bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the utility of companion animal tick surveillance practices for monitoring spread and occurrence of human Lyme disease in West Virginia, 2014-2016
Authors: Hendricks Brian , Mark-Carew Miguella , Conley Jamison
Published: April 2020

Domestic dogs and cats are potentially effective sentinel populations for monitoring occurrence and spread of Lyme disease. Few studies have evaluated the public health utility of sentinel programmes using geo-analytic approaches. Confirmed Lyme disease cases diagnosed by physicians and ticks submitted by veterinarians to the West Virginia State Health Department were obtained for 2014-2016. Ticks were identified to species, and only Ixodes scapularis were incorporated in the analysis. Separate ordinary least squares (OLS) and spatial lag regression models were conducted to estimate the association between average numbers of Ix. scapularis collected on pets and human Lyme disease incidence. Regression residuals were visualised using Local Moran’s I as a diagnostic tool to identify spatial dependence. Statistically significant associations were identified between average numbers of Ix. scapularis collected from dogs and human Lyme disease in the OLS (β=20.7, P<0.001) and spatial lag (β=12.0, P=0.002) regression. No significant associations were identified for cats in either regression model. Statistically significant (P≤0.05) spatial dependence was identified in all regression models. Local Moran’s I maps produced for spatial lag regression residuals indicated a decrease in model over- and under-estimation, but identified a higher number of statistically significant outliers than OLS regression. Results support previous conclusions that dogs are effective sentinel populations for monitoring risk of human exposure to Lyme disease. Findings reinforce the utility of spatial analysis of surveillance data, and highlight West Virginia’s unique position within the eastern United States in regards to Lyme disease occurrence.
Spatio-temporal analysis and visualisation of the anthrax epidemic situation in livestock in Kazakhstan over the period 1933-2016
Authors: Abdrakhmanov Sarsenbay K. , Mukhanbetkaliyev Yersyn Y. , Korennoy Fedor I. , Karatayev Bolat Sh. , Mukhanbetkaliyeva Aizada A. , Abdrakhmanova Aruzhan S.
Published: April 2020

An analysis of the anthrax epidemic situation among livestock animals in the Republic of Kazakhstan over the period 1933-2016 is presented. During this time, 4,064 anthrax outbreaks (mainly in cattle, small ruminants, pigs and horses) were recorded. They fall into five historical periods of increase and decrease in the annual anthrax incidence (1933-1953; 1954-1968; 1969-1983; 1984- 2001; and 2002-2016), which has been associated with changes in economic activity and veterinary surveillance. To evaluate the temporal trends of incidence variation for each of these time periods, the following methods were applied: i) spatio-temporal analysis using a space-time cube to assess the presence of hotspots (i.e., areas of outbreak clustering) and the trends of their emergence over time; and ii) a linear regression model that was used to evaluate the annual numbers of outbreaks as a function of time. The results show increasing trends during the first two periods followed by a decreasing trend up to now. The peak years of anthrax outbreaks occurred in 1965-1968 but outbreaks still continue with an average annual number of outbreaks of 1.2 (95% confidence interval: 0.6-1.8). The space-time analysis approach enabled visualisation of areas with statistically significant increasing or decreasing trends of outbreak clustering providing a practical opportunity to inform decision-makers and allowing the veterinary services to concentrate their efforts on monitoring the possible risk factors in the identified locations.
Involution of the post partum uterus of the Boer Goat
Authors: Greyling J. P.C. , Van Niekerk C. H.
Published: April 2020

The microscopic uterine involutionary changes were studied in Boer goats (n=16) from 2 h to 34 d post partum. The endometrial epithelium showed a linear decrease in thickness with time post partum. A highly significant negative correlation (r= -0,94; P0,01) was found between the endometrial epithelium layer thickness and time post partum. The lamina propria layer showed a rapid decrease during the first 20 d post partum and then tended to level out. According to the statistical model (y=AeB1+c12) fitted by 25,2 d post partum, the thickness of the lamina propria layer was static. The myometrium decreased significantly (p 0,01) in thickness from Day 24 to Day 34 post partum. The thickness of the serosa followed a linear-type decrease during the observation period, while in the glandular epithelium the decrease was rapid during the first 12 d following parturition. The uterine glands reached normal size 22,1 d after parturition. The involution process of the uterus was microscopically complete by Day 28 post partum, the main indicator being the degree of recovery of the endometrial epithelium over the caruncular areas.
The prevalence of the larval stage of taenia ovis at the Port Elizabeth Abattoir
Authors: Burroughs G. W. , Nel H. M. , Coetzee M. C.
Published: April 2020

The prevalence of the larval stage of Taenia ovis and the origin of the animals were recorded for a period of 39 days at the Port Elizabeth abattoir. Cysticercosis was more frequently found in the M. triceps brachii of sheep, but the actual cysticerci were fewer than those found in the semimembranosus, semitendinosus, adductor, biceps femoris, vastus, rectus femoris and gracilis group of muscles of the hind limb (leg muscles). Most animals originated from farms in the Oudtshoorn district.
Treatment and control of an outbreak of Salmonellosis in hatchling Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus Niloticus)
Authors: Huchzermeyer K. D.A.
Published: April 2020

The therapeutic and managemental steps taken to bring a severe outbreak of salmonellosis in Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) under control are described. All the crocodiles were initially given intramuscular injections with kanamycin on alternating days for 8 d, coupled with adjustment of the ambient temperature to 29 °C. The holding pens were cleaned and disinfected with 2% formalin at the onset of treatment. Daily scrubbing and disinfection was continued throughout the treatment period. Severely affected crocodiles were separated and force-fed a liquid diet. All crocodiles were vaccinated with an inactivated calf paratyphoid vaccine 10 d after the onset of treatment and again one month later. The initial treatment was followed by a 30-week period of in-feed medication with oxytetracycline. Response to the initial treatment was dramatic, although some mortalities still occurred in the force-fed group for one month. The following year's hatchlings were fed heat-treated meat from first feeding onwards to avoid the possibility of introducing Salmonella spp. via the feed.
An outbreak of babesiosis in imported sable antelope (hippotragus niger)
Authors: McInnes Elizabeth F. , Stewart C. G. , Penzhorn B. L. , Meltzer D. G.A.
Published: April 2020

A complete necropsy performed on 2 sable antelope (Hippotragus niger), revealed lesions concomitant with a massive haemolytic crisis. These included widespread oedema and anaemia of the carcass, severe oedema of the lungs, petechiae and echymoses of the epicardium, a moderate splenomegaly and a severe haemoglobinuria. The histopathological lesions included a moderate alveolar oedema, the presence of haemosiderin in the spleen and lymph nodes, and mild degenerative changes of the renal tubular epithelium. Peripheral blood and brain smears contained numerous parasitised red blood cells. The parasites were round or oval in shape containing a single or double area of purple-staining chromatin along a portion of the margin of the organism. It was identified as Babesia irvinesmithi Martinaglia, 1936, which is unique to sable. Seven sable antelope were subsequently treated with imidocarb diproprionate at a dose of 1,2 mg kg-l. No adverse side-effects have been noted in these animals.
The pathology of subclinical infection of encephalitozoon cuniculi in canine dams producing pups with overt encephalitozoonosis
Authors: McInnes Elizabeth F. , Stewart C. G.
Published: April 2020

The macroscopic, microscopic and clinical pathology and the serology of 2 clinically normal Staffordshire Bull Terrier bitches, both of whom produced pups with confirmed encephalitozoonosis, is described. Mild histopathological changes, similar to those seen in the infected pups, were observed. The spores of Encephalitozoon cuniculi were seen in the renal tubules of the kidney of one of the bitches. The serum urea concentrations of one of the bitches was elevated. A positive titre against E. cuniculi was obtained in both of the bitches. A 10-year-old girl who had close contact with one of the infected litters of pups, seroconverted to E. cuniculi. Her two siblings were serologically negative.
Acute Leukemia Presenting with Musculoskeletal Manifestations: A Case Series
Authors: Kesarapu Swetha , Vangala Navatha , Uppin Shantveer G , Uppin Megha S , Paul Tara Roshni , Rajasekhar Liza
Published: April 2020

Introduction: Leukemia is the most common childhood malignancy accounting for 30%–40% of cases. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common leukemia in children with peak incidence in 2–6 years of age. The present study aims to assess the incidence of acute leukemia in patients presenting with musculoskeletal manifestations. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted in a tertiary center from January 2014 to December 2018. A total of 63 children presented with musculoskeletal manifestations and underwent bone marrow examination. Based on final marrow diagnosis, the study group was divided into leukemic and nonleukemic groups. Results: Fever was the most common presenting complaint and was present in all the patients of both the groups. The occurrence of hepatosplenomegaly was comparatively higher in the leukemic group than in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The predominant type of arthritis was oligoarticular (68.15%) in the leukemic group and polyarticular (77.27%) in the nonleukemic group. Rheumatoid rash was noted in 20% of JIA patients, and none of the patients in the leukemic group had rash. The percentages of anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia were statistically higher in leukemia patients than in JIA patients. Conclusion: Bone marrow studies are a prerequisite in diagnosing leukemias. However, based on the presence of few atypical clinical and laboratory features, leukemia can be excluded in JIA patients.
Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (BRCA) Gene: Concept, Pathways, Therapeutics, and Future
Authors: Tamhankar Anup , Tamhankar Tanuja
Published: April 2020

Hereditary breast and ovarian cancers are most commonly caused by mutations in BRCA1 and 2 genes. These are autosomal dominant mutations with high penetrance into subsequent generations. Affected individuals have deficiency in DNA repair mechanisms such as double strand DNA breaks (DSB) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). These tumors are peculiar due to early age of onset, typical histology such as triple negative breast cancers and high grade serous ovarian cancers and exquisite sensitivity to platinum analogues. These patients usually have better survival as compared to their wild type counterparts. Incidence of these mutations is rising due to better awareness about them amongst oncologists and patient population. Various genomic assays are available to detect germline and somatic BRCA mutations. Newer therapeutic frontiers like PARP inhibition have opened up due to better understanding of various mutations and their impact on subsequent pathways. Further studies are required to explore possibility of direct BRCA inhibition which may be useful in treatment of other solid organ cancers as well. This review focuses on understanding the pathophysiology of BRCA mutations, various pathways associated with the same, chemosensitivity patterns amongst affected cancer cells, targeted therapeutic opportunities and potential future developments in this field. We collected data from various published electronic records on google and have no conflicts of interest to be declared.
Miracle in Cancer Care: A Transformative Bond
Authors: Mullapally Sujith Kumar , Jayasree Lekshmy
Published: April 2020

The bond period after formal academic training is many times perceived by residents as an unnecessary barrier, which prevents them from a fabulous career ahead. In this article, a post-DM and post-MD resident shares their experience of bond period at a government cancer center in rural Vizag. They got an opportunity to witness the results of an outstanding vision and unwavering commitment in the field of oncology, especially in the context of lack of adequate infrastructure.
Primary Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma of the Breast: Treatment and Long-Term Outcome of Two Cases
Authors: Kashyap Rajesh , Kumar Pradeep , Lal Hira , Rao Ram Naval
Published: April 2020

Primary breast lymphoma (PBL) is a rare form of extranodal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). It accounts for <0.5% of all breast malignancies and 2% extranodal NHL. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common histological subtype. We report three cases of PBL diagnosed and treated at our center. The clinical records of three female patients diagnosed with PBL from 2004 to 2015 were reviewed. Two patients had DLBCL, and the third patient had anaplastic large cell (ALCL) NHL. The mean age at presentation was 56 years. One patient with DLBCL was treated with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone (CHOP) chemotherapy and the second patient with rituximab plus CHOP chemotherapy. Both the patients showed complete response and have had a disease-free survival of 84 and 96 months, respectively. The third patient with ALCL refused further treatment after confirmation of diagnosis. PBL-DLBCL can be successful treated with chemotherapy, and long-term survival is similar to nodal NHL.
Простые замкнутые геодезические на правильных тетраэдрах в пространстве Лобачевского
Authors: Borisenko Alexander Andreevich , Sukhorebska Darya Dmitrievna
Published: April 2020

Описаны все простые замкнутые геодезические на правильных тетраэдрах в пространстве Лобачевского. Найдена асимптотика числа простых замкнутых геодезических длины не больше $L$ при $L$, стремящемся на бесконечность. Библиография: 22 названия.
Статистические свойства трехмерных полиэдров Клейна
Authors: Illarionov Andrei Anatol'evich
Published: April 2020

Пусть $\Gamma$ - $s$-мерная решетка из $\mathbb R^s$. Выпуклые оболочки ненулевых узлов из $\Gamma$, содержащихся в каждом ортанте, называются полиэдрами Клейна решетки $\Gamma$. Эта конструкция была введена Ф. Клейном (1895 г.) в связи с обобщением классического алгоритма непрерывных дробей на многомерный случай. В. И. Арнольд сформулировал ряд задач о статистических и геометрических свойствах полиэдров Клейна. В двумерном случае соответствующие результаты вытекают из теории непрерывных дробей. В работе выводится асимптотическая формула для среднего значения $f$-вектора (количество граней, ребер и вершин) трехмерных полиэдров Клейна. Усреднение проводится по полиэдрам Клейна трехмерных целочисленных решеток с определителем из отрезка $[1,R]$, где $R$ - растущий параметр.
Библиография: 27 названий.
Семантика типа Крипке для пропозициональной логики задач и высказываний
Authors: Onoprienko Anastasiya Aleksandrovna
Published: April 2020

Рассматривается пропозициональный фрагмент $\mathrm{HC}$ объединенной логики задач и высказываний, введенной C. A. Мелиховым. Строятся модели типа Крипке для этой логики, доказывается полнота логики $\mathrm{HC}$ относительно таких моделей, а также свойство конечных моделей. Рассмотрены примеры применения моделей типа Крипке логики $\mathrm{HC}$ для решения некоторых вопросов (в частности, доказательство того, что $\mathrm{HC}$ является консервативным расширением логики $\mathrm{H4}$). Также показано, что логика $\mathrm{HC}$ полна относительно шкал Крипке с проверяющими мирами, введенных С. Н. Артeмовым и Т. Протопопеску.
Библиография: 31 название.
Pesquisa qualitativa em contabilidade: um panorama de sua evolução no congresso ANPCONT à luz da literatura internacional
Authors: Pereira Rodrigo Carlos Marques , Constantino Fabrícia De Farias da Silva , Sauerbronn Fernanda Filgueiras , Macedo Marcelo Alvaro Da Silva
Published: April 2020

O objetivo principal do estudo foi analisar a associação entre metodologias de pesquisa qualitativa e sua utilização nos artigos do Congresso ANPCONT entre 2007 a 2016, de forma a verificar quais são os métodos adotados pelos pesquisadores contábeis brasileiros. Na análise preliminar de 949 artigos, 325 empregaram estratégias qualitativas e foram categorizados em termos de áreas temáticas, instituições de origem, abordagens, estratégias e técnicas de coleta de dados. O protocolo metodológico foi estruturado em três etapas: análise de conteúdo, análise de correspondência e, por fim, de homogeneidade. Os resultados apontam a área CCG associada à estratégia de estudo de caso e as áreas EPC, CUE e MFC associadas às pesquisas documental e bibliográfica, mostrando certo interesse dos pesquisadores em desenvolver análises qualitativas nos fenômenos contábeis. Igualmente, o mapeamento apresentado revela o potencial de avanço dos estudos qualitativos no Brasil, considerando diferentes correntes epistemológicas, em alinhamento à literatura internacional de contabilidade.
Occupational Therapy’s Value in Provision of Quality Care to Prevent Readmissions
Authors: Roberts Pamela , Robinson Marla , Furniss Jeremy , Metzler Christina
Published: April 2020

Health care systems are prioritizing the quality of outcomes over the quantity of services provided, and health care payers and other stakeholders are focusing on preventing hospital readmissions. This priority supports the effort to reduce the cost of health care by avoiding the most expensive care type and improving the quality of health care by promoting sustained return to the community and remaining in the community. Occupational therapy practitioners have expertise that is critically important in this effort. Occupational therapy places a unique and immediate focus on patients’ functional and social needs, which can be important drivers of readmissions if they are not addressed. By addressing activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, functional cognition, psychosocial needs, vision, fear of falling, and safety, occupational therapy practitioners can be a valuable addition to the effort to keep people out of the hospital and participating in their lives. This article reviews the literature supporting the role of occupational therapy in each of these key areas.
Managing Budgetary Virements
Authors: Saxena Sandeep , Ylaoutinen Sami
Published: April 2020

Virements are useful instruments of budget flexibility. If carried out transparently and within accepted limits, virements can promote expenditure efficiency. Large, unregulated virements can undermine budget credibility and the budget’s relevance as principal policy and financial planning instrument. This note defines virements, clarifies their purpose, and specifies what general and country-specific considerations should guide the design of a virement framework. The note argues that countries should design virement policies maintaining balance between their budget flexibility and accountability needs, and keeping in view the legal-cultural environment and the state of development of their public financial management.
Fifteenth General Review of Quotas—Notification from the Executive Board to the Board of Governors
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. Finance Dept.
Published: April 2020

On October 15, 2019, the Executive Board notified the Board of Governors that the conclusion of the Fifteenth Review was part of a package on Fund resources and governance reform on which discussions were still ongoing, and that it would report to the Board of Governors by November 2019 on the outcome of discussions on the Fifteenth Review, the goals and timetable for the Sixteenth Review, and on the way forward on IMF resources.
Austria
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. Monetary and Capital Markets Department
Published: April 2020

This technical note on Austria presents the Financial Stability analysis, stress testing, and interconnectedness. Austria’s banking sector presents unique structural vulnerabilities. Private credit growth has supported the cyclical boom without jeopardizing household and corporate indebtedness. Profits of Austrian subsidiaries in Central, Eastern, and South-eastern Europe have increased recently; however, the cycle is turning and the ability of the sector to maintain a solid net interest margin may be further challenged. The Austrian authorities have targeted vulnerabilities related to interconnectedness by imposing Other Systemically Important Institution buffers also at the unconsolidated level. Institutional cooperation arrangements are shown to act as a shock absorber for idiosyncratic shocks, but holdings among participating members of respective IPSs may lead to substantial inward stability risks in a systemic event. Under favorable economic conditions inverse ownership contributes strongly to their capital generation by allowing partial redistribution of profits higher tier banks in the Raiffeisen sector earn on their more profitable international business.
Policy Steps to Address the Corona Crisis
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: April 2020

Monitoring, containing and mitigating the effects of the corona virus are top priorities. Timely and decisive
actions by health authorities, central banks, fiscal, regulatory and supervisory authorities can help contain
the virus outbreak and offset the economic impact of the pandemic. Central banks must support demand
and confidence by preventing a tightening of financial conditions, lowering borrowing costs for households
and firms, and ensuring market liquidity. Fiscal policy must step up to provide sizable support to the most
affected people and firms, including in hard-to-reach informal sectors. Regulatory and supervisory responses
must aim to preserve financial stability and banking system soundness while sustaining economic activity.
Somalia
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. Middle East and Central Asia Dept.
Published: April 2020

This paper discusses Somalia’s Second Review Under the Staff-Monitored Program and Request for Three-Year Arrangements Under the Extended Credit and the Extended Fund Facility. The three-year financing package will support the implementation of the authorities’ National Development Plan and anchor reforms between the heavily indebted poor countries Decision and Completion Points. Reforms will focus on a continued strengthening of public finances to meet Somalia’s development needs in a sustainable manner; a deepening of central bank capacity; improvement of the business environment and governance; and enhancing statistics. Risks to the program and outlook remain elevated, although there is also upside potential. The immediate political risks concern the upcoming elections, while frequent climate shocks continue to contribute to agricultural loss and human displacement. On the upside, greater-than-expected impact from reforms under the program and additional development financing, together with the development of new industries, could lead to higher and more inclusive growth than the baseline.
Myanmar
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. Asia and Pacific Dept
Published: April 2020

This 2019 Article IV Consultation focuses on Myanmar’s near- and medium-term challenges and policy priorities and was prepared before COVID-19 became a global pandemic and resulted in unprecedented strains in global trade, commodity and financial markets. It, therefore, does not reflect the implications of these developments and related policy priorities. These developments have greatly amplified uncertainty and could heighten downside risks around the outlook. The IMF staff is closely monitoring the situation, including related policy responses from the authorities, and will continue to work on assessing its impact in the Myanmar economy. Although long-term prospects remain favorable, near-term growth is likely to remain below potential as the correction in real estate market and continued uncertainty weighs on investor sentiment in the runup to the 2020 elections. Starting FY2020/21, bank deleveraging will further slow credit and constrain gross domestic product growth as borrower’s true ability to repay is revealed with term loans coming due and banks restructure in earnest.
Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: April 2020

In direct response to the COVID-19 crisis the
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board has adopted some immediate enhancements to its Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust (CCRT) to enable the Fund to
provide debt service relief for its poorest and most vulnerable members. The CCRT enables the IMF to deliver grants for debt relief benefiting eligible low-income countries in the wake of catastrophic natural disasters and major, fast-spreading public health emergencies.
Progress Report to The IMFC On the Activities Of The Independent Evaluation Office Of The IMF
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. Independent Evaluation Office
Published: April 2020

Like everyone else, the IEO is now adapting to new realities in the wake of the
coronavirus pandemic. During the five months after the 2019 Annual Meetings, the IEO completed two
reports, continued work on two ongoing evaluations, and launched one new evaluation. The IMF also
made good progress in following up on past IEO evaluations, including completion of a triage exercise
aimed at dealing with the backlog of off-track actions. Unfortunately, IEO work plans are now being
affected by the current crisis, as the Fund’s work is necessarily dominated by the challenge of meeting
members’ urgent needs. Planned IEO engagement with the Board has been delayed and the schedule
for ongoing and new evaluations has to be extended. Nevertheless, the IEO will continue to advance
its work program as best it can within the new constraints.
Implementation of an IBBCEAS technique in an atmospheric simulation chamber for in situ NO3 monitoring: characterization and validation for kinetic studies
Authors: Fouqueau Axel , Cirtog Manuela , Cazaunau Mathieu , Pangui Edouard , Zapf Pascal , Siour Guillaume , Landsheere Xavier , Méjean Guillaume , Romanini Daniele , Picquet-Varrault Bénédicte
Published: April 2020

Abstract. An incoherent broadband cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy (IBBCEAS) technique has been developed for in situ monitoring of NO3 radicals at the ppt level in the CSA simulation chamber (at LISA). The technique couples an incoherent broadband light source centered at 662 nm with a high finesse optical cavity made of two highly reflecting mirrors. The optical cavity which has an effective length of 82 cm allows for up to 3 km of effective absorption and a high sensitivity for NO3 detection (up to 6 ppt for an integration time of 10 seconds). This technique also allows NO2 monitoring (up to 9 ppb for an integration time of 10 seconds). Here, we present the experimental setup as well as tests for its characterization and validation. The validation tests include an intercomparison with another independent technique (FTIR) and the absolute rate determination for the reaction trans-2-butene + NO3 which is already well documented in the literature. The value of (4.13 ± 0.45) x 10-13 cm3 molecule-1 s-1 has been found, which is in good agreement with previous determinations. From these experiments, optimal operation conditions are proposed. The technique is now fully operational and can be used to determine rate constants for fast reactions involving complex volatile organic compounds (with rate constants up to 10-10 cm3 molecule-1 s-1).
Measuring the seismic risk along the Nazca-Southamerican subduction front: Shannon entropy and mutability
Authors: Vogel Eugenio E. , Brevis Felipe G. , Pastén Denisse , Muñoz Víctor , Miranda Rodrigo A. , Chian Abraham C.-L.
Published: April 2020

Abstract. Four geographical zones are deﬁned along the trench that is formed due to the subduction of the Nazca Plate underneath the South American plate; they are denoted A, B, C and D from North to South; zones A, B, and D had a major earthquake after 2010 (Magnitude over 8.0), while zone C has not, thus oﬀering a contrast for comparison. For each zone a sequence of intervals between consecutive seisms with magnitudes ≥ 3.0 is set up and then characterized by Shannon entropy and mutability. These methods show correlation after a major earthquake in what is known as the aftershock regime, but show independence otherwise. Exponential adjustments for these parameters reveal that mutability oﬀers a wider range for the parameters characterizing the recovery compared to the values of the parameters deﬁning the background activity for each zone before a large earthquake. It is found that the background activity is particularly high for zone A, still recovering for zone B, reaching values similar to those of zone A in the case of zone C (without recent major earthquake) and oscillating around moderate values for zone D. It is discussed how this can be an indication for more risk for an important future seism in the cases of zones A and C. The similarities and diﬀerences between Shannon entropy and mutability are discussed and explained.
The Pacific–Indian Ocean associated mode in CMIP5 models
Authors: Yang Minghao , Li Xin , Shi Weilai , Zhang Chao , Zhang Jianqi
Published: April 2020

Abstract. The Pacific–Indian Ocean associated mode (PIOAM), defined as the first dominant mode (empirical orthogonal function, EOF1) of sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) in the Pacific–Indian Ocean between 20∘ S and 20∘ N, is the product of the tropical air–sea interaction at the cross-basin scale and the main mode of ocean variation in the tropics. Evaluating the capability of current climate models to simulate the PIOAM and finding the possible factors that affect the simulation results are beneficial in the pursuit of more accurate future climate change prediction. Based on the 55-year Hadley Centre Global Sea Ice and Sea Surface Temperature (HadISST) dataset and the output data from 21 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) phase 5 (CMIP5) models, the PIOAM in these CMIP5 models is assessed. Instead of using the time coefficient (PC1) of the PIOAM as its index, we chose to utilize the alternative PIOAM index (PIOAMI), defined with SSTA differences in the boxes, to describe the PIOAM. It is found that the explained variance of the PIOAM in almost all 21 CMIP5 models is underestimated. Although all models reproduce the spatial pattern of the positive sea surface temperature anomaly in the eastern equatorial Pacific well, only one-third of these models successfully simulate the El
Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) mode with the east–west inverse phase in the Pacific Ocean. In general, CCSM4, GFDL-ESM2M and CMCC-CMS have a stronger capability to capture the PIOAM than the other models. The strengths of the PIOAM in the positive phase in less than one-fifth of the
models are slightly greater, and very close to the HadISST dataset, especially CCSM4. The interannual variation of the PIOAM can be measured by CCSM4,
GISS-E2-R and FGOALS-s2.
Correlation of core and downhole seismic velocities in high-pressure metamorphic rocks: a case study for the COSC-1 borehole, Sweden
Authors: Kästner Felix , Pierdominici Simona , Elger Judith , Zappone Alba , Kück Jochem , Berndt Christian
Published: April 2020

Abstract. Deeply rooted thrust zones are key features of tectonic processes and the evolution of mountain belts. Exhumed and deeply eroded orogens like the Scandinavian Caledonides allow us to study such systems from the surface. Previous seismic investigations of the Seve Nappe Complex have shown indications of a strong but discontinuous reflectivity of this thrust zone, which is only poorly understood. The correlation of seismic properties measured on borehole cores with surface seismic data can constrain the origin of this reflectivity. To this end, we compare seismic velocities measured on cores to in situ velocities measured in the borehole. For some intervals of the COSC-1 borehole, the core and downhole velocities deviate by up to 2 km s−1. These differences in the core and downhole velocities are
most likely the result of microcracks mainly due to depressurization.
However, the core and downhole velocities of the intervals with mafic rocks
are generally in close agreement. Seismic anisotropy measured in laboratory
samples increases from about 5 % to 26 % at depth, correlating with a transition from gneissic to schistose foliation. Thus, metamorphic foliation has a clear expression in seismic anisotropy. These results will aid in the evaluation of core-derived seismic properties of high-grade metamorphic rocks at the COSC-1 borehole and elsewhere.
Glacier variations in the Himalaya from 1990 to 2015 based on remote sensing
Authors: Ji Qin , Dong Jun , Li Hong-rong , Qin Yan , Liu Rui , Yang Taibao
Published: April 2020

Abstract. The Himalaya is located in the southwest margin of the Tibetan Plateau. The region is of special interest for glacio-climatological research as it is influenced by both the continental climate of Central Asia and The Indian Monsoon system. Despite its large area covered by glaciers, detail glacier inventory data are not yet available for the entire Himalaya. The study presents spatial patterns in glacier area in the entire Himalaya are multiple spatial scales. We combined Landsat TM/ETM+/OLI from 1990 to 2015 and ASTER GEDM (30 m). In the years around 1990 the whole mountain range contained about 12211 glaciers covering an area of 23229.27 km2, while the ice on south slope covered 14451.25 km2. Glaciers are mainly distributed in the western of the Himalaya with an area of 11551.69 km2 and the minimum is the eastern. The elevation of glacier mainly distributed at 4,800∼6,200 m a.s.l. with an area percent of approximately 84 % in 1990. The largest number and ice cover of glaciers is hanging glacier and valley glacier, respectively. The number of debris-covered glaciers is relatively small, whereas covers an area of about 44.21 % in 1990. The glacier decreased by 10.99 % and this recession has accelerated from 1990 to 2015. The average annual shrinkage rate of the glaciers on the north slope (0.54 % a−1) is greater than that on the south slope (0.38 % a−1). Glacier decreased in the debris-covered glaciers and debris-free glaciers, and the area loss for the first is about 15.56 % and 5.22 % for the latter during 1990–2015, which showed that the moraine in the Himalaya can inhibit the ablation of glaciers to some extent.
Front–orography interactions during landfall of the 1992 New Year's Day Storm
Authors: Spensberger Clemens , Schemm Sebastian
Published: April 2020

Abstract. Although following a common synoptic evolution for this region, the 1992 New Year's Day Storm was associated with some of the strongest winds observed along the Norwegian west coast. The narrow wind band along its bent-back front became famous as the “poisonous tail” and paved the way towards today's sting jet terminology. This article re-examines the storm's landfall with a particular focus on the interaction with the orography. Sensitivity analyses based on WRF simulations demonstrate that the formation and the evolution of the warm-air seclusion and its poisonous tail are largely independent of orography. In contrast, the warm sector of the storm undergoes considerable orographically induced modifications. While moving over the orography, both warm and cold fronts are eroded rapidly. This development fits neither the cold-air-damming paradigm nor the passive-advection paradigm describing front–orography interactions. The warm sector is lifted over the orography, thereby accelerating the occlusion process. The insensitivity of the warm-air seclusion to the orographic modifications of the warm sector raises the question of to which extent these entities are still interacting after the onset of the occlusion process.
Critical Thinking as a Dimension of Constructivist Learning in Social Studies Education: A Study of Teachers’ Attitudes in Secondary Education
Authors: Muhammad Ali Emad
Published: April 2020

This study examined social studies teachers’ attitudes towards critical thinking as a dimension of constructive learning. The purpose of this study was indeed to develop a better understanding of the use of instructional approaches by experienced teachers to enhance critical thinking skills and improve student learning of social studies. The study was conducted in the city of Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan with 20 experienced social studies teachers in 8 public secondary schools. Qualitative approach was preferred for this study. The interview with each of the 20 teachers was conducted individually and their social studies classes are observed separately. The results of this study revealed that teachers have little knowledge and understanding of instructional strategies that foster critical thinking. The teachers believed that students can benefit from using self-learning, self-assessment, involving in peer learning, meaningful and reasonable response process and express curiosity through questioning how and why. This study also explored some obstacles when teachers practice instructional strategies that enhance critical thinking in learning social studies.
What God Hath Put Together: Hurston, Black Queer Love, and the Act of Creation
Authors: Melton McKinley
Published: April 2020

This discussion considers a literary genealogy that examines Zora Neale Hurston as a predecessor to Joseph Beam and Essex Hemphill, prefiguring their need for a process through which multiply-marginalized communities might create images that more accurately reflect their existence, and considers contemporary poets Danez Smith and Timothy DuWhite as inhabitants of the legacy that they left behind. Focusing primarily on how these artists invoke—and often revise and subvert—the biblical creation narrative within their own narratives of self-creation and image- making, this discussion is also concerned with these writers' articulation of love that is deemed unnatural due to its defiance of heteropatriarchal and cultural norms. These works, when read alongside and in dialogue with one another, collectively assert that love, defined as natural and divinely approved, functions as a challenge to restrictive ideologies and a tool of affirmation for themselves and their communities.
The Impact of Financial Crisis on Earnings Management in Nonfinancial Listed Firms: Evidence from Jordan
Authors: Al-Mughrabi Yahia M.
Published: April 2020

This paper studies earnings management in Jordan during the global financial crisis. It addresses mainly the question of whether or not financial crisis has an impact on discretionary accruals, using the modified Jones model (1995) for estimating discretionary accruals. By applying Ordinary Least Squares regression model on a sample of 71 nonfinancial listed firms during the period of 2005-2012, I find a conclusive evidence that Jordanian nonfinancial listed firms did not engage in a greater level of earnings management during the financial crisis period. In addition, larger firms are less involved in earnings management practices compared to smaller firms. Moreover, the results suggest a negative significant impact of operating cash flow on discretionary accruals, while it fails to connect current year losses with discretionary accruals. However, the findings indicate that firm’s leverage is positively and significantly associated with discretionary accruals. Overall, the empirical results provided evidence that earnings management practices in Jordanian nonfinancial sectors are relatively small, even smaller in services sector, which raise questions about the validity of the modified Jones model and whether or not different models (such as Deangelo, 1986) should be used in future studies regarding earnings management.
POLISH POSITION IN THE PRODUCTION OF ENERGY FROM BIOMASS IN COMPARISON
WITH OTHER COUNTRIES OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
Authors: Wyszomierski Rafał , Bórawski Piotr , Jankowski Krzysztof
Published: April 2020

The potential and position of Poland in comparison with other EU countries in the field of solid
biomass production and the possibilities that flow with the use of this raw material for energy purposes
are presented. To assess changes in the biomass market in EU countries, tabular, graphical and descriptive
methods were used. Due to its geographical location and climatic conditions, Poland is developing the RES
sector using its own resources, which gives it one of the leading positions in the EU. This has a significant
impact on the difficulties that Poland is facing to achieve the EU’s 15% renewable energy share in final
gross energy consumption.
“Teaching how to live”. Social service representatives about the process of leaving homelessness
Authors: Mikołajczyk Marta
Published: April 2020

In the literature on homelessness, the term ‘leaving homelessness’ is used. However, it is not specified. Intuitively, it is understood as overcoming the crisis of homelessness, leaving the shelter and living in a place where the client can act independently. Doubts are raised, regarding the period of time after which it can be considered that a person has left homelessness. The aim of the article is to show the opinions of practitioners, i.e. social workers, educators, psychologists, staff managing institutions for people without their own shelter on the interpretation of the term “leaving homelessness”. The paper presents the results of a survey carried out in 2018, among 155 practitioners representing 30 institutions (shelters, hostels, single mother houses). It shows that “leaving homelessness” is understood as leaving the shelter and the certainty that the client has been functioning independently in the social environment for at least 7–12 months. At the same time, he/she must have a job, support himself/herself, build a social network, maintaining abstinence. The survey
also showed that, according to 38% of respondents, their clients are not interested in “returning home” and rather prefer to be in the shelter. This is related to their addictions, long homelessness and a sense of helplessness.
Reply to the National Catholic Bioethics Center’s Commentary on the CDF’s 2018 Responsum
Authors: Diem William Matthew ,   The National Catholic Bioethics Center
Published: April 2020

The National Catholic Bioethics Center’s (NCBC) commentary on the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith’s 2018 responsum concerning hysterectomy fails to address the explicit reasoning that the CDF offers to justify its response. The CDF does not condone the hysterectomies in question as indirect sterilizations, justified by double effect. Rather, it defines procreation—and consequently sterilization—such that the moral categories of direct and indirect sterilization are not applicable in such cases. The CDF responsum is far more radical and consequential than the NCBC commentary acknowledges. The responsum provides Catholic ethicists with an occasion for a necessary conversation that can be had only once the reasoning of the 2018 responsum is taken seriously in its own right.
Principlist and Personalist Approaches to Compassion
Authors: Ortiz Graciela ,   The National Catholic Bioethics Center
Published: April 2020

One’s understanding of compassionate care and one’s response to suffering depend on one’s bioethical framework. This paper contrasts the principlist bioethical model with the personalist bioethical model. These emphasize different principles, definitions, and understandings of concepts such as autonomy, compassion, suffering, harm, and help. The principlist model regards euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide as acts of autonomy and compassion that eradicate suffering. This perspective fails to keep in mind that autonomous patients do not always act for their own good. Conversely, the personalist perspective emphasizes the integral good of the person, not just his or her autonomous choice, which is important but not unlimited. Since support for euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide often is motivated by a fear of suffering, being a burden, or depending on others, addressing the underlying factors that drive people to contemplate a hastened death is a more genuinely compassionate response than merely respecting people’s autonomous choice for a hastened death.
Genetic Engineering
Authors: Wilger Kevin ,   The National Catholic Bioethics Center
Published: April 2020

Genetic engineering is a rapidly evolving field of research with potentially powerful therapeutic applications. The technology CRISPR-Cas9 not only has improved the accuracy and overall feasbility of genome editing but also has increased access to users by lowering cost and increasing usability and speed. The potential benefits of genetic engineering may come with an increased risk of off-target events or carcinogenic growth. Germ-line cell therapy may also pose risks to potential progeny and thus have an additional burden of proof for safety. Persons responsible for evaluating the ethics of genetic-engineering research programs or clinical trials should do so in light of the nature, integrity, and totality of the human person. Recent news of the implantation and birth of genetically engineered human embryos is just one example of increased rogue science. Health care institutions should consider what steps can be taken to prevent or slow this trend.
Truth, Meaning, and Yablo’s Paradox – A Moderate Anti-Realist Approach
Authors: Marton Peter ,   Southwestern Philosophical Society
Published: April 2020

Yablo’s Paradox, an infinite-sentence version of the Liar Paradox, aims to show that semantic paradox can emerge even without circularity. I will argue that the lack of meaning/content of the sentences involved is the source of the paradoxical outcome.I will introduce and argue for a Moderate Antirealist (MAR) approach to truth and meaning, built around the twin principles that neither truth nor meaning can outstrip knowability. Accordingly, I will introduce a MAR truth operator that both forges an explicit connection between truth and knowability and distinguishes between truth and factuality. I will also argue that the meaning/content of propositions should be identified not with the set of possible worlds in which the propositions are true/factual, but rather in which they are known.I will show that our MAR framework dissolves Yablo’s Paradox and also confirms our intuition that these sentences are all devoid of content/meaning.
Morphological and anatomical investigation of New Caledonian graminoid Dendrobium (Orchidaceae) with the description of two new species
Authors: Pignal Marc , Munzinger Jérôme
Published: April 2020

Morphological characters support the description of two new species of Orchidaceae from New Caledonia: Dendrobium butinii M.Pignal & Munzinger sp. nov. and Dendrobium letocartiorum Munzinger & M.Pignal sp. nov. The lectotypes of Dendrobium camaridiorum Rchb.f. and D. crassifolium Schltr. are designated here. A leaf anatomical study was conducted and provided useful characters to distinguish the five New Caledonian graminoid Dendrobiineae species. Two identification tools are provided: an anatomical key for sterile material of grass-like Dendrobiineae and a morphological key for the New Caledonian graminoid Dendrobium. We propose preliminary conservation assessments with IUCN criteria for the new taxa.