bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ca2+–Calcineurin Axis–Controlled NFAT Nuclear Translocation Is Crucial for Optimal T Cell Immunity in an Early Vertebrate
Authors: Wei Xiumei , Li Huiying , Zhang Yu , Li Cheng , Li Kang , Ai Kete , Yang Jialong
Published: December 2019

Calcium ion (Ca2+) is a widespread and primitive second messenger that regulates physiological cell functions in almost all life beings. Ca2+ influx-induced NFAT activation is essential for T cell function and adaptive immunity. However, whether and how Ca2+ signaling modulates T cell immunity in early vertebrates, especially in nontetrapods, remains largely unknown. To address these questions, a Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) model was employed to investigate the regulation of ancestral T cell immunity by Ca2+–NFAT signaling in jawed fish. In Nile tilapia, an evolutionarily conserved Ca2+–NFAT signaling pathway is involved in the primary adaptive immune response during Streptococcus agalactiae infection. Meanwhile, T cell signals trigger several events along the Ca2+–NFAT axis in this early vertebrate, including Ca2+ influx, calcineurin activation, and NFAT nuclear import. More critically, suppression of Ca2+–NFAT signaling by the calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporine A impairs primordial T cell activation, clonal expansion, and infection clearance. Mechanistically, Nile tilapia NFAT interacts with several other transcription factors for potent gene expression, and T cells in this nontetrapod employ Cabin1 and DYRK1A to regulate NFAT nuclear import and export, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate the regulatory mechanism of Ca2+–NFAT signaling on T cell immunity in a nontetrapod species. We suggest that modulation of T cell immunity by Ca2+–NFAT signaling is a primitive strategy that already existed prior to the divergence of bony fish from the tetrapod lineage. The findings of this study provide valuable perspectives for understanding the evolution of adaptive immune system.
Mediterranean diet and rheumatic diseases
Authors: Pacini Greta , Cutolo Maurizio , Paolino Sabrina
Published: December 2019

Not available
Long-term outcomes in a cohort of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: serological phenotypes and disease activity in adulthood
Authors: Priora Marta , Manetta Tilde , Parisi Simone , Ditto Maria Chiara , Laganà Angela , Peroni Clara Lisa , Mengozzi Giulio , Fusaro Enrico
Published: December 2019

In a scenario characterised by diagnostic and therapeutic improvements, an increasing number of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients require ongoing care into adulthood. Deepening the long-term study on JIA is fundamental in order to expand pathogenic knowledge, optimize treatment options and favour an active communication between paediatric and adult care-specialists. This study dealt with adult patients affected by JIA. The main objectives were: i) to analyse the serological profile to examine possible seroconversions in adults; ii) to evaluate the association between antibodies and disease activity; iii) to investigate the correlation between antibodies, diagnostic subgroups and disease activity. Sixty-eight patients were selected. A positive rheumatoidfactor and anti-citrullinated-peptides-antibodies tests were found both at diagnosis and in adulthood (P<0.05). Their association with the polyarticular subgroup persisted in the long term (P<0.05) and they associated with a higher disease activity in adulthood assessed with both JADAS27 and SDAI. At diagnosis, 45.6% of patients were ANA positive, while only 13.2% stayed positive in adulthood (P<0.05). These results may highlight the need to verify in adulthood the presence of ANA in those patients with JIA with ANA positivity at diagnosis.
Tobacco Use Topography and Etiology
Authors: Sussman Steve
Published: December 2019

Tobacco regulatory science seeks in part to reduce harm of new tobacco products. Part of this interest is to help chronic adult smokers switch to potentially less harmful products, while not facilitating use of these modified risk tobacco products by nonusers (particularly teens). Studies to discern a lack of interest in reduced harm products are conducted on emerging adults as a proxy for teens. The present empirical review explores the topography and etiology of tobacco use among emerging adults compared to teens to discern whether they might be a reasonable proxy for such reduced harm studies. Both teens and emerging adults view combustible and e-cigarette smoking as disapproved of by peers and are likely to process tobacco marketing information similarly. I conclude that while some differences do exist (e.g., emerging adults are in a period of escalating use and dependence, whereas teens are relatively likely to be initiating use), emerging adults may indeed be a reasonable proxy, at least for current reduced harm studies.
Does wild rabbit population size affect connectivity?
Authors: Machado R. , Santos P.
Published: December 2019

Wild rabbit is a relevant species in the Iberian Peninsula due to its ecological  and economic roles. Conservationists and game managers therefore have a shared interest in assuring the existence of resilient and sustainable populations. Although management principles and guidelines are  mostly known and understood, often the results are not as good as expected. Local abundance can vary significantly even in short periods, while the colonisation of adjacent territories is uncommon, probably due to the territorial behaviour of the species. Aware that the foundation of nuclei requires interaction among individuals, we hypothesised that rabbit abundance plays a significant part in population connectivity. In order to find out whether the population size affects nuclei connectivity, we conducted a graph theory-based connectivity analysis. The results confirm that connectivity grows with rabbit abundance, but only to a certain degree, and there is a spatial separation of the nuclei regardless of the population size. These outcomes suggest that a comprehensive wild rabbit population increment plan should address both the abundance and spatial distribution, but should not aim at achieving a continuous distribution of wild rabbit with constant or similar abundance. Regarding specific management actions, we argue that in restocking operations new nuclei should be located within dispersal range from the existing ones to promote inter-nuclei connectivity, but not too close, as the nuclei segregation tendency is likely to persist due to the species’ territoriality.
Effects on Flow-Accelerated Corrosion of Oleylpropanediamine Under Single-Phase Water Conditions Pertinent to Power Plant Feedwater
Authors: Weerakul Sarita , Leaukosol Naravit , Lister Derek H. , Mori Shintaro , Hater Wolfgang
Published: December 2019

Studies of the effects of the film-forming amine oleylpropanediamine (OLDA), with and without auxiliary alkalizing agents, on flow-accelerated corrosion (FAC) were performed in high-pressure, high-temperature recirculating water loops. Those loops were equipped with experimental probes to monitor FAC in situ. Experiments were performed at simulated power plant conditions in single-phase water at 140°C. The results showed that OLDA reduced FAC to a greater extent than the associated pH effect. The protective film apparently consisted of several layers and survived for several days after OLDA was removed from the bulk water. The system treated with OLDA under neutral water conditions before raising the pH had higher corrosion resistance than the system dosed with OLDA when already at high pH.
Movilidades rurales y trabajo agrícola en Morelos en el siglo XXI
Authors: Sánchez Saldaña Kim , Saldaña Ramírez Adriana
Published: December 2019

En el siglo XX la producción de caña de azúcar y hortalizas comerciales en el estado de Morelos promovieron la migración estacional de jornaleros agrícolas. Sin embargo, en las últimas décadas ocurrieron transformaciones significativas de estos flujos migratorios y sus prácticas de movilidad, donde Morelos ya no es solo destino temporal, sino también lugar de asentamiento y punto de partida hacia regiones agroexportadoras fuera de la entidad. Con base en datos obtenidos en el trabajo de campo y registros de la Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social (STPS), se analiza el lugar que ocupa Morelos en tendencias emergentes en las movilidades ligadas a mercados de trabajo temporal, particularmente, en el sector hortofrutícola en México. Si bien, los hallazgos confirman la actual relevancia del sector agrícola como fuente de empleo temporal para jornaleros migrantes; al mismo tiempo se constata el desarrollo de un significativo reservorio de trabajadores agrícolas de alta movilidad dispuestos a ser reclutados para otras regiones agrícolas.
Migración y salarios, efectos contradictorios entre los jornaleros agrícolas de San Quintín, Baja California
Authors: Barrón Pérez María Antonieta
Published: December 2019

El propósito de este trabajo es presentar el comportamiento del salario entre los jornaleros agrícolas distinguiendo entre migrantes temporales y migrantes asentados en las distintas localidades del Valle de San Quintín, Baja California. Asociado a este eje se incluyen aspectos referentes al origen de los jornaleros, condiciones de trabajo y jornada.
Se trata de explicar por qué con el aumento de la producción de hortalizas en viveros en esta región que requiere mano de obra de forma permanente, no se vieron beneficiados masivamente los jornaleros migrantes asentados y los grandes productores siguieron contratando mano de obra enganchada. La hipótesis inicial que responde a este fenómeno es, que a los jornaleros migrantes temporales se les explota más que a los jornaleros asentados.
El jornalero no se especializa en un solo cultivo, la diversificación en la producción para los jornaleros temporales y la incertidumbre de contratarse toda la semana con un mismo patrón explica que se produzca una diversificación de las actividades y de los salarios. Un salario relativamente alto, significa niveles altos de explotación, pero todos los jornaleros se ven inmersos en un gran desamparo de las prestaciones que marca la ley.
SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL COMMUNITY DETECTION OF CAR MOBILITY NETWORK IN METRO MANILA
Authors: Carcellar III B. G. , Blanco A. C. , Nagai M.
Published: December 2019

Abstract. Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) like Uber utilize GPS and wireless connection for passenger pickup, driver navigation, and passenger drop off. Location-based information from Uber in aggregated form has been made publicly available. They capture instantaneous traffic situation of an area, which makes describing spatiotemporal traffic characteristics of the area possible. Such information is valuable, especially in highly urbanized areas like Manila that experience heavy traffic. In this research, a methodology for identifying the underlying city structure and traffic patterns in Metro Manila was developed from the Uber trip information. The trip information was modelled as a complex network and Infomap community detection was utilized to group areas with ease of access. From Uber trip dataset, the data was segregated into different hours-of-day and for each hour-of-day, a directed-weighted temporal network was generated. Hours-of-day with similar traffic characteristics were also grouped together to form hour groups. From the results of the network characterization, hours-of-day were grouped into six hour groups; 00 to 04 hours-of-day in hour group 1, 05 to 07 hours-of-day in group 2, 08 to 12 hours-of-day in group 3, 13 to 15 in group 4, 16 to 19 in group 5, and 20 to 23 in group 6. Major roads as well as river networks were observed to be the major skeleton and boundaries of the generated clusters.
ESTIMATION OF CHLOROPHYLL-A CONCENTRATION IN LAGUNA DE BAY USING SENTINEL-3 SATELLITE DATA
Authors: Conopio M. , Japor R. K. , Blanco A. C. , Tamondong A. M.
Published: December 2019

Abstract. The mission of the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-3 satellite is to provide data for land and ocean monitoring purposes. Sentinel- 3’s Ocean and Land Colour Instrument (OLCI) data are being used largely for monitoring offshore and coastal waters but can also be used for inland waters including lakes. It has a spatial resolution of 300 meters, a temporal resolution of 2–3 days and contains 21 spectral bands. Laguna de Bay, with a surface area of around 930 km2, suffers from periodic algal blooms resulting from excessive nutrient inputs from surrounding watersheds. This study aims to assess the applicability of Sentinel-3 OLCI for estimating chlorophylla (chl-a) concentration in Laguna Lake. Several chl-a estimation algorithms (i.e., band ratios and indices) were tested for Sentinel 3 OLCI images and compared with in-situ data obtained using a chl-a sensor. A regression model comprising of individual spectral bands, band ratios, and band indices for chl-a estimation as independent variables was developed, yielding an adjusted R2 of 0.759 and RMSE of 1.19 ug/L. The model consists of R620, R674/R708, and RED/NIR. A map was produced showing the spatial distribution of chl-a in Laguna Lake, with most of the portion of the lake having a concentration ranging from 7.5 ug/L to 15 ug/L. This shows that Sentinel 3 OLCI images can be utilized for accurately estimating chl-a in Laguna Lake.
ANALYZING THE EFFECTS OF LAND COVER CHANGE ON SURFACE TEMPERATURE IN MOUNT MAKILING FOREST RESERVE (MMFR) AND ITS NEIGHBORING MUNICIPALITIES USING LANDSAT DATA
Authors: Del Mundo V. K. M. , Tiburan Jr. C. L.
Published: December 2019

Abstract. Land Surface Temperature (LST) is said to be affected by frequent changes in the land cover. Over the years, the immediate environs of Mount Makiling Forest Reserve (MMFR) have experienced such kind of change due to rapid economic growth of the area that also led to the expansion of urban centers. The study utilized Landsat imageries to determine the possible effects of land cover change on surface temperature using the integration of remote sensing and GIS technologies. Initially, the multispectral bands were radiometrically corrected using Dark Object Subtraction (DOS) while the thermal bands were corrected using Land Surface Emissivity (LSE). After these corrections were applied, the images were classified using supervised image classification technique where seven land cover types have been identified. The classified images were then validated using 200 reference data and this revealed an overall accuracy of 87.5% and 86.0% for the May 2003 and July 2015 images, respectively. Results showed that changes in land cover resulted to a significant change in Land Surface Temperature (LST). The LST in 2003 (16.49°C – 40.44°C) was found higher than that of 2015 which was observed between 13.35°C and 33.83°C only. The reason behind this is the increase in green spaces from 2003 to 2015. Among the major land cover types, forest lands exhibited the lowest mean surface temperature for both years having 27.27°C in 2003 and 21.35°C in 2015 while built-up areas had the highest surface temperature having 32.60°C in 2003 and 26.00°C in 2015.
VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT TO CLIMATE-INDUCED HAZARDS OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF MASINLOC, ZAMBALES, PHILIPPINES
Authors: Paz-Alberto A. M. , Camaso E. E. , Abella G. P. L. , De Guzman C. H. E. A. , Genaro C. R. , Mapanao K. M.
Published: December 2019

Abstract. The Philippines is surrounded by hundreds of kilometers of shorelines wherein communities are increasing and coastal development is emerging fast. Masinloc, Zambales is a coastal municipality wherein 11 out of 13 barangays are situated near the coast which are always affected by climate-induced hazards. The objectives of this study were to assess and validate the climate-induced hazards occurring in Masinloc and assessed the vulnerability of the coastal municipality to these various hazards. Detailed profiling was done to identify hazards of the study area. Vulnerability maps were generated and results revealed that flooding, storm surge and landslide were the most prominent hazards in the area. Results of the vulnerability assessment revealed that Masinloc was moderately vulnerable to storm surge and flooding due to low exposure and sensitivity to flooding and storm surge while its adaptive capacity was very high. Majority of settlements, agricultural lands and population are affected by these hazards. Priority programs to reduce the sensitivity and exposure to storm surge and flooding should be carried out.
GIS-ASSISTED FLOOD HAZARD ASSESSMENT AND MAPPING IN SELECTED AREAS IN ZAMBALES
Authors: Paz-Alberto A. M. , Camaso E. E. , Abella G. P. L. , Genaro C. R. , De Guzman C. H. E. A.
Published: December 2019

Abstract. The Philippines experiences an average of 20 cyclones per year which cause flooding in many parts of the country and Zambales is one of them. In August 2013, Typhoon Labuyo hit the province that affected most of its municipalities and placing the town of Masinloc under the state of calamity due to occurrence of flood. Likewise, in September 2018, Typhoon Ompong hit the province of Zambales and brought heavy rains and floods to the municipalities of Sta. Cruz, Candelaria, Masinloc, and Palauig. Hence, this study was conducted to generate flood hazard maps in the northern municipalities of Zambales: Sta. Cruz, Candelaria, Masinloc, and Palauig using Geographic Information System through raster calculator. Weights of the factors considered in generating flood hazard susceptibility map, namely, elevation, slope, soil type, land classification, and distance from the river, were drawn from ten (10) experts and undergone Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Field validation was also conducted to test the accuracy of maps generated. Flood hazard susceptibility was categorized into four (4) namely high, moderate, low, and no susceptibility. Results showed 15% of the total land area of Sta. Cruz, 12% of Candelaria, 15% of Masinloc, and 19% of Palauig had high susceptibility to flooding. Barangays situated in these areas should be given priority in flood adaptation and mitigating programs.
ILLUMINANCE MAPPING OF NIGHTTIME ROAD ENVIRONMENT USING UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEM
Authors: Bahia R. T. , Estur M. C. , Blanco A. C. , Soriano M.
Published: December 2019

Abstract. One purpose of road lighting in night-time environment is to allow pedestrians safe passage and provide sense of security. To attain this purpose, guidelines are set to make sure that proper lighting are present in roads. Current mapping of road lighting in the Philippines is a tedious process. To address this issue, an alternative method of mapping illuminance using Unmanned Aerial System is developed. A 3D model of the road was created using overlapping images and is the basis of the data points. The results of the calibration show that each of the camera channels, as well the photopic luminance value denoted as ND, shows a linear trend with the illuminance value recorded within the subject area having a range of 0.17 to 15 lux. Linear regression models using each of the channels of the camera and ND can be used to calculate illuminance with RMSE of less than 0.6 lux. It also shows that all values calculated from all regression models exhibits similar trend with blue differing by being generally lower in value. With blue as the best linear regression model, 3D and 2D models of illuminance were created. With these results, it can be concluded that application of photogrammetry through UAV-mounted camera can be used to map illuminance at low level lighting.
ASSESSMENT OF DIFFERENT IMAGE TRANSFORMATION METHODS ON DIWATA-1 SMI IMAGES USING STRUCTURAL SIMILARITY MEASURE
Authors: Sempio J. N. H. , Aranas R. K. D. , Lim B. P. , Magallon B. J. , Tupas M. E. A. , Ventura I. A.
Published: December 2019

Abstract. This paper aims to provide a qualitative assessment of different image transformation parameters as applied on images taken by the spaceborne multispectral imager (SMI) sensor installed in Diwata-1, the Philippines’ first Earth observation microsatellite, with the aim of determining the order of transformation that is sufficient for operationalization purposes. Images of the Palawan area were subjected to different image transformations by manual georeferencing using QGIS 3, and cloud masks generated and applied to remove the effects of clouds. The resulting images were then subjected to structural similarity (SSIM) tests using resampled and cloud masked Landsat 8 images of the same area to generate SSIM indices, which are then used as a quantitative means to assess the best performing transformation. The results of this study point to all transformed images having good SSIM ratings with their Landsat 8 counterparts, indicating that features shown in a Diwata-1 SMI image are structurally similar to the same features in a resampled Landsat 8 data. This implies that for Diwata-1 data processing operationalization purposes, higher order transformations, with the necessary effort to implement them, offer little advantage to lower order counterparts.
MAPPING POVERTY IN THE PHILIPPINES USING MACHINE LEARNING, SATELLITE IMAGERY, AND CROWD-SOURCED GEOSPATIAL INFORMATION
Authors: Tingzon I. , Orden A. , Go K. T. , Sy S. , Sekara V. , Weber I. , Fatehkia M. , García-Herranz M. , Kim D.
Published: December 2019

Abstract. Mapping the distribution of poverty in developing countries is essential for humanitarian organizations and policymakers to formulate targeted programs and aid. However, traditional methods for obtaining socioeconomic data can be time-consuming, expensive, and labor-intensive. Recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of combining machine learning and satellite images to estimate wealth in sub-Saharan African countries (Xie et al., 2016, Jean et al., 2016). In this study, we investigate the extent to which this method can be applied in the context of the Philippine archipelago to predict four different socioeconomic indicators: wealth level, years of education, access to electricity, and access to water. We also propose an alternative, cost-effective approach that leverages a combination of volunteered geographic information from OpenStreetMap and nighttime lights satellite imagery for estimating socioeconomic indicators. The best models, which incorporate regional indicators as predictors, explain approximately 63% of the variation in asset-based wealth. Our findings also indicate that models trained on publicly available, volunteer-curated geographic data achieve the same predictive performance as that of models trained using proprietary satellite images.
MONITORING VEGETATION COVER CHANGE USING VEGETATION INDICES IN TANGBO RIVER, BARANGAY TANGBO, SAMBOAN
Authors: Yang J. S. , Campomanes F. P. , Patiño C. L. , Flores M. J. L.
Published: December 2019

Abstract. Tangbo River is an important resource in Cebu’s southern town of Samboan for being the site of Aguinid Falls, a known tourist destination. Monitoring the changes in the river’s riparian vegetation is important since it has impacts on its ecological role of helping maintain biodiversity and river water quality. This study aims to detect vegetation index changes along the Tangbo River corridor using three vegetation indices: NDVI, EVI, NDMI, and Tasseled Cap indices, specifically for the years 1998, 2004, 2009, 2016, and 2019. It also aims to monitor the changes in NDVI and EVI values alongside tourism arrivals in Aguinid in 2018.Cloudless Landsat 5 (1998, 2004, 2009, and 2016) and Landsat 8 (2019) imagery were selected. Thirty reference points were plotted along the river with a 30-m distance between each point. Vegetation Indices (VI) and Tasseled Cap values were generated using data from these points and were compared for each selected year. NDVI and EVI values from the same reference points used in Landsat were generated from selected cloudless months of 2018 Planetscope imagery. Inbound tourist records were acquired from the tourism office of Samboan and the tourism arrivals for the year 2018 was then graphed with the Planetscope VI values for better visualization.Landsat imagery showed that there was a general upward trend in the vegetation indices from 1998 to 2019. Tasseled Cap Greenness and Wetness showed an increase in values from 1998–2019 while Tasseled Cap Brightness showed the opposite. Results from Planetscope data for the year 2018 showed that there was an inverse pattern between NDVI and tourism arrivals. Tourism arrivals peaked during the months of April and May based on annual records, while VI values dropped. On the other hand, both VI values peaked towards the last quarter of the year while tourist numbers dropped. This suggests that the pattern of VI values and tourism arrivals seemed to be influenced by seasonal changes rather than with each other. Findings from the study shows that further data collection is required to be able to establish a relationship between tourism and vegetation index values.
POST-DISASTER RECOLONIZATION OF MANGROVE FORESTS WITH A STOCHASTIC AGENT-BASED MODEL
Authors: Bongolan V. P. , Branzuela J. E. , Torres G. M.
Published: December 2019

Abstract. Mangrove forests in the Philippine coastline are susceptible to severe damage due to tropical storms. These mangrove forests provide a home for other plants and animals as well as providing resources for people living in coastal areas. Thus, it is important to promote proper conservation and judicious replanting in areas affected by storms. Since different species vary on their tolerance to physical conditions such as water salinity and soil composition, the appropriate genus must be used in reforestation efforts. This study aims to model the change in soil composition due to the introduction of a non-native species, Rhizophora mucronata, and restoring soil condition to aid recolonization of the existing native species, Avicennia and Sonneratia.The study uses an agent-based model for the prediction of the regenerative behaviour of mangrove stands consisting of the native species and the planted or non-native species in a fragmented habitat, with the use of spatio-temporal coloured noise to simulate stochastic seedling dispersal and subject to storm damage. The model uses Salmo and Juanico’s model for mangrove growth. Stochastic experiments were carried out in a shoreline habitat with an existing native population of varying ages and a larger population of planted, non-native seedlings. The GIS data of Bangrin Marine Protected Area was used to simulate the recovery trajectory of the stand after typhoon Chan-hom of 2009.
MODELLING, SIMULATION AND VISUALIZATION OF A MULTISPECIFIC PHILIPPINE SEAGRASS MEADOW
Authors: Bongolan V. P. , Torres G. M. , Branzuela J. E.
Published: December 2019

Abstract. Seagrass meadows are constantly under threat from natural and man-made stresses due to its shallow existence in the coastal environment. Restoration and preservation of seagrasses by means of rehabilitation or transplanting strategies is possible, but the studies have been limited. An agent-based model of a mixed Philippine seagrass meadow is presented. Three species were used for testing: Enhalus acoroides, Thalassia hemprichii, and Cymodocea rotundata. The model features parameter-based clonal growth of seagrass species, recruitment of new seagrass apices through basic flowering/seeding, and a crowding logic for multiple coexisting species in a single meadow. Seagrass clonal growth is modeled using a modified Diffusion-Limited Aggregation (DLA) model. Each species has a preconfigured set of parameters for clonal growth including rhizome elongation, branching rate, vertical elongation rate, rhizome branching angle and shoot age. Seed recruitment is applied through occasional flowering/seeding events configurable per species. We developed a simple three-species competition model which controls the growth and direct competition effects based on a configurable population size and comparison radius. Upon further calibration and validation, the model would enable more accurate long-term predictions for different rehabilitation and transplanting strategies of mixed seagrass meadows. Further improvements can also be implemented, particularly taking into account the environmental variables within the meadows such as light attenuation and salinity, among other factors.
ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF VEGETATION DISTRIBUTION, URBANIZATION, AND SOLAR RADIATION ON THE SEASONAL VARIATION OF THE URBAN HEAT ISLAND EFFECT IN CEBU CITY USING LANDSAT AND GLOBAL HORIZONTAL IRRADIANCE DATA
Authors: Cañete S. F. , Schaap L. L. , Andales R. , Otadoy R. E. S. , Blanco A. C. , Babaan J. , Cruz C.
Published: December 2019

Abstract. The Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon is a manifestation of the abnormal amount of heat generated in urban areas and anthropogenic land surface modifications. While urbanization can improve material comfort and be a boon to the economy, the accompanying problems associated with urbanization like the UHI effect has implications on health, demand for water and energy, and impacts the microclimate. Land surface temperature (LST), the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and the Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI) were calculated from historical remotely-sensed Landsat data from 2013 to present. The global horizontal irradiance (GHI) was computed from the lidar-derived elevation model of Cebu City using the Geographical Resources Analysis Support System (GRASS). It is shown that annual variation in average temperatures in Cebu is generally less than 5 °C. Mean UHI temperatures in Cebu City do not show a clear trend over time, but categorizing data by season, namely the rainy season (June–November), the cool dry season (December–February), and the hot dry season (March–May), permits the emergence of a pattern. Surface temperatures for the cool dry season and hot dry season show a linearly increasing trend with R2 values of 0.916 and 0.514, respectively. This study further investigates the temporal change in the degree and extent of the UHI in Cebu City by analyzing LST maps. Regression analysis is done to determine how LST is affected by the distribution of vegetation (NDVI) and built-up (NDBI), and the seasonal variation in solar radiation through the GHI.
Examining the Usefulness of Medical Bilingual Dictionaries for Translation Purposes
Authors: Al Qaisiya Fatima , Al-Khanji Rajai Rasheed
Published: December 2019

This paper aims at examining the effectiveness of four medical bilingual English-Arabic dictionaries for translational purposes. This is done by investigating the provided information used in the presentation of a number of medical words in the examined dictionaries. The results reveal an inconsistency in the presentation of the selected words in the dictionaries; which might be correlated to the lack of provision policies given by the compilers of the dictionaries. Moreover, an inadequacy in the provision of semantic, pragmatic, and encyclopedic information was noticed which would be inadequate for translational purposes. However, it was found that the Unified Medical dictionary covered more types of information like the provision of encyclopedic illustrations and pictorial illustration.
Assessment of Work-related Stress in Brunei Public and Private Sector Employees
Authors: Mundia Lawrence
Published: December 2019

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of stress in work situations for 860 randomly selected Brunei public and private sector employees of both genders. A quantitative field survey was used to probe the problem. This strategy’s main difference and advantage compared to postal, telephone and online survey procedures was that it enabled an immediate collection of data onsite. Work-related stress was prevalent in Brunei public and private sector employees. Employees with low and middle level education were the most affected by work stress. In addition, workers who lived with parents and the chief income earners in the households were also distressed. Incorporation of an interview component would have helped in triangulation and interpretation of the survey findings. Prolonged and untreated work-related stress poses a high likelihood risk of lowering the quantity and quality of productivity in any work environment. Appropriate individual and group interventions (educational, counseling and psychotherapy) for vulnerable employees at risk of developing work-related stress problems were recommended. In addition, further research with interview probes was also desired to address the problem. To promote holistic employee mental health well-being, the labor force needs to operate in none-stressful work-places and live in stress-free contexts.
Stories and Narratives as Agencies of Change in Music Education: Narrative Mania or a Resource for Developing Transformative Music Education Professionalism?
Authors: Westerlund Heidi Maria
Published: December 2019

By synthetizing a compilation of theoretical lenses and exemplifying narration in one institution’s community building, this inquiry explores the idea of stories and narratives as important strategic agencies of change for music education professional communities. More specifically, it examines narrating as forward-looking and as a source for creating identities for academic communities and organizations, and how the meaning, related to narration, anticipates action. It also highlights the importance of identifying Future Narratives in nodal situations that present the potential for changing the course of action. Through theoretical exploration and practical illustrations, the inquiry aims to trace the connection between narration, meaning, action, and imagination in supporting the emergence of desirable scenarios as well as the significance of language and positive narration in developing a sense of transformative music education professionalism.
Invasive intracystic papillary carcinoma of the male breast: A case report of a 79 year male with advanced breast cancer at presentation
Authors: Edmund Der Muonir , JD Bandoh , M Robilu , G Mainatu , M Kyereh
Published: December 2019

Published data on male breast cancers (MBCs) are scare in Ghana. We report a case of breast cancer in a 79-year old man, who presented at the Tamale Teaching surgical unit with a clinically advanced stage of the disease. He had modifified mastectomy and an invasive intracystic papillary cancer was diagnosed histologically. Immunohistochemically, this tumour was ER+/PR+ /HER2-However, hormonal therapy could not be started, for the 79-year old before he died in the third week after being discharge from the hospital.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for English Linguistics Research, Vol. 8, No. 4
Authors: Su Camille
Published: December 2019

AbstractEnglish Linguistics Research (ELR) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether ELR publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue. Reviewers for Volume 8, Number 4Alina Andreea Dragoescu Urlica, University of Life Sciences, RomaniaGirolamo Tessuto, University of Naples, ItalyHülya Tuncer, Çukurova University, TurkeyKate Short-Meyerson, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, USANassier Al-Zubaidi, University of Baghdad, IraqOmer Elsheikh Hago Elmahdi, Taibah University, Saudi ArabiaSawsan M.A. Ahmed, Taif University, Saudi ArabiaWagdi Bin-Hady, Hadhramout University, YemenWin Whelan, St. Bonaventure University, USAZeineb Ayachi Ben Abdallah, Higher Institute of Human Sciences Jendouba, Tunisia   Best Regards,Camille SuEditorial Assistant, English Linguistics ResearchSciedu Press*************************************Add: 9140 Leslie St. Suite 110, Beaver Creek, Ontario, L4B 0A9, CanadaTel: 1-416-479-0028 ext. 210Fax: 1-416-642-8548E-mail1: elr@sciedupress.com  E-mail2: elr@sciedupress.org Website: http://elr.sciedupress.com
Estimating risk and cost: An analysis of patients with risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes in rural Jalisco, Mexico
Authors: Morales Katie , Hall Emily , Harris Ella , Blair Alden , Rose Sharon , Bautista-Arredondo Sergio , Santos Nicole , Sandoval Martin , Tovar Alberto , Baltzell Kimberly
Published: December 2019

The global age standardized prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) has doubled (4.7% to 8.5%) over the last three decades and is increasing more rapidly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). The global economic burden of diabetes affects individuals and health care systems and is estimated to cost $825 billion USD a year. Within Mexico, T2DM is the second leading cause of mortality and the leading cause of morbidity using disability associated life years (DALYs). A retrospective chart review and cost analysis, analyzing those at risk of diabetes, was conducted at a rural community health clinic in Jalisco, Mexico. The goal was to project the cost of providing an appropriate scope of care and plan prevention-based population health programs. The results demonstrated that out of 264 charts reviewed, 218 (83%) had one or more diabetic risk factor. The estimated per patient per visit cost is $127.22 MP (Mexican Peso, 2018) and as the number of diabetes risk factors increases for an individual patient, the mean cost of their care to the system increases (p < .001). Those with at least one risk factor comprise the majority in both males and females with a median age of 36 and median BMI of 28, and this group also has the highest percentage of borderline hypertension (46%). This data demonstrates an opportunity to intervene in a group of young adults (ages 27-46) with a cluster of high-risk borderline risk factors and preventing them from developing obesity, hypertension and diabetes later in life.
Effect of circular dances on quality of life of intestinal ostomized persons: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kimura Cristilene Akiko , Guilhem Dirce Bellezi , Abreu Breno Silva de , Silva Rodrigo Marques da , Modesto Karina Ribeiro
Published: December 2019

Background and objective: Circular dances have several benefits to the physical and mental health status of patients. few investigations analyze the effect of dances on the Quality of Life of intestinal ostomized patients. We assessed the effect of circular dances on quality of life of intestinal ostomized persons.Methods: This is a randomized controlled trial conducted with 73 individuals were randomly clustered in two major groups: I) Controls to which the standard practices were applied and II) Cases to which all the standard procedures were applied but added the practices of circular dance. The Quality of life (QoL) score were assessed by the validated questionnaire COH-QOL-OQ.Results: No significant differences between the domains’ average scores before the intervention. The correlation between the average scores has decreased on the experimental group after the intervention suggesting that the circular dances managed to improve QoL scores.Conclusions: Circular dance practices on ostomized individuals contributes to a better QoL and represents an improvement on nursing care quality. Furthermore, the permanent review of nursing practices contributes significantly to the integral health care and better nursing services delivery to the ostomized individuals. Findings confirm the efficacy of circular dances to improve de Quality of Life of intestinal ostomized persons.
The Effect of the Change in the Balance Sheet Law in 2014-2018 on Management of Companies in Poland
Authors: Chluska Jolanta
Published: December 2019

Polish business entities operate based on accounting principles in accordance with the Accounting Act and the accounting policy established by the directors of the entities. Changes in the balance sheet law have a significant effect on the internal accounting principles applied in companies. In the last three years, Polish accounting regulations have been adapted to the solutions used in the European Union.The aim of the paper is to analyse information aspects of accounting, including financial reporting in Poland in the decision-making processes of internal recipients, taking into account the changes in legal regulations.The research method was the analysis of the literature and legal acts, and a practical example.Changes in legislation influence the accounting policies defined by the managers of business entities. Companies can simplify their accounting principles including those concerning reporting. However, the simplifications should not adversely affect the economic decisions of the entity's manager and the recipients of the financial statements.The lack of accurate financial data from the accounting system may adversely affect the decision-making of the unit's manager in management processes. As it results from the analysis of the literature of the subject and the accounting systems of small enterprises, financial information from accounting is necessary for effective business management. Therefore, managers apply simplifications in accounting quite carefully.
The Innovative Model for the Formation of a Database Used to Assess a System of Economic Security of Retail Companies
Authors: Chorna M. , Shumilo O. , Zabrodska H.
Published: December 2019

The article highlights topicality of an issue related to assessing economic security of retail companies, which face hazards and threats under contemporary unstable economic conditions, for making decisions concerning ensuring a high level of the economic security, efficiency, and sustainable development of a company in general. The authors have developed a model of forming a database for assessing economic security of retail companies using mathematical modelling in order to avoid difficulties in the process of forming the database. Application of mathematical methods enables to create the more informative database, which will be used to conduct a more thorough analysis. This allows to make effective managerial decisions regarding ensuring a high level of economic security of a retail company. A methodical tool of M. Pohozhykh and M. Safronova underlies the model of forming the database for assessing economic security of a retail company applying methods of mathematical modelling. The methodical tool consists in modelling an n-dimensional geometric shape, namely a n- dimensional parallelepiped, taking into account properties of the Euclidean space. The model of forming the database for conducting an assessment is an outcome of the scientific research.
Foreign Capital Flows as Factors of Economic Growth in Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland
Authors: Rodionova T. , Yakubovskiy S. , Kyfak A.
Published: December 2019

While foreign investment is generally associated with economic growth, it can also pose significant risks to the economies of the recipient countries. An empirical study is carried out to test the causality between various forms of capital inflows and economic growth of four emerging market countries of Central and Eastern Europe: Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland. Using the vector autoregression framework it is found that prior to the crisis events in the world economy and euro area capital inflows, especially foreign direct investment, played significant role in boosting economic growth. However, afterwards there is no evidence of such impact and the reverse trend is observed: now economic growth is the factor driving capital inflows, again, mainly direct investments, to the countries. Also, as a result of the steady increase in value of the accumulated assets possessed by foreign investors in national economies negative effects of attracting foreign capital could be observed, which take the form of high volumes of repatriated profits, exceeding received investment and posing new threats for national economies.
Towards Sustainable Strategic Management: A Theoretical Review of the Evolution of Management Perception
Authors: Szymczyk Katarzyna
Published: December 2019

The article discusses issues related to the evolution of the concept of strategic management towards sustainable strategic management. In the literature, the idea of strategic management refers basically to the functioning of the organization and its activity in the economy. Currently, there is also an emphasis put on integrating environmental issues into the organization’s activities and taking care of the interests of the society, so the strategic management should combine economic aspects with ecological and social care in mind of future generations. A change of an approach from strategic management to sustainable strategic management assumes implementation of management strategies that will protect natural resources, reduce the harmful activity of enterprises on the environment and take care of current and future populations. Just as the business environment and the perception of environmental interests change, so the strategic management itself does, as a concept itself and as a guideline for the business’ functioning. Organizations following the idea of sustainable development, based on environmentally and socially friendly strategies, and aware of the consequences of their actions, here and now, are considered more productive and attractive, as well as stronger and more competitive. The evolution of general assumptions and approaches of strategic management changing within years towards the concept of sustainable strategic management enriched with the crucial environmental issues are discussed in this paper.
Undergraduate Students’ Attitudes towards Studying English as a Specialization: The Case Study of Jordanian EFL Students
Authors: Obeidat Mohammed M.
Published: December 2019

This study aimed to investigate undergraduate students’ attitudes towards studying English as a specialization in terms of attitude toward English-speaking people, the emotional aspect of attitude, interest, and motivation. It also aimed to explore if there were any significant differences between students’ responses according to gender, study year, grade point average and the type of school they graduated from. To this end, a questionnaire survey was administered upon a total of 190 randomly selected students. Results showed that students’ motivation was the most and interest in English was the least influential aspects which caused them to study English as a specialization. They also revealed no significant differences according to gender, study year and grade point average. However, results showed significant differences due to the type of school students graduated from.
Factors Influencing University Staff Health-Promoting Lifestyle Behaviours in Nigeria: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
Authors: Joseph-Shehu Elizabeth M. , Ncama Busisiwe P.
Published: December 2019

Introduction: The role of health promoting-lifestyle in the prevention of noncommunicable diseases that is global epidemics cannot be emphasis. This study examined resources available in a university that enhance and maintain health-promoting lifestyle behaviour of staff and explore factors influencing health-promoting lifestyle behaviour of staff.

Methods: The study adopted a qualitative descriptive study design. The study setting was a university with multiple satellite campuses and a staff total of 2,657 at the time of data collection. Data were collected from both academic and non-academic staff of the university through in-depth interviews. Data were analysed using content analysis and Nvivo version 11 was used for data management.

Results: Health promotion resources available in the institution were a health facility, a nutritional facility and a physical and fitness facility. The findings revealed that factors influencing health-promoting lifestyle behaviour of staff were lack of institutional health policy and protocol, work overload, lack of planned and consistent health promotion awareness, and economic factors. The majority of our participants did not see health facilities as a means of health promotion; instead they saw it as a resource to be used when they were sick rather than for health promotion services like health screening.

Conclusion: The study concluded that institutional health policy and protocol is key in improving the health of workers. Healthy workers made a healthy institution and for institutional aim to be achieved, workers need to be healthy. Therefore, emphasis should be placed on preventive management than curative management.