bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is any wheelchair better than no wheelchair? A Zimbabwean perspective
Authors: Visagie Surona , Mlambo Tecla , Van der Veen Judith , Nhunzvi Clement , Tigere Deborah , Scheffler Elsje
Published: May 2017

Background: Within a rights-based paradigm, wheelchairs are essential in the promotion of user autonomy, dignity, freedom, inclusion and participation. Objectives: This paper aimed to describe a group of Zimbabwean wheelchair users’ satisfaction with wheelchairs, wheelchair services and wheelchair function. Method: A mixed method, descriptive study was done. Quantitative data was collected from 94 consecutively sampled wheelchair users, who accessed wheelchair services at 16 clinics in five Zimbabwean provinces between October 2013 and February 2014, using the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology for adults and children and Functioning Every day with a Wheelchair questionnaire. Qualitative data were collected through two focus group discussions (22 participants) and two case studies with participants purposively sampled from those who participated in the quantitative phase. Results: More than 60% of participants were dissatisfied with the following wheelchair features: durability (78.6%), weight (75.6%), ease of adjustment (69.1%), effectiveness (69.0%), safety (66.7%), reliability (66.7%), and meeting user needs (60.6%). Similarly, more than 66% of participants were dissatisfied with various services aspects: professional services (69.0%), follow-up (67.0%), and service delivery (68.3%). Although 60% of participants agreed that the wheelchair contributed to specific functions, more than 50% of participants indicated that the features of the wheelchair did not allow in- (53.2%) and outdoor (52.7%) mobility.Conclusion: Findings indicate high levels of dissatisfaction with wheelchair features and services, as well as mobility. It is recommended that policy and minimum service standards which incorporate evidence and good practice guidelines for wheelchair services and management of wheelchair donations are developed for Zimbabwe.
A Real-analytic Nonpolynomially Convex Isotropic Torus with no Attached Discs
Authors: Gupta Purvi
Published: May 2017

We showbymeans of an example in that Gromov’s theoremon the presence of attached holomorphic discs for compact Lagrangianmanifolds is not true in the subcritical real-analytic case, even in the absence of an obvious obstruction, i.e., polynomial convexity.
A Weak Converse Theorem for Degree 2 $L$-Functions with Conductor 1
Authors: Kaczorowski Jerzy , Perelli Alberto
Published: May 2017

We show that every normalized function of degree 2 and conductor 1 in the extended Selberg class has real coefficients, and certain invariants agree with those of the

L

-functions of cusp forms for the full modular group. The result may therefore be regarded as a weak converse theorem in such a general setting.
Integral points on the complement of the branch locus of projections from hypersurfaces
Authors: Ciappi Andrea
Published: May 2017

We study the integral points on

\mathbb P_n \setminus D

, where

D

is the branch locus of a projection from a hypersurface in

\mathbb P_{n+1}

to a hyperplane

H \simeq \mathbb P_n

. We extend to the general case a result by Zannier (whose approach we follow) and we also obtain a sharper bound that yields, in some cases, the finiteness of integral points. The results presented are effective and the proofs provide a way to actually construct a set containing all the integral points in question. Thus, there are concrete applications to the study of Diophantine equations, more precisely to the problem of finding integral solutions to equations

F(x_0, \dots, x_n) = c

, where

c

is a given nonzero value and

F

is a homogeneous form defining the branch locus

D

, i.e. a discriminant.
Networks self-similarly moving by curvature with two triple junctions
Authors: Baldi Pietro , Haus Emanuele , Mantegazza Carlo
Published: May 2017

We prove that there are no networks homeomorphic to the Greek ‘‘Theta’’ letter (a double cell) embedded in the plane with two triple junctions with angles of 120 degrees, such that under the motion by curvature they are self-similarly shrinking. This fact completes the classification of the self-similarly shrinking networks in the plane with at most two triple junctions, see [5, 7, 18].
On the approximation of SBV functions
Authors: De Philippis Guido , Fusco Nicola , Pratelli Aldo
Published: May 2017

In this paper we deal with the approximation of SBV functions in the strong BV topology. In particular, we provide three approximation results. The first one, Theorem A, concerns general SBV functions; the second one, Theorem B, concerns SBV functions with absolutely continuous part of the gradient in

L^p

,

p>1

; and the third one, Theorem C, concerns SBV

^p

functions, that is, those SBV functions for which not only the absolutely continuous part of the gradient is in

L^p

, but also the jump set has finite

\mathcal H^{N-1}

-measure. The last result generalizes the previously known approximation theorems for\SBV

^p

functions, see [5, 7]. As we discuss, the first and the third result are sharp. We conclude with a simple application of our results.
Duodenal Trauma: Incidence and Management in Penetrating and Blunt Abdominal Trauma
Authors: Parra Michael W , Rosa Otto M , Filho Orlando C , Santin Stephanie , Fonseca Alexandre Z , Alvarez Bianca E , Ribeiro Jr Marcelo AF
Published: May 2017

Rationale

Duodenal injuries are rare and most common due to penetrating abdominal trauma, especially gunshot wounds, with greatest prevalence among young men. Achieving simpler and more effective surgical procedures also contributes to the reduction of mortality and morbidity rates.

Objective

Review cases of penetrating and blunt duodenal trauma, the complexity of the injuries, incidence, management as well as morbidity and mortality.

Materials and methods

At Grajaú General Hospital, between January 2010 and May 2014, a retrospective analysis of 1,039 patients’ medical records who had undergone emergency exploratory laparotomies was done. From these cases, 298 were caused by blunt and penetrating abdominal traumas, and 11 suffered duodenal traumas.

Results

It was observed that there was a predominance of young adults (mean age 26.48 years) and all patients were males (100%), of which one injury was from blunt abdominal trauma, three from stab wounds, and seven caused by firearm. Most of the duodenal injuries were classified as grade II injuries and most commonly involved the fourth portion of the duodenum. We emphasize the association with injuries to other organs, especially the liver and the small intestine. In the cases we analyzed, we highlight the importance of time between entry of service and surgery in all patients being less than 6 hours. The most common surgery performed to repair these injuries was duodenorrhaphy (90.9%). In this series, there were four deaths. Postoperative complications included duodenal fistulae with spontaneous resolution.

Conclusion

Duodenal injuries are rare, and are most commonly due to penetrating abdominal trauma, especially gunshot wounds, with the greatest prevalence among young men. There is a need for early diagnosis and rapid surgical intervention, shortened and effective surgical procedures, due to the morbidity/mortality and high complexity of these injuries. This emphasizes the importance of early intervention in the short time before surgical procedure takes place.

How to cite this article

Ribeiro MAF Jr, Rosa OM, Filho OC, Santin S, Fonseca AZ, Alvarez BE, Parra MW. Duodenal Trauma: Incidence and Management in Penetrating and Blunt Abdominal Trauma. Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2017;6(1):13-16.
Effect of Staining Solutions on the Color Stability of Conventional and Bulk Fill Nanohybrid Resin Composites: A Spectrophotometric Analysis
Authors: Thumu Jayaprakash , Kadiyala Anirudh , Bollu Indira Priyadarshini , Ballullaya Srinidhi Vishnu , Devalla Srihari
Published: May 2017

Aim

This study is aimed to evaluate the effect of staining solutions on the color stability of bulk fill and conventional nanohybrid resin composites (RCs) when subjected to various immersion periods.

Materials and methods

A total of 120 cylindrical Teflon molds (4 × 4 mm) were obtained and divided into four groups of 30 each. Molds of groups I and II were filled with Tetric N Ceram Bulk Fill (Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) and Filtek Bulk Fill (3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA). Molds of groups III and IV were filled with Tetric N Ceram (Ivoclar Vivadent) and Filtek Z250 XTE (3M ESPE) incremental fill RC. Photo-activation was performed and specimens were incubated. Spectrophotometer analysis was done according to Commission Internationale d'Eclairage Lab color scale. After taking the baseline measurements, 10 samples from each group were immersed in distilled water (control, subgroup a), tea (subgroup b), and coffee (subgroup c) respectively, for 1, 7, and 30 days. The color values of each specimen were remeasured and color change value (E*ab) was calculated after 1, 7, and 30 days. Data were analyzed by Friedman's test and Mann–Whitney U-test; p < 0.05 is considered to be statistically significant.

Results

Group III specimens showed perceptible color changes at 30-day immersion period in coffee and tea. In group I specimens, color changes were perceptible at 7- and 30-day immersion periods in coffee and only 30-day immersion period in tea. Groups II and IV specimens showed perceptible color changes after all immersion periods in coffee and after 30 days in tea.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that Tetric N Ceram has less color change than the other nanohybrid RCs investigated when immersed in coffee and tea after various immersion periods.

How to cite this article

Thumu J, Kadiyala A, Bollu IP, Ballullaya SV, Devalla S. Effect of Staining Solutions on the Color Stability of Conventional and Bulk Fill Nanohybrid Resin Composites: A Spectrophotometric Analysis. J Oper Dent Endod 2017;2(1):1-5.
“Let's go Green to get Our Globe Clean”: Green Dentistry
Authors: Padhye Leena , Sawant Priyanka H , Vimala Nilker
Published: May 2017

Dentistry is an extremely important and foremost healing profession. In today's world, with the increasing ecological disasters, it is highly obligatory to understand the paramount importance of being eco-friendly in every facet of our lives, including in dental practice, which has a huge impact on the environment. Eco-friendly dentistry is a term legally accepted by the Eco Dentistry Association, which is an emerging concept in dentistry. It is an approach to minimize the environmental hazards of dental practice and provide dental care in an environmentally friendly way. With the widespread introduction of beryllium into the dental industry, a large number of these workers are at risk for the development of chronic beryllium disease. Proper handling of biomedical and dental waste is indispensable for the dental profession. People have become much more cognizant of potentially harmful chemicals contained in plastic products, especially, bisphenol-A. This can be achieved by reducing waste and lowering pollution. Dental offices can use reusable towels, high-efficiency machines, and paperless records. A small change can make the overall impact of the dental office less damaging to the environment.

The purpose of this review is to discuss various ways that a dentist can choose to make the dental office “Green” and conserve precious resources with all the options available today. Eco-friendly dentistry is soon becoming the standard.

How to cite this article

Sawant PH, Vimala N, Padhye L. “Let's go Green to get Our Globe Clean”: Green Dentistry. J Oper Dent Endod 2017;2(1):19-24.
Endodontic Surgery: Is it an Obsolete Clinical Procedure?
Authors: Srinivasan Manali R , Nishanthine Cruz
Published: May 2017

Endodontic surgery has developed the perception as an unnecessary procedure, with the emergence of implants. This opinion has been based on endodontic surgery being performed using obsolete concepts and techniques that compromised the potential for clinical success, frequently resulting in the persistence of patient symptoms, periapical pathology, and, ultimately, extraction of the treated tooth. With the emerging concepts of magnification, advanced principles of soft and hard tissue management, use of tissue regenerative root-end filling materials, and enhanced principles of wound closure, surgical endodontics has emerged as a highly predictable and comparatively painless procedure. Periapical surgery should be regarded as the method of choice when orthograde endodontic therapy cannot be performed. The present study describes indications of endodontic surgery and a few cases successfully managed using endodontic surgery.

How to cite this article

Srinivasan MR, Nishanthine C. Endodontic Surgery: Is it an Obsolete Clinical Procedure? J Oper Dent Endod 2017;2(1):40-44.
Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Dentists in Al-Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Gunaid Talat , Abdulhai Rayan , Flemban Baha
Published: May 2017

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the most common occupational hazards associated with a wide range of occupations. Dental professionals have an increased risk of developing such disorders caused by repetitive, hard, or stressful gestures. Taking this issue into consideration, we felt the necessity to investigate the prevalence and distribution of musculoskeletal symptoms among dentists in Al-Madinah.

Materials and methods: A self-reported questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of 180 dentists from different parts of Al-Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was about musculoskeletal symptoms in different parts of the body.

Results: A total of 70 questionnaires were completed and returned. Of the respondents, 47 (67.1%) were males and 23 (32.9%) were females. The mean age of respondents was 36.1 ± 8.7. Majority were general dental practitioners [45 (64.2%)], with the remainder being specialists [25 (35.8%)]. Prevalence of MSD during the past 12 months was reported to be lower back pain (65.7%), neck pain (48.6%), and shoulder pain (45.7%), with the lowest prevalence pain being found in the hips and thighs (17.1%).

Conclusion: The results suggested that the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among dentists in Al-Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is high. Continuing education for dentists and dental students about the proper and correct dental positions as well as practicing ergonomic skills and incorporating them into the curriculum would be beneficial.
Casi Víspera / Colibrí Resucitado Crónica
Authors: Chávez-Silverman Susana
Published: May 2017

AbstractSusana Chávez-Silverman is a Califas-born U.S. Latina writer and flaneuse who (against all odds) is also an educator, although she mostly laments what’s happened to la cacademia over the last decade or so. She still finds joy and hope in being la High Priestess of SLOW to her students and former students, some of which are among her closest compinches. Of the two crónicas included in this special curated issue of cultural works in PORTAL under the theme Transitions and Dislocations, she says: ‘My writing/life took a major detour in 2016. For most of the year, I wrote nothing at all. Or rather, nothing except e-mail after email: to administrators, colleagues all over the world, attorneys, friends and relatives. I had scheduled my sabbatical in order to finish a book project, but had been derailed by a Title IX investigation and plagiarism case at my home institution, and the accompanying anxiety and anger . I returned to my book over the summer, culling and editing hundreds of pages of primary texts (letters and emails). But this book is much longer—and truer—than anything I’ve written before and takes a different kind of writing energy, uninterrupted time, and commitment. Writing from a place of anger and anxiety doesn’t serve this book. The two crónicas included in this special curated issue are not part of my book in progress, Our Ubuntu, Montenegro: del Balboa Café al Apartheid and Back. Rather, they were my way of easing back into my (he)art space. ‘Casi Víspera’ proves I did write something in 2016 after all (other than email, I mean)—I had no memory of it until early this year! ‘Black Holes’ talks about precisely this (remembering and not). I was determined not to let 2016’s plagiarism/Title IX toxic double helix continue to poison me. I wanted to begin 2017 with a bang, and wrote this for my son, for his 30th birthday.’
Parallel Lines
Authors: Worner James G.
Published: May 2017

James Worner is an Australian-based writer and scholar currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Technology Sydney. His research seeks to expose masculinities lost in the shadow of Australia’s Anzac hegemony while exploring new opportunities for contemporary historiography. He is the recipient of the Doctoral Scholarship in Historical Consciousness at the university’s Australian Centre of Public History and will be hosted by the University of Bologna during 2017 on a doctoral research writing scholarship. ‘Parallel Lines’ is one of a collection of stories, The Shapes of Us, exploring liminal spaces of modern life: class, gender, sexuality, race, religion and education. It looks at lives, like lines, that do not meet but which travel in proximity, simultaneously attracted and repelled. James’ short stories have been published in various journals and anthologies.
Source-sector contributions to European ozone and fine PM in 2010 using AQMEII modeling data
Authors: Karamchandani Prakash , Long Yoann , Pirovano Guido , Balzarini Alessandra , Yarwood Greg
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Source apportionment modeling provides valuable information on the contributions of different source sectors and/or source regions to ozone (O3) or fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations. This information can be useful in designing air quality management strategies and in understanding the potential benefits of reducing emissions from a particular source category. The Comprehensive Air quality Model with Extensions (CAMx) offers unique source attribution tools, called the Ozone and Particulate Source Apportionment Technology (OSAT/PSAT), which track source contributions. We present results from a CAMx source attribution modeling study for a summer month and a winter month using a recently evaluated European CAMx modeling database developed for Phase 3 of the Air Quality Model Evaluation International Initiative (AQMEII). The contributions of several source sectors (including model boundary conditions of chemical species representing transport of emissions from outside the modeling domain as well as initial conditions of these species) to O3 or PM2.5 concentrations in Europe were calculated using OSAT and PSAT, respectively. A 1-week spin-up period was used to reduce the influence of initial conditions. Evaluation focused on 16 major cities and on identifying source sectors that contributed above 5 %. Boundary conditions have a large impact on summer and winter ozone in Europe and on summer PM2.5, but they are only a minor contributor to winter PM2.5. Biogenic emissions are important for summer ozone and PM2.5. The important anthropogenic sectors for summer ozone are transportation (both on-road and non-road), energy production and conversion, and industry. In two of the 16 cities, solvent and product also contributed above 5 % to summertime ozone. For summertime PM2.5, the important anthropogenic source sectors are energy, transportation, industry, and agriculture. Residential wood combustion is an important anthropogenic sector in winter for PM2.5 over most of Europe, with larger contributions in central and eastern Europe and the Nordic cities. Other anthropogenic sectors with large contributions to wintertime PM2.5 include energy, transportation, and agriculture.
Emission ratios of trace gases and particles for Siberian forest fires on the basis of mobile ground observations
Authors: Vasileva Anastasia , Moiseenko Konstantin , Skorokhod Andrey , Belikov Igor , Kopeikin Vladimir , Lavrova Olga
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Boreal forest fires are currently recognized as a significant factor in climate change and air quality problems. Although emissions of biomass burning products are widely measured in many regions, there is still a lack of information about composition of wildfire emissions in Siberia, the region known for its severe wildfire activity. Emission ratios (ERs) are important characteristics of wildfire emissions as they may be used, with several assumptions, to calculate the mass of species emitted into the atmosphere due to combustion of a known mass of biomass fuel. We analyze observations of CO2, CO, CH4, total nonmethane hydrocarbons (NMHC), nitrogen oxides (as NOX = NO + NO2), particulate matter (PM3) and black carbon (BC) within two forest fire plume transects made by the moving railway observatory during TRanscontinental Observations Into the Chemistry of the Atmosphere (TROICA) expeditions. Slopes in linear regressions of excess levels of pollutants are used to obtain ERCO/CO2= 3–15 %, ERCH4/CO= 8–10 %, ERNMHC/CO= 0.11–0.21 % ppmC ppmC−1, ERNOX/CO= 1.5–3.0 ppb ppm−1, ERPM3/CO= 320–430 ng m−3/μg m−3, and ERBC/CO= 6.1–6.3 μg m−3 ppm−1 which fall within the range of uncertainty of the previous estimates, being at the higher edge for ERCH4/CO, ERNMHC/CO, and ERPM3/CO and at the lower edge for ERNOX/CO. The uncertainties are associated with natural factors as well as computational issues and comprise 5–15 % of ERCH4/CO, ERNMHC/CO and ERPM3/CO and 10–45 % of ERNOX/CO, ERCO/CO2 and ERBC/CO, which is lower than in many other similar studies.
Potential of polarization/Raman lidar to separate fine dust, coarse dust, maritime, and anthropogenic aerosol profiles
Authors: Mamouri Rodanthi-Elisavet , Ansmann Albert
Published: May 2017

Abstract. We applied the recently introduced Polarization Lidar Photometer Networking (POLIPHON) technique for the first time to triple-wavelength polarization lidar measurements at 355, 532, and 1064 nm. The lidar observations were performed at Barbados during the Saharan Aerosol Long-Range Transport and Aerosol-Cloud-Interaction Experiment (SALTRACE) in the summer of 2014. POLIPHON comprises the traditional lidar technique to separate mineral dust and non-dust backscatter contributions and the new extended approach to separate even the dust backscatter component into fine and coarse dust fractions. We show that the traditional and the extended methods are compatible and lead to the same set of dust and non-dust profiles at simplified, less complex aerosol layering and mixing conditions as is the case over the remote tropical Atlantic. To derive dust mass concentration profiles from the lidar observations, trustworthy extinction-to-volume conversion factors are needed and obtained from an updated, extended AERONET sun photometer data analysis of the correlation of fine, coarse and total dust volume concentration with dust extinction coefficients for all three laser wavelengths. Conversion factors for pure marine aerosol conditions and continental anthropogenic aerosol situations are presented in addition. As an additional new feature of POLIPHON, the Raman-lidar method for particle extinction profiling is used to identify the aerosol type (marine or anthropogenic) of the non-dust aerosol fraction. The full POLIPHON methodology was successfully applied to a SALTRACE case and the results are discussed. We conclude that the 532 nm polarization lidar technique has many advantages in comparison to respective 355 and 1064 nm polarization lidar approaches and leads to most robust and accurate POLIPHON products.
Grey water footprint reduction in irrigated crop production: effect of nitrogen application rate, nitrogen form, tillage practice and irrigation strategy
Authors: Chukalla Abebe D. , Krol Maarten S. , Hoekstra Arjen Y.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Grey water footprint (WF) reduction is essential given the increasing water pollution associated with food production and the limited assimilation capacity of fresh water. Fertilizer application can contribute significantly to the grey WF as a result of nutrient leaching to groundwater and runoff to streams. The objective of this study is to explore the effect of the nitrogen application rate (from 25 to 300 kg N ha−1), nitrogen form (inorganic-N or manure-N), tillage practice (conventional or no-tillage) and irrigation strategy (full or deficit irrigation) on the nitrogen load to groundwater and surface water, crop yield and the grey water footprint of crop production by a systematic model-based assessment. As a case study, we consider irrigated maize grown in Spain on loam soil in a semi-arid environment, whereby we simulate the twenty-years period 1993–2012. The water and nitrogen balances of the soil and plant growth at field scale were simulated with the APEX model. As a reference management package, we assume the use of inorganic-N (nitrate), conventional tillage and full irrigation. For this reference, the grey WF at a usual N application rate of 300 kg N ha−1 (with crop yield of 11.1 t ha−1) is 1100 m3 t−1, which can be reduced by 91 % towards 95 m3 t−1 when the N application rate is reduced to 50 kg N ha−1 (with a yield of 3.7 t ha−1). The grey WF can be further reduced to 75 m3 t−1 by shifting the management package to manure-N and deficit irrigation (with crop yield of 3.5 t ha−1). Although water pollution can thus be reduced dramatically, this comes together with a great yield reduction, and a much lower water productivity (larger green plus blue WF) as well. The overall (green, blue plus grey) WF per tonne is found to be minimal at an N application rate of 150 kg N ha−1, with manure, no-tillage and deficit irrigation (with crop yield of 9.3 t ha−1). The paper shows that there is a trade-off between grey WF and crop yield, as well as a trade-off between reducing water pollution (grey WF) and water consumption (green and blue WF). Applying manure instead of inorganic-N and deficit instead of full irrigation are measures that reduce both water pollution and water consumption with a 16 % loss in yield.
Conceptualizing community resilience to natural hazards – the
emBRACE framework
Authors: Kruse Sylvia , Abeling Thomas , Deeming Hugh , Fordham Maureen , Forrester John , Jülich Sebastian , Karanci A. Nuray , Kuhlicke Christian , Pelling Mark , Pedoth Lydia , Schneiderbauer Stefan
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The level of community is considered to be vital for building disaster resilience. Yet, community resilience as a scientific concept often remains vaguely defined and lacks the guiding characteristics necessary for analysing and enhancing resilience on the ground. The emBRACE framework of community resilience presented in this paper provides a heuristic analytical tool for understanding, explaining and measuring community resilience to natural hazards. It was developed in an iterative process building on existing scholarly debates, on empirical case study work in five countries and on participatory consultation with community stakeholders, where the framework was applied and ground-tested in different contexts and for different hazard types. The framework conceptualizes resilience across three core domains: resources and capacities; actions; and learning. These three domains are conceptualized as intrinsically conjoined within a whole. Community resilience is influenced by these integral elements as well as by extra-community forces, comprising disaster risk governance and thus laws, policies and responsibilities on the one hand and on the other, the general societal context, natural and human-made disturbances and system change over time. The framework is a graphically rendered heuristic, which through application can assist in guiding the assessment of community resilience in a systematic way and identifying key drivers and barriers of resilience that affect any particular hazard-exposed community.
Effect of space allowance during transport and fasting or non-fasting during lairage on carcass contamination and meat traits in Merino lamb
Authors: Vergara Herminia , Cózar Almudena , Rodríguez Ana I. , Calvo Luis
Published: May 2017

A total of 72 Merino breed male lambs were used in this work, to study the effect of the space allowance during transport [(SA): low (SAL: 0.16 m2/animal; n=24); medium (SAM: 20 m2/animal; n=24); high (SAH: 0.30 m2/animal; n=24)], and the management during 18 h lairage [(TL): fasting (TL-FAST; n=36) vs feeding (TL-FEED; n=36)] on carcass microbial contamination (total viable count, Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas) and meat quality. Carcasses contamination determination was carried out by swabbing (neck, flank and rump). Meat quality was assessed by pH, colour coordinates, drip loss (DL), shear force (SF) ad lipid oxidation. SA did not have effect on carcass microbiological quality. TL caused a significant effect on total viable count and Pseudomonas spp values. Flank was the most contaminated site. SAL-FEED group showed the highest values of drip loss and lipid oxidation. At 24 h post-mortem, pH values were the highest in fasted lambs. At 7 d post-mortem the lowest pH was found in SAM-FAST group while the highest in SAM-FEED. TL had no effect on SF, DL neither on lipid oxidation values. These results could help to meat industry to decide the best management as in the transportation as during lairage before lambs slaughter.
Modelling the Employment in Tourism – Case Study of Croatia
Authors: Mamula Maja , Duvnjak Kristina
Published: May 2017

According to the data on the share of employees in the category Hotels and similar accommodation in the total employees (16.6% in 2015), it can be concluded that this percentage share is quite significant. In this paper the number of employees in tourism (in the category Hotels and similar accommodation) is modelled and predicted on the basis of monthly data from the period 2005 to 2015, collected from the First Release of the Croatian Bureau of Statistics. Taking into consideration the seasonal character of the phenomenon being analysed, taking into account the criteria of reliability of demonstrated forecasts, in this study following methods were used: the seasonal naive models, Holt - Winters Model trend seasonality exponential smoothing and Holt- Winters no seasonal exponential smoothing model. All obtained results were compared by forecasting error Mean Absolute Percentage error (MAPE). The obtained results indicate that forecasting methods which take into account the seasonal character of the phenomenon result in smaller forecasting error, and more reliable estimate, compared to models which don´t take into account the character of the phenomenon being analysed.
Constructivist Teaching/Learning Theory and Participatory Teaching Methods
Authors: Fernando Sithara YJN , Marikar Faiz MMT
Published: May 2017

Evidence for the teaching involves transmission of knowledge, superiority of guided transmission is explained in thecontext of our knowledge, but it is also much more that. In this study we have examined General Sir JohnKotelawala Defence University’s cadet and civilian students’ response to constructivist learning theory andparticipatory teaching methods, especially concepts and knowledge on the learning platform in the DefenceUniversity. Target population of this study represents 41 students. All students were given a questionnaire related toconstructivist learning theory and participatory teaching methods. The claims of constructivist teaching/learningtheory that this paper has singled out are the following: 1) learning is an active experience; 2) the ideas students holdabout the subject and topic being taught will form a part of their learning experience; and 3) learning is socially andculturally rooted. Recent developments in Constructivist Teaching/Learning Theory was explained and brieflydescribed in this paper.
A Perspective on the Effect of the 80-Hour Work Week: Has It Changed the Graduating Orthopaedic Resident?
Authors: Pellegrini Vincent D.
Published: May 2017

Orthopaedic residency education has changed substantially in recent decades because of the imposition of the 80-hour work week, a decrease in quality and quantity of general surgical education, regulations mandating closer trainee supervision, and an expansion of orthopaedic subspecialty rotations. These factors pose a challenge in efforts to prepare competent, confident, cautious, caring, and communicative orthopaedic residents within the traditional 5-year program. Evidence suggests that contemporary graduates are more intelligent, better balanced in life and work, and more in touch with humanistic aspects of medicine than were earlier graduates. Yet insufficient competence and confidence in surgical skills after residency and a lack of “ownership” of patient care have become an increasing concern of educators and trainees. The concept of 10,000 hours of deliberate practice to achieve mastery of a technical skill applies to orthopaedic residency education. A different approach to graduate medical education must address the critical minimum training time required to achieve the necessary skills to support independent medical and surgical practice.
Ensure Data Integrity to Optimize Water Quality
Authors: Martin Barb
Published: May 2017

Making appropriate process control decisions depends on data quality. Water utility operators can take basic measures to help ensure data integrity.
Comparison of one-step and step-wise compression tests
Authors: Skuodis Šarūnas , Karaman Ahmet Habib , Dirgėlienė Neringa
Published: May 2017

The primary purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of loading procedure type. To reach this aim, we have chosen the Baltic Sea Klaipėda sand, due to granulometry composition and particles shape. The paper examines several key aspects of sand compression type, namely comparison between one-step (constant rate loading) and step-wise (incremental loading) oedometer compression tests. In this manuscript, we present investigation of sandy soil compression character up to maximum 400 kPa loading. This research shows the difference between two loading procedures. The main objects of research: investigation of stress jumps during one-step and step-wise soil sample loading. The analysis of the results shows that when soil was compressed by step-wise loading procedure (0.94 mm) displacements were almost twice as big as in case of one-step loading procedure (0.57 mm).
Žemaičių Naumiesčio seniūnijos kraštovaizdžio geografinė-retrospektyvinė analizė
Authors: Bučienė Angelija , Gadal Sébastien , Galinienė Jelena , Gailius Viktoras
Published: May 2017

Tyrimui pasirinkta dabartinė Žemaičių Naumiesčio seniūnijos užimama teritorija ir jos kraštovaizdžio komponentai, apžvelgiamas pastarųjų 25–30 metų laikotarpis. Nagrinėjami santykinai natūralūs ir agrariniai-urbanistiniai kraštovaizdžio komponentai, taip pat socialiniai-demografiniai kraštovaizdžio pokyčius lemiantys veiksniai bei jų kaita bėgant laikui ir erdvėje siekiant išskirti bendriausias kaitos tendencijas. Darbe naudoti statistinės, istorinių dokumentų analizės, nuotoliniai ir GIS modeliavimo metodai. Tyrimas atskleidė, kad antroje sovietmečio pusėje tiriamoje teritorijoje vyravo agrarinis mažai urbanizuotas kraštovaizdis. XXI  a. pradžioje agrarinių ir urbanizuotų (užstatytų) teritorijų sumažėjo, santykinai natūralių žemėveikslių (vandenų) plotas liko nepakitęs arba šiek tiek padidėjo (miškų), tačiau sumažėjo kaimo gyventojų skaičius, o trims kaimams gresia išnykimas.
The humanity of science
Authors: Raman Indira M
Published: May 2017

Science can provide cures and improve health, and it can also make us more humane.
Photoperiodic regime influences onset of lens opacities in a non-human primate
Authors: Dubicanac Marko , Strueve Julia , Mestre-Frances Nadine , Verdier Jean-Michel , Zimmermann Elke , Joly Marine
Published: May 2017

Background

Opacities of the lens are typical age-related phenomena which have a high influence on photoreception and consequently circadian rhythm. In mouse lemurs, a small bodied non-human primate, a high incidence (more than 50% when >seven years) of cataracts has been previously described during aging. Previous studies showed that photoperiodically induced accelerated annual rhythms alter some of mouse lemurs’ life history traits. Whether a modification of photoperiod also affects the onset of age dependent lens opacities has not been investigated so far. The aim of this study was therefore to characterise the type of opacity and the mouse lemurs’ age at its onset in two colonies with different photoperiodic regimen.

Methods

Two of the largest mouse lemur colonies in Europe were investigated: Colony 1 having a natural annual photoperiodic regime and Colony 2 with an induced accelerated annual cycle. A slit-lamp was used to determine opacities in the lens. Furthermore, a subset of all animals which showed no opacities in the lens nucleus in the first examination but developed first changes in the following examination were further examined to estimate the age at onset of opacities. In total, 387 animals were examined and 57 represented the subset for age at onset estimation.

Results

The first and most commonly observable opacity in the lens was nuclear sclerosis. Mouse lemurs from Colony 1 showed a delayed onset of nuclear sclerosis compared to mouse lemurs from Colony 2 (4.35 ± 1.50 yearsvs.2.75 ± 0.99 years). For colony 1, the chronological age was equivalent to the number of seasonal cycles experienced by the mouse lemurs. For colony 2, in which seasonal cycles were accelerated by a factor of 1.5, mouse lemurs had experienced 4.13 ± 1.50 seasonal cycles in 2.75 ± 0.99 chronological years.

Discussion

Our study showed clear differences in age at the onset of nuclear sclerosis formation between lemurs kept under different photoperiodic regimes. Instead of measuring the chronological age, the number of seasonal cycles (N = four) experienced by a mouse lemur can be used to estimate the risk of beginning nuclear sclerosis formation. Ophthalmological examinations should be taken into account when animals older than 5–6 seasonal cycles are used for experiments in which unrestricted visual ability has to be ensured. This study is the first to assess and demonstrate the influence of annual photoperiod regime on the incidence of lens opacities in a non-human primate.
Area-Level Social Deprivation and Cytomegalovirus Seropositivity at the Time of Solid Organ Transplant
Authors: Abidi Maheen Z. , Lopez Rocio , Arrigain Susana , Weinberg Adriana , Kaplan Bruce , McAdams-DeMarco Mara , Schold Jesse D. , Erlandson Kristine M.
Published: October 2024

Importance

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. The risk factors for CMV seropositivity in SOT recipients, including area-level social deprivation in the US, have not been fully characterized.

Objective

To (1) evaluate CMV seroprevalence, (2) assess the recipient characteristics associated with CMV seropositivity, and (3) assess the association of area-level social deprivation index (SDI) scores with pretransplant CMV serostatus.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cross-sectional analysis of the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database included all adult (aged ≥18 years) SOT recipients from January 1, 2008, to May 31, 2022. Data were analyzed from April 10 to October 25, 2023.

Exposure

Recipient characteristics and area-level SDI.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Multivariable generalized linear models were used to evaluate the association between (1) patient characteristics and CMV and (2) social deprivation (measured by SDI scores, which were assessed in quintiles, from lowest to highest) and CMV seropositivity. In addition, differences based on patient demographics and the transplanted organ(s) were evaluated.

Results

Among the 389 288 SOT recipients included in the analysis, mean (SD) age was 53.3 (13.0) years; 63.0% were male, 21.4% were Black, 15.2% were Hispanic White, 56.2% were non-Hispanic White, and 62.7% were CMV seropositive. The mean (SD) age was higher among CMV seropositive (54.0 [12.7] years) compared with CMV seronegative (52.0 [13.5] years) patients. Seropositivity for CMV was higher among women (69.9%) than men (58.5%) and among Black (74.8%) and Hispanic White (80.2%) patients compared with non-Hispanic White patients (50.4%). Seropositivity for CMV was highest among kidney (64.5%), liver (63.6%), and kidney and liver (66.2%) recipients. Greater SDI scores were associated with greater CMV seropositivity, ranging from 51.7% for the least deprived to 75.5% for the most deprived quintiles (P < .001), independent of age, sex, or race.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, an association between SDI and CMV seropositivity was observed among SOT recipients, independent of age, sex, or race and ethnicity. To optimize posttransplant outcomes in CMV seropositive recipients, efforts targeting prevention of CMV reactivation need to be prioritized in these higher-risk populations.
When Biological Causality Is Determined in a Court of Law
Authors: Neu Josef , Modi Neena
Published: October 2024

This Viewpoint describes the problems with litigation related to infant formula and necrotizing enterocolitis, such as the inadequacy of the evidence and the patient safety issues raised by the court’s rulings.
Multiplexed Random Access Approach to DNA Microspheres for High‐Capacity Data Storage
Authors: Zhong Wukun , Wang Saijie , Geng Chunyang , Zheng Yanlin , Bai Shiyan , Cao Xiuping , Liu Kai , Yang Yang , Lu Chunhua , Jiang Xingyu
Published: October 2024

With the rapid growth of modern information data, DNA has emerged as a novel medium for data storage due to its durability, replicability, sustainability, and high density. This study focuses on the compatibility, high capacity, and random access of DNA data storage systems. A calcium phosphate (CaP) mineralized fluorescent SiO2 DNA (FSD@CaP) microspheres is developed by encapsulating fluorescence‐labeled encoding DNA files onto the surface of the SiO2 microspheres that are intrinsically sized and fluorescent as addressed two‐dimensional (2D) barcodes. The various sizes of SiO2 and various fluorescence‐labeled encoding DNA files forming 2D barcodes of FSD@CaP. The 2D barcodes enhance the system's compatibility while allowing multiplexed random access to DNA files. The high‐capacity DNA storage permits effective single access to the DNA file using a minimal number of FSD@CaP microspheres, without impacting the matrix of the system. Ultimately, random access to arbitrary DNA files within a complex pool of distinct 2D barcode‐tagged FSD@CaP microspheres is demonstrated by utilizing a flow cytometer for multiplexed sorting. Consequently, the strategy of this storage system provides a scalable concept for compatibility and multiplexed random access to DNA data sets.
Electron Migratory Polarization of Interfacial Electric Fields Facilitates Efficient Microwave Absorption
Authors: Duan Lvtong , Zhou Jintang , Yan Yi , Tao Jiaqi , Liu Yijie , Lei Yiming , Zou Kexin , Wang Yucheng , Huang Hexia , Tao Xuewei , Liu Peijiang , Ma Yao , Yao Zhengjun
Published: October 2024

High‐performance microwave absorption materials (MAM) are often accompanied by synergistic effects of multiple loss mechanisms, but the contribution share of various loss mechanisms has been neglected to provide a template and reference for the design of MAM. Here, a highly conductive 2D structure is designed through a functional group‐induced structure modulation strategy, composite L‐Ni@C can reach an effective absorption bandwidth of 6.45 GHz at 15% fill rate, with a maximum absorption efficiency of 99.9999%. Through the layer‐by‐layer analysis of the loss mechanism, it is found that the strong loss originates from the polarization loss at the heterogeneous interface. The movement of space charge between the two‐phase interface forms an interfacial electric field, and the in situ doping of nitrogen is cleverly achieved by the introduction of amino functional groups, which significantly enhances the rate of space charge transfer between the two‐phase interface and greatly facilitates the electron migration polarization. The space charge motion law of the interfacial electric field is also simulated using COMSOL simulation software to illustrate the electron migration polarization mechanism at heterogeneous interfaces. This work fills the gap of functional group‐induced structural modulation and presents new theories into the mechanism of space charge movement at heterogeneous interfaces.
Extremely Fast Wicking Self‐Layered Interpenetrating Network Hydrogel for Rapid All Day Collection of Atmospheric Water
Authors: He Yuxuan , Zhang Yihang , Xiang Bocheng , Fu Changhui , Zhang Huayang , Zhan Danyan , Guo Zhiguang
Published: October 2024

Hygroscopic salt hydrogel photothermal composites and related technology are a promising pathway for water harvesting. However, due to the overly cumbersome preparation process, the distribution of the surface photothermal layer is difficult to control and the photothermal efficiency is low. In this paper, a method is proposed to greatly simplify the preparation process of photothermal layer hydrogels and improve their atmospheric water harvesting performance by constructing temperature‐sensitive interpenetrating networks. Due to the decomposition of some reversible hydrated structures in the network during heating and warming, carbon nanotubes move autonomously to form a layered structure with a photothermal effect on the upper surface, which can return to its original state after cooling and remain stable at room temperature or under solar illumination. Compared with hydrogels with general layered structure or overall distribution of photothermal materials, agar/GG/PAM/CNT hydrogel has faster moisture adsorption efficiency and higher desorption efficiency, and during the 24 h continuous sorption–desorption cycle is capable of achieving high water yield of 2.57 Lwater kgsorbents−1 day−1, superior to most recent hydrogel adsorbents. Simplifying the preparation process while maintaining high efficiency, while greatly improving photothermal performance, paves the way for cost‐effective mass production applications for a wide range of hygroscopic salt‐hydrogel photothermal composites.
Immunomodulatory Biomaterials: Tailoring Surface Properties to Mitigate Foreign Body Reaction and Enhance Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Amani Hamed , Alipour Mahdieh , Shahriari Elahe , Taboas Juan M
Published: October 2024

The immune cells have demonstrated the ability to promote tissue repair by removing debris, breaking down the extracellular matrix, and regulating cytokine secretion profile. If the behavior of immune cells is not well directed, chronic inflammation and foreign body reaction (FBR) will lead to scar formation and loss of biomaterial functionality. The immunologic response toward tissue repair or chronic inflammation after injury and implantation can be modulated by manipulating the surface properties of biomaterials. Tailoring surface properties of biomaterials enables the regulation of immune cell fate such as adhesion, proliferation, recruitment, polarization, and cytokine secretion profile. This review begins with an overview of the role of immune cells in tissue healing and their interactions with biomaterials. It then discusses how the surface properties of biomaterials influence immune cell behavior. The core focus is reviewing surface modification methods to create innovative materials that reduce foreign body reactions and enhance tissue repair and regeneration by modulating immune cell activities. The review concludes with insights into future advancements in surface modification techniques and the associated challenges.