bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solving Graph Coloring Problem Using an Enhanced Binary Dragonfly Algorithm
Authors: Baiche Karim , Meraihi Yassine , Hina Manolo Dulva , Ramdane-Cherif Amar , Mahseur Mohammed
Published: June 2019

The graph coloring problem (GCP) is one of the most interesting classical combinatorial optimization problems in graph theory. It is known to be an NP-Hard problem, so many heuristic algorithms have been employed to solve this problem. In this article, the authors propose a new enhanced binary dragonfly algorithm to solve the graph coloring problem. The binary dragonfly algorithm has been enhanced by introducing two modifications. First, the authors use the Gaussian distribution random selection method for choosing the right value of the inertia weight w used to update the step vector (∆X). Second, the authors adopt chaotic maps to determine the random parameters s, a, c, f, and e. The aim of these modifications is to improve the performance and the efficiency of the binary dragonfly algorithm and ensure the diversity of solutions. The authors consider the well-known DIMACS benchmark graph coloring instances to evaluate the performance of their algorithm. The simulation results reveal the effectiveness and the successfulness of the proposed algorithm in comparison with some well-known algorithms in the literature.
Leveraging Technology for Talent Management
Authors: Sivathanu Brijesh , Pillai Rajasshrie
Published: June 2019

This study aims to understand the use of technology for talent management and its impact on organizational performance. This study reviewed the extant literature and conducted semi-structured interviews of 125 HR managers in multinational companies in India to understand the impact of technology in talent management for organizational performance. The research utilized the grounded theory approach to conduct the interviews and the analysis of the data was done with NVivo 8.0 software. It was found that organizational performance can be achieved by using technology for talent management. It highlights the role of talent metrics and analytics and HR business partnerships in organizational performance. This study proposes a theoretical model for the usage of talent management technology towards organizational performance using the grounded theory perspective. This study provides key insights for the HR managers, talent management technology marketers and developers.
ENSINO DE GEOGRAFIA PARA ALUNOS COM CEGUEIRA: UMA INTERVENÇÃO PEDAGÓGICA NO ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL I
Authors: Pastoriza Tais Buch , Moreno Caiado Kátia Regina
Published: June 2019

A demanda por atendimento educacional especializado e por recursos adaptados na escola regular especialmente a partir da Constituição de 1988 e da Lei de Diretrizes e Bases da Educação Nacional de 1996, impõe desafios aos professores para garantir oportunidades equivalentes de ensino e aprendizagem aos alunos com e sem deficiência, de forma que o mesmo conteúdo seja aprendido por ambos. O objetivo do artigo é descrever e discutir uma possibilidade de estratégia de intervenção pedagógica realizada no 5º ano do ensino fundamental I em que há uma aluna cega matriculada na rede pública municipal de ensino. A atividade aplicada pela professora regente da sala em conjunto com a pesquisadora envolveu o coletivo da sala e condizem com os fundamentos da Pedagogia Histórico-Crítica e da Psicologia histórico-cultural em relação à interação social da pessoa com cegueira e da mediação cultural para aprendizagem de conceitos escolares. Durante a aula foram desenvolvidas e mobilizadas atitudes de colaboração, atenção, concentração, abstração e generalização para construção do conceito/fenômeno do ciclo da água pelos alunos. Os resultados do artigo indicam a importância da mediação do professor estabelecida no jogo para mobilizar a interação entre as crianças para a aprendizagem de conceitos científicos como o ciclo da água e a formação do rio. Antes do jogo, os alunos concebiam de forma linear e superficial a formação do rio e o ciclo da água, a maioria ancorada em conceitos advindos do senso comum. Após a atividade, muitas dúvidas foram esclarecidas e a maioria dos alunos avançou de uma visão sincrética à sintética, ou seja, conseguiram compreender a dinâmica do rio de forma concreta e apreendida em sua totalidade, não mais fragmentada como no início.
O PAPEL DA BACIA DO RIO DOCE NA CONFIGURAÇÃO GEOMORFOLÓGICA DO QUADRILÁTERO FERRÍFERO/MG
Authors: Barros Luiz Fernando de Paula , Magalhães Junior Antônio Pereira
Published: June 2019

O Quadrilátero Ferrífero é um dos mais marcantes conjuntos serranos do estado de Minas Gerais, sudeste do Brasil. A evolução do modelado regional durante o Cenozoico Superior revela um papel preponderante do trabalho fluvial. Assim, visando aprofundar a compreensão da geomorfologia regional, diversos levantamentos de níveis e sucessões deposicionais fluviais foram empreendidos na área nas últimas décadas. Entretanto, faltam estudos mais regionalizados, que analisem mais de um vale fluvial. A partir de novos dados de níveis e sucessões deposicionais fluviais e da releitura em campo da literatura sobre o tema na área de estudo, este trabalho discute o quadro de níveis e sucessões deposicionais fluviais da alta bacia do Rio Doce, que compreende a drenagem da porção leste e parte da porção sul do Quadrilátero Ferrífero. Desse modo, objetiva-se dar um primeiro passo para a compreensão dos eventos geomorfogenéticos responsáveis pela esculturação do relevo no Quadrilátero Ferrífero. Os resultados revelam um relevo dinâmico, sensível às forças tectônicas e variações climáticas do Quaternário Superior. Os níveis deposicionais fluviais foram datados entre 2-140 Ka por Luminescência Opticamente Estimulada (LOE), permitindo a releitura de dados anteriores. A maioria desses níveis é do tipo escalonado e pareado e, portanto, configuram-se como importantes marcadores dos ritmos da tectônica quaternária na região. As datações por LOE permitem a associação de diferentes níveis fluviais com oscilações climáticas, que transformaram em espessas couraças ferruginosas as sucessões fluviais depositadas sob um clima mais seco/frio.
URBANIZAÇÃO, (CONTRA)DESENVOLVIMENTO E DIREITO À CIDADE
Authors: Catalão Igor , Magrini Maria Angélica , Lindo Paula
Published: June 2019

O modo de produção capitalista, tendo atingido seu ápice neste começo de século, apresenta grandes desafios à humanidade, em especial àquela parcela que vive nas cidades e se confronta com as contradições vida quotidiana. As transformações da urbanização têm conformado uma lógica de desenvolvimento que combina ampliação do consumo nas/das cidades e reprodução das desigualdades socioespaciais, o que intensifica os processos de diferenciação. Considerando as contradições dialéticas que se manifestam na política e na economia, inclusive espacialmente, propomos: um (contra)desenvolvimento como meio de combater as desigualdades e as injustiças espaciais; e a busca pelo direito à cidade como luta revolucionária. A proposta é construída a partir da análise de um conjunto de temas entrecruzados que emergem das atividades de pesquisa e reflexão teórica. O texto se apresenta como a síntese de reflexões oriundas da pesquisa em grupo, sendo ele próprio uma proposta de agenda de pesquisa de caráter teórico-metodológico e, por esta razão, focado na construção de um pensamento sobre a cidade e o urbano a partir de um conjunto – não exaustivo nem completo – de temas que consideramos importantes chaves de leitura do tempo-espaço presente.
AMPLITUDE TÉRMICA E MAGNITUDE DAS ILHAS DE CALOR EM TEFÉ-AM, BRASIL
Authors: Lopes Jennifer Da Silva Guimarães , Aleixo Natacha Cíntia Regina , Silva Neto João Cândido André da
Published: June 2019

O objetivo do trabalho foi verificar as diferenças da temperatura do ar em pontos da cidade de Tefé, com vistas a identificar a magnitude das ilhas de calor. Foram utilizados os dados de temperatura do ar, das estações meteorológicas instaladas em diferentes áreas da cidade, uma delas no Centro de Estudos Superiores de Tefé (CEST-UEA) representativa da área urbana densamente construída e outra na 16ª Brigada de Infantaria de Selva (Comando Militar da Amazônia) área considerada o entorno da malha urbana. Foram analisados os dados de temperatura do ar referentes a dois períodos do ano, julho e agosto de 2015 e janeiro e fevereiro de 2016. Esses dados foram tratados por meio de técnicas estatísticas descritivas. Os resultados demonstraram que as maiores temperaturas médias mensais ocorreram na estação meteorológica do CEST/UEA, porém, sob influência de condições sinóticas estáveis, a amplitude térmica horária entre as estações foi superior a 6oC. Conclui-se que mesmo em cidades de médio porte como Tefé, rodeada por Floresta Equatorial, as modificações na natureza em decorrência da expansão da malha urbana, influenciam no balanço de energia na cidade. Deste modo, pesquisas como esta podem contribuir para o melhor entendimento do comportamento climático local, auxiliando na busca por ações e políticas públicas para melhorar a qualidade ambiental nas cidades interioranas da Amazônia Brasileira.
Study on Change of Chromium Plating Thickness of Threads of Control Rod Drive Mechanism of Nuclear Power
Authors: Wang Fang , Xue Song , Jiang En
Published: June 2019

Control rod drive mechanism is one of the key main components in nuclear power plants and serves in harsh environments such as high temperature, high pressure and nuclear radiation. In order to ensure the service life and to prevent biting when assembling, some of the threads of control rod drive mechanism need to be chromium plated. In view of the high demands of the same chromium plating thickness on all surfaces of the threads of control rod drive mechanism of nuclear power and non-uniformity in chromium plating thickness of threads due to poor throwing power of chromium plating solution, five representative kinds of threads of control rod drive mechanism were selected and the plating thickness change of the root diameter, pitch diameter and crest diameter of threads was studied in this paper by means of depositing different thickness chromium coating on the surface of threads. The experimental results show that thicker coating is deposited on the crest of thread because of high current density and thinner coating is deposited on the root of thread because of low current density, which can provide reference for specification of chromium plating thickness of thread products of control rod drive mechanism.
Coal Powder and Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Monomer Reinforced Hybrid Polypropylene Composites
Authors: Bai Yu Feng , Cao Xin Xin , Xu Ming Lu , He Xiao Fang , Cai Guo Hui
Published: June 2019

For the better mechanical and thermal properties of polypropylene (PP), PP sea-island structured composites with elastomer ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) and coal powder were prepared by melt-blending method. Coupling agent γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH-570) was used as modifier to improve the superficial capacity of coal powder. The structural changes and properties of modified coal powder and composites were characterized and analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), surface contact angle analysis, scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and mechanical testing. Results show that the modified coal powder has good hydrophobicity and sea-island structure is beneficial in improving the comprehensive performance of composites. The contact angle increases from 33.8° to 91.6° after modification. The initial decomposition temperature (T0) and largest weight loss temperature (Tmd) both have an increase with coal powder content and the maximum are 431.02 °C and 465.33 °C. The mechanical properties tend to go up first and then down with the addition of coal powder. PP/26EPDM/4coal composite has best mechanical properties as well as the impact strength and elongation at break are 60.9 MPa, 615.0%, respectively.
Effect of Current Densities on the Microstructure and Electrochemical Behavior of the Porous β-PbO2 Electrode
Authors: Wang Shi Chuan , Chen Sheng , Chen Bu Ming , Huang Tai Xiang , Huang Hui , He Ya Peng , Yan Wen Kai , Guo Zhong Cheng , Xu Rui Dong , Yang Hai Tao
Published: June 2019

In order to obtain a titanium-based PbO2electrode with high electrocatalytic activity and good stability, A porous β-PbO2electrode is prepared by electrodepositing on titanium substrate Sn-Sb-RuOx coating. The surface morphology and phase analysis of the porous β-PbO2electrode prepared at different current density were investigated by SEM and XRD. Results showed that the current density changes the surface morphology and active surface area of the porous β-PbO2electrode. When the current density is 2 A/dm2, the surface of the porous β-PbO2prepared by electrodeposition has a uniform porous morphology with a pore diameter of 50-200 µm with main crystal phase of β-PbO2. Influence of current density on the electrochemical activity of the electrode was analyzed using anodic polarization curve, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic polarization. Results revealed that with the increase of current density, the oxygen evolution potential of the porous β-PbO2electrode decreases first and then increases while the exchange current density first increases and then decreases. When the current density is 2 A/dm2, the oxygen evolution potential is 2.0075 V(at 0.05 A/cm2) and the maximum exchange current density is 1.77×10-4A/cm2. According to the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, when the current density is 2 A/dm2, Qfand Qdlare the largest, Rfand Rctare the smallest, and the RFfirst increases and then decreases with the current density increases. When the current density is 2 A/dm2, the maximum RFvalue is 655.7. The results with galvanostatic polarization at current density of 0.05 A/cm2showed that the electrode has a minimum electrode voltage of 2.05 V at a current density of 2 A/dm2. Accelerated life experiments were carried out in 2 g/L Cl-and 150 g/L H2SO4bath at 25 °C, and the porous β-PbO2electrode obtained under the current density of 2 A/dm2has the longest life, and the electrode life is 68 h, which is 2.5 times of the PbO2electrode obtained under the current density of 4 A/dm2.
Preparation and Adsorption Properties of Rod MgNiAl-LDH
Authors: Ke Guo Jun , Tan Hong Jun , Yang Peng Fei , Zou Pin Yu
Published: June 2019

Using magnesium nitrate, nickel nitrate and aluminum nitrate as raw materials and urea as precipitant, magnesium nickel aluminum ternary hydrotalcites with large specific surface area were prepared by hydrothermal method. The prepared samples were characterized by SEM、XRD、BET and EDS etc., respectively. The adsorption properties of MgNiAl-LDHs, MgAl-LDHs and their calcined products (MgNiAl-LDOs, MgAl-LDOs) for chloride ions in solution were investigated. The results show that MgNiAl-LDHs are cubic with rod-like structure, with a specific surface area of 197.62 m2/g, which is much larger than that of MgAl-LDHs (102.82 m2/g). Under the same adsorption conditions, the saturated adsorption capacities of MgNiAl-LDHs and MgAl-LDHs for chloride ions are 130.06mg/g and 110.02 mg/g respectively. MgNiAl-LDOs showed better adsorption ability for chloride ions. By simulating the adsorption data, the results show that the adsorption kinetics and the adsorption isotherm are in accordance with the quasi-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model, respectively.
Preparation and Capacitance Properties of Nickel-Cobalt Sulfide/Graphene Composites
Authors: Zhao Shi Huai , Xu Wen Wen , Zhao Xiao Ming , Yang Zi Bo
Published: June 2019

In order to explore the supercapacitor electrode material with high energy density, a composite material that nickel-cobalt sulfide loaded in graphene (NiCo2S4@rGO) with core-shell structure was successfully prepared by hydrothermal, room temperature vulcanization and annealing. The core-shell structure of the material greatly increased the contact area between the material and the electrolyte and improved the electrochemical performance. In addition, the energy density has been significantly improved. NiCo2S4@rGO was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectrometer. The electrochemical properties of the material were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results show that the capacitance can reach 1100 F/g at the current density of 0.5 A/g. Furthermore, the NiCo2S4@rGO as positive electrode and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as negative electrode were assembled into an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC). The device exhibits a high energy density of 74.78 Wh/Kg at a power density of 400 W/Kg, as well as excellent cycling stability of 88.9% after 3 000 cycles, which reflects the excellent electrochemical performance of the material.
First-Principles Calculations of Thermoelectric PbSe2 Compound to Predict its Elastic Properties
Authors: Fu Jia , Hou Tian , Chen Jing Rui
Published: June 2019

The influencing effect of pressure on structural stability and elastic properties of PbSe2 compound is mainly investigated by first-principles method and homogenization method of the Y parameter. The optimized structural parameters at zero pressure are a=b=6.446Å, c=7.887Å (GGA method) and a=b=6.316Å, c=7.651Å (LDA method), which has good agreement with the experimental and theoretical values. Our calculated lattice parameters and Se-Se bond length are in excellent agreement with experimental data. PbSe2 compound is energetically stable with a good alloying ability. The elastic constants are calculated, and then the bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio and anisotropy factor are determined. Besides, Y parameter method is used to investigate changes of the Poisson ratio, Young’s and shear moduli of PbSe2 within different normal orientation crystal planes. Results show that: 1) Young’s modulus is about 48.37 GPa from GGA and 58.87 GPa from LDA by Reuss-Voigt-Hill estimation, which is averaged about 53.62 GPa; 2) The PbSe2 compound is ductile according to B/G ratio. The universal anisotropic index AU shows that PbSe2 exhibits a fairly high elastic anisotropy.
Pathogen burden & associated antibiogram of Pseudomonas spp. in a tertiary care hospital of India
Authors: Kumari Minu , Khurana Surbhi , Bhardwaj Nidhi , Malhotra Rajesh , Mathur Purva
Published: June 2019

Antimicrobial resistance particularly in Gram-negative bacilli is an increasing problem worldwide. Pseudomonas spp. is one the most common Gram-negative bacteria associated with nosocomial infections and therefore, its trend of antimicrobial resistance needs to be studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of antimicrobial resistance and changes in resistance pattern over a period of five years (2012-2016) in Pseudomonas spp. isolated from trauma patients attending a tertiary care hospital in north India. During the study, a total of 2444 Pseudomonas spp. were isolated from the various clinical sample. The most common species isolated was P. aeruginosa (2331, 95%). The highest level of resistance was observed against levofloxacin (1678, 69%) and the lowest level of resistance was observed against tobramycin (1254, 51%). Irrational and inappropriate use of antibiotics was found to be responsible for multidrug resistance in Pseudomonas spp. Hence, there is an urgent need to emphasize strict antibiotic policy to minimize the misuse of antimicrobials.
Current antibiotic use in the treatment of enteric fever in children
Authors: Dahiya Sushila , Malik Rooma , Sharma Priyanka , Sashi Archana , Lodha Rakesh , Kabra Sushil Kumar , Sood Seema , Das Bimal Kumar , Walia Kamini , Ohri V.C. , Kapil Arti
Published: June 2019

Background & objectives:

Antimicrobial resistance is a major challenge in the treatment of typhoid fever with limited choices left to empirically treat these patients. The present study was undertaken to determine the current practices of antibiotic use in children attending a tertiary care hospital in north India.

Methods:

This was a descriptive observational study in children suffering from enteric fever as per the case definition including clinical and laboratory parameters. The antibiotic audit in hospitalized children was measured as days of therapy per 1000 patient days and in outpatient department (OPD) as antibiotic prescription on the treatment card.

Results:

A total of 128 children with enteric fever were included in the study, of whom, 30 were hospitalized and 98 were treated from OPD. The mean duration of fever was 9.5 days at the time of presentation. Of these, 45 per cent were culture positive with Salmonella Typhi being aetiological agent in 68 per cent followed by S. Paratyphi A in 32 per cent. During hospitalization, the average length of stay was 10 days with mean duration of defervescence 6.4 days. Based on antimicrobial susceptibility ceftriaxone was given to 28 patients with mean duration of treatment being six days. An additional antibiotic was needed in six patients due to clinical non-response. In OPD, 79 patients were prescribed cefixime and additional antibiotic was needed in five during follow up visit.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Based on our findings, ceftriaxone and cefixime seemed to be the first line of antibiotic treatment for typhoid fever. Despite susceptibility, clinical non-response was seen in around 10 per cent of the patients who needed combinations of antibiotics.
Phenotypic & genotypic profile of antimicrobial resistance in Pseudomonas species in hospitalized patients
Authors: Bajpai Vijeta , Govindaswamy Aishwarya , Khurana Surbhi , Batra Priyam , Aravinda Anjana , Katoch Omika , Hasan Fahmi , Malhotra Rajesh , Mathur Purva
Published: June 2019

Background & objectives:

Nosocomial infections caused by multidrug-resistant, Pseudomonas species have become a major clinical and public health concern. The aim of this study was to characterize phenotypic and genotypic profile of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Pseudomonas spp. isolated from hospitalized patients.

Methods:

A total of 126 consecutive, non-duplicate isolates of Pseudomonas spp. isolated from various clinical samples were included in the study over a period of two years. Identification and antimicrobial sensitivity was performed using automated culture system according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) recommendations. Phenotypic detection of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), Amp-C β-lactamase (AmpC) and metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) were done by various combinations of disc-diffusion and E-test methods, followed by polymerase chain reaction-based detection of β-lactamase-encoding genes.

Results:

Among 126 clinical isolates, 121 (96.1%) isolates were identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Most of the isolates were recovered from pus sample, 35 (27.8%) followed by urine, 25 (19.84%); endotracheal aspirate, 24 (19.04%); blood, 14 (11.11%) and sputum, four (3.17%). The highest rate of resistance was against ticarcillin-clavulanic acid, 113 (89.7%) followed by meropenem, 92 (72.5%) and ceftazidime, 91 (72.3%). Overall, ESBLs, AmpC and carbapenemase production was detected in 109 (96.4%), 64 (50.8%) and 105 (94.6%) isolates by phenotypic methods. The most prevalent ESBL gene was bla
TEM in 72 (57.1%) and the least prevalent was bla
SHV in 19 (15.1%) isolates. AmpC gene was seen less compared to ESBL gene. The most prevalent carbapenemases gene was bla
NDM-1 41 (46.06%) followed by bla
VIM and bla
OXA-1.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Our findings suggested that a high rate of ESBLs and carbapenemases production was observed in Pseudomonas spp. Therefore, phenotypic and genotypic detection of AMR needs to be combined for better characterization of resistance patterns in Pseudomonas spp.
Molecular characterization & epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii collected across India
Authors: Vijayakumar Saranya , Mathur Purva , Kapil Arti , Das Bimal K. , Ray Pallab , Gautam Vikas , Sistla Sujatha , Parija Subhash Chandra , Walia Kamini , Ohri V.C. , Anandan Shalini , Subramani Kandasamy , Ramya Iyyadurai , Veeraraghavan Balaji
Published: June 2019

Background & objectives:

Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen responsible for causing nosocomial infections. A. baumannii develops resistance to various antimicrobial agents including carbapenems, thereby complicating the treatment. This study was performed to characterize the isolates for the presence of various β-lactamases encoding genes and to type the isolates to compare our clones with the existing international clones across five centres in India.

Methods:

A total 75 non-repetitive clinical isolates of A. baumannii from five different centres were included in this study. All the isolates were confirmed as A. baumannii by bla
OXA-51-like PCR. Multiplex PCR was performed to identify the presence of extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) and carbapenemases. Multilocus sequence typing was performed to find the sequence type (ST) of the isolates. e-BURST analysis was done to assign each ST into respective clonal complex.

Results:

bla
OXA-51-like was present in all the 75 isolates. The predominant Class D carbapenemase was bla
OXA-23-like followed by Class B carbapenemase, bla
NDM-like. Class A carbapenemase was not observed. bla
PER-like was the predominant extended spectrum β-lactamase. ST-848, ST-451 and ST-195 were the most common STs. Eight-novel STs were identified. e-BURST analysis showed that the 75 A. baumannii isolates were clustered into seven clonal complexes and four singletons, of which, clonal complex 208 was the largest.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Most of the isolates were grouped under clonal complex 208 which belongs to the international clonal lineage 2. High occurrence of ST-848 carrying bla
OXA-23-like gene suggested that ST-848 could be an emerging lineage spreading carbapenem resistance in India.
Plasmid-mediated fluoroquinolone resistance associated with extra-intestinal Escherichia coli isolates from hospital samples
Authors: Shetty Shruthi S. , Deekshit Vijaya Kumar , Jazeela Kadeeja , Vittal Rajeshwari , Rohit Anusha , Chakraborty Anirban , Karunasagar Indrani
Published: June 2019

Background & objectives:

Infection from fluoroquinolone-resistant extra-intestinal Escherichia coli is a global concern. In this study, isolation and characterization of fluoroquinolone-resistant extra-intestinal E. coli isolates obtained from hospital samples were undertaken to detect plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes.

Methods:

Forty three isolates of E. coli obtained from patients with extra-intestinal infections were subjected to antibiogram to detect fluoroquinolone resistance. The mechanism of fluoroquinolone resistance was determined by the detection of PMQR genes and mutations in quinolone resistance determining region (QRDR).

Results:

Of the 43 isolates, 36 were resistant to nalidixic acid (83.72%) and 28 to ciprofloxacin (65.11%). Eight E. coli isolates showed total resistance to both the antimicrobials without any minimum inhibitory concentration. The detection of PMQR genes with qnr primers showed the presence of qnrA in two, qnrB in six and qnrS in 21 isolates. The gene coding for quinolone efflux pump (qepA) was not detected in any of the isolates tested. The presence of some unexpressed PMQR genes in fluoroquinolone sensitive isolates was also observed.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The detection of silent PMQR genes as observed in the present study presents a risk of the transfer of the silent resistance genes to other microorganisms if present in conjugative plasmids, thus posing a therapeutic challenge to the physicians. Hence, frequent monitoring is to be done for all resistance determinants.
Molecular epidemiology & therapeutic options of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Garg Atul , Garg Jaya , Kumar Sachin , Bhattacharya Amitabh , Agarwal Saurabh , Upadhyay G.C.
Published: June 2019

Background & objectives:

The growing incidence and the wide diversity of carbapenemase-producing bacterial strains is a major concern as only a few antimicrobial agents are active on carbapenem-resistant bacteria. This study was designed to study molecular epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacterial (GNB) isolates from the community and hospital settings.

Methods:

In this study, non-duplicate GNB were isolated from clinical specimens, and phenotypic test such as modified Hodge test, metallo β-lactamase E-strip test, etc. were performed on carbapenem-resistant bacteria. Multiplex PCR was performed to identify the presence of bla
IMP, bla
VIM, bla
KPC, bla
OXA48, bla
OXA23, bla
SPM, bla
GIM, bla
SIM and bla
NDM. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of colistin, fosfomycin, minocycline, chloramphenicol and tigecycline was also determined.

Results:

Of the 3414 GNB studied, carbapenem resistance was 9.20 per cent and maximum resistance (11.2%) was present at tertiary care centre, followed by secondary care (4%) and primary centre (2.1%). Among the carbapenem-resistant bacteria, overall, the most common isolate was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (24%). On multiplex PCR 90.3 per cent carbapenem-resistant isolates were positive for carbapenemase gene. The bla
NDM (63%) was the most prevalent gene followed by bla
VIM (18.4%). MIC results showed that 88 per cent carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae were sensitive to fosfomycin, whereas 78 per cent of P. aeruginosa and 85 per cent Acinetobacter spp. were sensitive to colistin.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Carbapenem resistance in GNB isolates from the community and hospital settings was found to be on the rise and should be closely monitored. In the absence of new antibiotics in pipeline and limited therapeutic options, prudent use of antibiotics and strict infection control practices should be followed in hospital to limit the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Trampling on rocky shores by an introduced capybara population in Anchieta Island State Park, Brazil
Authors: Ternes Maria Laura Fontelles
Published: June 2019

Este estudo descreve um caso incomum de pisoteio nos costões rochosos entremarés pela maior espécie de mamífero roedor, a capivara, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris (Linnaeus, 1766). Grupos de capivaras foram observados nadando, mergulhando e descansando ao longo de costões rochosos do Parque Estadual da Ilha Anchieta, Ubatuba, São Paulo. São discutidos os possíveis efeitos do pisoteio diário em costões rochosos por uma grande e incontrolada população de capivaras, bem como as intervenções de manejo e pesquisa necessárias.
Comportamento fenológico de Sebastiania brasiliensis em Floresta Ombrófila Mista Aluvial
Authors: Martins Bassaco Marcos Vinícius , Nogueira Antonio Carlos
Published: June 2019

Com a necessidade crescente do conhecimento biológico das espécies nativas para utilização em projetos de restauração de matas ciliares, este trabalho teve como objetivo a caracterização fenológica de Sebastiania brasiliensis, espécie arbórea arbustiva que ocorre na Floresta Ombrófila Mista Aluvial. Para isso, foi feito o acompanhamento de dez árvores no município de Araucária – PR, observando os eventos fenológicos reprodutivos e vegetativos. As fenofases reprodutivas e vegetativas apresentaram sazonalidade, sendo que as fases reprodutivas iniciaram no início do verão com o aparecimento dos primeiros botões florais e finalizaram com o fruto maduro no início da primavera, enquanto as fenofases vegetativas iniciaram no inverno, ocorrendo a queda das ocorrendo a queda das folhas, que retornaram na primavera. Embora as fenofases tenham apresentado a sazonalidade descrita, ela não apresentou correlação com as variáveis climáticas (temperatura, umidade relativa e precipitação) durante o período avaliado. Dessa forma pode-se concluir que as fenofases reprodutivas apresentam maior sazonalidade que as vegetativas, e que a espécie apresenta padrões fenológicos bem definidos, porém estudos com maior tempo de duração são indicados.
Kubrick’s Cinema Odyssey
Authors: Chion Michel
Published: June 2019

Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), based on Arthur C Clarke's novel, is one of the most ambitious films ever made, an epic of space exploration that takes in the whole history of humanity (as well as speculation about its future). A technical triumph that stands up today, 2001 is topical also because of its meditation on the relationship between man, animal and machine. Haunting and enigmatic, it's a film that contains myriad images that seem to defy any explanation. In this multilayered study, acclaimed critic and theorist of film sound Michel Chion offers some keys to understanding 2001. Setting the film first in its historical and cultural contexts (the Space Race, the Cold War, 1960s psychedelia), Chion goes on to locate it within Kubrick's career. He then conducts a meticulous and subtle analysis of its structure and style, arguing that 2001 is an 'absolute film', a unique assemblage of cinema's elements, through which pulses a vision of human existence. 'Animals who know they will die, beings lost on earth, forever caught between two species, not animal enough, not cerebral enough.' In a supplementary chapter Chion argues that Kubrick's last film, Eyes Wide Shut (1999), is a return to 2001, a final statement of its concerns. And in a series of appendices Chion provides production details, an analytic synopsis, credits and a consideration of the legacy of 2001.
The Thin Red Line
Authors: Chion Michel
Published: June 2019

The Thin Red Line is the third film to have been directed by Terence Malick. In this book, Michael Chion traces the connections to Malick's earlier work. He links The Thin Red Line not only to James Jones's novel on which it is loosely based, but also to a tradition of American thought.
Marco legal da inovação e o aumento da interação entre universidade e empresa : contribuições para a consolidação do direito fundamental ao desenvolvimento
Authors: Paluma Thiago , Teixeira Eline Débora
Published: June 2019

O presente artigo aborda as principais mudanças trazidas pela Lei da Inovação (Lei 10.973/2004), posteriormente modificadas pelo Marco Legal da Inovação (Lei 13.243/2016), no que tange aos seus reflexos para o aumento da interação entre as universidades e as empresas, na perspectiva da consolidação do direito fundamental ao desenvolvimento. Adotar-se-á ao longo desse estudo o conceito de desenvolvimento de Amartya Sen, que consiste em uma perspectiva mais ampla e integrada entre desenvolvimento não apenas econômico, mas também social, com base no aumento das liberdades individuais. Ademais, abordar-se-á o referido conceito como pano de fundo para se conceber o direito ao desenvolvimento como um verdadeiro direito fundamental. Por fim, analisar-se-á em que medida o aumento da interação entre universidade e empresa pode contribuir para a consolidação do direito fundamental ao desenvolvimento, através de uma análise crítica da referida legislação e das políticas públicas estabelecidas por ela.
Aprendizagem Profissional e o Poder Público Municipal, para Além do Incentivo ao Mero Cumprimento de Cotas
Authors: Veloso José Rodrigo Paprotzki
Published: June 2019

Este artigo analisa a política pública de Aprendizagem Profissional pela qual articula educação e trabalho para a juventude. O objetivo é revelar a baixa eficácia da iniciativa federal em gerar mão de obra de qualidade, diversificada e articulada com a realidade socioeconômica local. Para tanto, por meio de iniciativas do poder público municipal, propõe-se uma ação colaborativa de entes federativos para dirigir a formação profissional a ocupações críticas de segmentos produtivos de destaque nos municípios, visando geração de mão de obra qualificada e maior oportunidade de empregabilidade dos jovens no mercado de trabalho. Desta forma, são apresentados dois estudos de caso de realidades socioeconômicas distintas bem como propostas de iniciativas do poder público local.
As políticas públicas e a promoção da dignidade : uma abordagem norteada pelas capacidades (capabilities approach) propostas por Martha Nussbaum
Authors: Bagetti Zeifert Anna Paula , Machado Sturza Janaína
Published: June 2019

Tendo como referência a abordagem das capacidades (Capabilities Approach), o presente artigo analisa como a instituição de políticas públicas adequadas para a promoção da dignidade está diretamente relacionada ao desenvolvimento das capacidades. Para tanto, utiliza-se a lista de capacidades proposta pela filósofa norte-americana Martha Nussbaum, que orienta para um nível mínimo, abaixo do qual não se poderia viver dignamente. O enfoque das capacidades delimita as ações dos poderes públicos a fim de que possam desempenhar um papel inclusivo e de assistência para com todos, possível por meio das políticas a serem executadas. Assim sendo, a finalidade da lista de capacidades é orientar, ou sugerir, normas éticas e de cuidado para com todos os seres humanos, avançando na busca pela justiça social e promoção dos direitos humanos. A pesquisa será desenvolvida com base no método de abordagem hipotético-dedutivo, utilizando uma base teórica presente na filosofia política contemporânea.
Long-live High Frequency Gravity Wavesin Atmospheric Boundary Layer: Observations and Simulations
Authors: Jia Mingjiao , Yuan Jinlong , Wang Chong , Xia Haiyun , Wu Yunbin , Zhao Lijie , Wei Tianwen , Wu Jianfei , Wang Lu , Gu Sheng-Yang , Liu Liqun , Lu Dachun , Chen Rulong , Xue Xianghui , Dou Xiankang
Published: June 2019

Abstract. A long-live gravity wave (GW) in atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) during a field experiment in Anqing, China (116°58′ E, 30°37′ N) is analysed. Persistent GWs over 10 hours with periods ranging from 10 to 30 min in the ABL within 2 km height are detected by a coherent Doppler lidar from 4 to 5 in September 2018. The amplitudes of the vertical wind due to these GWs are about 0.15~0.2 m s−1. The lifetime of the GWs is more than 20 wave cycles. There is no apparent phase progression with altitude. The vertical and zonal perturbations of the GWs are apparent quadrature with vertical perturbations generally leading ahead of zonal ones. Based on experiments and simplified 2-Dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) numerical simulations, a reasonable generation mechanism of this persistent wave is proposed. A westerly low-level jet of ~ 5 m s−1 exists at the altitude of 1~2 km in the ABL. The wind shear around the low-level jet lead to the wave generation in the condition of light horizontal wind. Furthermore, a combination of thermal and Doppler ducts occurs in the ABL. Thus, the ducted wave motions are trapped in the ABL with long lifetime.
The Elbrus (Caucasus, Russia) ice core glaciochemistry to
reconstruct anthropogenic emissions in central Europe: The case of
sulfate
Authors: Preunkert Susanne , Legrand Michel , Kutuzov Stanislav , Ginot Patrick , Mikhalenko Vladimir , Friedrich Ronny
Published: June 2019

Abstract. This study reports on the glaciochemistry of a deep ice core (182 m long) drilled in 2009 at Mount Elbrus (43°21′ N, 42°26′ E; 5115 m above sea level) in the Caucasus, Russia. Radiocarbon dating of the particulate organic carbon fraction in the ice suggests a basal ice age of ~ 1670 ± 400 cal yr BP. Based on chemical stratigraphy, the upper 168.6 m of the core were dated by counting annual layers. The seasonally resolved chemical records cover the years 1774–2009 (Common Era), thus, being useful to reconstruct many aspects of atmospheric pollution in central Europe from pre-industrial times to present-day. After having examined the extent to which the arrival of large dust plumes originating from Sahara and Middle East modifies the chemical composition of the Elbrus (ELB) snow and ice layers, we focus on the sulfur pollution. The ELB sulfate levels indicate a four- and six-fold increase from 1774–1900 to 1980–1995 in winter and summer, respectively. Remaining close to 116 ± 28 ppb during the nineteen century, the summer sulfate levels started to rise at a mean rate of ~ 6 ppb per year from 1920 to 1950. The summer sulfate increase accelerated between 1950 and 1975 (11 ppb per year), levels reaching a maximum between 1980 and 1990 (730 ± 152 ppb) and subsequently decreasing to 630 ± 130 ppb at the beginning of the twenty first century. Long-term sulfate trends observed in the ELB ice cores are compared with those previously obtained in Alpine ice, the most important difference consists in a more pronounced decrease of the sulfur pollution over the three last decades in western than central Europe.
Estimation of NOx and SO2 Emissions from Sarnia, Ontario using Mobile-MAX-DOAS and a NOx-Analyzer
Authors: Davis Zoe Y. W. , Baray Sabour , McLinden Chris A. , Khanbabakhani Aida , Fujs William , Csukat Csilla , Debosz Jerzy , McLaren Robert
Published: June 2019

Abstract. Sarnia, ON experiences pollutant emissions disproportionate to its relatively small size. The small size of the city limits traditional top-down emission estimate techniques (e.g., satellite) but a low-cost solution for emission monitoring is Mobile-MAX-DOAS. Measurements were made using this technique from 21/03/2017 to 23/03/2017 along various driving routes to retrieve vertical column densities (VCDs) of NO2 and SO2 and to estimate emissions of NOx and SO2 from the Sarnia region. A novel aspect of the current study was the installation of a NOx analyzer in the vehicle to allow real time measurement and characterization of near-surface NOx/NO2 ratios across the urban plumes, allowing improved accuracy of NOx emission estimates. Confidence in the use of near-surface measured NOx/NO2 ratios for estimation of NOx emissions was increased by relatively well-mixed boundary layer conditions. These conditions were indicated by similar temporal trends in NO2 VCDs and mixing ratios when measurements were sufficiently distant from the sources. Leighton ratios within transported plumes indicated peroxy radicals were likely disturbing the NO-NO2-O3 photostationary state through VOC oxidation. The average lower limit emission estimate of NOx from Sarnia was 1.60 ± 0.34 tonnes hr−1 using local 10 m elevation wind-speed measurements. Our estimates were larger than the downscaled annual 2017 NPRI reported industrial emissions of 0.9 tonnes NOx hr−1. Our lower limit estimate of SO2 emissions from Sarnia was 1.81 ± 0.83 tonnes SO2 hr−1, equal within uncertainty to the 2017 NPRI downscaled value of 1.85 tonnes SO2 hr−1. Satellite-derived NO2 VCDs over Sarnia from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) were lower than Mobile-MAX-DOAS VCDs, likely due to the large pixel size relative to the city’s size. The results of this study support the utility of the Mobile-MAX-DOAS method for estimating NOx and SO2 emissions in relatively small, highly industrialized regions especially when supplemented with mobile NOx measurements.
Unified observation co-existing volcanic sulphur dioxide and
sulphate aerosols using ground-based Fourier transform infrared
spectroscopy
Authors: Sellitto Pasquale , Guermazi Henda , Carboni Elisa , Siddans Richard , Burton Mike
Published: June 2019

Abstract. We developed an optimal-estimation algorithm to simultaneously retrieve, for the first time, co-emitted volcanic gaseous SO2 and sulphate aerosols (SA) from groundbased FTIR observations. These effluents, both linked to magmatic/degassing and subsequent atmospheric evolution processes, have overlapping spectral signatures leading to mutual potential interferences when retrieving one species without considering the other.We show that significant overestimations may be introduced in SO2 retrievals if the radiative impact of co-existent SA is not accounted for, which may have impacted existing SO2 long-term series, e.g. from satellite platform. The method was applied to proximal observations at Masaya volcano, where SO2 and SA concentrations, and SA acidity were retrieved. A gas-to-particle sulphur partitioning of 400 and a strong SA acidity (sulphuric acid concentration: 65 %) where found, consistently with past in-situ observations at this volcano. This method is easily exportable to other volcanoes, to monitor magma extraction processes and the atmospheric sulphur cycle.
Seasonal and spatial patterns of primary production in a high-latitude fjord affected by Greenland Ice Sheet run-off
Authors: Holding Johnna M. , Markager Stiig , Juul-Pedersen Thomas , Paulsen Maria L. , Møller Eva F. , Meire Lorenz , Sejr Mikael K.
Published: June 2019

Abstract. Primary production on the coast and in Greenland fjords sustains important local and sustenance fisheries. However, unprecedented melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) is impacting the coastal ocean, and its effects on fjord ecology remain understudied. It has been suggested that as glaciers retreat, primary production regimes may be altered rendering fjords less productive. Here we investigate patterns of primary productivity in a Northeast Greenland fjord (Young Sound, 74 N), which receives run-off from the GrIS via land-terminating glaciers. We measured size fractioned primary production during the ice- free season along a spatial gradient of meltwater influence. We found that, apart from a brief under-ice bloom during summer, primary production remains low (between 50–200 mg C m−2 day−1) however steady throughout the ice-free season, even into the fall. Low productivity is due to freshwater run-off from land-terminating glaciers causing low light availability and strong vertical stratification limiting nutrient availability. The former is caused by turbid river inputs in the summer restricting phytoplankton biomass to the surface and away from the nitracline. In the outer fjord where turbidity plays less of a role in light limitation, phytoplankton biomass moves higher in the water column in the fall due to the short day- length as the sun angle decreases. Despite this, plankton communities in this study were shown to be well adapted to low light conditions, as evidenced by the low values of saturating irradiance for primary production (5.8–67 µmol photons m−2 s−1). With its low but consistent production across the growing season, Young Sound offers an alternative picture to other more productive fjords which have highly productive spring and late summer blooms and limited fall production. However, patterns of primary productivity observed in Young Sound are not only due to the influence from land-terminating glaciers but are also consequences of the nutrient deplete coastal boundary currents and the shallow entrance sill, features which should also be considered when generalizing about how primary production will be affected by glacier retreat in the future.