting in already existing medical records, and became part of a normal workflow in patient care.
Antimicrobial and time-kill kinetics of the aqueous extract of Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) seeds
Authors: Babaiwa UF , Eraga SO , Akerele JO
Published: July 2020

This study evaluated the antimicrobial property of the aqueous extract of Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) seeds and its concentration-effect relationship (time-kill studies) on typed bacterial and fungal strains. Crude powdered seeds of Citrullus lanatus were extracted by maceration with water. Antimicrobial assay of the aqueous extracts was determined against Bacillus subtilis (NCTC 8236), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 10145), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), and Candida albicans (ATCC 24433) using standard microbiological methods. A total of 106 CFU/mL of each test strain was used as a baseline to carry out the time-kill studies. Extract concentration at minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), 2MIC and 4MIC were used over a period of 24 hours. Aqueous extract had an intermediate antibacterial activity with inhibition zone diameters (IZD) of 15 - 18 mm and MIC range of 2.5 - 20 mg/mL. Time-kill studies showed a bacteriostatic, non-concentration dependent mode of antimicrobial activity with characteristic regrowth for all test strains. Citrullus lanatus seeds aqueous extract exhibited antimicrobial activity with a bacteriostatic, non-concentration dependent mode of action against test bacterial strains. Further studies aimed at isolating and purifying the antimicrobial principle in the aqueous extract of C. lanatus seed is warranted as this could serve as a potential new antibiotic for treating microbial infections.
Adoption of mobile phone for marketing of cereals by smallholder farmers in Quang Dien District of Vietnam
Authors: Hoang Gia Hung
Published: July 2020

The study investigated factors that shape the Vietnamese smallholders’ adoption of mobile phones for marketing. A random sample of 161 smallholders was drawn from a total of 275 smallholders who produced and marketed cereals in Quang Dien district of Vietnam. Percentages, means, standard deviations, chi squares test, t-test and a binary logistic regression model were applied to analyse the data. This study concluded that the young male smallholders with a higher education level, who are members of community-based organisations (CBOs) and live far from an electricity base, have high income and participate in credit programs, have a greater tendency to adopt mobile phones for marketing. Lack of knowledge/skills on use of applications on mobile phones, together with language barriers and mobile phone network problems hindered smallholder adoption of mobile phones for marketing.Keywords: mobile phones, adoption, marketing, smallholders, Quang Dien district
Evaluating the Effects of Air Pollution on the Agricultural Yield of Selected Crops in Eleme, Nigeria
Authors: Ekiyor T.H. , Horsfall I.T. , Kalagbor A.I. , Egbara-Dedua B.A.
Published: July 2020

This study evaluated the effects of air pollution on agriculture in Eleme, Rivers State, Niger Delta, Nigeria. The air quality in selected locations in Eleme were monitored, as well as crop pathology and laboratory analysis of crops. Although, small-scale subsistence agriculture is the most common farming system practiced in the area. Cassava, pumpkins, plantains, maize and yams are the dominant crops found on the farmlands. It was observed that concentration of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), ozone (O3) and exceeded the USEPA standards for the protection of crops significantly. While suspended particulate matter (SPM) is slightly high in all sampling locations. However, O3, SO2 and NO2 and SPM are the most significant air pollutants that adversely affected the agricultural crops within the area. Although, Cucumber, cocoyam, yams, maize, okras, plantains, cassavas, pumpkins and pawpaw were found to be susceptible to air pollution damage. Statistical analysis showed that there is significant decrease in crop yield between the 2017/2018 harvest season and the 2016/2017 harvest season (F = 20.3; p< 0.05; 95%Cl.). These pollutants can lead to serious reductions of crop growth and yields, a situation which may be aggravated in the future. Air pollution causes approximately 38.3% crop losses in Eleme annually. Hence, there is need for efficient monitoring and implementation of environmental standards for air quality control by regulatory agencies.Keywords: statistical analysis; effect of air pollution; agricultural yield; plant pathology; selected crops
Challenges Kenyan Television Journalists Face in Spotting Fake News
Authors: Mutugi Kabucua John , Nyamboga Nyakundi , Matu Nguri
Published: July 2020

A fake news story can travel half way across the world as the truth puts on its socks. There are myriads of challenges facing journalists in spotting fake news hence its wide proliferation. Fake news has become a prominent subject of enquiry especially following its alleged influence of the 2016 general elections in US. Unfortunately, research on fake news has focused on social media, politics, elections, and economies. Few studies have focused on the challenges that TV journalists face in spotting fake news prompting this study. The specific research question was; what are the challenges facing television journalists in spotting fake news in Kenya? The study adapted a relativist-constructivist/interpretivist ontology and epistemology, qualitative approach and multiple case study methodology. Data was generated through in-depth interviews, direct observation and documents review. The study used purposive sampling to generate data from 16 journalists. Data was then analysed in themes and presented in narrative form. Key findings were that in spotting fake news, journalists faced challenges like; loss of viewers, lack of authoritative contacts, sources who gave fake news for personal, business, political, and economic benefits, ability of fake news to camouflage real news, speed of fake news, typologies of fake news, live reporting, inexperienced correspondents and interns, and social media. The study concludes that the challenges facing journalists in spotting fake news were majorly based on sources, technology, education, skills and training, and its typology. The study therefore recommends that editorial boards invest in experts to train journalists on styles, architecture, propagation and use of fake news, inoculation of journalists and audiences, raising fake news literacy levels, and use of technology based approaches like reverse search and fact checking sites.

Key words: Fake news, journalists, spotting, challenges, television, Kenya
Seroprevalence of Brucellosis in sheep in Maigana and Birnin Gwari agro-ecological zones of Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: Shu'aibu G.A. , Kabir J , Umoh J.U. , Raji M.A. , Tijjani A.O. , Umaru G.A.
Published: July 2020

Brucellosis is an ancient and one of the world’s most widespread zoonotic diseases affecting public health and animal production. A cross-sectional study using simple random sampling was conducted between May and December, 2016 in Maigana and Birnin Gwari Agro-ecological zones of Kaduna State to determine the sero-prevalence of brucellosis in sheep. In addition the risk factors associated with sero-positivity in sheep were also assessed. A total of 400 sera samples comprised of 141 from males and 259 from females sheep were collected and screened for the presence of Brucella antibodies using Rose Bengal Plate test (RBPT) and competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). Sera analysis revealed that, 16.5% and 10.8% were seropositive to Brucella infection by RBPT and cELISA, respectively. There was statistically significant association between sex of the sheep and seropositivity to Brucella infection using RBPT (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, no statistically significant association between the age and breed of sheep and seropositivity to Brucella infection using RBPT and cELISA, respectively (P > 0.05). This study shows evidence of Brucella infection with high prevalence mainly among female sheep and the disease can be considered as a potential risk for both susceptible animals and humans in the study area. Therefore, creating awareness about brucellosis, interdisciplinary partnership and complementary effort between veterinary and public health professionals is very important to control the transmission of brucellosis.Keywords: Brucellosis, Kaduna State, Sheep, Sero-prevalence
A survey of viral diseases of livestock characterized by skin lesions in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria
Authors: Gambo P , Maguda A.S. , Adole J.A. , Dyek D.Y. , Ifende V.I. , Bot C , Adedeji A.J.
Published: July 2020

A survey on the status of viral diseases of livestock characterized by skin lesions was carried out between November, 2016 and March 2017 in Kanam Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, Nigeria. Questionnaires were administered and suspected cases of Lumpy skin disease (LSD), Goat pox (GTP), Contagious ecthyma (CE) and Bovine papilloma (BP) were investigated. Samples collected were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The questionnaires were administered to livestock farmers (n=109), butchers (n=11) and livestock traders (n=13). The results indicated that majority of livestock farmers (94.50%), butchers (100%) and livestock traders (100%) were familiar with these viral diseases of livestock. Farmers in the study area also indicated that they had observed LSD (64.5%) and BP (7.34%) in cattle; GTP (67.9%) and CE (59.5%) in sheep and goats in the last 12 months. Data collated from the questionnaire survey showed these viral diseases of livestock also affect trade price with reduction of about 50-75% of real value of affected animals. The PCR result of samples collected from clinically diagnosed cases of orf shows that 3 out 4 samples analyzed were positive. Likewise, 1 out of 3 samples collected from clinically diagnosed cases of GTP were positive by PCR. The PCR results validate the respondents‘ feedback on the presence these viral skin diseases of livestock in study area. This report provides baseline epidemiological data on the status of these diseases of livestock and further investigation is needed to better understand the impact of viral skin diseases of livestock in Kanam LGA.Keywords: Survey; viral skin diseases; Kanam; Nigeria
Safety and Nutrient Values (NPK) of bio-effluent from human excreta used to feed biogas plants in Rwanda
Authors: Rwigema Anastase
Published: July 2020

Compared to cattle dung, human excreta have been used for methane generation in limited scale in most of developing countries. In Rwanda, institutions and households which have biogas plants connected to toilets are producing big quantity of bio effluent every day. It is not known whether such bio effluent is a rich fertilizer and safe for human health. This scientific research study was conducted in the four provinces of Rwanda where biodigesters connected to toilets are installed and operating. Field sites visits were made, samples were collected in sterilized bottles, transported in cooling boxes and taken to Laboratory for analysis. Laboratory results obtained revealed that bio effluent from human excreta digested in biogas plants connected to toilets is a rich natural fertilizer and it does not contain harmful bacteria (Shigella and Salmonella). Thus, use of this bio effluent could have a major impact on food security, agribusiness, agro-industries and may constitute a source of income.Keywords: Bio-effluent (NPK), Biodigesters, Human excreta, Toilets, Bacteria, Food security
Effect of mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) population growth to their key food plant biomass in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Authors: Samedi M.J.P. , Eckardt W , Derhé M , Miller M , Grueter C.C. , Robbins M.M. , Nsabimana D
Published: July 2020

High densities of large herbivores can have detrimental effects on plant biomass. Understanding the relationship between animal densities and plant distribution and abundance is essential for the conservation of endangered species and ecosystems. Mountain gorilla censuses conducted for different periods in the last three decades have revealed a steady increase of gorilla population in Virunga Massif whereby the recent number of gorillas has doubled compared to their number in the 1980s. It is unclear whether the continuous population growth of the herbivorous Virunga gorilla within an isolated forest ‘island’ has been affecting gorilla food plant biomass. This study investigated the effect of varying mountain gorilla densities on the biomass of the five key food plant species (Galium spp., Carduus nyassanus, Peucedanum linderi, Rubus spp., Laportea alatipes) that make up >70% of the mountain gorilla diet. We used plant biomass data collected in a central part of the Virunga massif, commonly known as Karisoke sector from 2009 to 2011, and GPS records of gorilla groups ranging in the same area nine months prior biomass assessment. Gorilla densities were estimated using the Kernel Utilization Distribution (KDE) analysis (functions: ‘kernelUD’ and ‘getvolumeUD’) from the Adehabitat package in R software, which provides the probability density of gorilla occurrence at each coordinate (x, y) of the study area. Analyses using GLMs suggest that gorilla densities (a proxy of previous gorilla utilization intensity) did neither affect the total biomass of key food plant species nor the biomass of each key food plant species (p>0.05). These results may indicate that current revisit rates of feeding sites by gorillas allow for complete plant regeneration, and no signs of overharvesting. Alternatively, feeding sites characterized by very high biomass may be preferred by gorillas and remain sites with the highest biomass even after being frequently used by gorillas. Findings also suggest that carrying capacity of the gorilla population in the study areas may not yet be reached if food is the driving constraint. However, monitoring of the relationship between gorilla densities and food plant biomass must continue while the Virunga population continues growing. Future studies also need to incorporate other sympatric large herbivores in the Virungas who share food plants with mountain gorillas.Keywords: habitat use, gorilla density, plants biomass
On-site and Off-site Effects of Soil Erosion: Causal Analysis and Remedial Measures in Agricultural Land - a Review
Authors: Majoro Félicien , Wali Umaru Garba , Munyaneza Omar , Naramabuye François-Xavier , Mukamwambali Concilie
Published: July 2020

Soil erosion is one of the main factors causing land degradation. Furthermore, loss of soil nutrients ultimately causes worldwide reduction of agricultural productivity and water quality deterioration. Therefore, soil erosion control measures are required as an aspect of catchment management. The general purpose of this paper review is to make an overview of soil erosion throughout the world in order to highlight required studies on which to be based when proposing appropriate erosion control measures for agricultural fields. Different scientific documents including journal articles, internet materials, conference papers and books were used as research materials to achieve the objectives of the present work. This methodology enabled the researcher to make a synthesis of various researchers’ views on this topic. Principally, this review focused on the effects and remedial measures of soil erosion. The research findings highlighted that soil erosion affects greatly the agricultural land, human properties and aquatic ecosystem. Both on-site and off-site effects are analyzed. Sediment transport in rivers resulted from soil erosion impacts on bridges, hydropower plants, water treatment plants and water bodies such as lakes and water reservoirs. The present review article strongly recommends the followings: (1) Performance improvement of the existing erosion control measures; (2) Promotion of new soil erosion adaptive measures; (3) Farmers trainings on Best Management Practices of soil erosion control and (4) Sensitization of governmental institutions and Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to be extensively involved in soil erosion management.

Keywords: Erosion causes, erosion effects, erosion control measures
Assessment and Prevention Strategies of Soil Surface Crusting Caused by Rainfall Events: Case Study of Sebeya Catchment Agricultural Land in Rwanda
Authors: Majoro Félicien , Wali Umaru Garba , Munyaneza Omar , Naramabuye François-Xavier , Mukamwambali Concilie
Published: July 2020

The history of soil erosion is an integral part of the agriculture. All over the world, wherever human being started the agricultural operations, there exists the problem of soil erosion in some extent. Soil erosion leads to the reduction of water infiltration rate and enhances runoff and soil degradation. This study focuses on Sebeya catchment located in the Western part of Rwanda. The main objective of this study was to assess various preventive measures against soil surface crusting and development of runoff coefficients in order to minimize the soil loss in Sebeya catchment agricultural fields. The proposed methodology was much concerned with the efficiency analysis of soil conservation practice of mulching in maize cover crops. The names of the three experimental field plots sited are Maize-Fertilizer-Mulching (MFM), Maize-Fertilizer (MF) and Bare Soil (BS) which were set in Rugerero Sector of Rubavu District. Each of these 3 plots was constructed with its runoff collecting tank and they were under similar conditions except land cover. Samples of soil from field plots and water from runoff collecting tanks were tested for soil classification and soil loss estimation from each plot respectively. The analysis of results showed that soil of the experimental plots is a gravelly sand with (sand:56.27%; clay and silt: 3.24% and gravel: 40.49%). Also, the results showed that the plot coded as MFM, has high moisture content with low runoff and soil loss compared to 2 other plots. This research revealed that soil conservation practices such as surface mulching and vegetative cover reduce runoff, soil loss and are well recommended for preventing and controlling soil surface crusting.

Keywords: Soil erosion, mulching, soil crusting, field experiments, Rwanda
Characteristics, predictors and outcomes among 99 patients hospitalised with COVID-19 in a tertiary care centre in Switzerland: an observational analysis
Authors: Gregoriano Claudia , Koch Daniel , Haubitz Sebastian , Conen Anna , Fux Christoph A. , Mueller Beat , Bernasconi Luca , Hammerer-Lercher Angelika , Oberle Michael , Burgemeister Susanne , Reiter Hartwig , Kutz Alexander , Schuetz Philipp
Published: July 2020

AIMS OF THE STUDY
To describe admission characteristics, risk factors and outcomes of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hospitalised in a tertiary care hospital in Switzerland during the early phase of the pandemic.

METHODS
This retrospective cohort study included adult patients with a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and hospitalised at the cantonal hospital Aarau (Switzerland) between 26 February 2020 and 30 April 2020. Our primary endpoint was severe COVID-19 progression defined as a composite of transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU) and in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS
A total of 99 patients (median age 67 years [interquartile range 56–76], 37% females) were included and 35% developed severe COVID-19 progression (24% needed ICU treatment, 19% died). Patients had a high burden of comorbidities with a median Charlson comorbidity index of 3 points and a high prevalence of hypertension (57%), chronic kidney disease (28%) and obesity (27%). Baseline characteristics with the highest prognostic value for the primary endpoint by means of area under the receiver operating characteristic curve were male gender (0.63) and initial laboratory values including shock markers (lactate on ambient air 0.67; lactate with O2 supply 0.70), markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein 0.72, procalcitonin 0.80) and markers of compromised oxygenation (pO2 0.75 on ambient air), whereas age and comorbidities provided little prognostic information.

CONCLUSION
This analysis provides insights into the first consecutively hospitalised patients with confirmed COVID-19 at a Swiss tertiary care hospital during the initial period of the pandemic. Markers of disease progression such as inflammatory markers, markers for shock and impaired respiratory function provided the most prognostic information regarding severe COVID-19 progression in our sample.
0-5 Yaş Çocuklarda Rotavirüs Sıklığı ve Anne-Babaların Rotavirüse Yönelik Bilgi Düzeyleri ve Uygulamaları
Authors: AYYILDIZ Tülay , KULAKÇI ALTINTAŞ Hülya , AYDIN Cansu , MİNAZ Esra , YÖRÜK Tuğba
Published: July 2020

Amaç: Bu çalışma, Zonguldak il merkezinde yaşayan 0-5 yaş arası çocuklarda rotavirüs sıklığını, anne-babaların rotavirüse yönelik bilgi düzeylerini ve uygulamalarını belirlemek amacıyla yapılmıştır. Yöntem: Çalışma kesitsel tanımlayıcı tipte bir araştırmadır. Çalışma, Mart 2019-Mayıs 2019 tarihleri arasında 354 anne-baba ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Verilerin değerlendirilmesinde aritmetik ortalama, standart sapma, ortanca, minimum-maximum, yüzde-sayı değerleri ve ki kare testi kullanılmıştır. Bulgular: Çalışmada, anne babaların %15.5’i çocuklarının rotavirüs ile karşılaştığını ifade etmiştir. Anne-babaların %57.6’sının rotavirüs enfeksiyonunu, %51.1’inin rotavirüs aşısını bildiği belirlenmiştir. Ailelerin rotavirüs aşısı yaptırmama nedenleri arasında aşıyı duymama ve maddi olanaksızlıklar yer almaktadır. Sonuç: Çalışmada, anne-babaların rotavirüs aşısını bilme oranının yüksek olmasına rağmen, rotavirüs aşısı yaptırma oranının düşük olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Annelerin eğitim düzeyi arttıkça rotavirüs aşısını yaptırma oranlarının arttığı belirlenmiştir.
McCloskey ve Mueller’in İş Doyum Ölçeği’nin Türkçeye Uyarlanması: Geçerlik ve Güvenirlik Çalışması
Authors: BAYRAKÇI Gizem , TÜRKMEN Emine
Published: July 2020

Giriş: İş doyumu, hemşireleri işte tutmanın önemli bir belirleyicisidir. Türkiye’de hemşirelerin iş doyumunu değerlendirmek üzere kullanılan, geçerlik ve güvenirliği sınanmış ölçeklerin sayısı sınırlıdır. Amaç: Bu metodolojik çalışma, “McCloskey ve Mueller İş Doyumu Ölçeği” Türkçe formunun ülkemiz hemşireleri için geçerli ve güvenilir bir araç olup olmadığını incelemek amacıyla yapılmıştır. Yöntem: Bu çalışma, Haziran-Ağustos 2017 tarihleri arasında İstanbul’da üç hastanede görev yapan 324 hemşire ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Veri toplama aracı olarak "Sosyo-Demografik ve Mesleki Özellikler Formu" ile 31 maddelik “McCloskey ve Mueller İş Doyumu Ölçeği” kullanılmıştır. Bulgular: Ölçeğin kapsam geçerlilik indeksi .93 bulunmuştur. İç tutarlılık analizinde Cronbach alpha güvenirlik katsayısının tüm ölçek için .81; alt boyutlar için .45 ile .70 arasında olduğu belirlenmiştir. Test-tekrar test analizinde iki uygulama arasında fark bulunmamıştır (t = .27, p  .05). Otuz bir maddenin madde-toplam puan korelasyon güvenirlik katsayıları r = .28 ile .49 arasında bulunmuştur. Doğrulayıcı faktör analizinde, ölçek maddelerinin kendi boyutu (sekiz alt boyutlu) ile olan faktör yükleri .36 ile .64 arasında saptanmıştır. Ölçeğin model-veri uyum değerlerinin kabul edilebilir düzeyde iyi olduğu belirlenmiştir (Ki-kare / serbestlik derecesi: 1.4, p  .05). Sonuç: McCloskey ve Mueller İş Doyumu Ölçeği”nin Türkçe formu kapsam ve yapı geçerliliği ölçütlerini karşılamaktadır. Madde analizleri ve zamana karşı değişmezlik güvenirlik ölçütlerini sağlamakla birlikte, ölçeğin alt boyutları açısından iç tutarlılık (Cronbach alfa) güvenirliği için çalışma yapılmasına ihtiyaç vardır.
Fundamentos biológicos de los procesos cognitivos desde el paradigma epistemológico
Authors: Pimiento Idiarte Diana Carolina , Jaramillo López Marisela , Campoverde Chamorro Emely , Salgado Peñafiel Luis
Published: July 2020

El ser humano nació para aprender y descubrir el entorno que lo rodea, en las etapas de vida, el niño está en constante descubrimiento y de allí tener una retroalimentación de conocimiento, desde lo más simple hasta lo más complejo.
Semantically-Enriched Search Engine for Geoportals: A Case Study with ArcGIS Online
Authors: Mai Gengchen , Janowicz Krzysztof , Prasad Sathya , Shi Meilin , Cai Ling , Zhu Rui , Regalia Blake , Lao Ni
Published: July 2020

Abstract. Many geoportals such as ArcGIS Online are established with the goal of improving geospatial data reusability and achieving intelligent knowledge discovery. However, according to previous research, most of the existing geoportals adopt Lucene-based techniques to achieve their core search functionality, which has a limited ability to capture the user’s search intentions. To better understand a user’s search intention, query expansion can be used to enrich the user’s query by adding semantically similar terms. In the context of geoportals and geographic information retrieval, we advocate the idea of semantically enriching a user’s query from both geospatial and thematic perspectives. In the geospatial aspect, we propose to enrich a query by using both place partonomy and distance decay. In terms of the thematic aspect, concept expansion and embedding-based document similarity are used to infer the implicit information hidden in a user’s query. This semantic query expansion framework is implemented as a semantically-enriched search engine using ArcGIS Online as a case study. A benchmark dataset is constructed to evaluate the proposed framework. Our evaluation results show that the proposed semantic query expansion framework is very effective in capturing a user’s search intention and significantly outperforms a well-established baseline – Lucene’s practical scoring function – with more than 3.0 increments in DCG@K (K=3,5,10).
Comparing supervised learning algorithms for Spatial Nominal Entity recognition
Authors: Medad Amine , Gaio Mauro , Moncla Ludovic , Mustière Sébastien , Le Nir Yannick
Published: July 2020

Abstract. Discourse may contain both named and nominal entities. Most common nouns or nominal mentions in natural language do not have a single, simple meaning but rather a number of related meanings. This form of ambiguity led to the development of a task in natural language processing known as Word Sense Disambiguation. Recognition and categorisation of named and nominal entities is an essential step for Word Sense Disambiguation methods. Up to now, named entity recognition and categorisation systems mainly focused on the annotation, categorisation and identification of named entities. This paper focuses on the annotation and the identification of spatial nominal entities. We explore the combination of Transfer Learning principle and supervised learning algorithms, in order to build a system to detect spatial nominal entities. For this purpose, different supervised learning algorithms are evaluated with three different context sizes on two manually annotated datasets built from Wikipedia articles and hiking description texts. The studied algorithms have been selected for one or more of their specific properties potentially useful in solving our problem. The results of the first phase of experiments reveal that the selected algorithms have similar performances in terms of ability to detect spatial nominal entities. The study also confirms the importance of the size of the window to describe the context, when word-embedding principle is used to represent the semantics of each word.
Exploring the correlations between spatiotemporal daily activity-travel patterns and stated interest and perception of risk with self-driving cars
Authors: Xiao Jingyi , Su Rongxiang , McBride Elizabeth C. , Goulias Konstadinos G.
Published: July 2020

Abstract. The key to Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) successful penetration of markets lies in identifying specific needs that AVs satisfy for daily activity-travel participation of individuals. In this paper we explore whether and to what extent people’s exhibited spatiotemporal activity-travel patterns correlate with their stated perceptions about self-driving cars. We investigate the travel diaries of 3,411 survey respondents who live in the Puget Sound region of the U.S. in 2017 using sequence analysis. In parallel, we apply hierarchical clustering to identify people’s attitudes based on their stated interest and perception of risks about AVs. A multinomial regression model is built to examine the correlations between AV attitude clusters and daily activity-travel patterns. Statistically significant correlations are then identified. The model results suggest that people exhibiting different activity-travel behavior patterns also express distinct attitudes towards the uses of AVs. The model shows that people who travel to work during the day are more likely to be positive to AVs. In particular, the group traveling to work later than the regular 8-to-5 schedule shows stronger interest and less concerns to AVs, which can be partially explained by the diverse activities they do throughout the day, the variety of travel modes they use and presumably more schedule flexibility they need than the public transportation system offers.
Integration and calibration of non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) CO2 low-cost sensors and their operation in a sensor network covering Switzerland
Authors: Müller Michael , Graf Peter , Meyer Jonas , Pentina Anastasia , Brunner Dominik , Perez-Cruz Fernando , Hüglin Christoph , Emmenegger Lukas
Published: July 2020

Abstract. More than 300 non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) CO2 low-cost sensors
labelled as LP8 were integrated into sensor units and evaluated for the
purpose of long-term operation in the Carbosense CO2 sensor network in
Switzerland. Prior to deployment, all sensors were calibrated in a pressure
and climate chamber and in ambient conditions co-located with a reference
instrument. To investigate their long-term performance and to test different
data processing strategies, 18 sensors were deployed at five locations
equipped with a reference instrument after calibration. Their accuracy
during 19 to 25 months deployment was between 8 and 12 ppm. This level of
accuracy requires careful sensor calibration prior to deployment, continuous
monitoring of the sensors, efficient data filtering, and a procedure to
correct drifts and jumps in the sensor signal during operation. High
relative humidity (> ∼85 %) impairs the LP8
measurements, and corresponding data filtering results in a significant loss
during humid conditions. The LP8 sensors are not suitable for the detection
of small regional gradients and long-term trends. However, with careful data
processing, the sensors are able to resolve CO2 changes and differences
with a magnitude larger than about 30 ppm. Thereby, the sensor can resolve
the site-specific CO2 signal at most locations in Switzerland. A low-power network (LPN) using LoRaWAN allowed for reliable data transmission with
low energy consumption and proved to be a key element of the Carbosense
low-cost sensor network.
Multi-constellation GNSS interferometric reflectometry with mass-market sensors as a solution for soil moisture monitoring
Authors: Martín Angel , Ibáñez Sara , Baixauli Carlos , Blanc Sara , Anquela Ana Belén
Published: July 2020

Abstract. Per capita arable land is decreasing due to the rapidly
increasing population, and fresh water is becoming scarce and more
expensive. Therefore, farmers should continue to use technology and
innovative solutions to improve efficiency, save input costs, and optimise
environmental resources (such as water). In the case study presented in this
paper, the Global Navigation Satellite System
interferometric reflectometry (GNSS-IR) technique was used to monitor soil moisture during
66 d, from 3 December 2018 to 6 February 2019, in the installations of
the Cajamar Centre of Experiences, Paiporta, Valencia, Spain. Two main
objectives were pursued. The first was the extension of the technique to a
multi-constellation solution using GPS, GLONASS, and GALILEO satellites, and
the second was to test whether mass-market sensors could be used for this
technique. Both objectives were achieved. At the same time that the GNSS
observations were made, soil samples taken at 5 cm depth were used for soil
moisture determination to establish a reference data set. Based on a
comparison with that reference data set, all GNSS solutions, including the
three constellations and the two sensors (geodetic and mass market), were
highly correlated, with a correlation coefficient between 0.7 and 0.85.
Evaluation of optical fibre sensors in the electrical domain
Authors: Nordmeyer Ulrich , Neumann Niels , Wang Xiaozhou , Plettemeier Dirk , Thiel Torsten , Kojucharow Konstantin
Published: July 2020

Abstract. Optical fibre sensors cover a wide range of applications. They offer versatile advantages including resilience to electromagnetic interference, biocompatibility and chemical resistivity. Even in environments with restricted accessibility, integration difficulties can be overcome by using radio-over-fibre (RoF) technology that allows a wireless read-out. Conventionally, optical fibre sensors are evaluated in the optical domain by analysing the amplitude or spectrum of either the transmitted or the reflected light. A novel approach is to feed a radio frequency-modulated laser into the optical sensor and carry out a full electrical analysis of the resulting radio frequency (RF) signal, which is changed by the sensor's characteristics. This method will be investigated in this paper for fibre Bragg grating-based and chirped fibre Bragg grating-based sensors in reflection and transmission configuration. Their applicability for this new evaluation scheme will be discussed. Subsequent studies may cover additional types of sensors and the testing of the novel evaluation method within an application-related scenario, including packaging.
Acute glyphosate exposure does not condition the response of microbial communities to a dry–rewetting disturbance in a soil with a long history of glyphosate-based herbicides
Authors: Allegrini Marco , Gomez Elena , Zabaloy María Celina
Published: July 2020

Abstract. Dry–rewetting perturbations are natural disturbances in
the edaphic environment and particularly in dryland cultivation areas. The
interaction of this disturbance with glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) deserves special attention in the soil environment due to the
intensification of agricultural practices and the acceleration of climate
change with an intensified water cycle. The objective of this study was to
assess the response of microbial communities in a soil with a long history of GBHs to a secondary imposed perturbation (a single dry–rewetting event). A
factorial microcosm study was conducted to evaluate the potential
conditioning effect of an acute glyphosate exposure on the response to a
following dry–rewetting event. A respiratory quotient (RQ) based on an ecologically relevant substrate (p-coumaric acid) and basal respiration was
used as a physiological indicator. Similarly, DNA-based analyses were considered, including quantitative PCR (qPCR) of functional sensitive microbial groups linked to cycles of carbon (Actinobacteria) and nitrogen
(ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms), qPCR of total bacteria and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB). Significant effects of herbicide and of dry–rewetting perturbations were observed in the RQ and in the copy number of the amoA gene of AOB, respectively. However, no significant interaction was observed between them when analyzing
the physiological indicator and the copy number of the evaluated genes.
PCR–DGGE results were not conclusive regarding a potential effect of
dry–rewetting × herbicide interaction on AOB community structure, suggesting further analysis by deep sequencing of the amoA gene. The results of this study indicate that the perturbation of an acute glyphosate exposure in a
soil with a long history of this herbicide does not have a conditioning effect on the response to a subsequent dry–rewetting disturbance according
to a physiological indicator or the quantified bacterial/archaeal genes.
This is particularly relevant for the sustainability of soils in rainfed
agriculture, where frequent exposure to GBHs along with intensification of
hydrological cycles are expected to occur. Further studies considering
multiple dry–rewetting disturbances and in different soil types should be
conducted to simulate those conditions and to validate our results.
Identification of Priority Skill Areas for Volunteer Professional Development
Authors: Kok Car Mun , Espinoza Dorina M. , Worker Steven M. , Go Charles , Miller JoLynn C.
Published: July 2020

Youth development programs often rely on volunteers to deliver programming to young people. Our study explored the skills and competencies volunteers self-identified as important for their roles. We analyzed qualitative responses to 2 open-ended questions asking University of California 4-H volunteers to identify priority skills to aid in their volunteer development. Using inductive thematic analysis, we developed a coding scheme to analyze 1,144 responses. Participants reported the need for professional development in content-specific areas, program management basics, and child development. Volunteers also reported desiring training in educational practices, organizational skills, specific volunteer roles, and communication skills. The modalities through which volunteers were willing to develop these skills were peer-to-peer learning; online, in-person, classes and conferences; and continuous education. Given the importance of adult volunteers to youth development programs, it is essential that volunteers’ professional and skill development be supported by both effective and preferred approaches.
Haciendo frente a las epistemologías heteropatriarcales: elementos teórico-metodológicos para un análisis feminista de la violencia contra las mujeres.
Authors: Martínez Portugal Tania
Published: July 2020

Frente a las formas y procesos a través de los cuales el heteropatriarcado crea conocimiento y construye discursos en torno a las violencias de género o violencias machistas (epistemologías heteropatriarcales), la resistencia feminista ha trabajado de forma incansable en la construcción de nuevos significados y marcos de interpretación. Como aportación a este proceso, en este artículo se comparte una propuesta metodológica congruente con un análisis feminista de la violencia contra las mujeres. Fruto de la revisión teórica y reflexión epistemológica que surge del análisis del fenómeno, la propuesta se apoya en el análisis de diez narrativas de mujeres activistas que han sobrevivido a la violencia en las comunidades activistas del País Vasco. Partir de las voces de las mujeres a la hora de crear teoría, ampliar el foco de nuestros análisis a las formas en las que las mujeres resisten y sobreviven a la misma, considerar su intersección con otros ejes de opresión, o abordar su estudio de forma multidisciplinar, son algunas de las claves metodológicas que se han planteado desde la teoría y práctica feminista, en aras de impulsar un tipo de producción de conocimiento que contribuya a fracturar los imaginarios heteropatriarcales sobre violencia y crear mejores estrategias de lucha contrahegemónica.
¿Cuál sería el problema de que una reina fuese negra? Género y visibilidad étnica en la Fiesta Provincial del Inmigrante (Berisso, Argentina)
Authors: Herrera Nicolás , Voscoboinik Sonia
Published: July 2020

La Fiesta Provincial del Inmigrante (Berisso, Argentina) constituye uno de los rituales conmemorativos a través de los cuales sus organizadores reproducen anualmente un imaginario de la comunidad local/nacional apelando a un mito de origen: el mito del crisol de razas (blancas y europeas). Este artículo tiene como propósito analizar, desde una perspectiva de género, el proceso de visibilización afro y las disputas por el reconocimiento social que desarrollan las y los integrantes de la Asociación Caboverdeana de Ensenada a partir de su participación en la Fiesta Provincial del Inmigrante. Para ello nos centramos en el análisis de los conflictos vividos por tres mujeres afrodescendientes en el acto central de la fiesta: la elección de la Reina Provincial del Inmigrante. La estrategia metodológica que sostuvo la investigación fue de tipo cualitativa, centrada en un extenso trabajo de campo etnográfico realizado en la Fiesta Provincial del Inmigrante (2010-2015), entrevistas a los/as integrantes de la Asociación Caboverdena de Ensenada y tres entrevistas en profundidad a las tres ex-reinas de dicha asociación que participaron de las elecciones de la Reina Provincial del Inmigrante (años 2001, 2008 y 2010).  La originalidad del artículo reside en el análisis de un objeto de estudio escasamente indagado por las ciencias sociales y reiteradamente criticado por el movimiento feminista: las elecciones de reinas y la participación de mujeres afrodescendientes en estos contextos. Buscando no caer en una socio-antropología de la denuncia -que únicamente ponga de manifiesto la reproducción de modelos canónicos de belleza, la sexualización del cuerpo femenino y la existencia de prácticas discriminatorias durante las elecciones de reinas- nos proponemos dar cuenta de los motivos por los cuales dichas mujeres participan de estos eventos y las agencias que desarrollan.
Reseña: Las mujeres como impulsoras de transiciones ecofeministas hacia sociedades más justas y diversas. Castilla-La Mancha como laboratorio de experiencias
Authors: Galletero Campos Belén
Published: July 2020

Lidia Peralta García, Manuel Chaparro Escudero y Lara Espinar Medina. Editorial Universidad Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), 2020. 199 páginas. ISBN: 978-84-9180-642-4.
Poor dietary consumption and limited sun exposure are risk factors for vitamin D deficiency in premenopausal Kuwaiti women: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Alyahya Khulood Othman
Published: July 2020

Background: Low serum vitamin D levels are reported constantly among females living in the Arabian Gulf countries, presumably due to their lifestyle, which limits direct sun exposure. Because Vitamin D deficiency has been implicated in a wide range of ailments, healthy females with the deficiency might be at risk for developing many health problems. Thus, the aim was to assess lifestyle risk factors for vitamin D deficiency in healthy women in Kuwait. Methods: A total of 104, disease-free, premenopausal women were recruited for assessment of their serum 25OHD and intact PTH levels. Physical examination, blood withdrawal and interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect the relevant data. Associations were detected statistically using nonparametric tests and logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. Results: Vitamin D deficiency ( < 25 nmol/L) occurred in 84.6%, and hyperparathyroidism ( ≥ 6.9 pmol/L) occurred in 25% of women, among which all were vitamin D deficient. Significant risk factors of vitamin D deficiency were nondaily milk intake (OR:25, CI%:4.2–147), no fish intake (OR:5, CI%:1–22.8), and no weekend sun exposure (OR:8.2, CI%:1.28–52.6). Having PTH ≥ 6 pmol/L was also associated with a higher likelihood of having vitamin D deficiency. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is very common in disease-free, premenopausal Kuwaiti women and can be avoided by improving food consumption and obtaining more sun exposure.
Atypical Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane Disease With Diffuse Crescentic Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Elshirbeny Mostafa , Alkadi Mohamad M. , Mujeeb Imaad , Fituri Omar
Published: July 2020

Anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) disease occurs in fewer than two cases per million population. Patients usually present with features of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) with or without pulmonary involvement. Anti-GBM disease is classically diagnosed by both demonstrating GBM linear immunofluorescence staining on kidney biopsy and detecting anti-GBM antibodies in serum. More than 90% of patients with anti-GBM disease either become dialysis-dependent or die if left untreated.

Here, we report a 37-year-old man who presented with bilateral lower limb edema, hypertension, acute kidney injury (creatinine of 212 μmol/L), microscopic hematuria, and nephrotic range proteinuria (15 g/day). His kidney biopsy showed diffuse crescentic membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and bright linear staining of GBM by immunoglobulin G consistent with anti-GBM disease; however, serum anti-GBM antibodies were negative. The patient was diagnosed with atypical anti-GBM disease and treated aggressively with intravenous pulse steroids, plasmapheresis, oral cyclophosphamide, and oral prednisolone with significant improvement in kidney function and proteinuria.

Atypical anti-GBM disease should be considered in patients presenting with RPGN, even in the absence of serum anti-GBM antibodies. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment in such cases are warranted to prevent irreversible kidney damage as the course of the disease might not be as benign as previously thought.