bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Meaning of System
Authors: Leleur Steen
Published: November 2013

This article reviews the generic meaning of ‘system’ and complements more conventional system notions with a system perception based on recent complexity theory. With system as the core concept of systems theory, its actual meaning is not just of theoretical interest but is highly relevant also for systems practice. It is argued that complexity theory and thinking with reference to Luhmann a.o. ought to be recognised and paid attention to by the systems community. Overall, it is found that a complexity orientation may contribute to extend and enrich the explanatory power of current systems theory when used to complex real-world problems. As regards systems practice it is found that selective use and combination of five presented research approaches (functionalist, interpretive, emancipatory, postmodern and complexity) which function as different but complementing ‘epistemic lenses’ in a process described as constructive circularity, may strengthen the exploration and learning efforts in systems-based intervention.
Applicability of SERVQUAL in Private Higher Education Institutions in Bangladesh
Authors: Panni Mohammad Fateh Ali Khan , Sarker Md. Abdus Salam
Published: November 2013

Education industry is considered as one of the most dominant industrial sectors in modern economy. As a significant service sector in modern times there is much concern from the part of both academics and practitioners regarding the enhancement of its client satisfaction which in this case is considered as students’ satisfaction. This study is aimed at using Parasuraman’s SERVQUAL model to find out its impact on customer satisfaction in the private universities in Bangladesh. Since understanding service quality factors in higher education sector is still grey, the study has applied methodology triangulation in order to derive clear answers on both what and why questions i.e. the extent of the impact of SERVQUAL model on student’s satisfaction as well as the detail reason of such impact to judge its applicability in private universities of Bangladesh. The findings revealed that all the five factors of SERVQUAL were found to have significant impact on the students’ satisfaction of the private universities in Bangladesh. The qualitative techniques reveal the detail reasons of such impact from Bangladesh perspectives.
A Multi-Campus Approach of Mobility and Quality Assurance of Higher Education
Authors: Shams S. M. Riad
Published: November 2013

The Central Queensland University (CQU), Australia operates multiple campuses, where the students of various campuses undertake the same programs, to the same standards, utilize the same teaching and learning materials that ensure the consistency and transparency across all campuses. A case study is undertaken to recognize how the CQU have been delivering quality higher education concurrently in their multiple campuses. In association with the Campus Group Holdings (CGH), CQU established C Management Services (CMS) in 1994. Underlying the CGH’s management expertise, CMS implement the University’s academic programs in the international campuses. More recently, CQU have acquired the CMS from their partner CGH, where CMS continue to implement academic programs in the international campuses. The findings outline the innovative effort of CQU, which appears as prolific to deliver quality higher education concurrently in multiple campuses, as CQU have earned and sustained five star ratings in various aspects of higher education.
Social Network Intervention in Environmental Education
Authors: Dessai Kissan G. G. , Kamat Manoj S.
Published: November 2013

In the recent past Environmental Education (EE) has been introduced as one of the core course in the curriculum of higher education in India. The objective was to make every student aware of the biodiversity and infuse a pro-environmental attitude in them. The efforts to achieve this objective through traditional methods of classroom teaching, predefined syllabus and textbooks has not produced the expected results. We need an approach that will impart values and educate students to conserve and protect various elements of our of biological wealth. With so much of success of social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Linkedln and YouTube amongst the young generation for information sharing and communication, one is compelled to think whether social networks and social media can be of any help in making courses such as Environmental Education (EE) more attractive and informative. With this guided inquiry we used Facebook’s information dissemination platform with an aim of creating and promoting learning environment for exploring, proposing strategies, resources, and information sources to students collaboratively. The preliminary results and feedback from student community are very encouraging and motivating, depicting deployment of environment friendly attitude in students.
Re-Purposeable Learning Objects Based on Teaching and Learning Styles
Authors: Dunning Jeremy , Donoghue Kellie , Kaur Abtar , Daniels David
Published: November 2013

The interactive, multimedia learning object has become an important part of high quality online education. The cost of producing such learning objects can be prohibitive. Re-purposeable learning objects made with learning object templates allow instructors with little or no programming experience to produce highly interactive and immersive learning objects. These learning object templates are based on key styles of teaching and learning and can be used to create and customize new learning objects within those styles, without creating new source code. The templates allow instructors to create learning objects simply by inserting text, and media (images, movies, etc.) because they closely mimic specific teaching strategies.
Emerging Technologies in Transportation Systems
Authors: Guerrero-Ibáñez Antonio , Flores-Cortés Carlos , Damián-Reyes Pedro , Pulido JRG
Published: November 2013

Emerging technologies have been used as a complementary tool to solve different problems that modern society faces every day. One area where the emerging technologies have a big opportunity is transportation. As cities become larger, the number of vehicles and the need for transportation is growing quickly. In this sense, the modern society is facing more traffic congestion, higher fuel bills and the increase of CO2 emissions. It is imperative to improve and develop a sustainable transportation system that uses in a better way the existing infrastructure and that infrastructure have to be complemented with the application of emerging technologies. This work gives readers a global vision of traffic and transportation issues and how merging technologies contribute to solve transportation problems. In addition, it analyzes some of the emerging technologies and how each technology might be used to improve transportation systems. Finally, a classification of applications for transportation systems is explained and some real applications that are being developed in both academic and industrial environment are described.
Doubly Optimal Secure and Protected Multicasting in Hierarchical Sensor Networks
Authors: Abhijeet Samdarshi , Murthy Garimella Rama
Published: November 2013

This paper presents the research work addressing optimal secure and protected Multicasting in wired and wireless Hierarchical Sensor Networks (HSN). The multicast nodes in a hierarchical set up are associated with” Importance values” that are normalized into probabilities. The security constraint imposed is associated with the concept of “Prefix-free paths” in the associated graph. The optimality constraint is to minimize the average path length based on hop count from root node to multicast nodes. The paper also discusses doubly optimal secure multicasting. A practical Hierarchical Sensor Network is described. Some conditions for satisfying the Kraft inequality are also discussed.
Design Science Research
Authors: Rossi Matti , Henfridsson Ola , Lyytinen Kalle , Siau Keng
Published: November 2013

In this introductory piece to the special issue on design science research (DSR) in information systems, the authors probe the past research in DSR, introduce the papers in the special issue, discuss their contributions to the field, and conclude the paper by highlighting some potential directions for future research. To provide a good overview of the research domain, the authors review the key research approaches (or processes) that have been proposed and identify the concrete products of DSR that come in the form of artifacts. As the production of artifact is only part of the DSR process, the authors discuss the role of theorizing about these results and propose avenues for future design-oriented research. It is the authors’ strong belief that DSR should be at the heart of information systems discipline because it invites people to research the issues surrounding the development and organizational implementation of new systems.
Truth or Dare
Authors: Purao Sandeep
Published: November 2013

This essay investigates the ontology question in design science research. Writings on the philosophy of science do not fully address this concern for design science research because of the traditional emphasis on discovering truthful laws. In contrast, design science research dares to create novel IT artifacts with a view to realizing alternative futures. Taking this into account, the author articulates fundamental world-views for the canonical form of design science research, which involves instantiation of the outcomes as a software artifact. These world-views include an ontological basis and an epistemological stance that are the foundation of design science research practice. The author’s derivation of these world-views reflects shifts in the researcher’s stance through the research process, and the interconnectedness of the problem and the artifact. The author discusses implications of these proposed world-views including comparisons against other research traditions, greater clarity for design research practice, and the potential for extending the analysis to other strands of design science research.
A Portable Infection Screening System Designed for Onboard Entry Screening Based on Multi-Parameter Vital Signs
Authors: Sun Guanghao , Vinh Nguyen Quang , Abe Shigeto , Takei Osamu , Sugamata Masami , Matsui Takemi
Published: November 2013

After outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003, many international airport quarantines adopted fever-based screening to identify infected individuals using infrared thermography to control global pandemic. Unfortunately, the sensitivity of fever-based screening system did not exceed 70.4% at Narita International Airport. In order to achieve accurate onboard entry screening for highly contagious infectious diseases, the authors developed a portable system designed for onboard entry screening with linear discriminant analysis. Within several tens of seconds, the system automatically discriminates infected individuals from normal subjects using measured heart rate, respiratory rate, as well as facial surface temperature determined by thermography. The size of system is small enough to be placed on airplane tray tables. The authors tested on 68 subjects including 12 influenza patients to evaluate the system. The result showed sensitivity of 91.7% and specificity of 92.9%. The system seems to be promising for onboard infection screening to safeguard public health.
RETRA
Authors: Inampudi Venkata S. , Kondaveti Russell , Ganz Aura
Published: November 2013

In this paper, the authors introduce a real time web based tool for resource allocation (RETRA) that can assist the incident commanders and resource managers in the complex task of emergency resource deployment for multiple simultaneous incidents that occur in close geographical proximity. RETRA real time inputs include the location of the emergency sites and the required resources with associated priorities. It generates an optimal deployment plan so that emergency sites with highest priorities for a resource are assigned that resource in the least amount of time. The optimal solution is presented graphically using Google Maps. RETRA can be used for emergency resource deployment at the initial response stage of a disaster. 1
A Quality and Partnering-Based Model for Improving Supply Chain Performance
Authors: Das Kanchan , Dellana Scott A.
Published: November 2013

This study proposes a Supplier Quality Affiliation (SQA) approach that is integrated into a mixed integer programming Strategic Supply Chain Management (SSCM) model for overall improvement of the supply chain business process. A pool of acceptable quality and high quality suppliers are affiliated using multi-dimensional quality attributes for the supplier operation parameters in the SQA model. Based on the pre-defined partnering attributes, the SQA model next identifies a select group of high quality suppliers that can be converted into partners. The outcome of the SQA model is then integrated into the SSCM model for ensuring input quality while providing several options for overall business gains of the supply chain members, which include suppliers, manufacturers, and retailers. Applicability of the SQA model is investigated using a real world case study and the SSCM model is illustrated with a numerical example using random data.
An Agent-Based Knowledge Management Framework for Marketing-Mix Decision Making
Authors: Moradi Masoomeh , Aghaie Abdollah , Hosseini Monireh
Published: November 2013

Marketing-mix plays an essential role in the competitive business environment. Marketing decision makers constantly need to monitor changes in the environment and organization to make necessary changes. Therefore, a knowledge management system is required to acquire, store, retrieve and use up-to-dated knowledge. Corporations also tend to look for systems assisting them in knowledge management. Agent technology looks set for assisting organizations in collecting, processing and using knowledge with high accuracy, speed and efficiency. This paper proposes a knowledge management framework for marketing-mix decision making through using agent technology. A multi-agent system is deployed to acquire, refine, store, retrieve, present, show and update the related knowledge of marketing-mix decision making. The fuzzy logic is applied by multi-agent system to make decision. Implementation of the proposed system in a car factory indicates that it is efficient and effective in supporting and improving marketing-mix decision making.
Folksonomy-Based Tag Recommendation for Collaborative Tagging Systems
Authors: Font Frederic , Serrà Joan , Serra Xavier
Published: November 2013

Collaborative tagging has emerged as a common solution for labelling and organising online digital content. However, collaborative tagging systems typically suffer from a number of issues such as tag scarcity or ambiguous labelling. As a result, the organisation and browsing of tagged content is far from being optimal. In this work the authors present a general scheme for building a folksonomy-based tag recommendation system to help users tagging online content resources. Based on this general scheme, the authorse describe eight tag recommendation methods and extensively evaluate them with data coming from two real-world large-scale datasets of tagged images and sound clips. Their results show that the proposed methods can effectively recommend relevant tags, given a set of input tags and tag co-occurrence information. Moreover, the authors show how novel strategies for selecting the appropriate number of tags to be recommended can significantly improve methods performances. Approaches such as the one presented here can be useful to obtain more comprehensive and coherent descriptions of tagged resources, thus allowing a better organisation, browsing and reuse of online content. Moreover, they can increase the value of folksonomies as reliable sources for knowledge-mining.
Dynamic Linking and Personalization on the Web using Linked Open Data
Authors: Şah Melike , Hall Wendy
Published: November 2013

This paper presents a novel Semantic Web browser, called SemWeB. SemWeB supports Web browsing using Linked Open Data and personalization. This is the first time a Semantic Web browser combines the advances in Adaptive Hypermedia (i.e. personalization) and Linked Open Data. In particular, users are provided with a personalized and semantically rich Web browsing experience. For example, SemWeB supplies goal-based adaptive information retrieval from the LOD, adaptive link recommendation using a novel semantic relatedness measure and adaptive content creation. A user based study was used to assess the value of LOD-based hyperlinks and personally relevant content compared with a standard Web browser (Firefox). Results showed that users were able to browse and view more relevant information, as well as, value significance of LOD-based hyperlinks and personalized content in comparison to a standard Web browser.
Confirmative Pressures in ERP Institutionalisation
Authors: Pishdad Azadeh , Haider Abrar
Published: November 2013

In the normal progression of events, firstly the technology is implemented, and then it is assimilated in the organisation. Once its usage becomes routinized and embedded within the organisations’ work processes and value chain activities, it leads to successful institutionalisation. Institutionalisation of technology, thus, is not a linear process, one that is independent of any organisational, cultural, technical, social, and environmental causes and effects that shape and reshape use of technology. Information system researchers, however, tended to limit their attention to the effects of the institutional environment (i.e., coercive, normative and mimetic pressure) on structural conformity and isomorphism, so they fail to study the role of other institutional contexts which affect technology implementation and institutionalisation in organisations. This paper, therefore, aims to fill this gap by introducing confirmative pressure as a new form of isomorphism among organisation and other sub-institutions. This paper presents an illustrative case study of ERP adopting organisation in Australia to show how various isomorphic mechanisms affect ERP implementation and institutionalisation process.
Bridges of Trust
Authors: Abdelaziz Hamdy Ahmed
Published: November 2013

The current research aim was to develop a constructive model for assessing web-based and electronic learning as an attempt to build bridges of trust in web-based and e-learning outcomes. The proposed model was developed in the light of the learning assumptions of the constructive theory and the cognitive theory. The targeted model – the Bridges of Trust Model – includes four levels of assessment: assessment of awareness, assessment of initiative, assessment of depth of meaning, and assessment of meaning construction. Within these levels, the researcher presented six processes reflecting the types of constructive assessment of web-based and e-learning. These types are: 1) assessment of manipulations, 2) assessment of outcomes, 3) assessment of cooperation, 4) assessment of transformation, 5) assessment of context, and 6) assessment of reflection. The model was piloted on a sample of students in the distance teaching and training program in the Arabian Gulf University. The pilot study proved that the model is valid and generalizable. In addition, this paper will be of benefit to people looking for pedagogical applications of web-based and electronic learning environments for developing multiple ways to express what online learners should know and be able to do.
Pediatric Physicians’ Referral of Children Aged 0-3 Years for Audiological Evaluation in the Public Health Care Sector
Authors: Kanji Amisha , Kara Razeena
Published: November 2013

The current study aimed to determine the current practice of pediatric physicians in the referral of children (0-3 years) for further audiological evaluation in the South African public health care sector. Sixty three pediatric physicians comprising of pediatricians, neonatologists, medical officers, registrars and interns from three academic hospitals completed a self- administered questionnaire. Most participants reported referrals to an audiologist when hearing loss was suspected. An average of eight risk factors for hearing loss listed on the Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA) 2007 position statement were identified by participants, indicating the need for referral. Generally, participants reported that referral/s occurred easily within the respective hospitals. Results highlight that pediatric physicians are aware of the role that audiologists play in the diagnosis and management of hearing loss, are involved in the referral of children that are at risk for hearing loss, and have awareness of some of the known risk factors associated with hearing loss. Further education regarding other risk factors is required in order to increase referral/s, and ensure appropriate referral of children at risk for hearing loss.
Leiomyoma of the Seminal Vesicle: A Rare Case
Authors: Shaikh Aftab S. , Bakhshi Girish D. , Khan Arshad S. , Jamadar Nilofar M. , Nirmala Aravind Kotresh , Raza Arif Ahmed
Published: November 2013

Leiomyomas though common benign tumors of smooth muscle cells are extremely rare in the male genitourinary tract. We present a case of an elderly male who presented with complaints suggestive of urinary bladder outlet obstruction since 1 year. His evaluation showed it due to a tumour arising from the left seminal vesicle. Excision of the tumor was done which was diagnosed on histopathology as leiomyoma. A brief case report and review of literature is being presented.
Devonian conodonts and stratigraphy of southwestern Ontario
Authors: Uyeno T T , Telford P G , Sanford B V
Published: November 2013

A succession of Devonian strata, ranging in age from Pragian? to Famennian and possibly postFamennian, occurs in southwestern Ontario. The Lower Devonian sequence comprises the sandstone of the Oriskany Formation (Pragian?), cherty dolomitic limestone of the Bois
Blanc Formation (robust us Zone , and possibly equivalent to the serotinus Zone; Emsian), the bioclastic limestone of the Amherstburg Formation (possibly serotinus to patulus Zones; Emsian?) and the lithologically variable Lucas Formation. The latter two units form the Detroit River Group. The sandy
limestone facies ("Columbus limestone"), developed within the Anderdon Member of the Lucas Formation, contains conodonts of the patulus Zone (undivided). Pending the final decision, the Lower-Middle Devonian boundary lies very close to the patulus Zone, and therefore to the Anderdon Member. In the
Niagara Peninsula, New York nomenclature is applicable, and parts of the Onondaga Formation are recognized (in ascending order): Edgecliff, Clarence, and Moorehouse Members. The true relationship of the Onondaga and the Detroit River is still not entirely known.
At the base of the Middle Devonian sequence is the fossiliferous, micritic limestone of the Dundee Formation which lies disconformably on the Detroit River strata. Dundee conodonts are assignable to the costatus costatus, australis and kockelianus Zones, of Eifelian age. The overlying Hamilton
Group, studied only in outcrop sections, includes the upper part of the Arkona Formation (shale), and the Hungry Hollow (shale and limestone), Widder (shale), and Jpperwash (jimestone) Formations. The conodonts of this upper part of the Hamilton belong to the Lower varcus Subzone of Givetian age.
The lower part of the Hamilton may possibly contain conodonts of the ensensis Zone, which straddles the Eifelian-Givetian boundary.
The Upper Devonian black shales of the Kettle Point Formation lie disconformably on the Ipperwash Formation. Kettle Point conodonts are assignable to the Middle asymmetricus Zone to possibly the costatus Zone (Winder, (966), thus demonstrating that almost the entire Upper Devonian (ranging in age
from early Frasnian to late Famennian) is represented in the subsurface.
The Devonian conodonts of southwestern Ontario were among the earliest to be studied in North America (Hinde, 1879; see also Bergstrom and Hansen, 1979). In the present study, one new species, Icriodus hankae, is introduced.
’n Skrywer ’n storie
Authors: Greyling Franci
Published: November 2013

No abstract available.
Die versamelaar
Authors: Greyling Franci
Published: November 2013

No abstract available.
Reconstruction of post-traumatic long bone defect with vascularised free fibula: A series of 28 cases
Authors: Kalra Gurdayal Singh , Goel Pradeep , Singh Pradeep Kumar
Published: November 2013

Introduction: The severe long bone defects usually follow high-energy trauma and are often associated with a significant soft-tissue injury. The goal of management of these open long bone defects is to provide stable fixation with maintenance of limb length and soft-tissue coverage. The purpose of this article is to present the clinic-radiological outcome, complications and treatment of post-traumatic long bone defect with vascularised fibula transfer. Materials and Methods: Retrospective records of 28 patients were analysed who presented with post-traumatic long bone defects and in whom reconstruction with vascularised free fibula was done. Demographic data were recorded and clinical and radiological assessment was done. Results: Out of 28 patients in whom vascularised free fibula transfer was carried out three flaps were lost while non-union occur in three patients. Three patients developed a stress fracture of transferred free fibula in the post-operative period. Few of the patients experienced some problems in the donor leg; however, all of them improved in subsequent follow-up. Discussion: It is clearly evident from this study that timing of surgery plays an important role in the micro-vascular reconstruction in trauma cases. All the complication like flap loss, non-union or delayed union occur in patients in whom reconstruction was delayed. Conclusion: The free vascularised fibula graft is a viable method for the reconstruction of skeletal defects of more than 6 cm, especially in cases of scarred and avascular recipient sites or in patients with combined bone and soft-tissue defects. Results are best when the reconstruction is done within 1 week of trauma.
A retrospective analysis of early experience with modified complete primary repair of exstrophy bladder (CPRE) in neonates and children
Authors: Kurbet Santosh B. , Prashanth Gowda P. , Patil Mahantesh V. , Mane Shivaji
Published: November 2013

Objective: To study the problems faced during the surgery and follow-up of modified complete primary repair of exstrophy (CPRE) technique. Initial experience with CPRE and its short- and long-term outcomes with respect to continence status and psychosocial impact are reported. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of the hospital case records from March 2008 to September 2012 was performed. Data of patients with bladder exstrophy managed by a single paediatric surgeon using modified CPRE technique were analysed. Quality of life and psychosocial impact of the surgery were assessed using Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL 4.0) and compared with those of typical peers. Results: Eight children (age 4 days-12 years) underwent CPRE using modified Mitchell′s technique. Two patients (25%) experienced early postoperative complications, with infection and fistula developing in one each. All the patients were doing well on follow-up, with variable continence rates and good cosmesis. Mean duration of follow-up was 18.5 months (range 6 months-4 years). Five out of seven (71%) children were continent or partially continent. One case was lost to follow-up. PedsQL scores were comparable with those of age-matched peers in all domains except the social functioning domain in 8-12 years age group (83.53 ± 9.70 vs. 77.86 ± 10.22, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our preliminary results with modified CPRE in neonates and children have been encouraging. No major complications were observed. Continence rate was satisfactory and cosmetic results were good. Though the technique is being practiced at several Indian centres, there is a paucity of comprehensive Indian data on CPRE.
Functional outcome of patients undergoing replantation of hand at wrist level-7 year experience
Authors: Mahajan Ravi Kumar , Mittal Seema
Published: November 2013

Background: Replantation is defined as reattachment of amputated limb using neurovascular and musculoskeletal structures in order to obtain recovery of limb. Re-vascularisation involves all the above steps in case of limb injuries that result in a near total amputation. Aim and Objective: To study the functional outcome of patients undergoing replantation of hand at wrist level. Material and Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent replantation of total amputation of hand at wrist level within a period of Jan 2003-June 2010. We evaluated post operative functional outcome compared to uninjured hand taking into consideration: 1. The patient′s overall satisfaction with the hand. 2. Recovery of flexor and extensor function of thumb and fingers. 3. Recovery of thumb opposition. 4. Recovery of sensations in the median and ulnar nerve distribution. 5. Ability of surviving hand to perform daily tasks. Results: There were total seventeen patients and age range was two years to 55 years. Out of 17 patients,16 were males. All the replantations were successful except for one. Summary: The results showed that, although the replanted hands were never functionally as good as the contralateral hand the patients were able to perform most of the daily activities.
Infrared venography of the hand in Apert syndrome
Authors: Nishimoto Soh , Fukuda Kenji , Fujiwara Toshihiro , Kinoshita Masato , Kawai Kenichiro , Kakibuchi Masao
Published: November 2013

As well as craniofacial synostosis, complex syndactyly of hands is a distinctive feature of Apert syndrome. Consideration of blood flow to the digits is very important in separation surgery. Several reports offer information about arterial distribution in Apert′s hands. Though, venous pattern has not been well discussed. Infrared venography offers a real-time image with minimal invasion. An Apert syndrome patient underwent a series of finger splitting surgeries. Infrared venography was carried out to assess veins. There was a palmar venous arch, placing distally to the metacarpophalangeal joint. The arch had to be cut to divide fused fingers sufficiently. As well as arterial abnormality, venous uniqueness should be noted in Apert syndactyly surgeries. Infrared venography, which can be carried out easily, offers good information that surgeon require.
Resultados de un programa de ejercicio físico combinado con electroestimulación neuromuscular en pacientes en hemodiálisis
Authors: Junqué Jiménez Anna , Esteve Simón Vicent , Iza Pinedo Gorka , Tomás Bernabeu Esther , Luceño Solé Inés , Paz López Oscar , Lavado Sempere Mª Luisa , Ramírez de Arellano Manel
Published: November 2013

Los pacientes en hemodiálisis presentan una importante disminución de la condición física y la capacidad funcional. Ampliamente son conocidos los numerosos benefi cios del ejercicio físico en los pacientes con insufi ciencia renal en éstos aspectos.
Hasta la fecha, existe mínima experiencia con la electroestimulación neuromuscular en los pacientes en hemodiálisis.
Objetivos:
1. Analizar el efecto de un programa de entrenamiento físico intradiálisis combinado con electroestimulación neuromuscular sobre la fuerza muscular y la capacidad funcional en nuestros
pacientes en hemodiálisis.
2. Analizar la seguridad, efi cacia y tolerancia de la electroestimulación neuromuscular en nuestros pacientes en hemodiálisis.
Métodos:
Los pacientes en hemodiálisis realizaron un programa completo de entrenamiento físico mediante balones medicinales, pesas, bandas elásticas y cicloergómetros combinado con electroestimulación neuromuscular en las primeras dos horas de
hemodiálisis durante 12 semanas en un estudio prospectivo unicéntrico. La electroestimulación se realizó en ambos cuádriceps usando el Compex ® Theta 500i.
Principales datos analizados:
1. Fuerza extensión máxima cuádriceps (FEMQ) y “handgrip” brazo dominante (HG).
2. Test funcionales:“Sit to stand to sit” (STS10) y “six-minutes walking test” (6MWT).
3. Escala Visual Analógica (EVA) y cuestionario propio de electroestimulación neuromuscular (QE).
Resultados:
11 pacientes incluidos (55% mujeres). Edad media 67.6 años y 62.3 meses en hemodiálisis. Se observó una mejoría signifi cativa (*p
Evaluación de los conocimientos prácticos de los pacientes prevalentes en diálisis peritoneal
Authors: Pelaéz Requejo Beatriz , Fernández Pérez Mónica , Núñez Moral Miguel , González Díaz Isabel , Méndez González Alejandra , Quintana Fernández Aurora
Published: November 2013

La fase de entrenamiento, en la que se dota a pacientes y cuidadores de los conocimientos y habilidades necesarios para realizar su autotratamiento, es vital.
El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar los conocimientos prácticos de los pacientes de nuestra Unidad mediante la realización de un intercambio manual y como consecuencia de éste, valorar la necesidad de establecer un programa de reentrenamiento reglado.
Se realizó un estudio observacional, transversal entre Febrero y Abril de 2013, con pacientes prevalentes, mayores de edad, con más de un mes en técnica domiciliaria. Se diseñó un test de evaluación de 23 ítems que recogía los pasos de un intercambio
manual y la administración de medicación intraperitoneal; la valoración la realizó un observador imparcial durante una revisión rutinaria del paciente.
Se recogieron variables epidemiológicas, clínicas y nivel de estudios. El análisis estadístico se realizó con el paquete informático SPSS 20.0.
Se evaluaron 62 pacientes, 59 con Enfermedad Renal Crónica (24 en Diálisis Peritoneal Continua Ambulatoria y 35 en Diálisis Peritoneal Automatizada) y 3 con Insufi ciencia Cardiaca Congestiva. El tiempo medio en técnica fue 19±20 meses en manual, 24±27 en automática y 8±4 en ultrafi ltración
peritoneal.
La media de aciertos fue de 18±3, sin diferencias en cuanto a las variables analizadas.
Nuestros pacientes están, en general, bien formados, con variaciones individuales no dependientes de edad, sexo, educación o tiempo en la técnica.
Consideramos que un buen entrenamiento no es suficiente, siendo pertinente establecer un programa de reentrenamientos periódicos y personalizados.
Dry deposition of nitrogen compounds (NO2, HNO3, NH3), sulfur dioxide and ozone in west and central African ecosystems using the inferential method
Authors: Adon M. , Galy-Lacaux C. , Delon C. , Yoboue V. , Solmon F. , Kaptue Tchuente A. T.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. This work is part of the IDAF program (IGAC-DEBITS-AFRICA) and is based on the long-term monitoring of gas concentrations (1998–2007) established at seven remote sites representative of major African ecosystems. Dry deposition fluxes were estimated by the inferential method using on the one hand surface measurements of gas concentrations (NO2, HNO3, NH3, SO2 and O3) and on the other hand modeled exchange rates. Dry deposition velocities (Vd) were calculated using the big-leaf model of Zhang et al. (2003b). The bidirectional approach is used for NH3 surface–atmosphere exchange (Zhang et al., 2010). Surface and meteorological conditions specific to IDAF sites have been used in the models of deposition. The seasonal and annual mean variations of gaseous dry deposition fluxes (NO2, HNO3, NH3, O3 and SO2) are analyzed. Along the latitudinal transect of ecosystems, the annual mean dry deposition fluxes of nitrogen compounds range from −0.4 to −0.8 kg N ha−1 yr−1 for NO2, from −0.7 to −1.0 kg N ha−1 yr−1 for HNO3 and from −0.7 to −8.3 kg N ha−1 yr−1 for NH3 over the study period (1998–2007). The total nitrogen dry deposition flux (NO2+HNO3+NH3) is more important in forests (−10 kg N ha−1 yr−1) than in wet and dry savannas (−1.6 to −3.9 kg N ha−1 yr−1). The annual mean dry deposition fluxes of ozone range between −11 and −19 kg ha−1 yr−1 in dry and wet savannas, and −11 and −13 kg ha−1 yr−1 in forests. Lowest O3 dry deposition fluxes in forests are correlated to low measured O3 concentrations, lower by a factor of 2–3, compared to other ecosystems. Along the ecosystem transect, the annual mean of SO2 dry deposition fluxes presents low values and a small variability (−0.5 to −1 kg S ha−1 yr−1). No specific trend in the interannual variability of these gaseous dry deposition fluxes is observed over the study period.
Characteristics of the Taylor microscale in the solar wind/foreshock: magnetic field and electron velocity measurements
Authors: Gurgiolo C. , Goldstein M. L. , Matthaeus W. H. , Viñas A. , Fazakerley A. N.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. The Taylor microscale is one of the fundamental turbulence scales. Not easily estimated in the interplanetary medium employing single spacecraft data, it has generally been studied through two point correlations. In this paper we present an alternative, albeit mathematically equivalent, method for estimating the Taylor microscale (λT). We make two independent determinations employing multi-spacecraft data sets from the Cluster mission, one using magnetic field data and a second using electron velocity data. Our results using the magnetic field data set yields a scale length of 1538 ± 550 km, slightly less than, but within the same range as, values found in previous magnetic-field-based studies. During time periods where both magnetic field and electron velocity data can be used, the two values can be compared. Relative comparisons show λT computed from the velocity is often significantly smaller than that from the magnetic field data. Due to a lack of events where both measurements are available, the absolute λT based on the electron fluid velocity is not able to be determined.
Regulation of CO2 emissions from temperate streams and reservoirs
Authors: Halbedel S. , Koschorreck M.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. It has become more and more evident that CO2 emission (FCO2) from freshwater systems is an important part of the global carbon cycle. To date, only a few studies have addressed the different mechanisms that regulate FCO2 in lotic and lentic systems. In a comparative study we investigated how different biogeochemical and physical factors can affect FCO2 values in streams and reservoirs. We examined the seasonal variability in CO2 concentrations and emissions from four streams and two pre-dams of a large drinking water reservoir located in the same catchment, and compared them with environmental factors that were measured concurrently. All the streams were generally supersaturated with CO2 throughout the year, while both reservoirs functioned to a small degree as CO2 sinks during summer stratification and CO2 sources after circulation had set in. FCO2 from streams ranged from 23 to 355 mmol m−2 d−1 and exceeded the fluxes recorded for the reservoirs (−8.9 to 161.1 mmol m−2 d−1). Both the generally high piston velocity (k) and the CO2 oversaturation contributed to the higher FCO2 from streams in comparison to lakes. In both streams and reservoirs FCO2 was mainly governed by the CO2 concentration (r = 0.92, p < 0.001 for dams; r = 0.90, p < 0.001 for streams), which was in turn affected by metabolic processes and nutrients in both systems and also by lateral inflow in the streams. Besides CO2 concentration, physical factors also influence FCO2 in lakes and streams. During stratification, FCO2 in both pre-dams was regulated by primary production in the epilimnion, which led to a decrease of FCO2. During circulation, when CO2 from the hypolimnion was mixed with the epilimnion, FCO2 increased on account of the CO2 input from the hypolimnion. The CO2 from the hypolimnion originates from the mineralisation of organic matter. FCO2 from streams was mainly influenced by geomorphological and hydrological factors affecting k, which is less relevant in low-wind lakes. Under high-wind conditions, however, k regulates FCO2 from lotic systems as well. We developed a theoretical framework describing the role of the different regulation mechanisms for FCO2 from streams and lakes. In summary, the dominant factor affecting FCO2 is the concentration of CO2 in the surface water. Lake stratification has a very important regulatory effect on FCO2 from lakes on account of its influence on CO2 concentrations and metabolic processes. Nevertheless, FCO2 values in heterotrophic streams are generally higher. The higher k values are responsible for the comparatively high degree of FCO2. On a Central European scale, CO2 emission from streams is probably of greater importance than the CO2 flux from standing waters.
Composition of eroded carbon during its journey through a tropical watershed: a clue to the question whether it is source or sink of CO2
Authors: Rumpel C. , Chaplot V. , Ciais P. , Chabbi A. , Bouahom B. , Valentin C.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. In order to assess whether eroded carbon is a net source or sink of atmospheric CO2, characterisation of the chemical composition and residence time of eroded organic matter (EOM) at the landscape level is needed. This information is crucial to evaluate how fast EOM can be decomposed by soil microbes during its lateral transport. This study considers a continuum of scales to measure the fate of EOM during its transport, across a steep hillslope landscape of the Mekong basin, with intense erosion. Here we show that changes in the chemical composition of EOM (measured by NMR spectroscopy) and in its 13C and 15N isotope composition provide consistent evidence for EOM decomposition during the lateral transport of carbon on time scales of less than 50 yr across distances of 10 km. Between individual soil units (1 m2) to a small watershed (107 m2), the observed 28% decrease of the C/N ratio and the enrichment of 13C and 15N isotopes in EOM is of similar magnitude than the enrichment with depth in soil profiles due to soil organic matter "vertical" decomposition. Radiocarbon measurements indicated that these changes are not related to the slow transformation of soil carbon during pedogenesis, but rather to an acceleration of the SOM stabilisation process during its journey through the watershed.
The regional MiKlip decadal forecast ensemble for Europe
Authors: Mieruch S. , Feldmann H. , Schädler G. , Lenz C.-J. , Kothe S. , Kottmeier C.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Funded by the German Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) a major research project called MiKlip (Mittelfristige Klimaprognose, Decadal Climate Prediction) was launched and global as well as regional predictive ensemble hindcasts have been generated. The aim of the project is to demonstrate for past climate change whether predictive models have the capability of predicting climate on time scales of decades. This includes the development of a decadal forecast system, on the one hand to support decision making for economy, politics and society for decadal time spans. On the other hand, the scientific aspect is to explore the feasibility and prospects of global and regional forecasts on decadal time scales. The focus of this paper lies on the description of the regional hindcast ensemble for Europe generated by COSMO-CLM and on the assessment of the decadal variability and predictability against observations. To measure decadal variability we remove the long term bias as well as the long term linear trend from the data. Further, we applied low pass filters to the original data to separate the decadal climate signal from high frequency noise. The decadal variability and predictability assessment is applied to temperature and precipitation data for the summer and winter half-year averages/sums. The best results have been found for the prediction of decadal temperature anomalies, i.e. we have detected a distinct predictive skill and reasonable reliability. Hence it is possible to predict regional temperature variability on decadal timescales, However, the situation is less satisfactory for precipitation. Here we have found regions showing good predictability, but also regions without any predictive skill.
Parameter variations in prediction skill optimization at ECMWF
Authors: Ollinaho P. , Bechtold P. , Leutbecher M. , Laine M. , Solonen A. , Haario H. , Järvinen H.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Algorithmic numerical weather prediction (NWP) skill optimization has been tested using the Integrated Forecasting System (IFS) of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). We report the results of initial experimentation using importance sampling based on model parameter estimation methodology targeted for ensemble prediction systems, called the ensemble prediction and parameter estimation system (EPPES). The same methodology was earlier proven to be a viable concept in low-order ordinary differential equation systems, and in large-scale atmospheric general circulation models (ECHAM5). Here we show that prediction skill optimization is possible even in the context of a system that is (i) of very high dimensionality, and (ii) carefully tuned to very high skill. We concentrate on four closure parameters related to the parameterizations of sub-grid scale physical processes of convection and formation of convective precipitation. We launch standard ensembles of medium-range predictions such that each member uses different values of the four parameters, and make sequential statistical inferences about the parameter values. Our target criterion is the squared forecast error of the 500 hPa geopotential height at day three and day ten. The EPPES methodology is able to converge towards closure parameter values that optimize the target criterion. Therefore, we conclude that estimation and cost function-based tuning of low-dimensional static model parameters is possible despite the very high dimensional state space, as well as the presence of stochastic noise due to initial state and physical tendency perturbations. The remaining question before EPPES can be considered as a generally applicable tool in model development is the correct formulation of the target criterion. The one used here is, in our view, very selective. Considering the multi-faceted question of improving forecast model performance, a more general target criterion should be developed. This is a topic of ongoing research.
Modeling energy and mass balance of Shallap Glacier, Peru
Authors: Gurgiser W. , Marzeion B. , Nicholson L. , Ortner M. , Kaser G.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. We calculated the distributed surface mass and energy balance of Shallap Glacier, Cordillera Blanca, Peru (9° S, 77° W, 4700–5700 m a.s.l., ~ 7 km2), on hourly time steps for two years (September 2006–August 2008) using a process-based model and meteorological measurements as input. Model parameter combinations were optimized against 21 temporal readings of 20 stakes in the ablation zone of the glacier. Uncertainty caused by model input parameters and parameterization schemes was estimated using a leave-one out cross-validation scheme, which yields values of root mean square deviation (RMSD) of surface height change < 1 m (< 10% of the measured amplitude) for all stakes. With the best parameter combination (smallest RMSD) applied, the modeled annual surface mass balance of the glacier was −0.32 ± 0.4 m w.e. (water equivalent) for September 2006–August 2007 and 0.51 ± 0.56 m w.e. for September 2007–August 2008. While the mass balance above 5000 m was similar in both years (Δ 0.33 ± 0.68 m w.e.) due to similar annual sums of solid precipitation, a difference of 1.97 ± 0.68 m w.e. was calculated for the lower parts of the glacier. This difference is associated with more frequent occurrence of higher snow line altitudes during the first year, which was mainly caused by a higher fraction of liquid precipitation due to higher mean air temperatures. As the net shortwave budget was found to be the main source for ablation throughout the year at Shallap Glacier, lower surface albedo especially caused by lower solid precipitation amounts explains most of the difference in modeled ablation and mass balance between the two years.