bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving the quality of life for sustainable development
Authors: Yusoff M M
Published: September 2020

Development will grant people with a new form of living security and hope. Besides, one of the major objectives for development is to ensure that the society who lives will experience a good quality of life by managing to fulfil the human needs. There are two central needs by inhabitants’; first, the biological needs that are essential to the survival of the society and second, cultural requirements that are necessary for the functioning and growth of the residents of the development area. In order to fulfil the human needs, development has become an important tool to deliver the requirement of the society. However, intense development generates many demands on natural environment. Development is often cited as one of the major agent that has led to the transformation of the four main components of the natural environment -- land, water, air and biological aspects. Besides, developments often embark on a chain of result of environmental systems disruptions and ecological damage. In addition, if these requirements of human needs cannot be fulfilled or is below the minimum input, this situation tends to lead to the vulnerability of the society. Conflict between human needs and environmental sustainability has guided many authorities to engage sustainable development concept for the development planning. The concept of sustainable development was described by the 1987 Bruntland Commission Report as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Sustainable development is regarded as understanding the strength and links among the human needs and the environment. Improving quality of life of the society is the key for sustainable development. Thus, in order to improve quality of life appreciating the potential of development area such as improves land utilization; efficient use of resources as well as creating more opportunities to the society will be the catalyst to achieve sustainable development.
Characteristics of flood causes in Majalengka Regency 2014 – 2018
Authors: Suryaasri S , Kusratmoko E
Published: September 2020

Flood is one of the most common hydrometeorological disasters that occur in West Java, especially Majalengka Regency that has high potency of flood hazards. Furthermore, the floods did not only cause the loss in material, but also non-material things such as the loss of life. The aim of this research is to identify the characteristics of rainfall in flood events in Majalengka District from 2014 to 2018. The variables used in this study included daily rainfall period 2014 - 2018. Rainfall was calculated by the mononobe method to produce daily intensity and was calculated by API5 to calculate soil moisture. The results showed that the incidence of flood in Majalengka Regency was caused by very moist soil moisture, while variations in rainfall and rainfall intensity during the incident did not affect flood.
Geothermal prospect areas based on physical characteristics using remote sensing at Cimandiri Fault, West Java
Authors: Anika S , Supriatna S , Erthalia M , Rokhmatuloh
Published: September 2020

Cimandiri fault is an active fault indicated by the appearance of hot springs that prove the presence of geothermal activity. The hot springs have different temperature due to physical characteristics in each location. The purpose of this research is to find geothermal prospective region based on physical characteristics at Cimandiri fault, West Java. This research uses integrated survey methods between geography, geology, and geochemical aspects with remote sensing technology. Remote sensing used in analyzing Land Surface Temperature in research areas. The Geochemical survey is done by collecting hot spring samples to get consentration of the Na and K elements. The data latter are used in counting reservoir temperature using Geothermometry method. The results concluded that there are three geothermal prospective regions in Cimandiri Fault classified in low and moderate levels. The low geothermal prospective region is represented in Cibubuay region with reservoir temperature of 109°C at high fault density zone, low concentration of Na/K, low reservoir temperature, and the hot springs located far away from the fault. The moderate geothermal prospective regions are represented in Cibadak region (130°C) and Cikundul region (189°C) at low until moderate fault density zone, high concentration of Na/K, moderate reservoir temperature, and the hot springs located close to the fault.
Dynamics land cover changes of Wulan Delta in 2003-2017 approach by remote sensing technology
Authors: Ramadhani Y H , Susanti R
Published: September 2020

Wulan Delta is a form of landscape in the coastal area of Wedung District, Demak Regency, which was formed due to sedimentation of the Wulan River estuary. Utilization of the delta region into a pond will have an impact on the environment and socio-economic surrounding communities. This study aims to look at the dynamics of land cover changes in Wulan Delta, Wedung District, Demak Regency. Multitemporal remote sensing technology can be used to see the dynamics that occur in the Wulan Delta region. Remote sensing imagery used by Quickbird imagery from 2003 and Worldview imagery from 2017. Based on the results of the interpretation of multitemporal imagery that most of the Wulan delta area is used as ponds. Along with the increase in the pond area, from the socio-economic aspects of the livelihoods of residents in the sub-district of Wedung as pond farmers increased from 2003 to 2017. So that the use of land in the form of ponds has a positive impact as the livelihood of the population. Changes in the area of Wulan Delta between 2003 and 2017 there are delta gain as large as 112,9 ha (7,9 %), delta loss area by 28,78 ha ((2,01 %) and a fixed area of 1287,77 ha (90,09%). Delta area changes also affect land cover changes from mangroves into ponds 29,73 ha (2,08%) and pond to mangrove 8,81 ha (0,62%). The land cover dynamics changes of Wulan Delta also affect the socio-economic conditions of surrounding communities, most of whom work as pond farmer. Calculation of the production value of ponds in the study area is estimated at approximately IDR 39.422.252.670,-.
Tsunami-affected areas in Tanjung Lesung – Banten - Indonesia
Authors: Listyaningrum Z , Indra T L , Damayanti A
Published: September 2020

The West Coast of Banten is one of the tsunami-affected areas in Indonesia. People living in this region have to be aware of the possible tsunami occurrence anytime. PUSGEN 2017 research result indicated that Megathrust of Sunda Strait has the potential to trigger an earthquake up to magnitude 8.8 generated in the seismic gap zone and strengthened the issue of tsunami threats. Therefore, we need a more detail study of these areas. In this study, we use the mathematical model of tsunamis from ComMIT software by NOAA and overlay it with the coastal population density. The outputs of ComMIT software are heights of run-up, inundation areas, and estimated time arrivals. The population density is determined by the housing population density method and the total number of populations divided by the area of settlements. The result is the number of people affected by tsunami obtained from the intersection between the area of inundation and the field of settlements. In Tanjung Lesung, there are up to 134 people affected by the tsunami.
Spatial model of vulnerability to tsunami in Buleleng Sub-district
Authors: Wetty M P , Kusratmoko E
Published: September 2020

Buleleng Sub district is the activity center in Buleleng Regency. It is adjacent to the Bali Sea in the northern part, which is crossed by the Flores back arc thrust fault. Considering the fact that the fault activities in Flores had caused an earthquake and tsunami in 1992 in Flores which killing up to 2100 people and in 1976 in Buleleng Regency, hence a spatial modelling for tsunami vulnerability in Buleleng Sub district was developed. The aim of this study was to analyze the tsunami elevation model, and to analyze the integration of tsunami-exposed areas with the distribution of populations and buildings in Buleleng Sub district. The methods used for making a spatial modelling for tsunami vulnerability in Buleleng Sub district were quantitative analysis and spatial analysis. Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) used to determine the value, weight, and score. Built land variables distinguished the residential buildings, and trade and service areas. Distribution variables used an estimation of per 10 hectares in the grid. Based on the results, there are three wave height scenarios to identify how big the tsunami exposure area is in Buleleng Sub district. The scenario of 6-meters shows the number of victims will reach up to 2,493 people and around 482 buildings will affect. While, the 9-meters scenario estimates that there will be 147,276 victims and 8,052 buildings will affect. The last scenario is the 20-meters that estimates around 161,199 people and 18,293 buildings will affect.
The level of community readiness in Semarang Regency for online single submission of building permits
Authors: Haryanto R , Manaf A , Priambudi B N
Published: September 2020

Information technology has developed rapidly and can be used as a means to assist the application of one-stop integrated licensing services. Information technology-based software can process information more quickly and accurately. For this reason, application is needed to help the OSS (Online Single Submission) or called PPTSP Agency provide more optimal, transparent, effective, and efficient licensing services to the public. Some big cities in Indonesia have started applying an OSS/PTSP system to increase the effectiveness of local revenue from licensing and investment services. The system is considered valid and efficient to shorten the flow of public services, especially in the field of licensing. In 2017, the Semarang Regency Government launched an innovation, a web-based public service application which enables communities to submit building permit called IMB/Ijin Mendirikan Bangunan online. The research method used in this study is “deductive” with natural settings without manipulating the subjects under study. Data collection used is quantitative data, with a sample of the communities of Semarang Regency. The results of this study show that the citizen and officials of Semarang Regency have been ready prepared to go to the era of online single submission of building permit. The community needs innovation in improving the quality of public services. Therefore, the system provided by the government can be used optimally. It is recommended for the government to have a better system and establish a special team that can be managed professionally and sustainably so that the program can run well. As a result, the program can serve the community until the next regent period.
Mitigation accident prone location on the BRT Trans Jateng Semarang District (Case Study: Soekarno Hatta Street KM 24+600 - KM 33+000)
Authors: Salamah N , Purwantoro A B , Suadi N
Published: September 2020

The Route of Trans Jateng Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Semarang Regency is one of the danger locations with 22 accidents involved BRT Trans Jateng in the period January-December 2018. This paper is to describe the results of road safety in quantitatively and qualitatively based on the results of safety deficiency measures on the road to become an evaluation model for road auditors. Data and information are compiled for analysing visual observations and measurement results of road infrastructure safety deficiencies on Soekarno Hatta Street KM 24+600-33+000. The results of the safetyness on this streets are shows there are 8 segments included the Dangerous category (B). The results of the categorization are arranged by risk management and anticipation of hazards in every segment in the form of travel safety map and safety handbook where location at risk of an accident is equipped with a QR Code that is connected to Google Maps.
Wind Resistance Analysis for H-shaped Hanger of Long-span Steel Arch Bridge
Authors: hua Wei
Published: September 2020

This paper presents the development history of arch bridge and the structural system of long-span steel arch bridge as well as the damage and load types of wind-induced vibration. It also analyses the characteristics of wind load on an arch bridge especially the half-through or through-type steel arch bridges, the effect of wind-induced vibration on H-shaped hangers. Finally, it introduces the measures to reduce wind-induced effect on long-span steel arch bridges with H-shaped hangers.
Performance Study Research of New Maintenance Method in Airport Pavement Concrete of China
Authors: Ma D X , Yang W K , Liu Y , Lai Y , Hou S , Ye Q , Xiang H L
Published: September 2020

Through comparing actual projects this paper presents and discusses the effects of curing film and geotextile on the mechanical properties, durability and pore structure of concrete. The results show that, compared with the maintenance of geotextile, the curing film can enhance the strength of concrete to a certain extent, improve frost resistance and optimize pore structure of concrete.
Research on synergistic optimization of preparation of polycarboxylate superplasticizer
Authors: Zhang Xiong , Li Xiao , Zhang Heng , Sun Yue
Published: September 2020

To optimize the preparation process of the PCEs, this paper studied the synergistic effect of the three parameters of initiator dosage, synthesis temperature and synthesis time on the viscosity and the performance of the PCEs. The results showed:(1) For the viscosity of the PCEs, when the synthesis temperature was high, the viscosity could be improved by reducing the initiator dosage or by extending the synthesis time; When the synthesis temperature was low, the viscosity could be improved by increasing the amount of initiator dosage or shortening the synthesis time appropriately. At the same time, these three parameters had a similar synergistic relationship with the performance of the PCEs (2) Through kinetic factors, establish a process model of these three parameters and the viscosity of the PCEs:

η

=

2.97

*

e

R
T

100

*

t

*

m

−
1

2

. The model provided a theoretical basis for the optimization of the preparation process of the PCEs. (3) When the viscosity of the PCEs was in the range of 200-370 mPa*s, its effect on cement dispersibility was better.
Experimental Study on Load of Concrete Filled Steel Tubular Double-rib Tied-arch Bridge
Authors: Hao Zhang
Published: September 2020

By taking a concrete filled steel tubular tied-arch bridge along Jiefang Road in Jiaozuo City, China as the research object and comparing the measured values and the theoretical values of static and dynamic load tests of the bridge, the overall mechanical performance and load-bearing capacity of the bridge are evaluated, and the research method can be used as a reference for the design and load test of the same type of bridge.
Experimental Study and Analysis on the Durability of Concrete in Underground Engineering
Authors: Yang Z , Huang Y N , Zhu L , Liu Y H , Li Y , Hou Z K
Published: September 2020

The underground environment is much more complicated than the overground environment. Concrete in underground engineering bears complex environmental effects such as soil stress, water penetration stress, and soil salt erosion. The durability of concrete directly determines the service life of underground engineering. In this paper, considering the soil stress, the chloride ion, sulfate attack and permeability resistance of concrete were tested in the laboratory. The results show that fly ash has excellent resistance to sulfate attack, and when fly ash content is 20% or 30%, the concrete specimens have the best chloride ion penetration resistance and water penetration resistance. Under the effect of preload stress, when the preload stress level is less than 20%, the capacity of concrete stress cannot be reduced greatly, but when the preload stress level is greater than 20%, the concrete durability performance decreases rapidly.
Analysis of design points of water supply, drainage and fire extinguishing system of Taihe East Station on Shanghe Railway
Authors: Liu Yi-yuan
Published: September 2020

As the most representative building along the railway, the high-speed railway station has become the key project of each line. The water supply, drainage and fire extinguishing systems are important parts of railway stations, including such functional contents as production and living water supply, sewage and wastewater, rainwater, fire protection of station houses, platforms, exit channels, drop-off platforms, parking yards, auxiliary houses, etc. Taking Taihe East Station as an example, this paper introduces the content of the water supply, drainage and fire extinguishing system of the high-speed railway station and analyzes the design points to provide a case reference in this aspect.
Application of Integrated Technology of Ecological Dredging and Silt Disposal in Comprehensive River Management
Authors: Jialin Cao , Hao Yang , Chengming Shi , Feihang Li , Chenghe Sun , Cheng Zhang , Hui Yin
Published: September 2020

Multi-process such as environmentally friendly cutter suction dredgers are used for river silt cleaning, pipeline pumping, coagulant (PAM) dosing, geotextile tube dehydration and solidification, leachate collection, multi-stage coagulation sedimentation treatment, residual water treatment are adopted to comprehensively control the water quality and silt of the Fu River New District in Anxin County, Xiongan New District. The treated residual water is discharged to Fu River after the test meets the standard, and the silt is solidified and then further comprehensively utilized as resources. Through the design and the whole process of tracking practice in the test phase of this project, the integrated technology of ecological dredging and silt disposal was explored for the construction technology and operation process of river dredging and sediment dehydration and volume reduction, providing reference for standardization and large-scale application of similar projects.
The UGS Evolution in the View of Environmental History-A Case Study of Ancient Nanjing
Authors: Ruofei Xu
Published: September 2020

The natural environment had their own objective laws in historical process. The nature resources influenced the city’s cite selection and construction, and formed unique natural landscape. This research tries to analysis the interaction forces between the city and nature In the view of environmental history, and tried to uncover the traces on UGS in historical process.
Numerical analysis of tunnel deformation affected by spatial position of landslide-tunnel system
Authors: Zhijie Sun , Xuanyu Yang , Qingzhong Kong , Ziyang Zhao , Bichang Zhang , Wei Xiong
Published: September 2020

In order to reveal the deformation law of tunnel structure under different spatial positions of landslide tunnel system, the rock deformation around tunnel under 12 working conditions was compared and analyzed by numerical simulation method. The results show that the vertical displacement distribution of rock around the tunnel at different locations is determined by the upper and lower regions of the sliding zone, and the settlement around the tunnel is greater than that of the tunnel under the sliding zone. The settlement decreases with the increase of the distance from the slip zone. The analysis results can provide reference for the design and construction of tunnel site selection.
Application Analysis of Intelligent Irrigation System Based on Internet of Things Technology
Authors: Luo Wen , Xu Yuan , Shen Zili
Published: September 2020

In recent years, Zhejiang Province has actively propelled the application of the intelligent irrigation technology based on the Internet of things, which has strongly promoted the transformation and upgrading of the agricultural industry and greatly enhanced the level of modern agriculture in Zhejiang Province. According to the investigation of the application of the intelligent irrigation technology based on the Internet of things in Zhejiang Province, this article summarizes and analyzes the existing problems in the popularization and application of this technology. Furthermore, it puts forward corresponding suggestions for improvement in hopes that it would play a positive role in the popularization and application of intelligent irrigation technology based on the Internet of things.
A Case Study on International Engineering Risk Management Under BOT Model: The case of Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge in Istanbul
Authors: Liu Yang , Gui Yuhuan , Zhou Yu , Ma Yingying , Yang Bin , Luo Fengmin , Chen Huanmei , Liu Ying , Yan Ziwei , Li Ling
Published: September 2020

Since the Turkish Prime Minister Ozal had put forward the basic concept of BOT project in the 1980s. It has become the construction mode favored by governments of most countries, especially in developing country. The BOT mode is mainly applicable to some complex large-scale infrastructure construction projects. In China, with the continuous improvement of economic capacity, the government pays more attention to the construction of infrastructure. But owing to this kind of project’s feature, it will bring a great financial pressure to the Chinese government. So, the BOT mode is the best choice for the government. But as the BOT mode itself involved in multilateral cooperation, even include the foreign partner, and combined with the particularity of the project itself. It has the types of risk is more than conventional projects. Therefore, risk management and control of it is what we need to research and focus on. This paper takes Istanbul Yavuz Sultan Selim (hereinafter referred to as YSS Bridge) Bridge project as an example. The paper based on the basic theory of BOT project and risk management theory, analyzes the whole process of risk management in international BOT mode project, and then analyzes how to take measures to prevent possible risk events in the case of cross-border cooperation.
Analysis of the influence about different materials on the settlement of the connecting section of seawall and sluice based on PLAXIS
Authors: Jin Fang-yi , Zhou Chang-chen , Xie Long , Ge Guo-chang
Published: September 2020

The article analyzes the uneven settlement of the connecting section of the East 1# sluice of the Oufei I reclamation project by PLAXIS finite element software, obtaining results of the development law of settlement and the location of the largest uneven settlement on the connecting section of the sluice under the conditions of the ordinary riprap mode and the empty box mode. The comparative analysis results show that the settlement on the two sluices is relatively close, and the settlement on the seawall is quite different, which is close to 2 times. The uneven settlement of the connecting section of the seawall and sluice is mainly manifested at the junction of the empty box of the sluice and the rubble area of the seawall. The empty box mode can reduce the weight of the seawall in order to reduce the uneven settlement on the connecting section of the seawall and sluice.
Daily Activities: The Impact of COPD and Cognitive Dysfunction
Authors: Brunette Amanda M , Warner Kelsey , Holm Kristen E , Meschede Kimberly , Wamboldt Frederick S , Kozora Elizabeth , Moser David J , Make Barry J , Crapo James D , Moreau Kerrie L , Weinberger Howard D , Bowler Russell , Hoth Karin F
Published: September 2020

Objective

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by airflow limitation; however, pulmonary function does not fully account for patients’ functional difficulties. The primary aim of the study was to determine the association between several domains of cognition and daily activity among those with COPD.

Method

Eighty-nine former smokers completed a neuropsychological battery including measures across multiple domains of cognition, pulmonary function measures, and daily activity questionnaires. Using a cross-sectional design, we compared daily activity between former smokers with and without COPD using two measures (St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire [SGRQ] Activity Subscale and Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living [IADL] Scale) and examined the association between cognition and daily activity among those with COPD.

Results

As expected, former smokers with COPD reported more difficulty than those without COPD on both activity measures (SGRQ Activity Subscale p < .001; Lawton IADL Scale p = .040). Among former smokers with COPD, poorer delayed recall was associated with more difficulty with daily activities (SGRQ Activity Subscale) (p = .038) while adjusting for severity of airflow limitation, exercise tolerance, oxygen use, dyspnea, and symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that cognition is associated with daily activity in patients with COPD. Future research should examine whether cognitive interventions may help to maximize patients’ engagement in daily activities.
Eye size in North American watersnakes (genusNerodia) correlates with variation in feeding ecology
Authors: Camp Carlos D , Wooten Jessica A , Pepper Mary Kaytlin , Austin Richard M , Whitfield Gibbons J
Published: September 2020

Visual acuity and sensitivity positively correlate to eye size in vertebrates, and eye size relates to the ecology of colubrid snakes. We investigated whether eye morphology of North American colubrids of the genus Nerodia correlates with ecology as well. Although all members of the genus utilize aquatic habits, they differ widely in the proportion of anurans they eat. We specifically tested whether eye size and placement is associated with the proportion of frogs in the diet to determine whether these two aspects of eye morphology relate to feeding ecology. Using phylogenetic comparative methods, we found a significantly positive association between eye size and the proportion of anurans eaten by Nerodia species. Although the evidence is equivocal, the anterior placement of relatively small eyes in one species may also enhance anurophagy. Although eye size may improve a snake’s ability to feed on frogs, eye size must compete with other selective forces on head shape in trade-offs that may also influence eye size.
In situ and low-cost monitoring of particles falling from freshwater animals: from microplastics to parasites
Authors: Douda Karel , Escobar-Calderón Felipe , Vodáková Barbora , Horký Pavel , Slavík Ondřej , Sousa Ronaldo
Published: September 2020

A simple and low-cost method of monitoring and collecting particulate matter detaching from (or interacting with) aquatic animals is described using a novel device based on an airlift pump principle applied to floating cages. The efficiency of the technique in particle collection is demonstrated using polyethylene microspheres interacting with a cyprinid fish (Carassius carassius) and a temporarily parasitic stage (glochidia) of an endangered freshwater mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) dropping from experimentally infested host fish (Salmo trutta). The technique enables the monitoring of temporal dynamics of particle detachment and their continuous collection both in the laboratory and in situ, allowing the experimental animals to be kept under natural water quality regimes and reducing the need for handling and transport. The technique can improve the representativeness of current experimental methods used in the fields of environmental parasitology, animal feeding ecology and microplastic pathway studies in aquatic environments. In particular, it makes it accessible to study the physiological compatibility of glochidia and their hosts, which is an essential but understudied autecological feature in mussel conservation programs worldwide. Field placement of the technique can also aid in outreach programs with pay-offs in the increase of scientific literacy of citizens concerning neglected issues such as the importance of fish hosts for the conservation of freshwater mussels.
The potential role of aerial pesticide applications to control landscape-scale outbreaks of pests and diseases in British forestry with a focus on dothistroma needle blight
Authors: Tubby Katherine , Forster Jack
Published: September 2020

British forestry is threatened by numerous pests and diseases. This study investigated the potential for re-introduction of aerial pesticide applications for landscape-scale disease management. In North Scotland in 2013 and 2015, copper oxychloride was applied to Pinus sylvestris L. stands infected with Dothistroma septosporum (Dorogin) Morelet. Helicopters distributed ultra-low-volume (ULV) applications of product via Micronair rotary atomisers, following methods used against D. septosporum in P. radiata D. Don stands in New Zealand. Product deposition was quantified on paper catchers and in foliage, soil and water. Catchers 100 m beyond the plot boundaries intercepted 0.5 per cent of within-plot mean deposition. Foliar analysis revealed slightly elevated copper concentrations (+0.07 μg g−1 dw) 250 m outside plot boundaries. Copper in foliage and needle litter remained above background levels for 109 and 157 weeks after application, respectively, longer than recorded during New Zealand operations. Concentrations in the soil increased over 3 years’ monitoring, whilst deposition into water traps resulted in copper concentrations well within limits set by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency. No deleterious impacts on vascular and non-vascular ground and canopy flora were recorded. Copper fungicide applications significantly reduced foliar infection at both sites but did not affect needle retention. Further ground-based trials will investigate the efficacy of other actives. In Britain, such aerial operations have not occurred for two decades: this study demonstrated aerial and ground teams have the necessary expertise for their re-introduction, whilst highlighting areas needing further optimization.
Implementation of Judgments: Practical Insights from Civil Society
Authors: Dailey Erika
Published: September 2020

This practice note takes a complementary look at the implementation of court judgments regarding human rights, interrogating the perspectives and lived experience of independent stakeholders, among them victims of human rights violations, advocates, litigators, legislators, judges, and other civil society representatives. It draws on the Open Society Justice Initiative’s Strategic Litigation Impacts inquiry, a partner-led, multi-year comparative socio-legal study based on hundreds of semi-structured interviews and legal analysis of 11 diverse countries, eight international conferences and workshops, and four thematic reports examining various areas of rights: Roma and desegregation of education; indigenous peoples’ land rights; equal access to quality education; and torture in custody. The experience of these stakeholders prompts and responds to government action and inaction, offering a rough mirror image from a civil society perspective.
A minimal time-scale for the spectral states of GX 339−4
Authors: Sonbas E , Mohamed K , Dhuga K S , Tuncer A , Göğüş E
Published: September 2020

Black hole transients are known to undergo spectral transitions that form q-shaped tracks on a hardness intensity diagram. In this work, we use the archival Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer data to extract a characteristic minimal time-scale for the spectral states in GX 339−4 for the 2002–2003 and 2010 outbursts. We use the extracted time-scale to construct an intensity variability diagram for each outburst. This new diagram is comparable to the traditional hardness intensity diagram and offers the potential for probing the underlying dynamics associated with the evolution of the relevant emission regions in black hole transients. We confirm this possibility by connecting the minimal time-scale with the inner disc radius, Rin (estimated from spectral fits), and demonstrate a positive correlation between these variables as the system evolves through its spectral transitions. Furthermore, we probe the relation between the minimal time-scale and the break frequencies extracted from the power spectral densities. Lastly, we examine a possible link between the extracted time-scale and a traditional measure of variability, i.e. the root mean square, determined directly from the power spectra.
Simulating the dynamics and non-thermal emission of relativistic magnetized jets I. Dynamics
Authors: Mukherjee Dipanjan , Bodo Gianluigi , Mignone Andrea , Rossi Paola , Vaidya Bhargav
Published: September 2020

We have performed magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations of relativistic jets from supermassive blackholes over a few tens of kpc for a range of jet parameters. One of the primary aims was to investigate the effect of different MHD instabilities on the jet dynamics and their dependence on the choice of jet parameters. We find that two dominant MHD instabilities affect the dynamics of the jet, small-scale Kelvin–Helmholtz (KH) modes and large-scale kink modes, whose evolution depends on internal jet parameters like the Lorentz factor, the ratio of the density and pressure to the external medium, and the magnetization and hence consequently on the jet power. Low power jets are susceptible to both instabilities, kink modes for jets with higher central magnetic field and KH modes for lower magnetization. Moderate power jets do not show appreciable growth of kink modes, but KH modes develop for lower magnetization. Higher power jets are generally stable to both instabilities. Such instabilities decelerate and decollimate the jet while inducing turbulence in the cocoon, with consequences on the magnetic field structure. We model the dynamics of the jets following a generalized treatment of the Begelman–Cioffi relations, which we present here. We find that the dynamics of stable jets match well with simplified analytic models of expansion of non-self-similar FRII jets, whereas jets with prominent MHD instabilities show a nearly self-similar evolution of the morphology as the energy is more evenly distributed between the jet head and the cocoon.
Unilateral autoimmune inner ear disease in a patient with lung cancer treated with nivolumab
Authors: Rajapakse Aleksandra , O’Leary Connor , Gundelach Raefe , Deva Rajeev , O’Byrne Ken
Published: September 2020

A 69-year-old male presented with early stage non-small cell lung cancer in 2016. The tumor was resected; however, the patient experienced recurrence 2 years later and subsequently received paclitaxel/carboplatin concurrently with radiotherapy. Within weeks of completing this treatment, he developed a symptomatic pancoast tumor secondary to disease progression and commenced second line nivolumab. Following the second dose of nivolumab, he developed acute unilateral right hearing loss. He commenced intravenous methylprednisolone followed by a slow taper of oral prednisolone. With steroids, he noted a gradual improvement in hearing, confirmed by audiology. Restaging imaging post-nivolumab demonstrated a complete metabolic response. Two prior cases have reported bilateral sensorineural hearing loss post-immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI). We postulate the hearing impairment relates to the development of autoimmune inner ear disease. To our knowledge, this is the only case of a patient experiencing unilateral loss of hearing following an ICI.
Mobilization and Exercise Intervention for Patients With Multiple Myeloma: Clinical Practice Guidelines Endorsed by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association
Authors: Jeevanantham Deepa , Rajendran Venkadesan , McGillis Zachary , Tremblay Line , Larivière Céline , Knight Andrew
Published: September 2020

Objective

Individuals with multiple myeloma (MM) often have reduced functional performance due to the cancer itself or as a direct side effect of cancer treatments. Physical therapy is a part of cancer rehabilitation; however, no guidelines are available to provide information and direction for physical therapists managing patients with MM. The goal of this guideline is to provide recommendations based on a systematic review and consensus process that physical therapists can use to manage patients with MM.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature published until August 2018 was performed in 8 databases with 2 independent reviewers assessing quality. Seventeen articles were identified as relevant, and a draft guideline was developed in the form of action statements. A total of 10 physical therapists with hematology experience and 10 patients with MM were recruited for consensus process. A priori threshold of 80% agreement was used to establish a consensus for each statement. The draft guidelines were reviewed externally by 4 methodologists using the AGREE II tool and a stakeholder representing OH (Cancer Care Ontario) Program in Evidence Based Care, McMaster University. The final guideline was reviewed and officially endorsed by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.

Results

A total of 30 action statements were developed that achieved consensus, indicating physical therapy recommendations based on physiological markers (ie, hemoglobin, platelet count), complete patient presentation, and the stage of medical treatment.

Conclusion

These clinical practice guidelines were developed to aid physical therapists in implementing evidence-based and best-practice care for patients with MM to optimize rehabilitation outcomes.

Impact

These guidelines fill an important knowledge gap and are the first to provide information specifically for physical therapist management of patients with MM.
West Nile virus neutralizing antibody prevalence in donkeys from northern Nigeria
Authors: Idoko Idoko Sunday , Schvartz Gili , Tirosh-Levy Sharon , Erster Oran , Jibril Jibril Yakubu , Adamu Andrew Musa , Enem Simon Ikechukwu , Omeje Jude Nduka , Nafarnda Wesley Daniel , Steinman Amir
Published: September 2020

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of anti-West Nile virus (WNV) neutralizing antibodies in donkeys from two areas in northern Nigeria.

Methods

Serology was determined by a virus neutralization test in samples collected from 205 healthy adult donkeys.

Results

Fifty-seven donkeys (27.8%) tested seropositive for WNV. Donkeys from Zaria were 2.6 times more likely to have been exposed to WNV (p<0.001).

Conclusion

The results of this study demonstrate that this zoonotic pathogen is prevalent in these areas and that measures should be implemented to reduce the risk for both humans and equids.
Comparative Evaluation of 4 Commercially Available ELISA Kits for Measuring Adalimumab and Anti-adalimumab Antibodies
Authors: Sam Melissa Joyce , Connor Susan Jane , Ng Watson Wa-Sang , Toong Catherine Mei-Ling
Published: September 2020

Background:

Therapeutic drug monitoring of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, such as adalimumab (ADM), is increasingly being performed for the management of autoimmune diseases. However, there can be significant variation in drug and antibody concentrations obtained by different assay methods. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of 4 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits for measuring ADM and anti-ADM antibodies.

Method:

Dilutions of ADM or anti-ADM spiked sera were assessed for recovery rate and precision using the following 4 kits: LISA-Tracker (Theradiag, Croissy-Beaubourg, France), Promonitor (Grifols, Barcelona, Spain), Ridascreen (R-Biopharm, Darmstadt, Germany), and Shikari (Matriks Biotek, Gölbaşi/Ankara Turkey). Interference samples were also assessed.

Results:

At the therapeutic concentration, ADM detection was comparable among the 4 ELISA kits. Lisa-Tracker and Shikari kits produced low-range false positive results in normal sera. Infliximab and etanercept caused false positives in Lisa-Tracker and Shikari kits. Anti-ADM antibody ELISA kits performed differently with spiked samples because of different measuring units and ranges. Ridascreen and Shikari kits were dose responsive across the entire standard curve and correlated well with each other (r2 = 0.997). Cross reactivity was observed in rheumatoid factor positive sera tested on the Promonitor anti-ADM kit.

Conclusions:

All ADM kits tested were dose responsive within the therapeutic range and correlated well. The significance of observed low-range false positives and cross reactivity with infliximab in LISA-Tracker and Shikari kits is dependent on the indications received for testing in the laboratory. Anti-ADM ELISA kits produced varied results for spiked sera; however, they showed good precision. Inter-kit variability suggested that anti-ADM levels should be compared only when using the same method.
Performance of an automated blood pressure measurement device in a stroke rehabilitation unit
Authors: Lamarre-Cliche Maxime , Spacek Elena , Houde Sylvie , Furgé Priscille , Lamarre Céline , Duong Ynhu Nguyen , Tran Gabrielle , Beaudoin Nicole
Published: September 2020

Context

Valid blood pressure (BP) measurements are needed in post-stroke rehabilitation hospital units for the management of hypertension. Automated devices could be used to improve on usual care BP measurement. However, more information is needed about the performance of these devices in such a context.

Methods

This prospective nonrandomized study was performed in stroke patients with hypertension hospitalized in a stroke rehabilitation unit. Two in-hospital BP assessment strategies were compared: usual care BP and in-hospital automated office BP (AOBP) standardized measurements. In-office AOBP and ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) were also performed on these patients. The main outcome was SBP. Study follow-up was until discharge, up to a maximum of 4 weeks.

Results

Sixty-two patients with stroke hospitalized in a rehabilitation unit were included. Usual care BP was 130 ± 12/79 ± 9 mmHg and differed from an in-hospital AOBP of 117 ± 14/75 ± 12 mmHg (P < 0.001/P < 0.001). In-hospital and in-office AOBP measurements did not differ. Twenty percent of patients reached SBP therapeutic goals according to in-hospital AOBP but not according to usual care BP measurements.

Conclusion

This study shows that in a post-stroke rehabilitation unit, standardized in-hospital AOBP estimates are on average much lower than the usual care BP correlates and similar to the in-office AOBP estimates. In-hospital AOBP devices in a stroke rehabilitation unit could add important information for the management of hypertension.
Endoscopic Evaluation of Radiologic Distal Esophageal Thickening
Authors: Leung Galen , Mizrahi Joseph , Quintero Samuel , Sosa Daniel , Parkinson Deborah , Taub Erin , Desai Deepak , Cheng Edward
Published: September 2020

Goals:

We aim to determine the incidence of esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGDs) primarily performed for imaging findings of distal esophageal thickening (DET). We also aim to determine if patients with imaging findings of DET have a higher incidence of cancer, and to evaluate the risk factors associated with findings of malignancy.

Background:

The growth of diagnostic imaging has led to an increase in incidental findings of DET. This nonspecific finding frequently prompts an EGD for evaluation—many of which demonstrate benign conditions. There may be a misuse of valuable resources.

Study:

We performed a retrospective chart review of 1080 EGDs from January 2016 to July 2018 at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, comparing EGDs for the indication of imaging report of DET with EGDs for other indications. Patient demographics, clinical history, imaging, procedure, and pathology reports were collected. Descriptive analysis and biostatistical analysis with χ2, Fisher exact, Wilcoxon rank sum, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were utilized in analyzing the data.

Results:

Of the 1080 total endoscopies, 8.2% (n=88) were done specifically because of the imaging findings of DET. Those who had EGDs performed because of DET had a higher percentage of abnormal esophageal findings and of cancer. A history of Barrett’s esophagus, tobacco use, and having gastrointestinal symptoms were not significant predictors of abnormal findings or of cancer for EGDs done for DET.

Conclusions:

There may be a role for EGDs performed for radiologic findings of DET. Even those without risk factors for malignancy should have EGDs performed for DET. Radiologists should consider reporting the DET size in order to determine if significant endoscopic findings correlate with wall thickness.
The Effect of Surgical Treatment on the Quality of Life of Young Women with Breast Asymmetry: A Longitudinal, Cohort Study
Authors: Nuzzi Laura C. , Firriolo Joseph M. , Pike Carolyn M. , Cerrato Felecia E. , DiVasta Amy D. , Labow Brian I.
Published: September 2020

Background:

Young women with congenital breast asymmetry have impaired psychological well-being and self-esteem. However, little is known regarding the effects of surgical intervention in this population. This cohort study aims to assess postoperative changes in health-related quality of life following surgical treatment of breast asymmetry in young women using a prospective, longitudinal study design.

Methods:

From 2008 to 2018, 45 young women undergoing surgical correction of breast asymmetry of benign cause and 101 unaffected, female controls completed the following surveys: Short-Form 36v2, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Eating-Attitudes Test-26. Surveys were administered at baseline and at up to 9-year follow-up.

Results:

Participants with breast asymmetry scored significantly worse than controls at baseline on the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and in two Short-Form 36v2 domains: Social-Functioning and Role-Emotional. Asymmetry participants experienced significant postoperative improvements on the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and in three Short-Form 36v2 domains: Role-Physical, Social Functioning, and Mental Health. These improvements were sustained for a minimum of 5 years. Postoperatively, asymmetry participants’ quality of life was comparable to controls and did not vary by age at the time of surgery, asymmetry severity, or diagnosis.

Conclusions:

Surgical treatment of breast asymmetry in young women yields significant and sustained improvements in psychosocial quality of life. Postoperatively, patients returned to a level of functioning commensurate with their peers.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.