bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Healthcare Quality Management System in Pakistan
Authors: Hussain Wajahat
Published: May 2020

The competitive healthcare system and healthcare environment, modern hospitals with substantial investment, healthcare reforms, availability of specialized persons in hospital management, health services management, the success of quality management programs in developed nations and high interest of international health organizations like WHO has led the developing countries like Pakistan to pay due attention to quality in national healthcare system.  Since the time of independence healthcare system in Pakistan is striving for improvements. Despite of the physical infrastructure and availability of qualified workforce for service delivery there are gaps in strategic and operational planning which resulted in poor quality health services. The leaders in healthcare has little awareness that the quality management is an organized specialty to improve the quality of healthcare. It is need of the hour that healthcare leaders in Pakistan must integrate quality improvement activities in strategic and operational planning process of healthcare system. This the only way to maximize the benefits of healthcare system and restore the rapidly deteriorating public trust.
A Step Towards Lowering Maternal Mortality: Adoption of Elements of WHO’s Safe Childbirth Checklist at A Tertiary Care Hospital of Rawalpindi, Pakistan: A Cross Sectional Survey
Authors: Maroof Saira , Rashid Zubaida , Sharif Imtenan , Alam Marukh , Nawaz Rida , Nawaz Salman , Amin Maaz , Islam Naseer ul , Hussain Syed Irshad , Khan Aimal
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Use of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Safe Childbirth Checklist (SCC) has been associated with a significant reduction of maternal mortality.
Method: A descriptive cross-sectional survey conducted at a tertiary care hospital of Rawalpindi in labour room and postnatal ward from February 2018 to July 2018. A sample size of 359 was estimated using WHO sample size calculator and were enrolled using purposive sampling technique. A close ended WHO standardized questionnaire covering the 22 elements of WHO SCC was used. Frequencies and percentages were documented of variables and data was analysed using SPSS version 23.
Results: Mean age of participants was 27 ± 4.25 years. On admission, it was observed that being centre of excellence and referral, there was 100% availability of gloves and supplies to clean hands before and after each vaginal examination. Just before pushing or caesarean, it was found that in 342 (95.3%) patients, assistant was identified to help at time of birth. Immediately after one hour of birth, it was noted that 79 (22%) patients were bleeding abnormally and were immediately addressed. We also found out that only 79 (22%) of the mothers were counselled regarding family planning. Almost half of the participant mothers 182 (50.7%) or their companions were counselled regarding danger signs and to seek care immediately which should have been 100%.
Conclusion: Excellent adoption of some of the element up to 100% was observed while some of the elements of checklist were poorly adopted; noticeable was counselling regarding family planning options immediate postpartum.
Evaluation of Clinical Laboratory Performance as a Procuring Agency
Authors: Akhtar Muhammad Shoaib , Rubab Taslim , Mehmood Ummair
Published: May 2020

Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department of Punjab, Pakistan has outsourced its clinical laboratory services at various secondary level hospitals in the province. Methodology adapted to outsource these facilities was based on phasing out the process. While methodology adapted to selection of service provider was on the basis of bidding. Two service providers contracted the procuring agency to deliver services to general public. In the first phase, clinical laboratory services of DHQ Hospital Chakwal were outsourced to a private laboratory service of the country. This communication aims on the methods adopted by Pathology Department of the hospital to evaluate the technical efficiency of the service.
Hepatitis B Screening Prior to Chemotherapy in the Middle East: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ziade Nathalie , Hosni Mohammad , Barada Kassem , Bizri Abdul Rahman
Published: May 2020

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation can be asymptomatic or manifest as fatal fulminant hepatitis. Most international guidelines recommend screening patients prior to immunosuppressive therapy.

Aims: To determine HBV screening rates and modalities in patients receiving chemotherapy at the American University of Beirut Medical Center.

Methods: A retrospective cohort review of electronic health records of  adult patients who received chemotherapeutic agents, between June 2015 and June 2016. Patients clinical characteristics were documented. Adequate screening was defined as performing all: HBsAg, HBs Abs, and anti HBc Abs(total).

Results: A total of 1547 patients were initially assessed. 45.6% were males with a mean age of 56. 382(30%) had hematologic malignancies, of whom 111 underwent HSCT. Of those included, 303(24%) patients were screened by at least one test for HBV and 42(3.3%) for HBsAg, anti HBc Abs and HBs Abs.

Patients who were appropriately screened were significantly younger(p=0.008) and more likely to have hematologic malignancies (n=35, 83.3%, p<0.0001). Among patients with hematologic malignancies, appropriately screened patients (n=35) were younger (p=0.042) and had a history of HSCT(n=19, 54.3%, p=0.001).

Conclusion: Rates of screening for HBV prior to chemotherapy at our medical center are low, and not always complete or adequate. There is an urgent need to implement a better screening policy.
Milky Way Satellites Shining Bright in Gravitational Waves
Authors: Roebber Elinore , Buscicchio Riccardo , Vecchio Alberto , Moore Christopher J. , Klein Antoine , Korol Valeriya , Toonen Silvia , Gerosa Davide , Goldstein Janna , Gaebel Sebastian M. , Woods Tyrone E.
Published: May 2020

The population of Milky Way satellite galaxies is of great interest for cosmology, fundamental physics, and astrophysics. They represent the faint end of the galaxy luminosity function, are the most dark-matter-dominated objects in the local universe, and contain the oldest and most metal-poor stellar populations. Recent surveys have revealed around 60 satellites, but this could represent less than half of the total. Characterization of these systems remains a challenge due to their low luminosity. We consider the gravitational-wave observatory LISA as a potential tool for studying these satellites through observations of their short-period double white dwarf populations. LISA will observe the entire sky without selection effects due to dust extinction, complementing optical surveys, and could potentially discover massive satellites hidden behind the disk of the Galaxy.
Tradability and the Labor‐Market Impact of Immigration: Theory and Evidence From the United States
Authors: Burstein Ariel , Hanson Gordon , Tian Lin , Vogel Jonathan
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we study how occupation (or industry) tradability shapes local labor‐market adjustment to immigration. Theoretically, we derive a simple condition under which the arrival of foreign‐born labor into a region crowds native‐born workers out of (or into) immigrant‐intensive jobs, thus lowering (or raising) relative wages in these occupations, and we explain why this process differs within tradable versus within nontradable activities. Using data for U.S. commuting zones over the period 1980–2012, we find—consistent with our theory—that a local influx of immigrants crowds out employment of native‐born workers in more relative to less immigrant‐intensive nontradable jobs, but has no such effect across tradable occupations. Further analysis of occupation labor payments is consistent with adjustment to immigration within tradables occurring more through changes in output (versus changes in prices) when compared to adjustment within nontradables, thereby confirming our model's theoretical mechanism. We then use the model to explore the quantitative consequences of counterfactual changes in U.S. immigration on real wages at the occupation and region level.
The Folk Theorem in Repeated Games With Anonymous Random Matching
Authors: Deb Joyee , Sugaya Takuo , Wolitzky Alexander
Published: May 2020

We prove the folk theorem for discounted repeated games with anonymous random matching. We allow non‐uniform matching, include asymmetric payoffs, and place no restrictions on the stage game other than full dimensionality. No record‐keeping or communication devices—including cheap talk communication and public randomization—are necessary.
Perioperative safety indicators: surgery cancellation and immediate postoperative complications
Authors: Silva Sibéle da , Kruczewski Bruna , Cetolin Sirlei Fávero , Dalla Vecchia Andreia , Beltrame Vilma
Published: May 2020

The perioperative period comprises the moments before, during and after surgery. Based on the concern about the care for and safety of patients in this process, this study sought to assess the quality of surgical procedures in a hospital environment. It is an epidemiological, descriptive and retrospective research conducted at Santa Terezinha University Hospital [Hospital Universitário Santa Terezinha], in the municipality of Joaçaba, Santa Catarina (SC). The investigation aimed to identify the reasons for surgical cancellation, as well as immediate postoperative complications that occur in the postanesthesia care unit. A total of 456 records from surgery cancellation daily maps and 361 medical records of patients in postoperative care were analyzed. Results show that the main cause for cancellation of surgeries was transfer or unscheduled procedure (23.1%), but 27% of the unscheduled surgeries did not have the reason for cancellation reported. Adult (over 80%) and female individuals were the majority for both cancelled surgeries and postoperative complications. The most frequent postoperative complication was hypotension. Among performed surgeries, thoracic ones (41.8%) were most prevalent, while abdominal/pelvic (49%) surgeries were the most cancelled.  It is concluded that a big portion of the cancelled surgical procedures could have been prevented, since only 6.8% of them were related to clinical conditions.
Effect of antiepileptic drugs on plasma fibrinogen level
Authors: El-Ashry R. , El-Ayuoty M.M. , Azzam H.A. , El-Naggar M.A.
Published: May 2020

Background: Childhood  epilepsy  is  one  of  the  most  common  neurological  disorders  in pediatrics . The  prevalence  of  active  epilepsy is 5–8 per 1000 population  in developed countries  and  10 per 1000  population in  developing nations . There is a significant relationship between epilepsy and cognitive deficits. Aim of study: prospective study to evaluate the effect of the most commonly used anti-epileptics drugs on plasma fibrinogen level. Patient and methods 100 newly diagnosed patients (2months to 15 years old) selected from Outpatient Clinic of Neurology attending Mansoura University Children’s Hospital for plasma fibrinogen level evaluation by taking basal sample and second sample after six months after the basal one. Results: This study showed that, significant positive correlation between plasma fibrinogen level and the use of antiepileptic drugs. Conclusion: epileptic patient should be closely monitored during Antiepileptic drugs treatment and prior to surgical procedures as they can affect plasma fibrinogen level and coagulation profile.
Six-Pointed Star Motif in Muslim Architecture of Bangladesh (Past Bengal) and Turkish Influence: An Historical Study
Authors: Islam Sk. Zohirul
Published: May 2020

With the rise of Islamic states as the dominant powers of India and Indian Sub- Continent (India, Pakistan and Bangladesh) and South Asia Sultanate and Mughal period (1200-1800 A.D.), by Turkish heroic figure (horsemen), Indian art was subjected to Islamic influence, resulting in a hybrid aesthetics as well as Indo- Islamic art which flourished to varying extends across south and southeast Asia. Bangladesh is world third largest Muslim majority country and situated in South Asia. So the main and primary identity of the notion is mosque architecture and then languages via culture in Bangladesh (past Bengal). Moreover, Traditional history called Mughal and ottoman was the center of all traders and referred as the “Middle Man” due to access to water routes between Asia and Europe. The Ottoman and Mughal Empires were all founded with art and architecture by members of the same ethnically Turkic tribe and originated from Oghuz tribe. Firstly, in the early 14th century, Osman Bey established a small principality in the northeast corner of Anatolia. Despite these many similarities, there are some key difference within the approach to Islamic Art and Architecture from Miniatures Illustrations in Indian Sub-Continent to Mosque architecture in Turkey and the Levant the Mughal and Ottoman empires left their indications.Turkish Military Ikhtiyar Uddin bin Muhammad Bhaktiyer Khilji and his Turkish followers captured Bengal in 1204 A.D. and after then ruled by Turkic. Besides these many Sufis saint-like Khan Jahan Ulugh Khan, Burhan Khan, Gharib Shah, came here and spread Islam and Turkish culture with languages too. The Ilyas Shahi dynasty was the first independent Turkic Muslim ruling dynasty in late medieval Bengal, which ruled from the 14th century to the 15th century. It was founded in 1342 by Shamsuddin Iliyas Shah. As follows still presence many Turkish words which used in the Bengali language as Barood, Nishan, Chaku, Bahadur, Begum, Chadar, Surma, bavarchi, kiyma, Korma, and so on. And then showed their power through art and architecture as Mosques and Tombs follows Adina Masjid at Pandua in 1368 A.D.; Eklakhi mausoleum, Pandua; Tomb of Shah Rukn-e Alam in Multan, Sixty Domed Mosque at Bagherhat of Bangladesh, etc. Based on all evidence present, it can be found that the Turks contributed significantly to Bengali languages and culture as well as art and architecture (Mosques and Tombs). Besides many Jewish people came in here through missionary and business purposes. And also we see that there have been found many designs in mosque architecture especially six-point stars which is mentioned as a David symbol. So my focus is the Connectivity between Turkish and Bangladesh through Islamic architecture and Jewish with six point star/hexagon/seal of Solomon. It is a historical study with a journalistic approach.
Computer Forensic Methodology and Tools
Authors: Raval Hriday
Published: May 2020

The Computer Forensic has long played a vital role across the domains - Cyber Crimes Investigations, Incident Response, Cyber Threat Intelligence and Corporate Cybersecurity. In the past Digital Evidence lost their validity in the Courtrooms. Prior, similar to some other Physical Evidence, courts used to consider evidence procured from computer systems as genuine. In any case, as time passed, we figured out the fact that it is so natural to corrupt, destroy, or alter computer data, all three stages - storage, network and computation. In the least complex model, if an individual basically opens a computer file, it's absolutely impossible to demonstrate the last date that the document was refreshed aka updated. Computers are intended to record the time and date of an accessed file on its own by default features of an operating system. Examiners later understood that they have to build up the essential devices and procedures to separate the necessary data from computers without influencing the data all the while. With time, specialists concocted systems to securely recover data, preserve and analyze to derive the insights useful in Computer related Crimes. This part of forensic science is currently well known as Computer Forensics.
Forensically Sound Piecewise Hashing: Integrity checks with DEIC
Authors: Mohan Ashok Kumar
Published: May 2020

The integrity of a digital evidence is believed to be the paramount trait in the world of cyber forensics. Cyber- crime investigators face myriad challenges in the process similar to accommodating the call for bulk digital evidence. In due course extraction of useful information while maintaining the integrity and definitive protection against data degradation is mandatory. In this manuscript, we propose a novel approach by applying cryptographic hashing technique to only selected significant portions of the digital evidence, so even if the overall hash does not match, investigators could still verify the integrity of those critical section of the evidence. We put forward two notions in this manuscript, former is Heterogeneous piecewise hashing which is flexible version of piecewise hashing strategy and latter, novel evidence certification strategy which formalizes evidence provability process completely.
FORMULASI HAND AND BODY LOTION ANTIOKSKIDAN EKSTRAK DAUN MUDA JAMBU METE (Anacardium ocidentale L.)
Authors: Rusli Nirwati , Pandean Fransisca
Published: May 2020

ABSTRAK

Tanaman daun Jambu mete adalah salah satu tanaman yang mengandung senyawa flavonoid yang dapat berperan sebagai antioksidan yaitu mampu menangkap radikal bebas pada kulit. Hand and Body lotion adalah suatu sediaan yang dibuat dari bahan dasar dengan penambahan ekstrak daun  jambu mete, serta penambahan bahan lain yang diizinkan dan digunakan untuk kulit. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan adalah eksperimen. Sediaan hand and body lotion dengan 3 konsentrasi  yaitu konsentrasi 2%, konsentrasi 3%, dan konsentrasi 5% dan dilakukan pengujian evaluasi fisik yaitu uji organoleptik, pH, tipe emulsi, stabilitas emulsi, homogenitas, viskositas dan iritasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ekstrak daun jambu mete dapat diformulasi dalam kosmetik hand and body lotion. Hasil penelitian menunjukan uji organoleptik diperoleh sediaan semi padat yang berwarna coklat muda dan memiliki aroma khas green tea yang dapat tercampur dengan air dengan tipe emulsi minyak dalam air (M/A) , dan stabil yaitu tidak terpisahkan antara fase air dan fase minyak selama penyimpanan.

Kata Kunci : Hand and Body Lotion, daun Jambu Mete, antioksidan.

 

ABSTRACT

Flavonoid is compound that contain from jambu mete leaves have a role as the antioxidant like a foid from free radikal skin. Hand and body lotion is a preparations that mad from basic lotion material with add pollen jambu mete leaves and other metrial which necessary and use for skin.    This research that made in a pollen is eksperiment. Hand and body lotion with three concentration 2%, concentration 3%, concentration 5% and do a physical evaluation test are organoleptic, pH, type of emulsion stability, homogeneity, viscosity, and irritation. The result show that a pollen from Jambu Mete leaves can be formulated in cosmetic hand and body lotion. This resultshow that organoleptik test got semi oreparation which is colored light brown and have aroma typical green tea that can mixed with water emulcion type oil in water (0/W) and stable is not separate between water phase and oil phase until storage.

Keywords : hand and body lotion Jambu Mete leaves, antioxidant.
Uji Aktivitas Ekstrak Etanol Umbi Wortel (Daucus carota L.) Sebagai Antifungi Terhadap Pertumbuhan Candida albicans
Authors: Kalsum Ummu , Ayu Ayu
Published: May 2020

ABSTRAK

Telah dilakukan penelitian Uji Aktivitas Ekstrak Etanol Umbi Wortel (Daucus carota L.) Sebagai Antifungi Terhadap Pertumbuhan Candida albicans. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui aktivitas ekstrak etanol umbi wortel sebagai antifungi terhadap pertumbuhan Candida albicans dengan menggunakan variasi konsentrasi yang berbeda yaitu 1% b/v, 3% b/v dan 5% b/v. Ekstrak etanol umbi wortel diperoleh dengan cara maserasi menggunakan pelarut etanol 70%. Pengujian aktivitas antifungi menggunakan metode difusi agar dengan cara sumuran untuk mengetahui aktivitas antifungi dengan mengamati daerah hambatan. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa konsentrasi ekstrak 1% b/v, 3% b/v dan 5% b/v dapat memberikan aktivitas yang menghambat pertumbuhan jamur uji. Terdapat penambahan diameter zona hambat pada setiap kenaikan konsentrasi yaitu 1% b/v (15,7 mm), 3% b/v (18,9 mm), dan 5% b/v (19,8 mm) terhadap jamur Candida albicans. Semua variasi konsentrasi ekstrak memiliki aktivitas antifungi yang kuat dalam menghambat pertumbuhan Candida albicans. Kata kunci: Ekstrak, Daucus carota L., Antifungi, Candida albicans

ABSTRACT

It has conducted a study of activity test of carrot tuber ethanol extract (Daucus carota L.) as antifungal toward the growth of candida albicans. This the study aims at knowing the activity of carrot tuber ethanol extract (Daucus carota L.) as antifungal toward the growth of candida albicans by using different variance concentration they are 1% b/v, 3% b/v and 5% b/v. Carrot tuber ethanol the extract was obtained by maceration by using 70% of ethanol dissolver. Activity test of antifungal by using agar diffusion method with a well method to find out the the activity of antifungal by observing the obstruction zone. The result of this research shows that concentration extract 1% b/v, 3% b/v and 5% b/v can give activity which impedes the growth of fungal test. There is increasing of obstruction zone diameter in every increment of of the concentration they are 1% b/v (15,7 mm), 3% b/v (18,9 mm) and 5% b/v (19,8mm) toward Candida albicans fungi. All extract concentration variation has a strong antifungal activity in impeding the growth of Candida albicans.
Uji Efek Antidiabetik Ekstrak Daun Trembesi (Albizia saman (Jacq.) Merr) Terhadap Mencit (Mus musculus L)
Authors: Setiawan Muhammad Azdar , Saehu Muhammad Syaiful , Kartini Kartini
Published: May 2020

ABSTRAK

Daun trembesi (Albizia saman (Jacq.) Merr) adalah salah satu tanaman berkhasiat menurunkan kadar glukosa darah dimana kandungan kimianya berpotensi menurunkan kadar glukosa darah antara lain flavonoid yang bekerja dengan cara menstimulasi sel- sel beta dari pulau langerhans, sehingga sekresi insulin ditingkatkan.Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui efek antidiabetes ekstrak daun trembesi (Albizia saman (Jacq.) Merr) pada mencit (Mus musculus). Metode Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian Eksperimen dimana sebanyak 20 ekor mencit dibuat diabetes dengan menggunakan Streptozotosin 150 mg/kgBB secara Intraperitonial. Kemudian dibagi menjadi 5 kelompok perlakuan, yaitu: Ekstrak dosis 25 mg/kgBB, 50 mg/kgBB, 100  mg/kgBB, sebagai kontrol positif Glibenclamid 5 mg dan kontrol negatif suspensi Na.CMC 0,5%. Data yang diperoleh dianalisis dengan uji ANOVA. Hasil analisa statistik menunjukan pada konsentrasi ekstrak 100 mg/kgBB memberikan efek yang optimum dengan perlakuan kontrol positif Glibenklamid.

 Kata Kunci  : Ekstrak Daun Trembesi, Antidiabetik.

 ABSTRACT

Trembesi leaf (Albizia saman (Jacq.) Merr) is one of the efficacious plants to reduce blood glucose levels where the chemical content has the potential to reduce blood glucose levels, among others, flavonoids that work by stimulating beta cells of the island langerhans, so that insulin secretion is increased. It aims to determine the antidiabetic effect of trembesi leaf extract (Albizia saman (Jacq.) Merr) in mice (Mus musculus). This research method is an experimental study in which as many as 20 mice were made diabetic using Streptozotosin 150 mg / kgBW intraperitonially. Then divided into 5 treatment groups, namely: Extract dose 25 mg / kg body weight, 50 mg / kg body weight, 100 mg / kg body weight, as positive control Glibenclamid 5 mg and negative control suspension Na.CMC 0.5%. The data obtained were analyzed by ANOVA test. The results of statistical analysis showed that the extract concentration of 100 mg / kgBB gave the optimum effect with the positive control of Glibenclamide. Keywords: Trembesi Leaf Extract, Antidiabetic.
The e-monetary theory
Authors: Ngotran Duong
Published: May 2020

The author develops a dynamic model with two types of electronic money: reserves for transactions between bankers and zero-maturity deposits for transactions in the non-bank private sector. Using this model, he assesses the efficacy of unconventional monetary policy since the Great Recession. After quantitative easing, keeping the interest on reserves near zero too long might create deflation. The central bank can safely get out of the “low rate-cum-deflation” trap by “raising rate and raising money supply”.
Advection and non-climate impacts on the South Pole Ice Core
Authors: Fudge Tyler J. , Lilien David A. , Koutnik Michelle , Conway Howard , Stevens C. Max , Waddington Edwin D. , Steig Eric J. , Schauer Andrew J. , Holschuh Nicholas
Published: May 2020

Abstract. The South Pole Ice Core (SPICEcore), which spans the past 54 300 years, was
drilled far from an ice divide such that ice recovered at depth originated
upstream of the core site. If the climate is different upstream, the climate
history recovered from the core will be a combination of the upstream
conditions advected to the core site and temporal changes. Here, we evaluate
the impact of ice advection on two fundamental records from SPICEcore:
accumulation rate and water isotopes. We determined past locations of ice
deposition based on GPS measurements of the modern velocity field spanning
100 km upstream, where ice of ∼20 ka age would likely have
originated. Beyond 100 km, there are no velocity measurements, but ice
likely originates from Titan Dome, an additional 90 km distant. Shallow
radar measurements extending 100 km upstream from the core site reveal large
(∼20 %) variations in accumulation but no significant
trend. Water isotope ratios, measured at 12.5 km intervals for the first 100 km
of the flowline, show a decrease with elevation of
−0.008 ‰ m−1 for δ18O. Advection adds
approximately 1 ‰ for δ18O to the
Last Glacial Maximum (LGM)-to-modern change. We also use an existing ensemble of continental
ice-sheet model runs to assess the ice-sheet elevation change through time.
The magnitude of elevation change is likely small and the sign uncertain.
Assuming a lapse rate of 10 ∘C km−1 of elevation, the inference
of LGM-to-modern temperature change is ∼1.4 ∘C
smaller than if the flow from upstream is not considered.
A 4000-year long Late Holocene climate record from Hermes Cave (Peloponnese, Greece)
Authors: Kluge Tobias , Münster Tatjana S. , Frank Norbert , Eiche Elisabeth , Mertz-Kraus Regina , Scholz Denis , Finné Martin , Unkel Ingmar
Published: May 2020

Abstract. The societal and cultural development during the Bronze Age and the subsequent Iron Age was enormous in Greece, however interrupted by two significant transformations around 4200 years b2k (Early Helladic II/III; b2k refers to years before 2000 CE) and 3200 years b2k (end of Late Helladic III). Artefacts and building remains provide some insights into the cultural evolution, but only little is known about environmental and climatic changes on a detailed temporal and spatial scale. Here we present a 4000-year long stalagmite record (GH17-05) from Hermes Cave, Greece, located on Mount Ziria in the close vicinity of the Late Bronze Age citadel of Mycenae and the Classical-Hellenistic polis of Corinth. The cave was used in ancient times, as indicated by ceramic fragments in the entrance area and a pronounced soot layer in the stalagmite. 230Th-U dating provides age constraints for the growth of the stalagmite (continuous between ~ 800 and ~ 5300 years b2k) and the formation of a soot layer (2.5+0.5-0.65 ka b2k). Speleothem δ18O and δ13C values together with clumped isotopes and elemental ratios provide a detailed paleoclimate record of the Northern Peloponnese. The proxy data suggest significant centennial scale climate variability (i.e., wet vs. dry). Furthermore, carbonate δ18O values, calculated drip water δ18O values, 234U/238U activity ratios and elemental ratios suggest a long-term trend towards drier conditions from ca 3.7 to ~ 2.0 ka b2k. From 2.0 ka b2k towards growth stop of the stalagmite, a trend towards wetter conditions is observed. A high degree of correlation was found for isotope trends of different speleothems from the Peloponnese and partially with climate records from the Eastern Mediterranean, whereas speleothems and lake records with a larger distance to the Peloponnese show little correlation or even opposing trends.
Extended-range luminescence dating of quartz and alkali feldspar from aeolian sediments in the eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Faershtein Galina , Porat Naomi , Matmon Ari
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) of quartz is an
established technique for dating late Pleistocene to late Holocene
sediments. Unfortunately, this method is often limited to up to 100 ka
(thousands of years). Recent developments in new extended-range luminescence
techniques show great potential for dating older sediments of middle and
even early Pleistocene age. These methods include thermally transferred OSL
(TT-OSL) and violet stimulated luminescence (VSL) for quartz and post-infrared infrared stimulated luminescence (pIRIR) for feldspar. Here we
investigate the luminescence behaviour of the TT-OSL, VSL, and pIRIR signals
of quartz and feldspar minerals of aeolian sediments of Nilotic origin from
the eastern Mediterranean. We sampled a 15 m thick sequence (Kerem Shalom)
comprising sandy calcic palaeosols, which is part of a sand sheet that covers
an extensive region in south-western Israel. Dose recovery and bleaching
experiments under natural conditions indicated that the pIRIR250 signal
is the most suitable for dating the Nilotic feldspar. Luminescence intensity
profiles revealed natural saturation of the three signals at the same depth
of ∼6 m, indicating that ages of samples below that depth are
minimum ages. Using TT-OSL and pIRIR250, a minimum age of 715 ka for
the base of the section was obtained, suggesting aeolian sand accumulation
along the eastern Mediterranean coastal plain already since the early
Pleistocene. Our results indicate that both TT-OSL and pIRIR250 can
accurately date aeolian sediments of Nilotic origin up to 200 ka and that
minimum ages can be provided for older samples up to the early Pleistocene.
Energy, water and carbon exchanges in managed forest ecosystems: description, sensitivity analysis and evaluation of the INRAE GO+ model, version 3.0
Authors: Moreaux Virginie , Martel Simon , Bosc Alexandre , Picart Delphine , Achat David , Moisy Christophe , Aussenac Raphael , Chipeaux Christophe , Bonnefond Jean-Marc , Trichet Pierre , Vezy Rémi , Badeau Vincent , Longdoz Bernard , Granier André , Roupsard Olivier , Nicolas Manuel , Pilegaard Kim , Matteucci Giorgio , Jolivet Claudy , Black Andrew T. , Picard Olivier , Loustau Denis
Published: May 2020

Abstract. The mechanistic model GO+ describes the functioning and growth of managed forests based upon biophysical and biogeochemical processes. The biophysical and biogeochemical processes included are modelled using standard formulations of radiative transfer, convective heat exchange, evapotranspiration, photosynthesis, respiration, plant phenology, growth and mortality, biomass nutrient content, and soil carbon dynamics. The forest ecosystem is modelled as three layers, namely the tree overstorey, understorey and soil. The vegetation layers include stems, branches and foliage and are partitioned dynamically between sunlit and shaded fractions. The soil carbon sub-model is an adaption of the Roth-C model to simulate the impact of forest operations. The model runs at an hourly time-step. It represents a forest stand covering typically 1 ha and can be straightforwardly up-scaled across gridded data at regional, country or continental levels. GO+ accounts for both the immediate and long-term impacts of forest operations on energy, water and carbon exchanges within the soil-vegetation-atmosphere continuum. It includes exhaustive and versatile descriptions of management operations (soil preparation, regeneration, vegetation control, selective thinning, clear-cutting, coppicing, etc.), thus permitting the effects of a wide variety of forest management strategies to be estimated: from close-to-nature to intensive. This paper examines the sensitivity of the model to its main parameters and estimates how errors in parameter values are propagated into the predicted values of its main output variables. We show how the model performs when compared with observations such as time series of forest-atmosphere exchanges of energy, water and CO2 monitored over Douglas fir, European beech and pine forests of different ages as well as long-term series of tree growth, soil water and soil carbon data recorded at continuously monitored forests plots. We also illustrate the capacity of the GO+ model to simulate the provision of key ecosystem services, such as the long-term storage of carbon in biomass and soil under various management and climate scenarios.
Influence of initial soil moisture in a Regional Climate Model study over West Africa: Part 1: Impact on the climate mean
Authors: Koné Brahima , Diedhiou Arona , Diawara Adama , Anquetin Sandrine , Touré N'datchoh Evelyne , Bamba Adama , Kobea Arsene Toka
Published: May 2020

Abstract. The impact of the anomalies in initial soil moisture in later spring on the subsequent mean climate over West Africa is examined using the latest version of Regional Climate Model of the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (RegCM4). We performed this sensitivity studies over the West African domain, for June–July–August–September (JJAS) 2003 (wet year) and JJAS 2004 (a dry year) at the horizontal resolution of 25 km × 25 km. The reanalysis soil moisture of the European Centre Meteorological Weather Forecast's reanalysis of the 20th century (ERA20C) were used to initialize the control runs, whereas we initialized the soil moisture at the wilting points and field capacity respectively in dry and wet experiments. The impact of the anomalies in initial soil moisture on the precipitation in West Africa is homogeneous only over the central Sahel where dry (wet) experiments lead to rainfall decrease (increase). The strongest impact on precipitation in wet and dry experiments is found respectively over west and central Sahel with the peak of change about respectively 40 % and −8 %. The impact of the anomalies in initial soil moisture can persist for three or even four months, however the significance influence on precipitation, greater than 1 mm day−1, of the impact of the anomalies in initial soil moisture is much shorter, no longer than one month. The effect of soil moisture anomalies is mostly confined to the near-surface climate and in the upper troposphere. Overall, the impact of the anomalies in initial soil moisture is greater on temperature than on precipitation over most areas studied. The strongest homogeneous impacts of the anomalies in initial soil moisture on temperature is located over the central Sahel with the peak of change at −1.5 °C and 0.5 °C respectively in wet and dry experiments. The influence of initial the anomalies in initial soil moisture on the precipitation mechanism is also highlighted. We will investigate in the Part II of this study the influence of the anomalies in initial soil moisture on climate extremes.
Magnetic properties of pseudotachylytes from western Jämtland, central Swedish Caledonides
Authors: Almqvist Bjarne S. G. , Bender Hagen , Bergman Amanda , Ring Uwe
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Fault kinematics can provide information on the relationship and assembly of
tectonic units in an orogen. Magnetic fabric studies of faults where
pseudotachylytes form have recently been used to determine direction and
sense of seismic slip in prehistoric earthquakes. Here we apply this
methodology to study magnetic fabrics of pseudotachylytes in field
structures of the Köli Nappe Complex (central Swedish Caledonides), with
the aim to determine fault kinematics and decipher the role of seismic faulting
in the assembly of the Caledonian nappe pile. Because the pseudotachylyte
veins are thin, we focused on small (ca. 0.2 to 0.03 cm3) samples for measuring
the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility. The small sample size challenges
conventional use of magnetic anisotropy and results acquired from such small
specimens demand cautious interpretation. Importantly, we find that magnetic
fabric results show inverse proportionality among specimen size, degree of
magnetic anisotropy and mean magnetic susceptibility, which is most likely
an analytical artifact related to instrument sensitivity and small sample
dimensions. In general, however, it is shown that the principal axes of
magnetic susceptibility correspond to the orientation of foliation and
lineation, where the maximum susceptibility (k1) is parallel to the
mineral lineation, and the minimum susceptibility (k3) is dominantly
oriented normal to schistosity. Furthermore, the studied pseudotachylytes
develop distinct magnetic properties. Pristine pseudotachylytes preserve a
signal of ferrimagnetic magnetite that likely formed during faulting. In
contrast, portions of the pseudotachylytes have altered, with a tendency of
magnetite to break down to form chlorite. Despite magnetite breakdown, the
altered pseudotachylyte mean magnetic susceptibility is nearly twice that of
altered pseudotachylyte, likely originating from the Fe-rich chlorite, as
implied by temperature-dependent susceptibility measurements and thin-section observations. Analysis of structural and magnetic fabric data
indicates that seismic faulting occurred during exhumation into the upper
crust, but these data yield no kinematic information on the direction and sense of
seismic slip. Additionally, the combined structural field and magnetic
fabric data suggest that seismic faulting was postdated by brittle E–W
extensional deformation along steep normal faults. Although the objective of
finding kinematic indicators for the faulting was not fully achieved, we
believe that the results from this study may help guide future studies of
magnetic anisotropy with small specimens (<1 cm3), as well as
in the interpretation of magnetic properties of pseudotachylytes.
Characteristics of a fracture network surrounding a hydrothermally altered shear zone from geophysical borehole logs
Authors: Caspari Eva , Greenwood Andrew , Baron Ludovic , Egli Daniel , Toschini Enea , Hu Kaiyan , Holliger Klaus
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Hydrothermally active and altered fault/shear zones in crystalline rocks are of practical importance because of their potential similarities with petrothermal reservoirs and exploitable natural hydrothermal systems. The petrophysical and hydraulic characterization of such structures is therefore of significant interest. Here, we report the results of corresponding investigations on a prominent shear zone of this type located in the crystalline Aar massif of the central Swiss Alps. A shallow borehole was drilled, which acutely intersects the core of the shear zone and is entirely situated in its surrounding damage zone. The focus of this study is a detailed characterization of this damage zone based on geophysical borehole measurements. For this purpose, a comprehensive suite of borehole logs, comprising passive and active nuclear, full-waveform sonic, resistivity, self-potential, optical televiewer, and borehole radar data, was collected. The migrated images of the borehole radar reflection data together with the optical televiewer data reveal a complicated network of intersecting fractures in the damage zone. Consequently, the associated petrophysical properties, notably the sonic velocities and porosities, are distinctly different from intact granitic formations. Cluster analyses of the borehole logs in combination with the structural interpretations of the optical televiewer data illustrate that the variations in the petrophysical properties are predominantly governed by the intense brittle deformation. The imaged fracture network and the high-porosity zones associated with brittle deformation represent the main flow pathways. This interpretation is consistent with the available geophysical measurements as well as the analyses of the retrieved core material. Furthermore, the interpretation of the self-potential and fluid resistivity log data suggests a compartmentalized hydraulic behavior, as evidenced by inflows of water into the borehole from different sources, which is likely to be governed by the steeply dipping structures.
An enhancement to sea ice motion and age products at the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC)
Authors: Tschudi Mark A. , Meier Walter N. , Stewart J. Scott
Published: May 2020

Abstract. A new version of sea ice motion and age products includes several
significant upgrades in processing, corrects known issues with the previous
version, and updates the time series through 2018, with regular updates planned for the future. First, we provide a history
of these NASA products distributed at the National Snow and Ice Data Center.
Then we discuss the improvements to the algorithms, provide validation
results for the new (Version 4) and older versions, and intercompare the two.
While Version 4 algorithm changes were significant, the impact on the
products is relatively minor, particularly for more recent years. The
changes in Version 4 reduce motion biases by ∼ 0.01 to 0.02 cm s−1 and error standard deviations by ∼ 0.3 cm s−1. Overall, ice speed increased in
Version 4 over Version 3 by 0.5 to 2.0 cm s−1 over most of the time series.
Version 4 shows a higher positive trend for the Arctic of 0.21 cm s−1 per decade
compared to 0.13 cm s−1 per decade for Version 3. The new version of ice age
estimates indicates more older ice than Version 3, especially earlier in the
record, but similar trends toward less multiyear ice. Changes in sea ice
motion and age derived from the product show a significant shift in the
Arctic ice cover, from a pack with a high concentration of older ice to a sea ice cover
dominated by first-year ice, which is more susceptible to summer melt. We
also observe an increase in the speed of the ice over the time series ≥ 30 years, which has been shown in other studies and is anticipated with the
annual decrease in sea ice extent.
Time for Reapplication: A Review of FDA Sunscreen Regulation & Why it Needs an Update
Authors: Davidson Emily
Published: May 2020

Sunscreen is a staple in melanoma prevention and foreign innovation in formulation and application provide consumers with methods of sun protection. Nevertheless, FDA regulations designed to protect American consumers from ineffective sunscreens often act as a barrier to entry for these innovative, foreign sunscreens from reaching American consumers. This Note will address balancing concerns between consumer protection and promoting product innovation. The Note outlines the history of sunscreen regulation in the United States. Then it discusses the current regulatory framework and what sunscreen filters are currently available to American consumers before providing examples of foreign innovation in sunscreen formulation.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Educational and Developmental Psychology, Vol. 10, No. 1
Authors: Wong Carol
Published: May 2020

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Educational and Developmental Psychology, Vol. 10, No. 1, 2020.
Results of JESS (Joshi’s External Stabilizing System) in Relapsed, Neglected and Neurogenic Clubfoot in an Age Group of 2-10 Years
Authors: Altaf Kawoosa A , Shah Syed Baasit Shafi , Ahmad Shafeeq , Mumtaz Umar , Mantoo Sayar Ahmad
Published: May 2020

Background. Joshi’s External Stabilization System (JESS) is an external fixator based methodology to correct different deformities of club foot using differential distraction.
Material and methods. 31 difficult clubfeet feet in 24 patients who were neglected, neurogenic or relapsed were treated using JESS between July 2013 to June 2015 with an average follow-up of 4. 2 years. There were 16 males and 8 females in an age group of 2–10 years. 30 feet belonged to the severe and most severe group as per the Dimeglio Scoring System. All patients achieved correction of all components of the clubfoot.
Results. However, one patient required tibialis anterior transfer for dynamic forefoot adduction at the end of treatment. The mean total duration in JESS fixation was 69.5 days/foot (range 44-123 days) and the mean time to achieve correction within JESS averaged 52 days. The deformities improved from a mean Dimeglio score of 14.06 to 2.93. The objective radiological assessment of the deformities revealed improvements in the talocalcaneal angle on AP view from 16.39° to 34.52° and on lateral view from 15.97° to 33.03°. The Talo-1st metatarsal angle (AP view) improved from 35.29° to 7°. Complications included 11 cases of superficial pin tract infection, two instances of pin loosening and a case of pin cut out. There were three cases of 1st metatarsophalangeal dislocation that were managed by reversing the process of distraction.
Conclusion. JESS is an effective method for managing difficult clubfeet.
Theories and Contemporary Development of Organizational Perspectives in Social Sciences. Feminist approach to organizational analysis. Part 3
Authors: Bhandai Mediani
Published: May 2020

This paper is purely theoretical in which I have illustrated the contributions of the founding theorist of Western sociology, by focusing on how they addressed (or didn’t address) organizations. Then, I have discussed (in brief) the development of organizational theory and how organizational theorists are responding to the emergence of challenges to the traditional rational approaches to understanding organizations. These analyses are situated on the historical contexts include major contributions of each theorist. This research is solely based on the secondary information. Paper contents four Sections: first the work of the three founding theorists of Western Sociology, Karl Marx; Émile Durkheim and Max Weber, secondly, I have exemplified the development of organizational theory and the emergence of challenges to the traditional rational approaches to understand the organization; where I have analyzed the work of Classical theorists- Max Weber, Henri Fayol, Frederick Taylor, Luther Halsey Gulick, Herbert A. Simon, Berton H. Kaplan, modern theorist- Michel Foucault, Jurgen Habermas, Jacques Derrida, Jurgen Habermas etc. Third Section covers the contemporary theories and perspectives. In this section I have exemplified how Philip Selznick, Peter Blau, James David Thompson and Charles Perrow incorporated the Weber notion of bureaucracy followed by DiMaggio, Paul, J. and Walter W. Powell etc. and in forth section, covers the feminist approach in theory building with focus of organizational analysis (with the focus of Arlene Daniels, Dorothy Smith, Marjorie DeVault, Gisela Bock and Susan James, Martha Calas, Linda Smircich etc. work). This paper has detailed footnotes quoted from the original sources and contents useful reference of the sociological theory and practices for concerned social scientist to build their knowledge base and research direction.
Impact of cyclical fluctuations on employment and unemployment in France in the beginning of XXI century - selected issue.
Authors: Sapiński Aleksander , Binda Jacek , Pochopień Jolanta
Published: May 2020

The issue of work in itself is a problem that can be analyzed on many levels and looked at through the prism of many scientific disciplines. Economics in her nature is a social science that studies the state of world economic life using mathematical methods. A fascinating issue for understanding work in economics is the business cycles, which clearly affect unemployment patterns around the world. The nature of economics, which is concerned with studying human activities in times of recession and, just as in times of prosperity, sets the course for politicians, entrepreneurs but also ordinary workers. This is made possible by analysing and observing the behaviour in the economic markets of the world. This article is leaning towards unemployment and employment in France since the beginning of the 21st century, since France is one of the leading economies, alongside Germany, in the European Union.