bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Density of Biogas Power Plants as An Indicator of Bioenergy Generated Transformation of Agricultural Landscapes
Authors: Csikos Nandor , Schwanebeck Malte , Kuhwald Michael , Szilassi Peter , Duttmann Rainer
Published: April 2019

The increasing use of biogas, produced from energy crops like silage maize, is supposed to noticeably change the structures and patterns of agricultural landscapes in Europe. The main objective of our study is to quantify this assumed impact of intensive biogas production with the example of an agrarian landscape in Northern Germany. Therefore, we used three different datasets; Corine Land Cover (CLC), local agricultural statistics (Agrar-Struktur-Erhebung, ASE), and data on biogas power plants. Via kernel density analysis, we delineated impact zones which represent different levels of bioenergy-generated transformations of agrarian landscapes. We cross-checked the results by the analyses of the land cover and landscape pattern changes from 2000 to 2012 inside the impact zones. We found significant correlations between the installed electrical capacity (IC) and land cover changes. According to our findings, the landscape pattern of cropland—expressed via landscape metrics (mean patch size (MPS), total edge (TE), mean shape index (MSI), mean fractal dimension index (MFRACT)—increased and that of pastures decreased since the beginning of biogas production. Moreover, our study indicates that the increasing number of biogas power plants in certain areas is accompanied with a continuous reduction in crop diversity and a homogenization of land use in the same areas. We found maximum degrees of land use homogenisation in areas with highest IC. Our results show that a Kernel density map of the IC of biogas power plants might offer a suitable first indicator for monitoring and quantifying landscape change induced by biogas production.
Weights-Based Image Demosaicking Using Posteriori Gradients and the Correlation of R–B Channels in High Frequency
Authors: Xia Meidong , Wang Chengyou , Ge Wenhan
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we propose a weights-based image demosaicking algorithm which is based on the Bayer pattern color filter array (CFA). When reconstructing the missing G components, the proposed algorithm uses weights based on posteriori gradients to mitigate color artifacts and distortions. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm makes full use of the correlation of R–B channels in high frequency when interpolating R/B values at B/R positions. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is superior to previous similar algorithms in composite peak signal-to-noise ratio (CPSNR) and subjective visual effect. The biggest advantage of the proposed algorithm is the use of posteriori gradients and the correlation of R–B channels in high frequency.
Altered Gene Response to Aflatoxin B1 in the Spleens of Susceptible and Resistant Turkeys
Authors: Reed Kent M. , Mendoza Kristelle M. , Coulombe Roger A.
Published: April 2019

Susceptibility and/or resistance to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a threshold trait governed principally by glutathione S transferase (GST)-mediated detoxification. In poultry, domesticated turkeys are highly sensitive to AFB1, most likely due to dysfunction in hepatic GSTs. In contrast, wild turkeys are comparatively resistant to aflatoxicosis due to the presence of functional hepatic GSTAs and other possible physiological and immunological interactions. The underlying genetic basis for the disparate GST function in turkeys is unknown as are the broader molecular interactions that control the systemic response. This study quantifies the effects of dietary AFB1 on gene expression in the turkey spleen, specifically contrasting genetically distinct domesticated (DT, susceptible) and Eastern wild (EW, resistant) birds. Male turkey poults were subjected to a short-term AFB1 treatment protocol with feed supplemented with 320 ppb AFB1 beginning on day 15 of age and continuing for 14 days. Spleen tissues were harvested and subjected to deep RNA sequencing and transcriptome analysis. Analysis of differential gene expression found the effects of AFB1 treatment on the spleen transcriptomes considerably more prominent in the DT birds compared to EW. However, expression of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was directionally biased, with the majority showing higher expression in EW (i.e., down-regulation in DT). Significantly altered pathways included FXR/RXR and LXR/RXR activation, coagulation system, prothrombin activation, acute phase response, and atherosclerosis signaling. Differential extra-hepatic expression of acute phase protein genes was confirmed by quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) in the original experiment and additional turkey lines. Results demonstrate that wild turkeys possess a capacity to more effectively respond to AFB1 exposure.
High Endemicity of Soil-Transmitted Helminths in a Population Frequently Exposed to Albendazole but No Evidence of Antiparasitic Resistance
Authors: Matamoros Gabriela , Rueda María Mercedes , Rodríguez Carol , Gabrie Jose A. , Canales Maritza , Fontecha Gustavo , Sanchez Ana
Published: April 2019

Introduction: Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are gastrointestinal parasites widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas. Mass drug administration (MDA) of benzimidazoles (BZ) is the most recommended for STH control. These drugs have demonstrated limited efficacy against Trichuris trichiura and the long-term use of single-dose BZ has raised concerns of the possible emergence of genetic resistance. The objective of this investigation was to determine whether genetic mutations associated with BZ resistance were present in STH species circulating in an endemic region of Honduras. Methods: A parasitological survey was performed as part of this study, the Kato–Katz technique was used to determine STH prevalence in children of La Hicaca, Honduras. A subgroup of children received anthelminthic treatment in order to recover adult parasite specimens that were analyzed through molecular biology techniques. Genetic regions containing codons 200, 198, and 167 of the β-tubulin gene of Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura were amplified and sequenced. Results: Stool samples were collected from 106 children. The overall STH prevalence was 75.47%, whereby T. trichiura was the most prevalent helminth (56.6%), followed by A. lumbricoides (17%), and hookworms (1.9%). Eighty-five sequences were generated for adjacent regions to codons 167, 198, and 200 of the β-tubulin gene of T. trichiura and A. lumbricoides specimens. The three codons of interest were found to be monomorphic in all the specimens. Conclusion: Although the inability to find single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the small sample analyzed for the present report does not exclude the possibility of their occurrence, these results suggest that, at present, Honduras’s challenges in STH control may not be related to drug resistance but to environmental conditions and/or host factors permitting reinfections.
Tuberculosis as a Risk Factor for 1918 Influenza Pandemic Outcomes
Authors: Mamelund Svenn-Erik , Dimka Jessica
Published: April 2019

Tuberculosis (TB) mortality declined after the 1918 pandemic, suggesting that influenza killed those who would have died from TB. Few studies have analyzed TB as a direct risk factor for 1918 influenza morbidity and mortality by age and sex. We study the impacts of TB on influenza-like illness (% of population sick) and case fatality (% of cases dying) by age and sex through case-control comparisons of patients (N = 201) and employees (N = 97) from two Norwegian sanatoriums. Female patients, patients at Landeskogen sanatorium, and patients aged 10–39 years had significantly lower morbidity than the controls. None of the 62 sick employees died, while 15 of 84 sick patients did. The case-control difference in case fatality by sex was only significant for females at Lyster sanatorium and females at both sanatoriums combined. Non-significant case-control differences in case fatality for males were likely due to small samples. Patients 20–29 years for both sexes combined at Lyster sanatorium and at both sanatoriums combined, as well as females 20–29 years for both sanatoriums combined, had significantly higher case fatality. We conclude that TB was associated with higher case fatality, but morbidity was lower for patients than for employees. The results add to the study of interactions between bacterial and viral diseases and are relevant in preparing for pandemics in TB endemic areas.
Study of Angular Correlations in Monte Carlo Simulations in Pb-Pb Collisions
Authors: Szigeti Balázs Endre , Varga-Kofarago Monika
Published: April 2019

In two-particle angular correlation measurements, the distribution of charged hadron pairs are evaluated as a function of pseudorapidity ( Δ η ) and azimuthal ( Δ φ ) differences. In these correlations, jets manifest themselves as a near-side peak around Δ η = 0 , Δ φ = 0 . These correlations can be used to extract transverse momentum ( p T ) and centrality dependence of the shape of the near-side peak in Pb-Pb collision. The shape of the near-side peak is quantified by the variances of the distribution. The variances are evaluated from a fit combining the peak and the background. In this contribution, identified and unidentified angular correlations are shown from Pb-Pb collisions at s N N = 2.76 TeV from Monte Carlo simulations (AMPT, PYTHIA 8.235/Angantyr). Results show that transport models in AMPT give better results than PYTHIA 8.235/Angantyr when comparing to the experimental results of the ALICE collaboration.
Evaluating the Within-Host Dynamics of Ranavirus Infection with Mechanistic Disease Models and Experimental Data
Authors: Mihaljevic Joseph R. , Greer Amy L. , Brunner Jesse L.
Published: April 2019

Mechanistic models are critical for our understanding of both within-host dynamics (i.e., pathogen replication and immune system processes) and among-host dynamics (i.e., transmission). Within-host models, however, are not often fit to experimental data, which can serve as a robust method of hypothesis testing and hypothesis generation. In this study, we use mechanistic models and empirical, time-series data of viral titer to better understand the replication of ranaviruses within their amphibian hosts and the immune dynamics that limit viral replication. Specifically, we fit a suite of potential models to our data, where each model represents a hypothesis about the interactions between viral replication and immune defense. Through formal model comparison, we find a parsimonious model that captures key features of our time-series data: The viral titer rises and falls through time, likely due to an immune system response, and that the initial viral dosage affects both the peak viral titer and the timing of the peak. Importantly, our model makes several predictions, including the existence of long-term viral infections, which can be validated in future studies.
Chapparvovirus DNA Found in 4% of Dogs with Diarrhea
Authors: Fahsbender Elizabeth , Altan Eda , Seguin M. Alexis , Young Pauline , Estrada Marko , Leutenegger Christian , Delwart Eric
Published: April 2019

Feces from dogs in an unexplained outbreak of diarrhea were analyzed by viral metagenomics revealing the genome of a novel parvovirus. The parvovirus was named cachavirus and was classified within the proposed Chapparvovirus genus. Using PCR, cachavirus DNA was detected in two of nine tested dogs from that outbreak. In order to begin to elucidate the clinical impact of this virus, 2,053 canine fecal samples were screened using real-time PCR. Stool samples from 203 healthy dogs were positive for cachavirus DNA at a rate of 1.47%, while 802 diarrhea samples collected in 2017 and 964 samples collected in 2018 were positive at rates of 4.0% and 4.66% frequencies, respectively (healthy versus 2017-2018 combined diarrhea p-value of 0.05). None of 83 bloody diarrhea samples tested positive. Viral loads were generally low with average real-time PCR Ct values of 36 in all three positive groups. The species tropism and pathogenicity of cachavirus, the first chapparvovirus reported in feces of a placental carnivore, remains to be fully determined.
Global Surface Soil Moisture Dynamics in 1979–2016 Observed from ESA CCI SM Dataset
Authors: Pan Ning , Wang Shuai , Liu Yanxu , Zhao Wenwu , Fu Bojie
Published: April 2019

Soil moisture (SM) is an important variable for the terrestrial surface system, as its changes greatly affect the global water and energy cycle. The description and understanding of spatiotemporal changes in global soil moisture require long time-series observation. Taking advantage of the European Space Agency (ESA) Climate Change Initiative (CCI) combined SM dataset, this study aims at identifying the non-linear trends of global SM dynamics and their variations at multiple time scales. The distribution of global surface SM changes in 1979–2016 was identified by a non-linear methodology based on a stepwise regression at the annual and seasonal scales. On the annual scale, significant changes have taken place in about one third of the lands, in which nonlinear trends account for 48.13%. At the seasonal scale, the phenomenon that “wet season get wetter, and dry season get dryer” is found this study via hemispherical SM trend analysis at seasonal scale. And, the changes in seasonal SM are more pronounced (change rate at seasonal scales is about 5 times higher than that at annual scale) and the areas seeing significant changes cover a larger surface. Seasonal SM fluctuations distributed in southwestern China, central North America and southern Africa, are concealed at the annual scale. Overall, non-linear trend analysis at multiple time scale has revealed more complex dynamics for these long time series of SM.
Simulating Marginal and Dependence Behaviour of Water Demand Processes at Any Fine Time Scale
Authors: Kossieris Panagiotis , Tsoukalas Ioannis , Makropoulos Christos , Savic Dragan
Published: April 2019

Uncertainty-aware design and management of urban water systems lies on the generation of synthetic series that should precisely reproduce the distributional and dependence properties of residential water demand process (i.e., significant deviation from Gaussianity, intermittent behaviour, high spatial and temporal variability and a variety of dependence structures) at various temporal and spatial scales of operational interest. This is of high importance since these properties govern the dynamics of the overall system, while prominent simulation methods, such as pulse-based schemes, address partially this issue by preserving part of the marginal behaviour of the process (e.g., low-order statistics) or neglecting the significant aspect of temporal dependence. In this work, we present a single stochastic modelling strategy, applicable at any fine time scale to explicitly preserve both the distributional and dependence properties of the process. The strategy builds upon the Nataf’s joint distribution model and particularly on the quantile mapping of an auxiliary Gaussian process, generated by a suitable linear stochastic model, to establish processes with the target marginal distribution and correlation structure. The three real-world case studies examined, reveal the efficiency (suitability) of the simulation strategy in terms of reproducing the variety of marginal and dependence properties encountered in water demand records from 1-min up to 1-h.
A Modified Multifractal Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (MFDFA) Approach for Multifractal Analysis of Precipitation in Dongting Lake Basin, China
Authors: Zhang Xike , Zhang Gui , Qiu Luo , Zhang Bo , Sun Yurong , Gui Zifan , Zhang Qiuwen
Published: April 2019

Multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MFDFA) method can examine higher-dimensional fractal and multifractal characteristics hidden in time series. However, removal of local trends in MFDFA is based on discontinuous polynomial fitting, resulting in pseudo-fluctuation errors. In this paper, we propose a two-stage modified MFDFA for multifractal analysis. First, an overlap moving window (OMW) algorithm is introduced to divide time series of the classic MFDFA method. Second, detrending by polynomial fitting local trend in traditional MFDFA is replaced by ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD)-based local trends. The modified MFDFA is named OMW-EEMD-MFDFA. Then, the performance of the OMW-EEMD-MFDFA method is assessed by extensive numeric simulation experiments based on a p-model of multiplicative cascading process. The results show that the modified OMW-EEMD-MFDFA method performs better than conventional MFDFA and OMW-MFDFA methods. Lastly, the modified OMW-EEMD-MFDFA method is applied to explore multifractal characteristics and multifractal sources of daily precipitation time series data at the Mapoling and Zhijiang stations in Dongting Lake Basin. Our results showed that the scaling properties of the daily precipitation time series at the two stations presented a long-range correlation, showing a long-term persistence of the previous state. The strong q-dependence of H ( q ) and τ ( q ) indicated strong multifractal characteristics in daily precipitation time series data at the two stations. Positive Δ f values demonstrate that precipitation may have a local increasing trend. Comparing the generalized Hurst exponent and the multifractal strength of the original precipitation time series data with its shuffled and surrogate time series data, we found that the multifractal characteristics of the daily precipitation time series data were caused by both long-range correlations between small and large fluctuations and broad probability density function, but the broad probability density function was dominant. This study may be of practical and scientific importance in regional precipitation forecasting, extreme precipitation regulation, and water resource management in Dongting Lake Basin.
The Use of Hydrodynamic Models in the Determination of the Chart Datum Shape in a Tropical Estuary
Authors: Zapata Carlos , Puente Araceli , García Andrés , García-Alba Javier , Espinoza Jorge
Published: April 2019

Estuaries are transitional environments with ideal conditions for port construction and navigation. They represent a challenge to hydrographic services due to the dynamics of the seabed and the tidal wave deformation. The bottom slope, the convergence of the channels, and the nonlinear effects produced by the bottom friction produce variation in both the tidal range and the location of the chart datum (CD). In this study, sea level data series obtained from the nodes of the mesh of a hydrodynamic model (virtual tide gauges) were used to calculate the harmonic constituents, form factor, asymmetry, and estuary type. The final chart datum surface, obtained from the hydrodynamic model, was used to determine the separation values between zones and also the number of tidal zones in an estuarine system. It was found that in a complex hydrodynamics scenario, the use of the ellipsoidal referenced surveying (ERS) method is more convenient than traditional tidal zoning survey. In the ERS method, once the CD model is complete, it must be attached to the ellipsoid directly. Finally, the variation of the CD in different scenarios (due to anthropogenic action) was assessed.
Efficacy of Flushing and Chlorination in Removing Microorganisms from a Pilot Drinking Water Distribution System
Authors: van Bel Nikki , Hornstra Luc M. , van der Veen Anita , Medema Gertjan
Published: April 2019

To ensure delivery of microbiologically safe drinking water, the physical integrity of the distribution system is an important control measure. During repair works or an incident the drinking water pipe is open and microbiologically contaminated water or soil may enter. Before taking the pipe back into service it must be cleaned. The efficacy of flushing and shock chlorination was tested using a model pipe-loop system with a natural or cultured biofilm to which a microbial contamination (Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens spores and phiX174) was added. On average, flushing removed 1.5–2.7 log microorganisms from the water, but not the biofilm. In addition, sand added to the system was not completely removed. Flushing velocity (0.3 or 1.5 m/s) did not affect the efficacy. Shock chlorination (10 mg/L, 1–24 h) was very effective against E. coli and phiX174, but C. perfringens spores were partly resistant. Chlorination was slightly more effective in pipes with a natural compared to a cultured biofilm. Flushing alone is thus not sufficient after high risk repair works or incidents, and shock chlorination should be considered to remove microorganisms to ensure microbiologically safe drinking water. Prevention via hygienic working procedures, localizing and isolating the contamination source and issuing boil water advisories remain important, especially during confirmed contamination events.
Effect of Multicollinearity on the Bivariate Frequency Analysis of Annual Maximum Rainfall Events
Authors: Yoo Chulsang , Cho Eunsaem
Published: April 2019

A rainfall event, simplified by a rectangular pulse, is defined by three components: the rainfall duration, the total rainfall depth, and mean rainfall intensity. However, as the mean rainfall intensity can be calculated by the total rainfall depth divided by the rainfall duration, any two components can fully define the rainfall event (i.e., one component must be redundant). The frequency analysis of a rainfall event also considers just two components selected rather arbitrarily out of these three components. However, this study argues that the two components should be selected properly or the result of frequency analysis can be significantly biased. This study fully discusses this selection problem with the annual maximum rainfall events from Seoul, Korea. In fact, this issue is closely related with the multicollinearity in the multivariate regression analysis, which indicates that as interdependency among variables grows the variance of the regression coefficient also increases to result in the low quality of resulting estimate. The findings of this study are summarized as follows: (1) The results of frequency analysis are totally different according to the selected two variables out of three. (2) Among three results, the result considering the total rainfall depth and the mean rainfall intensity is found to be the most reasonable. (3) This result is fully supported by the multicollinearity issue among the correlated variables. The rainfall duration should be excluded in the frequency analysis of a rainfall event as its variance inflation factor is very high.
Розвиток витривалості юних спортсменів 12-13 років у велотуризмі на початковому етапі підготовки
Authors: Kozina Zh. L. , Koval К.А. , Vasilyev Yu.K.
Published: April 2019

Мета дослідження – розробити і обгрунтувати комплексну методику розвитку витривалості школярів середніх класів засобами велотуризму. Матеріал і методи. В даному дослідженні приймали участь велотуристи 12-13 років Липкуватіської загально–освітньої школи l-lll ступенів (9 спортсменів  склали експериментальну групу, 9 – контрольну). Для визначення функціональних можливостей школярів середніх класів застосовувались наступні проби і тести: Гарвардський степ-тест, проба Штанге, проба Генчі, проба Серкіна. Розроблено методику розвитку витривалості, яка передбачає застосовування комплексу засобів велотуризму. Комплекс складається з 2-х частин: комплексна  дистанція «тріал і фігурне водіння велосипеда» і велопохід. Тріал являє собою дистанцію довжиною 100-200 м. з природними та штучними перешкодами (крутий схил; яр; піщані; заболочені та інші важкопрохідні дільниці; струмки; калюжі; стовбури дерев, що лежать, тощо) по вузькому коридору (до 1,5м), утвореному природними і штучними обмеженнями (стрічки між деревами або стійками тощо). Фігурне водіння велосипеда передбачає застосування наступних перешкод: «Щілина», «Змійка між стійками», «Коридор», «Колія», «Коло», «Вісімка», «Ворота», «Кільце», «Перенесення предмету», «Зигзаг», «Гойдалка», «Змійка між фішками», «Стоп-лінія. Фініш». Особливістю походу є те, що  окрем розвитку витривалості, він вирішував завдання виховного та освтнього характеру шляхом ознайомлення з цікавими місцями Слобожанщини, зустрічами з цікавими людьми тощо. Результати. Показано, що авторська методика комплексного розвитку витривалості, що поєднує засоби фігурного вождіння та велопоходу, є більш ефективною у порівнянні з традиційною методикою розвитку витривалості школярів середніх класів, яка містить виключно подолання дистанцій; виявлено, що застосування комплексної методики розвитку витривалості школярів середніх класів сприяє підвищенню часу затримки дихання за пробами Штанге, Генчі, Серкіна, а також зменшенню ЧСС спокою, ЧСС після стандартного навантаження та підвищенню якості відновлення працездатності. Висновок. Розроблена методика може застосовуватись в підготовці юних велотуристів.
Індивідуальна факторна структура підготовленості кваліфікованих волейболісток
Authors: Kozina Zh.L. , Khrapov S.B. , Yevstratov S. , Kolomiets N.A. , Hryshchenko S.V. , Minenok A.O. , Nosko Iu.M.
Published: April 2019

Мета дослідження полягала у  розробці індивідуальних факторних моделей фізичної підготовленості волейболісток високого класу різного ігрового амплуа. Матеріал і методи. У дослідженні взяли участь 12 гравців жіночої команди “Харків’янка” м. Харкова Волейболістки тестувались за 10 показниками педагогічними педагогічного тестування: Біг до 4-х точок; Біг для визначення швидкості переміщення по волейбольній площадці на відстань 30 м (9-3-6-3-9 м); Стрибок у висоту з місця; Стрибок у висоту з розбігу; Метання набивного м'яча з вихідного положення сидячі; Метання набивного м'яча з вихідного положення лежачі; Підйоми тулуба із положення лежачи на спині за 20 с (кількість разів); Підйоми тулуба із положення лежачи на животі за 20 с (кількість разів); Згинання-розгинання рук в упорі лежачі за 20 с (кількість разів); Стрибок у довжину з місця. Отримані дані математично оброблялися із застосуванням методів факторного аналізу, на основі чого будувалися індивідуальні факторні моделі гравців. Результати. На підставі факторного аналізу була визначена структура підготовленості кваліфікованих волейболісток,  у якій виявилося чотири виражених фактори: швидкісно-силова підготовленість, відносна сила, спеціальна витривалість, швидкісна витривалість. Визначено модель належності гравців до амплуа згідно до визначеної факторної структури: у нападників першого темпу на перший план виступають такі фактори, як швидкісно-силова підготовленість та відносна сила, у нападників другого темпу – швидкісно-силова підготовленість та швидкісна витривалість, у зв'язок – швидкісна витривалість та спеціальна витривалість, у ліберо – відносна сила та спеціальна витривалість. Висновок. Користуючись розробленою схемою, індивідуальними факторними моделями гравців та розробленою шкалою оцінок показників тестування, можна визначити індивідуальні потенціальні можливості різних гравців до гри  в різних амплуа.
Застосування скелелазіння у адаптивному фізичному вихованні дітей з розладами спектру аутизму
Authors: Musiyenko O.V. , Kizlo Кізло
Published: April 2019

Метою даної роботи було встановити вплив скелелазіння як засобу адаптивного фізичного виховання на поведінку, емоційний стан, координацію рухів та якість життя дітей з розладами спектру аутизму. Матеріал і методи: В експерименті брали участь 5 дітей 8-9 років з РАС. Усі діти, які були залучені до занять скелелазінням, мали т. зв. низькофункціональний аутизм (інвалідність підгрупи А). Вони не розмовляли, не вміли ані читати, ані писати, мали проблемну поведінку, стереотипні рухи, велику кількість недоцільних рухів, порушену координацію рухів, агресію і аутоагресію. Діти відвідували заняття зі скелелазіння 2 рази на тиждень по 40 хв. на скеледромі у м. Львів з 1 вересня 2017 р. по 30 червня 2018 р. Заняття були індивідуальні. Кожне з них розпочиналося з розминки (5 хв.), в основній частині дітей навчали боулдерингу (10 хв.) і займались на високих трасах до 14 м (25 хв.). До початку занять (серпень 2017 р.) було проведено анкетування батьків щодо психофізичного стану дітей, які були включені у експеримент. Анкету батьки заповнювали кожних три місяці протягом експерименту, де наводили зміни у психофізичному стані своїх дітей. Результати: За результатами експертної оцінки психофізичного стану дітей з РАС, які відвідували заняття зі скелелазіння, можна стверджувати, що на фоні зростання результатів вправності рухів, логіки проходження дистанції, швидкості вирішення рухових завдань, значного зростання позитивних емоцій, відбувається суттєве зниження проблемної поведінки. Заняття скелелазінням сприяють суттєвому зростанню якості життя як дітей з РАС, так їхніх батьків. Результати впливу тривалості занять на компоненти поведінки піддослідних дітей за допомогою багатовимірного дисперсійного аналізу показали показали достовірний вплив тривалості занять на різні компоненти поведінки дітей (р<0,001). Висновки. Отримані результати свідчать про високу ефективність застосування скелелазіння в якості засоба соціалшізації дітей з аутизмом. Заняття скелелазінням є потужним сенсорним стимулом для дітей з РАС. Можна рекомендувати індивідуальні заняття скелазінням для дітей з РАС як ефективний засіб адаптивного фізичного виховання.
Never too Old to Learn New Tricks: Surveying Canadian Health Care Professionals about Learning Needs in Caring for Older Adults with Cancer
Authors: Puts M. , Hsu T. , Szumacher E. , Dawe D. , Fitch M. , Jones J. , Fulop T. , Alibhai S. , Strohschein F.
Published: April 2019

Cancer is the leading cause of death in Canada [...]
Why Are We Organizing Another Costing Supplement in Current Oncology?
Authors: Mittmann N.
Published: April 2019

Why are we publishing another costing supplement in Current Oncology? [...]
Contemporary Survey on the Empirical Literature of Islamic Finance and Economic Growth Relationship
Authors: Gani Ibrahim Musa , Bahari Zakaria Bin
Published: April 2019

Financial sector activities are part of the main ingredients for the growth of any economy. The financial activities that were most widely practiced are Interest-based conventional financial activities which are prohibited in Islam. Thus, non-interest Islamic financial activities were introduced and it has been accepted and practiced all around the globe. Therefore, this study surveyed, explored and analysed using library review method, the empirical studies conducted on Islamic finance and the economic growth nexus. The study revealed that the majority of the findings of the empirical studies are in support of a positive and significant contribution of Islamic finance to the growth of the real economy in short run and long run, few of the findings indicate an insignificant contribution. The causal relationship between Islamic finance and growth is mostly bi-directional as reported in many of the studies, but supply leading hypothesis also emerged in some of the few studies. It was concluded that Islamic finance is immensely contributing to the growth of the real economy.
Development of Community Based Intelligent Modules Using IoT to Make Cities Smarter
Authors: Kallimani Jagadish S , Sailusha Chekuri , Lathar Pankaj , K.G. Srinivasa
Published: April 2019

The purpose of the smart cities mission is to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life of people by empowering local area development and harnessing technology. All the information gathered is placed across the cloud so that any person of the city can get the information within no time. This helps the citizens to be smart by preserving their precious time and also being healthy. This article mainly discusses about the urban mobility solutions such as traffic management, smart parking, garbage monitoring system and air pollution monitoring system.
The Use of Electronic Library Resources in Nigerian Universities
Authors: Sadiku Shaibu Adona , Issa Abdulwahab Olarenwaju , Mohammed Mohammed Kpakiko
Published: April 2019

A number of studies have focused on the use of e-libraries, drawing numerous conclusions about the use and challenges facing e-libraries. This article therefore presents a review of the literature on the use of e-libraries in universities with a particular interest in Nigerian institutions. The article examines the concepts and the antecedents of electronic libraries. The review shows that a number of approaches have been used to assess the use of e-libraries, and that computer self-efficacy has an impact on the performance while technological innovation, by extension, enhances the satisfactory use of electronic library systems. In addition, the review underscores the fact that there are few studies that pay attention to the satisfactory usage of electronic libraries in Nigerian universities. The article thus concludes by restating the important roles those e-libraries play in information service delivery. Recommendations for further studies on the mode and modalities with which effective training is conducted especially in the area of information search skills are made.
Identification of Neoantigen-Reactive Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Primary Bladder Cancer
Authors: Leko Vid , McDuffie Lucas A. , Zheng Zhili , Gartner Jared J. , Prickett Todd D. , Apolo Andrea B. , Agarwal Piyush K. , Rosenberg Steven A. , Lu Yong-Chen
Published: April 2019

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are effective in treating a variety of malignancies, including metastatic bladder cancer. A generally accepted hypothesis suggests that immune checkpoint inhibitors induce tumor regressions by reactivating a population of endogenous tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) that recognize cancer neoantigens. Although previous studies have identified neoantigen-reactive TILs from several types of cancer, no study to date has shown whether neoantigen-reactive TILs can be found in bladder tumors. To address this, we generated TIL cultures from patients with primary bladder cancer and tested their ability to recognize tumor-specific mutations. We found that CD4+ TILs from one patient recognized mutated C-terminal binding protein 1 in an MHC class II–restricted manner. This finding suggests that neoantigen-reactive TILs reside in bladder cancer, which may help explain the effectiveness of immune checkpoint blockade in this disease and also provides a rationale for the future use of adoptive T cell therapy targeting neoantigens in bladder cancer.
FAMILIAL MEDITERRANEAN FEVER: ASSESSING THE OVERALL CLINICAL IMPACT AND FORMULATING TREATMENT PLANS
Authors: Rigante Donato , Manna Raffaele
Published: April 2019

Recurrent self-limited attacks of fever and short-lived inflammation in the serosal membranes, joints and skin are the leading features of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), the most common autoinflammatory disorder in the world, transmitted as autosomal recessive trait caused by MEFV gene mutations. Their consequence is an abnormal function of pyrin, a natural repressor of inflammation, apoptosis and release of cytokines. FMF-related mutant pyrins are hypophosphorylated following RhoA GTPases’ impaired activity and show a propensity to relapsing uncontrolled systemic inflammation with inappropriate response to inflammatory stimuli and leukocyte spread to serosal membranes, joints or skin. Typical FMF phenotype 1 consists of brief episodes of inflammation and serositis, synovitis, and/or erysipelas-like eruption, whereas phenotype 2 is defined by reactive amyloid-associated (AA) amyloidosis, which is the most ominous complication of FMF, in otherwise asymptomatic individuals. Furthermore, FMF phenotype 3 is referred to the presence of two MEFV mutations with neither clinical signs of FMF, nor AA amyloidosis. The influence of epigenetic and/or environmental factors can contribute to the variable penetrance and phenotypic heterogeneity of FMF. Colchicine, a tricyclic alkaloid with anti-microtubule and anti-inflammatory properties, is the bedrock of FMF management: daily administration of colchicine prevents the recurrence of FMF attacks and the development of secondary AA amyloidosis. Many recent studies have also shown that anti-interleukin-1 treatment is actually the best therapeutic option for FMF patients nonresponsive or intolerant to colchicine. This review aims to catch readers’ attention on the clinical diversity of phenotypes, differential diagnosis, and management of patients with FMF.
Impact of metabolic pathways and salinity on the hydrogen isotope ratios of haptophyte lipids
Authors: Weiss Gabriella M. , Chivall David , Kasper Sebastian , Nakamura Hideto , da Costa Fiz , Soudant Philippe , Sinninghe Damsté Jaap S. , Schouten Stefan , van der Meer Marcel T. J.
Published: April 2019

Abstract. Hydrogen isotope ratios of biomarkers have been shown to reflect water isotope ratios, and in some cases correlate significantly with salinity. The δ2H-salinity relationship is best studied for long-chain alkenones, biomarkers for haptophyte algae, and is known to be influenced by a number of different environmental parameters. It is not fully known why δ2H ratios of lipids retain a correlation to salinity, and whether this is a general feature for other lipids produced by haptophyte algae. Here, we analyzed δ2H ratios of three fatty acids, brassicasterol, long-chain C37 alkenones and phytol from three different haptophyte species grown over a range of salinities. Lipids synthesized in the cytosol, or relying on precursors of cytosolic origin, show a correlation between their δ2H ratios and salinity. In contrast, biosynthesis in the chloroplast, or utilizing precursors created in the chloroplast, yields lipids that do not show a correlation between δ2H ratios and salinity. This leads to the conclusion that location of metabolism is the first-order control on the salinity signal retained in δ2H ratios of certain lipids. Additionally, we found that δ2H ratios of alkenones from batch cultures of the Group II haptophyte species Tisochrysis lutea correlate positively with temperature, contrary to findings from cultures of Group III haptophytes, but retain a similar response to nutrient availability in line with other Group III haptophytes.
Some aspects of the deep abyssal overflow between the middle and southern basins of the Caspian Sea
Authors: Babagoli Matikolaei Javad , Aliakbari Bidokhti Abbasali , Shiea Maryam
Published: April 2019

Abstract. The present study investigates the deep gravity current between the
middle and southern Caspian Sea basins caused by the density difference of
deep waters. Oceanographic data, a numerical model and a dynamic model are
used to consider the structure of this Caspian Sea abyssal overflow. The CTD
data are obtained from UNESCO, and the three-dimensional COHERENS ocean model
results are used to study the abyssal currents in the southern basin of the
Caspian Sea. The deep overflow is driven by the density difference, which is mainly owing to the
temperature difference, between the middle and southern basins, especially in
winter. Due to cold weather in the northern basin, water sinks at high
latitudes and after filling the middle basin it overflows into the southern
basin. As the current passes through the Absheron Strait (or sill), we use
the analytic model of Falcini and Salusti (2015) for the overflow gravity
current to estimate the changes in the vorticity and potential vorticity of the
flow over the Absheron sill; the effects of entrainment and friction are also
considered. Due to the importance of the overflow with respect to deep water
ventilation, a simple dynamical model of the boundary currents based on the
shape of the Absheron Strait is used to estimate typical mass transport and
flushing time; the flushing time is found to be about 15 to 20 years for the southern
basin of the Caspian Sea. This timescale is important for the region's
ecosystem and with respect to the impacts of pollution due to oil exploration.
In addition, by reviewing the drilled oil and gas wells in the Caspian Sea, the
results show that the deep overflow moves over some of these wells. Thus, the
deep flow could be an important factor influencing oil pollution in the deeper region of
the southern Caspian Sea.
The Impact of Training Program Based on Bar-On Model of Emotional-Social Intelligence on the Development of Cognitive Flexibility among Secondary School Students in Jordan
Authors: Aljazi Sami F. , Alrekebat Amjad F.
Published: April 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the training program based on Bar-On model of emotional-social intelligence on the development of cognitive flexibility among secondary school students in Jordan. The study sample consisted of 40 male and female students who were randomly selected. The students were equally divided into experimental group and control group .The students in the experimental and control groups completed pre-test and post-test that measure their cognitive flexibility. The students in the experimental group received emotional intelligence training that was developed based on Bar-On model of emotional-social intelligence. The training program consisted of 15 sessions. The results showed significant differences between the mean scores of the two groups in the degree of cognitive flexibility in the post-test. The students in experimental group scored higher than the students in the control group. However, there were no significant differences between the mean scores of the experimental group in the degree of cognitive flexibility in the tests based on their gender.
Capabilities for What? Developing Sen's Moral Theory For Communications Research
Authors: Couldry Nick
Published: April 2019

This article reviews debates about the application of Amartya Sen's capabilities theory to the understanding and regulation of media and communications. It argues that Sen's insistence on the complexity of ethical reasoning, and the underlying complexity of “the good,” makes the capabilities approach the most suitable general approach for considering what media justice is. In particular, the advantages of Sen's approach compared with Martha Nussbaum's specification of particular human capabilities are discussed. Possible supplements of capabilities thinking by the concept of recognition are also discussed, and their limits noted.
The Political Economy of Media Capabilities: The Capability Approach in Media Policy
Authors: Litschka Michael
Published: April 2019

In this article, the implications and application possibilities of the capability approach by Amartya Sen for normative discussions about media policy are explored. It gives an overview of some important streams of heterodox political-economic approaches in economics and their role in a “mediatized” world and centers on two concepts of major interest for media policies: the potential media capabilities can have for media users in a mediatized economy, and the important role of publicity and mass media when questions of justice are concerned. For both issues, the capability approach offers interesting insights from a political-economic perspective.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for English Language Teaching Vol 12 No 5
Authors: Yu Gavin
Published: April 2019

Reviewer acknowledgements for English Language Teaching, Vol. 12, No. 5, 2019
Baseline Monitoring of Elemental Contamination Levels in Soil Samples in Elebele Community, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Authors: H. O. Nwankwoala , S. O. Omemu
Published: April 2019

This study evaluated the physico-chemical properties of the soil and water in Elebele Community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Standard sampling and analytical methods were employed. The predominant soils of the region are mainly sandy-loam and clayey-loamy. The soil physico-chemical properties were in good status as they were not toxic. Soil particle size distribution (sand silt and clay) was observed as follows: sand content ranged between 50.6%-86.2% with a mean of 64.5% at the surface soil while the subsurface soil ranged between 35%-80.2% with a mean of 60.2%. Silt on the other hand ranged between 7.8%-36% and a mean of 25.1% at the surface and ranged between 12.8-49.6% and mean of 25.4% at the subsurface while clay ranged between 3.4%-16% and mean of 9.4% at the surface and also ranged between 7%-16% and mean value of the soil. However, the soil physical properties were relativity good for sustainability. Also, the metals studied were detected in all the sites. Generally the concentrations of the metals were highest at the top soils. This is expected since the top soil is the point of contact. The metal levels in all the sites were significantly higher than the levels observed in the control sites. Sources of heavy metals in soils like inorganic fertilizers and pesticides need to be controlled.
The Self-Perceived Knowledge of Special Education Administrators in Kuwait
Authors: Abbas Zainab , Almusawi Hashemiah , Alenezi Nouf
Published: April 2019

Administrators of special education identify and provide essential services for students with disabilities. No research has been conducted on the perceptions of Kuwait’s special education administrators regarding their knowledge in key special education standard areas. This study examined those perceptions and the extent to which they are influenced by administrators’ experience, qualification level, school district, or educational setting. Quantitative data were collected by surveying 62 special education administrators and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, a one-way ANOVA, and Spearman’s rank-order correlations. The results indicated that the participants consider themselves most knowledgeable in two areas (1) collaboration and (2) leadership and policy—but less knowledgeable in the areas of research and inquiry, individual and program evaluation, and professional development and ethical practice. A significant relationship was found between self-assessment ratings and the educational setting where the administrator was working. Recommendations are made with the aim of enhancing the knowledge and development of special education administrators. The limitations of the study and further research possibilities are also discussed.
Effects of Sowing Time and Growing Density on Agronomic Traits, Grain Yield, and Grain Quality of Waxy Sorghum Cultivar Hongliangfeng 1
Authors: Wang Can , Zhou Lingbo , Zhang Guobing , Xu Yan , Gao Xu , Jiang Ne , Zhang Liyi , Shao Mingbo
Published: April 2019

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of sowing time and growing density on the yield and quality of grain in waxy sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench). The main plots were two sowing time: early sowing (5 April) and late sowing (20 April), and the subplots were three growing densities: 0.8 × 105, 1.1 × 105, and 1.4 × 105 plants/ha. Results showed that sowing time and growing density had significant effects on grain yield and grain quality of waxy sorghum cultivar Hongliangfeng 1. Grain yield, plant height, spike length, culm diameter, grain number per spike, grain weight per plant, 1000-grain weight, protein content, starch content, and amylopectin content were reduced by a delay of sowing time, while the tannin content and amylose content were increased by a delay of sowing time. Grain yield, plant height, spike length, culm diameter, grain number per spike, grain weight per plant, 1000-grain weight, protein content, starch content, and amylopectin content increased and then decreased with the increase of growing density, while the tannin content and amylose content decreased and then increased with the increase of growing density. These results hinted that appropriate sowing time and growing density are key cultivation measures to ensure high yield and good quality in waxy sorghum production.