bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrogen bonding framework in imidazole derivatives: Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis
Authors: Singh Praveen , Kumar Ranjeet , Tewari Ashish Kumar
Published: March 2020

A series of imidazole derivatives (1-3) were synthesized with three component reaction among benzil, ammonium acetate and formaldehyde/aromatic aldehyde at 110 °C without a catalyst and solvent. These synthesized imidazole derivatives have shown intermolecular hydrogen bonding such as N-H···N and O-H···N. The imidazole 1 and 2 exhibited N-H···N intermolecular hydrogen bonding while imidazole 3 exhibited O-H···N intermolecular hydrogen bonding. The hydrogen bonds in imidazoles were studied by X-ray crystallography and Hirshfeld Surface Analysis at dnorm surface which show the visible red spots, indicated for hydrogen bonds. Further, Hirshfeld surface analysis also shows the percentage of all intermolecular interactions.
Theoretical investigation of a few selected compounds as potent anti-tubercular agents and molecular docking evaluation: A multi-linear regression approach
Authors: Adeniji Shola Elijah , Isiaka Abdulwahab , Audu Kalen Ephraim , Adalumo Olajumoke Bosede
Published: March 2020

Emergence of multi-drug resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to the available drugs has demanded for the development of more potent anti-tubercular agents with efficient pharmacological activities. Time consumed and expenses in discovering and synthesizing new drug targets with improved biological activity have been a major challenge toward the treatment of multi-drug resistance strain M. tuberculosis. To solve the above problem, Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR) is a recent approach developed to discover a novel drug with a better biological against M. Tuberculosis. A validated QSAR model developed in this study to predict the biological activities of some anti-tubercular compounds and to design new hypothetical drugs is influenced with the molecular descriptors; AATS7s, VR1-Dzi, VR1-Dzs, SpMin7-Bhe and RDF110i. The internal validation test for the derived model was found to have correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.8875, adjusted correlation coefficient (R2adj) value of 0.8234 and leave one out cross validation coefficient (Qcv2) value of 0.8012 while the external validation test was found to have (R2test) of 0.7961 and Y-randomization Coefficient (cRp2) of 0.6832. Molecular docking shows that ligand 13 of 2,4-disubstituted quinoline derivatives have promising higher binding score of -18.8 kcal/mol compared to the recommended drugs; isoniazid -14.6 kcal/mol. The proposed QSAR model and molecular docking studies will provides valuable approach for the modification of the lead compound, designing and synthesis more potent anti-tubercular agents.
Editorial Board
Authors: Arslan Hakan
Published: March 2020

Editorial Board
Summertime and wintertime atmospheric processes of secondary aerosol in Beijing
Authors: Duan Jing , Huang Ru-Jin , Li Yongjie , Chen Qi , Zheng Yan , Chen Yang , Lin Chunshui , Ni Haiyan , Wang Meng , Ovadnevaite Jurgita , Ceburnis Darius , Chen Chunying , Worsnop Douglas R. , Hoffmann Thorsten , O'Dowd Colin , Cao Junji
Published: March 2020

Abstract. Secondary aerosol constitutes a large fraction of fine particles in urban
air of China. However, its formation mechanisms and atmospheric processes
remain largely uncertain despite considerable study in recent years. To
elucidate the seasonal variations in fine-particle composition and
secondary aerosol formation, an Aerodyne quadrupole aerosol chemical
speciation monitor (Q-ACSM), combined with other online instruments, was used
to characterize the sub-micrometer particulate matter (diameter < 1 µm, PM1) in Beijing during summer and winter 2015. Our results suggest
that photochemical oxidation was the major pathway for sulfate formation
during summer, whereas aqueous-phase reaction became an important process
for sulfate formation during winter. High concentrations of nitrate (17 %
of the PM1 mass) were found during winter, explained by enhanced
gas-to-particle partitioning at low temperature, while high nitrate
concentrations (19 %) were also observed under the conditions of high
relative humidity (RH) during summer, likely due to the hydrophilic property
of NH4NO3 and hydrolysis of N2O5. As for organic aerosol
(OA) sources, secondary OA (SOA) dominated the OA mass (74 %) during
summer, while the SOA contribution decreased to 39 % during winter due to
enhanced primary emissions in the heating season. In terms of the SOA
formation, photochemical oxidation perhaps played an important role for
summertime oxygenated OA (OOA) formation and less-oxidized wintertime OOA
(LO-OOA) formation. The wintertime more-oxidized OOA (MO-OOA) showed a good
correlation with aerosol liquid water content (ALWC), indicating a more
important contribution of aqueous-phase processing over photochemical
production to MO-OOA. Meanwhile, the dependence of LO-OOA and the mass ratio
of LO-OOA to MO-OOA on atmospheric oxidative tracer (i.e., Ox) both
degraded when RH was greater than 60 %, suggesting that RH or aerosol
liquid water may also affect LO-OOA formation.
Description and Evaluation of the specified-dynamics experiment in the Chemistry-Climate Model Initiative
Authors: Orbe Clara , Plummer David A. , Waugh Darryn W. , Yang Huang , Jöckel Patrick , Kinnison Douglas E. , Josse Beatrice , Marecal Virginie , Deushi Makoto , Abraham Nathan Luke , Archibald Alexander T. , Chipperfield Martyn P. , Dhomse Sandip , Feng Wuhu , Bekki Slimane
Published: March 2020

Abstract. We provide an overview of the REF-C1SD specified-dynamics experiment that was conducted as part of phase 1 of the Chemistry-Climate Model
Initiative (CCMI). The REF-C1SD experiment, which consisted of mainly nudged general circulation models (GCMs) constrained with (re)analysis
fields, was designed to examine the influence of the large-scale circulation on past trends in atmospheric composition. The REF-C1SD simulations
were produced across various model frameworks and are evaluated in terms of how well they represent different measures of the dynamical and
transport circulations. In the troposphere there are large (∼40 %) differences in the climatological mean distributions, seasonal cycle
amplitude, and trends of the meridional and vertical winds. In the stratosphere there are similarly large (∼50 %) differences in the
magnitude, trends and seasonal cycle amplitude of the transformed Eulerian mean circulation and among various chemical and idealized tracers. At
the same time, interannual variations in nearly all quantities are very well represented, compared to the underlying reanalyses. We show that the
differences in magnitude, trends and seasonal cycle are not related to the use of different reanalysis products; rather, we show they are associated
with how the simulations were implemented, by which we refer both to how the large-scale flow was prescribed and to biases in the underlying
free-running models. In most cases these differences are shown to be as large or even larger than the differences exhibited by free-running
simulations produced using the exact same models, which are also shown to be more dynamically consistent. Overall, our results suggest
that care must be taken when using specified-dynamics simulations to examine the influence of large-scale dynamics on composition.
Effect of inorganic-to-organic mass ratio on the heterogeneous OH reaction rates of erythritol: implications for atmospheric chemical stability of 2-methyltetrols
Authors: Xu Rongshuang , Lam Hoi Ki , Wilson Kevin R. , Davies James F. , Song Mijung , Li Wentao , Tse Ying-Lung Steve , Chan Man Nin
Published: March 2020

Abstract. The 2-methyltetrols have been widely chosen as chemical tracers for
isoprene-derived secondary organic aerosols. While they are often assumed to
be relatively unreactive, a laboratory study reported that pure erythritol
particles (an analog of 2-methyltetrols) can be heterogeneously oxidized by
gas-phase OH radicals at a significant rate. This might question the
efficacy of these compounds as tracers in aerosol source-apportionment
studies. Additional uncertainty could arise as organic compounds and
inorganic salts often coexist in atmospheric particles. To gain more
insights into the chemical stability of 2-methyltetrols in atmospheric
particles, this study investigates the heterogeneous OH oxidation of pure
erythritol particles and particles containing erythritol and ammonium
sulfate (AS) at different dry inorganic-to-organic mass ratios (IOR) in an
aerosol flow tube reactor at a high relative humidity of 85 %. The same
reaction products are formed upon heterogenous OH oxidation of erythritol
and erythritol–AS particles, suggesting that the reaction pathways are not
strongly affected by the presence and amount of AS. On the other hand, the
effective OH uptake coefficient, γeff, is found to decrease by
about a factor of ∼20 from 0.45±0.025 to 0.02±0.001 when the relative abundance of AS increases and the IOR increases from
0.0 to 5.0. One likely explanation is the presence of dissolved ions slows
down the reaction rates by decreasing the surface concentration of
erythritol and reducing the frequency of collision between erythritol and
gas-phase OH radicals at the particle surface. Hence, the heterogeneous OH
reactivity of erythritol and likely 2-methyltetrols in atmospheric particles
would be slower than previously thought when the salts are present. Given
2-methyltetrols often coexist with a significant amount of AS in many
environments, where ambient IOR can vary from ∼1.89 to
∼250, our kinetic data would suggest that 2-methyltetrols in
atmospheric particles are likely chemically stable against heterogeneous OH
oxidation under humid conditions.
Real-time pollen monitoring using digital holography
Authors: Sauvageat Eric , Zeder Yanick , Auderset Kevin , Calpini Bertrand , Clot Bernard , Crouzy Benoît , Konzelmann Thomas , Lieberherr Gian , Tummon Fiona , Vasilatou Konstantina
Published: March 2020

Abstract. We present the first validation of the Swisens Poleno, currently the
only operational automatic pollen monitoring system based on digital
holography. The device provides in-flight images of all coarse
aerosols, and here we develop a two-step classification algorithm that
uses these images to identify a range of pollen taxa. Deterministic
criteria based on the shape of the particle are applied to initially
distinguish between intact pollen grains and other coarse particulate
matter. This first level of discrimination identifies pollen with an
accuracy of 96 %. Thereafter, individual pollen taxa are
recognized using supervised learning techniques. The algorithm is
trained using data obtained by inserting known pollen types into the
device, and out of eight pollen taxa six can be identified with an
accuracy of above 90 %. In addition to the ability to
correctly identify aerosols, an automatic pollen monitoring system
needs to be able to correctly determine particle concentrations. To
further verify the device, controlled chamber experiments using
polystyrene latex beads were performed. This provided reference
aerosols with traceable particle size and number concentrations in order to
ensure particle size and sampling volume were correctly characterized.
Seasonal patterns of surface inorganic carbon system variables in the Gulf of Mexico inferred from a regional high-resolution ocean biogeochemical model
Authors: Gomez Fabian A. , Wanninkhof Rik , Barbero Leticia , Lee Sang-Ki , Hernandez Jr. Frank J.
Published: March 2020

Abstract. Uncertainties in carbon chemistry variability still remain large in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM), as data gaps limit our ability to infer basin-wide
patterns. Here we configure and validate a regional high-resolution ocean biogeochemical model for the GoM to describe seasonal patterns in surface
pressure of CO2 (pCO2), aragonite saturation state (ΩAr), and sea–air CO2 flux. Model
results indicate that seasonal changes in surface pCO2 are strongly controlled by temperature across most of the GoM basin,
except in the vicinity of the Mississippi–Atchafalaya river system delta, where runoff largely controls dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and total
alkalinity (TA) changes. Our model results also show that seasonal patterns of surface ΩAr are driven by seasonal changes in DIC
and TA, and reinforced by the seasonal changes in temperature. Simulated sea–air CO2 fluxes are consistent with previous
observation-based estimates that show CO2 uptake during winter–spring, and CO2 outgassing during summer–fall. Annually, our
model indicates a basin-wide mean CO2 uptake of 0.35 molm-2yr-1, and a northern GoM shelf (< 200 m) uptake of
0.93 molm-2yr-1. The observation and model-derived patterns of surface pCO2 and CO2 fluxes show good
correspondence; thus this study contributes to improved constraints of the carbon budget in the region.
Formation pressures of eclogites from the Franciscan complex, California, from quartz-in-garnet elastic barometry
Authors: Cisneros Miguel , Behr Whitney , Platt John
Published: March 2020

The spatial, temporal, and pressure-temperature (P-T) relationships among high-pressure metamorphic rocks from within subduction complexes have key implications for their exhumation mechanisms and the rheological properties of the subduction interface. Structural, age, and P-T relationships among exhumed rocks may indicate, for example, (1) melange-style mixing during subduction and exhumation or (2) progressive underplating and coherent exhumation.  Melange-style subduction ‘channels’ should exhibit a range of peak metamorphic grades in incorporated blocks, whereas coherent underplating may result in similar peak P-T conditions among blocks, especially from similar structural levels. Determining P-T conditions of high grade blocks is key for understanding these subduction zone endmembers, but constraining formation pressures of high grade blocks such as eclogites has historically been challenging for petrologists due to the lack of suitable barometers.

In this study, we compare pressure conditions recorded by spatially and temporally variant high-grade eclogite blocks from the Franciscan Complex in California. We use quartz-in-garnet elastic barometry, a technique that can reliably provide growth P conditions of garnets, to determine formation pressures of eclogites from sections of the northern (Jenner Beach, Ring Mountain, and Junction School) and the southern Fransican Complex (Santa Catalina Island). Multiple eclogite blocks from Jenner Beach are analyzed, and single eclogite blocks from the other localities. By comparing  garnet growth conditions from within a single outcrop and between distinct outcrops, we evaluate the local and regional spatial distribution of P conditions recorded by eclogites. Preliminary data from > 100 quartz-in-garnet inclusion pressures suggests that eclogites from the northern Franciscan record similar garnet growth conditions (~1.5 - 1.9 GPa), and pressures recorded on Santa Catalina Island differ slightly (~1.2 - 1.3 GPa). We use these results to address spatio-temporal variations of peak P recorded by eclogites and its implications for exhumation of the Franciscan complex, and further discuss how quartz-in-garnet pressures compare with conventional thermobarometry techniques.
On the stability interpretation of Extended Column Test results
Authors: Techel Frank , Winkler Kurt , Walcher Matthias , van Herwijnen Alec , Schweizer Jürg
Published: March 2020

Abstract. Snow instability tests provide valuable information regarding the stability of the snowpack. Test results are key data used to prepare public avalanche forecasts. However, to include them into the operational procedures, a quantitative interpretation scheme is needed. Whereas the interpretation of the Rutschblock test is well established, a similar detailed classification for the Extended Column Test (ECT) is lacking. Therefore, we develop a 4-class stability interpretation scheme. Exploring a large data set of 1719 ECTs observed at 1226 sites, often performed together with a Rutschblock (RB) in the same snow pit, and corresponding slope stability information, we revisit the existing stability interpretations, explore the potential of a more detailed classification, and specifically consider the interpretation of cases when two ECTs were performed in the same snow pit. Our findings confirm previous research, namely that the crack propagation propensity is the most relevant result and that the loading step required to initiate a crack is of secondary importance for stability assessment. The comparison with the RB showed that the ECT classifies slope stability less reliably than the RB. In some situations, performing a second ECT may be helpful, when the first test did neither indicate rather unstable nor stable conditions. Finally, the data clearly show that false-unstable predictions of stability tests outnumber the correct-unstable predictions in an environment where overall unstable locations are rare.
Review article: Towards a context-driven research: a state-of-the-art review of resilience research on climate change
Authors: Ossewaarde Ringo , Filatova Tatiana , Georgiadou Yola , Hartmann Andreas , Özerol Gül , Pfeffer Karin , Stegmaier Peter , Torenvlied Rene , Van der Voort Mascha , Warmink Jord , Borsje Bas
Published: March 2020

Abstract. Since the 1970s, Holling's socio-ecological systems (SES) approach has been a most predominant theoretical force in resilience research in the context of the climate crisis. From Holling's approach, however, two contrasting scientific approaches to resilience have developed, namely, naturalism and constructivism. While naturalist resilience research takes SES as complex systems marked by non-linearity and evolutionary changes, constructivist resilience research focuses on the embeddedness of SES in heterogenous contexts. In naturalist resilience research resilience is defined as a system property, while in constructivist resilience research resilience is politically loaded and historically contingent. The aim of this paper is to review and structure current developments in resilience research in the field of climate change studies, in terms of the approaches, definitions, models and commitments that are typical for naturalism and constructivism; identify the key tension between naturalist and constructivist resilience research in terms of the widely discussed issue of adaptation and transformation, and discuss its implications for sustainable development; and propose a research agenda of topics distilled from the adaptation-transformation tension between naturalist and constructivist resilience research.
Acute glyphosate exposure does not condition the response of microbial communities to a dry–rewetting disturbance in a soil with longhistory of glyphosate–based herbicides
Authors: Allegrini Marco , Gomez Elena del Valle , Zabaloy María Celina
Published: March 2020

Abstract. Dry–rewetting perturbations are natural disturbances in the edaphic environment and particularly in dryland cultivation areas. The interaction of this disturbance with glyphosate–based herbicides (GBHs) deserves special attention in the soil environment due to the intensification of agricultural practices and the acceleration of climate change with an intensified water cycle. The objective of this study was to assess the response of microbial communities in a soil with long history of GBHs to a secondary imposed perturbation (a single dry–rewetting event). A factorial microcosm study was conducted to evaluate the potential conditioning effect of an acute glyphosate exposure on the response to a following dry–rewetting event. A Respiratory Quotient (RQ) based on an ecologically relevant substrate (p–coumaric acid) and basal respiration was used as physiological indicator. Similarly, DNA–based analyses were considered, including quantitative PCR (qPCR) of functional sensitive microbial groups linked to cycles of carbon (Actinobacteria) and nitrogen (ammonia–oxidizing microorganisms), qPCR of total bacteria and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of ammonia–oxidizing bacteria (AOB). Significant effects of Herbicide and of Dry–rewetting perturbations were observed in the RQ and in the copy number of amoA gene of AOB, respectively. However, no significant interaction was observed between them when analyzing the physiological indicator and the copy number of the evaluated genes. PCR–DGGE results were not conclusive regarding a potential effect of Dry–rewetting × Herbicide interaction on AOB community structure, suggesting further analysis by deep sequencing of amoA gene.
Western Greenland ice sheet retreat history reveals elevated precipitation during the Holocene thermal maximum
Authors: Downs Jacob , Johnson Jesse , Briner Jason , Young Nicolás , Lesnek Alia , Cuzzone Josh
Published: March 2020

Abstract. We investigate changing precipitation patterns in the Kangerlussuaq region of western central Greenland during the Holocene thermal maximum (HTM), using a new chronology of ice sheet terminus position through the Holocene and a novel inverse modeling approach based on the unscented transform (UT). The UT is applied to estimate changes in annual precipitation in order to reduce the misfit between modeled and observed terminus positions. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the UT for time-dependent data assimilation, highlighting its low computational cost and trivial parallel implementation. Our results indicate that Holocene warming coincided with elevated precipitation, without which modeled retreat in the Kangerlussuaq region is more rapid than suggested by observations. Less conclusive is whether high temperatures during the HTM were specifically associated with a transient increase in precipitation, as the results depend on the assumed temperature history. Our results highlight the important role that changing precipitation patterns had in controlling ice sheet extent during the Holocene.
Development of a numerical model of a novel leading edge protection component for wind turbine blades
Authors: Finnegan William , Dasan Keeryadath Priya , Ó Coistealbha Rónán , Flanagan Tomas , Flanagan Michael , Goggins Jamie
Published: March 2020

Abstract. As the world shifts to using renewable sources of energy, wind energy has been established as one of the leading forms of renewable energy. However, as wind turbines get increasingly larger, new challenges within the design, manufacture and operation of the turbine are presented. One such challenge is leading edge erosion on wind turbine blades. With larger wind turbine blades, tip speed begin to reach over 500 km per hour. As water droplets impact along the leading edge of the blade, rain erosion begins to occur, increasing maintenance costs and reducing the design life of the blade. In response to this, a new leading edge protection component (LEP) for offshore for wind turbine blades is being developed, which is manufactured from thermoplastic polyurethane. In this paper, an advanced finite element analysis (FEA) model of this new leading edge protection component has been developed. Within this study, the FEA model has been validated against experimental trials at demonstrator level, comparing the deflection and strains during testing and found to be in good agreement. The model is then applied to a full-scale wind turbine blade is then modelled with the LEP bonded onto the blade’s leading edge and compared to previously performed experimental trials, where the results were found to be well aligned when comparing the deflections of the blade. The methodology used to develop the FEA model can be applied to other wind blade designs in order to incorporate the new leading edge protection component to eliminate the risk of rain erosion and improve the sustainability of wind turbine blade manufacture, while increasing the service life of the blade.
The Impact of Organizational Behavior on Organizational Citizenship Behavior A Field study on BEMO Saudi Fransi Bank
Authors: Ali Bashar Haj
Published: March 2020

The aim of this research is to study the three dimensions of organizational behavior (evaluation of the worker’s personality, the motives of the worker, its interactivity within the work team) and the dimensions of organizational citizenship (altruism, general compliance, conscience awareness and civilizational behavior) among Bemo Saudi Fransi employees. (163) questionnaires were distributed to those who accepted to participate in the study and based on the approval and direction of the relevant departments in Bemo Saudi Fransi Bank, where the number of the sample's employees is (690) employees, and it was concluded that there was a statistically significant effect of the organizational behavior variables (evaluation of the worker’s personality, The motivations of the worker) while there is no relation to the variable (interactivity within the work team) in the behavior of organizational citizenship towards the management of the bank (altruism) and the presence of a statistically significant effect of organizational behavior variables (evaluation of the worker’s personality, worker motivations, the ability of the worker to interact within the work team) in the behavior of Organizational citizenship towards bank management (A. Compliance with the public, awareness of conscience and civilized behavior). It was also found that there are fundamental differences attributable to the gender variable of the sample, as the males volunteer to carry out the tasks that are not required of them except that they take breaks that they do not deserve and do not spend their time working without making an effort, while the females help others who were absent from their work and seek accuracy in their work times while the absence of fundamental differences Regarding the variables of organizational behavior and organizational citizenship in relation to the variable of the academic level of the sample. It was recommended that employees should be involved more in the management of a bank by setting up awareness sessions for them and doing some administrative matters within the management of a bank and opening means and channels of communication with management continuously and periodically, and trying to support the sense of creativity and innovation for workers in Bemo Saudi Fransi Bank and to conduct training courses and that By training employees to improve the image of a bank’s management and to perform the job with perfection and dedication.
Evidence From the Phylogenetic Domain and the Use of L1 in English Language Teaching
Authors: Evans Hywel , Rafieyan Vahid , Hasebe Natsue
Published: March 2020

The theoretical foundations supporting adherence to naturalistic language learning approaches appear to have entirely collapsed, just as non-naturalistic approaches to language teaching such as translation and translanguaging have become increasingly respectable in English language teaching. In line with this, language and language learning are increasingly being understood as sociocultural phenomena, inevitably situated in local contexts, rather than in terms of manipulation of an abstract, universally-shared set of syntactic rules. This prompts a reevaluation of both traditional methods and innovation in specific sociocultural settings. We offer a review of some important developments in our understanding of language acquisition, with particular focus on evidence from the phylogenetic domain, often overlooked by language professionals, and suggest directions for fruitful investigation. In this regard, we recommend attention first to methods that have stood the test of time in the sociocultural milieu, that are acknowledged as having value by both local teachers and students. As a notable example of these, we focus on the pedagogical use of L2 vocabulary items embedded in L1 text. We find that the claim made by Japanese native local teachers, that such L1 use is helpful in vocabulary learning, receives significant support from our experimental results.
Estilos de aprendizaje y actitud hacia la matemática en estudiantes de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la UNAN-Managua
Authors: Solano Ocampos Jeremi Abiuth , Muñoz López Dania Vanessa , Martínez López Diógenes , Rojas Rojas Jony Alexander
Published: March 2020

El presente trabajo es un estudio sobre los estilos de aprendizaje y la actitud hacia la matemática en los estudiantes de primer año de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la UNAN-Managua, con este, se pretende determinar si existe alguna relación entre estas dos variables. Esta investigación es de tipo descriptiva-correlacional, con un enfoque cuantitativo. Se trabaja con una muestra de 208 estudiantes, para la recolección de los datos se aplicaron dos cuestionarios: El primero corresponde a los estilos de aprendizaje y contiene 32 ítems, dicho instrumento es una simplificación del cuestionario Honey-Alonso elaborada por las autoras Vega M. y Patino M. (2013), el segundo cuestionario corresponde a la actitud hacia la matemática, compuesto por 23 ítems (12 positivos y 11 negativos), el cual es una adaptación del instrumento elaborado por Montesinos (2017), en ambos cuestionarios cada ítem será medido de manera ordinal por una escala tipo Likert. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que el estilo predominante en los estudiantes es el reflexivo y la actitud hacia la matemática es favorable. Además, se encontró que en los estudiantes de medicina de la UNAN-Managua las variables estilos de aprendizaje y actitud hacia la matemática se encuentran relacionados, según el método estadístico no paramétrico chi-cuadrado.
Administración de las remesas y su efecto en el nivel de vida de los estudiantes receptores Estelí 2019
Authors: Melgara Trochez Hanyi Rossely , Gómez Martínez María José , Aguirre Valle Paula Rebeca , Gómez García Reynaldo José
Published: March 2020

El presente trabajo de investigación tiene como objetivo principal determinar la administración de las remesas y su efecto en el nivel de vida de los estudiantes del departamento de Ciencias Económicas y Administrativas de la Facultad Regional Multidisciplinaria (FAREM Estelí), considerando que no se han realizado estudios sobre esta temática en cuanto a la administración de las remesas. Según el nivel de conocimiento de esta investigación es de tipo cuantitativa, tipo de estudio descriptivo, según su finalidad es aplicada y de acuerdo al alcance temporal es de corte transversal. La muestra la constituyen los estudiantes del departamento de ciencias económicas de la facultad en sus diferentes carreras y turnos. Las técnicas de recolección de datos fueron: sondeo y encuestas las cuales se aplicaron a los estudiantes y entrevistas a los responsables de las agencias de envío y bancos comerciales. Los principales resultados obtenidos los cuales dan salida a los objetivos planteados, conociendo así el lugar de origen de los estudiantes, el país de origen de las remesas, así también cual es la prioridad que se leda a las mismas, en conceptos de ahorro, inversión, construcción de vivienda, negocio propio, emprendimiento juvenil, salud, educación. Referente al efecto de las remesas en el nivel de vida de los estudiantes refiere que el hecho de recibir las mismas y llevar a cabo su administración logra tener un mejor y mayor acceso a la formación profesional, de esta forma mejorando su estatus económico por ende su calidad y nivel de vida.
Banking Competition and Efficiency: The Case of Vietnamese Banking Industry
Authors: Le Long Hau , Duong Truong An , Le Tan Nghiem
Published: March 2020

This paper is to investigate the impact of competition on the efficiency of the banking industry in Vietnam. Data are collected from the audited annual financial statements and the annual reports of 30 commercial banks during the period of 2010 – 2017. Lerner index is used to measure the market power of bank, while Data Envelope Analysis is employed to estimate the technical efficiency of bank. The impact of competition on the operational efficiency of commercial banks is estimated by Panel Vector Autoregressive model (PVAR). The empirical results seem to indicate that there is a positive impact of competition on the bank efficiency, which is in line with the “quiet-life” hypothesis. However, the statistical test does not confirm this at the traditional levels. Interestingly, the empirical results demonstrate a negative impact of bank efficiency on the market power of bank, and hence market competition. While this result shares the causality dimension with the “efficient structure” hypothesis, it presents an opposite sign on the causality. All these findings could be explained by the real situations and typical characteristics of the economy of Vietnam. This study has important implications for both researchers and practioners.
Images - Adenomatoid tumor of testis, concerning for malignancy after ultrasound
Authors: Nham Emily , Abdi Hamidreza , Belanger Eric Charles , Mahoney John
Published: March 2020

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Transmission Mechanism of Exchange Rate Pass-Through to Domestic Price: The Case of Afghanistan
Authors: Arian Ajmal , U. Arabi
Published: March 2020

This article investigates the mechanism of exchange rate pass-through to the prices in the context of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s economy. This study explored the magnitude and speed of the pass-through effect on the prices by analyzing quarterly data from 2003 Q1 to 2019 Q2 considering five variables (viz., world food price index, foreign reserves, money supply, import price, and nominal effective exchange rate) based on the Vector Autoregression Model (VAR) with the cointegration and innovation accounting tools such has impulse response function and variance decomposition. The findings of the study suggest that the exchange rate pass-through in Afghanistan is incomplete. The import price is highly responsive in the short-run and moderately responsive an increasingly smooth movement in the long-run. However, CPI in the short-run with swift positive respond but the long-run smooth increasing movement. Furthermore, variance decomposition evidence shows that import price is affected by FR, NEER, CPI, and MS in both short-run and long-run, but the CPI strongly lagged by its variance, WFP, NEER, import price, and MS.
A Risk-Neutral Consumer and His Coherent Decisions Under Uncertainty: A Methodological Analysis
Authors: Angelini Pierpaolo
Published: March 2020

If we study the expected utility function then we deal with a uniﬁed approach to an integrated formulation of decision theory in its two subjective components: utility and probability. We decompose the expected utility function inside of an m-dimensional linear space after decomposing a contingent consumption plan viewed as a univariate random quantity. We propose a condition of coherence compatible with all possible attitudes in the face of risk of a consumer. It is a geometric condition of coherence. In particular, we consider a risk-neutral consumer and his coherent decisions under uncertainty. The right closed structure in order to deal with utility and probability is a linear space in which we study coherent decisions under uncertainty having as their goal the maximization of the prevision of the utility associated with a contingent consumption bundle.
National population-based tuberculosis prevalence survey in Ghana, 2013
Authors: Bonsu F. , Addo K. K. , Alebachew Z. , Gyapong J. , Badu-Peprah A. , Gockah R. , Hanson-Nortey N. N. , Law I. , Tadolini M. , Onozaki I. , Sismanidis C. , Owusu-Dabo E.
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) disease is one of the three main indicators used to assess the epidemiological burden of TB and the impact change of TB control; the other two are incidence and mortality.OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of TB disease
among adults in Ghana.METHODS: A nationally representative cross-sectional survey was conducted. Participants were screened for TB using interview and chest X-ray (CXR). For those participants with cough ≥2 weeks and/or abnormal CXR, spot and morning sputum specimens were collected
and examined by smear microscopy and culture.RESULTS: The study revealed that the prevalence of smear-positive TB among adults (age ≥15 years) was 111 (95%CI 76–145) and that of bacteriologically confirmed TB was 356 (95%CI 288–425) per 100 000 population.
Males and older people had a higher prevalence than their counterparts. The majority of TB cases were smear-negative and had an abnormal CXR without reported chronic cough.CONCLUSION: The survey revealed much higher TB disease burden than previously estimated. This implies that
the programme needs more effort and resources to find undiagnosed and unreported cases. The higher proportion of smear-negative and asymptomatic TB cases suggests the need to revise the existing screening and diagnostic algorithms.
Tygarrup javanicus (Chilopoda, Geophilomorpha) – an exotic species that has reached Poland
Authors: Damasiewicz Alicja , Leśniewska Małgorzata
Published: March 2020

For the first time in Poland, centipedes of a tropical species Tygarrup javanicus (Attems, 1907) (Geophilomorpha) were found in the hothouses with the tropical vegetation of the Botanical Garden in Wrocław. This Asian species has increasingly been reported from European greenhouses. Its spread is facilitated, among other factors, by small body size and parthenogenesis. In Poland one should also expect other exotic species which have already been found in neighbouring countries.
Evaluation of Static and Dynamic Stability of Spinal Cord Injuries: What Are the Gaps?
Authors: Asiabi Hussein , Arazpour Mokhtar , Bahramizadeh Mahmoud , Karimi Mohammad Taghi
Published: March 2020

Summary
Background. Depending on the level of lesion, spinal cord injury (SCI) individuals have limited ability to stand and walk. They have to use various assistive devices to restore their abilities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability of SCI individuals during walking and quiet standing.
Material and methods. Three groups: normal subjects and SCI individuals with complete and incomplete lesions, were enrolled. Stability of the subjects was evaluated based on center of pressure (COP) sways in quiet standing and spatiotemporal gait parameters in walking. The difference between the stability of normal and SCI subjects was determined by use of the two-sample t test. The correlation between the mean values of stability parameters in standing and walking and lesion level was determined by use of Pearson’s correlation.
Results. The stability of SCI subjects during quiet standing was better than that of normal subjects. How­ever, their dynamic stability was significantly less than normal subjects. The dynamic stability of complete and incomplete SCI subjects did not differ significantly (P-value<0.05). There was no correlation between lesion level and stability parameters.
Conclusions. 1. SCI individuals suffer mostly from lack of dynamic stability, which does not depend on their lesion levels. 2. It seems that this problem may be due to rehabilitation methods used to improve stability in these patients. 3. It is recommended that new methods of rehabilitation or assistive devices should be used to improve stability of these individuals.
Verantwortung, Krieg und Menschenwürde
Authors: Sturm Cornelius
Published: March 2020

Who should be responsible for protecting people and why? The normative concept of a responsibility to protect (R2P), adopted by the United Nations in 2006, attributes that responsibility to states and international organisations. Since then, recurring controversies have indicated a lack of consensus regarding the understanding and consequences of the R2P as well as its ethical foundations. Are there reasons for protecting people that might be accepted across different cultures? This book examines the attribution of responsibility in this respect within the scope of the R2P and proposes a starting point for cross-cultural ethical discussions.
A Reflexive Islamic Modernity
Authors: Magout Mohammad
Published: March 2020

Nizari Ismailis are one of most active Muslim communities in academic education and knowledge production in the fields of Islamic studies and humanities. For this purpose, the community runs two academic institutions based in London: The Institute of Ismaili Studies and the Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations. Drawing on sociological approaches to religion and knowledge, this study examines the academic discourse of these two institutes an the religious subjectivities of their international body of students. It shows that the Ismaili community is navigating challenges along three axes: its relationship to secular modernity, to mainstream Islam, and to itself (its own history and identity). The Ismaili response to this three-dimensional challenge is interpreted as a process of reflexive modernization, whereby Islam is discursively reconceptualized as culture rather than religion and uncertainty is internalized into individual religious subjectivity.
Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor-Ivacaftor: The First Triple-Combination Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Modulating Therapy
Authors: Ridley Kaden , Condren Michelle
Published: March 2020

Elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor is a newly approved triple-combination cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulating therapy that contains 2 correctors and a potentiator of the CFTR channel. Its labeled indication for use is for persons 12 years of age and older with at least 1 F508del mutation for the CFTR gene. This drug combination provides potential therapy to many patients who had previously been excluded from CFTR modulation therapy due to the nature of their genetic mutations. The efficacy demonstrated in clinical trials surpasses the currently available therapies related to lung function, quality of life, sweat chloride reduction, and reducing exacerbations. The most common adverse events seen in clinical trials included rash and headache, and laboratory monitoring is recommended to evaluate liver function. Continued evaluation of patient data is needed to confirm its long-term safety and efficacy. Elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor is a monumental and encouraging therapy for cystic fibrosis; however, approximately 10% of the CF population are not candidates for this or any other CFTR modulation therapy.
Continuous Infusion Vancomycin in Pediatric Patients: A Critical Review of the Evidence
Authors: Girand Heather L.
Published: March 2020

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the use of continuous infusion vancomycin in pediatric patients.

DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION PubMed, Cochrane Library, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, and Google Scholar were searched to identify relevant published articles (1977 to November 2019) using the following search terms: vancomycin, neonates, pediatrics, infusion, continuous, administration, children, nephrotoxicity, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. All English-language primary references that evaluated continuous infusion vancomycin in pediatric patients were included in this review.

DATA SYNTHESIS Vancomycin is typically administered with intermittent infusions, but continuous infusion is an alternative delivery method used to improve achievement of target serum concentrations. Fifteen articles were reviewed that evaluated continuous infusion vancomycin in pediatric patients. Study data were heterogeneous with limited evidence to support improved clinical or microbiologic outcomes as compared with intermittent dosing. Potential benefits and limitations of continuous infusions are discussed.

CONCLUSIONS Currently available evidence is lacking to support routine implementation of continuous infusion vancomycin in pediatric patients. However, it is a therapeutic option in certain clinical conditions and could be beneficial for individuals with serious Gram-positive infections where rapid achievement of target serum concentrations is critical. Continuous infusions may also benefit individuals who do not achieve target concentrations or who experience significant red man syndrome with traditional dosing, particularly when high daily doses are required. Optimal dosing and ideal target serum concentrations have not been established and may vary for different populations. Future prospective randomized clinical trials should be performed to identify optimal dosing and monitoring regimens and determine comparative safety and efficacy with traditional intermittent dosing in various pediatric populations.
Stability of Oxandrolone in Medium-Chain Triglyceride Oil and Pharmacokinetics Following Buccal Administration of the Extemporaneous Formulation in Neonates and Adults
Authors: Linakis Matthew W. , Rower Joseph E. , Sorenson Susan , Reilly Christopher A. , Lambert Linda M. , Williams Richard V. , Burch Phillip T.
Published: March 2020

OBJECTIVES Growth failure following surgical palliation of complex congenital heart defects (CHDs) is a prognosticator of poor outcomes. Many strategies for improving weight gain have been implemented in this population, with limited success. We recently described the potential of the anabolic steroid oxandrolone to improve weight gain following surgical repair of CHD when administered via a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil suspension to the buccal mucosa. The current study evaluates the stability of oxandrolone in the MCT oil formulation, as well as the pharmacokinetics of oxandrolone when administered via buccal mucosa in both neonates and adults.

METHODS Stability was assessed by long-term storage of the preparation 1) at ambient conditions and 2) under photodegradative conditions for 3 days. Neonatal pharmacokinetic parameters were determined in a cohort of neonates following surgical CHD repair, whereas adult pharmacokinetics parameters were collected as part of a prospective study to evaluate the relative bioavailability of the oxandrolone in MCT oil formulation.

RESULTS We found that oxandrolone was stable in the MCT oil formulation for at least 1 month, although exposure to light hastened drug degradation. Both neonatal and adult oxandrolone pharmacokinetics were variable; however, oxandrolone in MCT oil was relatively well absorbed through the buccal mucosa (mean bioavailability = 62.5%).

CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that the variability in oxandrolone exposures is inherent to the drug, and not the formulation or route of administration. Combined, these data support further study of this novel oxandrolone in MCT oil formulation and its impact on growth following complex surgical repair of CHD in neonates.
Potential Perinatally Acquired Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase Escherichia coli Urinary Tract Infection in an Infant
Authors: Ziegler Jason , Chapman Heather , Rueth Megan , Hays Annette , Schriever Christopher , Tsaras Geoffrey
Published: March 2020

Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) are produced mainly by members of the Enterobacteriaceae family and confer resistance to most β-lactam antibiotics. Because of limited treatment options, ESBL infections are typically more challenging to treat resulting in poor outcomes, increased complications, and mortality. Because ESBL-producing organisms are primarily seen in critically ill patients, along with those patients having prolonged hospital stays, extensive courses of antimicrobials, and/or use of invasive medical devices (i.e., urinary catheters, central venous lines, or endotracheal tubes), guidelines regarding the management of ESBL-producing organisms in the pediatric population are scant. A review of current recommended treatment options for infections caused by ESBL-producing organisms centers on the use of carbapenems, with some supportive literature regarding the utility/effectiveness of other non-β-lactam therapy. We present a case report of an 8-month-old female diagnosed with a urinary tract infection due to ESBL-producing Escherichia coli successfully treated with sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim. Multidrug resistant infections in pediatric patients without risk factors remains an important field of study because these unique infections may pose a problem when choosing an effective empiric antimicrobial therapy.