bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The 2007 Surveillance Decision - Revised Operational Guidance
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

The adoption of the 2007 Decision on Bilateral Surveillance was a landmark for the Fund. Unlike its predecessor, which was focused exclusively on exchange rate policies, the Decision mapped out the full scope of surveillance, including domestic policies. It set out external stability as the organizing principle for surveillance, and was thus expected to promote focus on issues central to the Fund’s mandate, including monetary, fiscal, and financial sector policies and increased attention to exchange rate issues. Surveillance under the Decision was intended to promote candor through clear assessments of the economic situation, outlook, and vulnerabilities of members and clear policy recommendations in pursuit of domestic and external stability.
An Overview of the Legal, Institutional, and Regulatory Framework for Bank Insolvency
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

This study provides an overview of the legal, institutional, and regulatory framework that countries should put in place to address cases of bank insolvency. It is primarily intended to inform the work of the staffs of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, and to provide guidance to their member countries.
Review of Fund Facilities-Analytical Basis for Fund Lending and Reform Options
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

In the context of the ongoing review of Fund facilities, this paper examines the analytical basis for Fund lending in emerging market countries and provides a broad-ranging perspective for reforming the General Resources Account (GRA) lending toolkit.

The Fund’s important lending role in crisis prevention and resolution is buttressed by its unique characteristics: (i) its ability as a nonatomistic lender to provide large-scale financing and reduce the likelihood of a run by private creditors; (ii) its ability as a cooperative institution with near-universal membership to agree conditionality with members, thus providing national authorities with a policy commitment tool to underpin confidence and catalyze private lending; and (iii) its de facto preferred creditor status, which allows it to provide crisis financing when private creditors may be reluctant to lend.
Emerging from the Global Crisis - Macroeconomic Challenges Facing Low-Income Countries
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

While the impact of the global crisis has been severe, real per capita GDP growth stayed positive in two-thirds of low-income countries (LICs), unlike in previous global downturns, and in contrast to richer countries. The crisis affected LICs not so much through the terms of trade or global interest rates, but rather through a sharp contraction in export demand, foreign direct investment, and remittances (oil exporters also suffered from a sharp fall in oil prices). LICs saw the sharpest decline in their economic growth rate over the last four decades. However, this slowdown followed a period of strong expansion, and real per capita GDP growth has generally held up in LICs, remaining well above growth in richer countries.
From Stimulus to Consolidation - Revenue and Expenditure Policies in Advanced and Emerging Economies
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

This review marks the 10th anniversary of the safeguards policy. Introduced in March 2000, the policy’s main objective is to mitigate potential risks of misuse of resources, including Fund resources, and misreporting of monetary program data. The policy was last reviewed in 2005, when the Executive Board re-affirmed the effectiveness of the policy, and its application to central banks. In keeping with previous reviews, a panel of experts was invited to provide advice for the Executive Board on the implementation of the policy, and recommendations to guide the focus and application of the policy going forward.
Initiative for Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) and Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI)-Status of Implementation and Proposals for the Future of the HIPC Initiative
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

This report aims to accomplish three objectives: (a) it provides an update on the status of implementation, impact, and costs of the Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) Initiative and the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI); (b) it proposes a modification of the reporting of progress under the initiatives, including the discontinuation of the annual status of implementation reports, and the preparation of periodic reports on debt vulnerabilities in low income countries (LICs), including HIPCs; and (c) it proposes a further ring-fencing of the list of countries eligible or potentially eligible for debt relief under the HIPC Initiative based on end-2010 income and indebtedness criteria.
Staff Guidance Note for Public Debt Sustainability Analysis in Market-Access Countries
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

The framework for fiscal policy and public debt sustainability analysis (DSA) in market-access countries (MACs) was reviewed by the Executive Board in August 2011.1 The review responded to shortcomings in identifying fiscal vulnerabilities and assessing risks to debt sustainability against the backdrop of increased concerns over fiscal policy and public debt sustainability in many advanced economies.
2016 Handbook of IMF Facilities for Low-Income Countries
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

This Handbook provides guidance to staff on the financial and non-financial facilities for low-income countries (LICs), defined here as all countries eligible to obtain concessional financing from the Fund. It updates the previous version of the Handbook that was published in February 2015 (IMF, 2015) by incorporating modifications resulting from Board papers and related decisions since that time, including the reform of the Fund policy on Poverty Reduction Strategy in Fund engagement with low-income countries, Financing for Development—Enhancing the Financial Safety net for Developing Countries, Proposal for Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust, the Review of Eligibility to Use the Fund’s Facilities for Concessional Financing, and the 14th General Review of Quotas.1 Designed as a comprehensive reference tool for program work on LICs, the Handbook also refers, in summary form, to a range of relevant policies that apply more generally to IMF members. As with all guidance notes, the relevant IMF Executive Board decisions, including the terms of the various LIC Trust Instruments that have been adopted by the Board, remain the sole legal authority on the matters covered in the Handbook.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. African Dept.
Published: September 2019

Selected Issues
Diurnal variability, photochemical production and loss processes of hydrogen peroxide in the boundary layer over Europe
Authors: Fischer Horst , Axinte Raoul , Bozem Heiko , Crowley John N. , Ernest Cheryl , Gilge Stefan , Hafermann Sascha , Harder Hartwig , Hens Korbinian , Janssen Ruud H. H. , Königstedt Rainer , Kubistin Dagmar , Mallik Chinmay , Martinez Monica , Novelli Anna , Parchatka Uwe , Plass-Dülmer Christian , Pozzer Andrea , Regelin Eric , Reiffs Andreas , Schmidt Torsten , Schuladen Jan , Lelieveld Jos
Published: September 2019

Abstract. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) plays a significant
role in the oxidizing capacity of the atmosphere. It is an efficient oxidant
in the liquid phase and serves as a temporary reservoir for the hydroxyl
radical (OH), the most important oxidizing agent in the gas phase. Due to
its high solubility, removal of H2O2 due to wet and dry deposition
is efficient, being a sink of HOx (OH+HO2) radicals. In the
continental boundary layer, the H2O2 budget is controlled by
photochemistry, transport and deposition processes. Here we use in situ
observations of H2O2 and account for chemical source and removal
mechanisms to study the interplay between these processes. The data were
obtained during five ground-based field campaigns across Europe from 2008 to
2014 and bring together observations in a boreal forest, two mountainous
sites in Germany, and coastal sites in Spain and Cyprus. Most campaigns took
place in the summer, while the measurements in the south-west of Spain took
place in early winter. Diel variations in H2O2 are strongly
site-dependent and indicate a significant altitude dependence. While
boundary-layer mixing ratios of H2O2 at low-level sites show
classical diel cycles with the lowest values in the early morning and maxima
around local noon, diel profiles are reversed on mountainous sites due to
transport from the nocturnal residual layer and the free troposphere. The
concentration of hydrogen peroxide is largely governed by its main
precursor, the hydroperoxy radical (HO2), and shows significant
anti-correlation with nitrogen oxides (NOx) that remove HO2. A
budget calculation indicates that in all campaigns, the noontime
photochemical production rate through the self-reaction of HO2 radicals
was much larger than photochemical loss due to reaction with OH and
photolysis, and that dry deposition is the dominant loss mechanism.
Estimated dry deposition velocities varied between approximately 1 and 6 cm s−1,
with relatively high values observed during the day in forested regions,
indicating enhanced uptake of H2O2 by vegetation. In order to
reproduce the change in H2O2 mixing ratios between sunrise and
midday, a variable contribution from transport (10 %–100 %) is required
to balance net photochemical production and deposition loss. Transport is
most likely related to entrainment from the residual layer above the
nocturnal boundary layer during the growth of the boundary layer in the
morning.
Uncertainty analysis of a European high-resolution emission inventory of CO2 and CO to support inverse modelling and network design
Authors: Super Ingrid , Dellaert Stijn N. C. , Visschedijk Antoon J. H. , Denier van der Gon Hugo A. C.
Published: September 2019

Abstract. Quantification of greenhouse gas emissions is receiving a lot of attention, because of its relevance for climate mitigation. Quantification is often done with an inverse modelling framework, combining atmospheric transport models, prior gridded emission inventories and a network of atmospheric observations to optimize the emission inventories. An important aspect of such method is a correct quantification of the uncertainties in all aspects of the modelling framework. The uncertainties in gridded emission inventories are, however, not systematically analysed. In this work, a statistically coherent method is used to quantify the uncertainties in a high-resolution gridded emission inventory of CO2 and CO for Europe. We perform a range of Monte Carlo simulations to determine the effect of uncertainties in different inventory components, including the spatial and temporal distribution, on the uncertainty in total emissions and the resulting atmospheric mixing ratios. We find that the uncertainty in the total emissions for the selected domain are 1 % for CO2 and 6 % for CO. Introducing spatial disaggregation causes a significant increase in the uncertainty of up to 40 % for CO2 and 70 % for CO for specific grid cells. Using gridded uncertainties specific regions can be defined that have the largest uncertainty in emissions and are thus an interesting target for inverse modelers. However, the largest sectors are usually the best-constrained ones (low relative uncertainty), so the absolute uncertainty is the best indicator for this. With this knowledge areas can be identified that are most sensitive to the largest emission uncertainties, which supports network design.
A comparison of OH nightglow volume emission rates as measured by SCIAMACHY and SABER
Authors: Zhu Yajun , Kaufmann Martin , Chen Qiuyu , Xu Jiyao , Gong Qiucheng , Liu Jilin , Wei Daikang , Riese Martin
Published: September 2019

Abstract. Hydroxyl (OH) short-wave infrared emissions measured by the SCanning Imaging Absorption spectroMeter for Atmospheric CHartographY (SCIAMACHY) were used in this study to simulate OH 1.6 μm and 2.0 μm radiances as measured by the Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) instrument. This paper presents a retrieval model to perform an inversion of OH(v) number densities in order to simulate OH ro-vibrational emission radiances using a non-linear regularized global fit technique. OH 1.6 μm and 2.0 μm radiances as measured by SABER were retrieved from OH limb measurements recorded by SCIAMACHY channel 6 for altitudes in the range of 80–96 km. The main source of uncertainty in the retrieval is related to the Einstein coefficients. Systematic deviations of up to 88 % were found between SABER OH 1.6 μm and 2.0 μm radiance measurements and the corresponding simulations obtained from SCIAMACHY OH data. The radiometric calibration of the instruments could potentially explain the differences between the two measurements.
Multi-point galactic cosmic ray measurements between 1 and 4.5 AU over a full solar cycle
Authors: Honig Thomas , Witasse Olivier G. , Evans Hugh , Nieminen Petteri , Kuulkers Erik , Taylor Matt G. G. T. , Heber Bernd , Guo Jingnan , Sánchez-Cano Beatriz
Published: September 2019

Abstract. The radiation data collected by the Standard Radiation
Environment Monitor (SREM) aboard ESA missions INTEGRAL (INTErnational Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory), Rosetta, Herschel,
Planck and Proba-1, and by the high-energy neutron detector (HEND)
instrument aboard Mars Odyssey, are analysed with an emphasis on
characterising galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) in the inner heliosphere. A
cross calibration between all sensors was performed for this study, which
can also be used in subsequent works. We investigate the stability of the
SREM detectors over long-term periods. The radiation data are compared
qualitatively and quantitatively with the corresponding solar activity.
Based on INTEGRAL and Rosetta SREM data, a GCR helioradial gradient of
2.96 % AU−1 is found between 1 and 4.5 AU. In addition, the data during the
last phase of the Rosetta mission around comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko
were studied in more detail. An unexpected yet unexplained 8 %
reduction of the Galactic Comic Ray flux measured by Rosetta SREM in the
vicinity of the comet is noted.
Shell chemistry of the Boreal Campanian bivalve Rastellum diluvianum (Linnaeus, 1767) reveals temperature seasonality, growth rates and life cycle of an extinct Cretaceous oyster
Authors: de Winter Niels J. , Ullmann Clemens V. , Sørensen Anne M. , Thibault Nicolas R. , Goderis Steven , Van Malderen Stijn J. M. , Snoeck Christophe , Goolaerts Stijn , Vanhaecke Frank , Claeys Philippe
Published: September 2019

Abstract. The Campanian age (Late Cretaceous) is characterized by a warm greenhouse climate with limited land ice volume. This makes the Campanian an ideal target for the study of climate dynamics during greenhouse periods, which are essential for predictions of future climate change due to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Well-preserved fossil shells from the Campanian age (± 78 Ma) high paleolatitude (50° N) coastal faunas of the Kristianstad Basin (southern Sweden) offer unique snapshot of short-term climate and environmental variability during the Campanian, which complement traditional long-term climate reconstructions. In this study, we apply a combination of high-resolution spatially resolved trace element analyses (µXRF and LA-ICP-MS), stable isotope analyses (IRMS) and growth modelling to study short-term (seasonal) variations recorded in the oyster species Rastellum diluvianum from Ivö Klack. A combination of trace element and stable isotope records of 12 specimens sheds light on the influence of specimen-specific and age-specific effects on the expression of seasonal variations in shell chemistry and allows disentangling vital effects from environmental influences in an effort to refine palaeoseasonality reconstructions of Late Cretaceous greenhouse climates. Growth modelling based on stable isotope records from R. diluvianum further allows to discuss the mode of life, circadian rhythm and reproductive cycle of extinct oysters and sheds light on their ecology. This multi-proxy study reveals that mean annual temperatures in the Campanian high-latitudes were 17 to 19 °C with a maximum extent of seasonality of 14 °C. These results show that the latitudinal gradient in mean annual temperatures during the Late Cretaceous was steeper than expected based on climate models and that the difference in seasonal temperature variability between latitudes was much smaller in the Campanian compared to today. Our results also demonstrate that species-specific differences and uncertainties in the composition of Late Cretaceous seawater prevent trace element proxies (Mg / Ca, Sr / Ca, Mg / Li and Sr / Li) to be used as reliable temperature proxies for fossil oyster shells.
Error propagation in spectrometric functions of soil organic carbon
Authors: Ellinger Monja , Merbach Ines , Werban Ulrike , Ließ Mareike
Published: September 2019

Abstract. Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a major role concerning chemical, physical,
and biological soil properties and functions. To get a better understanding
of how soil management affects the SOC content, the precise monitoring of
SOC on long-term field experiments (LTFEs) is needed. Visible and
near-infrared (Vis–NIR) reflectance spectrometry provides an inexpensive and
fast opportunity to complement conventional SOC analysis and has often been
used to predict SOC. For this study, 100 soil samples were collected at an
LTFE in central Germany by two different sampling designs. SOC values ranged
between 1.5 % and 2.9 %. Regression models were built using partial least
square regression (PLSR). In order to build robust models, a nested repeated
5-fold group cross-validation (CV) approach was used, which comprised model
tuning and evaluation. Various aspects that influence the obtained error
measure were analysed and discussed. Four pre-processing methods were
compared in order to extract information regarding SOC from the spectra.
Finally, the best model performance which did not consider error propagation
corresponded to a mean RMSEMV of 0.12 % SOC (R2=0.86). This model performance was impaired by ΔRMSEMV=0.04 % SOC while considering input data uncertainties (ΔR2=0.09), and by ΔRMSEMV=0.12 % SOC
(ΔR2=0.17) considering an inappropriate
pre-processing. The effect of the sampling design amounted to a ΔRMSEMV of 0.02 % SOC (ΔR2=0.05). Overall,
we emphasize the necessity of transparent and precise documentation of the
measurement protocol, the model building, and validation procedure in order
to assess model performance in a comprehensive way and allow for a
comparison between publications. The consideration of uncertainty
propagation is essential when applying Vis–NIR spectrometry for soil
monitoring.
Octopods of deep reefs off Curaçao, southern Caribbean including description of one newly discovered species
Authors: Pratt Abigail , Baldwin Carole , Vecchione Michael
Published: September 2019

Recent exploratory research on poorly studied deep reefs in the Caribbean Sea has yielded substantial new information about the diversity of deep-reef fishes and some invertebrates, but the diversity of deep-reef cephalopods has not been assessed. Using images, videos, and specimens
collected with the aid of a manned submersible, as well as DNA sequences derived from the specimens, we surveyed the cephalopod diversity of the mesophotic and rariphotic reef communities in Curaçao, southern Caribbean. Among the 50 records comprising 15 specimens, 39 photos, and 15
videos (of which six specimens matched video records), we found Octopus hummelincki Adam, 1937, Pteroctopus cf. tetracirrhus Delle Chiaje, 1830, Scaeurgus unicirrhus Delle Chiaje, 1841, Paroctopus mercatoris Adam, 1937, and Lepidoctopus joaquini Haimovici
and Sales, 2019. In addition, we found one group of octopods, with two specimens that did not correspond to any known species. We describe this as a new species. One specimen of Lepidoctopus joaquini was hectocotylized on two arms.
NOTA EDITORIAL
Authors: Ra'e Ga - O Espaço Geográfico em Análise Revista
Published: September 2019

Este número especial da Revista Ra'e Ga reúne 13 trabalhos selecionados entre os 109 apresentados no 7º GeoPantanal. Destaca-se que 148 trabalhos foram inscritos no Simpósio e analisados pelo comitê técnico-científico. Além do Brasil, com inscritos de 15 Estados, houve também participantes de dois países (Bolívia e Paraguai).O 7º GeoPantanal foi realizado no período de 20 a 24 de outubro de 2018 na cidade de Jardim, MS. O incentivo à produção e a disseminação do conhecimento sobre a região pantaneira foi proporcionado pelo esforço da Embrapa informática Agropecuária e do Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais, juntos com as parceiras locais Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso, Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Mato Grosso do Sul, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul e Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, buscando propiciar a atualização e disseminação das ferramentas de geotecnologia à comunidade acadêmica e ao público em geral.Com esta publicação os organizadores do evento, com o apoio da revista Ra'e Ga - O Espaço Geográfico em Análise, dará continuidade á divulgação de estudos do Pantanal e região de entorno, delimitada pela Bacia do Alto Paraguai - BAP, contemplando a utilização de informações espacializadas e georreferenciadas em estudos multi e interdisciplinares.Destaca-se o apoio financeiro recebido do Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Embrapa Informática Agropecuária, Fundação de Amparo á Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP), Instituto Brasileiro de Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis (Ibama), WWF Brasil, Calcário Bodoquena, Visiona Tecnologia Espacial e do Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE).Aproveitamos o momento oportuno para expressar nossos agradecimentos a todos (as) que contribuem com a revista Ra’e Ga - O Espaço Geográfico em Análise, em especial aos Revisores (as) e ao Programa de Apoio às Publicações Científicas Periódicas da UFPR que realizaram a revisão do mérito científico e linguística respectivamente, atividades fundamentais para a qualidade do presente número especial.
A vitória pírrica da democracia constitucional
Authors: Morais Fausto Santos de , Ghiggi Fernando Gabriel
Published: September 2019

Na tradicional concepção de separação de poderes, o Legislativo assume o lócus das decisões políticas na sociedade por excelência. Não obstante, o controle judicial de constitucionalidade (judicial review) ascendeu de forma contumaz, sendo visto como aspecto essencial e indispensável às democracias constitucionais contemporâneas. No Brasil, o Supremo Tribunal Federal é expressamente consagrado guardião da Constituição, revelando-se detentor da última palavra nos diálogos institucionais travados com os demais poderes do Estado. Para muitos, a ascensão do Judiciário se trata de uma vitória à garantia dos direitos fundamentais. Para outros, trata-se tão somente de uma vitória pírrica: aparenta-se como uma conquista, mas seus prejuízos sobrepõem-se aos ganhos. Adepto dessa premissa, o jusfilósofo Jeremy Waldron desenvolve vasta crítica ao controle jurisdicional de constitucionalidade, alicerçado em uma concepção ideal de instituições legislativas. Com efeito, indaga-se: é possível extrair contribuições ao contexto jurídico e político brasileiro pelo estudo da teoria de Waldron? Partindo-se dessa problemática, a presente pesquisa objetiva estudar e apresentar a teoria do citado autor, especulando-se, ao final, possíveis contribuições.
Dolutegravir induced sub-acute hepatic failure in HIV positive treatment naïve man in Botswana
Authors: Rwegerera Godfrey Mutashambara , Rimbi Munashe , Mudhina Vimbai , Simone Marang Tiny , Sefo Moranodi , Segona Bofelo
Published: September 2019

Dolutegravir associated hepatic failure has rarely been reported. Hepatic failure can occur either acutely or after few weeks as it happened in our patient. We report a case of 61 years old HIV-positive treatment naïve patient who started experiencing features of hepatic injury one month after starting Dolutegravir-based regimen. Patient presented late with overt hepatic failure. We emphasize the importance of close monitoring both at initiation and long-term so as identify patients with early hepatic injury and limit fatal outcomes which are potentially avoidable.
The Effect of Reference Price on Customers’ Decisions in Online Shopping
Authors: Zheng Yihan
Published: September 2019

In this research, we examined the effect that different reference prices have on online customers in their shopping process. We hypothesized that the actual price paid will be higher for participants who saw a higher reference price. We designed two different surveys targeting potential customers - the only difference between the two versions was the price for reference shown to the participants at the beginning of the survey. Designed to mimic the actual online shopping scenario, the surveys collected 136 responses in total, and the results suggest there is a difference of $22.93 in the mean values of the price customers are willing to pay. The Hedges' g value for the mean difference is 0.42, which indicated that there is a practical significance. This result indicates that customers’ willingness to pay will rise as the reference prices increase.
“FOLIA TURISTICA” – 49 USED OPPORTUNITIES VIEWED FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF FORMER CREATORS AND EDITORS OF THE JOURNAL
Authors: Biernacki Wojciech
Published: September 2019

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A genetic comparison of human and wildlife isolates of Echinococcus granulosus in Queensland: public health implications
Authors: Hope Michelle , Bowles Josephine , McManus Donald P , Prociv Paul
Published: September 2019

Objective

To test the hypothesis that the hydatid parasite infecting macropods and dingoes in Queensland is a sylvatic strain of Echinococcus granulosus, distinct from the domestic strain which produces cysts in sheep and humans.

Design

Molecular biological techniques were used to compare DNA isolated from hydatid cysts from humans, local macropods and sheep from New South Wales and the United Kingdom, as well as from adult tapeworms in dingoes.

Setting

The human cysts were surgically resected from two patients seen with hydati‐ dosis in Brisbane teaching hospitals over a one‐year period. Neither patient had had previous contact with sheep farms. Macropods and dingoes were shot randomly in the localities where the patients presumably acquired their infections. Sheep liver cysts were obtained from abattoirs.

Methodology

Studies comprised extraction of DNA from cysts, digestion by a series of restriction endonucleases, slab gel electrophoresis, Southern blotting and then hybridisation with defined DNA probes. Polymerase chain reaction, in combination with direct DNA sequencing, was used to compare DNA from cysts and adult worms from dingoes.

Results

The restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) patterns of DNA from all cysts and a defined mitochondrial DNA sequence from all sources were indistinguishable. This finding is significant as both techniques can clearly distinguish between genetically distinct, well characterised strains of E. granulosus.

Conclusions

Hydatid cysts are prevalent in some macropod populations and adult worms are common in dingoes. Since there are relatively few sheep‐rearing areas in Queensland, contact with wild animals may be the main source of human hydatid infection in this State. The strain of E. granulosus in both patients was genetically indistinguishable from that found in macropods, dingoes and sheep from New South Wales and the United Kingdom. This strongly suggests that the domestic strain of E. granulosus, or a form very close genetically, freely infects Australian wildlife, and argues against the existence of a distinct sylvatic strain. The implications for public health are considerable.
Vancomycin and teicoplanin: something old, something new
Authors: Phillips Gabrielle , Golledge Clayton L
Published: September 2019

Objective

To compare and contrast the pharmacology, activity and clinical efficacy of two glycopeptide antibiotics, vancomycin and teicoplanin.

Data sources

English language literature search using MEDLINE, Index Medicus, relevant textbooks and product information literature.

Study selection

Over 200 publications were examined extending back to the period of initial Phase I trials with vancomycin.

Data extraction and synthesis

Many publications covered similar ground and came to the same conclusions. In these instances one or two of the best pieces were chosen as cited reference material. Conflicting results and conclusions are discussed and an attempt is made to interpret the findings.

Conclusion

Vancomycin and teicoplanin show differences in activity both in vitro and in vivo. Vancomycin is superior against coagulase‐negative staphylococci and reliable dosage regimens are available. Teicoplanin, however, needs to be given in significantly larger doses than initially thought necessary to maximise clinical efficacy. Teicoplanin has a lower incidence of side effects but in clinical practice this advantage is small. Vancomycin remains the glycopeptide of choice for the treatment of infections due to Gram‐positive bacteria.
Prevalence of intellectual handicap in Western Australia: a community study
Authors: Wellesley Diana G , Hockey K Athel , Montgomery Philip D , Stanley Fiona J
Published: September 2019

Objective

To produce comprehensive community based data on individuals with intellectual handicap, thé level of retardation, associated handicaps and demographic data.

Design

Multiple sources of ascertainment were used to identify all children in birth cohorts, 1967‐1976 inclusive, who had an IQ less than 70.

Setting

The majority of cases were ascertained through Western Australian government agencies that provide services for the intellectually handicapped. Other sources included thé support branch of the education department, private schools and the children's hospital.

Patients

In all, 1602 children, aged between 6 arid 16 years, fitted the study criteria.

Results

The prevalence of intellectual handicap was found to be 8.9 per 1000 live male births and 6.3 per 1000 live female births with an overall rate of 7.6. The figures for mild, moderate, severe and profound retardation were 3.0, 2.4, 1.0 and 0.6 per 1000, respectively, with 0.8 per 1000 with an unknown IQ. Cerebral palsy occurred in 20% and epilepsy in 13% in addition to intellectual handicap. There was a significantly higher rate among those from rural compared with urban areas: 9.9 v. 6.5 per 1000 live births, respectively.

Conclusions

This comprehensive epidemiological data on intellectual handicap in Western Australia will be of value in the planning Of services, including screening and genetic counselling, and for the evaluation of care. The rural preponderance, in particular, is worthy of further evaluation.
Der Rechtspfleger aus der Perspektive des öffentlichen Rechts
Authors: Wenzel Michael
Published: September 2019

A judicial officer in Germany is a public servant but, at the same time, has a special functional status: as an independent and unbiased court official, a judicial officer fulfils tasks relating to the administration of justice, which were formerly carried out by judges. This role results in a certain fundamental conflict as, in different contexts, it raises the question of whether a judicial officer should be treated according to the principles of public service law or as a judge.
This study focuses on the problems that arise from this lack of clarity. It analyses to what extent the function of judicial officers approaches that of judges, as legislators intend, and comprehensively examines the position and role of a judicial officer. In doing so, it focuses on ordinary law, constitutional law and art. 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights. It demonstrates that if one considers the different norms in isolation, the role of judicial officers does correspond to the general principles of public law.
O catador de resíduos sólidos e sua função como empreendedor social numa visão contemporânea
Authors: Oliveira Pinto Henrique Ferreira de , Cunha Anderson Góis Marques da
Published: September 2019

A problemática ambiental é bastante discutida atualmente. Entretanto, carece de mais pesquisas e viabilidade com ênfase empreendedora e social. Identificar neste cenário o profissional catador de resíduos sólidos e sua relevância nesta discussão é fundamental para o enquadramento desta classe na sociedade econômica e produtiva. O artigo objetiva a conscientização e o incentivo de práticas empreendedoras, visando à responsabilidade socioeconômica e inclusiva dos catadores de recicláveis no cenário nacional. Foi adotado o molde de pesquisa do tipo exploratória e descritiva. Neste artigo, também foi adotado o levantamento bibliográfico e documental extraído de periódicos Capes e Google Acadêmico, além de livros e legislação vigente compreendidos entre 2013 a 2017. Como resultado da análise, tem-se o catador como ator social imprescindível no processo de sustentabilidade local. Embora esta figura ainda seja posta à margem da desvalorização social, e ainda seja exposta a riscos ambientais pelo não uso de equipamentos de segurança adequados no trato diário de suas atribuições, o estudo enfatiza também a possibilidade de expansão do tema em pesquisas modernas, que carecem de maior embasamento teórico e científico.
Determinan Kejadian Kejang Demam pada Balita di Rumah Sakit Ibu dan Anak Budhi Mulia Pekanbaru
Authors: Rasyid Zulmeliza , Astuti Dian Kusuma , Purba Christine Vita Gloria
Published: September 2019

Kejang demam adalah bangkitan kejang yang dapat terjadi pada anak berumur 6 bulan sampai 5 tahun yang mengalami kenaikan suhu tubuh (suhu diatas 380C) yang tidak disebabkan oleh proses intracranial. Di Rumah Sakit Ibu dan Anak Budhi Mulia angka kejadian kejang demam pada balita tahun 2017 berjumlah 98 kasus dengan proporsi kasus yaitu 34,03%. Tujuan penelitianini untuk menggambarkan dan mengetahui determinan kejadian kejang demam pada balita di RSIA Budhi Mulia Pekanbaru tahun 2015-2017.Desain Penelitian adalah case control. Populasi sebanyak 1.119 orang dengan besar sampel sebanyak 144 dengan perbandingan 1:1 dimana 72 untuk kasus dan 72 untuk kontrol. Teknik pengambilan sampel secara quota sampling dengan metode penelusuran dokumen.Alat penelitiankuesioner.Jenis data yang digunakan adalah data sekunder.Pengolahan data dengan aplikasi SPSS.Analisis data secara univariat dan bivariat dengan uji chi-square. Hasil penelitian diperoleh kadar hemoglobin (p value= 0,000 dan OR=9,23; CI: 4,30-19,79), kadar leukosit (p value= 0,000 dan OR=9,71; CI: 4,53-20,79), usia (p value= 0,012 dan OR=2,95; CI:1,32-6,59), dan suhu tubuh (p value=0,000 dan OR=7,80; CI:3,71-16,38). DiharapkanRumah  SakitIbu dan Anak Budhi Mulia berkoordinasi dengan tim promosi dalam penatalaksanaan kasus kejang demam pada balita sehingga angka kematian pada balita dapat diminimalisir.
The rediscovery of the rare Vietnamese endemic Eriophorum scabriculme redefines generic limits in the Scirpo-Caricoid Clade (Cyperaceae)
Authors: Starr Julian R. , Léveillé-Bourret Étienne , Tài Vũ Anh , Thị Kim Thanh Nguyê˜n , Ford Bruce A.
Published: September 2019

For those familiar with boreal bogs and wet tundra, species of Eriophorum (“the cotton grasses”) will undoubtedly represent some of the most striking and memorable taxa they have encountered. This small genus of 20 Holarctic sedge species (Cyperaceae) is remarkable because its inflorescences produce large, brilliantly white to rusty-red cottony masses when its flowers develop a perianth of highly elongated bristles after anthesis. In this study, we document the rediscovery of Eriophorum scabriculme, a narrow Vietnamese endemic known from only two collections made approximately 7 km apart near Sa Pa in Lào Cai Province over 75 years ago. Using plastid DNA sequences (matK, ndhF), embryology, and morphology, we test whether E. scabriculme is aligned within the Scirpo-Caricoid Clade (genus Khaosokia and tribes Cariceae, Dulichieae, Scirpeae, and Sumatroscirpeae) or the Ficinia Clade (Cypereae), and we determine whether its unique character combinations (≥10 elongated bristles, reduced sheathing basal leaves, 1–4 spikelets) could be evidence for a new genus or simply mark it as an unusual species within currently recognised genera. In addition, we document the discovery of seven new populations, and we extend its range westward to Lai Châu Province and southward in Lào Cai Province by more than 47 km. Our results demonstrate that Eriophorum scabriculme is best treated in the genus Trichophorum, thus re-circumscribing both genera and their limits with Scirpus s.str. In addition, we emend the description of Trichophorum scabriculme (Beetle) J.R.Starr, Lév.-Bourret & B.A. Ford, provide the first pictures and accurate illustration of the species, and assess its conservation status in Vietnam (VU, Vulnerable). Our study corroborates the fact that in such a diverse and taxonomically difficult family like the sedges, conspicuous characters like highly elongated bristles may be useful for dividing diversity, but they are no guarantee that the groups they mark are natural.
The effects of growth rate and biomechanical loading on bone laminarity within the emu skeleton
Authors: Kuehn Amanda L. , Lee Andrew H. , Main Russell P. , Simons Erin L.R.
Published: September 2019

The orientation of vascular canals in primary bone may reflect differences in growth rate and/or adaptation to biomechanical loads. Previous studies link specific canal orientations to bone growth rates, but results between different taxa are contradictory. Circumferential vascular canals (forming laminar bone) have been hypothesized to reflect either (or both) rapid growth rate or locomotion-induced torsional loading. Previous work on the hindlimb biomechanics in the emu shows that the femur and tibiotarsus experience large shear strains, likely resulting from torsional loads that increase through ontogeny. Here, we test how growth rate and biomechanical loading affect bone laminarity in wing and hindlimb elements from growing emu (2–60 wks). If laminar bone is an adaptation to torsion-induced shear strains, it should increase from juveniles to adults. Alternatively, if bone laminarity reflects rapid growth, as has been shown previously in emu, it should be abundant in fast-growing juveniles and decrease with age. Transverse mid-shaft histological sections from the limb bones (femur, tibiotarsus, humerus, ulna, and radius) were prepared and imaged. Growth rates were measured using fluorescent bone labels. Vascular canal orientation was quantified using laminarity index (proportion of circumferential canals). Principal components analysis was performed to convert highly correlated variables (i.e., mass, age, growth rate, and shear strain) into principal components. Random-intercept beta regression modeling determined which principal components best explained laminarity. The fastest growth rates were found in young individuals for all five skeletal elements. Maximum growth rate did not coincide with peak laminarity. Instead, in the femur and tibiotarsus, elevated laminarity is strongly correlated with adult features such as large size, old age, and modest growth rate. This result is contrary to predictions made based on a previous study of emu but is consistent with results observed in some other avian species (penguin, chicken). Shear strain in the caudal octant of the femur and tibiotarsus is positively correlated with laminarity but has a weaker effect on laminarity relative to mass, age, and growth rate. Laminarity in the wing elements is variable and does not correlate with ontogenetic factors (including mass, age, and growth rate). Its presence may relate to relaxed developmental canalization or a retained ancestral feature. In conclusion, ontogeny (including growth rate) is the dominant influence on vascular canal orientation at least in the hindlimb of the emu.
Bar-HRM: a reliable and fast method for species identification of ginseng (Panax ginseng, Panax notoginseng, Talinum paniculatum and Phytolacca Americana)
Authors: Osathanunkul Maslin , Madesis Panagiotis
Published: September 2019

Background

Korean ginseng has long been famous and is one of the most well known forms of ginseng. The root of plants in the genus Panax is commonly recognized as ginseng. Different Panax species of ginseng root have been used as treatments. Although many other herbs are called ginseng, they do not contain the active compounds of ginsenosides. In Thailand, we have Thai ginseng which is of course not one of Panax species. Thai ginseng is the root from Talinum paniculatum and, due to its morphological root similarity, it is almost impossible to differentiate between them. Also, another plant species, Phytollacca americana, has significantly similar root morphology to real ginseng but its seeds and root are poisonous. Misunderstanding what true ginseng is compared to others could endanger lives and cause financial loss by buying inferior products.

Methods

DNA barcoding combination with High Resolution Melting (called Bar-HRM) was used for species discrimination of the Panax ginseng and others. Five regions included ITS2, matK, psbA-trnH and rbcL were evaluated in the analyses.

Results

The ITS2 region was found to be the most suitable primers for the analysis. The melting profile from the HRM analyses using the chosen ITS2 primers showed that Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) could be discriminated from other Penax species. Also, other ginseng species with morphological similarity could be easily distinguished from the true ginseng. The developed Bar-HRM method poses a great potential in ginseng species discrimination and thus could be also useful in ginseng authentication.
The interplay between cognitive tasks and vision for upright posture balance in adolescents
Authors: Meng Hai-Jiang , Luo Shan-Shan , Wang Yuan-Gang
Published: September 2019

Background

The control of an upright stance in humans is important in medicine, psychology, and physiology. The maintenance of upright stance balance depends not only on sensory information from proprioceptive, vestibular, cutaneous, and visual sources but also on cognitive resources. The present study investigated the effects of cognitive tasks while standing with eyes open on upright stance balance in adolescents. We hypothesized that performing a cognitive task while standing with eyes open would increase body sway among these adolescents and that the upright posture would thus become less stable.

Methods

A static balance assessment system comprising a force platform connected to a computer was used to evaluate the stability of the upright stance among 21 healthy adolescents under six conditions: no cognitive task, a relatively easy cognitive task, or the same cognitive task made more difficult, with each task being performed while the eyes were open and again while the eyes were closed. The participants performed mental calculations as fast as possible by subtracting either 3 or 18 from a random three-digit number continuously, for the simple cognitive task or the difficult cognitive task, respectively. Each calculation was completed within 10 s. The evaluation indexes used to measure upright posture stability were the root mean square (RMS) of the total body sway in the mediolateral and anteroposterior directions, the mean velocity (MV) value of the total body sway, and the Romberg quotient (RQ) of these values.

Results

The RMS (p < 0.01) and MV (p < 0.01) values of the upright posture sway were lower when participants performed no cognitive task and their eyes were open than when their eyes were closed. When their eyes were open, compared with no cognitive task, the values of the measures evaluating upright posture sway were higher, meaning the stance was less stable, while performing either the simple or the more difficult cognitive task (RMS: simple task, p < 0.01; difficult task, p < 0.05; MV: simple task, p < 0.01; difficult task, p < 0.01) although no significant differences were detected for the RMS or MV values between the simple and more difficult cognitive tasks. The RQs for both the RMS and the total MV values of the upright posture sway during performance of the difficult cognitive task were significantly lower than when the participants performed no task.

Conclusion

Performance of a cognitive task significantly reduced the upright posture balance in adolescents during eyes open although increased task difficulty did not show a greater effect. The interference between the performance of a cognitive task and the visual control of an upright stance may be attributable in part to cognitive and visual processing streams competing for common central resources, consistent with the Multiple Resource Theory of information processing.
Soil warming increases soil temperature sensitivity in subtropical Forests of SW China
Authors: Yuan Chaoxiang , Zhu Guiqing , Yang Shuangna , Xu Gang , Li Yingyun , Gong Hede , Wu Chuansheng
Published: September 2019

Background

Soil respiration (RS) plays an important role in the concentration of atmospheric CO2 and thus in global climate patterns. Due to the feedback between RS and climate, it is important to investigate RS responses to climate warming.

Methods

A soil warming experiment was conducted to explore RS responses and temperature sensitivity (Q10) to climate warming in subtropical forests in Southwestern China, and infrared radiators were used to simulate climate warming.

Results

Warming treatment increased the soil temperature and RS value by 1.4 °C and 7.3%, respectively, and decreased the soil water level by 4.2% (%/%). Both one- and two-factor regressions showed that warming increased the Q10 values by 89.1% and 67.4%, respectively. The effects of water on Q10show a parabolic relationship to the soil water sensitivity coefficient. Both RS and Q10 show no acclimation to climate warming, suggesting that global warming will accelerate soil carbon release.