bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of Aura-OMI QA4ECV NO2 climate data records with ground-based DOAS networks: the role of measurement and comparison uncertainties
Authors: Compernolle Steven , Verhoelst Tijl , Pinardi Gaia , Granville José , Hubert Daan , Keppens Arno , Niemeijer Sander , Rino Bruno , Bais Alkis , Beirle Steffen , Boersma Folkert , Burrows John P. , De Smedt Isabelle , Eskes Henk , Goutail Florence , Hendrick François , Lorente Alba , Pazmino Andrea , Piters Ankie , Peters Enno , Pommereau Jean-Pierre , Remmers Julia , Richter Andreas , van Geffen Jos , Van Roozendael Michel , Wagner Thomas , Lambert Jean-Christopher
Published: July 2020

Abstract. The QA4ECV (Quality Assurance for Essential Climate Variables) version 1.1 stratospheric and tropospheric NO2 vertical column density (VCD) climate data records (CDRs) from the OMI (Ozone Monitoring Instrument) satellite sensor are validated using NDACC (Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change) zenith-scattered light differential optical absorption spectroscopy (ZSL-DOAS) and multi-axis DOAS (MAX-DOAS) data as a reference. The QA4ECV OMI stratospheric VCDs have a small bias of ∼0.2 Pmolec.cm-2 (5 %–10 %) and a dispersion of 0.2 to 1 Pmolec.cm-2 with respect to the ZSL-DOAS measurements. QA4ECV tropospheric VCD observations from OMI are restricted to near-cloud-free scenes, leading to a negative sampling bias (with respect to the unrestricted scene ensemble) of a few peta molecules per square centimetre (Pmolec.cm-2) up to −10 Pmolec.cm-2 (−40 %) in one extreme high-pollution case. The QA4ECV OMI tropospheric VCD has a negative bias with respect to the MAX-DOAS data (−1 to −4 Pmolec.cm-2), which is a feature also found for the OMI OMNO2 standard data product. The tropospheric VCD discrepancies between satellite measurements and ground-based data greatly exceed the combined measurement uncertainties. Depending on the site, part of the discrepancy can be attributed to a combination of comparison errors (notably horizontal smoothing difference error), measurement/retrieval errors related to clouds and aerosols, and the difference in vertical smoothing and a priori profile assumptions.
Atmospheric Fe supply has a negligible role in promoting marine productivity in the Glacial North Pacific Ocean
Authors: Burgay Francois , Spolaor Andrea , Gabrieli Jacopo , Cozzi Giulio , Turetta Clara , Vallelonga Paul , Barbante Carlo
Published: July 2020

Abstract. Iron is a key element in the Earth climate system as it can enhance the marine primary productivity in the High-Nutrient Low-Chlorophyll (HNLC) regions where, despite a high concentration of major nutrients, the chlorophyll production is low due to iron limitation. One of the main Fe sources to the ocean is Aeolian dust. For this reason, ice cores provide a sensitive and continuous archive for reconstructing Fe fluxes over the last millennia. Here we show the first Northern Hemisphere Fe record retrieved from the NEEM ice core, which offers a unique opportunity to reconstruct the past Fe fluxes in the Arctic region over the last 108 kyr. Holocene Fe fluxes to the Arctic were three times lower than the average recorded over the last glacial period. They were greater during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and the Marine Isotope Stage 4 (MIS 4). Comparing our data with palaeoceanographic records retrieved from the HNLC North Pacific, we demonstrated that during the coldest periods, characterized by the highest Fe fluxes, marine productivity in the subarctic Pacific Ocean did not increase due to a greater sea-ice extent and the absence of upwelling nutrient supply. This supports the hypothesis that Fe-fertilization was more effective in other regions, such as the transition zone of the North Pacific, where a closer relationship between marine productivity and the Aeolian Fe fluxes was observed.
Subsoil seismic characterization through Vs30 for future structural assessment of buildings (Ciudad del Carmen, Mexico)
Authors: Palemón-Arcos Leonardo , Gómez-Arredondo Carmen M. , Damas-López Daniel A. , Chávez-Hernández Guillermo , Gutiérrez-Can Yuriko , Hernández-Hernández Marco A. , Bojórquez Edén , Barrera-Lao Francisco
Published: July 2020

Abstract. Although the seismic information from the subsoil is very important, in some areas of the world this is not available due to various factors, the main one being a seismically low area. It is important to say that the planet has been changing and many intraplate earthquakes have occurred in places never expected, spreading seismic waves to places where they were considered low seismicity. For example, on September 8, 2017 in Ciudad del Carmen, 500 km from the epicenter, the earthquake was felt causing damage to the facades of the buildings. Therefore, it is important to have the subsoil shear-waves velocities to subsequently generate a good analysis and structural seismic design. For this reason, in this study under the seismic approach an assessment of Ciudad del Carmen Campeche subsoil is presented. Active and passive Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves and Refraction Microtremor technique to investigate seismically subsoil characteristics have been employed. Shear wave velocities were obtained up to a depth of 30 m with magnitudes of 172.45 m/s to 353.90 m/s. Based on the Vs30 values, the subsoil is seismically classified into D and E according to the criterion of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program and International Building Code, turning out to be very vulnerable to high damage during the earthquake shaking. Furthermore, Ciudad del Carmen was regionalized into three types, where type I being a dense soil or averagely soft rock with Vs30 greater than 360 m/s, type II when the soil has an intermediate dynamic amplifications with Vs30 between 180 to 360 m/s, and type III correspond to a soil with large dynamic amplifications and Vs30 less than 180 m/s.
Review article: Detection of informative tweets in crisis events
Authors: Kruspe Anna , Kersten Jens , Klan Friederike
Published: July 2020

Abstract. Messages on social media can be an important source of information during crisis situations, be they short-term disasters or longer-term events like COVID-19. They can frequently provide details about developments much faster than traditional sources (e.g. official news) and can offer personal perspectives on events, such as opinions or specific needs. In the future, these messages can also serve to assess disaster risks. One challenge for utilizing social media in crisis situations is the reliable detection of informative messages in a flood of data. Researchers have started to look into this problem in recent years, beginning with crowd-sourced methods. Lately, approaches have shifted towards an automatic analysis of messages. In this review article, we present methods for the automatic detection of crisis-related messages (tweets) on Twitter. We start by showing the varying definitions of importance and relevance relating to disasters, as they can serve very different purposes. This is followed by an overview of existing, crisis-related social media data sets for evaluation and training purposes. We then compare approaches for solving the detection problem based (1) on filtering by characteristics like keywords and location, (2) on crowdsourcing, and (3) on machine learning techniques with regard to their focus, their data requirements, their technical prerequisites, their efficiency and accuracy, and their time scales. These factors determine the suitability of the approaches for different expectations, but also their limitations. We identify which aspects each of them can contribute to the detection of informative tweets, and which areas can be improved upon in the future.We point out particular challenges, such as the linguistic issues concerning this kind of data. Finally, we suggest future avenues of research, and show connections to related tasks, such as the subsequent semantic classification of tweets.
Colitis and Crohn’s Foundation (India) consensus statements on use of 5-aminosalicylic acid in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Sood Ajit , Ahuja Vineet , Midha Vandana , Sinha Saroj Kant , Pai C. Ganesh , Kedia Saurabh , Mehta Varun , Bopanna Sawan , Abraham Philip , Banerjee Rupa , Bhatia Shobna , Chakravartty Karmabir , Dadhich Sunil , Desai Devendra , Dwivedi Manisha , Goswami Bhabhadev , Kaur Kirandeep , Khosla Rajeev , Kumar Ajay , Mahajan Ramit , Misra S. P. , Peddi Kiran , Singh Shivaram Prasad , Singh Arshdeep
Published: July 2020

Despite several recent advances in therapy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) therapy has retained its place especially in ulcerative colitis. This consensus on 5-ASA is obtained through a modified Delphi process, and includes guiding statements and recommendations based on literature evidence (randomized trials, and observational studies), clinical practice, and expert opinion on use of 5-ASA in IBD by Indian gastroenterologists. The aim is to aid practitioners in selecting appropriate treatment strategies and facilitate optimal use of 5-ASA in patients with IBD.
Proceso de producción para la exportación de productos terminados de la Empresa Tabacalera Tambor de Nicaragua S.A. con sede en la ciudad de Estelí 2018-2019
Authors: López Sevilla Rosary Belén , Osorio Cruz1 Meybi Carolina , Castillo Herrera Beverly
Published: July 2020

Este artículo científico determina los problemas existentes en el Proceso de Producción y control de calidad para la exportación de productos terminados de la Empresa Tabacalera Tambor de Nicaragua S.A Sede Estelí en el periodo 2018-2019; para el diseño de estrategias que garanticen mejores resultados en la exportación a los mercados internacionales. Esta investigación es cualitativa. El trabajo de campo consistió en aplicar entrevistas a las personas involucradas en el proceso de producción de productos, control de calidad de productos terminados para su exportación, una guía de observación y la revisión documental en la empresa. Como resultado de esta investigación se muestra, que es necesario mejorar el proceso de producción, organizar el área, e incrementar la supervisión del trabajo realizado por los colaboradores en la Tabacalera. Por lo que se proponen estrategias dirigidas a la resolución de las necesidades encontradas, entre ellas: inclusión de nuevos y mejores productos orgánicos, aprovechamiento de las habilidades del personal, eliminación de plagas, disminución de ausencia laboral y el buen control de tabacos producidos.
The Pronounced Impact of Hip Fractures on Psychosocial Well-being
Authors: Swayambunathan Jay , Dasgupta Abhijit , Bhattacharyya Timothy
Published: July 2020

Background:

There are little data on the psychosocial well-being of hip fracture patients. Previous studies lacked a control group to isolate the impact of hip fractures from general aging. We sought to overcome these limitations and quantify the impact of hip fractures on psychosocial well-being.

Methods:

We identified a cohort 65 years and older patients who were driving and mobile from the National Health and Aging Trends Study. Participants with exactly one hip fracture between 2011 and 2017 were isolated, and their outcomes an after hip fracture were compared with control subjects via multivariate logistic regression.

Results:

Hip fracture patients reported a notable decrease in driving frequency and mobility in the first year after fracture, along with an increase in depressive symptomatology and decreased participation in activities. Measures of mobility and activities among survivors returned to peer group levels within 2 years. A larger social network was associated with improved outcomes.

Discussion:

Hip fracture survivors experience notable declines in function and well-being in the first year after a hip fracture compared with peers. Although mortality is high, surviving patients experience measurable gains in function and well-being in the 3 years after the fracture. These data aid surgeons in counseling families and patients after hip fracture.

Level of Evidence:

Level I—prognostic study: inception cohort study

Study Design:

Prospective—patients enrolled at a uniform point in course of disease and followed over time
Patient Attitudes and Preferences for Orthopaedic Surgeon Greetings
Authors: Golz Andrew , Kim Andrew , Murphy Michael , Salazar Dane
Published: July 2020

Introduction:

Numerous studies have demonstrated that patient-centered interaction promotes higher satisfaction and improved health outcomes, whereas poor communication behaviors have been associated with decreased satisfaction and an increased risk of malpractice claims. To our knowledge, no such study has investigated patient preferences for greetings and handshakes in the outpatient orthopaedic setting.

Methods:

A survey was generated with ranking and Likert scale questions regarding the initial patient-orthopaedic surgeon outpatient interaction. The survey was offered to adult patients at an urban, academic, outpatient orthopaedic surgery clinic. Surveys were completed by subjects while in the waiting room and returned before the first interaction with their orthopaedic surgeon.

Results:

Completed surveys were collected from 160 patients over a 3-month period. Overall, medical knowledge was valued above other physician attributes, including the physician greeting (P < 0.001). Subjects preferred a more formal introduction by their physician, with the use of title and first and last name preferred to the physician's first name only (P < 0.001), first and last name only (P < 0.001), and title and last name only (P < 0.001). Patients strongly preferred their physician address them by their first name only compared with first and last name (P < 0.001). Shaking hands was determined to be moderately important and did not vary by any demographic category.

Conclusions:

Patients in this cohort considered their orthopaedic surgeon's greeting to be less important than their surgeon's medical knowledge, but more important than their appearance and attire. Respondents preferred their orthopaedic surgeon introduce themselves with their title, first name, and last name but to use the patient's first name only. The results of our study should be taken into consideration when greeting patients to facilitate rapport-building and improve the patient experience.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, cross-sectional survey study
Efectos primarios y secundarios del origen social en la transición a la educación posobligatoria en España
Authors: Valdés Manuel T.
Published: July 2020

La desigualdad observada en una decisión educativa puede descomponerse en el efecto que el origen social genera sobre el rendimiento académico (efecto primario) y sobre la propia toma de decisiones educativas (efecto secundario). Trabajos previos sobre la decisión de matriculación en la educación posobligatoria en España han estimado la importancia relativa de los efectos secundarios en tres cuartas partes de la desigualdad total. No obstante, el indicador de rendimiento empleado apunta a una sobreestimación de los efectos secundarios. El presente estudio ha puesto a prueba dicha estimación recurriendo a la Encuesta de Clases Sociales y Estructura Social y el estudio PISA, observando que, si bien los efectos secundarios representan una parte significativa de la desigualdad en la transición a la educación posobligatoria, no llegan a explicar tres cuartas partes de esa desigualdad.
Eficiência dos serviços de segurança pública no Brasil: uma análise por envoltória de dados
Authors: Silva Almeida Isabel , Pitombeira Neto Anselmo Ramalho
Published: July 2020

Este estudo propõe uma avaliação da segurança pública do Brasil através da análise por envoltória de dados. Assumindo-se os 27 estados federativos como as unidades tomadoras de decisão, foram utilizados como inputs as despesas totais com segurança e o efetivo policial total de cada estado, e como output a razão entre o número de habitantes e o número de CVLIs (Crimes Violentos Letais Intencionais), definida como uma “taxa de segurança”. Os dados foram obtidos do Anuário Brasileiro de Segurança Pública, com informações referentes ao ano de 2016. Os resultados indicaram 6 estados na fronteira de eficiência: Santa Catarina, Piauí, Roraima, São Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul e Maranhão. Do total, 33,33% dos estados apresentaram baixa eficiência, 25,93% deles eficiência moderada e 18,52% deles eficiência alta. Em um cenário de escassez de recursos, um indicador científico das ineficiências e possibilidades de realocação destes recursos é extremamente pertinente.
Mapeamento dos custos de logística reversa em uma indústria de embalagens
Authors: Da Silva Fernanda Latronico , Hammes Gabriela , Nilson Marisa , Rodriguez Carlos Manoel Taboada , Lezana Álvaro Guillermo Rojas
Published: July 2020

Com a questão da sustentabilidade em alta, as empresas estão começando a tomar medidas para atenuar os impactos ambientais gerados pelo processo produtivo. Além disso, a legislação está se tornando mais severa quanto às questões ambientais, e este fator envolve o descarte correto dos resíduos produzidos pelas empresas. A partir do conhecimento dos custos envolvidos na logística reversa, a empresa pode conhecer melhor este processo e implementar melhorias a fim de diminuir os desperdícios. O objetivo deste trabalho é mapear a logística reversa de uma empresa de embalagens industriais no norte de Santa Catarina. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de um estudo de caso. A partir do mapeamento da LR foi possível levantar os custos envolvidos nesta prática e distribuí-los para as atividades logísticas envolvidas. Após a análise destes custos, comprovou-se que a logística reversa pode gerar uma receita positiva para a empresa, além de originar ganhos ambientais e sociais.
Nongovernmental Organizations and the Global Governance Institutional Gap
Authors: Weaver Joel J
Published: July 2020

Global governance refers to global cooperation through existing and developing structures, groups, and initiatives, yet little academic research focuses on the role of international nongovernmental organizations in promoting global governance. Using Benet’s polarities of democracy as theoretical foundation, the purpose of this qualitative, critical case study was to explore why and how INGOs address the gap in global governance institutions in terms of humanitarian support. Data collection involved open-ended interviews with 12 members of an international, nonprofit service organization providing humanitarian support to a global community. Interview data were inductively coded and subjected to a thematic analysis procedure. Findings revealed four key themes outlined in this article and may be used to promote increased provision of global humanitarian support.
Homeless Canadians’ Perspectives on Homelessness in Calgary
Authors: Ahajumobi Edith N. , Anderson Peter B.
Published: July 2020

Since the 1990s, homelessness has increased in Canada, but the strategies of the government and public health service providers to manage the situation have had limited success. Researchers have also noted the lack of inclusion of those experiencing homelessness in homelessness research to better understand and develop a solution to the issue. In the present study, this is addressed through inclusion of homeless participants from diverse backgrounds. The purpose of this phenomenological study, framed by social cognitive theory, reciprocal determinism, and symbolic interaction, was to understand homelessness from the perspectives of people who do not have homes. Data were collected from open-ended interviews with a purposeful sample of 15 individuals who were homeless. Several themes emerged after interview data were transcribed via hand coding and analyzed using cognitive data analysis. The prominent themes were lack of money, home, privacy, and support; discrimination directed primarily toward First Nations people and those of African descent; mental illness and addiction; the need for a review of housing policy that addresses rent, mortgage qualification criteria, and house tax; and the creation of awareness of government support systems and the services that they provide. Public health service providers and designated authorities can use the findings of this study to understand the phenomenon from the perspective of people who are experiencing homelessness, which can influence the development of better homelessness reduction strategies that could improve the lives of those experiencing homelessness and their communities. Because homelessness is a public health issue, bringing it under control could positively impact the health and safety of the public.
Wohlgeordnetes Agrarwettbewerbsrecht mit Blick auf Erzeugerorganisationen und unlautere Handelspraktiken
Authors: Ackermann Jan
Published: July 2020

Die Wertschöpfungskette für Lebensmittel ist geprägt durch eine stetig voranschreitende Konzentration von Ernährungsindustrie und Lebensmitteleinzelhandel. Hierdurch zutage tretende wirtschaftliche Ungleichgewichte in der Verhandlungsposition der an ihr partizipierenden Akteure gehen oftmals zu Lasten ihres schwächsten Gliedes - den Landwirten. Vor diesem Hintergrund geht die Arbeit der Frage nach, ob und inwieweit das Unionsrecht mit dem Instrument der Erzeugerorganisation sowie der Richtlinie (EU) 2019/633 über unlautere Handelspraktiken in den Geschäftsbeziehungen zwischen Unternehmen in der Agrar- und Lebensmittelversorgungskette einen Beitrag zur Verbesserung der Marktstellung der Landwirte zu leisten vermag.
Revision of the palm-pollinating weevil genus Elaeidobius Kuschel, 1952 (Curculionidae, Curculioninae, Derelomini) with descriptions of two new species
Authors: Haran Julien M. , Beaudoin-Ollivier Laurence , Benoit Laure , Kuschel Guillermo
Published: July 2020

The genus Elaeidobius Kuschel, 1952 (Curculionidae, Curculioniae, Derelomini) is an Afrotropical genus associated with the male inflorescences of the oil palm Elaeis guineensis Jacq. The activity of species in this genus is critical for pollen transportation and for the fruit set of this economically important palm. In this study, the genus Elaeidobius was revised using an integrative taxonomic approach, combining traditional taxonomic treatment of species and an analysis of sequences of mitochondrial genes (COI and COII). A total of eight species is now recognized: five now formally included within it [E. bilineatus Hustache, 1924) comb. nov., E. kamerunicus (Faust, 1898) comb. nov., E. plagiatus (Fåhraeus, 1844) comb. nov., E. singularis (Faust, 1898) comb. nov., E. subvittatus Faust, 1898)], one transferred here from the genus Prosoestus to the genus Elaeidobius, E. spatulifer (Marshall, 1950) comb. nov., and two newly described species (E. pilimargo Haran & Kuschel sp. nov., E. piliventris Haran & Kuschel sp. nov.). The following new synonymies are proposed: Prosoestus armatus Voss, 1956 = E. bilineatus (Hustache, 1924) comb. nov. and Derelomus uelensis Hustache = E. singularis (Faust, 1898). An illustrated key to the species is provided with photographs of the adult habitus and male genitalia.
Atendimento Educacional Especializado: o caso de uma EMEF do Município de Cariacica-ES
Authors: Faria Christine Avelar Borges , Nunes Marcus Antonius da Costa , Nunes Isabel Matos , Pinto Fabrício Aigner
Published: July 2020

O presente artigo trata de uma pesquisa exploratória que tem por objetivo verificar as especificidades do atendimento educacional especializado em uma Escola Municipal de Ensino Fundamental (EMEF) de Cariacica- ES, indicando o público alvo atendido, o trabalho das professoras da sala de recursos multifuncionais, bem como, as ressalvas das (os) professoras (os) regentes e colaboradoras neste âmbito de ensino, considerando as problemáticas enfrentadas pelos sujeitos que atuam nesta escola no contexto da educação especial. Este estudo faz uma reflexão sobre as Leis referentes à Educação Especial, esclarece as características da escola mencionada e conta com um questionário qualitativo com sete questões a fim de indagar os professores atuantes sobre a organização e os desafios inerentes ao atendimento educacional especializado na escola.
Una mirada al abandono escolar prematuro en Portugal: Realidades, contextos y prácticas
Authors: Araújo Helena , Macedo Eunice , Magalhães António , Rocha Cristina
Published: July 2020

Teniendo in cuenta que el abandono prematuro de la escuela/ abandono prematuro de la educación y de la formación es un problema sumamente político, este articulo hace una mirada al abandono escolar prematuro en Portugal, enfocando sus realidades, contextos y prácticas, en una interacción entre el nivel nacional y europeo e sus orientaciones para la educación. Se hace una breve analice a los contornos del problema y a su evolución y se presenta a el sistema educativo para después se reflexionar acerca de la actual orientación educativa, dando evidencia a las perspectivas de inclusión. Finalmente se enfocan medidas intramuros para enfrentar el abandono escolar en una escuela secundaria superior en un área de intervención educativa prioritaria. Estas medidas son preventivas, y incluyen la preparación para los exámenes y el defensor del estudiante, a que se da prominencia en este artículo, haciendo el enfoque en las voces distintas del Diretor de la escuela, del profesorado y de las y los estudiantes. Se argumenta que la lucha contra ESL se encuentra en la tensión entre las políticas destinadas a hacer frente a las necesidades de la economía y de la sociedad del conocimiento y la tentativa de promover la inclusión social a través de la consecución de los itinerarios educativos, dando herramientas a las personas jóvenes para llevar adelante sus posibles opciones.

Bearing in mind that early school leaving (ESL) / early leaving from education and training (ELET) is a political problem, this article looks at early school leaving in Portugal, focusing on its realities, contexts and practices and tapping into the interaction between the national and the European levels and their guidelines for education. The context of the problem and its evolution is briefly analyzed. Following the description of the education system, we also provide some reflections on current educational lines, providing evidence on how inclusion is implemented within such lines. Finally, intramural measures are proposed with a view to addressing early school leaving in an upper secondary school located in an educational area of priority intervention. The objective of the article is to analyze early school leaving by making the voices of different stakeholders heard—the school principal, teachers and students—following the implementation of a set of educational measures. These measures are preventive and include preparation for exams and the function of student advocates, two aspects which have a prominent role in this article. We argue that the struggle against ESL lies in the tension between economic policies and the knowledge society and the promotion of social inclusion which requires the definition of educational trajectories aimed at providing young people with the necessary tools for them to make adequate decisions for their future.
How to investigate the local and global change potential of questioning sequences in executive coaching? A call for interdisciplinary research
Authors: Graf Eva-Maria , Dionne Frédérick , Spranz-Fogasy Thomas
Published: July 2020

Coaching outcome research convincingly argues that coaching is effective and facilitates  change in clients. While coaching practice literature depicts questions as key vehicle for such change, empirical findings as regards the local and global change potential of questions are so far largely missing in both (psychological) outcome research and (linguistic and psychological) process research on coaching. The local change potential of questions refers to a turn-by-turn transformation as a result of their sequentiality, the global change potential is related to the power of questions to initiate, process and finalize established phases of change. This programmatic article on questions, or rather questioning sequences, in executive coaching pursues two goals: firstly, it takes stock of available insights into questions in coaching and advocates for Conversation Analysis as a fruitful methodological framework to assess the local change potential of questioning sequences. Secondly, it points to the limitations of a local turn-by-turn approach to unravel the overall change potential of questions and calls for an interdisciplinary approach to bring both local and global effectiveness into relation. Such an approach is premised on conversational sequentiality and psychological theories of change and facilitates research on questioning sequences as both local and global agents of change across the continuum of coaching sessions. We present the TSPP Model as a first result of such an interdisciplinary cooperation.
Late-life restoration of mitochondrial function reverses cardiac dysfunction in old mice
Authors: Chiao Ying Ann , Zhang Huiliang , Sweetwyne Mariya , Whitson Jeremy , Ting Ying Sonia , Basisty Nathan , Pino Lindsay K , Quarles Ellen , Nguyen Ngoc-Han , Campbell Matthew D , Zhang Tong , Gaffrey Matthew J , Merrihew Gennifer , Wang Lu , Yue Yongping , Duan Dongsheng , Granzier Henk L , Szeto Hazel H , Qian Wei-Jun , Marcinek David , MacCoss Michael J , Rabinovitch Peter
Published: July 2020

Diastolic dysfunction is a prominent feature of cardiac aging in both mice and humans. We show here that 8-week treatment of old mice with the mitochondrial targeted peptide SS-31 (elamipretide) can substantially reverse this deficit. SS-31 normalized the increase in proton leak and reduced mitochondrial ROS in cardiomyocytes from old mice, accompanied by reduced protein oxidation and a shift towards a more reduced protein thiol redox state in old hearts. Improved diastolic function was concordant with increased phosphorylation of cMyBP-C Ser282 but was independent of titin isoform shift. Late-life viral expression of mitochondrial-targeted catalase (mCAT) produced similar functional benefits in old mice and SS-31 did not improve cardiac function of old mCAT mice, implicating normalizing mitochondrial oxidative stress as an overlapping mechanism. These results demonstrate that pre-existing cardiac aging phenotypes can be reversed by targeting mitochondrial dysfunction and implicate mitochondrial energetics and redox signaling as therapeutic targets for cardiac aging.
Real-time in vivo imaging of extracellular ATP in the brain with a hybrid-type fluorescent sensor
Authors: Kitajima Nami , Takikawa Kenji , Sekiya Hiroshi , Satoh Kaname , Asanuma Daisuke , Sakamoto Hirokazu , Takahashi Shodai , Hanaoka Kenjiro , Urano Yasuteru , Namiki Shigeyuki , Iino Masamitsu , Hirose Kenzo
Published: July 2020

Adenosine 5’ triphosphate (ATP) is a ubiquitous extracellular signaling messenger. Here, we describe a method for in-vivo imaging of extracellular ATP with high spatiotemporal resolution. We prepared a comprehensive set of cysteine-substitution mutants of ATP-binding protein, Bacillus FoF1-ATP synthase ε subunit, labeled with small-molecule fluorophores at the introduced cysteine residue. Screening revealed that the Cy3-labeled glutamine-105 mutant (Q105C-Cy3; designated ATPOS) shows a large fluorescence change in the presence of ATP, with submicromolar affinity, pH-independence, and high selectivity for ATP over ATP metabolites and other nucleotides. To enable in-vivo validation, we introduced BoNT/C-Hc for binding to neuronal plasma membrane and Alexa Fluor 488 for ratiometric measurement. The resulting ATPOS complex binds to neurons in cerebral cortex of living mice, and clearly visualized a concentrically propagating wave of extracellular ATP release in response to electrical stimulation. ATPOS should be useful to probe the extracellular ATP dynamics of diverse biological processes in vivo.
Improving Technical Support to Enhance Productivity of Rural Community in Boloso Sore and Boloso Bombe Woredas, Wolaita Zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia
Authors: Gizaw Yesuneh , Asale Alemayehu , Ergado Teshome , Nana Kebede , Kata Alemayehu
Published: July 2020

The study aimed at how to improve the technical support to enhance productivity of rural community in Boloso Sore and Boloso Bombe Woredas/Districts of Ethiopia. It employed both quantitative and qualitative study design. The study used questionnaire, KII and FGD guides to gather primary data and the secondary data were collected via desk review. The results of this study affirmed that serious efforts have been made and large amount of resources have been invested by Wonta Rural Development Association to improve the livelihood situation of the rural household. The viability and scope of supports made by the Wonta Rural Development Association to improve household productivity and intend to create rural employment worked out good in the areas of dairy goat and community based organizations like self help groups for savings. The productivity of horticulture, poultry and other activities were found inferior during the study period. Engagement of key stakeholders, continuous monitoring and evaluation schemes, feedback from end users among others to enhance technical support were slim. The study has suggested a conceptual model to improve rural household production and productivity to enhance household food security, to promote rural job opportunity and to introduce and apply value chain in rural context.
Plasmid-mediated Quinolone Resistance Genes in Salmonella typhi from Patients Attending Selected General Hospitals in Abuja Municipal, Nigeria
Authors: Fasema R. , Bassey B. E. , Ngwai Y. B. , Nkene I. H. , Abimiku R. H. , Parom S. K. , Yahaya I.
Published: July 2020

This study investigated the antimicrobial resistance profile and presence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes in Salmonella typhi from patients attending selected general hospitals in Abuja municipal, Nigeria. Four hundred stool samples from patients with suspected typhoid fever were collected from Asokoro General Hospital Abuja (AGH), Garki Hospital Abuja (GHA), Maitama General Hospital Abuja (MGHA) and Wuse General Hospital Abuja (WGHA) and S. typhi was isolated and identified using standard microbiological methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the isolates was carried out using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) method. Molecular detection of PMQR genes in the ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates was carried out using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method. The overall occurrence of the isolates was 13.3% (53/400), with the highest hospital-related occurrence at WGHA (18.0%). The occurrence was highest at age 21-30yrs in AGHA (20.0%), GHA (33.3%) and WGHA (45.0%). The occurrence was higher in females at AGHA (12.7%) and GHA (16.0%); but higher in males at MGHA (11.4%) and WGHA (18.2%). Resistance to ciprofloxacin was the least at 30.2%, distributed as follows: AGHA (20.0%), GHA (35.7%), MGHA (36.4%) and WGHA (27.8%). The most common resistance phenotype was: NA-S-XT-AMC-TE-CRO-C-CN with overall occurrence of 9.4% (5/53) observed in AGH (10.0%), GHA (16.7%) and MGHA (18.2%) but not in WGHA. All (100%) isolates were multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) isolates, with MAR indices above 0.2; and the commonest MAR index of 0.6 (30.0%) in AGHA, 0.8 (35.7%) in GHA; 0.8 (45.6%) in MGHA, and was 0.7 (38.9%) in WGHA. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was the commonest at 96.2% (51/53), with occurrences in the selected hospitals as follows: AGHA (90.0%), GHA (100.0%) and MGHA (100.0%) and WGHA (94.4%).The PMQR genes detected had overall frequency in the order: aac(6′)-Ib-cr (50.0%) >qnrB (37.5%) >qnrS (18.8%); qnrS was absent in AGHA and WGHA. The genes co-existed with one another with the qnrB+ aac(6′)-Ib-cr combination, present in isolates from all the hospitals, being the most common at (31.3%). Ciprofloxacin was the most effective antibiotic against the isolates; most isolates were MAR with prior exposure to antibiotics; most isolates were MDR and the ciprofloxacin-resistant isolatesharbored qnrS, qnrB and aac(6′)-Ib-cr PMQR genes, with aac(6′)-Ib-cr being the most prevalent.
Effects of Seed Size on the Germination and Early Growth of African Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.)
Authors: Amonum J. I. , Sumaduniya F. , Amusa T. O.
Published: July 2020

The effects of seed size on the germination and early growth of A. digitata were assessed. Seeds were sourced locally within the University of Ilorin Campus. One hundred viable seeds were selected from each of the size classes. The seed weight, length, breadth, and width were measured for all the selected seeds. Mean weight, length, breadth, and thickness were: 0.62 g, 9.16 mm, 7.45 mm, and 5.85 mm, respectively for small seeds. 0.41 g, 9.54 mm, 7.68 mm, and 6.03 mm, respectively for medium seeds; and 0.44 g, 9.92 mm, 7.89 mm, and 6.21 mm, respectively for large seeds. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD). Seed dormancy was broken through the acid scarification method by soaking in H2SO4 at 70% concentration for 20 minutes with constant stirring. Variables of interest include: leaves number, seedlings height, collar diameter and leaf area. Based on the results of this finding, medium and large seeds germinated in 7 days after sowing while small seeds germinated in 10 days after sowing. Large seeds had the highest germination percentage (55%), followed by medium seeds with 27%. The small seeds were the least in terms of germination rate (21%). There was no significant difference in mean seedling heights, collar diameters and number of leaves among the seed size classes (P˃0.05). Mean leaf area significantly differed among the three size classes (P˂0.05). The result showed that large seeds gave best germination at a shorter period than the medium and small seed sizes. Thus, large seeds of A. digitata are recommended in propagation activities involving the species.
Co-integration of Groundnut Markets in India with Special Reference to Karnataka State
Authors: Nayak Akshata , Lokesha H. , Gracy C. P.
Published: July 2020

Aims: Market integration is an indicator that explains how different markets are related to each other. The main aim of the paper is to examine the market integration of groundnut seed and oil markets in India. 

Study Design: This paper examines the market integration in six major groundnut oil markets and four groundnut pod markets using monthly wholesale prices of groundnut.

Methodology: Test for stationarity was done using Dickey Fuller Test. The Engle-Granger two-step method is used to test for co-integration between the variables. Johansen co-integration test was applied to analyse the long run equilibrium among the groundnut markets.

Results: Unit root test indicated that the price series in each location are non-stationary at their levels and stationary at their first differences. The Granger causality test indicated that all the market pairs are well co-integrated, some of the markets have bidirectional relationship and some have unidirectional relationship at five per cent level of significance, which implies that the groundnut prices have an equally long run association.

Conclusion: In overall, the study suggests that regional markets for groundnut in India are strongly co-integrated. Therefore, the Government can stabilize the price in one key market and rely on commercialization to produce a similar outcome in other markets. This reduces the cost of stabilization considerably.
Detection of Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia and Concurrent Diseases in Outbreaks Presenting with Respiratory Signs in Small Ruminants in Tanzania
Authors: Chota Andrew , Shirima Gabriel , Kusiluka Lughano
Published: July 2020

Aims: To establish the prevalence and concurrent diseases in outbreaks presenting with respiratory signs, major associated clinical signs and postmortem lesions and proportions of those diseases in clinically and autopsied small ruminants for a proper diagnosis and control strategies.

Study Design: Purposive outbreaks investigation.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Global Health, School of Life Science and Bio-Engineering (LiSBE), Nelson Mandela Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) between September 2016 and December 2018.

Methodology: We included investigations of outbreaks of diseases presenting with respiratory signs in small ruminants reported from five agro-ecological zones in Tanzania. Small ruminats with clinical signs or postmortem lesions suggestive of respiratory involvement were subjected to clinical or postmortem examination. Samples from all examined animals were tested in the laboratory using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to confirm the tentative diagnosis.

Results: A total of 205 small ruminats were examined and tested, of these 72.2% and 20.8% were goats and sheep respectively. In goats, 79.1% (117/148) and sheep, 28.1% (16/57) were confirmed to have concurrent infections, and pneumonic pasteurellosis and peste des petits ruminants (PPR) for goats, and PPR for sheep being mostly involved diseases. Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) was detected in 16.1% (n=205) of the animals, and was significantly high in goats (p=0.003, OR=7.3) than sheep. Pneumonic mannheimiosis (prevalence = 9.3%) was less likely to affect goats than sheep (p=0.047, OR=0.38). In goats (n=148), detection of all diseases was significantly (p<0.05) low in clinically examined animals except pneumonic pasteurellosis and PPR, (p =0.056, OR=2.1) and (p=0.096, OR=2.15) respectively, though the difference was not significant. In sheep (n=57), CCPP was significantly (p=0.005, OR=0.17) more likely to be detected in clinically examined animals.

Conclusion: In investigations of outbreaks presenting with respiratory signs in small ruminants, it is important to consider concurrent infections in the interventions and control strategies to be deployed, which may include development and use of multivalent vaccines.
The Excavation of the Sculptor's Cave, Covesea, Morayshire
Authors: Benton Sylvia
Published: July 2020

An account of the excavation of Sculptor’s Cave made famous by its Pictish carvings, which was led by Sylvia Benton. The earliest Bronze Age phase of occupation is represented by a range of objects including gold and bronze rings, bracelets, worked bone objects including needles and pottery. Material from the Roman phase include bronze rings, bracelets, wire and glass beads, pins, toilet instruments, needles, samian and native pottery and coins. Disarticulated human bone comprised mainly children. Animal bone was also present throughout.
Correlation between the healthcare guidance and thoracic and upper abdominal post-operative care
Authors: Santos Francisco Dimitre Rodrigo Pereira , Silva Julianna Oliveira e , Nunes Simony Fabíola Lopes , Pascoal Lívia Maia , Neto Pedro Martins Lima
Published: July 2020

Objetivo: Avaliar a influência das orientações em saúde nas complicações no pós-operatório de cirurgias torácicas e abdominais altas. Metodologia: Estudo quantitativo transversal realizada com 266 pacientes. Os dados foram coletados por um questionário sociodemográfico, clínico e assistencial. Foram incluídos pacientes de ambos os sexos, faixa etária de 18 a 80 anos, que estivessem na enfermaria em pós-operatório de cirurgias torácicas e ou abdominais alta. Resultados: Somente 30% dos pacientes receberam orientações no período de pós-operatório e 70% não receberam nenhum tipo de orientação. Quatro dos pacientes que tiveram orientações, desenvolveram algum tipo de complicação e 16 dos que não receberam tiveram complicações; não apresentando resultados estatisticamente significativos quanto aos pacientes que tiveram orientação e os que não tiveram orientações. Conclusão: A maioria dos pacientes, independentemente de ter recebido ou não orientação em saúde não apresentaram uma alta prevalência de complicações no pós-operatório.
Epidemiological profile of users served on health action in the coastal lowlands of Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Lopes Jéssica Rodrigues , xavier brunno lessa saldanha , Pereira Fernanda Maria Vieira
Published: July 2020

Objetivo: Identificar o perfil epidemiológico dos usuários atendidos em ação de saúde na Baixada Litorânea do Rio de Janeiro. Método: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, retrospectivo, exploratório de natureza quantitativa que utilizou como delineamento a pesquisa documental por meio da análise de dados secundários. Resultados: Foram avaliados 746 registros, com prevalência do sexo feminino (69,7%), idade entre 20 e 29 anos(41,6%), ensino superior incompleto (63,9%) e estado civil solteiro (69,4%). O sexo masculino apresentou uma média mais elevadas de níveis pressóricos quando comparado com as mulheres. Evidenciou-se que com o avançar da idade e baixa escolaridade, maiores são os níveis de pressão arterial e glicêmicos. Conclusão: Estudos que ampliam o conhecimento sobre o perfil epidemiológico de uma população representam uma ferramenta importante para subsidiar o cuidado em saúde.
Evaluation of camera placement for detection of free‐ranging carnivores; implications for assessing population changes
Authors: Geyle Hayley M. , Stevens Michael , Duffy Ryan , Greenwood Leanne , Nimmo Dale G. , Sandow Derek , Thomas Ben , White John , Ritchie Euan G.
Published: July 2020

1. Introduced carnivores are often cryptic, making it difficult to quantify their presence in ecosystems, and assess how this varies in relation to management interventions. Survey design should thus seek to improve detectability and maximize statistical power to ensure sound inference regarding carnivore population trends. Roads may facilitate carnivore movements, possibly leading to high detectability. Therefore, targeting roads may improve inferences about carnivore populations.

2. We assessed our ability to monitor feral cats Felis catus and red foxes Vulpes vulpes on‐ and off‐road, with explicit consideration of the location of monitoring sites on our ability to detect population changes. We also assessed whether there was evidence of spatial or temporal interaction between these species that might influence their road‐use.

3. Surveys were conducted in a conservation reserve in south‐eastern Australia between 2016 and 2018. At each of 30 sites, we deployed two motion‐sensor cameras, one on‐road, and the other off‐road. Using occupancy models, we estimated cat and fox occupancy and detectability, and conducted a power analysis to assess our ability to detect declines in occupancy under three monitoring regimes (efforts targeted equally on‐ and off‐road, efforts targeted entirely off‐road and efforts targeted entirely on‐road).

4. On average, on‐road detectability was seven times higher for cats and three times higher for foxes. Targeting survey effort on‐road yielded the greatest power for detecting declines in both species, but our ability to detect smaller declines decreased with decreasing initial occupancy probability. No level of decline was detectable for cats when survey efforts were targeted off‐road, while only large declines (>50%) were detectable for foxes (assuming high initial occupancy probabilities). We found little evidence of spatial or temporal segregation, suggesting limited avoidance or suppression between the two species within this landscape.

5. Our results suggest that targeting monitoring on roads may be an effective approach for detecting declines in introduced carnivore populations, particularly following management intervention (e.g. lethal control), and in the face of resource limitations. We provide a framework that can help assist land managers to make informed decisions, which balance monitoring efforts and resource constraints with sufficient statistical power to assess management objectives.