bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Results of Medial Rectus Muscle Recession Using Augmentation, Faden Procedure, and Slanted Recession in the Treatment of High Accommodative Convergence/Accommodation Ratio Esotropia
Authors: Gharabaghi Davoud , Zanjani Leila Kazemi
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background and Purpose: According to the literature, accommodative esotropia has an unpredictable course when nonsurgical treatment is considered, especially in cases with a high accommodative convergence/accommodation ratio (AQA). The aim of this study was to compare the results of augmented recession, slanted recession, and recession with posterior fixation suture of the medial rectus muscles in the treatment of high AQA esotropia.

Subjects and Methods: Twenty-eight children (4 to 14 years old) with high AQA esotropia with a near-distance disparity greater than 10 PD were included in a prospective, randomized, blinded clinical trial. Nine children underwent recession of both medial rectus muscles and posterior fixation suture (Faden procedure), 9 children underwent augmented recession of the medial rectus muscles, and 10 children underwent slanted recession of both medial rectus muscles. The amount of esodeviation was measured before strabismus surgery and at least 6 months postoperatively.

Resuite: In the augmented recession group, the mean near-distance disparity was reduced from 16.33 ± 2.1 7 PD preoperatively to 7.55 ± 3.87 PD postoperatively (54.21%; P = .056). In the Faden procedure group, it was reduced from 1 5.22 ± 4.08 PD to 2.55 ± 4.03 PD (80.7%; P = .056). In the slanted recession group, it was reduced from 15.50 ± 4.30 PD to 4.1 0 ± 4.80 PD (67.55%; P = .056).

Conclusions: The Faden procedure had the best outcome, but slanted recession also was successful. Because of our good results and an easy, noninvasive approach without any additional complications, we recommend slanted recession to treat high AQA esotropia.

J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2006;43:91-94.
Better Optic Disc Examination: Wearing Loupes Enhances the Indirect Ophthalmoscope Image
Authors: Buller Alex J , Ramchandani Mahesh , Fenerty Cecelia
Published: January 2020

Abstract. Optic disc examination with the indirect ophthalmoscope is frequently used in the assessment of pediatric glaucoma cases. If the usual viewing eyepieces are removed from the headgear and loupes worn instead, then a greatly magnified view of the disc is seen with little change to technique or ease of examination. J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2006;43:102-103.
Pseudallescheria boydii Keratitis
Authors: Ozkurt Yelda , Oral Yesim , Kulekci Zeynep , Benzonana Nur , Ustaoglu Reyhan , Kamil Omer
Published: January 2020

Abstract. We describe a patient with Pseudallescheria boydii keratitis. The treatment of mycotic keratitis remains difficult. This case demonstrates that identification and susceptibility testing should be rapidly performed. In cases of indolent keratitis, the possibility of fungal infection should be kept in mind. J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2006;43:114-115.
Atypical Oculo-Orbital Complex Choristoma in Organoid Nevus Syndrome
Authors: Pushker Neelam , Mehta Mridula , Bajaj Mandeep S , Sen Seema , Ghose Supriyo
Published: January 2020

Abstract. We report organoid nevus with left oculo-orbital choristoma fixing the globe in hypotropia, precanthal skin tag, and upper eyelid coloboma and right limbal dermoid. Computed tomography revealed a dilated lateral ventricle and cerebral atrophy. No neurologic deficit existed. The coloboma was repaired, choristoma debulked, and precanthal tag excised. J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2006;43:119-122.
Investigation of the parameters influencing progress of concrete carbonation depth by using artificial neural networks
Authors: Akpinar P. , Uwanuakwa I. D.
Published: January 2020

Carbonation is a deleterious concrete durability problem which may alter concrete microstructure and yield initiation of corrosion in reinforcing steel bars. Previous studies focused on the use of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) for the prediction of concrete carbonation depth and to minimize the need for destructive and elaborated civil engineering laboratory tests. This study aims to provide improved accuracy of simulation and prediction of carbonation with an ANN architecture including eighteen input parameters employing alternative Scaled Conjugate Gradient (SCG) function. After ensuring a promising value of the coefficient of correlation as high as 0.98, the influence of proposed input parameters on the progress of carbonation depth was studied. The results of this parametric analysis were observed to successfully comply with the conventional civil engineering experience. Hence, the employed ANN model can be used as an efficient tool to study in detail and to provide insights into the carbonation problem in concrete.
An Empirical Investigation of the Prevalence of Osteoarthritis in South West Nigeria: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Aderonke Kayode Anthonia , Oluwatobi Akande Noah , Jabaru Saheed O , Tinuke Oladele O
Published: January 2020

Today, Osteoarthritis remains the most prevalent chronic joint disease and a potentially incapacitating joint illness. It is an enduring health problem which cannot be cure though it can be managed. Osteoarthritis remains a serious public health problem because its burden is high, people who live with it have a greater risk of developing anxiety / or depression and if it is not properly managed, it can bring about disability as well as impairing quality of life. This paper presents a statistical correlation between the reported risk factors of Osteoarthritis and its prevalence in Nigeria. Statistical tests were performed to investigate if there is enough evidence for inferring that the risk factors for Osteoarthritis are true for the whole of Nigerian population
Effect of Cation on Efficiency of Aspegillus flavus Bioflocculant Produced from Chicken Viscera Hydrolysate
Authors: Mohammed Jibrin Ndejiko , Dagang Wan Rosmiza Zana Wan
Published: January 2020

Abstract— The cations are needed as stimulants for effective flocculation by the cation-dependent bioflocculants. Addition of metal ions (cations) can counterbalance anionic functional groups of both bioflocculant and solid particles thereby increasing the bioflocculant adsorption to suspended particles. In the present study, addition of all dose of both Ca2+ and Mg2+ stimulated the efficiency of the bioflocculant with optimum flocculation efficiency of 95% recorded with 5 mL of 1% Ca2+. While lower dose (1 – 2 mL) of Al3+ also stimulated the bioflocculant to about 94%, Na+ and Fe3+ inhibited flocculation at all doses tested. K+ slightlyenhanced the flocculation at 4 - 10mL of 1%. The present cationic bioflocculant can be suggested as a substitute for chemical flocculants.
High flow nasal cannula in acute hypercapnic exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: an emerging utility
Authors: Mittal Anshul , Varshney Megha , Rathi Vidushi , Ish Pranav
Published: January 2020

High flow nasal cannula (HFNC) provides warmed and humidified air with flow rates up to 60 liters/min with relatively fixed oxygen content (FiO2). It has been extensively evaluated for hypoxemic respiratory failure and has been used in mild acute respiratory distress syndrome, pre-intubation, bronchoscopy and pediatric obstructive sleep apnea. Recent data has suggested a role in stable hypercapnic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and even in acute exacerbations, though, the use has not been advocated by any guidelines yet. We present a case of acute hypercapnic exacerbation of COPD, intolerant to non-invasive ventilation, showing response and improvement on use of HFNC. This case highlights this potential mechanisms and prospects for the same.
Three dimensional echocardiographic imaging of multiple recurrent myxomas
Authors: Al Sergani Reem , Alamro Bander , Al Admawi Mohammed , Elmahi Isra , Iannuzzo Gabriella , Cittadini Antonio , Galzerano Domenico , AlKattan Khaled M.
Published: January 2020

We report a case of a recurrence of 5 cardiac myxomas in both atria with atypical anatomical features difficult to image. Although a multimodality imaging was performed, three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) was the only technique able to correctly identify all the recurrences and the anatomical characteristics of the myxomas. MRI detected the blood supply of the mass but even after careful review was able to identify only 4 of the 5 lesions. Even though it was already reported the usefulness of 3DE to better delineate the site of attachment of cardiac tumors, it was never reported its sensibility in the setting of multiple myxomas; this case highlights the ability of the 3DE in this challenging scenario and its potential for being considered the key adjunctive modality for the anatomy when advanced surgical plan is required.
Index theorems for Fredholm, semi-Fredholm, and almost periodic operators: all in one example
Authors: Inoue Hideki , Richard Serge
Published: January 2020

Based on operators borrowed from scattering theory, several concrete realizations of index theorems are proposed. The corresponding operators belong to some

C*

-algebras of pseudo-differential operators with coefficients which either have limits at

\pm \infty

, or which are periodic or asymptotically periodic, or which are uniformly almost periodic. These various situations can be deduced from a single partial isometry which depends on several parameters. All computations are explicitly performed.
A Note on Hopkins' Picard Groups of the Stable Homotopy Categories of $L_n$-Local Spectra
Authors: Shimomura Katsumi
Published: January 2020

For a stable homotopy category, M. Hopkins introduced a Picard group as a category consisting of isomorphism classes of invertible objects. For the stable homotopy category of

L_n

-local spectra, M. Hovey and H. Sadofsky showed that the Picard group is actually a group containing the group of integers as a direct summand. Kamiya and the author constructed an injection from the other summand of the Picard group to the direct sum of the

E_r

-terms

E_r^{r,r-1}

over

r\ge 2

of the Adams–Novikov spectral sequence converging to the homotopy groups of the

L_n

-localized sphere spectrum. In this paper, we show in a classical way that the injection is a bijection under a condition.
News-based Sentiment Indicators
Authors: Huang Chengyu , Simpson Sean , Ulybina Daria , Roitman Agustin
Published: January 2020

We construct sentiment indices for 20 countries from 1980 to 2019. Relying on computational text analysis, we capture specific language like “fear”, “risk”, “hedging”, “opinion”, and, “crisis”, as well as “positive” and “negative” sentiments, in news articles from the Financial Times. We assess the performance of our sentiment indices as “news-based” early warning indicators (EWIs) for financial crises. We find that sentiment indices spike and/or trend up ahead of financial crises.
Designing Central Bank Digital Currencies
Authors: Agur Itai , Ari Anil , Dell'Ariccia Giovanni
Published: January 2020

We study the optimal design of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) in an environment where agents sort into cash, CBDC and bank deposits according to their preferences over anonymity and security; and where network effects make the convenience of payment instruments dependent on the number of their users. CBDC can be designed with attributes similar to cash or deposits, and can be interest-bearing: a CBDC that closely competes with deposits depresses bank credit and output, while a cash-like CBDC may lead to the disappearance of cash. Then, the optimal CBDC design trades off bank intermediation against the social value of maintaining diverse payment instruments. When network effects matter, an interest-bearing CBDC alleviates the central bank's tradeoff.
Recent Shifts in Capital Flow Patterns in Korea
Authors: Hansen Niels-Jakob , Krogstrup Signe
Published: January 2020

Koreas cross border capital flows have tended to respond negatively in global risk-off episodes, resulting in volatility in the foreign exchange market and occasional policy responses in the form of foreign exchange interventions. We study the relationship between Korean capital flows and global volatility up to 2018. The response of capital flows during risk-off episodes have become more muted over time, and occasional safe-haven type flows into Korean bond markets have helped counterbalance the tendency for portfolio investors to leave. We describe these changing patterns and relate them to shifts in Korea’s domestic investor base. We discuss whether they reflect a sustained shift in the sensitivity of Koreas capital flow pressures to global risk-off episodes, and implications for monetary and exchange rate policies.
Big Data on Vessel Traffic
Authors: Arslanalp Serkan , Marini Marco , Tumbarello Patrizia
Published: January 2020

Vessel traffic data based on the Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a big data source for nowcasting trade activity in real time. Using Malta as a benchmark, we develop indicators of trade and maritime activity based on AIS-based port calls. We test the quality of these indicators by comparing them with official statistics on trade and maritime statistics. If the challenges associated with port call data are overcome through appropriate filtering techniques, we show that these emerging “big data” on vessel traffic could allow statistical agencies to complement existing data sources on trade and introduce new statistics that are more timely (real time), offering an innovative way to measure trade activity. That, in turn, could facilitate faster detection of turning points in economic activity. The approach could be extended to create a real-time worldwide indicator of global trade activity.
Honduras
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. Western Hemisphere Dept.
Published: January 2020

Program objective. An SBA and an SCF arrangements with total access of
SDR 224.8 million (90 percent of quota) were approved on July 15, 2019. The Fundsupported
program aims at maintaining macroeconomic stability and supporting
growth through reforms to foster revenue mobilization, secure sustainability in the
electricity sector, and improve governance and the business climate. The authorities
plan to continue treating the SBA and SCF arrangements as precautionary.
Economic and political context. Growth has slowed down more than expected due
to a challenging external environment and a series of shocks to economic activity—
notably, a severe drought. Some social tensions over political reforms and sectoral
demands arose over the summer, but recent agreements on electoral management
bodies have lessened them. It remains critical to secure the implementation of
economic reforms, notably on revenue mobilization and the electricity sector.
Pakistan
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. Middle East and Central Asia Dept.
Published: January 2020

Recent economic developments. Decisive policy implementation since June has
started to reverse Pakistan’s large imbalances, preserving financial stability. The external
adjustment is proceeding quickly on the back of an orderly adjustment to a
market-determined exchange rate. Fiscal performance was strong in the first quarter of
FY 2020 and budgetary allocations to the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) have
been expanded. Growth has slowed, broadly in line with expectations, and market
confidence is gradually returning. Inflation has started to stabilize and the State Bank of
Pakistan has paused its interest rate hike cycle.
Atmospheric fate of a series of saturated alcohols: kinetic and mechanistic study
Authors: Colmenar Inmaculada , Martin Pilar , Cabañas Beatriz , Salgado Sagrario , Tapia Araceli , Aranda Inmaculada
Published: January 2020

Abstract. The atmospheric fate of a series of saturated alcohols (SAs) was
evaluated through kinetic and reaction product studies with the
main atmospheric oxidants. These SAs are alcohols that could be used as fuel
additives. Rate coefficients (in cm3 molecule−1 s−1)
measured at ∼298 K and atmospheric pressure (720±20 Torr) were
as follows: k1 ((E)-4-methylcyclohexanol + Cl) = (3.70±0.16)
×10-10, k2 ((E)-4-methylcyclohexanol + OH) = (1.87±0.14) ×10-11, k3 ((E)-4-methylcyclohexanol +
NO3) = (2.69±0.37) ×10-15, k4
(3,3-dimethyl-1-butanol + Cl) = (2.69±0.16) ×10-10, k5 (3,3-dimethyl-1-butanol + OH) = (5.33±0.16)
×10-12, k6 (3,3-dimethyl-2-butanol + Cl) = (1.21±0.07) ×10-10, and k7 (3,3-dimethyl-2-butanol +
OH) = (10.50±0.25) ×10-12. The main products
detected in the reaction of SAs with Cl atoms (in the absence/presence of
NOx), OH radicals, and NO3 radicals were (E)-4-methylcyclohexanone for the
reactions of (E)-4-methylcyclohexanol, 3,3-dimethylbutanal for the reactions
of 3,3-dimethyl-1-butanol, and 3,3-dimethyl-2-butanone for the reactions of
3,3-dimethyl-2-butanol. Other products such as formaldehyde,
2,2-dimethylpropanal, and acetone have also been identified in the reactions
of Cl atoms and OH radicals with 3,3-dimethyl-1-butanol and
3,3-dimethyl-2-butanol. In addition, the molar yields of the reaction
products were estimated. The products detected indicate a hydrogen atom
abstraction mechanism at different sites on the carbon chain of alcohol in
the case of Cl reactions and a predominant site in the case of OH and
NO3 reactions, confirming the predictions of structure–activity
relationship (SAR) methods. Tropospheric lifetimes (τ) of these SAs
have been calculated using the experimental rate coefficients. Lifetimes are
in the range of 0.6–2 d for OH reactions, 7–13 d for NO3 radical
reactions, and 1–3 months for Cl atoms. In coastal areas, the lifetime due to
the reaction with Cl decreases to hours. The calculated global tropospheric
lifetimes, and the polyfunctional compounds detected as reaction products in
this work, imply that SAs could contribute to the formation of ozone and
nitrated compounds at local, regional, and even global scales. Therefore,
the use of saturated alcohols as additives in diesel blends should be
considered with caution.
Dynamic allometry in coastal overwash morphology
Authors: Lazarus Eli D. , Davenport Kirstin L. , Matias Ana
Published: January 2020

Abstract. Allometry refers to a physical principle in which geometric (and/or metabolic) characteristics of an object or organism are correlated to its size. Allometric scaling relationships typically manifest as power laws. In geomorphic contexts, scaling relationships are a quantitative signature of organization, structure, or regularity in a landscape, even if the mechanistic processes responsible for creating such a pattern are unclear. Despite the ubiquity and variety of scaling relationships in physical landscapes, the emergence and development of these relationships tend to be difficult to observe – either because the spatial and/or temporal scales over which they evolve are so great or because the conditions that drive them are so dangerous (e.g. an extreme hazard event). Here, we use a physical experiment to examine dynamic allometry in overwash morphology along a model coastal barrier. We document the emergence of a canonical scaling law for length versus area in overwash deposits (washover). Comparing the experimental features, formed during a single forcing event, to 5 decades of change in real washover morphology from the Ria Formosa barrier system, in southern Portugal, we find differences between patterns of morphometric change at the event scale versus longer timescales. Our results may help inform and test process-based coastal morphodynamic models, which typically use statistical distributions and scaling laws to underpin empirical or semi-empirical parameters at fundamental levels of model architecture. More broadly, this work dovetails with theory for landscape evolution more commonly associated with fluvial and alluvial terrain, offering new evidence from a coastal setting that a landscape may reflect characteristics associated with an equilibrium or steady-state condition even when features within that landscape do not.
Assessment of potential implications of agricultural irrigation policy on surface water scarcity in Brazil
Authors: Multsch Sebastian , Krol Maarten S. , Pahlow Markus , Assunção André L. C. , Barretto Alberto G. O. P. , de Jong van Lier Quirijn , Breuer Lutz
Published: January 2020

Abstract. Expanding irrigated cropping areas is one of Brazil's
strategies to increase agricultural production. This expansion is
constrained by water policy goals to restrict water scarcity to acceptable
levels. We therefore analysed the trade-off between levels of acceptable
water scarcity and feasible expansion of irrigation. The appropriateness of
water use in agricultural production was assessed in categories ranging from
acceptable to very critical based on the river flow that is equalled or
exceeded 95 % of the time (Q95) as an indicator for physical water
availability. The crop water balance components were determined for 166 842 sub-catchments covering all of Brazil. The crops considered were cotton,
rice, sugarcane, bean, cassava, corn, soybean and wheat, together accounting
for 96 % of the harvested area of irrigated and rain-fed agriculture. On
currently irrigated land irrigation must be discontinued on 54 % (2.3 Mha)
for an acceptable water scarcity level, on 45 % (1.9 Mha) for a
comfortable water scarcity level and on 35 % (1.5 Mha) for a worrying
water scarcity level, in order to avoid critical water scarcity. An
expansion of irrigated areas by irrigating all 45.6 Mha of the rain-fed area
would strongly impact surface water resources, resulting in 26.0 Mha
experiencing critical and very critical water scarcity. The results show in
a spatially differentiated manner that potential future decisions regarding
expanding irrigated cropping areas in Brazil must, while pursuing to
intensify production practices, consider the likely regional effects on
water scarcity levels, in order to reach sustainable agricultural
production.
The object-specific flood damage database HOWAS21
Authors: Kellermann Patric , Schröter Kai , Thieken Annegret H. , Haubrock Sören-Nils , Kreibich Heidi
Published: January 2020

Abstract. The Flood Damage Database HOWAS21 contains object-speciﬁc ﬂood damage data resulting from fluvial, pluvial and groundwater flooding in Germany. The datasets incorporate various pieces of information about ﬂood impacts, exposure, vulnerability, and direct tangible damage at properties from several economic sectors. The main purpose of development and design of HOWAS21 is to support forensic flood analysis and the derivation of flood damage estimation models. This paper highlights exemplary analyses to demonstrate the use of HOWAS21 flood damage data in these two application areas. The data applications indicate a large potential of the database for fostering a better understanding and estimation of the consequences of flooding. HOWAS21 recently enlarged its scope and is now also open for international flood damage data.
Diagnostic Values of Clinical and Magnetic Resonance Findings in Presumptive Trigeminal Neuropathy: 49 Dogs
Authors: Musso Clément , Le Boedec Kevin , Gomes Eymeric , Cauzinille Laurent
Published: January 2020

The goal of this retrospective, cross-sectional study was to describe the different etiologies of trigeminal neuropathy based on clinical and MRI findings and to evaluate the significance of associated concomitant disorders. MRI studies of 49 dogs with trigeminal neuropathy were blindly reviewed and were classified into the following three groups: neoplasia, neuritis, or idiopathic trigeminal neuropathy (ITN). Thirty-one percent were suspected to have neoplasia (all unilateral), 16% to have neuritis (1 bilateral and 7 unilateral), and 53% to have ITN (4 unilateral and 22 bilateral). Dogs with clinical bilateral trigeminal dysfunction were most likely to have a diagnosis of ITN (predicted probability 95.7%). Unilateral clinical signs were significantly associated with neoplasia or neuritis compared with ITN (P < .001 and P = .002, respectively). Even with marked brainstem neoplastic involvement, central neurological deficits may be absent. Sensory impairment was significantly associated with either neoplasia or neuritis compared with ITN (P = .007 and P = .03, respectively). Ipsilateral noninfectious middle ear effusion was only seen in dogs with neoplasia (33%). Horner’s syndrome was present in 12% of all dogs (2 dogs in each group). Dogs with neoplasia were significantly older than dogs with neuritis (P = .02) and ITN (P = .002). JAAHA-MS-6997
Community engagement in developing urban design guidance for heritage sites: The case of Bursa, Turkey
Authors: Polat Sibel , Tümer Yıldız H. Özge
Published: January 2020

In recent years, central and local governments have carried out studies to establish a legal administrative infrastructure for urban design and to develop urban design guidance to preserve the identity of historic cities under the pressure of rapid urbanization in Turkey. The main aim of this article is to explain how we implemented a participatory urban design guidance (PUrDeG) model for cultural heritage sites, which was developed as part of a research project. We explain how we used various techniques to engage various actors in preparing urban design guidelines for a cultural heritage site. In addition, the article discusses the importance of community engagement techniques and processes in developing urban design guidance, and the context of guidelines for sustainable conservation of cultural heritage sites with examples from the United Kingdom and Turkey. It then presents a case study conducted in the Hanlar District, a Unesco world heritage site in Bursa, Turkey. The case study includes research on planning decisions, site analysis, a survey of urban residents, in depth interviews with local artisans, and an urban design workshop with various actors. The main outcomes of this study include a presentation of how to use various community engagement techniques to prepare urban design guidelines for cultural heritage sites in Turkey, an urban design guidance system for Bursa, and a list of recommendations related to urban design guidelines for the Hanlar District and Bursa in the light of UK experience.
Differences in perceptions of the living environment by respondent age
Authors: Grum Bojan
Published: January 2020

This article explores whether potential statistically significant differences in terms of respondents’ demographic characteristics (i.e., age) can point to intergenerational differences in perceptions of the living environment. A quantitative methodology was used. Older respondents reported higher satisfaction, a stronger feeling of socioeconomic homogeneity of the neighbourhood, better neighbourly relations, and more positive opinions on the maintenance of the built environment than did younger respondents. In turn, younger respondents expressed a higher level of agreement about vandalism and physical and verbal attacks in the neighbourhood. These results were unexpected because previous studies showed significantly lower levels of agreement regarding satisfaction with the built environment and significantly higher levels of agreement about crime among older respondents than younger ones. They can be explained by the findings of many researchers, who established that the elderly generally still prefer to grow old at home – that is, in the environment they are familiar with, because they are often afraid that moving to an eldercare facility would inevitably
cause them to lose their independence. Therefore, they tend to accept the environment where they live the way it is. On the other hand, the article shows that a series
of statistically significant differences established indicates that the living environment, which has a strong impact on people’s satisfaction and well being, nonetheless does not offer the same quality of the built social infrastructure to all users (i.e., users with different demographic characteristics).
Evaluating the roles of green and built-up areas in reducing a surface urban heat island using remote sensing data
Authors: Kaplan Gordana
Published: January 2020

Rapid urbanization has several negative effects on both the environment and human health. Urbanization has also become an important contributor to global warming.
One of these effects is the urban heat island (UHI), which is caused by human activities and defined as the temperature difference between urban and surrounding
rural areas. With rapid urbanization in the past few decades, Skopje has experienced remarkable UHI effects. To investigate the roles of built-up and green areas in a surface UHI, this article uses satellite data from Landsat ETM+ to analyse the land surface temperature and high-resolution Planet Scope DOVE data to analyse
built-up and green areas. For geostatistical analyses, seventeen randomly selected subareas in Skopje were used. The results show a significant correlation between the UHI and built-up areas, and strong correlation between green areas and areas not affected by the UHI, indicating that the UHI effect can be significantly weakened with
additional green areas. One of the significant findings in the study is the ideal proportion of built-up (40%) and green areas (60%), where the UHI effect is weak, or in
some cases prevented. For future studies, investigating other factors that may contribute to the UHI phenomenon is suggested.
Reviewer acknowledgements for International Journal of English Linguistics, Vol. 10, No. 1
Authors: Xu Diana
Published: January 2020

Reviewer acknowledgements for International Journal of English Linguistics, Vol. 10, No. 1, 2020. 
Effects of Ownership and Business Portfolio on Production in the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Gong Binlei
Published: January 2020

The Shale Revolution and the two oil crises have overwhelmingly reshaped the petroleum industry in the last decade. Heterogeneity across companies is also a big concern as many multi-product (oil and gas) and multi-segment (upstream and downstream) firms exist, both state-owned and privately-owned. Therefore, a varying coefficient model is introduced to capture the effects of time, ownership, and business portfolio on both productivity and input elasticities to closely observe the fundamental transition, which is further interpreted using decomposition equations. The shape of the production function is indeed firm- and time-variant, which confirms the transition of the industry and the necessity of using the varying coefficient model. The average productivity achieved tremendous growth after the 2007-2009 financial crisis but lost momentum following the 2014 price crash.

Finally, privately-owned, gas production and downstream activities are more productive than state-owned, oil production and upstream activities, respectively. Some policy implications are also discussed.
The Impact of a Carbon Tax on the CO2 Emissions Reduction of Wind
Authors: Chyong Chi Kong , Guo Bowei , Newbery David
Published: January 2020

Energy policy aims to reduce emissions at least long-run cost while ensuring reliability. Its effecacy depends on the cost of emissions reduced. Britain introduced an additional carbon tax (the Carbon Price Support, CPS) for fuels used to generate electricity that by 2015 added ꌘ/t CO2, dramatically reducing the coal share from 41% in 2013 to 6% in 2018. Policies have both short and long-run impacts.

Both need to be estimated to measure carbon savings. The paper shows how to measure the Marginal Displacement Factor (MDF, tonnes CO2/MWh) for wind.

The short-run (SR) MDF is estimated econometrically while the long-run (LR) MDF is calculated from a unit commitment model of the GB system in 2015.

We examine counter-factual fuel and carbon price scenarios. The CPS lowered the SR-MDF by 7% in 2015 but raised the LR-MDF (for a 25% increase in wind capacity) by 18%. We discuss reasons for the modest differences in the SR- and LR-MDFs.
On Entry Cost Dynamics in Australia’s National Electricity Market
Authors: Simshauser Paul , Gilmore Joel
Published: January 2020

In theory, well designed electricity markets should deliver an efficient mix of technologies at least-cost. But energy market theories and energy market modelling are based upon equilibrium analysis and in practice electricity markets can be off-equilibrium for extended periods. Near-term spot and forward contract prices can and do fall well below, or substantially exceed, relevant entry cost benchmarks and associated long run equilibrium prices. However, given sufficient time higher prices, on average or during certain periods, create incentives for new entrant plant which in turn has the effect of capping longer-dated average spot price expectations at the estimated cost of the relevant new entrant technologies. In this article, we trace generalised new entrant benchmarks and their relationship to spot price outcomes in Australia’s National Electricity Market over the 20-year period to 2018; from coal, to gas and more recently to variable renewables plus firming, notionally provided by—or shadow priced at—the carrying cost of an Open Cycle Gas Turbine. This latest entry benchmark relies implicitly, but critically, on the gains from exchange in organised spot markets, using existing spare capacity. As aging coal plant exit, gains from exchange may gradually diminish with ‘notional firming’ increasingly and necessarily being met by physical firming. At this point, the benchmark must once again move to a new technology set...
Pipeline Capacity Rationing and Crude Oil Price Differentials: The Case of Western Canada
Authors: Walls W.D. , Zheng Xiaoli
Published: January 2020

This paper examines the impact of pipeline capacity constraints on the discount of Canadian oil prices relative to U.S. benchmark oil prices. Using a panel of monthly data for Canadian oil exporting pipelines, we estimate that price differentials between U.S. markets and Western Canada would increase by 3.6% for 1% increase in pipeline capacity constraints. Pipeline capacity constraints in Canada have resulted in an average loss of $5.53 for every barrel of crude oil exported to the U.S. between 2009 and 2017. In 2015 and 2016, the losses due to insufficient pipeline capacity were equivalent to 3%-5% of the Canadian oil and gas industry’s sales revenue and 69%-102% of its royalty payments to provincial governments.

Western Canadian oil refiners and refined products’ consumers benefit from the depressed crude oil prices. However, the total gains captured by local refiners and consumers are much smaller than the losses of the upstream sector.
Social media marketing communication: effect of interactivity and vividness on user engagement
Authors: Soares João Coelho , Sarquis Aléssio Bessa , Cohen Eric David , Soares Thiago Coelho
Published: January 2020

Objective: The study analyzes the effect of interactivity and vividness on Facebook posts with respect to user engagement, in a higher education institutions context.Method: Quantitative and descriptive. Data was collected by direct and structured observation of 1,981 posts from 16 Higher Education Institutions (HEI) and analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression.Originality/relevance: The study investigates a relevant theme - social media marketing communication -, whereby a knowledge gap was detected; notably, with regards to HEI and developing countries. The results indicate several relevant effects involving the post’s interactivity and vividness on Facebook that lead to user engagement.Results: Our findings show that posts with high interactivity have an inverse influence on the number of users’ likes and comments. Posts with high vividness yield a higher quantity of likes, but a lower number of user comments and shares.Theoretical contributions: The research broadens the understanding of Facebook posting practices in the context of HEI, providing evidence on the timing of the posts and the typology of media (interactivity and vividness). At the same time, it allows us to confirm theoretical propositions and empirical findings that emanate from the literature regarding the effect of post characteristics with respect to user engagement in social media.
Diagnostyka lin stalowych stanowiących elementy konstrukcyjne obiektów budowlanych
Authors: Kwaśniewski Jerzy , Krakowski Tomasz , Molski Szymon , Roskosz Maciej , Ruta Hubert , Schabowicz Krzystof
Published: January 2020

Zastosowanie lin stalowych
w budownictwie obejmuje między innymi cięgna i stężenia w konstrukcjach stalowych. Diagnostyka lin stalowych to głównie nieniszczące badania defektoskopowe zorientowane na wykrycie pęknięć drutów, deformacji, starć oraz korozji. Jako metody badań stosowane są najczęściej różnego rodzaju metody magnetyczne (aktywne i coraz częściej pasywne) oraz wizualne. W artykule przedstawiono charakterystykę stosowanych metod oraz wyniki diagnostyki lin stalowych na przykładzie wybranych realizacji. Omówiono sposób regulacji sił naciągu stężeń linowych konstrukcji zabytkowego hangaru oraz przebieg i wyniki kompleksowych badań stanu technicznego lin konstrukcji wsporczej gazociągu i odciągów linowych masztu radiowo-telewizyjnego.
Indicators likely to contribute to clinical and functional improvement among survivors of politically-sanctioned torture
Authors: Hill Martin , Everson Mary Lynn
Published: January 2020

Introduction: Heartland Alliance Marjorie Kovler Center (Kovler Center) is a torture treatment program located in Chicago, Illinois. Established in 1987, Kovler Center provides medical, mental health, and social services, as well as coordination with legal services, to a diverse population of survivors. Historically, Kovler Center used clinical measurement instruments to assess depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress, but staff was challenged with finding the best way to assess and ultimately measure changes in functional domains. The purpose of this paper is to describe (1) the Kovler Center framework, philosophical pillars, and model of treatment; (2) the comprehensive outcome evaluation program, including the Marjorie Kovler Center Well-Being Questionnaire (MKC WBQ); and (3) the results and implications to date. Methods: Kovler Center measured outcome data utilizing three instruments including a well-being tool and supplemented the data with a satisfaction survey. These instruments were administered at intake and re-administered at six-month intervals up to 24 months. Results/Discussion: With nine years of data, Kovler Center can now provide valid and reliable findings in diagnostic and functional changes, with 86.6% of its clients reporting fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression, 83.1% reporting fewer symptoms of trauma, and significant improvement in employment status, housing status, and physical health after receiving services for 24 months. Indicatorssignificantly correlated with clinical improvement at 24 months include stable housing, stable employment, region from where survivors came, number of days between initial assessment and program admittance, number of services (medical, psychological, social) received while in the program, number of medical problems diagnosed with while in the program, and number of psychological problems diagnosed with while in the program. From the Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMM) analysis, the total number of psychological problems and whether or not the participant had a secure legal status while in the program were demonstrated to explain the variance in anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Females were more likely to experience depression while in the program compared to males, and participants from the Middle East were more likely to experience symptoms of depression and PTSD compared to participants from Africa. Conclusions: Since, medical, psychological, and social indicators are demonstrated to correlate with or predict clinical outcomes, this highlights the need for comprehensive and holistic treatment programs for survivors of torture.
First Award of The Charles François International Prize established by IASCYS
Authors: BRICAGE PIERRE
Published: January 2020

This article describes the circumstances of the establishment of the Charles François Prize by the International Academy for Systems and Cybernetic Sciences (IASCYS) and the procedure of its awarding. The role of Charles François’s personality, in the development, popularization, and dissemination of systems thinking, the trans-disciplinary methodology of scientific research and the solution of social and practical problems based on it, is shown.
Educación con sentido holístico en el devenir de la Sistemología Interpretativa
Authors: Fuenmayor Ramses
Published: January 2020

Con el propósito de dar cuenta del Proyecto de Educación de la Sistemología Interpretativa y de su escuela piloto, se presenta una versión resumida del devenir de la Sistemología Interpretativa, pues es a partir de la narrativa de dicho devenir que se podrá mostrar el sentido particular y las características fundamentales de dicho desarrollo educativo. En el relato histórico se pueden distinguir dos etapas: La primera, en la que, por una parte, se construyó una onto-epistemología holística, una teoría de organizaciones de actividades humanas y una teoría del diseño; y, por la otra, se realizó una serie de estudios e intervenciones en organizaciones públicas. En la segunda etapa, como consecuencia de lo encontrado en la primera, se emprendió una investigación histórica-ontológica que permitiera entender la pobreza y fragmentación del sentido de la vida y de lo que en ella ocurre; pobreza y fragmentación que caracterizan el presente de las sociedades occidentales y occidentalizadas. Las preguntas prácticas surgidas de esta investigación histórica-ontológica condujeron a la puesta en práctica de un proyecto de investigación-acción en torno a la posibilidad de una educación escolar caracterizada por la enseñanza-aprendizaje con/en sentido holístico. Se describe brevemente esa experiencia.
Exploratory factorial structure of institutional authoritarianism
Authors: García Lirios Cruz
Published: January 2020

Background. Social work focused on intervention has generated models ranging from charity to the establishment of devices as public and social policies have crystallized in exclusion processes such as social issues, social domination, social suffering, loss the social bond and streamlining other.
Objective. Discuss the scope and limits of social work as a device address to the management policies of the -Tecnopolítica- communication and management of -Necropolítica- emotions.
Method. Documental study with a selection of sources considering the keywords of exclusion, domination, suffering, tie and rationalization.
Discussion. Social Work as a device intervention should consider forms of state and government schemes to establish the scope and limits of social protection and social promotion.
Conclusion. Social Work as interventional device could be oriented to the intercession, since in the framework of governance is necessary dialogue rather than imposition.
T-cell co-stimulation in combination with targeting FAK drives enhanced anti-tumor immunity
Authors: Canel Marta , Taggart David , Sims Andrew H , Lonergan David W , Waizenegger Irene C , Serrels Alan
Published: January 2020

Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) inhibitors are currently undergoing clinical testing in combination with anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, which patients are most likely to benefit from FAK inhibitors, and what the optimal FAK/immunotherapy combinations are, is currently unknown. We identify that cancer cell expression of the T-cell co-stimulatory ligand CD80 sensitizes murine tumors to a FAK inhibitor and show that CD80 is expressed by human cancer cells originating from both solid epithelial cancers and some hematological malignancies in which FAK inhibitors have not been tested clinically. In the absence of CD80, we identify that targeting alternative T-cell co-stimulatory receptors, in particular OX-40 and 4-1BB in combination with FAK, can drive enhanced anti-tumor immunity and even complete regression of murine tumors. Our findings provide rationale supporting the clinical development of FAK inhibitors in combination with patient selection based on cancer cell CD80 expression, and alternatively with therapies targeting T-cell co-stimulatory pathways.
Predicting hedgehog mortality risks on British roads using habitat suitability modelling
Authors: Wright Patrick G.R. , Coomber Frazer G. , Bellamy Chloe C. , Perkins Sarah E. , Mathews Fiona
Published: January 2020

Road vehicle collisions are likely to be an important contributory factor in the decline of the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)in Britain. Here, a collaborative roadkill dataset collected from multiple projects across Britain was used to assess when, where and why hedgehog roadkill are more likely to occur. Seasonal trends were assessed using a Generalized Additive Model. There were few casualties in winter—the hibernation season for hedgehogs—with a gradual increase from February that reached a peak in July before declining thereafter. A sequential multi-level Habitat Suitability Modelling (HSM) framework was then used to identify areas showing a high probability of hedgehog roadkill occurrence throughout the entire British road network (∼400,000 km) based on multi-scale environmental determinants. The HSM predicted that grassland and urban habitat coverage were important in predicting the probability of roadkill at a national scale. Probabilities peaked at approximately 50% urban cover at a one km scale and increased linearly with grassland cover (improved and rough grassland). Areas predicted to experience high probabilities of hedgehog roadkill occurrence were therefore in urban and suburban environments, that is, where a mix of urban and grassland habitats occur. These areas covered 9% of the total British road network. In combination with information on the frequency with which particular locations have hedgehog road casualties, the framework can help to identify priority areas for mitigation measures.
Soil temperatures and active carbon components as key drivers of C stock dynamics between two different stand ages of Larix principis-rupprechtii plantation
Authors: Ma Junyong , Han Hairong , Cheng Xiaoqin
Published: January 2020

Forest soils sequester a large amount of carbon (C) and have a significant effect on the global C balance. Forests are commonly managed to maintain certain age structures but the effects of this management on soil C pools (kg C m−2) is still uncertain. We compared 40-year-old (1GF) and 24-year-old (2GF) plantations of Larix principis-rupprechtii in North China. Specifically, we measured environmental factors (e.g., soil temperature, moisture, and pH), the active C and nitrogen (N) pools (e.g., soil organic C, soil total N, dissolved organic C and N, microbial biomass C and N), and soil processes (e.g., C mineralization and microbial activity in different seasons) in five soil layers (0–50 cm, 10 cm for each soil layer) across the growing seasons in three 25 m × 25 m plots in each age class (1GF and 2GF). Findings indicated that the soil organic C pool in the older 1GF forest (12.43 kg C m−2) was significantly higher than 2GF forests (9.56 kg C m−2), and that soil temperature in 1GF forests was 9.8 °C, on average, 2.9% warmer than temperature in 2GF forests. The C lost as carbon dioxide (CO2) as a result of mineralization in the 2GF plots may partly explain the lower soil organic C pool in these younger forests; microorganisms likely drive this process.