bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating technical efficiency of vegetable farmers in Anuradhapura district in Sri Lanka
Authors: Karunarathna Muditha
Published: July 2020

Promotion of technical efficiency is an important policy goal for the entire agricultural sector. This study aims at delivering empirical evidence on the level of technical efficiency of Vegetable farmers by analysing farm level data covering approximately 450 vegetable farmers in Anuradhapura district in Sri Lanka. The study focuses only commercial level vegetable farmers who cultivate only different type of vegetable varieties in their farms. The empirical results indicate that more than 80 % of the sampled farmers were less than 55% technically efficient. It was also found that farming experience, household size, agricultural extension services and level of educational attainment reduces technical inefficiency, while farmers’ age increases technical inefficiency. Policies that would improve farmer’s educational status through adult education and agricultural extension services would increase technical efficiency of vegetable farms in the long term.
Light sedation or no-sedation in ICU: patient experience matters
Authors: Mittal Saurabh , Mohan Anant , Madan Karan , Hadda Vijay
Published: July 2020

Dear Editor,

We have been using sedation for a long time in intensive care units for patients on mechanical ventilation. Sedation aims at facilitating the patient’s ability to remain comfortably connected to the ventilator and minimize oxygen consumption. The strategies for sedation vary from deep sedation and light sedation to nosedation. For the last two decades, light sedation with daily interruption is being practiced by most ICUs...
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in the setting of multiple sclerosis: a multifaceted phenomenon with important implications
Authors: Yalta Kenan , Taylan Gokay , Yalta Tulin , Yetkin Ertan
Published: July 2020

Dear Editor,

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) has been universally regarded as a unique form of reversible myocardial dysfunction associated with a variety of emotional and physical stressors. In their recently published elegant article, Dell’Aquila et al. have reported an interesting case of TTC triggered by an exacerbation of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). However, we would like to comment on this interesting case and its particular implications...
Examinations and assessments in patients with a newly acquired spinal cord injury – retrospective chart analysis as part of a quality improvement project
Authors: Scheel-Sailer Anke , Sailer Clara Odilia , Lampart Patricia , Baumberger Michael , Berger Markus , Mueller Gabi , Sigrist-Nix Diana , Schmitt Klaus , Siepmann Timo , Pannek Jürgen
Published: July 2020

AIMS OF THE STUDY
Examinations and assessments can be used to ensure good quality rehabilitation. Within the framework of a quality improvement project, the aims of the current analysis were: first, to analyse the time points of selected examinations and assessments in the rehabilitation process of patients with a newly acquired spinal cord injury. Second, to identify differences between the subgroups with different aetiologies, levels and completeness of spinal cord injuries. And third, to compare the examinations and assessments performed with the guideline recommendations and to use discrepancies as a starting point for a quality improvement project.

METHODS
In this retrospective chart analysis, adult patients with a newly acquired spinal cord injury who were admitted to a single specialised acute care and rehabilitation clinic for their first rehabilitation between December 2013 and December 2014 were included and assessed until discharge. The main objective was to assess the time to examinations or assessments after injury or hospital admission in comparison to the respective recommendations. Analyses were done using time-to-event analysis and represented graphically using Kaplan-Meier plots.

RESULTS
Of the 105 patients included in this study (median age 58 years, 29% female), 61% had a traumatic and 39% a non-traumatic spinal cord injury; 39% were paraplegic and 61% were quadriplegic; and 59% had a motor complete and 41% a sensor-motor incomplete spinal cord injury. The percentage of patients for whom the respective assessment or examination was performed and the percentage of these patients for whom it performed within the recommended time were: 90% and 71% for magnetic resonance imaging; 85% and 90% for computed tomography; 87% and 79% for the manual muscle test; 95% and 59% for the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord (ISNCSCI); 84% and 50% for electrophysiological assessment; 73% and 90% for urodynamic testing; and 49% and 53% for lung function testing.

CONCLUSIONS
Our data suggest a relevant gap between recommendations and clinical routine for time to some assessments after spinal cord injury. Within the framework of a quality improvement project, the next steps should be to build a national and international consensus on specific time frames for examinations and assessments in patients with a newly acquired spinal cord injury and thereafter, to develop an institutional implementation strategy.
Iron overload associated symptoms and laboratory changes in the Swiss Haemochromatosis Cohort – when a clinician should become attentive
Authors: Kölmel Sebastian , Nowak Albina , Krayenbuehl Pierre-Alexandre
Published: July 2020

AIMS OF THE STUDY
Hereditary haemochromatosis is a genetic disease characterised by progressive accumulation of iron in organs leading to many unspecific complaints, but even today diagnosis may be delayed. We aimed to identify symptoms associated with iron overload and parameters typical in patients with hereditary haemochromatosis which might help to facilitate detection and diagnosis in daily clinical routine.

METHODS
We analysed the prospective Swiss Haemochromatosis Cohort (SHC), including 163 patients for whom serum ferritin levels at diagnosis were available. The cohort was stratified according to the degree of iron overload. Substantial iron overload was defined as serum ferritin concentrations ≥1000 µg/ml.

RESULTS
Patients with substantial iron overload had significantly higher liver enzymes (p <0.001) and more often arthropathy of the metacarpophalangeal joints (p <0.001) and upper ankle joint (p = 0.003). Elevated liver enzymes, especially elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, were associated with a 10.1-fold (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.8–21.2) increased the risk for serum ferritin levels ≥1000 µg/ml. Furthermore, metacarpophalangeal joint arthropathy emerged as an important predictor for iron overload with a 3.6-fold increased risk (95% CI 1.8–7.1; p <0.001). Only elevated ALT levels and metacarpophalangeal joint arthropathy remained significantly associated with elevated iron levels after adjustment for possible confounders in patients diagnosed with hereditary haemochromatosis.

CONCLUSION
Elevated ALT levels and metacarpophalangeal arthropathy remained independently associated with elevated ferritin levels in patients with haemochromatosis and should prompt clinicians to consider iron overload in patients with hereditary haemochromatosis.
An Inferential Study on the Profitability Determinants of the Cement Industry in Bangladesh
Authors: Rezina Sonia , Ashraf Aysha , Khan Md. Atiqullah
Published: July 2020

This paper examines the impacts of firm-specific and macroeconomic factors in determining the profitability of the cement industry in Bangladesh. This study took stock exchange listed all cement companies of Bangladesh as samples and covered the period of 2000–2018. Return on Assets (ROA) was chosen as the dependent variable and firm size, expense to revenue ratio, leverage, age, inflation rate, GDP growth rate, and real interest rate were chosen as independent variables where the first four are firm-specific and the other three are macroeconomic factors. This study considered ROA as the profitability measurement of the firms. The study found that leverage, GDP growth rate, and real interest rate have significant impacts on the profitability. Firm size, age, GDP growth rate, and real interest rate have a positive impact whereas expenses to revenue ratio, leverage, and inflation have a negative impact on the profitability of the firms under the cement industry.
Utilización de los Contratos Futuros y Opciones como Cobertura de Riesgo de Precios en las Exportaciones de Cacao al Mercado Internacional
Authors: Arcelia Dellanira Lara Rojas
Published: July 2020

El presente artículo científico plantea un análisis del uso de contratos futuros y opciones con cobertura de Riesgo de precios en las exportaciones de cacao al mercado internacional y su influencia económica en el país para lograr su desarrollo y crecimiento. La influencia económica en el país se deriva a la toma de decisiones que se realizan mediante los análisis financieros, esto es debido a la inestabilidad económica, política y a los cambios que suceden en el mercado dentro del Ecuador en otras palabras se lo conoce como riesgo, el cual son asumidos por la alta gerencia dentro de una organización. Mediante estos riesgos existen herramientas los cuales son denominados instrumentos financieros derivados, las cuales son de gran importancia ya que anticipamos una ganancia a futuro disminuyendo riesgos y así se obtienen los debidos beneficios que son a corto plazo.
PENENTUAN PRODUKTIVITAS DAERAH KABUPATEN TERBAIK SEBAGAI PENGHASIL TANAMAN SAYURAN CABAI DI PROVINSI SUMATERA SELATAN MENGGUNAKAN DIAGRAM KARTESIUS
Authors: Hatta Hendrixon , Nursanty Nursanty
Published: July 2020

Produksi tanaman cabai di Provinsi Sumatera Selatan tersebar di tujuh belas kabupaten dan kota. Namun, Pemerintah Kabupaten / Kota dan Pemerintah Provinsi Sumatera Selatan tidak mengetahui keunggulan produktivitas untuk masing-masing daerah; Oleh karena itu, penelitian lebih lanjut diperlukan untuk mengetahui kabupaten / kota produktif terbaik dalam memproduksi tanaman sayuran cabai. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah analisis statistik deskriptif menggunakan teknik analisis regresi dan diagram kartesius. Variabel penelitian adalah jumlah produksi dan produktivitas. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Kabupaten Ogan Komering Ilir adalah kabupaten terbaik dalam hal produktivitas, sehingga dapat digunakan sebagai referensi lokal untuk kabupaten dan kota lain di Provinsi Sumatera Selatan dalam upaya untuk meningkatkan produktivitas sayuran cabai.
Dengue Fever and its Dermatological Changes
Authors: Mohan Kumar R  , Muddu Surendra Nehru
Published: July 2020

Background: Around the world dengue incidence has dramatically grown with a large number of asymptomatic cases. Worldwide about 390 million dengue infections were occurring per year, among them 96 million people were developing clinical manifestations with varied severity. About 3.9 billion people residing in 128 countries, were at-risk of dengue virus infection. Dengue fever (DF) is one of the common causes of acute febrile illness. In half the patients with dengue fever skin involvement occurs. Aim & Objectives: To study the socio-demographic parameters, clinical features and laboratory parameters among the patients with and without skin rash in dengue infection. Also determine outcome among the patients with dengue fever and its association with skin rash. Subjects and Methods: A hospital-based, analytical prospective study was conducted in the Department of General Medicine, Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center, Bangalore. Patients older than 16 years of age with clinical features and laboratory reports suggestive of dengue infection were included. The study was conducted for a period of 12 months from 1st December 2014 to 30th November 2015. These patients were further divided based on the skin rash presence and absence. The data obtained was entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed in SPSS version-22 trial. Analysis was done using unpaired students t-test, ANOVA. Results: In total 97 patients with dengue fever were enrolled into the study. About 14.4 p.c (14) patients were with skin rash. The patients with skin rash were found to have lower platelet levels during the disease course. Patients with skin rash had higher percentage of platelet transfusion which was statistically significant. Conclusion: A cutaneous involvement may facilitate clinical diagnosis but it may not be present among all the patients.
Mid Regional Natriuretic Peptide for Predicting Prognosis of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Niranjan Reddy R  , Magesh B
Published: July 2020

Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic disorder of cardiac myocytes that is characterized by cardiac hypertrophy, cellular disarray and interstitial fibrosis. Mutation of MYH7 and MYBPC3 encoding proteins β-myosin heavy chain and myosin binding protein C, respectively, are the two most common genes involved, together accounting for about 50% of cases. The present study was conducted to evaluate the prognostic value of MR-proANP in patients with HCM. Subjects and Methods: The present study was conducted at Narayana Medical College & Hospital, Chintareddy Palem, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh from July 2016 to July 2017 on 46 patients of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy of both genders. Serum NT-proBNP was measured by a two-site electrochemiluminescence immunoassay on a Roche Diagnostics E170 analyser. Results: The mean systolic blood pressure was 124.8 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure was 78 mm Hg, heart rate was 68 beats/minutes, NYHA 1(n=4), NYHA 2 (n=27), NYHA 3–4 (n=15) and atrial fibrillation was 12%. The mean MR-proANP was 106 pmol/L and NT-proBNP was 540 pg/mL at the start of the study. At the end of 12 months of follow up, 15 patients had a primary end point defined as heart failure hospitalisation (n=10), heart transplant (n=3) death(n=2). Both mean MR-proANP and NT-proBNP were strongly associated with the primary end points at the end of study period with values of 1010 pmol/L and 2545 pg/ml respectively. This showed a strong association with P <0.05. Conclusion: Authors found that MR-proANP is a valuable biomarker for the prediction of heart failure related events in patients with HCM.
Assessment of Left Atrial Volume Index in the Patients with ACS in Adults
Authors: Niranjan Reddy R  , Shashanka Chunduri
Published: July 2020

Background: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the leading cause of death universally. The present study was conducted to assess LA volume index (LAVI) in the patients with ACS in adults.Subjects and Methods: The present study was conducted on120 adult patients diagnosed with ACS of both genders in narayana medical college hospital from May 2016 toOctober 2016. Patients were divided into 2 groups of 60 each. Group I patients had LAVI > 34 ml/m2 and group II patients had LAVI ≤ 34 ml/m2. The LV systolic function was analyzed by Simpson’s disc volumetric method. The LAV was assessed by the biplane area‑length method from apical 4‑chamber and 2‑chamber views.Results: The mean BMI in group I patients was 26.7 kg/m2 and in group II was 26.1 kg/m2, AW STEMI in group I was seen in 30 patients and in group II in 32, IW + PW STEMI in 6 and 4 patients in both groups respectively, IW STEMI in 5 and 4 patients respectively, NSTEMI in 4 and 3 patients respectively and UA in 15 and 17 patients respectively. Risk factors were diabetes mellitus in 32    and 27 patients respectively, hypertension in 41 and 40 patients respectively, smoking in 43 and 38 patients respectively, alcohol in 30 and 35 patients respectively and positive family history in 12 and 16 patients respectively. The difference was non- significant (P> 0.05). The mean LAVI at admission in group I was 38.1 and in group II was 27.2, after 1 month was 40.2 and 28.1 in both groups, after 6 months was 39.1 and 27.9 in both groups and after 12 months was 42.7 and 25.3 in both groups respectively. The difference was significant (P< 0.05).Conclusion:Authors conclude that LAVI was found to be the independent predictor of mortality than left ventricular ejection fraction on multivariate regression analysis. Common risk factors in patients with ACS were diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, alcoholism and positive family history. Patients with LAVI of value >34 ml/m2 were associated with increased comorbidities.
A Study on Angiographic profile of Acute Coronary Syndrome in Smokers
Authors: Hemasundar Korrapati  , B.V. Narayana Reddy  , Supraja Chegireddy
Published: July 2020

Background: Coronary artery disease is a devastating disease precisely because an otherwise healthy person in the prime of life may die or become disabled without warning. The objectives were to study the clinical profile, risk factors prevalence, angiographic distribution and severity of coronary artery stenosis in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients admitted in Cardiology Department of Cardiology Katuri Medical College & Hospital, Guntur.Subjects and Methods:A total of 208 patients of ACS were analyzed for various risk factors, angiographic patterns and severity of coronary artery disease in smokers vs non-smokers at Katuri Medical College, Andhra Pradesh.Results:Study group consisted of 208 subjects, of which 108(51.9%) subjects were smokers including all forms of tobacco use and 100(48.1 Out of 108 study subjects in  the  smokers group, family history of CAD  was present in 21(19.4%) subjects. Killip class is not applicable to 13 (12%) study groups as they presented with Unstable Angina with ECG changes. Killip class 1 was most common presentation (67.6%) in smokers. 28 patients (25.9%) had LV dysfunction with EF < 50% by echocardiography. 80 patients (74.1%) had normal LV function. The mean EF was 55.56+/-10.16%. The median EF was 56.5%. LAD was type 3 in 100 (92.6%) patients and type 4 in 8 (7.4%) patients   out of 108 study subjects.LAD type 3 was statistically significant with P value < 0.05 when compared with LAD type 4. No statistically significant difference was seen with respect to the Normal coronary arteries as CAG diagnosis between smokers and non-smokers(6.7% versus 8%,p>0.1,Not significant).Conclusion: Smokers were predominantly male and around 3 years younger than non-smokers. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension were less common among smokers and single-vessel disease was the more common angiographic finding for smokers as compared to 3-vessel disease for non-smokers. ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in smokers despite younger age and the low atherosclerotic risk profile, in our region, emphasize the need for nicotine addiction management and smoking cessation campaigns at large and for pre-discharge counseling.
Predictors of Overweight and Obesity among Children in Haldwani, Uttarakhand
Authors: Choudhary Bhawna , Singh Nutan , Bathla Ankush , Chand Ramesh
Published: July 2020

Background: Obesity has become a concerning pediatric health problem in the modern era with lifestyle changes in globalization, economic development and easy access to technology. The aim of the study is to study the anthropometric profile of overweight and obesity and its associated risk factors. Subjects and Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was implemented among randomly chosen 100 obese  and overweight children aged between 10-18 years over 15 months. Data was collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire and anthropometry was done and categorized as overweight and obese as per WHO BMI- age cutoff. Results: 41 % (n=41) were obese and 59% (n=59) were overweight. 65 % (n=65) were males. In all the age groups the mean weight of males was more except in the age group 10-12 years. Mean weight (64.39  12.88 kg) and mean BMI (26.04   1.95 kg/m2) of obese children is significantly higher than mean weight (56.73   9.76 kg) and mean BMI (23.25  1.98 kg/m2) of overweight children respectively. Risk factors like skipping breakfast (p= 0.034), calorie excess   (p= 0.032), junk food intake more than once (p=0.008) and junk food daily (p=0.036) were found to be significantly associated with childhood obesity. Conclusion: Sensitization of parents and teachers with school-based programs like active participation in sports, regular anthropometric examinations of students are important measures that can be taken to curb this rising problem.
The Influence of Training and Development on Organizational Commitment of Academicians in Pakistan
Authors: Hussain Altaf , Khan Muhammad Asad , Khan Mohammad Hanif
Published: July 2020

It is recognized globally that training and development not only enhances the abilities, knowledge and skills of the staff member but it also changes their attitudes and behaviors. Such change in their attitudes and behaviors makes them committed with their respective organizations. This research work inquired association of training & development along with its dimensions with organizational commitment. We used Smart-PLS to make analysis of the data which were gathered from 320 academic staff of seven public sector universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. The results of this work found a significant influence of training & development and its dimensions on organizational commitment of academic staff. The results further suggested that training and development play crucial role in the enrichment of organizational commitment of academic staff. Committed academic staff not only stays longer with the universities but put more effort and perform better as compared to non-committed academic staff. We also concluded in this study that if the management of the universities intends to enhance the commitment of academic staff with the universities, they need to provide them maximum opportunities of training & development. We also discussed the theoretical and practical implications of the results.
Interplay of Organizational Commitment and Turnover Intention in Academic Sector
Authors: Hussain Altaf , Khan Muhammad Asad , Hussain Jawad
Published: July 2020

Organizational commitment is considered as an important variable in the reduction of turnover of employees. It is well documented that those employees who are more committed with their respective organizations are less likely to quit those organizations. This study is aimed to examine the relationship of organizational commitment with turnover intention of academic staff as it has been less focused in academic sector of Pakistan. We collected data from 320 respondents of seven public universities located at Peshawar division, Pakistan. We used structural equation modeling (SEM) in order to analyze the collected data. Findings of our study also reported significant negative relationship between the two variables. Such results further revealed that if academic staffs are psychologically, emotionally and morally attached with their respective universities, they are less intended to quit those universities. Results also validate social exchange theory. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed in the study.
A Comparison of Students’ Academic Achievement in English in Single-Sex and Co-Educational Schools
Authors: Hussain Safdar
Published: July 2020

In this ex post facto research, the difference in students’ academic achievement in English has been examined in single-sex and co-educational schools on the bases of data obtained from 576 students from 03 boys’ only, 04 girls’ only, and 07 co-educational secondary schools from Multan. Students’ score in achievement test and gain in grades obtained in the subject of English from 2001 to 2005 were analysed using t-test of independent samples against grouping variable type of school students attended. Statistical control was also applied in the analyses of co-variance over confounding variables associated with students’ family and school. Both boys and girls from single-sex schools obtained better score in achievement test and gained better grades than students from co-educational schools and this difference remained statistically significant even after applying statistical control.
Trachoma in School Going Children at District Bahawalpur, Pakistan: Incidence and Causes
Authors: Salahuddin Taseer , Nisar Muhammad Yasser , Ahmed Alia , Naseem Ismat
Published: July 2020

This study is a pilot collaborative effort between academic and clinical sectors for exploring the incidence of trachoma among school going children in Pakistan ranging from 4-18 years olds from January to June 2019. A three-stage random sampling technique was employed. At stage one, out of five; two tehsils of District Bahawalpur were selected. In the second stage, four union councils from two selected tehsils were selected randomly. In the third and final stage of random sampling, two government schools from each union council were randomly selected from selected union councils. In each school, all willing students wanting a free eye check-up were entertained for initial screening. Anyone having complains regarding eye irritation, redness, watering, pain or vision loss symptoms were screened for trachoma. Out of 16 selected Government schools, seventeen hundred and thirty seven (n=5737) participants were selected ranging from 4 to18 years olds. Data were analyzed using Eviews 7.0. Trachoma was observed in total of 169 cases (74 male, 95 female). 2.94% overall trachoma prevalence was seen (2.39% for male students and 3.59% for females). Female children suffered from higher prevalence of trachoma (1.20%).
Effect of Liberating Approach of Teaching on Students’ writing skills in English at Secondary School
Authors: Bagum Munwar , Chaudhary Abid Hussain
Published: July 2020

Current The major purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of liberating approach of teaching with banking approach of teaching in the subject of English at secondary level in Pakistan. In order to develop the rational of the study, an experiment was devised to identify the effect of liberating approach of teaching on students’ achievement in the subject of English at secondary school level. Through this approach student creativity and mental power is stimulated and better used in academic and social context. The population of the study was included all the students of science and arts enrolled in 9th class in girls’ comprehensive higher secondary school of the Multan city. The researcher was selected two intact group sections of English medium science and both the sections have total 104 students. The study was Quasi Experimental with a Non-equivalent control group pre-test post-test design. One section was randomly selected an experimental group (X1) and the other was assigned to control group (X2).A pre-test and post-test were developed by the researcher, through carefully reviewing the methods of test development regarding quantifying students language skill, that is writing skills. A panel assessed the validity of both the test. The test had 50 marks for writing capacity (writing skills test).A pilot study was conducted to validate the instruments .The results also showed that treatment enhanced the achievement level of the experimental group in English. The researcher has confirmed that liberating approach is connected with learning techniques and strategies; and it is recommended that teacher of English should apply liberating approach to improve writing skills of the students in the classes. The findings revealed that liberating approach is more effective as compared to banking approach (traditional) of teaching. It is recommended that the teachers should apply liberating approach of teaching in the classes in order to improve writing skills of the students.
Islamic Finance and Economic Growth Nexus: An Econometric Analysis
Authors: Raza Kashif , Ahmad Rashid , Shah Muhammad Abdul Rehman , Umar Muhammad
Published: July 2020

Researchers have written chain of research papers about the dynamics of financial development and economic growth. The financial capital plays a productive role when it delivers to economic agents who are facing shortage or excess of funds.  This study explores the linkages among Islamic financing and economic growth for Pakistan, by using annual time series data from 2005-2018. Islamic banks’ financing funds used as a proxy of Islamic financing, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF), labor force (LF),Broad money(M) and Trade openness (TO) to presents real sector of an economy. For the exploration, the unit root test, Ordinary least square technique and Granger causality test are applied. The results validate a substantial causal relationship of Islamic financing and GDP, which supports the Schumpeter’s supply-leading view. The results indicate that Islamic finance contributed towards economic growth.
Impact Assessment of Devolution Paradigm in Primary Education Sector: Policy Initiatives and Budgetary Allocations in Punjab Province
Authors: Abbas Raheel , Asghar Muhammad , Saeed Rashid
Published: July 2020

The study aims to empirically testify the devolution intervention in the budgetary allocations of the primary education sector of the Punjab province. It addresses the question; whether devolution intervention has an impact on primary education policy and input indicators or not? This study is based on Content Analysis to derive a meaningful conclusion about policy interventions. The budgetary interventions are verified by Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) and Descriptive Discriminant Analysis (DDA) to measure the impact of devolution intervention. The analysis shows that there is no mere shift in policy initiatives and budgetary allocations. However, the primary education sector is relatively better as compared to the pre-devolution period but still, a lot of interventions are required for further improvement.
Association of Demographic Predictors with Multidimensional Aspects of Students’ Engagement and Their Academic Performance In High Schools of Southern Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Sattar Tehmina , Ullah Muhammad Imdad , Rehman Asad Ur , Ismail Hina
Published: July 2020

The present study addressed the major demographic predictors affecting the integrated paradox of students’ engagement and their academic performance in high schools of Southern Punjab, Pakistan. By using multistage sampling technique, N=2758 high school students were sampled out through cross sectional survey research design. The findings of the study revealed that students of highly educated parents i.e. up to tertiary level, residing in family size of 5-10 members and having middle class socio-economic status were more engaged in studies and performed better in exams. In conclusion, gender, parental education, socio-economic status, family size, family type and geographical residence were the major demographic factors affecting students’ academic outcomes. Usage of social constructionism strategies, analytical thinking and multifarious instruction techniques can be helpful in increasing the students’ academic outcomes.
Motivation and Decision-Making Styles at Work: A Comparison of Public Private Sector Managerial Positions
Authors: Irum Uzma , Bajwa Ruqia Safdar , Khawar Rabia
Published: July 2020

The current study investigated the link between motivation and decision-making strategies of employees working on managerial positions in different organizations of Multan. Additionally, participants were compared across gender, marital status, age groups and organizational set up. The sample included 164 men and 68 women (N = 232, Mage 38.5 years). Work Preference Inventory and General Decision-Making Style Questionnaire were administered in order to measure intrinsic/extrinsic motivation and a range of decision-making styles respectively. Correlational analysis showed significant inverse association of dependent decision-making style with both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation yet only extrinsic motivation proved to be a significant predictor of dependent style in regression analysis. Results of t-test showed that men preferred rationale style women scored higher on dependent and avoidant styles of making decisions than men. Decision making ability of married employees was better than unmarried. Differences across gender and marital status were non-significant on level of motivation and its types. Private sector employees showed greater motivation than public sector employees, however both were alike in decision making except for dependent style that was preferred by public sector employees. Younger group was more intrinsically motivated while older groups were more dependent in decision making as compared with the younger group. Findings are discussed for improvement of organizational set up.
An Open Letter To Black Daughters, HUEman, & Dark Thoughts
Authors: Kubby Elle
Published: July 2020

"An Open Letter to Black Daughters" is a letter I wrote to both myself and my sisters. I needed to write a letter that created a safe space for Black Women to be validated. The second poem "HUEman" addresses the spiritual void that is missing due to the oppression we have been victim to. The last poem "Dark Thoughts" is a poem that reminds us of the universal Truth of our existence.
Genetic determinants of the response to coronavirus infection COVID-19
Authors: Poyarkov SV , Makarov VV , Kraevoy SA , Yudin SM
Published: July 2020

The heterogeneity of the clinical manifestation of COVID-19 may be associated with the characteristics of the genome of both humans and the virus. A combination of allelic variants of genes associated with viral life cycle can determine susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Allelic variants in genes ACE1, ACE2, TMPRSS2, IL6, SLC6A20, LZTFL1, CCR9, FYCO1, CXCR6, and XCR1 can determine the severity of COVID-19. Analysis of the genomes of COVID-19 patients with different clinical course and development on their basis of model for stratification of people according to the degree of susceptibility and severity of manifestation will allow to develop a personalized approach for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
MEMBANGUN KARAKTER SISWA MELALUI PENGGUNAAN MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN SCRABBLE GAMES
Authors: Pratama Febri Fajar
Published: July 2020

Character education is very important in instilling positive behavior in students. Teachers as educators are expected to be able to internalize the values ​​of character in students through innovative learning in the classroom. One of the method used is to optimize the use of media through game-based learning that are able to change classroom conditions into fun by not eliminating the essence of the learning objectives themselves. The purpose of this study is to describe in depth about the use of learning media as a means of character building through descriptive qualitative approach. The selection of scrabble media is based on the development of learning models applied at SMAN 5 Cimahi through games on the one day one juz program which uses a series of words (verses) to instill the religious character of students. Based on the results of the study concluded that the use of creative learning media can shape student character.
MERAWAT KEBERAGAMAN MENJAGA TOLERANSI MENEROPONG PERAN FORUM KERUKUNAN UMAT BERAGAMA KABUPATEN SIKKA
Authors: Harudin M. , Khaidir Khaidir , Natsir H. Rodja Abdul
Published: July 2020

The government has the duty and obligation to protect every citizen from embracing their respective religions and providing teaching guidance that can be carried out safely and in an orderly manner, based on applicable laws. This study aims to determine the role of religious harmony forums in maintaining tolerance between religious communities in the Sikka Regency. This research uses a qualitative approach data collection using observation techniques, interviews, and study documentation. The informants in the interview are religious leaders. The results obtained are: FKUB has carried out various activities following the duties and functions of other mediators and motivators, FKUB conducted socialization, values in each religion, held dialogues with religious leaders and community leaders, accommodated and channeled the aspirations of religious organizations and goals society but is constrained by operational cost factors.
Atmospheric Corrosion of Aluminum Alloy 6063 Beneath Ferric Chloride Corrosion Product Droplets
Authors: Mahmood S. , Gallagher C. , Engelberg D.L.
Published: July 2020

The atmospheric corrosion behavior of aluminum alloy 6063-T5 with exposure to FeCl3-containing droplet deposits has been investigated using x-ray computed tomography analysis. A voluminous corrosion product cap is formed, with iron oxyhydroxide/oxide deposits forming a coherent layer at the aluminum interface. Exposure to a single droplet is compared with exposure to multiple droplets, and the effect of corrosion product development and FeCl3 concentration on the corrosion rate has been determined. Multiple wet periods with small droplet volumes resulted in higher corrosion rates than comparable single droplet exposures.
Analysis of atmospheric ammonia over South and East Asia based on the MOZART-4 model and its comparison with satellite and surface observations
Authors: Pawar Pooja V. , Ghude Sachin D. , Jena Chinmay , Móring Andrea , Sutton Mark A. , Kulkarni Santosh , Lal Deen Mani , Surendran Divya , Van Damme Martin , Clarisse Lieven , Coheur Pierre-François , Liu Xuejun , Xu Wen , Jiang Jize , Adhya Tapan Kumar
Published: July 2020

Abstract. Limited availability of atmospheric ammonia (NH3) observations, limits our understanding of controls on its spatial and temporal variability and its interactions with ecosystems. Here we used the Model for Ozone and Related chemical Tracers (MOZART-4) global chemistry transport model and the Hemispheric Transport of Air Pollution version-2 (HTAP-v2) emission inventory to simulate global NH3 distribution for the year 2010. We present a first comparison of the model with monthly averaged satellite distributions and limited ground-based observations available across South Asia. The MOZART-4 simulations over South Asia and East Asia are evaluated with the NH3 retrievals obtained from the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) satellite and 69 ground based monitoring stations for air quality across South Asia, and 32 ground based monitoring stations from the Nationwide Nitrogen Deposition Monitoring Network (NNDMN) of China. We identify the northern region of India (Indo-Gangetic Plain, IGP) as a hotspot for NH3 in Asia, both using the model and satellite observations. In general, a close agreement was found between yearly-averaged NH3 total columns simulated by the model and IASI satellite measurements over the IGP, South Asia (r = 0.85) and North China Plain (NCP), of East Asia (r = 0.88). However, the MOZART-4 simulated NH3 column is substantially higher over South Asia than East Asia, as compared with the IASI retrievals, which show smaller differences. Model simulated surface NH3 concentrations indicate smaller concentrations in all seasons than surface NH3 measured by the ground based observations over South and East Asia, although uncertainties remain in the available surface NH3 measurements. Overall, the comparison of East Asia and South Asia using both MOZART-4 model and satellite observations showed smaller NH3 columns in East Asia compared with South Asia for comparable emissions, indicating rapid dissipation of NH3 due to secondary aerosol formation, which can be explained by larger emissions of acidic precursor gases in East Asia.
Characterization of Submicron Organic Particles in Beijing During Summertime: Comparison Between SP-AMS and HR-AMS
Authors: Wang Junfeng , Ye Jianhuai , Liu Dantong , Wu Yangzhou , Zhao Jian , Xu Weiqi , Xie Conghui , Shen Fuzhen , Zhang Jie , Ohno Paul E. , Qin Yiming , Zhao Xiuyong , Martin Scot T. , Lee Alex K. Y. , Fu Pingqing , Jacob Daniel J. , Zhang Qi , Sun Yele , Chen Mindong , Ge Xinlei
Published: July 2020

Abstract. Black carbon (BC) particles in Beijing summer haze play an important role in regional radiation balance and related environmental processes. Understanding the factors that lead to variability in the impacts of BC remains limited. Here, we present observations by a soot-particle aerosol mass spectrometer of BC-containing submicron particulate matter (BC-PM1) in the summer of 2017 in Beijing, China. These observations were compared to concurrently measured total non-refractory submicron particulate matter (NR-PM1) by a high-resolution aerosol mass spectrometer (HR-AMS). Distinct properties were observed between NR-PM1 and BC-PM1 related to organic aerosol (OA) composition with hydrocarbon-like OA in BC-PM1 up to two-fold higher than that in NR-PM1 in fresh vehicle emissions, suggesting that a part of HOA in BC-PM1 may be overestimated due to the change of the collection efficiency of SP-AMS. Cooking-related OA was only identified in NR-PM1, whereas aged biomass burning OA (A-BBOA) was a unique factor only identified in BC-PM1. The A-BBOA was linked to those heavily coated BC, which may lead to enhancement of light absorption ability of BC by a factor of two via the “lensing effect”. More-oxidized oxygenated OA identified in BC-containing particles was found to be slightly different from that observed by HR-AMS, mainly due to the influence of A-BBOA. Overall, these findings highlight that BC in urban Beijing is partly of agricultural fire origin and, a unique biomass burning-related OA associated with BC may be ubiquitous in aged BC-PM1, and this OA may play a role in affecting air quality and climate that has not previously been fully considered.
Mesoscale atmospheric circulation controls of local meteorological elevation gradients on Kersten Glacier near Kilimanjaro summit
Authors: Mölg Thomas , Hardy Douglas R. , Collier Emily , Kropač Elena , Schmid Christina , Cullen Nicolas J. , Kaser Georg , Prinz Rainer , Winkler Michael
Published: July 2020

Abstract. Elevation gradients of meteorological variables in
mountains are of interest to a number of scientific disciplines and often
required as parameters in modeling frameworks. Measurements of such
gradients on glaciers, however, are particularly scarce and strongly skewed
towards the midlatitudes and valley glaciers. This article adds a tropical
perspective and presents 4 years of overlapping measurements at 5603
and 5873 m on Kersten Glacier, Kilimanjaro (East Africa), between 2009 and
2013. Mean gradients in near-surface air temperature (T), water vapor
pressure (VP), and snow accumulation (ACC) per 100 m elevation are −0.75 ∘C, −0.16 hPa, and -114±16 mm w.e. yr−1,
respectively. An intriguing feature is a strong diurnal cycle of the T and VP
gradients, which are (depending on season) 2–4 times larger between early
and late morning than in the hours of weak gradients. The ACC decrease with
elevation, furthermore, is mostly the result of a lower recorded frequency
of ACC events at the upper measurement site and not due to contrasting
amounts at the two altitudes during events. A novel facet of our study is the
linking of measured on-glacier gradients to a high-resolution atmospheric
modeling data set, which reveals the importance of the mesoscale atmospheric
circulation. A thermally direct circulation is established over the mountain
in response to diabatic surface heating or cooling with upslope flow during the
day and downslope flow in the night. This persistent circulation
communicates heat and moisture changes in the lowlands to the higher
elevations during morning and early afternoon, which is evident in the
advection patterns of potential temperature and VP, and shapes the
time variability in gradients as recorded by our weather stations on the
glacier. A few local processes seem to matter as well (glacier sublimation,
turbulent heat fluxes), yet they show a secondary influence only during
limited time windows. Atmospheric model data also demonstrate that declining
moist entropy and water vapor fluxes in the summit zone favor formation of
the negative ACC gradient. The results extend the empirical basis of
elevation gradients in high mountains, in particular over glacier
surfaces, by the unusual case of a slope glacier on an equatorial,
free-standing massif. Our measurement–model link, moreover, demonstrates an
approach for future studies to put observations of elevation gradients more
systematically in a multiscale process context.
Targets-specified grids-tailored sub-model approach for fast large-scale
high-resolution 2D urban flood modelling
Authors: Zhao Guohan , Balstrøm Thomas , Mark Ole , Jensen Marina B.
Published: July 2020

Abstract. The accuracy of two-dimensional urban flood models (2D models) is improved when high-resolution Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) is used, but the entailed high spatial discretisation results in excessive computational expenses, thus prohibiting the use of 2D models in real-time forecasting at a large scale. This paper presents a sub-model approach to tailoring high-resolution 2D model grids according to specified targets, and thus such tailor-made sub-model yields fast processing without significant loss of accuracy. Among the numerous sinks detected from full-basin high-resolution DEMs, the computationally important ones are determined using a proposed Volume Ratio Sink Screening method. Also, the drainage basin is discretised into a collection of sub-impact zones according to those sinks' spatial configuration. When adding full-basin distributed static rainfall, the drainage basin's flow conditions are modelled as a 1D static flow by using a fast-inundation spreading algorithm. Next, sub-impact zones relevant to the targets' local inundation process can be identified by tracing the 1D flow continuity, and thus suggest the critical computational cells from the high-resolution model grids on the basis of the spatial intersection. In MIKE FLOOD's 2D simulations, those screened cells configure the reduced computational domains as well as the optimised boundary conditions, which ultimately enables the fast 2D prediction in the tailor-made sub-model. To validate the method, model experiments were designed to test the impact of the reduced computational domains and the optimised boundary conditions separately. Further, the general applicability and the robustness of the sub-model approach were evaluated by targeting at four focus areas representing different catchment terrain morphologies as well as different rainfall return periods of 1–100 years. The sub-model approach resulted in a 45–553 times faster processing with a 99 % reduction in the number of computational cells for all four cases; the predicted flood extents, depths and flow velocities showed only marginal discrepancies with Root Mean Square Errors (RMSE) below 1.5 cm. As such, this approach reduces the 2D models' computing expenses significantly, thus paving the way for large-scale high-resolution 2D real-time forecasting.
Effect of small-scale snow surface roughness on snow albedo and
reflectance
Authors: Manninen Terhikki , Anttila Kati , Jääskeläinen Emmihenna , Riihelä Aku , Peltoniemi Jouni , Räisänen Petri , Lahtinen Panu , Siljamo Niilo , Thölix Laura , Meinander Outi , Kontu Anna , Suokanerva Hanne , Pirazzini Roberta , Suomalainen Juha , Hakala Teemu , Kaasalainen Sanna , Kaartinen Harri , Kukko Antero , Hautecoeur Olivier , Roujean Jean-Louis
Published: July 2020

Abstract. The primary goal of this paper is to present a model of snow surface albedo accounting for small-scale surface roughness effects. The model is based on photon recollision probability and it can be combined with existing bulk volume albedo models, such as TARTES. The model is fed with in situ measurements of surface roughness from plate profile and laser scanner data, and it is evaluated by comparing the computed albedos with observations. It provides closer results to empirical values than volume scattering based albedo simulations alone. The impact of surface roughness on albedo increases with the progress of the melting season and is larger for larger solar zenith angles. In absolute terms, surface roughness can decrease the total albedo by up to about 0.1. As regards the bidirectional reflectance factor (BRF), it is found that surface roughness increases backward scattering especially for large solar zenith angle values.