bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving our understanding of wind extremes from Bangladesh tropical cyclones: insights from a high-resolution convection-permitting numerical model
Authors: Steptoe Hamish , Economou Theo
Published: October 2020

Abstract. We use high resolution (4.4 km) numerical simulations of tropical cyclones to produce exceedance probability estimates for extreme wind (gust) speeds over Bangladesh. For the first time, we estimate equivalent return periods up to and including a 1-in-200 year event, in a spatially coherent manner over all of Bangladesh, by using generalised additive models. We show that some northern provinces, up to 200 km inland, may experience conditions equal to or exceeding a very severe cyclonic storm event (maximum wind speeds in ≥ 64 knots) with a likelihood equal to coastal regions less than 50 km inland. For the most severe super cyclonic storm events (≥ 120 knots), event exceedance probabilities of 1-in-100 to 1-in-200 events remain limited to the coastlines of southern provinces only. We demonstrate how the Bayesian interpretation of the generalised additive model can facilitate a transparent decision-making framework for tropical cyclone warnings.
Assessing soil salinity dynamics using time-lapse electromagnetic conductivity imaging
Authors: Paz Maria Catarina , Farzamian Mohammad , Paz Ana Marta , Castanheira Nádia Luísa , Gonçalves Maria Conceição , Monteiro Santos Fernando
Published: October 2020

Abstract. Lezíria Grande de Vila Franca de Xira, located in Portugal, is an important agricultural system where soil faces the risk of salinization due
to climate change, as the level and salinity of groundwater are likely to
increase as a result of the rise of the sea water level and consequently of the estuary. These changes can also affect the salinity of the irrigation
water which is collected upstream of the estuary. Soil salinity can be
assessed over large areas by the following rationale: (1) use of
electromagnetic induction (EMI) to measure the soil apparent electrical
conductivity (ECa, mS m−1); (2) inversion of ECa to obtain
electromagnetic conductivity imaging (EMCI) which provides the spatial distribution of the soil electrical conductivity (σ, mS m−1);
(3) calibration process consisting of a regression between σ and the
electrical conductivity of the saturated soil paste extract (ECe,
dS m−1), used as a proxy for soil salinity; and (4) conversion of EMCI into salinity cross sections using the obtained calibration equation. In this study, EMI surveys and soil sampling were carried out between
May 2017 and October 2018 at four locations with different salinity levels
across the study area of Lezíria de Vila Franca. A previously developed
regional calibration was used for predicting ECe from EMCI. Using time-lapse EMCI data, this study aims (1) to evaluate the ability of the regional calibration to predict soil salinity and (2) to perform a preliminary qualitative analysis of soil salinity dynamics in the study
area. The validation analysis showed that ECe was predicted with a
root mean square error (RMSE) of 3.14 dS m−1 in a range of 52.35 dS m−1, slightly overestimated (−1.23 dS m−1), with a strong Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) of 0.94 and high linearity between
measured and predicted data (R2=0.88). It was also observed that
the prediction ability of the regional calibration is more influenced by
spatial variability of data than temporal variability of data. Soil salinity
cross sections were generated for each date and location of data collection,
revealing qualitative salinity fluctuations related to the input of salts
and water either through irrigation, precipitation, or level and salinity of groundwater. Time-lapse EMCI is developing into a valid methodology for
evaluating the risk of soil salinization, so it can further support the
evaluation and adoption of proper agricultural management strategies,
especially in irrigated areas, where continuous monitoring of soil salinity
dynamics is required.
The mechanical origin of snow avalanche dynamics and flow regime transitions
Authors: Li Xingyue , Sovilla Betty , Jiang Chenfanfu , Gaume Johan
Published: October 2020

Abstract. Snow avalanches cause fatalities and economic damage. Key to their
mitigation is the understanding of snow avalanche dynamics. This
study investigates the dynamic behavior of snow avalanches, using the
material point method (MPM) and an elastoplastic constitutive law for
porous cohesive materials. By virtue of the hybrid Eulerian–Lagrangian
nature of the MPM, we can handle processes involving large deformations,
collisions and fractures. Meanwhile, the elastoplastic model enables
us to capture the mixed-mode failure of snow, including tensile, shear
and compressive failure. Using the proposed numerical approach,
distinct behaviors of snow avalanches, from fluid-like to solid-like,
are examined with varied snow mechanical properties. In particular,
four flow regimes reported from real observations are identified,
namely, cold dense, warm shear, warm plug and sliding slab
regimes. Moreover, notable surges and roll waves are observed
peculiarly for flows in transition from cold dense to warm shear
regimes. Each of the flow regimes shows unique flow characteristics in
terms of the evolution of the avalanche front, the free-surface shape,
and the vertical velocity profile. We further explore the influence of
slope geometry on the behavior of snow avalanches, including the
effect of slope angle and path length on the maximum flow velocity,
the runout angle and the deposit height. Unified trends are obtained
between the normalized maximum flow velocity and the scaled runout
angle as well as the scaled deposit height, reflecting analogous rules
with different geometry conditions of the slope. It is found that the
maximum flow velocity is mainly controlled by the friction between the
bed and the flow, the geometry of the slope, and the snow
properties. We reveal the crucial effect of both flow and deposition
behaviors on the runout angle. Furthermore, our MPM modeling is
calibrated and tested with simulations of real snow avalanches. The
evolution of the avalanche front position and velocity from the MPM
modeling shows reasonable agreement with the measurement data from the
literature. The MPM approach serves as a novel and promising tool to
offer systematic and quantitative analysis for mitigation of
gravitational hazards like snow avalanches.
The Nutritional Components of Rice are Closely Related to Grain Quality Traits in Rice
Authors: Peng Bo , Jin Ke-Xin , Luo Dian-Ya , Tian Xia-Yu , Sun Yan-Fang , Huang Xin-Hua , Pang Rui-Hua , Wang Quan-Xiu , Zhou Wei , Yuan Hong-Yu , Yang Fang , Peng Juan , Li Hui-Long , Song Xiao-Hua , A Xin-Xiang
Published: October 2020

Starch, protein and lipid are the most important nutrients in rice, and their composition and content in rice grains play a decisive role in the grain quality. Rice quality (including appearance quality, cooking quality, nutrition quality, grinding and processing quality, etc.) is not only affected by the composition of the nutrients in grain of rice, but also by the physical and chemical characteristics and their content in grains, but also vulnerable to external environmental conditions. To clarify the relationship between the main nutrients in rice and their grain quality traits is of great theoretical significance and potential application value for the continuous improvement of rice quality in the future. Therefore, this paper reviewed the effects of starch, protein, lipid and mineral elements in grain of rice and also on quality of trait in rice. It is also discussed the relationship between these nutrients and rice grain quality traits. All of those will provide important information for the quality of grain improvement and breeding of new varieties with high quality in rice.
Actividad fisiológica, alimenticia y psicológica de los adultos mayores durante la cuarentena del Covid-19 en el Centro de Atención Integral (CEAM) la Delicia. Quito, Ecuador
Authors: Cepeda Ortiz Dalinda De los Ángeles , Jácome Arboleda Janeth Stefania
Published: October 2020

El brote epidémico SARS–CoV–2 se ha convertido en una pandemia por la enfermedad COVID19, para contener de una manera más eficaz la enfermedad es fundamental establecer un período de cuarentena óptimo para que aproximadamente el 95% de los casos sean retenidos y reducir el riesgo de transmisión. El estudio tiene como objetivo, analizar la actividad física, alimentaria y psicológica emergente del estatus QUO en los adultos mayores del CEAM la Delicia-Ecuador, en estado de cuarentena Covid19. Se aplicó una metodología mixta de diseño exploratorio secuencial, para la recolección de datos se ejecutó un análisis teórico documental y un cuestionario de opción múltiple. Los datos fueron analizados a través de la triangulación o contrastación de información. Los resultados demuestran que el sedentarismo induce a que los adultos mayores disipen sus niveles funcionales de forma acelerada. El estrés y miedo psicológico se relaciona con la estabilidad sedentaria que se establece por la cuarentena, provocando insurrecciones en el sueño, generando ansias de digerir alimentos. Los investigadores recomiendan una alimentación sana en fibras y vitaminas, y promover el ejercicio en la población de edad avanzada, ya que esta situación se considera un problema clínico y de salud pública.
Comments on Rafe McGregor’s Narrative Criminology
Authors: Matravers Derek
Published: October 2020

This paper makes three responses to Rafe McGregor’s book Narrative Justice. The first, with which McGregor may well agree, raises skeptical questions about the current empirical literature on readers of narratives. The second questions the relation between the moral or ethical status of actual wrongs and the moral and ethical status of merely represented wrongs. The final response examines McGregor’s argument that the vehicle of our cognitive gain from narratives is the form of the narrative rather than the content. The response has two parts. First, it asks whether there can ever be anything wrong with form abstracted from content; second, it suggests that McGregor’s argument involves an unhelpful mix of what is labeled the “internal” and the “external” perspective.
SPECIAL RADICALS FOR NEAR-RING
Authors: BIRKENMEIER GARY F. , HEATHERLY HENRY E. , LEE ENOCH K. S.
Published: October 2020

The concept of a special radical for near-rings has been treated in several nonequivalent, but related, ways in the recent literature. We use the version due to K. Kaarli to establish that various prime radicals and the nil radical are special radicals on the class A of all near-rings which satisfy an extended version of the Andrunakievich Lemma. Since A includes all d.g. near-rings—and much more—these results significantly extend results previously obtained by Kaarli and by Groenewald. We also obtain special radical results for the Jacobson type radicals 30 and 3 1 , albeit on less extensive classes. Examples are given which illustrate and delimit the theory developed.
Effects of Foliar Application of Liquid Fertilizer on Agronomical and Physiological Traits of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Mahmoodi Behzad , Moballeghi Morteza , Eftekhari Ali , Neshaie-Mogadam Mojtaba
Published: October 2020

Providing rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants with the required nutrients is essential in order to avoid yield reduction. As such, an experiment was performed at the Rice Research Institute of Iran in Amol Township to evaluate the effects of foliar application of nutrients on rice plants. The experiment consisted of a randomized complete block design, with four replications during 2 crop years (2016 and 2017). Experimental treatments included foliar application of nutrients [the chemical composition of liquid fertilizer was as follows: nitrogen (N): 7%, phosphorus (P): 7%, potassium (K): 7%, iron (Fe): 0.05%, boron (B): 0.05%, zinc (Zn): 0.01%, manganese (Mn): 0.01%, and copper (Cu): 0.01%] in the following growth phases: (A) midtillering stage, (B) maximum tillering, (C) panicle initiation, (D) maximum tillering + panicle initiation, (E) all stages, and (F) control treatment (no liquid fertilizer applied). Our results indicate that foliar application of nutrients in different vegetative and generative stages significantly affected plant height, number of tillers per plant, chlorophyll concentration, number of filled grains per panicle, and grain yield. However, our treatments did not significantly affect the 1,000-grain weight. Furthermore, foliar application of nutrients significantly affected physiological traits including leaf area index, growth rate, and total dry weight of plants. Our results indicate that the mean values of the investigated traits were highest in the “maximum tillering + panicle initiation” and “all stages” treatments. In contrast, the lowest mean values of the investigated traits were found in the control treatment. Foliar application of nutrients at the “maximum tillering + panicle initiation” stage resulted in the highest chlorophyll concentrations, leaf area index, and crop growth rate in the flowering stage. Our results indicate that foliar application of nutrients was most effective when applied to Sahel variety rice during two vegetative and reproductive stages.
National Meetings of Family Assistants as a forum of experience exchange and training for the family support system staff
Authors: Krasiejko Izabela
Published: October 2020

The space for debate on the role and tasks of a given profession is one of the factors serving its professionalisation and the creation of professional identity. The opportunity to exchange experiences and obtain informational and emotional support is particularly important in the case of assistance professions, where direct action with the family raises many dilemmas, especially when children are raised by parents, whose behaviour often does not favour their proper development, and even threatens their safety. The subject of the discussion is also the location of social services in relation to each other, coherence of goals, expectations and actions with and for the family. Another issue is the development of a unique work methodology for a given profession, discussing the perspectives and threats to its development.
Family assistants have the forum to exchange experiences, integrate, broaden knowledge and strengthen competences. They are annual national meetings. The purpose of this study is to describe the organization and subject matter of these meetings for family assistants.
Supporting the family from the perspective of a family assistant
Authors: Dybowska Ewa , Wojtanowicz Katarzyna
Published: October 2020

The modern family must find its place in a changing and dynamically functioning society. It is not possible for every family to fulfil their functions independently. The importance of the proper functioning of the family for its members and the all society as well as the identified risks and proposed forms of support dominate not only today’s research but also social and family policy. The article shows the contexts of the modern family, factors affecting its transformation and its importance for the functioning and development of the child. The purpose of the article is to show the context of the modern family, factors affecting its transformation and its importance for the functioning and development of the child. The article also shows the risk factors appearing in family functioning, especially in the aspect of parental cooperation for the child. The family assistant plays an important role in levelling them. Showing the perspective of a family assistant is also one of the purposes of this article. The article recommends mediation approach and a Parenting Plan tool that can support a family assistant in building parental competence and parental cooperation in care for child and their educational needs.
Professional role of family assistants in the light of qualitative analyses
Authors: Czechowska-Bieluga Marta , Sordyl-Lipnicka Barbara
Published: October 2020

The aim of the study was to identify the role fulfilled by family assistants, along with the subject-matter of their tasks, obstacles they encounter, and favourable factors. Professional role was treated as a framework for professional functioning and experiences of the family assistants participating in the study. The presented material originates from five individual, semi-structured in-depth interviews with family assistants. The results of the study revealed that, to some extent, almost all assistants fulfil their own professional roles in a non-standard manner, although the statements they made have a common characteristic: awareness of the importance of trust in their joint work with families. Moreover, family assistants are characterised as experiencing some difficulties that appear to be the combination of various components. The participants verbalise the conviction that they create their professional roles themselves, which are determined, to some extent, also by the families they support, their managers, and social workers.
“I will sacrifice myself for you.” About the phenomenon of parentification in the family
Authors: Krawczyk Renata
Published: October 2020

The article deals with the issue of parentification, which involves reversing roles in a family in which the child acts as a guardian, partner, confidant to his/ parent or siblings. Requirements and burdens resulting from the role of an adult are usually inadequate to the child’s level of development and emotional abilities. The phenomenon of parentification has been characterized and its main aspects are presented based on clinical material from psychotherapy sessions of 20 people.
Family assistant opportunities in the area of supporting family with a child with autism spectrum (ASD)
Authors: Banasiak Anna , Niezabitowska Agata
Published: October 2020

The family assistant’s tasks include providing emotional and instrumental support and empowering the family in its subjectivity. As raising a child with ASD poses many specific challenges (e.g. the lack of a comprehensive system of support), the assistant should be able to guide the family to the right institutions.
The aim of this article is to indicate the need for family assistants to know the specificity of autism spectrum disorder. In addition, based on the ‘For Life’ Act, the available benefits and services for pregnant women, children with ASD and their families are described, and a list of support facilities is provided.
Social area of the internet in the context of values and personal safety threats in cyberspace
Authors: Grubicka Joanna
Published: October 2020

The subject of the article directly fits into the process of broadly understood security. The author indicates the opportunities and threats in the social space of the Internet of human functioning. The aim of the article is to analyze the basic human threats while experiencing freedom and trust in the virtual space. The author poses the question: Should the Internet be
a space of unlimited freedom? Freedom seems to be not only an immanent but also
a constitutive feature of the virtual space in which the Internet functions. It should be emphasized that the issues are discussed from very different perspectives and in processes
as well as social relations. The article consists of three parts. In the first one the author presented the issues of cyberspace development, whose specific features favor the development of the virtual community. Next, she defined the most important areas concerning the culture of freedom and the consent of human education as a way of promoting its independence in the social space of the Internet. The last part of the publication contains the most important theses regarding threats related to human personal safety in cyberspace.
Innovative methods of adult learners’ educationin the framework of scientific and social partnership
Authors: Morańska Danuta
Published: October 2020

Development of network technologies creates more and more friendly conditions contributing to the development of e-learning platforms. Thanks to simpler and more intuitive operation, e-learning platforms are applicable in the implementation of educational objectives among adult learners. E-platforms contribute to the integration and creation of cooperation networks among environments implementing common objectives, although they function in remote localizations. In the paper the opportunities of innovative applications of the e-learning Moodle platform was characterized. This platform was used to implement objectives connected with intercultural and intergenerational education in the process of Long Life Learning among Polish people living abroad. The aim of the implemented project was common development of innovative methodology of adult learners’ education in order to provide the high level of teaching with the application of e-learning solutions.
Pentecostalism and women leadership: paradigm for gender re-construction in Nigeria
Authors: Akpanke Odey Elizabeth , Ajima Onah Gregory
Published: October 2020

Gender construction in Nigeria is culturally constructed, gender processes are inculcated through the family, school, religion, peer group etc, as such women are relegated on their line of actions culturally. Thus, gender inequality has gained momentum. However, in the Pentecostal doctrines and dogma women position have change drastically giving credence to equal partnership with the men. Hence, this research aims at showing that Pentecostalism adapting itself as a Christian denomination that saturate itself as a possible gospel, involved in the rejuvenation of humanity have tendencies towards the appreciation and equivalent status women enjoys with the men counterpart, dominantly recognizing the important role women can play in the church and the society, as such priding the feminine role as a necessary complement to the masculine role. As such, women are allowed to own their parishes, women ministry, women pastorate, women counselors, women wing, and side by side leadership role with men etc. This serves as advocacy mechanism by Pentecostal ministry to reconstruct the cultural/traditional construct of gender in Nigeria.
When professionals listen: parents as co-producers of knowledge
Authors: Borg Carmel
Published: October 2020

Many professionals I have taught in the past twenty years complained that classes are too theoretical and far removed from reality. They were generally correct in their assessment. Frustrated by my active participation in the pedagogical status quo, a few years ago I decided to rapture the cycle of pedagogical passivity by engaging parents as active participants in conversations with students. These intermittent attempts have now developed into an eight ECTS study-unit that will create a community of learning and practice committed to welding critical reflection with action.
Die Wahl zur Hamburgischen Bürgerschaft vom 23 . Februar 2020: SPD-Bürgermeister behauptet sich gegen Grünen-Herausforderin und setzt rot-grüne Koalition fort
Authors: Horst Patrick
Published: October 2020

The starting position before the elections to the Hamburg parliament was favorable for the governing red-green coalition . The citizens of Hamburg expected an exciting neck-and-neck race between SPD Mayor Peter Tschentscher and his Green challenger Katharina Fegebank, who passionately advocated a turnaround in climate and mobility policies . The duel of the Red-Green top politicians in Hamburg caused the opposition to disappear . The more intensively the issues were discussed during the election campaign, the more the mayor was able to distance himself from his challenger as a guarantor of “basic city functions” . On the election evening, the SPD felt itself as winner - with a score of 39 .2 percent and a 15-point lead over the Greens, and vice-Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Tschentscher’s predecessor in the office of Hamburg’s mayor, re-emerged as the SPD’s candidate for chancellor . But the election’s real winner was the Green party . Compared to the 2015 election, they managed not only to double their vote share, but to also achieve their second-best result in a German state election . In the end, the SPD was nevertheless largely able to prevail over the Greens in the coalition negotiations owed to their campaign finish and the pressure to reach an agreement that ensued from the coronavirus crisis, which set in in mid-March .
Mistrust and misinformation: A two-component, socio-epistemic model of belief in conspiracy theories
Authors: Pierre Joseph M.
Published: October 2020

Although conspiracy theories are endorsed by about half the population and occasionally turn out to be true, they are more typically false beliefs that, by definition, have a paranoid theme. Consequently, psychological research to date has focused on determining whether there are traits that account for belief in conspiracy theories (BCT) within a deficit model. Alternatively, a two-component, socio-epistemic model of BCT is proposed that seeks to account for the ubiquity of conspiracy theories, their variance along a continuum, and the inconsistency of research findings likening them to psychopathology. Within this model, epistemic mistrust is the core component underlying conspiracist ideation that manifests as the rejection of authoritative information, focuses the specificity of conspiracy theory beliefs, and can sometimes be understood as a sociocultural response to breaches of trust, inequities of power, and existing racial prejudices. Once voices of authority are negated due to mistrust, the resulting epistemic vacuum can send individuals “down the rabbit hole” looking for answers where they are vulnerable to the biased processing of information and misinformation within an increasingly “post-truth” world. The two-component, socio-epistemic model of BCT argues for mitigation strategies that address both mistrust and misinformation processing, with interventions for individuals, institutions of authority, and society as a whole.
Seasonal worker schemes: can they achieve social
Authors: McAreavy Ruth
Published: October 2020

Seasonal workers are increasingly being used globally to provide a short-term workforce, filling positions in the labour market that are often difficult, dirty and shunned by native born workers. Seasonal schemes are promoted in typically economic terms, offering a triple win where the host society gains from flexible labour; the sending country benefits from remittances and skill transfers; and migrants themselves gain from access to the labour market. However, they have been found to support the uneven economic participation of workers in global production processes and they typically marginalise workers socially. Drawing from examples elsewhere and using Nancy Fraser’s three-dimensional perspective of social justice (2005), this article examines the prospect for developing socially just seasonal work programmes. It is logical that most societies seek to promote seasonal worker schemes that allow workers to be treated according to the rules of justice. And yet, research has shown the exploitation of many different types of migrant workers. Following Fraser, the article asks to what extent recognition, redistribution and representation can be achieved through seasonal worker schemes? It identifies key issues for consideration if social justice is to be upheld.
The role of virtual space in ensuring ‘fair access’ to banking services –results of empirical research conducted in the Polish SME sector
Authors: Szczepaniec Marek , Jurkiewicz Tomasz
Published: October 2020

The aim of this article is to present results of long-term empirical research on the changing behavior of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Poland in the context of spatial exclusion and spatial ‘justice’. Between 2007 and 2015, the authors conducted cyclical research on the financial behavior of SMEs in Poland on large samples. The scope of research on traditional and virtual space covered mainly: the criteria for selecting a bank for current service and the use of various banking services in particular distribution channels. In the researched period, the percentage of indications to convenient location as the most important factor for selecting a bank dropped from 29% to 16%. In the entire period under research, the highest percentage of indications to convenient location as the most important factor for selecting a bank was recorded in the micro enterprises sector. The percentage of entrepreneurs’ indications of fees and commissions as the most important factor in choosing a bank increase from 28% to 36%. Price parameters became the most important factor of bank selection in the SME sector. Virtual space was used primarily to distribute less complex banking services (checking the account balance and viewing the history of operations on the account, as well as to make transfers). In the case of more complex products, such as deposits or loans, traditional banking branches were preferred. In contrast to the results of the American research (Degryse & Ongena, 2002), in Poland there was no impact of the distance between the company and the bank branch on the loan utilization rates and the loan refusal rates. The research has shown that the virtual space equalizes the opportunities, facilitates business operations, contributes to a drop in prices and improvement in quality of the offered products and services, and renders the access to products and services fairer.
Natural ITD statistics predict human auditory spatial perception
Authors: Pavão Rodrigo , Sussman Elyse S , Fischer Brian J , Peña José L
Published: October 2020

A neural code adapted to the statistical structure of sensory cues may optimize perception. We investigated whether interaural time difference (ITD) statistics inherent in natural acoustic scenes are parameters determining spatial discriminability. The natural ITD rate of change across azimuth (ITDrc) and ITD variability over time (ITDv) were combined in a Fisher information statistic to assess the amount of azimuthal information conveyed by this sensory cue. We hypothesized that natural ITD statistics underlie the neural code for ITD and thus influence spatial perception. To test this hypothesis, sounds with invariant statistics were presented to measure human spatial discriminability and spatial novelty detection. Human auditory spatial perception showed correlation with natural ITD statistics, supporting our hypothesis. Further analysis showed that these results are consistent with classic models of ITD coding and can explain the ITD tuning distribution observed in the mammalian brainstem.
Introduction and Summary of Contents
Authors: Moss Kira
Published: October 2020

The tenth volume in the series presents a hitherto overlooked item in the oeuvre of the famous discoverer of electromagnetism, Hans Christian Ørsted (1777–1851). A highly influential figure in cutting-edge science internationally, Ørsted was also active as a populariser of various kinds of academic discoveries and theories within nineteenth-century Denmark. However, no separate publication on the aurora borealis by Ørsted has been known until now. It is in one of the many contemporary collections of miscellanies for the general public – namely, in Dansk Folkekalender for the year 1841 (printed 1840) – that Kira Moss has discovered his unsigned article on “Nordlyset” [The Northern Light]. In her introduction, Moss presents evidence of Ørsted’s authorship, contextualises the place of the northern lights in Denmark in the period known as Romanticism, and presents a detailed summary of his own theory. As a supplement, she provides a complete English translation of Ørsted’s article.
Being inclusive when talking about diversity
Authors: Andresen Silje
Published: October 2020

This paper explores how discourses of national identity are managed in one of Norway’s core institutions – the educational system. As Norway changed into a multi-ethnic society, classrooms became a central arena for individuals with different religious and ethnic backgrounds to meet. How boundaries of ‘Norwegianness’ are managed in the classroom is therefore of importance. Based on a thematic analysis of observations of classroom lessons and interviews with teachers in schools in Oslo, I argue that teachers navigate between several different yet overlapping discourses of 'being Norwegian'. Using the theoretical framework of bright and blurred boundaries and different understandings of ‘Norwegianness’, I show how teachers manage different discourses rooted in citizenship, cultural traditions, values, ethnic boundaries or Whiteness. These discourses can be activated simultaneously in society and in the classroom. However, the Norwegian school system’s core value of equality and inclusiveness gives precedence to the discourse based on citizenship. To manage the other discourses, teachers use different strategies when addressing boundaries along different dimensions of national belonging.
FUSI-CAD: Coronavirus (COVID-19) diagnosis based on the fusion of CNNs and handcrafted features
Authors: Ragab Dina A. , Attallah Omneya
Published: October 2020

The precise and rapid diagnosis of coronavirus (COVID-19) at the very primary stage helps doctors to manage patients in high workload conditions. In addition, it prevents the spread of this pandemic virus. Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) based on artificial intelligence (AI) techniques can be used to distinguish between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 from the computed tomography (CT) imaging. Furthermore, the CAD systems are capable of delivering an accurate faster COVID-19 diagnosis, which consequently saves time for the disease control and provides an efficient diagnosis compared to laboratory tests. In this study, a novel CAD system called FUSI-CAD based on AI techniques is proposed. Almost all the methods in the literature are based on individual convolutional neural networks (CNN). Consequently, the FUSI-CAD system is based on the fusion of multiple different CNN architectures with three handcrafted features including statistical features and textural analysis features such as discrete wavelet transform (DWT), and the grey level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) which were not previously utilized in coronavirus diagnosis. The SARS-CoV-2 CT-scan dataset is used to test the performance of the proposed FUSI-CAD. The results show that the proposed system could accurately differentiate between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 images, as the accuracy achieved is 99%. Additionally, the system proved to be reliable as well. This is because the sensitivity, specificity, and precision attained to 99%. In addition, the diagnostics odds ratio (DOR) is ≥ 100. Furthermore, the results are compared with recent related studies based on the same dataset. The comparison verifies the competence of the proposed FUSI-CAD over the other related CAD systems. Thus, the novel FUSI-CAD system can be employed in real diagnostic scenarios for achieving accurate testing for COVID-19 and avoiding human misdiagnosis that might exist due to human fatigue. It can also reduce the time and exertion made by the radiologists during the examination process.
Genetic characterization of feline panleukopenia virus from dogs in Vietnam reveals a unique Thr101 mutation in VP2
Authors: Hoang Minh , Wu Cheng-Nan , Lin Chuen-Fu , Nguyen Huong Thanh Thi , Le Van Phan , Chiou Ming-Tang , Lin Chao-Nan
Published: October 2020

Background

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) and feline parvovirus (FPV) are known as the main causes of several serious diseases and have a severe impact on puppies and kittens, respectively. FPV and new CPV-2 variants are all able to infect cats, causing diseases indistinguishable from feline panleukopenia. However, FPV only replicates efficiently in feline cells in vitro and replicates in dogs in the thymus and bone marrow without being shed in feces. In our previous study, the genotypes of six parvoviral isolates were unable to be identified using a SimpleProbe® real-time PCR assay.

Methods

In the present study, we characterized previously unidentified FPV-like viruses isolated from dogs in Vietnam. The six isolates were utilized to complete VP2 gene sequencing and to conduct phylogenetic analyses.

Results

Sequence analysis of the six parvoviral strains identified the species as being similar to FPV. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the complete VP2 genes of the strains are similar to those of FPV. The FPV-like strains contain a Thr101 mutation in the VP2 protein, which is different from prototype FPV strains.

Discussion

Our data provide evidence for the existence of changes in the charge, protein contact potential and molecular surface of the core of the receptor-binding size with an Ile101 to Thr101 mutation. This is also the first study to provide reliable evidence that FPV may be a threat to the Vietnamese dog population.
О физической сущности некоторых ключевых терминов, используемых в дискуссиях о современном климате: реальность и мистификации, "Наука Юга России"
Authors: Матишов Г.Г. , Нейман В.Г.
Published: October 2020

В статье рассматривается вопрос о том, что наблюдаемый с некоторой недавней поры рост средней температуры воздуха в приземном слое атмосферы затрагивает жизненные интересы фактически всего современного общества. В частное и публичное обсуждение этой проблемы сегодня вовлечено практически все говорящее население Земли, начиная с руководителей ведущих мировых держав и заканчивая их несовершеннолетними гражданами. В работе высказывается мнение, что такого рода общественные обсуждения даже в недостаточно профессиональной аудитории должны учитывать необходимость использования корректной, основанной на реальном физическом смысле терминологии, адекватно описывающей рассматриваемые климатические события. Исходя из этих положений, в статье со ссылкой на высокопрофессиональных авторов использованных определений сформулированы и обоснованы представления о том, что климат в соответствии с сущностью такого определения есть функция погоды. Следовательно, реальная погода первична, а абстрактный климат вторичен. Действительно, реальная погода есть результат динамической активности конкретной климатической системы, состоящей из множественных природных и антропогенных факторов. Количество, состав, взаимодействие и «погодный» вклад каждого из этих факторов известны пока еще в недостаточно полной мере. Следовательно, из-за использования некорректной терминологии бытующее утверждение, что аномальная погода есть следствие изменений климата, противоречит здравому смыслу. В статье также вскрывается некорректность термина «глобальный климат» в связи с тем, что изначальное понятие о климате относится исключительно к явлению не более чем регионального масштаба. Использование словосочетания «глобальный климат» по отношению к изначальному понятию о земном климате как о природном факторе, зависящем прежде всего от угла наклона солнечных лучей к земной поверхности, равносильно признанию того, что Земля плоская. Наблюдаемый рост средней температуры воздуха некорректно называть глобальным потеплением или потеплением глобального климата. В первом из этих терминов реальный масштаб явления преувеличен, а второй термин, «глобальный климат», заключает в себе понятие неадекватное.
ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗ ОРГАНОВ ДЫХАНИЯ И ЩИТОВИДНАЯ ЖЕЛЕЗА, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Полякова Анжела Сергеевна , Багдасарян Татевик Рафиковна , Романов Владимир Викторович , Эргешов Атаджан Эргешович
Published: October 2020

Туберкулез (ТБ) является одной из глобальных проблем человечества. Ежегодно ТБ заболевают миллионы человек и около миллиона умирают. Эффективность лечения остается невысокой не только за счет лекарственной устойчивости микобактерий у этих больных, но и из-за сопутствующей патологии других органов и систем, которая часто осложняет течение туберкулезного процесса. Целью подготовки данного литературного обзора было осветить роль щитовидной железы (ЩЖ) в течении туберкулезного процесса и влияние ТБ на ее функцию.
ПРЕДИКТОРЫ НЕБЛАГОПРИЯТНЫХ ИСХОДОВ СЛУЧАЕВ ЛЕЧЕНИЯ ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗА ПО I, II, III РЕЖИМАМ ХИМИОТЕРАПИИ, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Саенко Сергей Сергеевич , Стерликов Сергей Александрович , Русакова Лариса Ивановна , Лехляйдер Марина Владимировна , Пирогова Наталья Давыдовна , Сурначева Ирина Федоровна , Гуденков Михаил Александрович , Свичарская Анна Константиновна , Подгайная Олеся Александровна , Кононенко Юлия Сергеевна , Новикова Татьяна Владимировна , Юхнова Евгения Александровна , Фролов Евгений Геннадьевич , Громов Андрей Валентинович , Гаевая Ирина Сергеевна
Published: October 2020

Цель исследования: изучить предикторы неблагоприятных исходов (летальный исход, неэффективный курс противотуберкулезной химиотерапии, прерывание курса химиотерапии) у пациентов с туберкулезом (ТБ), получавших лечение по I, II, III режимам химиотерапии на репрезентативной выборке. Материалы и методы: мультицентровое ретроспективное когортное исследование 8099 случаев лечения пациентов по I, II, III режимам противотуберкулезной химиотерапии. Изучали факторы: история предыдущего лечения (неэффективный курс химиотерапии или прерывание лечения в анамнезе), пол, возраст, место проживания, ВИЧ-статус, результат бактериоскопии и наличие деструкции легочной ткани и моно/полирезистентности микобактерий туберкулеза (МБТ) до начала курса лечения. Проводили однофакторный, а затем многофакторный анализ с расчетом скорректированного отношения шансов (кОШ). Результаты. Предикторами летального исхода были: наличие ВИЧ-инфекции (кОШ = 8,7), положительный результат бактериоскопии мокроты (кОШ = 2,4), прерывание лечения в анамнезе (кОШ = 2,2), деструктивные изменения в легких (кОШ = 1,7), возраст (кОШ = 1,04 на год жизни), мужской пол (кОШ = 1,3). Не было выявлено влияния: неэффективного курса химиотерапии в анамнезе, проживания в сельской местности, моно/полирезистентности МБТ. Предикторами неэффективного курса химиотерапии были: прерывание (кОШ = 3,9) или неэффективный (кОШ = 2,1) курс лечения в анамнезе, деструктивные изменения в легких (кОШ = 2,1), моно/полирезистентность МБТ (кОШ = 1,9), мужской пол (кОШ = 1,7), положительная бактериоскопия (кОШ = 1,3), проживание пациента в сельской местности (кОШ = 1,4). Не выявлено влияние: ВИЧ-статуса, возраста. Предикторами прерывания курса химиотерапии были: прерывание лечения в анамнезе (кОШ = 5,8) или неэффективный курс лечения (кОШ = 2,2) в анамнезе, положительный ВИЧ-статус (кОШ = 1,9), деструктивные изменения в легких (кОШ = 1,9), мужской пол (кОШ = 1,8), положительный результат бактериоскопии. Не выявлено влияния факторов: возраст, проживание в сельской местности, моно/полирезистентность МБТ. Заключение. Полученные данные позволяют оценить риск неблагоприятного исхода для каждого пациента. Особую значимость имеют предикторы прерывания курса химиотерапии, которые следует использовать как критерии отбора для включения пациентов в программы психосоциальной помощи.
К ВОПРОСУ ОБ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ И БЕЗОПАСНОСТИ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ БЕДАКВИЛИНА В СХЕМАХ ХИМИОТЕРАПИИ ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗА ОРГАНОВ ДЫХАНИЯ С МНОЖЕСТВЕННОЙ И ШИРОКОЙ ЛЕКАРСТВЕННОЙ УСТОЙЧИВОСТЬЮ МБТ У ДЕТЕЙ СТАРШЕГО ВОЗРАСТА И ПОДРОСТКОВ, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследователь
Authors: Крушинская Екатерина Александровна , Панова Людмила Владимировна , Овсянкина Елена Сергеевна
Published: October 2020

Цель исследования: оценить эффективность и безопасность применения бедаквилина (Bdq) в схемах химиотерапии (ХТ) туберкулеза органов дыхания (ТОД) с множественной/широкой лекарственной устойчивостью микобактерий туберкулеза (МЛУ/ШЛУ МБТ) у детей старшего возраста и подростков. Материалы и методы. Проведено ко- гортное проспективное исследование с 2015 по 2018 г., в которое включены 33 больных ТОД в возрасте 14-17 лет с МЛУ/ШЛУ МБТ. Получены информированные согласия от родителей детей на применение Bdq. Проводился мониторинг переносимости препарата: контроль ЭКГ с оценкой интервала QT (норма у детей в возрасте 0-18 лет - 0,36-0,44 сек.): первый месяц - 1 раз в неделю; далее 1 раз в месяц. Результаты. В 13 из 33 случаев (39,4%) в схемах ХТ использовали Bdq. Критерии включения Bdq в схемы ХТ: отсутствие возможности сформировать полноценную схему с учетом теста лекарственной чувствительности (ТЛЧ) МБТ и/или невозможность сформировать схему в связи с развитием некупируемых побочных реакций (ПР) на препараты, к которым сохранена чувствительность МБТ. У 7 из 13 пациентов Bdq включен в схему ХТ, учитывая данные о ЛУ МБТ; у 3 пациентов, в связи с развитием ПР на препараты, к которым сохранена чувствительность МБТ; у 3 пациентов - сочетание обоих факторов. Из 13 пациентов у 8 (61,5%) Bdq применялся в укороченных до 12 мес. режимах ХТ. В 9 (69,3%) из 13 случаев обоснована необходимость проведения двух курсов Bdq. У 11 (84,6%) из 13 пациентов отмечена хорошая переносимость бедаквилина в схемах ХТ.
Evaluation of EWMA Control Charts for Monitoring Spread of Transformed Observations of COVID-19 in India
Authors: Singh Brijesh P. , V. Madhusudan J. , Tiwari Abhay Kumar , Singh Sandeep , Das Utpal Dhar
Published: October 2020

COVID-19 a pandemic due to novel corona virus emerged from Wuhan, China in December 2019 and now the whole world facing its threat. This is a disaster pandemic for  almost every nation on the earth. Such novel corona virus impacts on every country in  the world irrespective of race, ethnicity, environment and economic status. In this study, an attempt has been made to use statistical process control technique to understand spread of COVID-19 in some major states of India as well as India. Warning limits and control limits has been estimated and discussed for average weekly growth index of COVID-19 pandemic. Study indicates that there is no hope for controlling the  pandemic in near future because the average weekly growth index of COVID-19 pandemic is far from zero.
Rational Use of Antibiotics – A Point Prevalence Study Carried out at a Tertiary Hospital in South-South Nigeria
Authors: Chioma Okechukwu
Published: October 2020

Introduction: The burden of antibiotic resistance in the hospitals and communities is progressively worsening hence the critical need to put into practice all the key components of rational use of antibiotics in our daily patient interactions. This paper aims to highlight the problem of antibiotic resistance, the importance of rational use of antibiotics and to show an on the spot sketch of the antibiotic use pattern among in-patients in the children wards in a tertiary hospital.

Methodology: A brief review of the existing literature on antibiotic resistance and the rational use of antibiotics was done. A one-day cross-sectional point prevalence study was conducted in the children wards in UPTH and all children receiving antibiotics on that day, identified. The prevalence of antibiotic use was determined by dividing the number of inpatients on antibiotics at the time of the survey by the total number of patients on admission. Data were presented in percentages using pie and bar charts.

Results: There were a total of 40 children on admission in the paediatric wards with a Male: Female ratio of 1.2:1. 34 (85.0%) of the children on admission were receiving at least one antibiotic. The most common route of administration of the antibiotics was the intravenous route (94.1%). The five most commonly prescribed antibiotics in the children medical wards and the emergency ward were Ceftriaxone, Gentamycin, Cefuroxime, Metronidazole and Crystalline penicillin, while the five most common antibiotics prescribed in the special care baby unit were Gentamycin, Ceftazidime, Ceftriaxone, Metronidazole and Ofloxacin. Only 10 (29.4%) out of children receiving antibiotics had a microbiology culture result available, and 4 were receiving antibiotics in line with the culture sensitivity pattern. Two (5.9%) children had a multidrug-resistant infection.

Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of antibiotic use among inpatients and low utilization of microbiology culture results in the choice of antibiotics in a tertiary hospital in South-south Nigeria. Antibiotic prescribing patterns among healthcare workers should be improved upon by training and retraining of personnel as well as strict adherence to antibiotic prescription guidelines.