bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combining UML Profiles to Design Serious Games Dedicated to Trace Information in Decision Processes
Authors: Barral Laure Vidaud , Pinet Francois , Tacnet Jean-Marc , Jousselme Anne-Laure
Published: May 2020

An expert assessment consists of an ordered series of decisions that have to respond to time-evolving information contexts. Improving decisions made in a risk context requires better knowledge of reasoning mechanisms. The authors think that serious games can constitute a rich observatory for reasoning and decisions. However, the design of these games is not trivial and is rarely scalable or reusable. This paper proposes a UML profile library for generically modeling expert reasoning in situations using serious games that involve risks. Two main UML profiles are dedicated to both serious games and gamer decisions traceability modeling. Complementary profiles address risk expert reasoning modeling and data quality modeling. The authors illustrate the approach using the design of a serious game about avalanche risk analysis.
A Branch and Bound Algorithm for a Multi-Mode Project Scheduling Problem With a Single Non-Renewable Resource
Authors: Altintas Cansu , Azizoglu Meral
Published: May 2020

In this paper, a project scheduling problem with multi-modes and a single non-renewable resource is considered. The resource is released in pre-specified times at pre-specified quantities. An activity can be executed at different modes where a mode is defined by a processing time and a resource requirement amount. The objective is to minimize the project completion time. A branch and bound algorithm that enumerates the partial solutions based on the mode assignment decisions is presented. The results of the experiments have revealed that the branch and bound algorithm can solve problem instances with up to 100 activities in reasonable times.
Machine Learning-Based Coding Decision Making in H.265/HEVC CTU Division and Intra Prediction
Authors: Jiang Wenchan , Yang Ming , Xie Ying , Li Zhigang
Published: May 2020

High efficiency video coding (HEVC) has been deemed as the newest video coding standard of the ITU-T Video Coding Experts Group and the ISO/IEC Moving Picture Experts Group. In this research project, in compliance with H.265 standard, the authors focused on improving the performance of encode/decode by optimizing the partition of prediction block in coding unit with the help of supervised machine learning. The authors used Keras library as the main tool to implement the experiments. Key parameters were tuned for the model in the convolution neuron network. The coding tree unit mode decision time produced in the model was compared with that produced in the reference software for HEVC, and it was proven to have improved significantly. The intra-picture prediction mode decision was also investigated with modified model and yielded satisfactory results.
Identifying Risk Factors for Pressure Injury in Adult Critical Care Patients
Authors: Cox Jill , Schallom Marilyn , Jung Christy
Published: May 2020

Background

Critically ill patients have a variety of unique risk factors for pressure injury. Identification of these risk factors is essential to prevent pressure injury in this population.

Objective

To identify factors predicting the development of pressure injury in critical care patients using a large data set from the PhysioNet MIMIC-III (Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care) clinical database.

Methods

Data for 1460 patients were extracted from the database. Variables that were significant in bivariate analyses were used in a final logistic regression model. A final set of significant variables from the logistic regression was used to develop a decision tree model.

Results

In regression analysis, cardiovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, pneumonia or influenza, cardiovascular surgery, hemodialysis, norepinephrine administration, hypotension, septic shock, moderate to severe malnutrition, sex, age, and Braden Scale score on admission to the intensive care unit were all predictive of pressure injury. Decision tree analysis revealed that patients who received norepinephrine, were older than 65 years, had a length of stay of 10 days or less, and had a Braden Scale score of 15 or less had a 63.6% risk of pressure injury.

Conclusion

Determining pressure injury risk in critically ill patients is complex and challenging. One common pathophysiological factor is impaired tissue oxygenation and perfusion, which may be nonmodifiable. Improved risk quantification is needed and may be realized in the near future by leveraging the clinical information available in the electronic medical record through the power of predictive analytics.
Translation into Spanish and Cultural Adaptation of the Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool
Authors: Arroyo-Novoa Carmen Mabel , Figueroa-Ramos Milagros I. , Puntillo Kathleen A. , Gélinas Céline
Published: May 2020

Background

The Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT) is recommended for evaluating pain behaviors in patients in the intensive care unit who are unable to report pain. The source of the only published Spanish version of the CPOT does not verify that it underwent a formal translation process.

Objective

To describe the translation into Spanish and cultural adaptation of the original French version of the CPOT.

Methods

Key persons in the translation process included one with a master’s degree in translation, a critical care physician, nurse faculty members with vast experience in intensive care units, and the instrument’s developer. This team followed the Principles of Good Practice for the Translation and Cultural Adaptation Process for Patient-Reported Outcomes Measures as a guide to translate and culturally adapt the CPOT.

Results

The first Spanish-language version was back translated to French and was also compared with the English version. Revisions necessitated a second version, which was submitted to experts in critical care. Their modifications required a third version, which was back translated to French and discussed with the CPOT developer, after which a fourth version was created. Finally, a linguistic expert proofread the tool, and the translation leaders incorporated the recommendations, thereby obtaining a final Spanish version.

Conclusion

The Spanish version is ready to undergo validation with patients in the intensive care unit, which is the next step toward its use in assessing pain behaviors among patients in intensive care units where Spanish is spoken.
Cognitive Dysfunction in Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME) – A Tertiary Care Center Study
Authors: Chawla Tanushree , Chaudhry Neera , Puri Vinod
Published: May 2020

Background and Aim:

Epilepsy often leads to cognitive impairment. Idiopathic generalized epilepsy as a group is considered to be benign in terms of its effects on cognition. Though, neuropsychological testing reveals subtle frontal impairment in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME). The aim of this study is to evaluate cognitive dysfunction in patients with JME.

Method:

We compared 50 JME patients and 50 age and sex matched healthy controls above 12 years of age on various cognitive tests which included Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), Executive Interview (EXIT), PGI Memory Scale (PGIMS), Clock Drawing Test (CDT), Cube copying test (CCT), and Nahor Benson Test (NBT). We correlated the cognitive dysfunction with education level, age of onset, duration of epilepsy, electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities, treatment, and seizure control status.

Results:

JME patients performed significantly worse on MMSE (P = 0.001), PGI MS (P value = 0.001), FAB (P =.001), EXIT (P =.001), CDT (P =.02), and CCT (P =.001) when compared to the controls. JME patients had impaired attention, verbal fluency, design fluency, verbal memory, visual memory, conceptualization, set shifting, mental flexibility, response inhibition, and visuospatial functions. Cognitive dysfunction correlated with education level, duration of epilepsy and EEG abnormality. No correlation was seen with seizure frequency or type of antiepileptic therapy.

Conclusions:

JME patients demonstrate both frontal and parietooccipital lobe dysfunction. Hence detailed higher mental function tests supplemented by functional neuroimaging studies should be done in JME patients for their comprehensive management. This would also enhance our knowledge about the pathogenesis of JME.
Assessment of adherence to medication during chronic illnesses in pregnancy
Authors: Sontakke Smita , Takalikar Vrushali , Deshmukh Jitendra , Motghare Vijay M. , Kalikar Mrunalini , Turankar Avinash
Published: May 2020

Purpose/Aim:

To evaluate adherence to medication in chronic illnesses during pregnancy and to identify factors responsible for non-adherence.

Methods:

This was a prospective, cross-sectional, questionnaire based study initiated after approval of the institutional ethics committee. Pregnant women suffering from any chronic illness (except HIV) were questioned to evaluate adherence to medication in chronic illnesses during pregnancy and to detect factors responsible for non-adherence using a semi-structured, open-ended questionnaire. Adherence to medication was also assessed using 4-item Morisky's medication adherence scale.

Results:

Rate of high adherence was significantly more (58.77%) with medications for chronic illness compared to medications for normal pregnancy (15.78%). Majority of women were more concerned about the chronic illness and believed that keeping the chronic illness under control is more important for normal growth of the baby. Unawareness about usefulness of each medicine and forgetfulness were the most common reasons for non-adherence to medications. Not taking prescribed dose was the most common type of non-adherence. Level of adherence positively correlated with level of education while it was inversely related to number of tablets per day.

Conclusion:

Higher adherence to medications for chronic illnesses during pregnancy is an encouraging finding but at the same time poor adherence to medications for normal pregnancy is a matter of concern. Most of the issues responsible for non-adherence to medication as reported in this study can be resolved to a significant extent by planning and implementing interventions aimed at improving adherence to treatment during pregnancy in which health professionals play a major role.
Treatment outcome of different antiretroviral drug regimens in HIV-positive pregnant women
Authors: Chauhan Nidhi , Desai Mira , Shah Samidh , Shah Asha , Gadhavi Rajendra
Published: May 2020

Objective:

The objective of the study was to compare the maternal and fetal outcomes of currently preferred tenofovir-based regimen with previous zidovudine-based regimen and also to determine whether the time of starting antiretroviral therapy (ART), whether it can affect the pregnancy and fetal outcome.

Materials and Methods:

Pregnant patients prescribed any of the above regimens were followed up every month till delivery and newborns for initial 6 months. Maternal endpoints were body weight, hemoglobin, and CD4 count, whereas fetal endpoints were birth weight, Apgar score, body weight, and HIV status at 6 months. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and unpaired t-test. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

A significant increase in CD4 count was observed in patients treated with both the regimens at 12 months as compared to baseline (P < 0.001 and 0.05). Moreover, a significant increase in CD4 count was observed at 12 months as compared to baseline, whether treatment was started before or after the diagnosis of pregnancy (P < 0.05 and 0.001). A significant difference in mean body weight at the end of 9 months was observed in patients wherein ART was started before or after the diagnosis of pregnancy (P < 0.005). Majority of patients had a favorable maternal outcome, while fetal birth weight, Apgar score, body weight, and HIV status were comparable at 6 months irrespective of treatment and time of starting ART.

Conclusion:

All ART regimens are equally effective in terms of increase in CD4 count, gestational gain in body weight, and pregnancy and fetal outcome. Furthermore, there is no significant difference in efficacy, pregnancy, and fetal outcome in women who were already on ART when diagnosed pregnancy or who were started ART later in antenatal period.
Designing a resilient supply chain: An approach to reduce drug shortages in epidemic outbreaks
Authors: Antonio Lozano-Diez Jose , Marmolejo-Saucedo Jose Antonio , Rodriguez-Aguilar Roman
Published: May 2020

INTRODUCTION: Supply network design is a long-studied topic that has evolved to address disruptive situations. The risk of supply chain disruption leads to the development of resilient supply chains that are capable of reacting eﬀectively.OBJECTIVES: In the context of public health, drug supply networks face shortage challenges in many situations, such as current epidemic outbreaks such as COVID-19. Drug shortages can occur due to manufacturing problems, lack of infrastructure, and immediate reaction mechanisms.METHODS: The case study is solved with anyLogistix optimization and simulation software.RESULTS: We present the results of a hypothetical study on the impact of COVID-19 on a regional supply network. The results of this research are intended to be the basis for the design of resilient supply chains in epidemic outbreaks.CONCLUSION: Drug providers should consider strategies to prevent or reduce the impact of shortages as well as disruption spreads.
Learning Poker in Different Communities of Practice: A Qualitative Analysis of Poker Players’ Learning Processes and the Norms in Different Learning Communities
Authors: Talberg Niri
Published: May 2020

Several studies have focused on some of the skill elements needed to become a successful poker player, but few have described the poker players’ learning processes. No studies have used a learning theory to analyse poker players’ variety of learning methods or analysed whether the competitive and deceptive nature of the poker game have an impact on the players’ learning outcome. This article examines 15 poker players’ learning processes and how the players enter different learning communities of practice, arguing that different communities have different norms. In a friendly community of practice, the players were generous in helping each other and revealed secrets so that the group could grow together. In the competitive community of practice, the players were more cautious, and misleading information was common. Online poker, as well as new technology, has made several new artefacts (learning tools) available for poker players, and their main contribution is to reveal information that was previously unavailable. Because poker is a game of information, it greatly affects the players’ learning potential. RésuméPlusieurs études ont mis l’accent sur certaines compétences nécessaires pour devenir un joueur de poker performant, mais peu ont décrit les processus d’apprentissage suivis par les joueurs de poker. Aucune étude n’a utilisé de théorie de l’apprentissage pour analyser la diversité des méthodes d’apprentissage des joueurs de poker ni pour déterminer si la nature compétitive et illusoire du jeu de poker a une incidence sur les résultats d’apprentissage des joueurs. Cet article examine les processus d’apprentissage de 15 joueurs de poker et leur entrée dans différentes communautés de pratiques d’apprentissage. On y explique que différentes communautés possèdent différentes normes. Dans une communauté de pratique conviviale, les joueurs s’entraident et révèlent des secrets afin que le groupe puisse grandir ensemble. Dans une communauté de pratique compétitive, les joueurs sont sur leur garde, et les informations trompeuses sont monnaie courante. Le poker en ligne ainsi que les nouvelles technologies ont mis plusieurs nouveaux outils d’apprentissage à la disposition des joueurs de poker. Leur principale contribution est de révéler des informations qui, auparavant, n’étaient pas disponibles. Étant donné que le poker est un jeu d’information, le potentiel d’apprentissage des joueurs en est grandement affecté.
Material Flow Analysis of Trichloroethylene in Korea
Authors: Park Jun Chul , Hwang Yong Woo , Kim Jun Beum , Kim Young Woon
Published: May 2020

Objectives:According to the material flow analysis, the domestic flow of trichloroethylene with the highest emission among carcinogens in group 1 was determined. The purpose of this study is to provide basic data for efficient chemical management and establish measures to reduce emissions.Methods:In this study, the material flow analysis of trichloroethylene was analyzed in Korea in 2014. The material flow chart was presented using STAN 2.6 software. The flow of trichloroethylene by region and industry was analyzed to identify the characteristics of each flow, and the emission reduction method was presented.Results and Discussion:Trichloroethylene was used up to 79.8% in the Seoul metropolitan area, 45.6% in the manufacturing of other machinery and equipment, and 29.4% in the manufacturing of fabricated metal products except machinery and furniture. Trichloroethylene was emitted 42.0% in the manufacturing of rubber and plastics products and 26.8% in the manufacturing of primary metals. The analysis of emissions by company size resulted in 3.9% of total emissions from large companies, 61.6% from mid-sized companies, and 34.5% from small-sized companies. Trichloroethylene was used in various industries and regions, with higher emissions compared to its use.Conclusions:Trichloroethylene has been emitted in large quantities relative to its usage. The study found that the management of chemicals in small businesses was insufficient. This result of the material flow analysis is used as basic data to reduce emissions of chemicals. The result of the study helps to recognize the risk of chemicals and suggest alternative materials, introduce inter-company information and expert exchange system, introduce a total amount of carcinogens emission system, implement duties in the emission reduction plan, and consider emission reduction incentives. In addition, measures to improve risk are proposed to establish risk-based database.
Effect of Soil Washing Using Oxalic Acid on Arsenic Speciation and Bioaccessibility in Soils
Authors: Gwon Yeseul , Kim Seong Ryeol , Kim Eun Jung
Published: May 2020

Objectives : Soil washing process has been widely applied for remediation of contaminated soil with arsenic and heavy metals in Korea. The application of soil washing could change physical and chemical properties of soils and metal speciation in soil, which could affect the risk to the environment and human health. Thus, it is necessary to evaluate metal and arsenic speciation and their mobility in soil after soil remediation in order to evaluate effectiveness of soil remediation process and manage soil quality effectively. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the risk of arsenic in soil after remediation of arsenic contaminated soil via soil washing.Methods : Arsenic contaminated soil collected at the abandoned mine site was washing with oxalic acid. The arsenic contaminated soil was divided into 2,000-500 µm, 500-250 µm, 250-150 µm, 150-75 µm, 75-38 µm, < 38 µm particle size fractions. After soil washing for each soil particle size fraction, arsenic speciation via sequential extraction and bioaccessibility in the soils were evaluated. Results and Discussion : Generally, arsenic and metal concentrations were higher in the soil fractions with smaller particle sizes. But high arsenic concentration was observed at the large particle size fractions (>250 µm), which might be due to the presence of mineral phases containing arsenic such as arsenolite or pyrite in the large particle size fraction soils. Sequential extraction showed that arsenic in mine soils was majorly present as associated with amorphous oxides. After soil washing with oxalic acid, arsenic in soils associated with amorphous oxides was greatly decreased, whereas the arsenic fraction associated sulfide and organic matter was increased. Soil washing decreased the bioaccessible arsenic concentration (mg/kg) in soil, but increased the bioaccessibility (%) depending on the soil characteristics. Conclusions : Soil washing changed arsenic species in soils, which affected mobility and risk of arsenic in soil.
A Model to Determine Factors Affecting Students Academic Performance: The Case of Amhara Region Agency of Competency, Ethiopia
Authors: Mandefro Messele Aklilu , Addisu Melkamu
Published: May 2020

At this time the amount of data stored in educational institutions is increasing rapidly. These data contain hidden information for improvement of students’ performance, guidance, teaching, planning, and so on. Identifying factors that influence students’ academic performance help educational stakeholders to take remedial measurements to improve performance of their students. In this paper total of 7,561 students’ data covering the period from 2008-2011 with 28 attributes is used to determine the most influential factors. The classification algorithms J48 algorithm and Naive Bayes algorithm is used to develop the model. Design science research methodology is used as a frame work while the hybrid six-step Cios model is followed to develop the model. Many experiments were done with J48 algorithm and Naive Bayes classifier by changing the default values and reducing the number of attributes. However, 8 experiments are presented for analysis which shown better accuracy than the rest. The results of this study have shown that the data mining techniques are valuable for students’ performance model building and J48 algorithm resulting in highest accuracy (70.3468% & 83.3552%) for practical and theory exams respectively. It also reveal that Education mode of training experience, Level, Purpose of Assessment, Candidate’s category, Age, Sector, Sex, and Employment type found to be the most influential factors for students’ academic achievement. Hence, future research directions are pointed out to come up with an applicable system in the area.
Downward cloud venting of the central African biomass burning plume during the West Africa summer monsoon
Authors: Dajuma Alima , Ogunjobi Kehinde O. , Vogel Heike , Knippertz Peter , Silué Siélé , N'Datchoh Evelyne Touré , Yoboué Véronique , Vogel Bernhard
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Between June and September large amounts of biomass burning
aerosol are released into the atmosphere from agricultural fires in central
and southern Africa. Recent studies have suggested that this plume is
carried westward over the Atlantic Ocean at altitudes between 2 and 4 km and
then northward with the monsoon flow at low levels to increase the
atmospheric aerosol load over coastal cities in southern West Africa (SWA),
thereby exacerbating air pollution problems. However, the processes by which
these fire emissions are transported into the planetary boundary layer (PBL)
are still unclear. One potential factor is the large-scale subsidence
related to the southern branch of the monsoon Hadley cell over the tropical
Atlantic. Here we use convection-permitting model simulations with COSMO-ART
to investigate for the first time the contribution of downward mixing
induced by clouds, a process we refer to as downward cloud venting in
contrast to the more common process of upward transport from a polluted PBL.
Based on a monthly climatology, model simulations compare satisfactory with
wind fields from reanalysis data, cloud observations, and satellite-retrieved carbon monoxide (CO) mixing ratio. For a case study on 2 July
2016, modelled clouds and rainfall show overall good agreement with Spinning
Enhanced Visible and InfraRed Imager (SEVIRI) cloud products and Global
Precipitation Measurement Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals (GPM-IMERG)
rainfall estimates. However, there is a tendency for the model to produce
too much clouds and rainfall over the Gulf of Guinea. Using the CO
dispersion as an indicator for the biomass burning plume, we identify
individual mixing events south of the coast of Côte d'Ivoire due to
midlevel convective clouds injecting parts of the biomass burning plume into
the PBL. Idealized tracer experiments suggest that around 15 % of the CO
mass from the 2–4 km layer is mixed below 1 km within 2 d over the
Gulf of Guinea and that the magnitude of the cloud venting is modulated by
the underlying sea surface temperatures. There is even stronger vertical
mixing when the biomass burning plume reaches land due to daytime heating
and a deeper PBL. In that case, the long-range-transported biomass burning
plume is mixed with local anthropogenic emissions. Future work should
provide more robust statistics on the downward cloud venting effect over the
Gulf of Guinea and include aspects of aerosol deposition.
Measurement Report: important contributions of oxygenated compounds to emissions and chemistry of VOCs in urban air
Authors: Wu Caihong , Wang Chaomin , Wang Sihang , Wang Wenjie , Yuan Bin , Qi Jipeng , Wang Baolin , Wang Hongli , Wang Chen , Song Wei , Wang Xinming , Hu Weiwei , Lou Shengrong , Ye Chenshuo , Peng Yuwen , Wang Zelong , Huangfu Yibo , Xie Yan , Zhu Manni , Zheng Junyu , Wang Xuemei , Jiang Bin , Zhang Zhanyi , Shao Min
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) play important roles in the tropospheric atmosphere. In this study, VOCs were measured at an urban site in Guangzhou, one of the mega-cities in Pearl River Delta (PRD) using a gas chromatograph mass spectrometer/flame ionization detection (GC-MS/FID) and a proton transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-ToF-MS). Diurnal profile analyses show that stronger chemical removal by OH radicals for more reactive hydrocarbons during the daytime. Diurnal profiles of OVOCs indicate evidence of contributions from secondary formation. Detailed source analyses of OVOCs using a photochemical age-based parameterization method suggest important contributions from both primary emissions and secondary formation for measured OVOCs. During the campaign, around 1700 ions were detected in PTR-ToF-MS mass spectra, among of which 462 ions with noticeable concentrations. VOCs signals from these ions without calibration in PTR-TOF-MS are quantified based on sensitivities of available VOCs species. OVOC-related ions dominated PTR-ToF-MS mass spectra with an average contribution of 77.2 %. Combining measurements from PTR-ToF-MS and GC-MS/FID, OVOCs contribute 57.4 % to the total concentration of VOCs. Using concurrent measurement of OH reactivity, OVOCs measured by PTR-ToF-MS contribute greatly to the OH reactivity (19.3 %). In comparison, hydrocarbons account for 20.0 % of OH reactivity. Adding up the contributions from inorganic gases (47.9 %), ∼ 12 % of the OH reactivity remains as missing. Our results demonstrate the important roles of OVOCs in the emission and evolution budget of VOCs in urban atmosphere.
Transport model diagnosis of the mean age of air derived from stratospheric samples in the tropics
Authors: Nguyen Hanh T. , Ishijima Kentaro , Sugawara Satoshi , Hasebe Fumio
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Stratospheric profiles of the mean age of air estimated from cryogenic air samples acquired during the CUBE/Biak field campaign over Indonesia are investigated with the aid of an atmospheric chemistry transport model nudged to ERA-Interim meteorological fields. Application of the boundary impulse response (BIR) method and Lagrangian backward trajectories to the transport field simulated by a single model prove useful in interpreting the observational results, which include discrepancies between CO2- and SF6-derived mean ages. This may be because the BIR method takes unresolved diffusive processes into account while the Lagrangian method distinguishes the pathways the air parcels have taken before reaching the sample site. The capability to estimate the vertical profiles of the clock tracer concentrations and the water vapor “tape recorder” is another advantage of the Lagrangian method, confirming the reality of the trajectory calculations. The profile of CO2-mean age is reproduced reasonably well by trajectory-derived mean age, while BIR-derived mean age is much greater than CO2 age at 28 and 29 km, possibly due to high diffusivity in the transport model. On the other hand, SF6 age is reproducible only in the lower stratosphere, but far exceeds the trajectory-derived mean age above 25 km. As air parcels of mesospheric origin are missing in the Lagrangian age estimation, this discrepancy, together with the fact that the observed SF6 concentrations are much lower than the trajectory-derived values in this height region, is consistent with the idea that the stratospheric air samples are mixed with SF6-depleted mesospheric air, leading to overestimation of the mean age.
Senescence as the main driver of iodide release from a diverse range of marine phytoplankton
Authors: Hepach Helmke , Hughes Claire , Hogg Karen , Collings Susannah , Chance Rosie
Published: May 2020

Abstract. The reaction between ozone and iodide at the sea surface is now
known to be an important part of atmospheric ozone cycling, causing ozone
deposition and the release of ozone-depleting reactive iodine to the
atmosphere. The importance of this reaction is reflected by its inclusion in
chemical transport models (CTMs). Such models depend on accurate sea surface
iodide fields, but measurements are spatially and temporally limited. Hence,
the ability to predict current and future sea surface iodide fields, i.e. sea surface iodide concentration on a narrow global grid, requires the
development of process-based models. These models require a thorough
understanding of the key processes that control sea surface iodide. The aim
of this study was to explore if there are common features of iodate-to-iodide reduction amongst diverse marine phytoplankton in order to develop
models that focus on sea surface iodine and iodine release to the
troposphere. In order to achieve this, rates and patterns of changes in
inorganic iodine speciation were determined in 10 phytoplankton cultures
grown at ambient iodate concentrations. Where possible these data were
analysed alongside results from previous studies. Iodate loss and some
iodide production were observed in all cultures studied, confirming that
this is a widespread feature amongst marine phytoplankton. We found no
significant difference in log-phase, cell-normalised iodide production rates
between key phytoplankton groups (diatoms, prymnesiophytes including
coccolithophores and phaeocystales), suggesting that a phytoplankton
functional type (PFT) approach would not be appropriate for building an
ocean iodine cycling model. Iodate loss was greater than iodide formation in
the majority of the cultures studied, indicating the presence of an as-yet-unidentified “missing iodine” fraction. Iodide yield at the end of the
experiment was significantly greater in cultures that had reached a later
senescence stage. This suggests that models should incorporate a lag between
peak phytoplankton biomass and maximum iodide production and that cell
mortality terms in biogeochemical models could be used to parameterise
iodide production.
Archaeal lipid-inferred paleohydrology and paleotemperature of Lake Chenghai during the Pleistocene–Holocene transition
Authors: Sun Weiwei , Zhang Enlou , Chang Jie , Shulmeister James , Bird Michael I. , Zhao Cheng , Jiang Qingfeng , Shen Ji
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Over the past decades, paleoenvironmental studies in the Indian summer
monsoon region have mainly focused on precipitation change, with few
published terrestrial temperature records from the region. We analysed the
distribution of isoprenoid glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (isoGDGTs)
in the sediments of Lake Chenghai in southwest China across the
Pleistocene–Holocene transition, to extract both regional hydrological and
temperature signals for this important transition period. The lake level was
reconstructed from the relative abundance of crenarchaeol in isoGDGTs
(%cren) and the crenarchaeol′/crenarchaeol ratio. The %cren-inferred
lake level identified a single lowstand (15.4–14.4 ka cal BP), while the
crenarchaeol′/crenarchaeol ratio suggests a relatively lower lake level
between 15.4–14.4 and 12.5–11.7 ka cal BP, corresponding to
periods of weakened ISM during the Heinrich 1 and Younger Dryas cold event.
A filtered TetraEther indeX consisting of 86 carbon atoms (TEX86 index)
revealed that lake surface temperature was similar to present-day values
during the last deglacial period and suggests a substantial warming of
∼4 ∘C from the early Holocene to the mid-Holocene.
Our paleotemperature record is generally consistent with other records in
southwest China, suggesting that the distribution of isoGDGTs in Lake
Chenghai sediments has potential for quantitative paleotemperature
reconstruction.
Spatial and temporal patterns of global soil heterotrophic respiration in terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Tang Xiaolu , Fan Shaohui , Du Manyi , Zhang Wenjie , Gao Sicong , Liu Shibin , Chen Guo , Yu Zhen , Yang Wunian
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Soil heterotrophic respiration (RH) is one of the largest
and most uncertain components of the terrestrial carbon cycle, directly
reflecting carbon loss from soils to the atmosphere. However, high
variations and uncertainties of RH existing in global carbon cycling models
require RH estimates from different angles, e.g., a data-driven angle. To
fill this knowledge gap, this study applied a Random Forest (RF) algorithm
(a machine learning approach) to (1) develop a globally gridded RH dataset
and (2) investigate its spatial and temporal patterns from 1980 to 2016 at
the global scale by linking field observations from the Global Soil
Respiration Database and global environmental drivers (temperature,
precipitation, soil water content, etc.). Finally, a globally gridded RH
dataset was developed covering from 1980 to 2016 with a spatial resolution
of half a degree and a temporal resolution of 1 year. Globally, the average
annual RH was 57.2±0.6 Pg C a−1 from 1980 to 2016, with a
significantly increasing trend of 0.036±0.007 Pg C a−2. However,
the temporal trend of the carbon loss from RH varied in climate zones, and
RH showed a significant and increasing trend in boreal and temperate areas.
In contrast, such a trend was absent in tropical regions. Temperature-driven
RH dominated 39 % of global land and was primarily distributed at high-latitude areas. The areas dominated by precipitation and soil water
content were mainly semiarid and tropical areas, accounting for 36 % and
25 % of global land area, respectively, suggesting variations in the
dominance of environmental controls on the spatial patterns of RH. The
developed globally gridded RH dataset will further aid in the understanding of
the mechanisms of global soil carbon dynamics, serving as a benchmark to
constrain terrestrial biogeochemical models. The dataset is publicly
available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.8882567
(Tang et al., 2019a).
Evaluating a fire smoke simulation algorithm in the National Air Quality Forecast Capability (NAQFC) by using multiple observation data sets during the Southeast Nexus (SENEX) field campaign
Authors: Pan Li , Kim HyunCheol , Lee Pius , Saylor Rick , Tang YouHua , Tong Daniel , Baker Barry , Kondragunta Shobha , Xu Chuanyu , Ruminski Mark G. , Chen Weiwei , Mcqueen Jeff , Stajner Ivanka
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Multiple observation data sets – Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual
Environments (IMPROVE) network data, the Automated Smoke Detection and Tracking
Algorithm (ASDTA), Hazard Mapping System (HMS) smoke plume shapefiles and
aircraft acetonitrile (CH3CN) measurements from the NOAA Southeast
Nexus (SENEX) field campaign – are used to evaluate the HMS–BlueSky–SMOKE (Sparse Matrix Operator Kernel Emission)–CMAQ (Community Multi-scale Air Quality Model)
fire emissions and smoke plume prediction system. A similar configuration is
used in the US National Air Quality Forecasting Capability (NAQFC). The
system was found to capture most of the observed fire signals. Usage of
HMS-detected fire hotspots and smoke plume information was valuable for
deriving both fire emissions and forecast evaluation. This study also
identified that the operational NAQFC did not include fire contributions
through lateral boundary conditions, resulting in significant simulation
uncertainties. In this study we focused both on system evaluation and
evaluation methods. We discussed how to use observational data correctly to
retrieve fire signals and synergistically use multiple data sets. We also
addressed the limitations of each of the observation data sets and
evaluation methods.
Explainable AI for Knowledge Acquisition in Hydrochemical Time Series V1.0.0
Authors: Thrun Michael C. , Ultsch Alfred , Breuer Lutz
Published: May 2020

Abstract. The understanding of water quality and its underlying processes is important for the protection of aquatic environments. Here an explainable AI (XAI) based multivariate time series analytical framework is applied on high-frequency water quality measurements including nitrate and electrical conductivity and twelve other environmental parameters. The relationships between water quality and the environmental parameters are investigated by a cluster analysis which does not depend on prior knowledge about data structure. The cluster analysis is designed to find similar days within a cluster and dissimilar days between clusters. This allows for the data-driven choice of a distance measure. Using a swarm based AI system, the resulting cluster define three states of water bodies, which can be visualized by a topographic map of high-dimensional structures. These structures are explained by rules extracted from decision trees. The rules generated by the XAI system improve the understanding of aquatic environments. The model description presented here allows to extract meaningful, useful, and new knowledge from multivariate time series.
Subseasonal midlatitude prediction skill following Quasi-Biennial Oscillation and Madden–Julian Oscillation activity
Authors: Mayer Kirsten J. , Barnes Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2020

Abstract. The Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) is known to force extratropical weather days to weeks following an MJO event through excitation of stationary Rossby waves, also referred to as tropical–extratropical teleconnections. Prior research has demonstrated that this tropically forced midlatitude response leads to increased prediction skill on subseasonal to seasonal (S2S) timescales. Furthermore, the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (QBO) has been shown to possibly alter these teleconnections through modulation of the MJO itself and the atmospheric basic state upon which the Rossby waves propagate. This implies that the MJO–QBO relationship may affect midlatitude circulation prediction skill on S2S timescales. In this study, we quantify midlatitude circulation sensitivity and prediction skill following active MJOs and QBOs across the Northern Hemisphere on S2S timescales through an examination of the 500 hPa geopotential height field. First, a comparison of the spatial distribution of Northern Hemisphere sensitivity to the MJO during different QBO phases is performed for European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ERA-Interim reanalysis and ECMWF and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) hindcasts. Secondly, differences in prediction skill in ECMWF and NCEP hindcasts are quantified following MJO–QBO activity. In both hindcast systems, we find that regions across the Pacific, North America, and the Atlantic demonstrate an enhanced MJO impact on prediction skill during strong QBO periods with lead times of 1–4 weeks compared to MJO events during neutral QBO periods.
Children’s Right to Privacy on the Internet in the Digital Age
Authors: Brown Bethany
Published: May 2020

As access to the internet has become easier and more widespread in recent years, children have also started getting both increased and easier access to the internet, whether at home or at school. This access, coupled with a decrease in supervision while on the internet, implicates certain questions in regard to children. Questions involving data privacy rights are relevant to both adults and children in the digital age, but there are certain concerns that arise uniquely for children.This Note will focus on one piece of legislation that concerns data privacy rights for children—the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) (16 C.F.R. § 312). The main question that this Note will seek to answer is whether COPPA is adequate in protecting children’s data privacy rights. Part II will explore the history behind COPPA and explain what it actually is, defining key terms as used in the legislation as well as explaining certain provisions. Part III will discuss problems that have arisen under COPPA recently, analyzing lawsuits that have occurred under COPPA as well as the legislation’s shortcomings which have been highlighted in recent events. Finally Part IV will offer possible solutions to these problems, explaining what other scholars have suggested as solutions to these problems as well as other suggestions.
The role of platelet to lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Jeong Yujin , Jeon Seong Ran , Kim Hyun Gun , Moon Jung Rock , Lee Tae Hee , Jang Jae Young , Cho Jun-Hyung , Park Jun Seok , Park Heesu , Lee Ki-hun , Kim Jin-Oh , Lee Joon Seong , Ko Bong Min , Park Suyeon
Published: May 2020

Background/Aims: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) can serve as biomarkers for diagnosing and assessing disease activity in ulcerative colitis (UC). We investigated their clinical significance in UC.Methods: We analyzed 48 patients with UC who underwent measurement of fecal calprotectin (FC) and endoscopy and 96 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. NLR and PLR were compared between the patients and healthy controls. The endoscopic activity was divided into 2 groups: group 1 (mild to moderate inflammation) and group 2 (severe inflammation) according to the Mayo endoscopic subscore in UC.Results: To diagnose UC, the optimal cutoff of NLR and PLR was 2.26 (sensitivity 54.2%; specificity 90.6%; positive likelihood ratio 5.778, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.944–11.339; area under the curve [AUC] 0.774, 95% CI, 0.690–0.859) and 179.8 (sensitivity 35.4%; specificity 90.6%; positive likelihood ratio 3.778, 95% CI 1.821–7.838; AUC 0.654, 95% CI 0.556–0.753), respectively. The optimal cutoff to differentiate group 1 and group 2 was 3.44, 175.9, and 453 µg/g for NLR, PLR, and FC, respectively (sensitivity, 63.6% vs. 90.9% vs. 81.8%; specificity, 81.1% vs. 78.4% vs. 73.0%; positive likelihood ratio, 3.364 vs. 4.205 vs. 3.027; AUC, 0.714 vs. 0.897 vs. 0.813). PLR had the highest AUC and positive likelihood ratio.Conclusions: NLR and PLR help differentiate patients with UC from healthy controls. NLR, PLR, and FC indicate endoscopic activity and may reflect intestinal mucosal conditions.
Prospective validation of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ T-regulatory cells as an immunological marker to differentiate intestinal tuberculosis from Crohn’s disease
Authors: Rampal Ritika , Kedia Saurabh , Wari Mohamad Nahidul , Madhu Deepak , Singh Amit Kumar , Tiwari Veena , Mouli V. Pratap , Mohta Srikant , Makharia Govind , Ahuja Vineet
Published: May 2020

Background/Aims: Crohn’s disease (CD) and intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) remain “difficult-to-differentiate” diseases. We have previously documented peripheral blood frequency of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ T-regulatory cells (Treg) as a biomarker to differentiate CD and ITB. We tried to validate these results in a larger cohort of CD and ITB patients. Methods: Seventy treatment naïve patients of CD (n = 23) and ITB (n = 47) (diagnosed by standard criteria) were recruited prospectively from October 2016 to May 2017. Patients with history of antitubercular therapy in the past were excluded. The frequency of Treg cells in peripheral blood was determined by flow cytometry, and compared between CD and ITB patients. Results: Similar to our previous study, frequency of Treg cells in peripheral blood was significantly increased in ITB as compared to CD patients (40.9 [interquartile range, 33–50] vs. 24.9 [interquartile range, 14.4–29.6], P< 0.001). Further, the receiver operating characteristics curve also showed good diagnostic accuracy with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.77 (95% confidence interval, 0.65–0.89) and a FOXP3+ cutoff value of > 31.3% had a sensitivity and specificity of 83% and 82.6% respectively, to differentiate ITB from CD. Even for the indeterminate cases (n = 33), Treg cell frequency had similar diagnostic accuracy with an AUC of 0.85 (95% confidence interval, 0.68–0.95) and a cutoff of 32.37% had sensitivity and specificity of 87% and 95% respectively, to differentiate ITB from CD. Conclusions: The current findings validate that the increased frequency of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Treg in the peripheral blood can be used as a biomarker with high diagnostic accuracy to differentiate ITB from CD.
Challenges Associated with the Handling of Tomatoes in the Ho Central Market
Authors: Doku Grace Denny , Hagan Margaret Aba Sam , Obubuafo Joyce Mamle Mawusi
Published: May 2020

The study sought to evaluate tomato handling processes and their associated challenges faced by venders in the Ho Central Market. Data was generated by randomly sampling one hundred (100) tomato vendors within the study area. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data collected from the respondents. The study revealed handling methods adopted by the tomato vendors in the Ho Central Market. These methods included storing the fruits in boxes as well as spreading them on the floor in the warehouses in an orderly manner. According to the respondents these practices were adopted to ensure long life span of the tomatoes. Another handling method revealed by the study involved displaying the fruits on trays during hawking. This practice was to attract customers and to improve sales or patronage. The study recommended that vendors should be educated on modern and hygienic ways of handling their wares in order to enhance the fruits’ life span. Also, storage facilities should be made available and affordable by the authorities in charge of the Ho Central Market for proper storage of perishable commodities to keep them hygienic and also enhance their life span.
n. 21 - BOLSA FAMÍLIA E DESIGUALDADES EDUCACIONAIS: ALCANCE E LIMITES DO PROGRAMA À LUZ DO MARCO LEGAL
Authors: Figueiredo Tripodi Zara , Padilha Oliveira Tatiana
Published: May 2020

Examinam-se possíveis alcances e limites do Programa Bolsa Família na redução das desigualdades educacionais, à luz do seu marco legal. Utilizou-se abordagem qualitativa e, enquanto procedimento, pesquisa documental. Do ponto de vista teórico, o trabalho valeu-se de uma literatura voltada à discussão das desigualdades e do direito à educação. Os achados de pesquisa permitem concluir que um dos alcances do PBF foi resguardar o beneficiário de possíveis punições, em caso de descumprimento da condicionalidade educacional. Já os limites encontrados referem-se ao baixo potencial da obrigatoriedade de matrícula se reverberar em redução de desigualdades educacionais, devido a frágil articulação da educação a outras políticas e entre diferentes setores.