bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The contaminated land regime and austerity
Authors: Brown Lloyd Andrew
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the remediation of contaminated land has been damaged, perhaps immeasurably, in a period of devastating and crushing austerity.

Design/methodology/approach

A legal doctrinal and regulatory analysis of the contaminated land regime under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1990 was used to investigate the extent to which austerity changes have affected future contaminated land identification and remediation.

Findings

Austerity changes have impacted upon Part 2A of the EPA 1990, the planning system and development incentives. The recent changes are going to contribute to the problem of the under-resourcing of local authorities and are likely to reduce voluntary remediation by developers. As a result, future contaminated land clean-up is going to decrease.

Originality/value

Originality/value is assured because, as far as the author is aware, there is no other literature in this research area dealing specifically with the coalition’s adverse impact on Part 2A; this paper fills the knowledge gap that existed in the research field.
OhioLINK – recent developments at a United States academic library consortium
Authors: Evans Gwen , Schwing Theda
Published: October 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an update to Tom Sanville’s 2007 overview of OhioLINK, a renowned US academic library consortium, and describe the current state of activity and services.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach used is descriptive.

Findings

OhioLINK’s main collaborative services include document delivery, resource sharing and the establishment of digital libraries, including electronic journals, electronic books and open-access materials such as electronic theses and dissertations. This update to Tom Sanville’s 2007 overview of OhioLINK issues and developments describes the current state of collaborative library services and resource sharing a decade later, including the challenges of hosted institutional repositories and the implications of shifting from shared print to e-book collections at the network level.

Originality/value

OhioLINK trends provide a snapshot of changing activity and sustainability in library resource sharing at network scale across many different types of academic libraries.
Laboratory evaluation of a novel anaesthesia delivery device
Authors: Paul A. , Clark J. N. , Salama I. E. , Jenkins B. J. , Goodwin N. , Wilkes A. R. , Mahoney P. F. , Hall J. E.
Published: October 2016

Here, we describe proof of concept of a novel method for delivering volatile anaesthetics, where the liquid anaesthetic (sevoflurane or isoflurane) is formulated into an emulsion that is contained in a compact, lightweight device through which carrier gas flows. Release of anaesthetic is achieved by stirring of the formulation, allowing controlled and responsive release of anaesthetic at a variety of fixed flow rates between 0.5 l.min−1 and 5 l.min−1, with ventilated, non‐ventilated and draw‐over breathing systems. Anaesthetic release was evaluated using target anaesthetic concentrations ranging from 0.5% v/v to 8% v/v to mimic those typically required for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia, and lower concentrations suitable for sedation. Under all conditions, output could be maintained within 0.1% v/v of the intended setting, and the device could deliver a controlled level of anaesthetic for at least 60 min, with compensation for different ambient temperatures (10–30 °C) and carrier gas flow rates. This device offers a simple, inexpensive method of delivering safe concentrations of volatile anaesthetics for a wide range of applications.
Calling the patient's own name facilitates recovery from general anaesthesia: a randomised double‐blind trial
Authors: Jung Y. S. , Paik H. , Min S.‐H. , Choo H. , Seo M. , Bahk J.‐H. , Seo J.‐H.
Published: October 2016

People can hear and pay attention to familiar terms such as their own name better than general terms, referred to as the cocktail party effect. We performed a prospective, randomised, double‐blind trial to investigate whether calling the patient's name compared with a general term facilitated a patient's response and recovery from general anaesthesia. We enrolled women having breast cancer surgery with general anaesthesia using propofol and remifentanil. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups depending on whether the patient's name or a general term was called, followed by the verbal command – ‘open your eyes!’ – during emergence from anaesthesia; this pre‐recorded sentence was played to the patient using headphones. Fifty patients were allocated to the name group and 51 to the control group. Our primary outcome was the time from discontinuation of anaesthesia until eye opening. The mean (SD) time was 337 (154) s in the name group and 404 (170) s in the control group (p = 0.041). The time to i‐gel® removal was 385 (152) vs. 454 (173) s (p = 0.036), the time until achieving a bispectral index of 60 was 174 (133) vs. 205 (160) s (p = 0.3), and the length of stay in the postanaesthesia care unit was 43.8 (3.4) vs. 47.3 (7.1) min (p = 0.005), respectively. In conclusion, using the patient's name may be an easy and effective method to facilitate recovery from general anaesthesia.
Acute hepatic necrosis and death in a subadult southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) associated with exposure to sterigmatocystin in forage contaminated with Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Bryant BR , Campbell M , Sangster C
Published: October 2016

A young male southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum), which was resident in a zoo as part of a multi‐rhinoceros group, died suddenly. Necropsy and histopathological findings supported a diagnosis of death from acute hepatic necrosis. The microscopic distribution of liver lesions was suggestive of hepatotoxicosis. Further investigation revealed potential exposure to a mycotoxin, sterigmatocystin, present in spoiled lucerne hay contaminated with Aspergillus nidulans. It was concluded that mycotoxicosis was the likely cause of the hepatic necrosis and death in this animal.
Regulatory verification on safe use of cytotoxic drugs in veterinary clinics and animal hospitals
Authors: Fung V , Seneviratne M
Published: October 2016

Background

Veterinarians are increasingly being asked to provide chemotherapy for veterinary patients. However, chemotherapy agents have cytotoxic effects that can pose a health risk to workers from exposure. There are no published studies examining cytotoxic drug (CTD) contamination in veterinary practices in Australia.

Methods

CTD use at 13 veterinary clinics and animal hospitals across New South Wales (NSW) was verified for compliance with Work, Health and Safety (WHS) legislation on the effectiveness of exposure control measures. Surface swab sampling was performed to detect the restricted carcinogen cyclophosphamide and seven other CTD. A total of 73 surface swab samples were collected from nine locations associated with CTD delivery, storage, treatment and waste disposal at four veterinary practices, with repeat sampling at two veterinary practices.

Results

Compliance with WHS legislation for systematic chemical management, including procedures for safe use of carcinogens, in veterinary practices was high: 4 of the 10 key clauses in WHS chemical management were complied with at all 13 verified workplaces. Surface contamination was detected in three locations, with levels of CTD contaminants ranging from 3.54 to 89 ng per sample.

Discussion

Results showed that, in general, there were safe systems in place to work with CTD in the veterinary practices that were verified in NSW. Areas for improvement were mainly in administrative measures related to hazardous chemical management. Particular attention should be given to raising awareness of the intrinsic hazards of CTD, through training and hazard information provision to staff.
An Efficient Structure‐Aware Bilateral Texture Filtering for Image Smoothing
Authors: Lin Ting‐Hao , Way Der‐Lor , Shih Zen‐Chung , Tai Wen‐Kai , Chang Chin‐Chen
Published: October 2016

Photos contain well‐structured and plentiful visual information. Edges are active and expressive stimuli for human visual perception. However, it is hard to separate structure from details because edge strength and object scale are entirely different concepts. This paper proposes a structure‐aware bilateral texture algorithm to remove texture patterns and preserve structures. Our proposed method is simple and fast, as well as effective in removing textures. Instead of patch shift, smaller patches represent pixels located at structure edges, and original patches represent the texture regions. Specifically, this paper also improves joint bilateral filter to preserve small structures. Moreover, a windowed inherent variation is adapted to distinguish textures and structures for detecting structure edges. Finally, the proposed method produces excellent experimental results. These results are compared to some results of previous studies. Besides, structure‐preserving filtering is a critical operation in many image processing applications. Our proposed filter is also demonstrated in many attractive applications, such as seam carving, detail enhancement, artistic rendering, etc.
Real‐time Texture Synthesis and Concurrent Random‐access Rendering for Low‐cost GPU Chip Design
Authors: Zhang L. , Fenney S. , Escribano F.
Published: October 2016

Numerous algorithms have been researched in the area of texture synthesis. However, it remains difficult to design a low‐cost synthesis scheme capable of generating high quality results while simultaneously achieving real‐time performance. Additional challenges include making a scheme parallel and being able to partially render/synthesize high‐resolution textures. Furthermore, it would be beneficial for a synthesis scheme to be able to incorporate Texture Compression and minimize the bandwidth usage, especially on mobile devices. In this paper, we propose a practical method which has low computational complexity and produces textures with small storage requirements. Through use of an index table, random access of the texture is another essential advantage, with which parallel rendering becomes feasible including generation of mip‐map sequences. Integrating the index table with existing compression algorithms, for example ETC or PVRTC, the bandwidth is further reduced and avoids the need for a separate, computationally expensive pass to compress the synthesized output. It should be noted that our texture synthesis achieves real‐time performance and low power consumption even on mobile devices, for which texture synthesis has been traditionally considered too expensive.
Temporally Coherent and Artistically Intended Stylization of Feature Lines Extracted from 3D Models
Authors: Cardona L. , Saito S.
Published: October 2016

In this paper, we propose a method to maintain the temporal coherence of stylized feature lines extracted from 3D models and preserve an artistically intended stylization provided by the user. We formally define the problem of combining spatio‐temporal continuity and artistic intention as a weighted energy minimization problem of competing constraints. The proposed method updates the style properties to provide real‐time smooth transitions from current to goal stylization, by assuring first‐ and second‐order temporal continuity, as well as spatial continuity along each stroke. The proposed weighting scheme guarantees that the stylization of strokes maintains motion coherence with respect to the apparent motion of the underlying surface in consecutive frames. This weighting scheme emphasizes temporal continuity for small apparent motions where the human vision system is able to keep track of the scene, and prioritizes the artistic intention for large apparent motions where temporal coherence is not expected. The proposed method produces temporally coherent and visually pleasing animations without the flickering artifacts of previous methods, while also maintaining the artistic intention of a goal stylization provided by the user.
Anaglyph Caustics with Motion Parallax
Authors: Lancelle M. , Martin T. , Solenthaler B. , Gross M.
Published: October 2016

In this paper we present a method to model and simulate a lens such that its caustic reveals a stereoscopic 3D image when viewed through anaglyph glasses. By interpreting lens dispersion as stereoscopic disparity, our method optimizes the shape and arrangement of prisms constituting the lens, such that the resulting anaglyph caustic corresponds to a given input image defined by intensities and disparities. In addition, a slight change of the lens' distance to the screen causes a 3D parallax effect that can also be perceived without glasses. Our proposed relaxation method carefully balances the resulting pixel intensity and disparity error, while taking the subsequent physical fabrication process into account. We demonstrate our method on a representative set of input images and evaluate the anaglyph caustics using multi‐spectral photon tracing. We further show the fabrication of prototype lenses with a laser cutter as a proof of concept.
Proxy‐guided Image‐based Rendering for Mobile Devices
Authors: Reinert Bernhard , Kopf Johannes , Ritschel Tobias , Cuervo Eduardo , Chu David , Seidel Hans‐Peter
Published: October 2016

VR headsets and hand‐held devices are not powerful enough to render complex scenes in real‐time. A server can take on the rendering task, but network latency prohibits a good user experience. We present a new image‐based rendering (IBR) architecture for masking the latency. It runs in real‐time even on very weak mobile devices, supports modern game engine graphics, and maintains high visual quality even for large view displacements. We propose a novel server‐side dual‐view representation that leverages an optimally‐placed extra view and depth peeling to provide the client with coverage for filling disocclusion holes. This representation is directly rendered in a novel wide‐angle projection with favorable directional parameterization. A new client‐side IBR algorithm uses a pre‐transmitted level‐of‐detail proxy with an encaging simplification and depth‐carving to maintain highly complex geometric detail. We demonstrate our approach with typical VR / mobile gaming applications running on mobile hardware. Our technique compares favorably to competing approaches according to perceptual and numerical comparisons.
Multiple Scattering Approximation in Heterogeneous Media by Narrow Beam Distributions
Authors: Shinya Mikio , Dobashi Yoshinori , Shiraishi Michio , Kawashima Motonobu , Nishita Tomoyuki
Published: October 2016

Fast realistic rendering of objects in scattering media is still a challenging topic in computer graphics. In presence of participating media, a light beam is repeatedly scattered by media particles, changing direction and getting spread out. Explicitly evaluating this beam distribution would enable efficient simulation of multiple scattering events without involving costly stochastic methods. Narrow beam theory provides explicit equations that approximate light propagation in a narrow incident beam. Based on this theory, we propose a closed‐form distribution function for scattered beams. We successfully apply it to the image synthesis of scenes in which scattering occurs, and show that our proposed estimation method is more accurate than those based on the Wentzel‐Kramers‐Brillouin (WKB) theory.
Efficient Multi‐image Correspondences for On‐line Light Field Video Processing
Authors: Dąbała Ł. , Ziegler M. , Didyk P. , Zilly F. , Keinert J. , Myszkowski K. , Seidel H.‐P. , Rokita P. , Ritschel T.
Published: October 2016

Light field videos express the entire visual information of an animated scene, but their shear size typically makes capture, processing and display an off‐line process, i. e., time between initial capture and final display is far from real‐time. In this paper we propose a solution for one of the key bottlenecks in such a processing pipeline, which is a reliable depth reconstruction possibly for many views. This is enabled by a novel correspondence algorithm converting the video streams from a sparse array of off‐the‐shelf cameras into an array of animated depth maps. The algorithm is based on a generalization of the classic multi‐resolution Lucas‐Kanade correspondence algorithm from a pair of images to an entire array. Special inter‐image confidence consolidation allows recovery from unreliable matching in some locations and some views. It can be implemented efficiently in massively parallel hardware, allowing for interactive computations. The resulting depth quality as well as the computation performance compares favorably to other state‐of‐the art light field‐to‐depth approaches, as well as stereo matching techniques. Another outcome of this work is a data set of light field videos that are captured with multiple variants of sparse camera arrays.
Plasma bilirubin binding and bilirubin neurotoxicity
Authors: Ahlfors Charles
Published: October 2016

This commentary is on the original article by Amin et al. on pages 297–303 of this issue.
Helicobacter pylori colonization and pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia, spontaneous prematurity, and small for gestational age birth
Authors: den Hollander Wouter J. , Schalekamp‐Timmermans Sarah , Holster I. Lisanne , Jaddoe Vincent W. , Hofman Albert , Moll Henriëtte A. , Perez‐Perez Guillermo I. , Blaser Martin J. , Steegers Eric A. P. , Kuipers Ernst J.
Published: October 2016

Background

Preeclampsia (PE), small for gestational age (SGA), and spontaneous preterm birth (PTB) each may be complications of impaired placental function in pregnancy. Although their exact pathogenesis is still unknown, certain infectious agents seem to play a role. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) colonization has been associated with increased risk for PE. Our aim was to assess the association between H. pylori colonization and PE, SGA, and PTB.

Material and Methods

We measured IgG anti‐H. pylori and CagA antibodies in serum of pregnant women (median 20.5 weeks, range 16.5‐29.4) who participated in a population‐based prospective cohort study. Delivery and medical records were assessed. Information on demographics, education, and maternal risk factors was collected by questionnaire. We used multivariate logistic regression analyses to assess associations between H. pylori colonization and PE, SGA, and PTB.

Results

In total, 6348 pregnant women were assessed. H. pylori positivity was found in 2915 (46%) women, of whom 1023 (35%) also were CagA‐positive. Pregnancy was complicated by PE, SGA, or PTB in 927 (15%) women. H. pylori colonization was associated with PE (aOR 1.51; 95%CI 1.03‐2.25). Differentiation according to CagA status revealed the same risk. H. pylori was positively related with SGA, mainly explained by CagA‐positive strains (aOR 1.34; 1.04‐1.71). No association was observed between H. pylori and PTB.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that H. pylori colonization may be a risk factor for PE and SGA. If these associations are confirmed by future studies and shown to be causal, H. pylori eradication may reduce related perinatal morbidity and mortality.
Constitutive response of calcium‐silicate‐hydrate layers under combined loading
Authors: Palkovic Steven D. , Yip Sidney , Büyüköztürk Oral
Published: October 2016

Calcium‐silicate‐hydrate (C‐S‐H) is the main hydration product for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) materials that exhibits a layered structure containing interfaces that controls the system response to shear deformation at the nanometer scale. In this work, we used molecular statics simulations to study the mechanical behavior of an atomistic model of C‐S‐H under combined loading conditions that are typical of structural applications of these materials. Combined loading is implemented by first compressing or stretching the atomistic structure to impose an external hydrostatic pressure, and then loading the system through both heterogeneous and homogeneous shear deformation. By utilizing two different shear methodologies, we were able to isolate the interface behavior from the bulk response. Our results show several qualitative similarities with that of macroscale cementitious materials including pressure sensitivity of the maximum shear strength and strength asymmetry in compression and tension. This indicates that the well‐known cohesive‐frictional behavior of cementitious materials is fundamental to interfaces between C‐S‐H grains at the nanoscale. Comparing differences in our results with nanoindentation experiments motivate future investigations of the effect of C‐S‐H particle size and morphology on strength scaling properties at the mesoscale. These mesoscale model interactions should include the normal‐stress or pressure dependency that we observe.
Diversity and status of Mexican killifishes
Authors: Lozano‐Vilano M. L. , De La Maza‐Benignos M.
Published: October 2016

The name killifish refers to the oviparous secondary freshwater fishes in the order Cyprinodontiformes. Killifishes are abundant in Mexico and are represented by four extant families, Rivulidae, Profundulidae, Fundulidae and Cyprinodontidae, comprising > 50 species in a wide variety of habitats. This paper reviews the current classification of the killifishes of Mexico, as well as aspects of their distribution, biology, ecology and current population conservation status.
Presence of non‐hypervascular hypointense nodules on Gadolinium‐ethoxybenzyl‐diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Inoue Masanori , Ogasawara Sadahisa , Chiba Tetsuhiro , Ooka Yoshihiko , Wakamatsu Toru , Kobayashi Kazufumi , Suzuki Eiichiro , Tawada Akinobu , Yokosuka Osamu
Published: October 2016

Background and Aims

Gadolinium‐ethoxybenzyl‐diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd‐EOB‐DTPA)‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed before curative therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can distinguish between intrahepatic distant recurrence and hypervascularization. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the presence of non‐hypervascular hypointense nodules on hepatobiliary phase images from Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MRI as a risk factor of the intrahepatic distant recurrence of early stage HCC following radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Methods

A total of 132 patients who underwent preprocedural Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MRI followed by initial RFA were retrospectively analyzed. Post‐RFA intrahepatic distant recurrence, which excluded the hypervascularization of non‐hypervascular hypointense nodules detected by preprocedural Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MRI, was evaluated according to the presence of non‐hypervascular hypointense nodules on preprocedural Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MRI.

Results

Intrahepatic distant recurrence rates following RFA were higher in patients with non‐hypervascular hypointense nodules (1‐year: 22.5%, 2‐year: 52.1%, 5‐year: 89.1%) compared with in patients without non‐hypervascular hypointense nodules (1‐year: 7.0%, 2‐year: 28.8%, 5‐year: 48.7%). The presence of non‐hypervascular hypointense nodules was associated with markedly increased cumulative recurrence rates of both identical and different subsegment intrahepatic distant recurrence, being an independent risk factor for post‐RFA identical and different subsegment intrahepatic distant recurrence (identical: HR = 2.365, P = 0.027; different: HR = 3.276, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The presence of non‐hypervascular hypointense nodules on hepatobiliary phase images from Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MRI obtained prior to RFA is an important predictive factor of intrahepatic distant recurrence following RFA of HCC.
Effect of a Long‐Term Physical Activity Intervention on Resting Pulse Rate in Older Persons: Results from the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders Study
Authors: ó Hartaigh Bríain , Lovato Laura C. , Pahor Marco , Buford Thomas W. , Dodson John A. , Forman Daniel E. , Buman Matthew P. , Demons Jamehl L. , Santanasto Adam J. , Liu Christine , Miller Michael E. , McDermott Mary McGrae , Gill Thomas M. ,   the LIFE Study Group
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To assess the utility of a long‐term physical activity (PA) intervention for reducing resting pulse rate (RPR) in older persons.

Design

Community.

Setting

Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders Study.

Participants

Individuals aged 70 to 89 (N = 1,635, 67.2% women) were randomized to a moderate‐intensity PA intervention (n = 818) or a health education–based successful aging (SA) intervention (n = 817).

Measurements

RPR was recorded at baseline and 6, 18, and 30 months. Longitudinal changes in RPR of intervention groups were compared using a mixed‐effects analysis of covariance model for repeated‐measure outcomes, generating least squares means with standard errors (SEs) or 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Mean duration of the study was 2.6 years (median 2.7 years, interquartile range 2.3–3.1 years). The average effect of the PA intervention on RPR over the course of the study period was statistically significant but clinically small (average intervention difference = 0.84 beats/min; 95% CI = 0.17–1.51; Paverage = .01), with the most pronounced effect observed at 18 months (PA, 66.5 beats/min (SE 0.32 beats/min); SA, 67.8 beats/min (SE 0.32 beats/min); difference = 1.37 beats/min, 95% CI = 0.48–2.26 beats/min). The relationship became somewhat weaker and was not statistically significant at 30 months. There were no significant differences between several prespecified subgroups.

Conclusion

A long‐term moderate‐intensity PA program was associated with a small and clinically insignificant slowing of RPR in older persons. Whether PA can deliver a beneficial reduction in RPR requires further examination in older adults.
Complete response to paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and cisplatin therapy in a case of ovarian ependymoma
Authors: Hino Makiko , Kobayashi Yusuke , Wada Michiko , Hattori Yoshihisa , Kurahasi Takashi , Nakagawa Hiroyuki
Published: October 2016

There are many reports on paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and cisplatin (TIP) therapy, following standard bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) therapy, for salvage treatment of testicular malignant germ cell tumors, but there are no reports on its use for ovarian malignant tumors. We report here that a patient with primary ependymoma of the ovary, who was resistant to BEP therapy, achieved a complete response to a combined therapy, including TIP therapy as the second‐line chemotherapy and surgery. This important case, combined with published studies, suggests that TIP therapy is effective for both testicular and ovarian malignant tumors and indicates that TIP therapy can be used as an effective second‐line therapy for malignant tumors resistant to BEP therapy.
Can coagulopathy in post‐partum hemorrhage predict maternal morbidity?
Authors: Oh Kyung Joon , Hong Joon‐Seok , Youm Jina , Cho Soo‐hyun , Jung Eun Young
Published: October 2016

Aim

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical implications of coagulopathy in women with post‐partum hemorrhage (PPH).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 262 consecutive women referred for management of PPH at a single tertiary hospital between 2009 and 2012. We reviewed medical records, including vital signs at arrival, laboratory values (hemoglobin, prothrombin time international normalized ratio [PT‐INR], platelet, fibrinogen), and total amount of transfused blood product. Results of arterial embolization, need for hysterectomy, and significant morbidity such as pulmonary edema, endometritis or brain lesions were reviewed. Multivariate logistic analysis was used to identify risk of massive transfusion and significant morbidity.

Results

The prevalence of coagulopathy (PT‐INR > 1.5) was 29.3% (77/262). Of the 262 women, pelvic arterial embolization was performed in 153 women, and was successful in 146 (95.4%). Hysterectomy was performed in 18 women (6.2%). The presence of coagulopathy led to increased risk for massive transfusion (odds ratio [OR], 23.96; 95%CI: 11.65–49.27), hysterectomy (OR, 9.94; 95%CI: 3.16–31.33), and significant morbidity (OR, 9.37; 95%CI: 4.95–17.75). Even after adjusting for other confounding factors, coagulopathy was independently associated with massive transfusion (adjusted OR, 12.24; 95%CI: 4.49–14.28), hysterectomy (adjusted OR, 4.66; 95%CI: 1.12–19.48), and significant morbidity (adjusted OR, 4.67; 95%CI: 2.05–10.64).

Conclusion

Coagulopathy in PPH is the single most important predictor for massive transfusion and hysterectomy, and is related to maternal morbidity.
Normal and abnormal physiology, pharmacology, and anatomy of the gastroesophageal junction high‐pressure zone
Authors: Miller Larry , Vegesna Anil , Ruggieri Michael , Braverman Alan
Published: October 2016

The high‐pressure zone of the gastroesophageal junction acts as a multifunctional valve that comprises different groups of smooth muscles located in the distal esophagus and the proximal stomach, in addition to the extrinsic crural diaphragm, composed of skeletal muscle. In this review article, we evaluate the current literature with respect to human subjects, discussing the anatomic locations and physiologic and pharmacologic processes controlling these muscles. These muscles work individually and as a group to prevent reflux of gastric contents while allowing anterograde passage of food and liquid and retrograde passage of gas. We also reviewed new findings with respect to abnormalities that are permissive of reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus, which may lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Plagiarists, enthusiasts and periodical geography: A.F. Büsching and the making of geographical print culture in the German Enlightenment, c.1750–1800
Authors: Bond Dean W
Published: October 2016

This article contributes to recent scholarship on the geography and history of the book by arguing for greater attention to ‘periodical geography’, which refers to the geographical knowledge contained in periodicals, and the geographies that shaped the ways periodicals were produced, circulated and read. To illustrate the potential for such work, the article discusses geographical periodicals in the context of the German Aufklärung (Enlightenment). It focuses in particular on the Wöchentliche Nachrichten von neuen Landcharten und geographischen, statistischen und historischen Büchern und Schriften (Berlin 1773–87), edited by the prominent geographer Anton Friedrich Büsching. The story of Büsching's periodical merits attention because it throws valuable light on the practical making of geography's print culture and moral economy of knowledge in the Enlightenment. Büsching's story reveals that there were competing geographies of trust, authority and credibility at work within Enlightenment geography. It reveals that Büsching's periodical played a central role in reshaping geography's moral and epistemological order in the later 18th century. In recounting this story, my broader agenda is to argue that the very periodicity and materiality of periodicals transformed the character of geographical print culture in the later 18th century.
Assessing wind and mammals as seed dispersal vectors in an invasive legume
Authors: Quick Z I , Houseman G R , Büyüktahtakin İ Esra
Published: October 2016

While some plants have modified seed structures to facilitate dispersal, many lack such specialised adaptations, making their mode of dispersal unclear. This can be particularly problematic for predicting shifts in species ranges or tracking the spread of invasive plants. As an example, the seed size and shape of the invasive legume, Lespedeza cuneata, suggest that wind and attachment to animals are not important for dispersal, yet populations can spread surprising distances within a few years. Using a series of experiments conducted in the laboratory and field, we tested wind and mammal fur as mediators of seed dispersal. To test wind dispersal, seed traps were arranged radially around a patch of L. cuneata and seeds were collected following dispersal. Attachment to mammal fur was tested by fitting pelts of a deer, coyote and raccoon to artificial torsos and determining seed retention in both the field and the laboratory. Laboratory trials also examined the influence of wet versus dry conditions. Our results showed that wind direction strongly influenced dispersal distance and seeds were readily dispersed by mammal fur. The number of seeds retained was species specific, depending on fur depth and mammal size, with seed retention increasing under wet conditions. Together, these results suggest that both wind and mammal fur contribute to the movement of L. cuneata across grasslands. Consequently, both dispersal vectors should be considered when designing and implementing control strategies.
MODEL FREE KINETICS ANALYSIS OF IMPERATA CYLINDRICA (LALANG)
Authors: Oladokun Olagoke , Ahmad Arshad , Tuan Abdullah Tuan Amran , Nyakuma Bemgba Bevan , Wong Syie Luing
Published: October 2016

This study is the first attempt at investigating the solid state decomposition and the devolatilization kinetics of Imperata cylindrica (lalang) grass termed the “farmer’s nightmare weed” as a potential solid biofuel of the future. Biomass conversion technologies such as pyrolysis and gasification can be utilized for future green energy needs. However an important step in the efficient utilization and process optimizing of biomass conversion processes is understanding the thermal decomposition kinetics of the feedstock. Consequently, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of Imperata cylindrica was carried out in the temperature range of 30-1000 °C at four heating rates of 5, 10, 15, and 20 K min-1 using Nitrogen at a flow rate of 20 L min-1 as purge gas. Using the TGA results, the kinetic parameters activation energy (Ea) and pre-exponential frequency factor (ko) of the grass were estimated via the model free or isoconversional methods of Kissinger and Starink. The results obtained for Kissinger model were 151.36 kJ moI-1 and 5.83 x 109 min-1 for activation energy and pre-exponential frequency factor respectively. However, Starink model activation energy and pre-exponential frequency factor were a function of conversion (α) with average values of 159.93 kJ mol-1 and 6.33 x 1022 min-1 respectively.
OPERATIONAL RISK ANALYSIS FOR UNDESIRED POLYMERIZATION IN OVERHEAD CONDENSER OF BUTADIENE COLUMN
Authors: Lee Chin Seng , Mohd Nor Shadiah Husna , Al-shanini Ali , Ahmad Arshad
Published: October 2016

An accident model based on fault tree analysis was developed and applied to analyze the recurrence of undesired reactions producing popcorn polymers in the overhead condenser of an industrial butadiene distillation column. The modeling framework incorporates reliability data associated with asset integrity and human performance along with data on selected process variables. These variables, i.e., pressure, feed velocity and temperature of the condenser, which were identified from root cause analysis of the incident provided dynamic contributions to the model, and were represented in the form of Weibull distribution functions. The results obtained proved the potentials of the proposed methodology. Based on the case study considered, operating pressure was identified as the most influential process variables that needed closer monitoring. The methodology provides an opportunity for risk management to be implemented dynamically to facilitate maintenance plan and management of change.
OPTIMIZATION OF BATCH CONDITIONS FOR THE REMOVAL OF BORON BY AMBERLITE IR743
Authors: Nallappan Madana Leela , Mahmoud Nasef Mohamed , Ahmad Arshad
Published: October 2016

This study is aimed at optimizing the treatment parameters in boron adsorption using a commercial resin, Amberlite IRA 743, via response surface methodology (RSM). The effect of adsorbent dosage, pH and initial boric acid concentration were optimized using RSM in order to obtain high removal efficiencies at low adsorbent dosage and pH levels and high concentrations. The central composite design (CCD) was used to generate the experimental design.  The experiments were conducted in a batch process according to the experimental design obtained. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to obtain a statistical validation of regression models and to study the interaction between treatment parameters. The optimum conditions recommended by the developed model for 100% removal efficiency , was at adsorbent dosage, pH and initial boron concentration of 51g/L, pH 7 and 40mg/L.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON FLAME PROPAGATION IN A STRAIGHT PIPE
Authors: Sulaiman Siti Zubaidah , Md Kasmani Rafiziana , Mustafa A.
Published: October 2016

Flame propagation in a closed pipe with diameter 0.1 m and 5.1 m long, as well as length to diameter ratio (L/D) of 51, was studied experimentally. Hydrogen/air, acetylene/air and methane/air with stoichiometric concentration were used to observe the trend of flame propagation throughout the pipe. Experimental work was carried out at operating condition: pressure 1 atm and temperature 273 K. Results showed that all fuels are having a consistent trend of flame propagation in one-half of the total pipe length in which the acceleration is due to the piston-like effect. Beyond the point, fuel reactivity and tulip phenomenon were considered to lead the flame being quenched and decrease the overpressures drastically. The maximum overpressure for all fuels are approximately 1.5, 7, 8.5 barg for methane, hydrogen, and acetylene indicating that acetylene explosion is more severe.
THE EFFECT OF CONVENTIONAL AND MICROWAVE HEATING TECHNIQUES ON TRANSESTERIFICATION OF WASTE COOKING OIL TO BIODIESEL
Authors: Kamaruddin Mohd Johari , Mohamad Nurulsurusiah , Asli Umi Aisah , Ahmad Zaini Muhammad Abbas , Kidam Kamarizan , Hassim Mimi Haryani
Published: October 2016

This research is focused on the effect of processing parameters such as molar ratio of sample to solvent (1:3-1:15), catalyst loading (0.5-2.5 wt %), temperature (40-80 °C) and time of reaction (5-180 min) on the transesterification yield of waste cooking oil (WCO) in conventional thermal heating and microwave heating techniques. The analysis carried out revealed that the microwave assisted transesterification produced a comparable yield to conventional heating transesterification with ~5 times faster in heating up the reaction mixture to a reaction temperature and reduced ~90% of the reaction time required. This study concludes that microwave assisted transesterification, which is a green technology, may have great potential in reducing the processing time compared to conventional thermal heating transesterification.
HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT DUE TO EMISSIONS FROM MEDICAL WASTE INCINERATOR IN MALAYSIA
Authors: M. Rahim Fariha L. , H. Hassim Mimi , M. Mokhtar Mutahharah , Kidam Kamarizan
Published: October 2016

In this research, health risk assessment due to the emission of pollutants from a medical waste incinerator located within industrial estate in the northern part of Malaysia was presented. The influence of pollutants emission in the vicinity of the incineration plant was the main concern in this research. The measured emissions of pollutants from the stacks of the studied plant that may pose risk to human health and the environment are compared against the acceptable limit as in the Environmental Quality (Clean Air) Regulation 2014. Next, the levels of pollutants in ambient air are assessed in comparison with the guideline established by the Malaysia Ambient Air Quality Guideline (MAAQG). The health risk assessment was then conducted by calculating the quantitative risk for non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic pollutants. The study reveals that the total cancer risk due to emission of carcinogenic pollutants from the incinerator is 1.84 x 10-5, which indicates risky circumstances as the calculated risk is higher than the benchmark of acceptable risk of 1 x10-6. Meanwhile the health risk calculated due to emission of non-carcinogenic pollutants ranges between 0.000286 and 0.1, indicating acceptable risk. The result shows that the non-carcinogenic pollutants emitted from the studied medical waste incinerator are within the acceptable exposure limits. However, for carcinogens, the released amounts may cause human health risk, and therefore demands for further attention to reduce the concentrations as low as reasonably practicable, at least in compliance with the established guidelines.
INHERENT SAFETY INDEX FOR PROTON MEMBRANE FUEL CELL VEHICLE SYSTEM
Authors: Nordin Nazatul Niza , Ali Mohamad Wijayanuddin , Asli Umi Aisah , Ahmad Arshad , Kidam Kamarizan
Published: October 2016

There are enormous numbers of indices being developed in process industries to describe, rank or quantify hazards to the people, properties and environments. Most indices are being applied to large scale and complex systems of process industries. Development of a swift and simple inherent safety index method which is relevant to small scale, less complex membrane fuel cell system particularly the one which to be applied during an early design stage is essential as an alternative to current comprehensive and yet time-consuming indices. In this work, a modified version of PIIS, modified prototype index for inherent safety (m-PIIS) was developed with the objectives of identifying, indicating and estimating inherent safety of fuel cell system at early design stage. The developed index was applied on four proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems; high pressure PEMFC system, low pressure PEMFC system, LH2 PEMFC system and on-board Me-OH PEMFC system. The developed index was also benchmarked against the original PIIS and ISI using the published results for the selection of process routes in MMA production. Results have indicated that m-PIIS has strong positive relationship with PIIS and ISI on most of the reaction step in MMA with the most significant are the C4, TBA, and C3 reaction steps. Other reaction steps such as C2/MP, C2/PA and ACH showed a strong positive relationship as well
CFD SIMULATION OF A PLATE HEAT EXCHANGER WITH TRAPEZOIDAL CHEVRON
Authors: Shin Chin Yung , Mohd-Ghazali Normah
Published: October 2016

In this research, the trapezoidal shaped chevron plate heat exchanger (PHE) is simulated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software to determine its heat transfer capacity and friction factor. The PHE is modelled with chevron angles from 30° to 60°, and also the performances are compared with the plain PHE. The validation is done by comparing simulation result with published references using 30° trapezoidal chevron PHE. The Nusselt number and friction factor obtained from simulation model is plotted against different chevron angles. The Nusselt number and friction factor is also compared with available references, which some of the references used sinusoidal chevron PHE. The general pattern of Nusselt number and friction factor with increasing chevron angle agrees with the references. The heat transfer capacity found in current study is higher than the references used, and at the same time, the friction factor also increased. Besides this, it is also found that the counter flow configuration has better heat transfer capacity performance than the parallel flow configuration.
EFFECT OF CYLINDER DEACTIVATION STRATEGIES ON ENGINE PERFORMANCES USING ONE-DIMENSIONAL SIMULATION TECHNIQUE
Authors: Hamid Izwan , Muhamad Said Mohd Farid , Mohamed Soid Shahril Nizam , Nasution Henry
Published: October 2016

In order to meet consumer and legislation requirements, big investments on key technology strategies have been made to ensure fuel consumption is reduced. Recent technologies for gasoline engines are lean combustion technologies (including direct injection and homogenous charged compression ignition), optimizing intake and exhaust valve timing with valve lift and also cylinder deactivation system (CDA) have been practised to improve the engine efficiency. The purpose of this study is to investigate the engine behavior when running at different cylinder deactivation (CDA) strategies. One-dimensional engine model software called GT-Power is used to predict the engine performances. Five strategies were considered namely normal mode, spark plug off mode, cylinder deactivation mode, intake normal with exhaust off mode, and intake off with exhaust normal mode.  Engine performance outputs of each strategy are predicted and compared at BMEP of 3 bars with engine speed of 2500 rpm. Also, the effect of CDA strategies on in-cylinder pressure and pumping loss are performed. The study shows that all of these cylinder deactivation strategies are capable of reducing the pumping loss (PMEP) and fuel consumption, thus increasing the thermal efficiency of the engine. The results suggest that the most beneficial strategy for activating CDA is for the case whereby both the intake and exhaust valves are kept closed. This CDA mode capable of increasing brake thermal efficiency up to 22% at entire engine speeds operation. This strategy successfully reduced the BSFC. It was found that most of these cylinder deactivation strategies improve the engine performance during part load engine condition
ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF A VARIABLE SPEED OF THE CENTRALIZED AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM USING PID CONTROLLER
Authors: Nasution Henry , Dahlan Afiq Aiman , Abdul Aziz Azhar , Azmi Ulul , Sumeru Sumeru , Shodiya Sulaimon
Published: October 2016

PID control system for air-conditioning system in residence is presented in this manuscript. The control strategy is focused on low energy consumption and thermal comfort for indoor user. The algorithm is developed to control the compressor speed at an appropriate speed according to the temperature inside the controlled area using PID controller. Software is developed to measure and interface the system with controlling the system according to the algorithm. The temperature settings are 20, 22 and 24oC with internal heat load of 0 and 1000 Watt. The results obtained proved that the technique can lower the energy consumption and increased temperature control for better thermal comfort compared to on/off controller
JOULE HEATING EFFECT REDUCTION OF AN ELECTROMAGNET SYSTEM UTILIZING ON-CHIP MAGNETIC CORE
Authors: Abidin Ummikalsom , Yunas Jumril , Majlis Burhanuddin Yeop
Published: October 2016

Joule heating effect is substantial in an electromagnet system due to high density current from current-carrying conductor for high magnetic field generation. In Lab-on-chip (LoC) Magnetically Activated Cell Sorting (MACS) device, Joule heating effect generating high temperature and affecting the biological cells viability is investigated. The temperature rise of the integrated system was measured using resistance temperature detector, RTD Pt100. Three temperature rise conditions which are from the bare spiral-shaped magnet wire, the combination of magnet wire and on-chip magnetic core and combination of magnet wire, on-chip magnetic core and 150 mm polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layer have been investigated.  The combination of electromagnet of spiral-shaped magnet wire coil and on-chip magnetic core has reduced the temperature significantly which are, ~ 38 %  and ~ 26 % with magnet wire winding, N = 10 (IDC = 3.0 A, t = 210 s) and N = 20 (IDC = 2.5 A, t = 210 s) respectively. The reduced Joule heating effect is expected due to silicon chip of high thermal conductivity material enable fast heat dissipation to the surrounding.  Therefore, the integration of electromagnet system and on-chip magnetic core has the potential to be used as part of LoC MACS system provided the optimum operating conditions are determined