bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparação jurídica e ideias de modernização do direito no início do Século XXI
Authors: Cerqueira Gustavo
Published: July 2020

Duas ideias parecem animar a modernização do direito no início deste Século XXI: adaptação do direito às sensibilidades do tempo e adaptação do direito à concorrência internacional das diferentes ordens e sistemas jurídicos, concorrência motivada exclusivamente por exigências econômicas. Quando mobilizado para modernização do direito, o direito comparado poderá se ver a serviço de uma ou de outra dessas duas ideias. Em face dos desafios postos pelas ideias atuais de modernização do direito, a comparação pode revelar-se uma excelente ocasião de reflexão sobre a pertinência das soluções estrangeiras e de sua eventual transposição alhures. Nesta perspectiva, a comparação jurídica apresenta-se de forma ambivalente: ela justifica e ao mesmo tempo interpela a modernização projetada. Se, todavia, o direito comparado intervém tradicionalmente no discurso político como argumento de potencial impacto para justificar a modernização do direito – quer pelo legislador, quer pelo litigante, quer pelo juiz, quer pela doutrina –, raramente interfere como contra-argumento no momento de sopesar a pertinência e a oportunidade da modernização à luz do direito d’alhures. É por isso que, como um dos suportes das atuais ideias de modernização do direito, a comparação jurídica pode emergir como um ato de prudência diante das ideias propulsoras da modernização almejada.
Smoke of extreme Australian bushfires observed in the stratosphere over Punta Arenas, Chile, in January 2020: optical thickness, lidar ratios, and depolarization ratios at 355 and 532 nm
Authors: Ohneiser Kevin , Ansmann Albert , Baars Holger , Seifert Patric , Barja Boris , Jimenez Cristofer , Radenz Martin , Teisseire Audrey , Floutsi Athina , Haarig Moritz , Foth Andreas , Chudnovsky Alexandra , Engelmann Ronny , Zamorano Félix , Bühl Johannes , Wandinger Ulla
Published: July 2020

Abstract. We present particle optical properties of stratospheric smoke layers observed with multiwavelength polarization Raman lidar over Punta Arenas (53.2∘ S, 70.9∘ W), Chile, at the southernmost tip of South America in January 2020. The smoke originated from the record-breaking bushfires in Australia. The stratospheric aerosol optical thickness reached values up to 0.85 at 532 nm in mid-January 2020. The main goal of this rapid communication letter is to provide first stratospheric measurements of smoke extinction-to-backscatter ratios (lidar ratios) and particle linear depolarization ratios at 355 and 532 nm wavelengths. These aerosol parameters are important input parameters in the analysis of spaceborne CALIPSO and Aeolus lidar observations of the Australian smoke spreading over large parts of the Southern Hemisphere in January and February 2020 up to heights of around 30 km. Lidar and depolarization ratios, simultaneously measured at 355 and 532 nm, are of key importance regarding the homogenization of the overall Aeolus (355 nm wavelength) and CALIPSO (532 nm wavelength) lidar data sets documenting the spread of the smoke and the decay of the stratospheric perturbation, which will be observable over the entire year of 2020. We found typical values and spectral dependencies of the lidar ratio and linear depolarization ratio for aged stratospheric smoke. At 355 nm, the lidar ratio and depolarization ratio ranged from 53 to 97 sr (mean 71 sr) and 0.2 to 0.26 (mean 0.23), respectively. At 532 nm, the lidar ratios were higher (75–112 sr, mean 97 sr) and the depolarization ratios were lower with values of 0.14–0.22 (mean 0.18). The determined depolarization ratios for aged Australian smoke are in very good agreement with respective ones for aged Canadian smoke, observed with lidar in stratospheric smoke layers over central Europe in the summer of 2017. The much higher 532 nm lidar ratios, however, indicate stronger absorption by the Australian smoke particles.
Development of a two-way-coupled ocean–wave model: assessment on a global NEMO(v3.6)–WW3(v6.02) coupled configuration
Authors: Couvelard Xavier , Lemarié Florian , Samson Guillaume , Redelsperger Jean-Luc , Ardhuin Fabrice , Benshila Rachid , Madec Gurvan
Published: July 2020

Abstract. This paper describes the implementation of a coupling between a three-dimensional ocean
general circulation model (NEMO) and a wave model (WW3) to represent
the interactions of upper-oceanic flow dynamics with surface waves. The focus is on the impact
of such coupling on upper-ocean properties (temperature and currents) and mixed layer depth (MLD)
at global eddying scales. A generic coupling interface has been developed, and the NEMO
governing equations and boundary conditions have been adapted to include wave-induced terms following
the approach of McWilliams et al. (2004) and Ardhuin et al. (2008). In particular, the contributions of Stokes–Coriolis,
vortex, and surface pressure forces have been implemented on top of the necessary modifications of the
tracer–continuity equation and turbulent closure scheme (a one-equation turbulent kinetic energy – TKE – closure here). To assess the new
developments, we perform a set of sensitivity experiments with a global oceanic configuration at 1/4∘
resolution coupled with a wave model configured at 1/2∘ resolution. Numerical simulations show a global
increase in wind stress due to the interaction with waves (via the Charnock coefficient), particularly at high
latitudes, resulting in increased surface currents. The modifications brought to the TKE closure scheme and
the inclusion of a parameterization for Langmuir turbulence lead to a significant increase in the mixing, thus
helping to deepen the MLD. This deepening is mainly located in the Southern Hemisphere and results in
reduced sea surface currents and temperatures.
The interactive global fire module pyrE (v1.0)
Authors: Mezuman Keren , Tsigaridis Kostas , Faluvegi Gregory , Bauer Susanne E.
Published: July 2020

Abstract. Fires affect the composition of the atmosphere and Earth's
radiation balance by emitting a suite of reactive gases and particles. An
interactive fire module in an Earth system model (ESM) allows us to study
the natural and anthropogenic drivers, feedbacks, and interactions of open
fires. To do so, we have developed pyrE, the NASA GISS (Goddard Institute for Space Studies) interactive fire
emissions module. The pyrE module is driven by environmental variables like
flammability and cloud-to-ground lightning, calculated by the GISS ModelE
ESM, and parameterized by anthropogenic impacts based on population density
data. Fire emissions are generated from the flaming phase in pyrE (active
fires). Using pyrE, we examine fire occurrence, regional fire suppression,
burned area, fire emissions, and how it all affects atmospheric composition.
To do so, we evaluate pyrE by comparing it to satellite-based datasets of
fire count, burned area, fire emissions, and aerosol optical depth (AOD). We
demonstrate pyrE's ability to simulate the daily and seasonal cycles of open
fires and resulting emissions. Our results indicate that interactive fire
emissions are biased low by 32 %–42 %, depending on emitted species,
compared to the GFED4s (Global Fire Emissions Database) inventory. The bias in emissions drives
underestimation in column densities, which is diluted by natural and
anthropogenic emissions sources and production and loss mechanisms.
Regionally, the resulting AOD of a simulation with interactive fire
emissions is underestimated mostly over Indonesia compared to a simulation
with GFED4s emissions and to MODIS AOD. In other parts of the world pyrE's
performance in terms of AOD is marginal to a simulation with prescribed fire
emissions.
Evaluating a land surface model at a water-limited site: implications for land surface contributions to droughts and heatwaves
Authors: Mu Mengyuan , De Kauwe Martin G. , Ukkola Anna M. , Pitman Andy J. , Gimeno Teresa E. , Medlyn Belinda E. , Or Dani , Yang Jinyan , Ellsworth David S.
Published: July 2020

Abstract. Land surface models underpin coupled climate model projections of droughts and heatwaves. However, the lack of simultaneous observations of individual components of evapotranspiration, concurrent with root-zone soil moisture, has limited previous model evaluations. Here, we use a comprehensive set of observations from a water-limited site in southeastern Australia including both evapotranspiration and soil moisture to 4.5 m depth to evaluate the Community Atmosphere-Biosphere Land Exchange (CABLE) land surface model. We demonstrated that alternative process representations within CABLE had the capacity to improve simulated evapotranspiration, but not necessarily soil moisture dynamics – highlighting problems of model evaluations against water fluxes alone. Our best simulation was achieved by resolving a soil evaporation bias; a more realistic initialisation of the groundwater aquifer state; higher vertical soil resolution informed by observed soil properties; and further calibrating soil hydraulic conductivity. Despite these improvements, the role of the empirical soil moisture stress function in simulated water fluxes remained important: using a site calibrated function reduced the median level of water stress by 36 % during drought and 23 % at other times. These changes in CABLE not only improve the seasonal cycle of evapotranspiration, but also affect the latent and sensible heat fluxes during droughts and heatwaves. Alternative parameterisations led to differences of ~ 150 W m−2 in the simulated latent heat flux during a heatwave, implying a strong impact of parameterisations on the capacity for evaporative cooling and feedbacks to the boundary layer (when coupled). Overall, our results highlight the opportunity to advance the capability of land surface models to capture water cycle processes, particularly during meteorological extremes, when sufficient observations of both evapotranspiration fluxes and soil moisture profiles are available.
On snow stability interpretation of extended column test results
Authors: Techel Frank , Winkler Kurt , Walcher Matthias , van Herwijnen Alec , Schweizer Jürg
Published: July 2020

Abstract. Snow instability tests provide valuable information regarding the stability of the snowpack. Test results are key data used to prepare public avalanche forecasts. However, to include them into operational procedures, a quantitative interpretation scheme is needed. Whereas the interpretation of the rutschblock test (RB) is well established, a similar detailed classification for the extended column test (ECT) is lacking. Therefore, we develop a four-class stability interpretation scheme. Exploring a large data set of 1719 ECTs observed at 1226 sites, often performed together with a RB in the same snow pit, and corresponding slope stability information, we revisit the existing stability interpretations and suggest a more detailed classification. In addition, we consider the interpretation of cases when two ECTs were performed in the same snow pit. Our findings confirm previous research, namely that the crack propagation propensity is the most relevant ECT result and that the loading step required to initiate a crack is of secondary importance for stability assessment. The comparison with the RB showed that the ECT classifies slope stability less reliably than the RB. In some situations, performing a second ECT may be helpful when the first test did not indicate rather unstable or stable conditions. Finally, the data clearly show that false-unstable predictions of stability tests outnumber the correct-unstable predictions in an environment where overall unstable locations are rare.
The impact of shoreline change on the salinity distribution in the wetlands of Liao River Estuary, China
Authors: Zhang Mingliang , Xu Tianping , Jiang Hengzhi
Published: July 2020

Abstract. The wetland of Liao River Estuary in northeast China is one of the best-preserved wetlands across the globe. However, it is extremely vulnerable to hydrological changes as well as other disturbances, particularly upstream river discharges and the reclamation from anthropogenic activities. In this study, a 3D hydrodynamic model (FVCOM) was used to reproduce the flow patterns of the Liao River Estuary and to explore the variation in salinity under different scenarios. Furthermore, the impact of river discharge and shoreline changes on the salinity distribution in the Liao River Estuary were quantitatively analyzed and discussed through several simulation experiments. The model reasonably reconstructed the spatio-temporal variability and distribution of salinity in the Liao River Estuary and the wetlands across intertidal areas. Increases in runoff were demonstrated to significantly decrease the mean salinity values of the estuary, with changes in salinity negatively correlated to the longitudinal distance from the estuary mouth. Moreover, the shoreline change caused by the construction of Panjin Port was observed to have an obvious influence on the salinity distribution of the Liao River Estuary, particularly in the lower reaches of the Pink Beach Wetland. Comparisons of the Liao River Estuary residual flow fields under different shorelines revealed that the establishment of the port resulted in the diffusion of the runoff from the Daliao River due to the obstruction of the port body, which enhanced the tidal mixing effect and consequently weakened the dilution effect of fresh water entering the Pink Beach Wetland. Overall, the current study should be helpful for offering a greater understanding of Suaeda heteroptera vegetation degradation in the Liao River Estuary, China, this work also provides a new perspective in investigating the degradation mechanism in other estuarine wetlands.
Speech language pathology Clinical Education: perceptions and experiences of clinical educators and students
Authors: Rocha Joana Antonieta , Oliveira Santos Catarina , Peixoto Vânia , Maia Fátima , Gama Alegria Rita
Published: July 2020

For the purposes of professional development clinical education is crucial to speech-language pathologists (SLP). There is limited information about clinical education of SLP students in Portugal. The aim of this study was to describe and compare the mutual perceptions of Portuguese SLP’s clinical educators and students’ of SLP in a Portuguese private University Clinic. Five SLP clinical educators and nine students participated in a one on one semi-structured interview. Content analysis was used to explore interview data.  The analysis led to the identification of four themes shared by both groups. Findings from this study provided an insight about clinical education characteristics and challenges reported by clinical educators and students in Portugal and to compare those results with others mentioned in other countries. The findings of this study suggest that clinical educators and students identify, in general, similar characteristics regarding effective/non-effective clinical educator profile and benefits regarding clinical education process. The sample provides preliminary data on Portuguese clinical educator’s and student’s experience of clinical education.
The New Yorker and the Experimental Modernist Writer: The Career of Novelist, Critic, and Short Story Writer Robert M. Coates
Authors: Roza Mathilde
Published: July 2020

The New Yorker, founded in 1925, was well-positioned to influence the reception of Anglo-American literary modernism. Although the magazine frequently paid attention to modernism, it did not make a special point of championing or publishing modernist writers. An illuminating exception in this regard was the experimental modernist writer Robert Myron Coates (1897–1973), who had a life-long association with the New Yorker, while also crafting a career in distinctly experimental writing. Coates's work and career is emblematic of the interconnectedness between advanced modernism, its middlebrow manifestations, and American popular culture.
Primer taller “calidad de la toma de papel filtro” para vigilancia molecular del Plasmodio
Authors: Rodríguez Betzabé Mara
Published: July 2020

En Nicaragua la malaria continúa siendo un problema de salud pública, en 2005 se establecieron sitios centinelas en las zonas afectadas del país donde se vigila la fármaco resistencia del Plasmodium falciparum y se evalúa la dinámica del Plasmodium vivax. Para esto se incorporó la toma de sangre en papel filtro en pacientes con paludismo confirmado por microscopia. Dada la importancia del procedimiento de toma de muestra, se hizo necesaria una capacitación integral y periódica en dos rondas (septiembre-noviembre 2016), al personal de salud, tanto del sector estatal como privado de zonas de alta y baja endemia del caribe y occidente de Nicaragua, para mejorar la calidad de la toma de muestra se incorporaron procedimientos operativos estandarizados (POEs), 20 microscopistas fueron entrenados, procedentes de estos sitios centinelas, con la que se incorporaron técnicas y materiales para mejorar los indicadores que garantizan una buena muestra para evaluaciones moleculares, la aceptación de estos procedimientos por parte del personal de salud ha logrado un impacto en la calidad de la muestra hemáticas en papel filtro para los estudios de vigilancia que el país lleva.
The Impact of Subspecialty Fellows on Orthopaedic Resident Surgical Experience: A Multicenter Study of 51,111 Cases
Authors: Jiang Sam Y. , Carlock Kurtis D. , Campbell Sean T. , Vorhies John S. , Gardner Michael J. , Leucht Philipp , Bishop Julius A.
Published: July 2020

Introduction:

Meaningful participation in surgery is important for orthopaedic resident education. This study aimed to quantify the effect of fellows on resident surgical experience. We hypothesized that as fellowship programs expanded, resident caseload would decrease, whereas “double-scrubbed” cases would increase.

Methods:

This multicenter retrospective study included 9 years of surgical caselog data from two orthopaedic residency programs. Six subspecialty services on which fellow number varied over time were included (trauma, spine, foot and ankle, adult reconstruction, and hand). Case volume and personnel composition per case were extracted. Statistical analysis was performed with two-sample equal variance Student t-tests.

Results:

A total of 51,111 cases were assessed. Surgical volume increased across all sites/services over time. Fellow numbers did not affect average resident caseload. However, in years with more fellows, an 11% decrease in one-on-one resident-attending cases (P = 0.002) and a 17% increase in resident-fellow-attending “double-scrubbed” cases was observed (P < 0.001).

Discussion:

Increasing orthopaedic fellows did not affect resident case volume but resulted in fewer one-on-one cases with the attending and more “double-scrubbed” cases with a fellow. The implications of these findings to resident education require further study, but orthopaedic educators should be aware of these findings to try to maximize educational opportunities.

Level of Evidence:

Level III
“Virtual” Boot Camp: Orthopaedic Intern Education in the Time of COVID-19 and Beyond
Authors: Bhashyam Abhiram R. , Dyer George S. M.
Published: July 2020

The emergence of COVID-19 as a viral pandemic in early 2020 resulted in notable changes to the daily practice, workflow, and education of orthopaedic residencies internationally. In particular, social distancing, residency restructuring, and redeployment to other services has increased heterogeneity in schedules and made the in-person gathering of trainees for education increasingly challenging. These changes may last until 2024 based on some mathematical models, resulting in notable disruptions to orthopaedic education, especially for junior residents. Therefore, in this study, we describe how we converted our in-person PGY-1 skills course into a “virtual” boot camp based on validated training modules and existing American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons guidelines. Lessons learned from the experience and potential areas for improvement in the use of newer technology to teach cognitive knowledge and skills modules are highlighted with the hope that this can be useful to other orthopaedic residency programs, during the pandemic and also beyond.
Perfectionism and Writing Performance of Chinese EFL College Learners
Authors: Lin Lijing
Published: July 2020

In the second language acquisition domain, researchers have devoted tremendous efforts to studying the relationship between L2 learning and some socio-affective factors, such as anxiety, motivation, etc. However, little research has been done to examine whether and how perfectionism, a psychological trait, affects L2 learning and L2 performance. The present study aims to fill this gap and investigate the relationship between the level of perfectionism and L2 performance among Chinese EFL college learners. Two specific questions are raised: (1) What is the relationship between perfectionism and L2 writing performance in terms of linguistic complexity, accuracy, and fluency? (2) What is the relationship between the six dimensions of perfectionism (Concern over Mistakes, Personal Standards, Parental Expectations, Parental Criticism, Doubts about Actions, Organization) and L2 writing performance in terms of linguistic complexity, accuracy, and fluency?

To answer these questions, forty second-year students from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies majoring in English participated in the present study. The participants were required to compose a piece of English argumentative writing on the online system and then complete a 35-item Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale online immediately. The collected data were then processed and analyzed through SPSS (v. 17).

The results of the analysis revealed that: (1) one of the measures of syntactic complexity has a significant negative relationship with perfectionism; (2) Personal Standards, one of the six dimensions of perfectionism, has a significant negative relationship with the participants’ L2 writing performance; (3) both Parental Expectations and Parental Criticism are found negatively correlated with the fluency aspect of the writing performance and the relationships have a significant effect. The implications of the findings are suggested for pedagogy and L2 learning.
Family Governance Mechanisms in Moroccan Family Businesses: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Birgach Hiba , Berrada El Azizi Taib , Habba Badr
Published: July 2020

Purpose - Despite the importance attached to the governance of family businesses, few studies have focused on the importance of family business governance in the Moroccan context. This article provides some specificities of family firms and an overview of main governance mechanisms identified in the literature while presenting the main contributions of agency and stewardship theories. We introduce a governance approach centered on the issue of strengthening family ties and increasing the commitment of family members to the firm. The purpose of this paper is to identify the governance mechanisms adopted by CEOs of Moroccan family businesses of the second generation.

Method - the authors used a qualitative method, using face to face semi-structured interviews among ten CEOs of family businesses in Morocco. Through the analysis of verbatim responses of Moroccan CEOs, we were able to identify some of the governance mechanisms they adopt to ensure a certain continuity of their business.

Findings-The results suggest that most of the Moroccan managers opt for an informal and unwritten system of governance. According to them, the important thing is to share values and vision while maintaining communication. Even family meetings remain informal, the crucial thing is to preserve family solidarity, as far as the system of governance is known by all the members. We have identified three informal governance mechanisms, family meetings, task management, and sharing a family vision. The results have also shown some of the sources of conflicts among family members.

Practical implications – This paper helps to raise awareness among Moroccan leaders on the importance of governance. Whether formal or informal, it is essential to have common rules shared by family members, which will enable the firm to last over time.

Originality - This paper contributes to research on family businesses by exploring a different context especially in terms of culture and country values. Our paper has the originality to focus on a specific area of investigation, namely the Moroccan context, where the management model of family businesses is different from anterior contributions.
Europäische Verfassungsstudien
Authors: Terhechte Jörg Philipp
Published: July 2020

Die Diskussionen über das Europäische Verfassungsrecht sind in den letzten Jahren ins Stocken geraten. Politische Schlaglichter wie der Brexit oder die diversen Finanz- und Haushaltskrisen haben das Europabild bestimmt, ohne dass sich bislang auf der Ebene des geschriebenen EU-Rechts viel geändert hätte. Jörg Philipp Terhechte hält in den „Europäischen Verfassungsstudien“ am Konzept des Europäischen Verfassungsrechts fest und zeigt, wie nachhaltig dieses Konzept das Unionsrecht auch in seinen Tiefenschichten geprägt hat. Vor diesem Hintergrund enthält der Band Beiträge sowohl zu den grundlegenden Fragen der gegenwärtigen Verfasstheit der EU (demokratische Legitimation der EU, Unionsgrundrechte und das EU-Organisationsrecht) als auch zum Verhältnis zwischen dem EU-Recht und dem mitgliedstaatlichen Recht. Abgerundet wird der Band durch Beiträge zur Konstitutionalisierung des EU-Wirtschaftsrechts und des europäischen Verwaltungsrechts.

„Die Pluralität der Studien vermittelt eine große Bereicherung.“
(Peter Häberle in seinem Geleitwort zu dem Band)
The Role of Recipient Questions in Establishing Intersubjectivity and Progressing a Story in Aided Communication
Authors: Mayes Patricia , Clinkenbeard Mary
Published: July 2020

We report on a case study involving two participants: One participant has a communication disability and uses a high-tech, electronic device to speak, and the other is nondisabled. Their interaction differs from typical, everyday conversation because some linguistic resources are unavailable in aided speech, resulting in frequent repair sequences and slower progression. The analysis shows that when the aided speaker initiates an extended telling, the recipient uses questions to do repair-related actions as well as actions that could progress the story. Thus, this context affords the opportunity to investigate how the recipient’s projections interact with intersubjectivity and progressivity.
“It was probably that guy?” – The functions of reconstructive speech acts in investigative training interviews
Authors: Collin Winnie
Published: July 2020

This paper explores the pragmatic and interactional functions of reconstructive speech acts in mock police interviews, based on a model of argumentative dialogue. The aim of the paper is to illustrate how the reconstructions apparently contribute to both the interaction between the police officer and the mock suspect in the interview activity and to the interaction in the training activity, i.e. between the participants attending the training course. Drawing on functional pragmatics and grammar, the analysis seeks to examine how reconstructions on the one hand function in the socially non-cooperative interaction in the mock interview, questioning the truth value of propositions and trustworthiness of the suspect, and, on the other hand seem to fulfil a supportive purpose in the training activity.
Dostępność dzienna w układzie miast wojewódzkich w Polsce = Daily accessibility among Poland’s voivodeship cities
Authors: Garbacz Ewa , Komornicki Tomasz , Kowalczyk Karol
Published: July 2020

Daily accessibility as one of the measures of transport accessibility is an indicator that can be used, i.a. as relations between a given area’s transport system and spatial planning are analysed. The indicator provides a broad field for assessing the effectiveness of the transport system and spatial planning operating at a given time, while simultaneously indicating directions by which these may be improved. The main aim of the work detailed here was to assess whether and to what extent the current road system, as well as the layout of railway lines and connections, creates positive conditions for the development of the network configuration of Polish metropolises. In terms of application, the aim is to assess the level of implementation of the polycentric metropolitan network referred to in the KPZK 2030 document (i.e. Poland’s National Spatial Planning Concept through to the year 2030). The paper thus presents an attempt to determine the potential for mutual functional and spatial connections to be established or reinforced within Poland’s system of voivodeship cities. That estimation of potential was based on analysis of daily (i.e. within-the-day) accessibility among the cities in question. The measurement of daily accessibility was based on the time of individual (car) travel or that involving rail transport. The analysis further included three variants for travel within the space of a given day (i.e. with 4, 6 or 8 hours available at the destination). This allowed for the development of a synthetic index of daily accessibility by which to characterise selected voivodship cities, which might then be classified in terms of their potential for establishing functional and spatial interrelatedness. The results of the research conducted offer a broad insight into the potential for selected voivodship cities to benefit from participation in the inter-agglomeration network. Moreover, thanks to our research, it was possible to identify peripheral areas (in which development potential was relatively lower) – which therefore require the kind of additional activation and compensatory action foreseen by KPZK 2030. Such actions should certainly relate to improved transport accessibility among the system’s largest centres.
Association between Selected Independent Variables and Adoption Level of Farmers about Recommended Production Technology of Fennel
Authors: Sharma S. K. , Sharma N. K. , Vyas K. G.
Published: July 2020

The present study was formulated during the year 2014 with 120 respondents from selected eight villages of Nagaur district of Rajasthan. The data of personnel attributes, i.e., age, education, annual income, caste, size of land holding, family type and size of family of the respondents were collected through personal interview. The age and annual income were found to be positive and significantly associated with the adoption level. The old age group was possessed high level of adoption (82.76%) as compare to other age group. Further, annual income had maximum level of adoption with high annual income group (75.00 %) compared to other annual income groups. Other variables like, education, caste, size of land holding, family type and family size were found to be non-significantly associated with the adoption level.
Model for Implementing Cooperative Learning in a Mathematics Classroom
Authors: Atteh Evans , Boadi Augustine , Andam Emmanuel Appoh
Published: July 2020

This paper identifies 5-step model that can be adopted or implemented by every mathematics teacher and various training settings to effectively move teaching and learning towards an active cooperative learning environment. This model is built upon existing ideas proposed over the years by scholars in education and best practices concerning effective teaching and learning environment which tends to equip teachers with very useful skills and guidelines for classroom instructions concerning cooperative learning approach. Consequently, this model can assist instructors to move teaching and learning towards an active cooperative learning environment which has been proven as more effective and enjoyable for teachers and students for learning.
Prevalence and Determinants of Toxoplasma Seropositivity among Women Who had Spontaneous Abortion in Gombe, North-Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Farouk H. U. , Manga M. M. , Yahaya U. R. , Laima C. H. , Lawan A. I. , Ballah F. M. , El-Nafaty A. U.
Published: July 2020

Aim: To determine the seroprevalence and determinants of Toxoplasma IgG and IgM seropositivity among women with spontaneous abortion in Gombe.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 302 pregnant women with spontaneous abortion, presenting at the gynaecological emergency units of Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe and State Specialist Hospital Gombe. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data, and a venous blood sample was drawn from each participant and tested for Toxoplasma IgG and IgM by ELISA technique.

Results: Toxoplasma seroprevalence was 62(20.5%) and was higher in women that owned cats (24% vs 20.1%, OR 1.3, 0.5-3.1) and ate grilled meat (suya) (21.0% vs 11.8%, OR 2.0, 0.4-9.0), but lower in those that washed fruits and vegetables before consumption (OR 0.6, 0.2-1.4).

Conclusion: Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis in Gombe is high and may be influenced by cat ownership cooking and eating habit.
Diagnosing atmospheric communication of a sealed monitor chamber
Authors: McCaw Travis J. , Barraclough Brendan A. , Belanger Maxwell , Besemer Abigail , Dunkerley David A. P. , Labby Zacariah E.
Published: July 2020

Daily output variations of up to ±2% were observed for a protracted time on a Varian TrueBeam® STx; these output variations were hypothesized to be the result of atmospheric communication of the sealed monitor chamber. Daily changes in output relative to baseline, measured with an ionization chamber array (DQA3) and the amorphous silicon flat panel detector (IDU) on the TrueBeam®, were compared with daily temperature‐pressure corrections (PTP) determined from sensors within the DQA3. Output measurements were performed using a Farmer® ionization chamber over a 5‐hour period, during which there was controlled variation in the monitor chamber temperature. The root mean square difference between percentage output change from baseline measured with the DQA3 and IDU was 0.50% over all measurements. Over a 7‐month retrospective review of daily changes in output and PTP, weak correlation (R2 = 0.30) was observed between output and PTP for the first 5 months; for the final 2 months, daily output changes were linearly correlated with changes in PTP, with a slope of 0.84 (R2 = 0.89). Ionization measurements corrected for ambient temperature and pressure during controlled heating and cooling of the monitor chamber differed from expected values for a sealed monitor chamber by up to 4.6%, but were consistent with expectation for an air‐communicating monitor chamber within uncertainty (1.3%, k = 2). Following replacement of the depressurized monitor chamber, there has been no correlation between daily percentage change in output and PTP (R2 = 0.09). The utility of control charts is demonstrated for earlier identification of changes in the sensitivity of a sealed monitor chamber.
Enhancing the Aspirin Loading and Release Efficiency of Silver Oxide Nanoparticles Using Oleic Acid‐based Bio‐Surfactant from Enteromorpha intestinalis
Authors: Azeez Nazeer Abdul , Saravanan Muthupandian , Chandar Nagamuthu Raja Krishna , Vishaal Mohan Karthik , Deepa Vijaykumar Sudarshana
Published: July 2020

This study is an attempt to improve the loading and release potential of silver oxide nanoparticles (AgO NPs) using Oleic acid based bio‐surfactant isolated from Enteromorpha instestinalis. The isolated Oleic acid based bio‐surfactant was characterized using GC–MS, NMR, and HPLC. The AgO NPs were then surface‐functionalized with the bio‐surfactant and analyzed using XRD, HR‐TEM/SAED, DLS, UV–Vis, and FTIR spectroscopy to evaluate the loading of aspirin and functional groups responsible for loading. The model drug Aspirin that has depreciated bio‐availability due to poor solubility was used to test the drug carrier efficiency of the AgO NPs after the surface‐functionalization. The loading of aspirin was increased by up to 80% in bio‐surfactants than PEG‐coated NPs (72%) at a 1:1 ratio (Aspirin/NP). The drug release profile of aspirin was evaluated by dialysis at different acidic conditions (pH 1.2, 6.8, and 7.4) and the active release of aspirin was observed in pH 6.8 and bio‐surfactant produced better release than PEG and commercial tablet in all the pH conditions. To identify the mechanism of release from the carrier, the release kinetics was studied using zero‐order, first‐order, Higuchi's, and Korsmeyer Peppas equations and found that the release was time‐dependent and non‐fickian.
Efficacy and Safety of Canakinumab in Patients With Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis With and Without Fever at Baseline: Results From an Open‐Label, Active‐Treatment Extension Study
Authors: Brunner Hermine I. , Quartier Pierre , Alexeeva Ekaterina , Constantin Tamàs , Koné‐Paut Isabelle , Marzan Katherine , Schneider Rayfel , Wulffraat Nico M. , Chasnyk Vyacheslav , Tirosh Irit , Kallinich Tilmann , Kuemmerle‐Deschner Jasmin , Wouters Carine , Lauwerys Bernard , Nikishina Irina , Trachana Maria , Vougiouka Olga , Martini Alberto , Lovell Daniel J. , Levy Jeremy , Vritzali Eleni , Ruperto Nicolino ,   Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisation, the Pediatric Rheumatology Collaborative Study Group
Published: July 2020

Objective

To evaluate the long‐term efficacy and safety of canakinumab and explore prediction of response in patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) with or without fever at treatment initiation.

Methods

At enrollment, patients with active systemic JIA (ages 2 to <20 years) started open‐label canakinumab (4 mg/kg every 4 weeks subcutaneously). Efficacy measures included the adapted American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Pediatric 50/70/90 criteria, the Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score (JADAS), and clinically inactive disease and clinical remission on medication, evaluated by either the JADAS or ACR criteria.

Results

Of the 123 patients (70 with fever and 52 without fever [fever status was not reported for 1 patient]), 84 (68.3%) completed the study (median duration 1.8 years). Comparable efficacy (adapted ACR Pediatric 50/70/90/100) was observed by day 15 in both subgroups (60.0%/48.6%/37.1%/24.3% in those with fever and 67.3%/48.1%/34.6%/19.2% in those without fever), and further increased thereafter. By month 6, clinical remission according to the JADAS or the ACR criteria was achieved in 17 (24.3%) and 26 (37.1%), respectively, of patients with fever and 9 (17.3%) and 12 (23.1%), respectively, of patients without fever. Median time to onset of clinical remission according to the JADAS or ACR criteria was 57 and 30 days, respectively, in those with fever, and 58 and 142 days, respectively, in those without fever. An adapted ACR Pediatric 50 response by day 15 was the strongest predictor of achieving clinical remission according to the JADAS (odds ratio [OR] 13 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 4, 42]; P < 0.0001) or glucocorticoid discontinuation (OR 19 [95% CI 3, 114]; P = 0.002). Of the 71 of 123 patients (57.7%) who received glucocorticoids at study entry, 27 (38.0%) discontinued glucocorticoids and 21 (29.6%) reached a dose of <0.2 mg/kg/day, with no difference between those with and those without fever; 13 patients (10.6%) tolerated a sustained canakinumab dose reduction to 2 mg/kg every 4 weeks. No new safety findings were observed.

Conclusion

Canakinumab provided rapid and sustained improvement of active systemic JIA irrespective of the presence of fever at treatment initiation.
Picking winners: An empirical analysis of the determinants of educational outcomes in India
Authors: Darko Christian K. , Vasilakos Nicholas
Published: July 2020

We use data from the Young Lives longitudinal survey to analyse the effect of socioeconomic conditions and gender on the educational performance of young children in India. In particular, we use data for standardised scores on two cognitive tests: the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT) and a maths test. Our results show that there are significant gender differences in the way that household wealth affects the educational performance of children. Specifically, boys born into wealthier households perform significantly better in maths than those from worse‐off economic backgrounds. The effect of wealth on the PPVT is stronger for girls than it is for boys. The results are robust across a range of specifications. The effect of household wealth on performance differed between the genders, even when we focused our analysis on the bottom 10% and top 10% of the performance distribution. One possible explanation for these differences is parental aspirations. We tested this hypothesis and found that boys from wealthier households with higher parental educational aspirations are positively and significantly associated with higher maths scores. Further analysis showed that the moderating role of parents’ educational aspirations was more pronounced at the top of the test score distribution, an indication that more able children are associated with wealthier and more ambitious parents.
Productivity costs associated with metastatic breast cancer in younger, midlife, and older women
Authors: Trogdon Justin G. , Liu Xuejun , Reeder‐Hayes Katherine E. , Rotter Jason , Ekwueme Donatus U. , Wheeler Stephanie B.
Published: July 2020

Background

The objective of the current study was to estimate productivity costs due to metastatic breast cancer (mBC) via productive time lost among survivors and potential life‐years lost from premature mortality among 3 age groups: younger (aged 18‐44 years), midlife (aged 45‐64 years), and older (aged ≥65 years) women.

Methods

The authors estimated the number of work and home productivity days missed due to mBC by age group using data from the 2000 to 2016 National Health Interview Survey. Years of potential life lost (YPLL) due to mBC were calculated for each age group using 2015 National Vital Statistics System data. The authors valued both sources of lost productivity time using the Current Population Survey and prior studies.

Results

The per‐woman value of lost productive days (work and home) due to mBC ranged from $680 for older women to $5169 for younger women. In 2015, the value of lost work and home productivity days associated with mBC nationally was $67 million for younger women, $246 million for midlife women, and $66 million for older women. YPLL were highest among midlife women (403,786 life‐years), followed by older women (248,522 life‐years) and younger women (95,943 life‐years). Midlife women were found to have the highest market value of YPLL ($4.1 billion), followed by younger women ($1.6 billion) and older women ($527 million).

Conclusions

The results of the current study demonstrated that mBC generates a high economic burden through lost productivity, especially among midlife women.
Extracellular vesicle Cystatin C and CD14 are associated with both renal dysfunction and heart failure
Authors: Verbree‐Willemsen Laura , Zhang Ya‐nan , Ibrahim Irwani , Ooi Shirley B.S. , Wang Jiong‐Wei , Mazlan Muhammad I. , Kuan Win S. , Chan Siew‐Pang , Peelen Linda M. , Grobbee Diederick E. , Richards A. Mark , Lam Carolyn S.P. , de Kleijn Dominique P.V.
Published: July 2020

Aims

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small double‐membrane plasma vesicles that play key roles in cellular crosstalk and mechanisms such as inflammation. The role of EVs in combined organ failure such as cardiorenal syndrome has not been investigated. The aim of this study is to identify EV proteins that are associated with renal dysfunction, heart failure, and their combination in dyspnoeic patients.

Methods and results

Blood samples were prospectively collected in 404 patients presenting with breathlessness at the emergency department at National University Hospital, Singapore. Renal dysfunction was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. The presence of heart failure was independently adjudicated by two clinicians on the basis of the criteria of the European Society of Cardiology guidelines. Protein levels of SerpinG1, SerpinF2, Cystatin C, and CD14 were measured with a quantitative immune assay within three EV sub‐fractions and in plasma and were tested for their associations with renal dysfunction, heart failure, and the concurrence of both conditions using multinomial regression analysis, thereby correcting for confounders such as age, gender, ethnicity, and co‐morbidities. Renal dysfunction was found in 92 patients (23%), while heart failure was present in 141 (35%). In total, 58 patients (14%) were diagnosed with both renal dysfunction and heart failure. Regression analysis showed that Cystatin C was associated with renal dysfunction, heart failure, and their combination in all three EV sub‐fractions and in plasma. CD14 was associated with both renal dysfunction and the combined renal dysfunction and heart failure in all EV sub‐fractions, and with presence of heart failure in the high density lipoprotein sub‐fraction. SerpinG1 and SerpinF2 were associated with heart failure in, respectively, two and one out of three EV sub‐fractions and in plasma, but not with renal dysfunction.

Conclusions

We provide the first data showing that Cystatin C and CD14 in circulating EVs are associated with both renal dysfunction and heart failure in patients presenting with acute dyspnoea. This suggests that EV proteins may be involved in the combined organ failure of the cardiorenal syndrome and may represent possible targets for prevention or treatment.
Consumption of animal and plant foods and risk of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction: the Bogalusa Heart Study
Authors: Razavi Alexander C. , Bazzano Lydia A. , He Jiang , Whelton Seamus P. , Fernandez Camilo , Ley Sylvia , Qi Lu , Krousel‐Wood Marie , Harlan Timothy S. , Kelly Tanika N.
Published: July 2020

Aims

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) is an early heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) phenotype that is reversible. Identifying dietary predictors associated with LVDD in diverse populations may help broadly improve HFpEF primary prevention.

Methods and results

This longitudinal analysis included 456 individuals of the Bogalusa Heart Study (27% Black, 63% women, baseline age = 36.1 ± 4.4 years). Diet was measured at baseline through food frequency questionnaires. LVDD was defined at follow‐up (median = 12.9 years) through echocardiographic measurement of the E/A ratio, E/e′ ratio, isovolumic relaxation time, and deceleration time. Multivariable‐adjusted logistic regression estimated the risk of LVDD according to dietary predictor, adjusting for traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors. Compared with the lowest tertile, participants in the middle tertile of total protein (OR = 3.30, 95% CI: 1.46, 7.45) and animal protein (OR = 2.91, 95% CI: 1.34, 6.34) consumption experienced the highest risk of LVDD. There was a 77% and 56% lower risk of LVDD for persons in the middle vs. lowest tertile of vegetable (OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.49) and legume consumption (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.22, 0.85), respectively. Total protein, animal protein, processed meat, and egg consumption indicated a quadratic trend towards increased risk of LVDD, while legume and vegetable intake conferred a quadratic trend towards decreased risk of LVDD (all quadratic P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Diets higher in animal foods and lower in plant foods are associated with an increased risk for LVDD. These findings suggest threshold effects of diet on LVDD, past which more traditional cardiometabolic determinants occupy a larger role in HFpEF risk.