bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Islamic Values in Spatial Function of Javanese Traditional Architecture
Authors: Supriyanta Supriyanta , Malik Ibrahim
Published: February 2016

Learn from the past is important thing as based for the next step. Learn past architecture to gain positive values can be used as guidelines to design better architectural works. Javanese traditional architecture is one of local architecture from the past which has positive values, even if it is done deeper study; it has Islamic values which can be used as principles in the process of Islamic architectural design. To achieve Islamic values in spatial pattern Javanese traditional architecture can be done through exploration and reviewing Javanese traditional architectural space afterward it is associated with Islamic values which are relevant with Al Qur’an and sunnah prophet. In fact is the spatial pattern in Javanese traditional architecture arrayed with beauty and also has Islamic valuable function. Those Islamic values are 1) high esteem guest (pendopo) through providing wide and comfortable living room; 2) create divider (pringgitan) which separate between living room and main room so that the privation can be kept; 3) separation the bed room (gandok kiwo and gandok tengen) between parents and their children who are going mature and also between boys and girls; 4) provide praying room (senthong tengah) to pray as family education and also as a place to pray to the God.
Strategies to Address Individual Level Social Determinants of Health Designed to Cultivate the Next Generation of Minority Nurse Leaders Committed to Health Equity
Authors: Carter Brigit Maria , Derouin Anne L.
Published: February 2016

In response to the need for increased racial and ethnic diversity in the nursing profession, the Duke University School of Nursing (DUSON) established the Academy for Academic and Social Enrichment for Leadership Development in Health Equity (Health Equity Academy). The aim of the Health Equity Academy is to improve the diversity of the nursing workforce by expanding nursing education opportunities for underrepresented minority (URM) students who are economically disadvantaged to prepare for, enroll in, and graduate from the DUSON's Accelerated Bachelors of Science in Nursing program. The goal of this program is to cultivate URM nursing graduates with advanced knowledge and leadership skills who can address health disparities and positively influence health care issues currently plaguing underrepresented populations. The article discusses the Health Equity Academy framework, which consists of two unique components: the Pre-entry Immersion in Nursing and the Pathway to Success in Nursing (PSN). These two components are designed to address the nursing student individual level social determinants which could be potential barriers to success as well as provide support in their academic and professional development goals.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: The Experience of Infant Massage
Authors: Hahn Jeri , Lengerich Alexander , Byrd Rhonda , Stoltz Regina , Hench Jeanine , Byrd Stephanie , Ford Christie
Published: February 2016

Babies born to women who have used opioids during pregnancy frequently develop withdrawal symptoms following birth. Although a consistently used protocol is not available to treat these infants, interventions commonly used include a pharmacological regimen and supportive care such as swaddling, frequent feedings, decreased sensory stimulation, and protection from skin breakdown (Murphy-Oikonen, Montelpare, Bertoldo, Southon, & Persichino, 2012). A qualitative study was designed to better understand how infant massage might impact these babies’ behavior and the mothers’ relationship with their babies. Themes derived from the data include empowerment, enjoyment and bonding, and calm and comfort. The themes suggest that infant massage helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms in infants while fostering a connection between mother and child.
Social Determinants of Health: Cultural Competence is Not Enough
Authors: Powell Dorothy L.
Published: February 2016

In our nation of rapidly growing diversity and increasing cross-cultural interactions, cultural competence has been recognized as critical for reducing health disparities and improving access to high-quality health care. However, more than a decade of experience in establishing, developing, and implementing cultural immersion programs for nursing students in the United States and in developing countries has convinced this scholar that although cultural competence is of critical importance, many other factors need to be examined and kept in mind as we continue to take on the monumental challenge of eliminating health disparities. This article presents the background and context of current efforts to eliminate health disparities and points out some other key considerations that will be vital in achieving the desired outcome.
Perbandingan Perhitungan Trafik Jam Sibuk CDMA 2000 1x pada BTS Inner City dan BTS Outer City dengan Mempergunakan Metode ADPH, TCBH, FDMH dan FDMP
Authors: Wahyudi Eka , Pamungkas Wahyu , Basuseno Adimawono
Published: February 2016

Cellular communication system is a wireless communication system where the subscriber can move within a wide network coverage. Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) is a multiuser access technology that is each user uses a unique code contained in the access channel in the system. Calculation and determination of peak hours can be done by several methods such as: Average Daily Peak Hour (ADPH), Time Consistent Busy Hour (TCBH), Fixed Daily Measurement Hour (FDMH), Fixed Daily Measurement Period (FDMP). The effectiveness of the channel should be determined by occupancy both at inner city territory and outer city  territory location. Using design Erlang (Erl) for supply channel at Base Transceiver Station (BTS) that provided, BTS has a design Erlang of 369,83 Erl at inner city and it has a design Erlang of 241,8 Erl at outer city. Peak hour on the inner city occurred at 12:00 to 15:00, whereas the outer city of peak hour occurred at 18:00 to 21:00. Effectiveness value that determined by operator are : <20% = low occupancy (not effective), 21% to 69% = normal occupancy (effective), and > 70% = high occupancy (very effective). In this case occupancy values ​​obtained in each method is between 21% to 69% which means effective.
Perbandingan Akurasi Pengukuran Suhu dan Kelembaban Antara Sensor DHT11 dan DHT22 Studi Komparatif pada Platform ATMEL AVR dan Arduino
Authors: Saptadi Arief Hendra
Published: February 2016

Suhu dan kelembaban merupakan dua objek pengukuran yang acapkali terdapat di dalam sistem akuisisi data. Terdapat banyak piranti sensor yang berfungsi untuk mengukur dua objek tersebut dan akurasi merupakan salah satu parameter yang dapat digunakan untuk memilihnya. DHT11 dan DHT22 adalah sensor seri DHT dari Aosong Electronics yang dapat melakukan pengukuran suhu dan kelembaban secara serempak dengan keluaran digital. Informasi tentang akurasi terdapat di dalam lembar data keduanya. Kendati pun demikian informasi tersebut tidak menggambarkan kondisi sesungguhnya saat dioperasikan pada lokasi maupun platform tertentu. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk membandingkan akurasi dari DHT11 dan DHT22 dalam pengukuran suhu dan kelembaban saat dioperasikan di dalam maupun di luar ruangan, menggunakan platform ATMEL AVR dan Arduino. Berdasarkan pengujian yang telah dilakukan, DHT22 memiliki akurasi yang lebih baik daripada DHT11 dengan galat relatif pengukuran suhu 4% dan kelembaban 18%. DHT11 sebaliknya memiliki rentang galat yang lebih lebar sebesar 1 – 7% dan 11 – 35%, masing-masing untuk pengukuran suhu dan kelembaban. Perbedaan lokasi dan platform tidak memberikan pengaruh pada hasil pengukuran. Galat pengukuran kelembaban yang masih di atas 10% menunjukkan perlunya kalibrasi ulang. Di masa mendatang, selain akurasi, kepresisian juga perlu diuji menggunakan penghitungan simpangan baku pada hasil-hasil pengukuran.
Aplikasi Berbasis Web Pendeteksi Plagiarisme Menggunakan Algoritma Himpunan Kata
Authors: Ismail Ismail , Yunarso Eka Widhi
Published: February 2016

Plagiarisme adalah penggunaan tulisan orang lain dalam tulisan sendiri tanpa memberikan kredit terhadap penulis asli. Tindakan ini membuat pembaca menganggap tulisan tersebut asli dan bukan kutipan. Plagiarisme melanggar kode etik dalam karya ilmiah. Untuk itu, adanya aplikasi yang membantu mendeteksi potensi plagiarisme sebuah tulisan sangatlah penting. Paper ini menguraikan hasil implementasi aplikasi berbasis web pendeteksi plagiarisme menggunakan algoritma berbasis himpunan kata dari Küppers. Oleh karena tidak adanya corpus Bahasa Indonesia untuk evaluasi algoritma pendeteksi plagiarisme, pengujian tidak dievaluasi menggunakan penilaian standar, seperti recall, precision, dan granularity. Hasil pengujian ditunjukkan dengan nilai yang menjadi ukuran kemiripan dokumen yang diuji dengan dokumen lain yang ada di basisdata. Secara rata-rata, didapatkan nilai potensi sebesar 0,8 untuk paragraf-paragraf yang sama persis, 0,6 untuk paragraf yang merupakan hasil pengubahan kata atau tanda baca, dan 0,4 untuk paragraf-paragraf yang merupakan hasil penulisan ulang.
Analisis Estimasi Kanal Dengan Menggunakan Metode Invers Matrik Pada Sistem MIMO-OFDM
Authors: Nugroho Kukuh , Utami Riski
Published: February 2016

Kanal merupakan media transmisi antar pengirim dan penerima. Pada sistem komunikasi berbasiskan nirkabel, kanal memegang peranan penting dalam menentukan kualitas dari proses pengiriman sinyal dari pengirim ke penerima. Terdapat beberapa faktor yang menentukan kualitas komunikasi nirkabel akibat pengaruh kanal, diantara komponen yang mempengaruhi kanal antara lain; kanal terdapat banyak noise (derau), atenuasi (redaman), juga dengan banyaknya jalur yang digunakan, sehingga terjadi redaman yang dikenal dengan istilah multipath fading yang dapat merusak sinyal, sehingga sinyal berubah dari bentuk aslinya. Multipath fading merupakan gejala pelemahan sinyal akibat sinyal dari pengirim melewati berbagai macam jalan, bisa sinyal langsung, terpantul, maupun sinyal yang sudah teredam oleh bahan tertentu, misalnya kaca atau kayu. Penggunaan teknik OFDM dapat meminimilasi pengaruh gejala multipath fading. OFDM merupakan teknik pentransmisian data berkecepatan tinggi dengan menggunakan beberapa sinyal pembawa (carrier) secara paralel. Sedangkan MIMO merupakan teknik dalam proses pentransmisian sinyal dengan menggunakan beberapa antena, baik pada sisi pengirim maupun penerima. Tujuan dari penggunakan teknik multi-antena adalah untuk memaksimalkan proses transmisi data (sinyal) ke penerima. Sehingga penggabungan teknik MIMO-OFDM merupakan suatu teknik transmisi yang mampu menyediakan layanan dengan kecepatan transfer data tinggi serta dapat meminimalisasi akibat pengaruh multipath fading. Dalam proses pendeteksian data pada sisi penerima diperlukan peran dari proses estimasi kanal. Perubahan kondisi kanal yang setiap saat berubah mengakibatkan perlunya proses estimasi kanal disisi perangkat penerima. Salah satu metode yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah menggunakan teknik invers matrik. Pola penggunaan antena banyak (multi-antena) pada sisi pengirim dan penerima dapat dipolakan dalam bentuk matrik. Sehingga estimasi kanal dengan menggunakan salah satu teknik dalam matrik yaitu invers matrik dapat dimungkinkan. Hasil keluaran dari penelitian adalah membandingkan pengaruh penambahan teknik OFDM dalam proses estimasi kanal menggunakan metode invers matrik pada sistem MIMO. Dari hasil simulasi menunjukkan sistem estimasi kanal menggunakan metode invers matrik MIMO tanpa OFDM, sistem dapat menghasilkan BER 0 (tanpa error) disaat sistem diberikan noise sebesar 12 dB. Artinya sistem MIMO tanpa OFDM hanya tahan sampai adanya noise sebesar 12 dB. Sedangkan untuk sistem MIMO dengan penambahan teknik OFDM menghasilkan nilai BER 0 (tanpa error) disaat diberikan nilai noise sebesar 15 dB.
Source identification of fecal contamination in the canals in Bangkok using fecal sterol compounds
Authors: Srijew Supattra , Chiemchaisri Wilai , Chiemchaisri Chart , Satoh Hiroyasu
Published: February 2016

This study aims to apply fecal sterols as a chemical indicator to track feces contamination sources in the canals in Bangkok. The sewage and canal sediments were examined during the dry season. Fecal sterols in the canals were evaluated over a one-year period (2011–2012) for the selected sterol compounds. Several factors including season, canal water levels, rainfall data, and sewage were correlated to fecal contamination. The highest concentrations of cholesterol (CHR) (8.321 μg/L), coprostanol (CPN) (6.490 μg/L), and cholestanol (CHN) (1.205 μg/L) in discharged sewage were found from the community near Samata Amonmak bridge. Maximum yearly average fecal sterol contents observed in the canal sediments were: CHR (12.478 μg/g), CHN (10.782 μg/g), and CPN (16.903 μg/g). They indicate high fecal pollution both from human and warm-blooded animals such as dogs' and birds' feces. The water level in canals and rainfall intensity influenced changes in fecal sterol contents. Suspended solids in the canal water during summer were correlated with the sterol contents. Overall, it can be summarized that the studied canals were highly polluted with organic matter and enteric bacteria. Human feces from the discharged sewage were the major source of fecal contamination in Ong-Ang and Bang-Lumphu canals.
Focus group discussions among the Bai in China to inform a social marketing campaign for sanitation promotion
Authors: Dickey Mary Kathryn , John Robert , Carabin Helene , Zhou Xiao-Nong
Published: February 2016

Local cultural norms, values, beliefs, and practices related to toilet use must be understood before planning household toilet promotion initiatives. Focus group discussions may be used to gain this understanding. This paper (1) reports the methods and results of focus group research used in southwest China among the Bai people group to inform a sanitation marketing campaign; (2) reports the advantages and challenges of a multi-cultural research team in focus group research; and (3) evaluates the usefulness of focus group discussions to inform the campaign.
Understanding women's decision making power and its link to improved household sanitation: the case of Kenya
Authors: Hirai Mitsuaki , Graham Jay P. , Sandberg John
Published: February 2016

Women experience many motivational drivers for improving sanitation, but it is unclear how women's role in household decision making affects whether a household opts for better sanitation. We analyzed the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2008/2009 with a representative sample of 4,556 married and cohabiting women to examine the association between women's decision making power in relation to that of partners and the type of sanitation facilities used by household members. The independent effects of respondents’ education, employment status, and socioeconomic status on the type of sanitation facilities were also explored. The direct measurement of women's ability to influence sanitation practice was not available. To address this problem, this study used proxy measures of women's decision making power in the household. The results of this study revealed that women's decision making power for major household purchases was positively associated with households having better sanitation (p < 0.05). The findings suggest that increased gender equity could potentially have spillover effects that result in more households opting to improve their sanitation conditions.
High fluoride drinking water in Gokwe, northwest Zimbabwe
Authors: Mamuse Antony , Watkins Ron
Published: February 2016

More than 200 million people worldwide are exposed to excessive fluoride in drinking water. According to the World Health Organization, the optimal concentration range of fluoride in drinking water is 0.5 to 1.5 mg/L. Above this range, populations may contract dental fluorosis or, in severe cases, crippling skeletal fluorosis. In the Gokwe area in NW Zimbabwe, where drinking water contains up to 11 mg/L fluoride, fluorosis prevalence has previously been estimated at 62%. This paper investigates the water quality of 126 water sources in Gokwe (58 pumped boreholes, 15 flowing artesian boreholes, 46 wells and 7 streams). The water chemistry, determined from high performance ion chromatography and field measurements, showed that the water source types exhibit significantly different (P < 0.05) concentrations of F−, Cl−, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, temperatures, pH and conductivity values. Thirty-five (28%) of the 126 water sources (18 pumped boreholes, 15 artesian boreholes, one well and one stream) contained F− > 1.5 mg/L, indicating that fluoride contamination in the area is a characteristic of deeper groundwater, possibly due to its interactions with the potentially fluoridic coaly and carbonaceous materials of the Lower Karoo Aquifer at depth. The plausibility of providing alternative low fluoride water, and defluoridation, should be investigated.
Comparative study on nutrient removal of agricultural non-point source pollution for three filter media filling schemes in eco-soil reactors
Authors: Du Fuyi , Xie Qingjie , Fang Longxiang , Su Hang
Published: February 2016

Nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) from agricultural non-point source (NPS) pollution have been increasingly recognized as a major contributor to the deterioration of water quality in recent years. The purpose of this article is to investigate the discrepancies in interception of nutrients in agricultural NPS pollution for eco-soil reactors using different filling schemes. Parallel eco-soil reactors of laboratory scale were created and filled with filter media, such as grit, zeolite, limestone, and gravel. Three filling schemes were adopted: increasing-sized filling (I-filling), decreasing-sized filling (D-filling), and blend-sized filling (B-filling). The systems were intermittent operations via simulated rainstorm runoff. The nutrient removal efficiency, biomass accumulation and vertical dissolved oxygen (DO) distribution were defined to assess the performance of eco-soil. The results showed that B-filling reactor presented an ideal DO for partial nitrification–denitrification across the eco-soil, and B-filling was the most stable in the change of bio-film accumulation trends with depth in the three fillings. Simultaneous and highest removals of NH4+-N (57.74–70.52%), total nitrogen (43.69–54.50%), and total phosphorus (42.50–55.00%) were obtained in the B-filling, demonstrating the efficiency of the blend filling schemes of eco-soil for oxygen transfer and biomass accumulation to cope with agricultural NPS pollution.
Flux-step method for the assessment of operational conditions in a submerged membrane bioreactor
Authors: Ranieri Ezio , Goffredo Vito , Campanella Mariachiara , Falk Michael W.
Published: February 2016

A flux-step method was used for monitoring the pressure variation in a solids separation membrane at different operating conditions. A submerged membrane bioreactor pilot plant, used during the short-term tests, was used to purify actual restaurant wastewater. The influence of membrane backwash and relaxation on the variation of pressure variation was also evaluated. In order to reduce the deposition of irreversible fouling, the authors modified the literature-supported filtration to backwash cycling with filtration and relaxation cycling. The trials maintained a constant filtration to relaxation ratio that was in line with optimal filtration to backwashing ratios found in the literature. The relaxation cycling between two constant flux-steps effectively counteracted membrane fouling and the excessive decrease in average pressure, and it results in a lower waste of energy and water than a backwashing strategy.
The investigation of the sludge reduction efficiency and mechanisms in oxic–settling–anaerobic (OSA) process
Authors: Demir Özlem , Filibeli Ayşe
Published: February 2016

This paper aims to provide a full understanding of the sludge reduction mechanisms in the oxic–settling–anaerobic (OSA) process and presents an evaluation of the sludge reduction efficiencies and sludge characteristics in this process compared to the conventional activated sludge process. Fifty-eight percent reduction in observed yield in the OSA process was achieved compared to the control system at the end of the operational period with no deterioration of effluent quality. The settleability of sludge in the OSA process was also found to be better than that of the control system in terms of sludge volume index. In long-term operation, capillary suction time and specific resistance to filtration values confirmed that the OSA process showed good filterability characteristics. The results of batch experiments showed that higher endogenous respiration in the systems might lead to lower sludge production and that energy uncoupling had only a limited impact on sludge reduction.
Synaptic Plasticity, Metaplasticity and Depression
Authors: Vose Linnea R. , Stanton Patric K.
Published: February 2016

The development of a persistent depressive affective state has for some
time been thought to result from persistent alterations in neurotransmitter-mediated
synaptic transmission. While the identity of those transmitters has changed over the
years, the literature has lacked mechanistic connections between the neurophysiological
mechanisms they regulate, and how these mechanisms alter neuronal function, and,
hence, affective homeostasis. This review will examine recent work that suggests that
both long-term activity-dependent changes in synaptic strength (“plasticity”), and shifting
set points for the ease of induction of future long-term changes (“metaplasticity”),
may be critical to establishing and reversing a depressive behavioral state. Activitydependent
long-term synaptic plasticity involves both strengthening and weakening
of synaptic connections associated with a dizzying array of neurochemical alterations that include
synaptic insertion and removal of a number of subtypes of AMPA, NMDA and metabotropic glutamate
receptors, changes in presynaptic glutamate release, and structural changes in dendritic spines. Cellular
mechanisms of metaplasticity are far less well understood. Here, we will review the growing evidence
that long-term synaptic changes in glutamatergic transmission, in brain regions that regulate mood, are
key determinants of affective homeostasis and therapeutic targets with immense potential for drug
development.
MIF is among the proinflammatory cytokines increased by LPS in the human trophoblast line
Authors: Jovanovic-Krivokuca Milica , Stefanoska Ivana , Rabi Abu , Vilotic Aleksandra , Petronijevic Milos , Vrzic-Petronijevic Svetlana , Radojcic Ljiljana , Vicovac Ljiljana
Published: February 2016

Infection is increasingly considered to contribute to pathological conditions
in pregnancy. The placenta acts as a protective immunological fetomaternal
barrier which recognizes microbes by pattern recognition receptors on the
trophoblast. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a cell wall constituent of
Gram-negative bacteria that elicits a strong immune response. In this study,
LPS from E. coli was used to treat the HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cell line and
examine its influence on cytokines IL-6, IL-8 and MIF using real-time PCR,
metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and -9 by gelatin zymography, and Western analysis
of integrin subunits ?1 and ?1, all known to contribute to migration of human
trophoblasts in vitro. The results described herein for the first time, show
that MIF mRNA and secreted MIF protein were significantly elevated (2.5-3-
and 2-fold, respectively) in LPS-treated cells. MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were
increased, as well as cell migration, as judged by a wound-healing test,
however, no changes in the studied integrin subunits, cell viability or cell
numbers were observed. The data obtained furthers our understanding of LPS
actions on the trophoblast in vitro, additionally implicate MIF, and suggest
that infection in vivo could indeed alter the functional characteristics of
the trophoblast.
The GASB No. 34 Impact of Budget-to-Actual Variances on Bond Ratings: Evidence from U.S. Cities
Authors: Callahan Carolyn M. , Waymire Tammy R.
Published: February 2016

We investigate the managerial incentives and debt cost effects associated with budget-to-actual variance disclosures required by the GASB No. 34 reporting model. Empirically, we document associations between variances and municipal bond ratings in a sample of large U.S. cities over the period 2003–2006. We find a disproportionate share of favorable variances for revenues, expenditures, and the net (i.e., surplus/deficit). Further, we show that revenue variances in either direction are associated with lower bond ratings, i.e., precision is important in predicting revenues. In contrast, favorable expenditure variances are associated with higher bond ratings, i.e., imprecision may be tolerated if the variance is favorable. These associations exist despite indirect evidence of managerial incentives to create budgetary slack for both revenues and expenditures. The findings suggest that these disclosures required in the GASB No. 34 financial reporting model indicate factors that influence municipal debt costs.
Enigma of Debonding
Authors: Dubey Chandrika , Prakash Amit , Sharma Anil , Jain Upendra
Published: February 2016

This article overviews the effects of debonding procedures on tooth enamel and reviews a variety of mechanical methods that have been designed to achieve satisfactory composite removal with minimal damage to the enamel surface. The orthodontic procedures starting from etching, priming to debonding cause irreversible enamel loss. The orthodontic treatment shouldensure benefit to the patient; the advantages of treatment should far outweigh any adverse sequelae that might cause by the treatment. To prevent, minimize and manage the possible adverse effects of debonding mechanics, the clinician should be aware of the problems that may occur during the treatment procedures.
Periodontal Procedures adjunct to Orthodontic Treatment
Authors: Janu Anisha , Agrawal Luv , Singh Kamlesh , Singh Anil
Published: February 2016

Orthodontists usually face problems with patients suffering from periodontal disease. The need for instituting periodontal treatment is of greater significance in such patients as chronic destructive periodontal diseases cause significant loss of supporting structures of the periodontium. A multidisciplinary approach should involve both orthodontist and periodontist totreat such patients and treatment progress should be evaluated periodically to implement a comprehensive treatment plan. The aim of this article is to highlight the contributing factors and procedures adjunctive to orthodontic treatment
Orthodontic Camouflage Treatment of Class II Malocclusion in Non-growing Patient - A Case Report
Authors: Khan Lubna , Halwai Hemant Kumar , Yadav Rajiv , Birring Ourvind Jeet Singh
Published: February 2016

The prevalence of skeletal Class II malocclusion is high amongst Asian population. Various treatment modalities have been presented for the treatment of Class II malocclusions in adult patients. We come across many adult patients who desire a costeffective and non-surgical correction and they accept dental camouflage as a treatment option to mask skeletal discrepancy. This case report presents a 26-year-old non-growing female who had a skeletal Class II malocclusion with prognathic maxilla and retrognathic mandible with an overjet of 7 mm, severe crowding, but did not want surgical treatment. We considered the camouflage treatment by extracting upper first premolars. Following the treatment, a satisfactory result was achieved with an acceptable static and functional occlusion, facial profile, smile and lip competence with patient satisfaction.
The Power of Ruins: William Richard Harris's Discovery of the Americas
Authors: Braz Albert
Published: February 2016

Most Canadian writers have shown remarkably little interest in the Americas below the United States, identifying far more with the Northern Hemisphere than with the Western one. The Toronto author William Richard Harris (1846–1923) is one notable exception. A Catholic priest and an amateur anthropologist and archaeologist, Harris devoted his four popular travel books primarily to the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. Fascinated with ruins, he was profoundly affected by the remnants of the architectural wonders that he encountered during his treks. However, partly because of his orthodox religious views on human origins, Harris was never fully able to accept that the builders of those once majestic structures were directly related to modern Indigenous peoples.
Amidation of 1,3-Diarylallylic Compounds Catalysed by 2,3-Dichloro-5,6-Dicyano-1,4-Benzoquinone with Molecular Oxygen as the Terminal Oxidant
Authors: Cheng Dongping , Zhou Xiayi , Yuan Kun , Yan Jizhong
Published: February 2016

An efficient amidation has been developed of 1,3-diarylpropenes by carboxamides, sulfonamides, carbamates and anilines catalysed by 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone and benzoyl peroxide with molecular oxygen. The corresponding products were obtained in moderate to good yields.
Bulky Uterus and Multiparity are Important Contributing Factors for Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding among Bangladeshi Women
Authors: Sultana Nahid , Akhter Nasima , Chowdhury TA
Published: February 2016

Background: Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) is irregular uterine bleeding that occurs in the absence of recognizable pelvic pathology, general medical disease, or pregnancy. It reflects a disruption in the normal cyclic pattern of ovulatory hormonal stimulation to the endometrial lining. About 12% of women with improperly managed anovulatory bleeding eventually may develop endometrial cancer but determinants behind the disease are largely unknown.Objective: The present study aimed to find out the determinants of dysfunctional uterine bleeding.Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study 50 patients of dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) were recruited from different tertiary hospitals in Dhaka city. Clinical parameters have been recorded using a predesigned questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS for Windows version 16.0 and Microsoft Office Excel.Results: In the studied patients, about 38% were suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus, 12% from obesity and 18% from hypertension. Almost all the patients (96%) were suffering from anemia. Histological findings have shown that endometrium of 63% patients were in proliferative phase, about 16% were in secretory phase and 11% patients were with cystic hyperplasia. Ultrasonographic results have shown that about 72% of the patients had bulky uterus. Ninety two percent patients carried more than two pregnancies, and 40% patients carried >5 pregnancies.Conclusion: Bulky uterus and multiple pregnancies may be associated with dysfunctional uterine bleeding in Bangladeshi women.J Enam Med Col 2016; 6(1): 23-27
Cranial Ultrasound in Preterm Neonates: Screening of at Risk Infants for Long Term Neurodevelopmental Impairments
Authors: Islam Mirza Md Ziaul , Islam Md Atiqul , Hossain M Monir , Khan Naila Zaman
Published: February 2016

Background: Preterm birth is associated with variable degree of brain injury and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Therefore, screening of these infants is required to assess further neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Cranial ultrasound finding has been a predictor of outcome in this population.Objective: The present study was carried out to find cranial ultrasound abnormalities in preterm neonates to aid in screening at risk infants for long term neurodevelopmenal impairment.Materials and Methods: This observational study was conducted in Dhaka Shishu (Children) Hospital from October 2011 to March 2012. Total 103 preterm neonates who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. The neonates underwent cranial ultrasound (cUS) scan just after admission and before discharge for screening at risk infants.Results: Total 103 neonates were enrolled with mean age of 7.67 days in neonates with normal cUS findings and 7.23 days in neonates with abnormal cUS findings. Mean gestational age was 31.94 weeks in neonates with normal cUS and 31.85 weeks in neonates with abnormal cUS findings with mean weight 1.83 and 1.81 kg respectively. Among the neonates, 64 (62.1%) were males and 39 (37.9%) were females. Before discharge, out of 103 preterm neonates, 56 (54.3%) had normal cUS and 47 (45.7%) had abnormal cUS findings of which 22 (21.4%) had cerebral edema, 17 (16.5%) IVH and 8 (7.8%) had ventricular dilatation.Conclusion: Routine cranial ultrasound scanning of preterm neonates may aid in identifying at risk infants for long term neurodevelopmental impairments.J Enam Med Col 2016; 6(1): 28-32
Vitriolage: A Case of a 19-Year-Old Girl
Authors: Kabir Mohammad Jubaidul , Bose Palash Kumar , Salam Farhana
Published: February 2016

Acid throwing, also called an acid attack or vitriolage, is a form of violent assault. It is defined as the act of throwing strong corrosive on the body of a person with the intention of injuring or disfiguring [them] out of jealousy or revenge. Here we present a case of a 19- year-old girl who was victimized because she refused a love proposal. She was admitted in the One Stop Crisis Center (OCC) of Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Acid burn injuries involved whole of the right side of the face, front and adjacent right side of the neck, right shoulder and front of the right side of the chest. The burnt areas were wet with serous discharge. She was treated with intravenous fluid, antibacterial ointment on her affected area, her wounds were washed with plenty of water and sodium-bi-carbonate, antibacterial eye ointment was applied on her eyes, tetanus toxoid and analgesics were given.J Enam Med Col 2016; 6(1): 47-50
Interactions between Climate, Land Use and Vegetation Fire Occurrences in El Salvador
Authors: Armenteras Dolors , Gibbes Cerian , Vivacqua Carla , Espinosa Juan , Duleba Wania , Goncalves Fabio , Castro Christopher
Published: February 2016

Vegetation burning is a global environmental threat that results in local ecological, economic and social impacts but also has large-scale implications for global change. The burning is usually a result of interacting factors such as climate, land use and vegetation type. Despite its importance as a factor shaping ecological, economic and social processes, countries highly vulnerable to climate change in Central America, such as El Salvador, lack an assessment of this complex relationship. In this study we rely on remotely sensed measures of the Normalized Vegetation Difference Index (NDVI) and thermal anomaly detections by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor to identify vegetation cover changes and fire occurrences. We also use land use data and rainfall observations derived from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) data to determine the spatial and temporal variability and interactions of these factors. Our results indicate a highly marked seasonality of fire occurrence linked to the climatic variability with a peak of fire occurrences in 2004 and 2013. Low vegetation indices occurred in March–April, around two months after the driest period of the year (December–February), corresponding to months with high detection of fires. Spatially, 65.6% of the fires were recurrent and clustered in agriculture/cropland areas and within 1 km of roads (70%) and only a 4.7% of fires detected were associated with forests. Remaining forests in El Salvador deserve more attention due to underestimated consequences of forest fires. The identification of these clear patterns can be used as a baseline to better shape management of fire regimes and support decision making in this country. Recommendations resulting from this work include focusing on fire risk models and agriculture fires and long-term ecological and economic consequences of those. Furthermore, El Salvador will need to include agricultural fires in the contribution to national accounts emissions.
A New Model for Designing Cost Effective Zero Carbon Homes: Minimizing Commercial Viability Issues and Improving the Economics for Both the Developer and Purchaser
Authors: Khodabuccus Rehan , Lee Jacquetta
Published: February 2016

There is a limited penetration of housing which offsets all operational carbon emissions within UK housing developer portfolios. This paper develops a balanced approach to zero carbon housing design from both architectural and national house builder perspectives. The paper discusses the techniques which can be used to reduce build costs, simplify designs and simplify renewable energy systems, resulting in more cost effective homes. The paper develops a technical and economic linked model to optimise a zero carbon design and then develops a home using this technique. It acknowledges that extra costs are inevitable but minimises them and details a lifecycle costing approach to provide economic justification. The paper then focuses on how the building designed can function more efficiently and economically than a Part L 2013 Building Regulation compliant building. Improved functionality is demonstrated both with and without the use of feed in tariffs. A key finding from this research is that zero carbon homes can benefit the consumer without impacting the developer. The results also demonstrate that homes could be better marketed on economic rather than environmental or technical attributes.
Functions of Rab Proteins at Presynaptic Sites
Authors: Binotti Beyenech , Jahn Reinhard , Chua John
Published: February 2016

Presynaptic neurotransmitter release is dominated by the synaptic vesicle (SV) cycle and entails the biogenesis, fusion, recycling, reformation or turnover of synaptic vesicles—a process involving bulk movement of membrane and proteins. As key mediators of membrane trafficking, small GTPases from the Rab family of proteins play critical roles in this process by acting as molecular switches that dynamically interact with and regulate the functions of different sets of macromolecular complexes involved in each stage of the cycle. Importantly, mutations affecting Rabs, and their regulators or effectors have now been identified that are implicated in severe neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we summarize the roles and functions of presynaptic Rabs and discuss their involvement in the regulation of presynaptic function.
Localized Polycentric Orbital Basis Set for Quantum Monte Carlo Calculations Derived from the Decomposition of Kohn-Sham Optimized Orbitals
Authors: Amovilli Claudio , Floris Franca , Grisafi Andrea
Published: February 2016

In this work, we present a simple decomposition scheme of the Kohn-Sham optimized orbitals which is able to provide a reduced basis set, made of localized polycentric orbitals, specifically designed for Quantum Monte Carlo. The decomposition follows a standard Density functional theory (DFT) calculation and is based on atomic connectivity and shell structure. The new orbitals are used to construct a compact correlated wave function of the Slater–Jastrow form which is optimized at the Variational Monte Carlo level and then used as the trial wave function for a final Diffusion Monte Carlo accurate energy calculation. We are able, in this way, to capture the basic information on the real system brought by the Kohn-Sham orbitals and use it for the calculation of the ground state energy within a strictly variational method. Here, we show test calculations performed on some small selected systems to assess the validity of the proposed approach in a molecular fragmentation, in the calculation of a barrier height of a chemical reaction and in the determination of intermolecular potentials. The final Diffusion Monte Carlo energies are in very good agreement with the best literature data within chemical accuracy.
Joint Estimation of the Electric Vehicle Power Battery State of Charge Based on the Least Squares Method and the Kalman Filter Algorithm
Authors: Guo Xiangwei , Kang Longyun , Yao Yuan , Huang Zhizhen , Li Wenbiao
Published: February 2016

An estimation of the power battery state of charge (SOC) is related to the energy management, the battery cycle life and the use cost of electric vehicles. When a lithium-ion power battery is used in an electric vehicle, the SOC displays a very strong time-dependent nonlinearity under the influence of random factors, such as the working conditions and the environment. Hence, research on estimating the SOC of a power battery for an electric vehicle is of great theoretical significance and application value. In this paper, according to the dynamic response of the power battery terminal voltage during a discharging process, the second-order RC circuit is first used as the equivalent model of the power battery. Subsequently, on the basis of this model, the least squares method (LS) with a forgetting factor and the adaptive unscented Kalman filter (AUKF) algorithm are used jointly in the estimation of the power battery SOC. Simulation experiments show that the joint estimation algorithm proposed in this paper has higher precision and convergence of the initial value error than a single AUKF algorithm.
The Impact of Physical and Ergonomic Hazards on Poultry Abattoir Processing Workers: A Review
Authors: Harmse Johannes , Engelbrecht Jacobus , Bekker Johan
Published: February 2016

The poultry abattoir industry continues to grow and contribute significantly to the gross domestic product in many countries. The industry expects working shifts of eight to eleven hours, during which workers are exposed to occupational hazards which include physical hazards ranging from noise, vibration, exposure to cold and ergonomic stress from manual, repetitive tasks that require force. A PubMed, Medline and Science Direct online database search, using specific keywords was conducted and the results confirmed that physical and ergonomic hazards impact on abattoir processing workers health, with harm not only to workers’ health but also as an economic burden due to the loss of their livelihoods and the need for treatment and compensation in the industry. This review endeavours to highlight the contribution poultry processing plays in the development of physical agents and ergonomic stress related occupational diseases in poultry abattoir processing workers. The impact includes noise-induced hearing loss, increased blood pressure, menstrual and work related upper limb disorders. These are summarised as a quick reference guide for poultry abattoir owners, abattoir workers, poultry associations, occupational hygienists and medical practitioners to assist in the safer management of occupational health in poultry abattoirs.
Experimental Assessment of Recycled Diesel Spill-Contaminated Domestic Wastewater Treated by Reed Beds for Irrigation of Sweet Peppers
Authors: Almuktar Suhad , Scholz Miklas
Published: February 2016

The aim of this experimental study is to assess if urban wastewater treated by ten different greenhouse-based sustainable wetland systems can be recycled to irrigate Capsicum annuum L. (Sweet Pepper; California Wonder) commercially grown either in compost or sand within a laboratory environment. The design variables were aggregate diameter, contact time, resting time and chemical oxygen demand. The key objectives were to assess: (i) the suitability of different treated (recycled) wastewaters for irrigation; (ii) response of peppers in terms of growth when using recycled wastewater subject to different growth media and hydrocarbon contamination; and (iii) the economic viability of different experimental set-ups in terms of marketable yield. Ortho-phosphate-phosphorus, ammonia-nitrogen, potassium and manganese concentrations in the irrigation water considerably exceeded the corresponding water quality thresholds. A high yield in terms of economic return (marketable yield expressed in monetary value) was linked to raw wastewater and an organic growth medium, while the plants grown in organic medium and wetlands of large aggregate size, high contact and resting times, diesel-spill contamination and low inflow loading rate produced the best fruits in terms of their dimensions and fresh weights, indicating the role of diesel in reducing too high nitrogen concentrations.
Legacies of Lead in Charm City’s Soil: Lessons from the Baltimore Ecosystem Study
Authors: Schwarz Kirsten , Pouyat Richard , Yesilonis Ian
Published: February 2016

Understanding the spatial distribution of soil lead has been a focus of the Baltimore Ecosystem Study since its inception in 1997. Through multiple research projects that span spatial scales and use different methodologies, three overarching patterns have been identified: (1) soil lead concentrations often exceed state and federal regulatory limits; (2) the variability of soil lead concentrations is high; and (3) despite multiple sources and the highly heterogeneous and patchy nature of soil lead, discernable patterns do exist. Specifically, housing age, the distance to built structures, and the distance to a major roadway are strong predictors of soil lead concentrations. Understanding what drives the spatial distribution of soil lead can inform the transition of underutilized urban space into gardens and other desirable land uses while protecting human health. A framework for management is proposed that considers three factors: (1) the level of contamination; (2) the desired land use; and (3) the community’s preference in implementing the desired land use. The goal of the framework is to promote dialogue and resultant policy changes that support consistent and clear regulatory guidelines for soil lead, without which urban communities will continue to be subject to the potential for lead exposure.
Cultural and Molecular Evidence of Legionella spp. Colonization in Dental Unit Waterlines: Which Is the Best Method for Risk Assessment?
Authors: Ditommaso Savina , Giacomuzzi Monica , Ricciardi Elisa , Zotti Carla
Published: February 2016

Legionella spp. are ubiquitous in aquatic habitats and water distribution systems, including dental unit waterlines (DUWLs). The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of Legionella in DUWLs and tap water samples using PMA-qPCR and standard culture methods. The total viable counts (TVCs) of aerobic heterotrophic bacteria in the samples were also determined. Legionella spp. were detected and quantified using the modified ISO 11731 culture method. Extracted genomic DNA was analysed using the iQ-Check Quanti Legionella spp. kit, and the TVCs were determined according to the ISO protocol 6222. Legionella spp. were detected in 100% of the samples using the PMA-qPCR method, whereas these bacteria were detected in only 7% of the samples using the culture method. The number of colony forming units (CFUs) of the TVCs in the DUWL and tap water samples differed, with the bacterial load being significantly lower in the tap water samples (p-value = 0). The counts obtained were within the Italian standard range established for potable water in only 5% of the DUWL water samples and in 77% of the tap water samples. Our results show that the level of Legionella spp. contamination determined using the culture method does not reflect the true scale of the problem, and consequently we recommend testing for the presence of aerobic heterotrophic bacteria based on the assumption that Legionella spp. are components of biofilms.