bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mandatory revalidation is the key to safe healthcare
Authors: Weerasinghe Manuj C.
Published: December 2019

No abstract available
Stigma, imipramine and inequity in health
Authors: Dharmawardene Vajira
Published: December 2019

No abstract available
Human fatalities due to outdoor electrocution with animal traps
Authors: Senavirathne A. S. , Warushahennadi J. , Ambepitiya S. G. H.
Published: December 2019

Introduction:Trapping animals with live electric wires is a practice known to be used for protecting the crops from wild animals. Unauthorized cables which are connected to the distributing system of the electricity board are laid on agricultural lands to trap animals such as wild pigs and wild boars.  The serious issue is associated with this practice is the accidental entrapment of humans to these traps resulting in injury and death. Methodology:This descriptive study analyzed the socio-demographic profile of the victims, injury patterns, determined the manner of death and the judgments given by the judiciary.   Results: The study includes 14 deaths recovered from the agricultural fields with electrocution injuries on which the medico-legal autopsies were conducted by the researchers in two hospitals of the southern province. All the victims were males and the majority was in the 40-60 years. Electric entry marks were present in all on various parts of body. Injury varied due to different mechanisms like trapping, wrapping and griped   with the cables. Majority of victims did not have any relationship with culprits. The live wire has been removed from the scene in 10 cases and the bodies were decomposed in 5 cases. Police identified culprits in 9 cases and those were filed in the Magistrate courts and the accused were bailed out. None of the cases directed to high courts. The manner of death was concluded as an accidental.  Conclusion:It is important to implement the rules and regulations against the illegal practice of trapping of animals using high voltage electrocution.
Prevalence of co-existing dermatological manifestations in cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: Dinusha M. G. A. , Thushara H. K. G. I. , Rathnayaka R. M. U. K. , Sudusinghe P. W. M. , Wijenayake B. K. S.
Published: December 2019

Introduction Leishmaniasis is a vector borne protozoan infestation and manifested as cutaneous, visceral and muco-cutaneous lesions in human. Visceral form is the most virulent type and the annual incidence was 0.2-0.4 million cases around the world.1But, in Sri Lanka, Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is a newly established disease and is emerging as a threat to public health.2In Sri Lanka the condition is still not fully investigated nor well studied. Method The aim of this descriptive cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of CL in the patients coming to the dermatology unit and clinic of the District General Hospital, Matara, Sri Lanka. The study was conducted from August 2016 to March 2017. Results There were 129 participants subjected to Leishmanin Skin Test accompanied with direct interviews and physical examination. The most of participants were males (52.8%), 68.4% of them unskilled. The highest prevalent type was Non scaly nodule (45.0%). Most common site of lesion was arm (47.1%). Majority had a single lesion (76.7%). Co-existing skin manifestations of hypopigmentation (36.9%) was the commonest. In (63.6%), co-existing skin lesions involved only less than 2% of body surface area. The hypopigmentation was significantly associated with Age, Sex and work outdoor while photodermatitis was significantlyassociated with age and photosensitivity. Eczematisation was significantly associated with diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidaemia. Conclusions Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is more prevalent among 31 -41-year age group and males. Majority are primary, single, early presentation and non-scaly nodule. The limbs are the commonest affected site. CL is significantly associated with co-existing skin manifestations of hypopigmentation, photodermatitis, eczematisation and follicular papules.
Epidemiology, mechanisms and patterns of lower limb fractures at an accident service centre in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Authors: Prabhashwara B. , Akalanka N.
Published: December 2019

Introduction: Lower limb fracture burden overwhelms most of the tertiary care facilities in Sri Lanka. Lack of enough data and a trauma registry in Sri Lanka has masked the associated epidemiology, patterns and the mechanisms of the lower limb fractures. Aim of our study was to analyse the data and put forward an initiative for further studies. Methods: we collected data from the admissions with isolated lower limb fractures to the accident service Colombo South Teaching Hospital for a period of four months with the aid of an interviewer administered questionnaire. Results: we had 323 admissions with lower limb fractures out of 4823 all the admissions. There were 334 fractures. Motor vehicle crashes were the commonest mechanism. Tibia/ fibula were the commonest bones to get fractured. Most of the culprits were in the age range of 21-40. 68% of the males were under the influence of alcohol. 15% of the fractures were open. Conclusion: we were able to emphasize the epidemiology, mechanisms and the fracture types as planned in the objectives.
Alprazolam withdrawal delirium
Authors: Karunaratne R. , Prasangika W. A. D. R.
Published: December 2019

No abstract available
Fenofibrate monotherapy induced myositis and rhabdomyolysis
Authors: Balasubramaniam B. , Selladurai P. , Sugathapala A. G. H.
Published: December 2019

No abstract available
Empirical treatment for suspected Tuberculous pericarditis –When is it justifiable?
Authors: Senarathna H. M. , Fonseka C. L. , De Silva P. U. T. , Bodinayake C. K.
Published: December 2019

No abstract available
Overexpression of SH2-Containing Inositol Phosphatase Contributes to Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Survival
Authors: Pal Singh Simar , de Bruijn Marjolein J. W. , Velaso Gago da Graça Catarina , Corneth Odilia B. J. , Rip Jasper , Stadhouders Ralph , Meijers Ruud W. J. , Schurmans Stéphane , Kerr William G. , ter Burg Johanna , Eldering Eric , Langerak Anton W. , Pillai Saravanan Y. , Hendriks Rudi W.
Published: December 2019

Balanced activity of kinases and phosphatases downstream of the BCR is essential for B cell differentiation and function and is disturbed in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In this study, we employed IgH.TEμ mice, which spontaneously develop CLL, and stable EMC CLL cell lines derived from these mice to explore the role of phosphatases in CLL. Genome-wide expression profiling comparing IgH.TEμ CLL cells with wild-type splenic B cells identified 96 differentially expressed phosphatase genes, including SH2-containing inositol phosphatase (Ship2). We found that B cell–specific deletion of Ship2, but not of its close homolog Ship1, significantly reduced CLL formation in IgH.TEμ mice. Treatment of EMC cell lines with Ship1/2 small molecule inhibitors resulted in the induction of caspase-dependent apoptosis. Using flow cytometry and Western blot analysis, we observed that blocking Ship1/2 abrogated EMC cell survival by exerting dual effects on the BCR signaling cascade. On one hand, specific Ship1 inhibition enhanced calcium signaling and thereby abrogated an anergic response to BCR stimulation in CLL cells. On the other hand, concomitant Ship1/Ship2 inhibition or specific Ship2 inhibition reduced constitutive activation of the mTORC1/ribosomal protein S6 pathway and downregulated constitutive expression of the antiapoptotic protein Mcl-1, in both EMC cell lines and primary IgH.TEμ CLL cells. Importantly, also in human CLL, we found overexpression of many phosphatases including SHIP2. Inhibition of SHIP1/SHIP2 reduced cellular survival and S6 phosphorylation and enhanced basal calcium levels in human CLL cells. Taken together, we provide evidence that SHIP2 contributes to CLL pathogenesis in mouse and human CLL.
Characterization of Hagfish (Eptatretus burgeri) Variable Lymphocyte Receptor–Based Antibody and Its Potential Role in the Neutralization of Nervous Necrosis Virus
Authors: Jung Jae Wook , Lee Jung Seok , Kim Jaesung , Im Se Pyeong , Kim Si Won , Lazarte Jassy Mary S. , Kim Young Rim , Chun Jin Hong , Ha Min Woo , Kim Hyeong Su , Thompson Kim D. , Jung Tae Sung
Published: December 2019

The variable lymphocyte receptor (VLR) mediates the humoral immune response in jawless vertebrates, including lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) and hagfish (Eptatretus burgeri). Hagfish VLRBs are composed of leucine-rich repeat (LRR) modules, conjugated with a superhydrophobic C-terminal tail, which contributes to low levels of expression in recombinant protein technology. In this study, we screened Ag-specific VLRBs from hagfish immunized with nervous necrosis virus (NNV). The artificially multimerized form of VLRB was constructed using a mammalian expression system. To enhance the level of expression of the Ag-specific VLRB, mutagenesis of the VLRB was achieved in vitro through domain swapping of the LRR C-terminal cap and variable LRR module. The mutant VLRB obtained, with high expression and secretion levels, was able to specifically recognize purified and progeny NNV, and the Ag binding ability of this mutant was increased by at least 250-fold to that of the nonmutant VLRB. Furthermore, preincubation of the Ag-specific VLRB with NNV reduced the infectivity of NNV in E11 cells in vitro, and in vivo experiment. Our results suggest that the newly developed Ag-specific VLRB has the potential to be used as diagnostic and therapeutic reagents for NNV infections in fish.
Editorial - Special Collection Gender Justice, Health and Human Development
Authors: Van Aarde Andries G. , Potgieter Cheryl
Published: December 2019

No abstract available.
The professional development of primary school mathematics teachers through a design-based research methodology
Authors: Biccard Piera
Published: December 2019

This article sets out a professional development programme for primary school mathematics teachers. Clark and Hollingsworth’s model of teacher change provided the theoretical framework necessary to understand teacher change. A design study allowed for increased programme flexibility and participator involvement. Five volunteer primary school teachers teaching at South African state schools were involved in the programme for a period of one year and their pedagogy, use of mathematical content and context developed during the programme. Twenty lessons were observed over the year-long period. An observation rubric that specifically focused on mathematical pedagogy, use of context and mathematical content scale guided the researcher to gauge global changing teacher practices. Teacher growth was evident through their professional experimentation and changes in their personal domain. The design features emanating from the study are that teachers be given opportunities to experience reform tasks (e.g. model-eliciting tasks) in the role of learners themselves and teachers should be encouraged to use contextual problems to initiate concept development. More mathematical detail in lesson planning is also necessary. Furthermore, teachers need appropriately designed resource materials to teach in new ways. It is recommended that professional development includes teachers engaging collaboratively in solving rich tasks. This study adds to the growing body of knowledge regarding teacher development programmes that focus on how teachers change their own classroom practices.
Éditorial n°82 Déchets Sciences et Techniques
Authors: Gourdon Rémy
Published: December 2019

Avec ce 4e numéro publié dans l’année 2019, la revue retrouve le rythme de publication de 4 numéros par an qui était le sien jusqu’en 2010. Cela ne représentait bien sûr pas un objectif en soi, et ce constat s’explique avant tout par l’édition de deux numéros spéciaux regroupant une sélection d’articles issus de communications au congrès « Rencontres Scientifiques sur la Réhabilitation et la Valorisation des Sites et des Sols pollués (RV2S-2018). » organisé à Saint-Etienne par l’ENISE en octobre 2018. Mais il s’agit malgré tout d’un élément de satisfaction encourageant. En effet, la publication d’un nombre croissant d’articles dans DST multiplie directement le nombre de consultations de ces articles, ce qui contribue à accroître leur diffusion et ainsi l’attractivité de la revue. C’est bien ce que confirment les statistiques de consultation de la revue enregistrées par le site I-Revues de l’Inist-CNRS qui héberge la diffusion de DST. Celles-ci indiquent pour l’année 2019 une moyenne de 15 à 20 000 consultations par mois, alors que le nombre de consultations mensuelles était compris entre 10 et 15 000 en 2018 et de l’ordre de 10 000 en 2017. Ce volume de consultations est tout à fait honorable, et sa croissante importante place DST dans une dynamique très positive. L’augmentation régulière du nombre de consultations devrait à terme accroître le nombre de citations des articles de DST par des auteurs de publications paraissant dans d’autres revues, ce qui est un facteur déterminant du rayonnement de la revue.Pour l’heure, le nombre d’articles paraissant dans DST et leur audience (nombre de consultations et de citations) sont encore trop faibles pour que la revue soit indexée par les grandes bases internationales telles que Scopus et Thomson Reuters. Mais les articles parus dans DST sont bien référencés par les bases internationales (ORCID, Google scholar, Mendeley, Publons, etc.) notamment par l’attribution d’un DOI à chaque article publié. Les articles sont donc référencés automatiquement par Crossref et ainsi par les bases internationales d’indexation.Malgré ces signaux positifs, DST va prochainement être diffusée par un autre vecteur que la platefome I-Revues, du fait de la décision de l’Inist-CNRS d’arrêter son service de diffusion de revues en libre accès. Plusieurs options sont à l’étude et le choix d’un nouveau partenaire de diffusion sera fait dans les semaines qui viennent. Nos auteurs et lecteurs seront bien évidemment informés du futur dispositif dès que le choix sera arrêté.D’ici là, nous attendons vos propositions d’articles que vous souhaiteriez soumettre à DST. C’est grâce à vos contributions que la revue continuera à s’affirmer comme un vecteur de communication efficace au sein de la communauté scientifique francophone, sans négliger la communauté non francophone grâce au résumé, titre et mots clés en anglais.
A Robust Estimator of Malaria Incidence from Routine Health Facility Data
Authors: Thwing Julie , Camara Alioune , Candrinho Baltazar , Zulliger Rose , Colborn James , Painter John , Plucinski Mateusz M.
Published: December 2019

Routine incident malaria case data have become a pillar of malaria surveillance in sub-Saharan Africa. These data provide granular, timely information to track malaria burden. However, incidence data are sensitive to changes in care seeking rates, rates of testing of suspect cases, and reporting completeness. Based on a set of assumptions, we derived a simple algebraic formula to convert crude incidence rates to a corrected estimation of incidence, adjusting for biases in variable and suboptimal rates of care seeking, testing of suspect cases, and reporting completeness. We applied the correction to routine incidence data from Guinea and Mozambique, and aggregate data for sub-Saharan African countries from the World Malaria Report. We calculated continent-wide needs for malaria tests and treatments, assuming universal testing but current care seeking rates. Countries in southern and eastern Africa reporting recent increases in malaria incidence generally had lower overall corrected incidence than countries in Central and West Africa. Under current care seeking rates, the unmet need for malaria tests was estimated to be 160 million (M) (interquartile range [IQR]: 139–188) and for malaria treatments to be 37 M (IQR: 29–51). Maps of corrected incidence were more consistent with maps of community survey prevalence than was crude incidence in Guinea and Mozambique. Crude malaria incidence rates need to be interpreted in the context of suboptimal testing and care seeking rates, which vary over space and time. Adjusting for these factors can provide insight into the spatiotemporal trends of malaria burden.
Artemether–Lumefantrine and Dihydroartemisinin–Piperaquine Retain High Efficacy for Treatment of Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in Myanmar
Authors: Han Kay Thwe , Lin Khin , Myint Moe Kyaw , Thi Aung , Aye Kyin Hla , Han Zay Yar , Moe Mya , Bustos Maria Dorina , Rahman Md Mushfiqur , Ringwald Pascal , Simmons Ryan , Markwalter Christine F. , Plowe Christopher V. , Nyunt Myaing M.
Published: December 2019

The emergence of artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum in the Greater Mekong Subregion threatens both the efficacy of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), the first-line treatment for malaria, and prospects for malaria elimination. Monitoring of ACT efficacy is essential for ensuring timely updates to elimination policies and treatment recommendations. In 2014–2015, we assessed the therapeutic efficacies of artemether–lumefantrine (AL) and dihydroartemisinin–piperaquine (DP) for the treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum at three study sites in Rakhine, Shan, and Kachin states in Myanmar. Patients presenting with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria were enrolled, treated, and followed up for 28 days for AL or 42 days for DP. Both AL and DP demonstrated good therapeutic efficacy at all three study sites. The 28-day cure rate for AL was > 96% across all study sites, and the 42-day cure rate for DP was 100%. Parasitemia on day 3 was detected in 0%, 3.3%, and 3.6% of participants treated with AL at the Rakhine, Shan, and Kachin sites, respectively. No participants treated with DP were parasitemic on day 3. No evidence of P. falciparum k13 mutations was found at the Rakhine study site. A high prevalence of k13 mutations associated with artemisinin resistance was observed at the Kachin and Shan state study sites. These results confirm that ACT efficacy has been resilient in therapeutic efficacy study (TES) sentinel sites in Myanmar, despite the presence at some sites of k13 mutations associated with resistance. Studies are ongoing to assess whether this resilience persists.
Heart Rate Variability as an Indicator of Autonomic Nervous System Disturbance in Tetanus
Authors: Duong Ha Thi Hai , Tadesse Girmaw Abebe , Nhat Phung Tran Huy , Hao Nguyen Van , Prince John , Duong Tran Duc , Kien Trịnh Trung , Nhat Le Thanh Hoang , Tan Le Van , Pugh Chris , Loan Huynh Thi , Chau Nguyen Van Vinh , Minh Yen Lam , Zhu Tingting , Clifton David , Thwaites Louise
Published: December 2019

Autonomic nervous system dysfunction (ANSD) is a significant cause of mortality in tetanus. Currently, diagnosis relies on nonspecific clinical signs. Heart rate variability (HRV) may indicate underlying autonomic nervous system activity and represents a potentially valuable noninvasive tool for ANSD diagnosis in tetanus. HRV was measured from three 5-minute electrocardiogram recordings during a 24-hour period in a cohort of patients with severe tetanus, all receiving mechanical ventilation. HRV measurements from all subjects—five with ANSD (Ablett Grade 4) and four patients without ANSD (Ablett Grade 3)—showed HRV was lower than reported ranges for healthy individuals. Comparing different severities of tetanus, raw data for both time and frequency measurements of HRV were reduced in those with ANSD compared with those without. Differences were statistically significant in all except root mean square SD, indicating HRV may be a valuable tool in ANSD diagnosis.
Molecular Surveillance for Polymorphisms Associated with Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapy Resistance in Plasmodium falciparum Isolates Collected in the State of Roraima, Brazil
Authors: Lucchi Naomi W. , Abdallah Rispah , Louzada Jaime , Udhayakumar Venkatachalam , Oliveira-Ferreira Joseli
Published: December 2019

Given that the C580Y polymorphism in the Plasmodium falciparum propeller domain of the kelch 13 gene (pfk13) was documented in Guyana, monitoring for mutations associated with antimalarial resistance was undertaken in neighboring Roraima state in Brazil. Polymorphisms in the pfmdr1 and pfk13 genes were investigated in 275 P. falciparum samples. No pfk13 mutations were observed. Triple mutants 184F, 1042D, and 1246Y were observed in 100% of the samples successfully sequenced for the pfmdr1 gene, with 20.1% of these having an additional mutation at codon 1034C. Among them, 2.5% of samples harbored two copies of the pfmdr1 gene. We found no evidence of the spread of C580Y parasites to Roraima state, Brazil. As previously observed, the 184F, 1042D, and 1246Y mutations in the pfmdr1 gene appear to be fixed in this region. Continued molecular surveillance is essential to detect any potential migration or local emergence of artemisinin-resistant mutation.
A Short Story about a Great Man:
Authors: Talam Jasmina
Published: December 2019

Bosnian-Herzegovinian ethnomusicology started to develop in the early 1930s. The first Bosnian ethnomusicologist, Friar Branko Marić, began to research the traditional folk music of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 1920s and presented the results of his research in the doctoral dissertation Volkmusik Bosnien und der Herzegovina (1936). The first systematic ethnomusicological research was initiated by Cvjetko Rihtman in 1947 within the Institute of Folklore Research. The main goal of his fieldwork was the collection of old, traditional “untouched”, and therefore locally colored music forms. Thus, the concept of “authentic” was for a long time dominant in collecting, and when associated with “old” it worked well. However, this one-sided approach had to be overcome, since rigid approach to modern processes was a threat to the development of Bosnian ethnomusicological thought.
Clinical case of mesenteric panniculitis
Authors: Kniazkova Iryna , Korchevskaya Anna , Bogun Maryna
Published: December 2019

Mesenteric panniculitis (MP) is a relatively rare pathology characterized by idiopathic local chronic inflammation of adipose tissue, mainly affecting the mesentery of the small intestine. The purpose of the study is to describe a case of MP. A 60-year-old patient visited a rheumatologist due to the progressive deterioration of his condition for the last 4 months and revealed changes on the computed tomography of the abdominal cavity. Treatment protocol: methylprednisolone 8 mg/day, pantoprazole 40 mg/day; continue with antihypertensive drugs. On the background of treatment after 2 months, the temperature became normal, appetite improved, and weakness decreased, with no relapses of abdominal symptoms. Diagnosis of MP is a difficult task, which has to be solved by primary care specialists. This clinical case is an example of MP diagnosis and positive dynamics of the patient’s clinical condition during therapy.
Effect of NOx on 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (TMB) oxidation product distribution and particle formation
Authors: Tsiligiannis Epameinondas , Hammes Julia , Salvador Christian Mark , Mentel Thomas F. , Hallquist Mattias
Published: December 2019

Abstract. Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) represents a significant fraction of the
tropospheric aerosol and its precursors are volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Anthropogenic VOCs (AVOC) dominate the VOC budget in many urban areas with 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (TMB) being among the most reactive aromatic AVOCs. TMB formed highly oxygenated organic molecules (HOMs) in an NOx-free environment, which could contribute to new particle formation (NPF) depending on oxidation conditions where elevated OH oxidation enhanced particle formation. The experiments were performed in an oxidation flow reactor, the Go:PAM unit, under controlled OH oxidation conditions. By addition of NOx to the system we investigated the effect of NOx on particle formation and on the product distribution. We show that the formation of HOMs, and especially HOM accretion products, strongly varies with NOx conditions. We observe a suppression of HOM and particle formation with increasing NOx/ΔTMB ratio and an increase in the formation of organonitrates (ONs) mostly at the expense of HOM accretion products. We propose reaction mechanisms and pathways that explain the formation and observed product distributions with respect to oxidation conditions. We hypothesise that, based on our findings from TMB oxidation studies, aromatic AVOCs may not contribute significantly to NPF under typical NOx/AVOC conditions found in urban atmospheres.
A low activity ion source for measurement of atmospheric gases by CIMS
Authors: Lee Young Ro , Ji Yi , Tanner David J. , Huey L. Gregory
Published: December 2019

Abstract. Most I--CIMS (iodide-chemical ionization mass spectrometers) for measurement of atmospheric trace gases utilize a radioactive ion source with an initial activity of 10 or 20 mCi of 210Po. In this work, we characterize a 210Po ion source with an initial activity of 1.5 mCi that can be easily constructed from commercially available components. The low level of radioactive activity of this source significantly reduces complications with storage and shipping relative to higher activity sources. We compare the sensitivity of the low activity source (LAS) to a standard 20 mCi source, as a function of carrier gas flow and flow tube pressure, for peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN), formic acid (HCO2H) molecular chlorine (Cl2), and nitryl chloride (ClNO2) using an I--CIMS. The LAS provides 2 to 5 times less sensitivity than that of the standard source even though the ratio of activity is approximately 13. However, detection limits of less than 2 pptv for the tested compounds are achieved for integration times of the order of a minute. The sensitivity of the LAS is less dependent on the magnitude of the carrier gas than a standard source. In addition, the LAS provides maximum sensitivity at relatively low carrier gas flows. Finally, we demonstrate that the LAS can be used to measure PAN in the remote atmosphere from an aircraft by showing data obtained on the NASA DC-8 during the Atmospheric Tomography (ATom) mission. In summary, the LAS may be an excellent substitute for a standard ion source in some field applications.
Investigation of the relationship between the spatial gradient of total electron content (TEC) between two nearby stations and the occurrence of ionospheric irregularities
Authors: Dugassa Teshome , Bosco Habarulema John , Nigussie Melessew
Published: December 2019

Abstract. The relation between the occurrence of ionospheric irregularities and the spatial gradient of total electron content (TEC) derived from two closely located
stations (ASAB: 4.34∘ N, 114.39∘ E and DEBK: 3.71∘ N, 109.34∘ E, geomagnetic), located within the equatorial region,
over Ethiopia, during the postsunset hours was investigated. In this study, the Global Positioning System (GPS)-derived TEC during the year 2014
obtained from the two stations were employed to investigate the relationship between the gradient of TEC and occurrence of ionospheric irregularities. The
spatial gradient of TEC (ΔTEC∕Δlong) and its standard deviation over 15 min, σ(ΔTEC∕Δlong), were used in this study. The
rate of change of TEC-derived indices (ROTI, ROTIave) were also utilized. Our results revealed that most of the maximum enhancement and reduction values in
ΔTEC∕Δlong are noticeable during the time period between 19:00 and 24:00 LT. In some cases, the peak values in the spatial gradient
of TEC are also observed during daytime and postmidnight hours. The intensity level of σ(ΔTEC∕Δlong) observed after postsunset show
similar trends with ROTIave, and was stronger (weaker) during equinoctial (solstice) months. The observed enhancement of σ(ΔTEC∕Δlong)
in the equinoctial season shows an equinoctial asymmetry where the March equinox was greater than the September equinox. During the postsunset period, the
relation between the spatial gradient of TEC obtained from two closely located Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers and the equatorial electric
field (EEF) was observed. The variation in the gradient of TEC and ROTIave observed during the evening time period show similar trends with EEF with a
delay of about 1–2 h between them. The relationship between σ(ΔTEC∕Δlong) and ROTIave correlate linearly with correlation
coefficient of C=0.7975 and C=0.7915 over ASAB and DEBK, respectively. The majority of the maximum enhancement and reduction in the spatial gradient of TEC
observed during the evening time period may be associated with ionospheric irregularities or equatorial plasma bubbles. In addition to latitudinal gradients,
the longitudinal gradient of TEC has contributed significantly to the TEC fluctuations.
Nitrogen use efficiency and N2O and NH3 losses attributed to three fertiliser types applied to an intensively managed silage crop
Authors: Cowan Nicholas , Levy Peter , Moring Andrea , Simmons Ivan , Bache Colin , Stephens Amy , Marinheiro Joana , Brichet Jocelyn , Song Ling , Pickard Amy , McNeill Connie , McDonald Roseanne , Maire Juliette , Loubet Benjamin , Voylokov Polina , Sutton Mark , Skiba Ute
Published: December 2019

Abstract. Three different nitrogen (N) fertiliser types, ammonium nitrate, urea and
urea coated with a urease inhibitor (Agrotain®), were applied
at standard rates (70 kg N ha−1) to experimental plots in a typical and
intensively managed grassland area at the Easter Bush Farm Estate (Scotland).
The nitrogen use efficiency of the fertilisers was investigated as well as
nitrogen losses in the form of nitrous oxide fluxes (N2O) and ammonia
(NH3) during fertilisation events in the 2016 and 2017 growing seasons.
Nitrous oxide was measured by the standard static chamber technique and
analysed using Bayesian statistics. Ammonia was measured using passive
samplers combined with the Flux Interpretation by Dispersion and Exchange over Short Range (FIDES) inverse dispersion model. On average,
fertilisation with ammonium nitrate supported the largest yields and had the
highest nitrogen use efficiency, but as large spatial and seasonal variation
persisted across the plots, yield differences between the three fertiliser
types and zero N control were not consistent. Overall, ammonium nitrate
treatment was found to increase yields significantly
(p value < 0.05) when compared to the urea fertilisers used in this study. Ammonium
nitrate was the largest emitter of N2O (0.76 % of applied N), and the urea was the largest emitter of NH3 (16.5 % of applied N). Urea
coated with a urease inhibitor did not significantly increase yields when
compared to uncoated urea; however, ammonia emissions were only 10 % of
the magnitude measured for the uncoated urea, and N2O emissions were
only 47 % of the magnitude of those measured for ammonium nitrate
fertiliser. This study suggests that urea coated with a urease inhibitor is
environmentally the best choice in regards to nitrogen pollution, but
because of its larger cost and lack of agronomic benefits, it is not
economically attractive when compared to ammonium nitrate.
Millennial-scale atmospheric CO2 variations during the Marine Isotope Stage 6 period (190–135 kyr BP)
Authors: Shin Jinhwa , Nehrbass-Ahles Christoph , Grilli Roberto , Chowdhry Beeman Jai , Parrenin Frédéric , Teste Grégory , Landais Amaelle , Schmidely Loïc , Schmitt Jochen , Stocker Thomas F. , Fischer Hubertus , Chappellaz Jérôme
Published: December 2019

Abstract. Understanding natural carbon cycle/climate feedbacks on various time scales is highly relevant to reliably predict future climate changes. During the last two glacial periods, climate variations on millennial time scales were observed but the background conditions and duration of climate variations are different. Here we make use of contrasting climatic boundary conditions during the last two glacial periods to gain insight into the co-occurring carbon cycle changes. We reconstruct a new high-resolution record of atmospheric CO2 from the EPICA Dome C (EDC) ice core during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 6 (190 to 135 kyr BP). During long stadials in the North Atlantic (NA) region, atmospheric CO2 appears to be associated with the coeval Antarctic temperature changes at millennial time scale connected to the bipolar seesaw process. However, during one short stadial in the NA, atmospheric CO2 variation is negligible and the relationship between temperature variation in EDC and atmospheric CO2 is unclear. We suggest that the amplitude of CO2 variation may be affected by the duration of perturbations of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). In addition, similar to the last glacial period, in the earliest MIS 6 (MIS 6e and 6d, corresponding to 189 to 169 kyr BP), Carbon Dioxide Maxima (CDM) show different lags with respect to the corresponding abrupt CH4 jumps, the latter reflecting rapid warming in the Northern Hemisphere (NH). During MIS 6e at around 181.5 ± 0.3 kyr BP, CDM 6e.2 lags abrupt warming in the NH by only 200 ± 360 yrs. During MIS 6d which corresponds to CDM 6d.1 (171.1 ±0.2 kyr BP) and CDM 6d.2 (175.4 ± 0.4 kyr BP), the lag is much longer, i.e., 1,400 ± 375 yrs on average. The timing of CO2 variations with respect to abrupt warming in the NH may be affected by a major change in the organization of the AMOC from MIS 6e to MIS 6d.
A multivariate statistical method for susceptibility analysis of the debris flow in Southwest China
Authors: Ji Feng , Dai Zili
Published: December 2019

Abstract. Southwest China is characterized by many steep mountains and deep valleys due to the uplift activity of the Tibetan Plateau. The 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake left large amounts of loose materials in this area, making it a severe disaster zone in terms of debris flow. Susceptibility is a significant factor of debris flow for evaluating its formation and impact. Therefore, it is in urgent need to analyze the susceptibility of debris flows in this area. At present, the susceptibility analysis models of the debris flow in Southwest China is mainly based on qualitative methods. Little quantitative prediction model is found in the literature. This study evaluates 70 typical debris flow gullies as statistical samples, which are distributed along the Brahmaputra River, Nujiang River, Yalong River, Dadu River, and Ming River respectively. Nine indexes are chosen to construct a factor index system and then to evaluate the susceptibility of debris flow. They are the catchment area, longitudinal grade, average gradient of the slope on both sides of the gully, catchment morphology, valley slope orientation, loose material reserves, location of the main loose material, antecedent precipitation, and rainfall intensity. Then, an empirical model based on the quantification theory type I is established for the susceptibility prediction of debris flows in Southwest China. Finally, 10 debris flow gullies on the upstream of the Dadu River are analyzed to verify the reliability of the proposed model. The results show that the accuracy of the statistical model is 90 %.
Rotation of floating particles in submesoscale cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies: a model study for the southeastern Baltic Sea
Authors: Zhurbas Victor , Väli Germo , Kuzmina Natalia
Published: December 2019

Abstract. We hypothesized that the overwhelming dominance of cyclonic spirals on satellite images of the sea surface could be caused by some differences between the rotary characteristics of submesoscale cyclonic and
anticyclonic eddies. This hypothesis was tested by means of numerical
experiments with synthetic floating Lagrangian particles embedded offline in
a regional circulation model of the southeastern Baltic Sea with very high
horizontal resolution (0.125 nautical mile grid). The numerical experiments
showed that the cyclonic spirals can be formed from both a horizontally uniform initial distribution of floating particles and from the initially
lined-up particles during an advection time of the order of 1 d. Statistical processing of the trajectories of the synthetic floating
particles allowed us to conclude that the submesoscale cyclonic eddies differ
from the anticyclonic eddies in three ways favoring the formation of
spirals in the tracer field: they can be characterized by (a) a considerably higher angular velocity, (b) a more pronounced differential rotation and (c) a negative helicity.
Constructed Technosols are key to the sustainable development of urban green infrastructure
Authors: Deeb Maha , Groffman Peter M. , Blouin Manuel , Egendorf Sara Perl , Vergnes Alan , Vasenev Viacheslav , Cao Donna L. , Walsh Daniel , Morin Tatiana , Séré Geoffroy
Published: December 2019

Abstract. With the rise in urban population comes a demand for solutions to offset environmental problems caused by urbanization. Green infrastructure (GI) refers to engineered features that provide multi-ecological functions in urban spaces. Soils are a fundamental component of GI, playing key roles in supporting plant growth, infiltration, and biological activities that contribute to maintenance of air and water quality. However, urban soils are often physically, chemically or biologically unsuitable for use in GI features. Constructed Technosols (CT), consisting of mixtures of organic and mineral waste, are man-made soils designed to meet specific requirements and have great potential for use in GI. This review covers (1) current methods to create CT adapted for various GI designs and (2) published examples where CT have been used in GI. We address the main steps for building CT, the materials and which formulae that should be used to design functional CT, and the technical constraints to using CT for applications in parks, streetside trees, stormwater management, urban farming, and abandoned land. The analysis suggests that the composition and structure of CT should and can be adapted to available wastes and by-products and to future land use and environmental conditions. CT have a high potential to provide multiple soil functions in diverse situations and to contribute to greening efforts in cities (and beyond) across the world.
Decentralized Common Knowledge Oracles
Authors: Williams Austin K. , Peterson Jack
Published: December 2019

We define and analyze three mechanisms for getting common knowledge, a posteriori truths about the world, onto a blockchain in a decentralized setting. We show that, when a reasonable economic condition is met, these mechanisms are individually rational, incentive compatible, and decide the true outcome of valid oracle queries in both the non-cooperative and cooperative settings. These mechanisms are based upon repeated games with two classes of players: queriers who desire to get common knowledge truths onto the blockchain and a pool of reporters who posses such common knowledge. Presented with a new oracle query, reporters have an opportunity to report the truth in return for a fee provided by the querier. During subsequent oracle queries, the querier has an opportunity to punish any reporters who did not report truthfully during previous rounds. While the set of reporters has the power to cause the oracle to lie, they are incentivized not to do so.
Epistolary Form and the Displaced Global Subject in Recent Films by James Benning and Jem Cohen
Authors: Sheehan Rebecca Anne
Published: December 2019

This essay focuses on the epistolary enunciation of recent works by two contemporary American filmmakers, Jem Cohen and James Benning, arguing for the stakes of viewing their films through an epistolary lens rather than the lenses of literary forms like the essay and the diary more commonly deployed to describe films that hug the boundaries between fiction and non-fiction. Looking specifically at Cohen’s Chain (2004) and Counting (2015) and Benning’s Stemple Pass (2013) and his installation Two Cabins (2011), I show how it is the epistolary enunciation of Benning’s and Cohen’s recent work that allows them to properly explore and depict the displacement of late capitalism’s subject in an increasingly globalized world. I go on to show that through epistolary enunciation both filmmakers also tap into American Transcendentalist and Pragmatist notions of individualism and selfhood that resist the homogenizing nature of late capitalism.
Las TIC en el contexto educativo a través de la producción científica en español
Authors: Lorenzo-Lledó Gonzalo , Lorenzo-Lledó Alejandro , Lledó Carreres Asunción
Published: December 2019

Las diversas reformas educativas a nivel nacional e internacional han ido abogando por la inclusión de la tecnología como recurso significativo en los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje. El objetivo del presente estudio es realizar un análisis bibliométrico de la producción científica en español sobre la inclusión de las TIC en el contexto educativo. La búsqueda de documentos se realizó en la ISI Web of Knowledge a partir de la pestaña de búsqueda avanzada. Tras aplicar los términos de búsqueda se obtuvieron 154 documentos que fueron analizados en función de una serie de indicadores. Los resultados obtenidos indican que el periodo de 2015-2017 fue el más prolijo y en el que se generó el mayor número de citas. El trabajo realizado pone en valor la gran importancia que tienen las revistas científicas en la publicación y difusión de investigaciones sobre las TIC en educación.
Comunicar transparencia. El caso de los archivos universitarios españoles
Authors: R. Pacios Ana , Torreiro Rodríguez Iria , Moro Cavero María Manuela
Published: December 2019

La Ley de Transparencia española, en aplicación desde el 2014, obliga a las instituciones públicas a publicar de forma periódica y actualizada la información que sea relevante para garantizar la transparencia de su actividad a través de sus sedes web. Los archivos universitarios, imprescindibles para procurar la transparencia de la institución a la que prestan sus servicios, deberían comunicar también la suya, ejercicio que sin duda redundaría en su visibilidad, credibilidad y buena imagen. El trabajo muestra los resultados de la evaluación de la transparencia a partir de la presencia de una serie de indicadores en su web. Los resultados indican que, aunque hay ejemplos de buenas prácticas, hay información esencial que es escasa, especialmente la relacionada con las líneas de actuación y objetivos del archivo como unidad organizativa, así como la memoria anual del servicio.
Rethinking Dynamo: False Motherhood and the Illusion of Immortality
Authors: Quirk Ronald E.
Published: December 2019

This article examines one of Eugene O'Neill's undervalued plays, Dynamo, in the framework of two strands of modern psychological thought: attachment disorder and death anxiety. Dynamo, with its ostensible theme of religion versus science, has often been dismissed as sophomoric and histrionic. However, an analysis of the “secondary” plot of protagonist Reuben Light's dysfunctional relationship with his mother illustrates a more complex storyline; an attachment disorder in action, leading to Reuben's fatal fixation on obtaining an illusory everlasting maternal presence vis-à-vis a hydroelectric power-plant. The themes of this article are drawn predominantly on the pioneering works of John Bowlby and Donald Winnicott, and on Ernest Becker's seminal books The Denial of Death and Escape from Evil. Infants and young children who have insecure attachment to their primary caregivers typically grow into adolescents and adults with free-floating anxiety, unconsciously craving a mother substitute. This is what tragically happened to Reuben Light.
Reimagining Education's Role in the Imagined Community: Toward a More Comprehensive Theory of Political Socialization
Authors: Brezicha Kristina F.
Published: December 2019

While schools have long played a role in developing citizens for the imagined community, this article argues that an overlooked consideration is the role schools play in fostering students' feelings of belonging. This theoretical article asks, What is missing from this current view of students' political socialization and how can integrating an ecological theory of development with research regarding belonging from the political science, sociology, psychology, and youth development fields help develop a more complete understanding of youth's political development? After first introducing Bronfenbrenner's ecological theory of development, the paper brings together research from the various disciplines listed above to examine the concept of belonging. Lastly, it reviews the political socialization literature integrating the ecological understanding of development and belonging to demonstrate the strength of bringing these concepts together. Thus, the paper provides a more holistic view of schools' role in the development of citizens and of students' political development.
John Steinbeck's Participatory Politics, 1936–1968
Authors: Shillinglaw Susan
Published: December 2019

Steinbeck's body of work has often been viewed through a binary prism: in the 1930s he was concerned with group behavior and after World War II with individual conscience and consciousness. That perspective shifts, however, if one considers a trenchant comment he made in a 1955 essay: “I believe that man is a double thing, a group animal and at the same time an individual. And it occurs to me that he cannot successfully be the second until he has fulfilled the first.” This essay argues that the meaning and impact of group identity is the central concern of his career as a politically engaged writer.
Co-educarnos y co-enseñarnos en derechos humanos interculturalmente
Authors: Sánchez Rubio David , Cruz Zúñiga Pilar
Published: December 2019

En este texto, a partir de una breve aproximación al caso de España donde se ejemplifica la convivencia en contextos de migraciones “no deseadas”, se ofrecen algunos insumos de co-educación y co-enseñanza en derechos humanos, a partir de una perspectiva compleja, socio-material, relacional y cotidiana. Estas propuestas resultan necesarias para favorecer la reflexión, pero sobre todo la praxis que enfrenten la creciente vulnerabilidad y exclusión social de las personas migrantes “no deseadas” y se pueda mejorar la convivencia en entornos cada vez más multiculturales. Las propuestas se centran en la idea de que hablar de derechos humanos es hacerlo desde los contextos relacionales e históricos en los que están insertos y que derechos humanos pueden cultivarse y co-enseñarse más que desde una normatividad, en praxis cotidianas que enfrenten procesos de dominación y exclusión social y convocan espacios de reconocimiento de dignidad.
The crisis of democracy in Latin America and the exercise of citizenship through a rereading of participatory democracy
Authors: Fasolo Pilati Adriana , Oliveira Filho Raimundo
Published: December 2019

The article cares about the actual crisis of democracy, based on themes of representativeness, seeking possibilities for overcoming the crisis through a rereading of democracy. Some countries, in particular some of Latin America, present strong problems with regards to the democratic model of representativeness and governance. Through a deductive approach, it is concluded that the process of consolidation of politic democracy, although strengthened by some Constitutions denotes particular fragility because of high levels of inequality, as well as distance between the society and the government, because of representative system. Thereby, it is believed that from the social movements is possible to build a redemocratization of the political systems, as the best way of effective popular participation of the citizenship that is based in a participatory representativeness and in the education in human rights and that result in the creation of public policies aimed at eradication of poverty and social exclusion.
El léxico que nos hace amar a Nicaragua
Authors: Baltodano Reyes Hilda María
Published: December 2019

Ilustre señor director y miembros de la Academia Nicaragüense de la Lengua, distinguidos invitados y queridos familiares:

Quiero expresar mi gratitud en esta oportunidad primero a Dios, digno de honra y gloria, quien me concedió el privilegio de ingresar a esta prestigiosa Casa, que el día de hoy se engalana para celebrar el nonagésimo aniversario de su fundación; mi agradecimiento también a D. Francisco Arellano Oviedo, D. Sergio Ramírez Mercado y D. Róger Matus Lazo, por proponer mi candidatura, y a los señores académicos, valiosos maestros, por conferirme el honor de trabajar juntos, distinción que, inmerecida, solo puedo compensar con mi compromiso de estudiar con pasión y enaltecer nuestra variedad lingüística ante la sociedad.