bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing a Global Soil Regime
Authors: Boer Ben , Hannam Ian
Published: June 2017

From the 1960s onwards, the global community became more aware of the phenomena of air and water pollution. More recently, the issues of climate change, loss of biodiversity, desertification, drought, and land degradation have become more prominent. While biodiversity loss and climate change have garnered close attention, issues of land degradation and sustainability of soils has attracted less focus in international fora and by national governments. We argue here that soil, as a vital biological and cultural resource, demands attention on the same level as biological diversity and climate change, and that this should be reflected in both international law and in legislation at national level. This article explores the elements that could form the basis of a global instrument for the conservation and sustainable use of soil, and sets out the premise for the community of nations to support the negotiation and drafting of such an instrument. It does so in light of the recent discussion on the introduction of a provision in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on the achievement of zero net land degradation, the revision of the World Soil Charter as well as the work of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food. It also briefly explores other complementary mechanisms that can be used for promoting the sustainable use of soils.
Soil governance in the agricultural landscapes of New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Webb Ashley A , Kelly Georgina L , Dougherty Warwick J
Published: June 2017

Soil is a valuable natural resource. In the state of New South Wales, Australia, the governance of soil has evolved since Federation in 1901. Following rapid agricultural development, and in the face of widespread soil degradation, the establishment of the Soil Conservation Service marked a turning point in the management of soil. Throughout the 20th century, advances in knowledge were translated into evolving governance frameworks that were largely reactionary but saw progressive reforms such as water pollution legislation and case studies of catchment-scale land and vegetation management. In the 21st century, significant reforms have embedded sustainable use of agricultural soils within catchment- and landscape-scale legislative and institutional frameworks. What is clear, however, is that a multitude of governance strategies and models are utilised in NSW. No single governance model is applicable to all situations because it is necessary to combine elements of several different mechanisms or instruments to achieve the most desired outcomes. Where an industry, such as the sugar industry, has taken ownership of an issue such as acid sulfate soil management, self-regulation has proven to be extremely effective. In the case of co-managing agricultural soils with other landuses, such as mining, petroleum exploration and urban development, regulation, compliance and enforcement mechanisms have been preferred. Institutional arrangements in the form of independent commissioners have also played a role. At the landscape or total catchment level, it is clear that a mix of mechanisms is required. Fundamental, however, to the successful evolution of soil governance is strategic investment in soil research and development that informs the ongoing productive use of agricultural landscapes while preventing land degradation or adverse environmental effects.
Soils Governance in Australia: challenges of cooperative federalism
Authors: Williams Jacqueline
Published: June 2017

This paper analyses soil governance in Australia and the challenges facing sustainable natural resource management within the context of a cooperative system of federation and a globalised market economy. With only 6 per cent of the Australian landmass considered arable, one would assume that protecting Australia’s valuable soil resource would be of national significance. However, Australia currently lacks nationally consistent policies and legal instruments to ensure that its soil is protected, maintained and enhanced for future generations. While recognising that soil governance is a broad discipline encompassing many areas of soil science and management, this discussion will only focus on the soil conservation aspects of sustainable ecosystems and sustainable food and fibre in Australia; it will not explore in depth issues of soil contamination and other pollution related areas. The paper discusses: the state of Australian soils and the managers of these resources; current soil governance in Australia (based on the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations definition); and a case study example of an Australian state approach to landuse conflict and the protection of agricultural lands. The paper highlights policies and institutional arrangements required for the protection of Australian soil and the very communities that are attempting to steward these resources for future generations.
‘Placing’ the other: final year law students’ ‘imagined’ experience of rural and regional practice within the law school context
Authors: Mundy Trish Karen
Published: June 2017

This paper discusses the partial findings from a research study involving a narrative analysis of in-depth interviews with twelve final year law students. The research explored student attitudes to, and perceptions of, legal practice in rural, regional and remote (RRR) communities – that is, their ’imagined experience’. The research findings suggests that, at least in the context of the non-regional law school, the rural/regional is both absent and ‘other’, revealing the ‘urban-centric’ nature of legal education and its failure to adequately expose students to rural and regional practice contexts that can help to positively shape their ‘imagined’ experience. This paper argues that all law schools must take up the challenge of rural inclusiveness by integrating a sense of ‘place-consciousness’ into the law curriculum.
Centre-periphery tensions in legal theory and practice: can law and lawyers resist urban imperialism?
Authors: Economides Kim
Published: June 2017

This paper questions some basic assumptions of legal theory, education and practice from the perspective of rural, remote and regional (RRR) legal communities beyond the metropolis. Legal ideologies and values fundamental to the legitimacy of the modern state, such as the Rule of Law, are embedded in most law curricula and reinforced at every stage of the educational continuum, and commonly assert that law, legal rights and access to courts of law apply equally regardless of physical location or social status. Despite this, indigenous and other excluded groups living in peripheral communities frequently experience law differently from their urban counterparts, as do legal professionals living and working outside the city. The key issue examined concerns how centre-periphery tension should best be managed in the future regulation of law and lawyers. What kind of policies and strategies may genuinely assist social inclusion and to what extent should law and legal practice accommodate diversity? How and to what extent should lawyers and para-legals represent the interests of communities rather than private individuals in RRR areas of Australia? What kind of training and technological support do they require? The paper aims to set out some choices that confront policymakers while drawing upon international experience that may offer some guidance.
Program and Abstracts - Second National Rural and Regional Law and Justice Conference
Authors: Verbeek Miriam
Published: June 2017

This file contains the program and abstracts of presentations made at the Second National Rural and Regional Law and Justice Conference held on 18-20 May 2012, Aanuka Beach Resort, Coffs Harbour. Many of the abstracts contain details of where further information can be found about the presentation topic.
The role of inspections in the commercial kangaroo industry
Authors: Boom Keely , Ben-Ami Dror , Boronyak Louise , Riley Sophie
Published: June 2017

This article provides an assessment of the enforcement of the law governing commercial kangaroo killing, focusing particularly upon inspectorial practices. Australia’s kangaroo industry is the largest commercial kill of land-based wildlife in the world. Professional shooters hunt kangaroos in rural and remote locations at night. Due to the remote and decentralised nature of the killing, the industry presents unique challenges to law enforcement agencies that are responsible for the enforcement of animal welfare standards. This article focuses upon the role that inspections have in detecting offences within the commercial kangaroo industry. It provides a comparative analysis across the states, highlighting key differences in terms of inspectorial practices and the resulting outcomes. A common theme across all of the jurisdictions is that none of the agencies responsible for enforcement regularly conduct inspections of shooters, making it impossible to ensure that these parties are complying with the National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies. Recommendations for reform are offered, including stronger compliance policy, higher rates of inspection, increased resourcing and the introduction of alternative methods of inspection.
Lawyers of the future: Creating aspirations, forging connections and facilitating professional links in rural and regional contexts
Authors: Campbell Sher , Lindsay Katherine
Published: June 2017

In recent years, the Australian legal profession, government policymakers and the nation’s law schools have evinced concern about the future of legal practice beyond metropolitan areas. The issues and suggested responses have been debated in various fora amongst the stakeholders. This paper explores the way in which one regional law schoolwith a distinctive approach to legal education has responded to these issues from an educational and pastoral perspective. Newcastle Law School established its Lawyers of the Future program in 2009. Lawyers of the Future is a multi-faceted initiative, which promotes professional partnerships with the secondary education sector through the Schools’ Visit program, and partnerships with rural and regional professionals through active connections in those areas. The third phase of the Lawyers of the Future program will be the development of rural and regional legal placement sites for senior law students enrolled in Newcastle’s Professional program.Whilst the Lawyers of the Future program has three distinctive and interrelated elements and objectives, it is the placement program that provides the lynchpin. Such a placement program, which is innovative in itself, has a greater educational purpose: the experience of practice in rural and regional areas, together with the process of subsequent engaged and critical reflection, will contribute meaningfully to the development of students’ professional personae in ways which will support an ethos of professional service beyond the narrow confines of practice in the metropolis for the legal conglomerates.
Safeguarding seeds and Maori intellectual property through partnership
Authors: Scheele Sue
Published: June 2017

The Nagoya Protocol is a recent binding international instrument that articulates the need to recognise the rights of indigenous peoples regarding their biological resources and cultural knowledge and strengthens the mechanisms to do so. New Zealand has not signed this protocol because of the overriding importance of the Treaty of Waitangi in New Zealand’s domestic affairs, and the need to ensure that government options are not limited concerning the development of domestic policy on access to biological resources. In particular, policy makers and legislators are waiting for the government response to a 2011 Waitangi Tribunal report (Ko Aotearoa Tēnei) on a far-reaching and complex claim (WAI 262) concerning the place of Māori traditional knowledge, culture and identity in contemporary New Zealand law and government policies and practice. Especially pertinent to this paper is the report’s section on Māori rights relating to biological and genetic resources. In accordance with the recommendation within Ko Aotearoa Tēnei, the principle of partnership, built on the explicit Treaty premise of Crown and Māori as formal equals, is presented here as the overarching framework and mechanism by which government agencies and Māori can work together to safeguard such resources. Core concepts and values are elucidated that underpin the Māori relationship to indigenous flora and fauna and are integral to the protection of cultural knowledge of seeds and plants. Examples are given of plant species regarded as taonga (treasures) and how they are conserved, and a case study is presented of institutional stewardship of harakeke (New Zealand flax) weaving varieties. Seed bank facilities are also evaluated regarding their incorporation of Māori values and rights under the Treaty of Waitangi.
A smart nanofibrous material for adsorbing and detecting elemental mercury in air
Authors: Macagnano Antonella , Perri Viviana , Zampetti Emiliano , Bearzotti Andrea , De Cesare Fabrizio , Sprovieri Francesca , Pirrone Nicola
Published: June 2017

Abstract. The combination of the affinity of gold for mercury and nanosized frameworks has allowed for the design and fabrication of novel kinds of sensors with promising sensing features for environmental applications. Specifically, conductive sensors based on composite nanofibrous electrospun layers of titania easily decorated with gold nanoparticles were developed to obtain nanostructured hybrid materials capable of entrapping and revealing gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) traces from the environment. The electrical properties of the resulting chemosensors were measured. A few minutes of air sampling were sufficient to detect the concentration of mercury in the air, ranging between 20 and 100 ppb, without using traps or gas carriers (LOD: 1.5 ppb). Longer measurements allowed the sensor to detect lower concentrations of GEM. The resulting chemosensors are expected to be low cost and very stable (due to the peculiar structure), requiring low power, low maintenance, and simple equipment.
Diurnal fluxes of HONO above a crop rotation
Authors: Laufs Sebastian , Cazaunau Mathieu , Stella Patrick , Kurtenbach Ralf , Cellier Pierre , Mellouki Abdelwahid , Loubet Benjamin , Kleffmann Jörg
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Nitrous acid (HONO) fluxes were measured above an agricultural field site near Paris during different seasons. Above bare soil, different crops were measured using the aerodynamic gradient (AG) method. Two LOPAPs (LOng Path Absorption Photometer) were used to determine the HONO gradients between two heights. During daytime mainly positive HONO fluxes were observed, which showed strong correlation with the product of the NO2 concentration and the long wavelength UV light intensity, expressed by the photolysis frequency J(NO2). These results are consistent with HONO formation by photosensitized heterogeneous conversion of NO2 on soil surfaces as observed in recent laboratory studies. An additional influence of the soil temperature on the HONO flux can be explained by the temperature-dependent HONO adsorption on the soil surface. A parameterization of the HONO flux at this location with NO2 concentration, J(NO2), soil temperature and humidity fits reasonably well all flux observations at this location.
Unveiling aerosol-cloud interactions Part 2: Minimizing the effects of
aerosol swelling and wet scavenging in ECHAM6-HAM2 for
comparison to satellite data
Authors: Neubauer David , Christensen Matthew W. , Poulsen Caroline , Lohmann Ulrike
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Aerosol-cloud interactions (ACI) are uncertain and the estimates of the ACI effective radiative forcing (ERFaci) magnitude show a large variability. Within the Aerosol_cci project the susceptibility of cloud properties to changes in aerosol properties are derived from the high resolution AATSR dataset using the Cloud-Aerosol Pairing Algorithm (CAPA) (as described in our companion paper) and compared to susceptibilities from the global aerosol climate model ECHAM6-HAM2 and MODIS-CERES data. For ECHAM6-HAM2 the dry aerosol is analysed to mimic the effect of CAPA. Furthermore the analysis is done for different environmental regimes. The aerosol-liquid water path relationship in ECHAM6-HAM2 is systematically stronger than in AATSR-CAPA data and cannot be explained by an overestimation of autoconversion when using diagnostic precipitation but rather by aerosol swelling in regions where humidity is high and clouds are present. When aerosol water is removed from the analysis in ECHAM6-HAM2 the strength of the susceptibilities of liquid water path, cloud droplet number concentration and cloud albedo as well as ERFaci agree much better with the ones of AATSR-CAPA or MODIS-CERES. For comparing satellite derived to model derived susceptibilities this study finds it more appropriate to use dry aerosol in the computation of model susceptibilities. We further find that while the observed relationships of different satellite sensors (AATSR-CAPA vs. MODIS-CERES) are not always consistent for tested environmental conditions the relationships in ECHAM6-HAM2 are missing a strong dependence on environmental conditions which is an indication that feedback processes like cloud top entrainment are missing or not well represented in the model. Next to aerosol swelling, also wet scavenging and aerosol processing have an impact on liquid water path, cloud albedo and cloud droplet number susceptibilities. Aerosol processing leads to negative liquid water path susceptibilities to changes in aerosol index (AI) in ECHAM6-HAM2, likely due to aerosol size changes by aerosol processing. This is an indication that AI is not necessarily a better proxy for cloud condensation nuclei than the less size dependent aerosol optical depth. Our results indicate that for statistical analysis of aerosol-cloud interactions the unwanted effects of aerosol swelling, wet scavenging and aerosol processing need to be minimized when computing susceptibilities of cloud variables to changes in aerosol.
Influence of infrastructure on water quality and greenhouse gas dynamics in urban streams
Authors: Smith Rose M. , Kaushal Sujay S. , Beaulieu Jake J. , Pennino Michael J. , Welty Claire
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Streams and rivers are significant sources of nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4) globally, and watershed management can alter greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from streams. We hypothesized that urban infrastructure significantly alters downstream water quality and contributes to variability in GHG saturation and emissions. We measured gas saturation and estimated emission rates in headwaters of two urban stream networks (Red Run and Dead Run) of the Baltimore Ecosystem Study Long-Term Ecological Research project. We identified four combinations of stormwater and sanitary infrastructure present in these watersheds, including: (1) stream burial, (2) inline stormwater wetlands, (3) riparian/floodplain preservation, and (4) septic systems. We selected two first-order catchments in each of these categories and measured GHG concentrations, emissions, and dissolved inorganic and organic carbon (DIC and DOC) and nutrient concentrations biweekly for 1 year. From a water quality perspective, the DOC : NO3− ratio of streamwater was significantly different across infrastructure categories. Multiple linear regressions including DOC : NO3− and other variables (dissolved oxygen, DO; total dissolved nitrogen, TDN; and temperature) explained much of the statistical variation in nitrous oxide (N2O, r2 =  0.78), carbon dioxide (CO2, r2 =  0.78), and methane (CH4, r2 =  0.50) saturation in stream water. We measured N2O saturation ratios, which were among the highest reported in the literature for streams, ranging from 1.1 to 47 across all sites and dates. N2O saturation ratios were highest in streams draining watersheds with septic systems and strongly correlated with TDN. The CO2 saturation ratio was highly correlated with the N2O saturation ratio across all sites and dates, and the CO2 saturation ratio ranged from 1.1 to 73. CH4 was always supersaturated, with saturation ratios ranging from 3.0 to 2157. Longitudinal surveys extending form headwaters to third-order outlets of Red Run and Dead Run took place in spring and fall. Linear regressions of these data yielded significant negative relationships between each gas with increasing watershed size as well as consistent relationships between solutes (TDN or DOC, and DOC : TDN ratio) and gas saturation. Despite a decline in gas saturation between the headwaters and stream outlet, streams remained saturated with GHGs throughout the drainage network, suggesting that urban streams are continuous sources of CO2, CH4, and N2O. Our results suggest that infrastructure decisions can have significant effects on downstream water quality and greenhouse gases, and watershed management strategies may need to consider coupled impacts on urban water and air quality.
A global hydrological simulation to specify the sources of water used
by humans
Authors: Hanasaki Naota , Yoshikawa Sayaka , Pokhrel Yadu , Kanae Shinjiro
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Humans abstract water from various sources to sustain their livelihood and society. Some global hydrological models (GHMs) include explicit schemes of human water abstraction, but the representation and performance of these schemes remain limited. We substantially enhanced the water abstraction schemes of the H08 GHM. This enabled us to estimate water abstraction from six major water sources, namely, river flow regulated by global reservoirs (i.e., reservoirs regulating the flow of the world's major rivers), aqueduct water transfer, local reservoirs, seawater desalination, renewable groundwater, and nonrenewable groundwater. In its standard setup, the model covers the whole globe at a spatial resolution of 0.5° × 0.5°, and the calculation interval is one day. All the interactions were simulated in a single computer program and the water balance was always strictly closed at any place and time during the simulation period. A global hydrological simulation was conducted to validate the performance of the model for the period of 1979–2013. The simulated water fluxes for water abstraction were validated against those reported in earlier publications, and showed a reasonable agreement at the global and country level. The simulated monthly river discharge and terrestrial water storage (TWS) for six of the world's most significantly human-affected river basins were compared with river gauging observations and a satellite product of the Gravity Retrieval and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission. It showed that the simulation including the newly added schemes outperformed the simulation without them. The results indicated that, in 2000, of the 3628 km3 yr−1 global freshwater requirement, 2839 km3 yr−1 was taken from surface water and 789 km3 yr−1 from groundwater. Streamflow, aqueduct water transfer, local reservoirs, and seawater desalination accounted for 1786, 199, 106, and 1.8 km3 yr−1 of the surface water, respectively. The remaining 747 km3 yr−1 freshwater requirement was unmet, or surface water was not available when and where it was needed in our simulation. Renewable and nonrenewable groundwater accounted for 607 and 182 km3 yr−1 of the groundwater total, respectively. Each source differed in its renewability, economic costs for development, and environmental consequences of usage. The model is useful for performing global water resource assessments by considering the aspects of sustainability, economy, and environment.
Brief communication: Vehicle routing problem and UAV application in the post-earthquake scenario
Authors: Cannioto Marco , D'Alessandro Antonino , Lo Bosco Giosuè , Scudero Salvatore , Vitale Giovanni
Published: June 2017

Abstract. In this paper we simulate a Unmanned Aerial Vehicle's (UAV) recognition after a possible case of diffuse damage after a seismic event in the town of Acireale (Sicily, Italy). Given a set of sites (84 relevant buildings) and the range of the UAV, we are able to find the number of vehicles to employ and the shortest survey path. The problem of finding the shortest survey path is an operational research problem called Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) whose solution is known to be computationally time-consuming. We used the Simulated Annealing (SA) heuristic that is able to provide stable solutions in relatively short computing time. We also examined the distribution of the cost of the solutions varying the depot on a regular grid in order to assess the best area where to execute the survey.
Brief Communication: 3D landslide motion from cross correlation of
UAV-derived morphological attributes
Authors: Peppa Maria V. , Mills Jon P. , Moore Phil , Miller Pauline E. , Chambers Jonathan E.
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can provide observations of high spatio-temporal resolution to enable operational landslide monitoring. In this research, the construction of digital elevation models (DEMs) and orthomosaics from UAV imagery is achieved using structure-from-motion (SfM) photogrammetric procedures. The study examines the additional value that morphological attribute of openness, amongst others, can provide to surface deformation analysis. Image cross-correlation functions and DEM subtraction techniques are applied to the SfM outputs. Through the proposed integrated analysis, the effective, automated quantification of a landslide's 3D motion over time is demonstrated, with implications for the wider interpretation of landslide kinematics via UAV surveys.
TAGGS: Grouping Tweets to Improve Global Geotagging for Disaster Response
Authors: de Bruijn Jens , de Moel Hans , Jongman Brenden , Wagemaker Jurjen , Aerts Jeroen C. J. H.
Published: June 2017

Abstract. The availability of timely and accurate information about ongoing events is important for relief organizations seeking to effectively respond to disasters. Recently, social media platforms, and in particular Twitter, have gained traction as a novel source of information on disaster events. Unfortunately, geographical information is rarely attached to tweets, which hinders the use of Twitter for geographical applications. As a solution, analyses of a tweet’s text, combined with an evaluation of its metadata, can help to increase the number of geo-located tweets. This paper describes a new algorithm (TAGGS), that georeferences tweets by using the spatial information of groups of tweets mentioning the same location. This technique results in a roughly twofold increase in the number of geo-located tweets as compared to existing methods. We applied this approach to 35.1 million flood-related tweets in 12 languages, collected over 2.5 years. In the dataset, we found 11.6 million tweets mentioning one or more flood locations, which can be towns (6.9 million), provinces (3.3 million), or countries (2.2 million). Validation demonstrated that TAGGS correctly located about 65–75 % of the tweets. As a future application, TAGGS could form the basis for a global event detection and monitoring system.
How Alexander von Humboldt's life story can inspire innovative
soil research in developing countries
Authors: Bouma Johan
Published: June 2017

Abstract. The pioneering vision of Alexander von Humboldt on science and society of the early 1800's is still highly relevant today. His open mind and urge to make many measurements characterizing the: interconnected web of life are crucial ingredients as we now face the worldwide challenge of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Case studies in the Phillippines, Vietnam, Kenya, Niger and Costa Rica demonstrate, in Alexander's spirit, interaction with stakeholders and attention for unique local conditions applying modern measurement and modeling methods, allowing inter- and transdisciplinary research approaches. But relations between science and society are increasingly problematic, partly as a result of the information revolution and post-truth, fact-free thinking. Overly regulated and financially restricted scientific communities in so-called developed countries may stifle intellectual creativity. Researchers in developing countries are urged to leapfrog beyond these problems in the spirit of Alexander von Humboldt as they further develop their scientific communities. Six suggestions to the science community are made with particular attention for soil science.
Precario suburbanismo. Familias de clase media en urbanizaciones de baja densidad en Cataluña
Authors: Aramburu Mikel
Published: June 2017

En Cataluña, la expansión del urbanismo disperso, conjuntos de casas unifamiliares con jardín separados de los centros urbanos, el equivalente morfológico al suburbio anglosajón, se produjo a partir de los años 70 al margen del planeamiento urbano. En aquel momento estas urbanizaciones albergaban mayoritariamente segundas residencias autoconstruidas por familias de clase obrera, pero a partir de los años 90 se fueron convirtiendo en vivienda habitual de familias de clase media, las cuales han heredado gran parte de la precariedad urbanística constitutiva de estas zonas. A pesar de su peculiar precariedad, el suburbanismo catalán ha sido un territorio muy poco transitado por las ciencias sociales, especialmente desde una perspectiva socio-antropológica. A través de un estudio de caso etnográfico, este artículo analiza el proceso de suburbanización de familias que se han trasladado recientemente a una de estas zonas, al tiempo que discute críticamente aspectos como la homogeneidad social y las tendencias antiurbanas que suelen atribuirse en la literatura a este tipo de configuraciones residenciales.
Gazing Coastal Ecotourism in Morotai Islands, Indonesia
Authors: S. H. Hengky
Published: June 2017

The natural beauty of Morotai Island is not only reflected under the sea, but also on the land. Wide white sand over ready to pamper the eyes of anyone who set foot on it. Moreover, Morotai has its own uniqueness, besides having beautiful nature and unique culture, its location is also strategic because it is in shipping line of Asia and Australia as well as an effort to accelerate the development of Morotai tourism, North Maluku. It’s becoming a world-class tourism destination and international competitiveness. The Ministry of Tourism together with the Government of Morotai Regency launched it on the Wonderful Morotai Island 2016. This study aims are to respond Ministry of Tourism target and find out the performance of coastal eco-tourism in Morotai. This study found the performance gaps of coastal-ecotourism in Morotai islands, Indonesia. The realistic and a main point indicated that the local government and the tour operator get to improve visual-aesthetics atmosphere around coastal areas. It would enhance a view of coastal-environment to a tourist’s visualization on enjoying natural themes along the coastline.
Earnings Management, Politically Connected CEOs, and Politically Connected Independent Board Members: Evidence from China
Authors: Fan Hong
Published: June 2017

This study investigates whether Chinese firms’ earnings management behaviors vary systematically with politically connected CEOs and studies the association between Chinese firms’ earnings management behaviors and the presence of politically connected independent board members. We find that firms with politically connected CEOs engage in less real earnings management, probably because their political connections make raising capital easier and reduce incentives for earnings management. However, this relationship is weaker in State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) than in non-SOEs. In addition, we find that politically connected independent board members have significant negative impacts on real earnings management in non-SOEs, suggesting the independent directors with political ties could mitigate real earnings management.
Avaliação da utilização de instrumentais cirúrgicos em um centro cirúrgico ambulatorial
Authors: Santos Adriana Breves dos , Calandrim Lucas Felix , Bidurim Joyce Marye Matsuoka , Gonçalves Raquel Aparecida , Vedovato Cleuza Aparecida , Boaventura Ana Paula
Published: June 2017

Objetivo: Avaliar o número de instrumentais cirúrgicos utilizados e não utilizados durante cirurgias realizadas em um centro cirúrgico ambulatorialde um hospital universitário. Método: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, quantitativo e descritivo, realizado a partir do levantamento de dados com aobservação da utilização ou não dos instrumentais cirúrgicos presentes nas caixas cirúrgicas. Resultados: Foram observadas 176 cirurgias, dentre as especialidades:oftalmologia 132 (75%), otorrinolaringologia 16 (9,09%), plástica 12 (6,81%) e outras especialidades 16 (9,09%). Verificou-se 49,10% de desperdíciodos instrumentais, por estes não terem sido utilizados nas cirurgias ambulatoriais. Conclusão: Este estudo traz uma nova perspectiva sobre a atuaçãoda enfermagem no Centro Cirúrgico Ambulatorial e sua responsabilidade perante o gerenciamento e controle de custos de uma instituição de saúde.
Hipertermia maligna no centro cirúrgico: a equipe de enfermagem sabe reconhecer e intervir?
Authors: Titato Mariana Mystica Silva , Carvalho Rachel De
Published: June 2017

Objetivo: Verificar o conhecimento da equipe de enfermagem do bloco cirúrgico (BC) sobre diagnóstico e tratamento da hipertermia maligna.Método: Pesquisa de campo, correlacional, análise quantitativa. Coleta de dados junto a 50 profissionais da equipe de enfermagem (34 técnicos e 16 enfermeiros)que atuam nos dois BC de um hospital particular de extraporte de São Paulo, que responderam dez questões de múltipla escolha (seis de diagnósticoe quatro de tratamento). Análise descritiva e comparação de médias por teste t de Student. Resultados: Obteve-se médias de acertos de 62,5%nas questões de diagnóstico e de 71,2% nas de tratamento; a porcentagem de acertos em diagnóstico foi significativamente menor do que em tratamento(p=0,007); média de acertos de 6,52 (6,4 para técnicos e 6,8 para enfermeiros); não houve significância quanto ao total de acertos entre os dois grupos(p>0,05). Conclusão: Os profissionais demonstraram conhecimento razoável sobre hipertermia maligna, evidenciando mais de 50,0% de acertos.
Formação do enfermeiro para atuar na central de esterilização
Authors: Lucon Selma Maria Ravazzi , Braccialli Luzmarina Aparecida Doretto , Pirolo Sueli Moreira , Munhoz Cláudia Cordeiro
Published: June 2017

Objetivo: Compreender a formação do enfermeiro para atuar na Central de Material Esterilizado (CME). Método: Estudo descritivo qualitativo,constituído por uma amostra de 20 enfermeiros matriculados nos programas de mestrado profissional e acadêmico da Faculdade de Medicina de Marília(Famema), no período de 2011 a 2014. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de entrevista em 2014. Resultados: Foram identificadas duas categoriastemáticas: a formação do enfermeiro pautada no modelo tecnicista e a perspectiva da formação generalista. Constatou-se que o mundo do trabalho e aformação estão entrelaçados, sendo que a graduação contribui para o desenvolvimento de profissionais competentes e éticos, considerando as suas realidadesnos processos de formação. Conclusão: Independente da proposta curricular das instituições de ensino, os enfermeiros tiveram dificuldades parao aprofundamento quanto ao tema proposto, mas colaboraram com sugestões de transformações das práticas de ensino e aprendizagem para atuaçãodos enfermeiros na CME e que essa formação possa ser repensada mais adequadamente.
Indicações e limitações dos diferentes detergentes utilizados no processamento de produtos para a saúde
Authors: De Oliveira Adriana Cristina , Mati Maria Leticia
Published: June 2017

Objetivo: Identificar estudos que abordem indicações e limitações dos diferentes detergentes utilizados no processamento de produtos para asaúde. Método: Revisão integrativa que incluiu publicações presentes nas bases de dados Scientific Eletronic Library Online, Science Direct, Scopus, Web ofScience e PubMed, no período de 2000 a 2016, nos idiomas inglês e português. Resultados: Foram identificados nove estudos. Os detergentes alcalinos apresentamboa remoção de sujidades, são indicados para uso em equipamento automatizado, adequados em processos que utilizem água dura e compatíveiscom instrumentais cirúrgicos de aço inoxidável. Podem danificar o produto para a saúde e reagir com alumínio, zinco, metais não ferrosos, borracha elátex. Detergentes enzimáticos são compatíveis com diversos materiais e, devido à presença de enzimas, removem diferentes sujidades do instrumental.Conclusão: Embora os detergentes alcalino e enzimático possuam similaridades, a escolha do produto exige o conhecimento da sua ação, observandoas características de uso, compatibilidade com o produto para a saúde e qualidade da água.
Esterilização pelo vapor: aspectos fundamentais e recursos técnicos para redução do consumo de água
Authors: Laranjeira Paulo Roberto , Bronzatti Jeane Aparecida Gonzalez , Souza Rafael Queiroz de , Graziano Kazuko Uchikawa
Published: June 2017

Objetivo: Discorrer sobre os aspectos fundamentais da esterilização pelo vapor e os recursos técnicos que podem ser utilizados para a reduçãodo consumo de água no processo de esterilização. Método: Revisão da literatura e de normas técnicas nacionais e internacionais relacionadas aos aspectosconstrutivos, funcionais e de operação de equipamentos de esterilização pelo vapor saturado sob pressão. Resultados: A redução do consumo de águapode ser obtida pela aquisição preferencial de equipamentos com bombas water free, desligamento da fonte geradora de vapor quando o equipamentonão estiver em uso, utilização de equipamentos com desgasificadores incorporados, montagem da carga de forma a facilitar a penetração do vapor e adiminuição do tempo de secagem, readequação da profundidade do vácuo para reduzir o tempo de uso da bomba de vácuo e manutenção preventivados purgadores da linha de vapor. Adicionalmente, a utilização de sistemas de pré-tratamento pode reduzir o rejeito de sistemas de tratamento de águapor osmose reversa para geração de vapor. Conclusão: O conhecimento dos aspectos fundamentais da esterilização pelo vapor saturado sob pressãopermite a implementação de medidas para a redução do consumo de água no processo de esterilização.
A Robust Newcomb-Benford Account Screening Profiler: An Audit Decision Support System
Authors: Heilig Frank , Lusk Edward J.
Published: June 2017

The best practices execution of the audit is conditioned by the facility with which Decision Support Systems [DSS] can be created using simple Excel™ programming tools and functionalities. Such DSS can aid in the exclusive binary triage of the many of the client’s accounts each of which typically has tens of thousands of items into: {Accounts that may warrant Extended Procedures Testing [EPT]} or {Accounts that may not warrant EPT}. We use the Newcomb-Benford first-digit-profile as a triage platform to screen client accounts into the above mentioned exclusive sets. We call this DSS: The Newcomb-Benford Robust Screening:DSS [NBRS:DSS]. We report on the details of its development & vetting, and illustrate its functionalities using one of the historical Benford Datasets. The NBRS:DSS employs four account screening platforms each of which has been reported in the literature. The NBRS:DSS is available from the authors free as a download without restrictions to its use.
Randomized, controlled trial of laser vs. bipolar plasma vaporization treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Skinner Thomas A.A. , Leslie Robert J. , Steele Stephen S. , Nickel J. Curtis
Published: June 2017

Introduction: Prostate vaporization technology is becoming a standard of care for treatment of moderate, symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We compared two transurethral prostatevaporization technologies with respect to cost, efficiency, efficacy, safety, and surgical team satisfaction.Methods: Fifty-five patients meeting standardized symptom criteria for BPH were randomized to either Olympus Plasma ButtonTM or Biolitec EVOLVE® diode laser vaporization. Primary outcome of cost with secondary outcomes of clinical efficacy, resection time, surgical team satisfaction, and safety were analyzed. Followup was carried out at six and 12 weeks. Patient factors included baseline, as well as six- and 12-week International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) with quality of life (QoL) scores. We recorded surgical team satisfaction with a Likert-style survey investigating ease of set-up, reliability, efficiency, and ability to reach desired endpoint. All complications or side effects detected within three months and the resulting management were included in the cost analysis.Results: Mean cost per patient was $3418 for the Olympus group and $4564 for Biolitec (p<0.05). Surgical vaporization time was significantly less for the Olympus group, 24.3 vs. 33.5 minutes(p<0.05). Surgical and nursing staff preferred the Olympus device (p<0.05). IPPS symptom improvement and complication rates were similar between groups. Patients in the Biolitec arm had more intraoperative bleeding episodes requiring conversion to monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) (three vs. none).Conclusions: In a head-to-head randomized trial, Olympus Plasma Button transurethral vaporization was more cost-effective, faster, and preferred by surgical staff when compared to Biolitetec Diode Laser vaporization. Both devices showed similar safety and efficacy.
Are renal tumour scoring systems better than clinical judgement at predicting partial nephrectomy complexity?
Authors: Kumar Ravi M. , Lavallée Luke T. , Desantis Darren , Cnossen Sonya , Mallick Ranjeeta , Cagiannos Ilias , Morash Chris , Breau Rodney H.
Published: June 2017

Introduction: We aimed to determine how renal tumour scoring systems, such as RENAL, PADUA, and Centrality (C)-index, compare to clinical judgement at predicting time required for tumour removal and kidney reconstruction during partial nephrectomy.Methods: A consecutive cohort of partial nephrectomy patients treated at The Ottawa Hospital, a tertiary care uro-oncological centre, was retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative axial images were reviewed by four experienced urological oncologists who independently rated the complexity of a partial nephrectomy from 1‒10 to generate a clinical judgement score. Two independent reviewers determined the RENAL, PADUA, and C-index scores. The time to complete tumour resection and renal reconstruction during partial nephrectomy was prospectively recorded.Results: During the study period, 104 partial nephrectomies were performed. The mean partial nephrectomy complexity score based on clinical judgement was 3.4 (standard deviation [SD] 2.1) out of 10. There was good agreement between surgeons in assessing tumour complexity (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.65, 0.78). The mean RENAL score was 6.7 (SD 1.6) out of a maximum of 12, the mean PADUA score was 8.5 (SD 1.5) out of a maximum of 14, and the mean C-index score was 3.8 (SD 2). Mean resection and reconstruction time was 24 minutes (SD 10 minutes). The correlation between clinical judgement score and time was 0.27 (p=0.005). The correlation between renal tumour scoring systems and time was 0.20 (p=0.04) for RENAL, 0.21 (p=0.03) for C-index, and 0.26 (p=0.007) for PADUA. RENAL and PADUA scores were significantly associated with surgical and total complications.Conclusions: The majority of variance in ischemia time is not explained by clinical judgement or renal tumour scoring systems. Renal tumour scoring systems were not better than the clinical judgement of urological oncologists at predicting ischemia time during partial nephrectomy.
The role of preoperative urodynamics in stress urinary incontinence surgery
Authors: Hickling Duane R. , Steele Stephen S.
Published: June 2017

The routine use of urodynamics prior to incontinence surgery continues to be debated. The evidence available from randomized, control trials suggests that preoperative urodynamics do not improve surgical outcomes and are not cost-effective.
Advances in basic science methodologies for clinical diagnosis in female stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Abdulaziz Marwa , Deegan Emily G. , Stothers Lynn , Pugash Denise , Macnab Andrew
Published: June 2017

We provide an overview of advanced imaging techniques currently being explored to gain greater understanding of the complexity of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) through better definition of structural anatomic data. Two methods of imaging and analysis are detailed for SUI with or without prolapse: (1) open magnetic resonance imaging with or without the use of reference lines, and (2) 3D reconstruction of the pelvis using MRI. An additional innovative method of assessment includes the use of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), which uses noninvasive photonics in a vaginal speculum to objectively evaluate pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function as it relates to SUI pathology.  Advantages and disadvantages of these techniques are described. The recent innovation of open-configuration magnetic resonance imaging allows images to be captured in sitting and standing positions, which better simulates states that correlate with urinary leakage and can be further enhanced with 3D reconstruction. By detecting direct changes in oxygenated muscle tissue, the NIRS vaginal speculum is able to provide insight into how the oxidative capacity of the PFM influences SUI. The small number of units able to provide patient evaluation using these techniques and their cost and relative complexity are major considerations, but if such imaging can optimize diagnosis, treatment allocation, and selection for surgery enhanced imaging techniques may prove to be a worthwhile and cost-effective strategy for assessing and treating SUI.
The pubovaginal sling: Reintroducing an old friend
Authors: Bailly Gregory G. , Carlson Kevin V.
Published: June 2017

The surgical management of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) has evolved over the past century, using various techniques of retropubic colposuspensions and sling procedures. In the past two decades, the sling has become the mainstay of surgical treatment of SUI, with the synthetic midurethral sling (MUS) leading the way. With the recent concerns raised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health Canada about the safety of vaginal surgery using mesh implants, including the MUS, urologists and gynecologists should be familiar with suitable alternatives, including the pubovaginal sling (PVS), which often incorporates autologous fascia. Surgeons should be expected to discuss the surgical options to patients in more detail so that an informed decision can be made by both parties on which surgery to choose. Despite the MUS still being considered the “gold standard” by many, both the urologist and gynecologist who manage SUI should understand the indications for a PVS with autologous fascia, as well as its surgical technique and outcomes. This knowledge is required to aid in the decision-making of both the patient and her surgeon. In this article, the role of the PVS and the description of its surgical technique are presented.