bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Outcome Measures and Return-to-Sport Timing in Adolescent Athletes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Burland Julie P. , Kostyun Regina O. , Kostyun Kyle J. , Solomito Matthew , Nissen Carl , Milewski Matthew D.
Published: May 2018

Context: 

Multiple factors are likely associated with an adolescent athlete's ability to return to play after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR).

Objective: 

To investigate the relationship between self-reported and functional outcome measures on return-to-play timing in an adolescent population, in athletes who returned and those who did not return to sport, and to identify a cutoff value for isometric quadriceps strength that could serve as a clinical target for maximizing the odds of returning to play after ACLR.

Design: 

Cross-sectional study.

Setting: 

Outpatient clinic.

Patients or Other Participants: 

Adolescent athletes who underwent ACLR and completed clinical measures at their 3- and 6-month follow-up appointments were included.

Main Outcome Measure(s): 

Clinical measures included functional outcomes of isometric and isokinetic strength tests and the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Return to Sport After Injury scale and the pediatric version of the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective form. Physician clearance dates for return to play were obtained from patient records.

Results: 

Higher strength measures were associated with better scores on the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Return to Sport After Injury and the pediatric version of the International Knee Documentation Committee instruments at each follow-up. Differences were found in isometric extension strength (P = .001) and isokinetic extension strength at 180°/s (P = .03) and 300°/s (P = .002) between patients who returned to sports and those who did not. A 6-month isometric extension deficit (mean Limb Symmetry Index = 85.48 ± 23.15) displayed high accuracy (area under the curve = 0.82, 95% confidence interval = 0.68, 0.95) for identifying patients who returned to play after ACLR.

Conclusions: 

Higher strength measures at both 3 and 6 months after ACLR were associated with greater self-reported knee function and greater readiness to return to functional activities at 6 months and ultimately earlier return to sport in adolescent athletes. These results provide evidence that self-reported outcome scores should be used as an additional screening tool in conjunction with quadriceps strength testing to help provide realistic recovery timeframes for adolescent patients.
Logistics and the future: The rise of macrologistics
Authors: Havenga Jan H.
Published: May 2018

Background: The components of national freight logistics costs are still optimised in isolation, instead of systemic optimisation between logistics and other supply chain elements. The risk is the tragedy of the commons effect, where a positive return for economic activities in isolation could lead to a negative collective result in the long-term. Therefore, there is a need to elevate the systemic view of logistics to the macroeconomic realm.Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to further the macrologistics discipline through its formal definition and to develop an instrumentation construct to support macroeconomic trade-off analysis. The secondary objective was to apply instrumentation outputs to national-level logistics challenges.Method: A review of macrologistics was conducted, followed by a discussion on macrologistics instrumentation, which is twofold: a freight-flow model and a related logistics costs model. A disaggregated national input–output table was developed, followed by gravity modelling, to determine freight flows. Logistics cost calculations relate these flows to the costs of fulfilling associated logistics functions.Results: This review contributes to the developing theory of macrologistics, while the instrumentation outputs improve the systemic understanding of the national freight-flow landscape, enabling informed debate and prioritisation analysis. This systemic view enabled macrologistics proposals to address South Africa’s logistics challenges, including proposals regarding a domestic intermodal strategy externality cost internalisation; international trade facilitation; infrastructure investments; and rail branch line revitalisation.Conclusion: The elevation of logistics to the macroeconomic realm will enable the management of logistics as a national production factor, thereby contributing to reducing national freight logistics costs and improving national competitiveness.
Prevalence of mastitis pathogens in South African pasture-based and total mixed ration-based dairies during 2008 and 2013
Authors: Blignaut David , Thompson Peter , Petzer Inge-Marié
Published: May 2018

Recent years have seen a change in the relative prevalence of environmental and contagious intramammary pathogens, as well as a change in the relative number of total mixed ration (TMR)-based and pasture (PAS)-based dairies in South Africa. The objectives of the study were to determine and compare the prevalence of mastitis pathogens in TMR and PAS dairies in South Africa during 2008 and 2013; furthermore, the within-herd prevalence of Streptococcus uberis in Str. uberis-positive herds was determined and compared. The prevalence of each pathogen, as well as the within-herd prevalence of Str. uberis, were compared between the two years and the two management systems using bacterial culture results from routinely collected composite cow milk samples submitted to the Onderstepoort Milk Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria. Coagulase-negative staphylococci had the highest prevalence in both TMR and PAS dairies for both 2008 (29.60% [95.00% CI: 28.80% – 30.40%] and 26.90% [95.00% CI: 25.50% – 28.30%], respectively) and 2013 (20.20% [95.00% CI: 19.30% – 21.10%] and 22.70% [95.00% CI: 22.20% – 23.10%], respectively), which decreased significantly from 2008 to 2013 in both TMR and PAS dairies (p < 0.001). Streptococcus uberis showed an increase in prevalence in both TMR (p = 0.002) and PAS dairies (p = 0.001) from 2008 (2.36% [95.00% CI: 2.10% – 2.65%] and 2.63% [95.00% CI: 2.16% – 3.16%], respectively) to 2013 (3.10% [95.00% CI: 2.72% – 3.51%] and 3.64% [95.00% CI: 3.45% – 3.83%], respectively). Staphylococcus aureusshowed a significant decrease in both TMR (p = 0.011) and PAS (p < 0.001) dairies from 2008 (4.71% [95.00% CI: 4.34% – 5.10%] and 5.62% [95.00% CI: 4.94% – 6.36%], respectively) to 2013 (3.95% [95.00% CI: 3.52% – 4.40%] and 1.71% [95.00% CI: 1.58% – 1.84%], respectively). The median within-herd prevalence of Str. uberis for the combined dairy systems showed a significant increase from 2008 (1.72% [IQR: 0.88% – 5.00%]) to 2013 (3.10% [IQR: 1.72% – 4.70%]) (p < 0.001). Statistically significant differences were found in the prevalence of most of the major contagious and environmental mastitis pathogens between 2008 and 2013 and between TMR and PAS dairies. The within-herd prevalence of Str. uberis increased from 2008 to 2013, with the highest within-herd prevalence in PAS dairies in 2013.
The impact of resilience and perceived organisational support on employee engagement in a competitive sales environment
Authors: Meintjes Anel , Hofmeyr Karl
Published: May 2018

Orientation: Understanding the impact of resilience and perceived organisational support on employee engagement in a competitive sales environment.Research purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between resilience, perceived organisational support and employee engagement among pharmaceutical sales employees in a competitive sales environment; and to establish whether resilience and perceived organisational support hold predictive value for employee engagement.Motivation for the study: Limited research has focused on the unique context of employee engagement as a construct in professional sales. A broader understanding of resilience and perceived organisational support can provide sales organisations with a lever to create an environment where sales employees are more fully engaged.Research design, approach and method: A quantitative, exploratory, cross-sectional survey approach was used. A sample of 125 sales representatives from a South African pharmaceutical organisation participated in the research. The measuring instruments included the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) and the Perceived Organisational Support Scale (POS).Main findings: Perceived organisational support, but not resilience impacted employee engagement in a competitive sales environment.Practical and managerial implications: Sales organisations’ interventions to improve sales employee engagement should focus on perceived organisational support.Contribution: The individual role of each construct provided insight into the sales context. The relationship between the constructs offered a different lens through which the drivers of employee engagement in sales can be viewed. This study contributes towards sales literature by including positive psychology and organisational support in a model of employee engagement.
Unclassified congenital deformities of the external ear
Authors: Vathulya Madhubari
Published: May 2018

Congenital ear deformities are a common entity. They are found in isolation or as a part of syndrome in patients. They may involve the external, middle or inner ear or in any of these combinations. Three patients of different ages presented with deformities including mirror image duplication of the superior auricle, unclassified deformities of ear lobule (wavy lobule) and deformity of superior auricle with unclassified variety of lateral ear pit. This article highlights that there are further cases of ear deformities that are noticed in the general population who come for cosmetic correction, and hence, there is a need for further modifying the classification of ear deformities.
Versatile use of dermal substitutes: A retrospective survey of 127 consecutive cases
Authors: Nicoletti Giovanni , Tresoldi Marco Mario , Malovini Alberto , Visaggio Marco , Faga Angela , Scevola Silvia
Published: May 2018

Background: Dermal substitutes are currently largely used for the treatment of huge skin loss in patients in critical general health conditions, for the treatment of severe burns and to promote the healing process in chronic wounds. Aims: The authors performed a retrospective assessment of their experience with bioengineered skin to possibly identify the most appropriate clinical indication and management for each substitute. Materials and Methods: The study involved 109 patients with 127 skin defects repaired with dermal substitutes over a 9 years period, from 2007 to 2016. Hyalomatrix® was used in 63 defects, whereas Integra® and Nevelia® were used in 56 and 8 defects, respectively. Results: The statistical analysis failed to reveal a correlation between the choice of a specific dermal substitute and any possible clinical variable except in the soft-tissue defects of the scalp where Hyalomatrix® was electively used. Conclusions: In the authors’ experience, the scalp defects followed a radical excision of skin tumours that included the periosteum. Here, the preliminary cover with a hyaluronan three-dimensional scaffold constantly allowed for the regeneration of a derma-like layer with a rich vascular network fit for supporting a split-thickness skin graft. Nevertheless, the authors still prefer Integra® when the goal is a better cosmetic outcome and Hyalomatrix® when a faster wound healing is required, especially in the management of deep wounds where the priority is a fast obliteration with a newly formed tissue with a rich blood supply. However, these clinical indications still are anecdotally based.
Can drains be avoided in lipo-abdominoplasty?
Authors: Bhave Khair Medha Anand
Published: May 2018

Context: Seroma formation is a common complication after lipoabdominoplasty. Conventionally, drains have been placed to prevent seroma; however, there are problems with drains, namely, pain, compromised mobilisation, breakage, tissue irritation and infection. Strategies to prevent seroma, such as the use of glue or quilting sutures have all been attempted with variable and unpredictable benefit. Aims: The author extrapolated the experience with own liposuction protocols to lipoabdominoplasty and began doing away with drains from the year 2006 onwards unless absolutely indicated. Incidence of complications is evaluated here. Settings and Design: This retrospective study is the report of our experience with 204 lipoabdominoplasties performed since 2006 upto December 2016. Subjects and Methods: Consecutive abdominoplasty patients were evaluated for seroma formation, wound dehiscence till suture removal. Nuances of operative details that helped avoid drains were contemplated. Results: Only one patient who had drainless abdominoplasty had seroma formation and wound dehiscence. Conclusions: We found that (a) ‘toilet liposuction’, (a term the author would like to introduce) (b) multilayer wound closure without tension, (c) avoidance of gliding surfaces d) continuous use of pressure garment for 4 days post-operative and (e) reducing the amount of infiltration are the key factors in avoidance of collections and thus seroma formation. If such a technique is diligently followed, desired results are obtained; yet there is no need to insert drains in most patients. Reducing the need of drains permits early ambulation and better patient comfort without seroma and other complications.
Reconstruction of Type II abdominal wall defects: Anterolateral thigh or tensor fascia lata myocutaneous flaps?
Authors: Srinivas Jammula S. , Panagatla Prakash , Damalacheru Mukunda Reddy
Published: May 2018

Introduction: Reconstruction of complex abdominal wall defects is both challenging and technically demanding for plastic surgeon. Objectives in abdominal wall reconstruction are consistent and include restoration of abdominal wall integrity, protection of intra abdominal viscera and prevention of herniation. Materials: We conducted a retrospective study on five patients in whom lateral thigh flaps such as anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps and tensor fascia lata (TFL) myocutaneous flaps as pedicled or free flaps were used for complex abdominal wall Type II defects over a 5-years period between 2007 and 2012. Results: In two patients, free flaps were used for reconstruction of the upper abdomen and both were ALT. In three patients of lower abdominal defects, one patient had bilateral pedicled ALT flaps, one pedicled TFL myocutaneous and one free TFL myocutaneous in view of ipsilateral electric burn scars. There were no flap losses. Patients were followed up beyond 6 months and found to have a good abdominal contour and only one of five had clinical evidence of herniation. Conclusion: It can be concluded that flap from the Lateral thigh (ALT or TFL) is flap of choice for large Type II abdominal defects. Including vascularised fascia in the flap maintains abdominal wall integrity and use of synthetic mesh is not necessary. Upper abdominal defects need free flaps and in lower abdominal defects a pedicled flap suffices.
Occurrence of Chronic Stage Chikungunya in the General Population of Martinique during the First 2014 Epidemic: A Prospective Epidemiological Study
Authors: Couzigou Brieg , Criquet-Hayot Anne , Javelle Emilie , Tignac Sandrine , Mota Edith , Rigaud François , Alain Alizé , Troisgros Odile , Pierre-Francois Sandrine , Abel Sylvie , Banydeen Rishika , Cabié André
Published: May 2018

Chronic stage chikungunya (CHIK), defined by persisting symptoms more than 3 months after initial diagnosis of acute infection, is frequent. However, its burden and impact have rarely been described prospectively in a general population during an ongoing epidemic in the Caribbean. From January 2014 to January 2015, a severe CHIK outbreak occurred in Martinique. Our objective was to describe epidemiological characteristics and outcomes of chronic stage CHIK in its local population. Participants, clinically diagnosed with probable CHIK infection, were included prospectively by general practitioners during the epidemic’s peak from April to October 2014. All identified cases benefited from a follow-up phone call 3 months or more after initial diagnosis during which they were interrogated about persisting clinical signs, past and ongoing treatment, and quality of life. Five hundred and nine subjects participated in the study. Mean age at initial diagnosis was 43.2 ± 23.6 years with a female–male ratio of 1.98. Two hundred participants (39.3%) had probable chronic stage CHIK: 98.5% still experienced pain at least 3 months after acute infection, with 84.3% of reported joint pains; 21.2% were woken up by the pain; 47.2% felt depressed/anxious; and 31.3% experienced memory/concentration disorders. Resumption of daily activity and work was complicated for 55.8% and 36.2% of cases. Persistent impact on morbidity, health outcomes, psychological, and economic aspects further underline the crucial role of community-based medicine and the necessity of an evidence-based multidisciplinary approach toward chronic stage CHIK identification, management, and follow-up in this particular world region.
Dengue in Singapore from 2004 to 2016: Cyclical Epidemic Patterns Dominated by Serotypes 1 and 2
Authors: Rajarethinam Jayanthi , Ang Li-Wei , Ong Janet , Ycasas Joyce , Hapuarachchi Hapuarachchige Chanditha , Yap Grace , Chong Chee-Seng , Lai Yee-Ling , Cutter Jeffery , Ho Derek , Lee Vernon , Ng Lee-Ching
Published: May 2018

Singapore has experienced periodic dengue epidemics despite maintaining a low Aedes house index. Each epidemic was associated with a switch in the predominant serotype. We investigated the temporal dynamics of dengue fever and dengue virus (DENV) and analyzed the epidemiological and entomological patterns of dengue in Singapore from 2004 to 2016. The case surveillance is based on a mandatory notification system that requires all medical practitioners to report clinically suspected and laboratory-confirmed cases. Circulating (DENV) serotypes are monitored through a virus surveillance program. Entomological surveillance involves inspections for larval breeding and monitoring of adults using gravitraps. Singapore experienced a similar epidemic pattern during 2004–2007 and 2013–2016. The pattern involved a 2-year DENV-1 epidemic occurring after a switch in the predominant serotype from DENV-2 to DENV-1, followed by a “lull” year. Thereafter, the predominant serotype switched back to DENV-2, tailed by a small-scale epidemic. Across the years, the highest incidence group was in the 25–44 years age group. The incidence rate of those aged ≥ 55 years was about half of that of the 15–24 years age group during DENV-1 predominant years. However, it was almost equal to the younger age group in DENV-2 predominant years. Types of Aedes aegypti breeding habitats remained similar. Dengue incidence was significantly higher in areas with high breeding percentage (BP) than areas with low BP (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the oscillation of DENV-1 and DENV-2, throughout the 13-year period, led to a cyclical epidemic pattern and older adults were more affected by DENV-2 than DENV-1.
Diagnosis of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsioses in U.S. Travelers Returning from Africa, 2007–2016
Authors: Cherry Cara C. , Denison Amy M. , Kato Cecilia Y. , Thornton Katrina , Paddock Christopher D.
Published: May 2018

Spotted fever group rickettsioses (SFGRs), such as African tick bite fever (ATBF), are among the most commonly diagnosed diseases for ill travelers returning from southern Africa. We summarized demographic, clinical, and diagnostic features of imported SFGR cases in U.S. travelers returning from Africa who had laboratory specimens submitted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diagnosis of SFGR was performed by indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay, immunohistochemical staining, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), or culture. Cases were defined as probable SFGR, confirmed SFGR, or confirmed ATBF. Clinical and epidemiological categorical variables were described as counts and proportions; continuous variables were described using geometric mean titers, median, and range. One hundred and twenty-seven patients satisfied laboratory criteria for confirmed or probable SFGR. Fever was the most common symptom (N = 88; 69%), followed by ≥ 1 eschars (N = 70; 55%). Paired serums were submitted for 36 patients (28%); 12 patients (33%) had nonreactive initial serum sample but converted to a titer ≥ 64 with the convalescent sample. Twenty-seven patients (21%) had infection with Rickettsia africae based on PCR analysis of eschar swab (N = 8) or biopsy (N = 23). Fifteen patients had eschar biopsy or swab samples and serum sample(s) submitted together; 9 (60%) had PCR-positive eschar results and nonreactive acute serology. Health-care providers should consider SFGR when evaluating patients for a febrile illness with eschar and compatible foreign travel history. Polymerase chain reaction testing of eschar biopsies or swabs provides a confirmed diagnosis in early stages of disease; eschar swabs or biopsies are an underutilized diagnostic technique.
An automatic observation-based typing method for EARLINET
Authors: Papagiannopoulos Nikolaos , Mona Lucia , Amodeo Aldo , D'Amico Giuseppe , Gumà Claramunt Pilar , Pappalardo Gelsomina , Alados-Arboledas Lucas , Guerrero-Rascado Juan Luís , Amiridis Vassilis , Apituley Arnoud , Baars Holger , Schwarz Anja , Wandinger Ulla , Binietoglou Ioannis , Nicolae Doina , Bortoli Daniele , Comerón Adolfo , Rodríguez-Gómez Alejandro , Sicard Michaël , Kokkalis Panagiotis , Papayannis Alex , Wiegner Matthias
Published: May 2018

Abstract. We present an automatic aerosol classification method based solely on European Aerosol Research Lidar Network (EARLINET) intensive optical parameters with the aim of building a network-wide classification tool that could provide near-real-time aerosol typing information. The presented method depends on a supervised learning technique and makes use of the Mahalanobis distance function that relates each un-classified measurement to a pre-defined aerosol type. As a first step (training phase), a reference dataset is set up consisting of already classified EARLINET data. Using this dataset, we defined eight aerosol classes: clean continental, polluted continental, dust, mixed dust, polluted dust, mixed marine, smoke, and volcanic ash. The effect of the number of aerosol classes has been explored, as well as the optimal set of intensive parameters to separate different aerosol types. Furthermore, the algorithm is trained with literature particle linear depolarization ratio values. As a second step (testing phase), we apply the method to an already classified EARLINET dataset and analyse the results of the comparison to this classified dataset. The predictive accuracy of the automatic classification varies between 59 % (minimum) and 90 % (maximum) from 8 to 4 aerosol classes, respectively, when evaluated against pre-classified EARLINET lidar. This indicates the potential use of the automatic classification to all network lidar data. Furthermore, the training of the algorithm with particle linear depolarization values found in literature further improves the accuracy: the accuracy range is 69–93 % from 8 (69 %) to 4 (93 %) aerosol classes, respectively. Additionally, the algorithm has proven to be highly versatile as it adapts to changes in the size of the training dataset and the number of aerosol classes and classifying parameters. Finally, the low computational time and demand for resources make the algorithm extremely suitable for the implementation within the Single Calculus Chain (SCC), the EARLINET centralised processing suite.
Assessing the impact of different liquid water permittivity models on
the fit between model and observations
Authors: Lonitz Katrin , Geer Alan J.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Permittivity models for microwave frequencies of liquid water below 0 °C (supercooled liquid water) are poorly constrained due to limited laboratory experiments and observations, especially for high microwave frequencies. This uncertainty translates directly into errors in retrieved liquid water paths of up to 80 %. This study investigates the effect of different liquid water permittivity models on simulated brightness temperatures by using the all-sky assimilation framework of the Integrated Forecast System. Here, a model configuration with an improved representation of supercooled liquid water has been used. The comparison of five different permittivity models with the current one shows a small mean reduction in simulated brightness temperatures of at most 0.15 K at 92 GHz on a global monthly scale. During austral winter differences occur more prominently in the storm tracks of the southern hemisphere and in the Intertropical Convergence Zone with values of around 0.5 K to 1.5 K. For most permittivity models the fit to observations is slightly improved compared to the default one. The permittivity model by Rosenkranz (2015) is recommended to be used inside the observation operator RTTOV-SCATT for frequencies below 183 GHz.
Aerosol Optical Depth retrievals in Central Amazonia from a Multi-Filter Rotating Shadow-band Radiometer on-site calibrated
Authors: Rosário Nilton E. , Sauini Thamara , Pauliquevis Theotonio , Barbosa Henrique M. J. , Yamasoe Marcia A. , Barja Boris
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Extraterrestrial spectral response calibration of a Multi-Filter Rotating Shadow band Radiometer (MFRSR) under Amazonian Forest atmosphere pristine conditions using the Langley plot method was performed and evaluated. The MFRSR is installed in central Amazonia as part of a long-term monitoring site, which was used in the context of the GoAmazon2014/5 Experiment. It has been operating continuously since 2011 without regular extraterrestrial calibration, preventing its application to accurate monitoring of aerosol particles. Once calibrated, the MFRSR measurements were applied to retrieve aerosols particles columnar optical properties, specifically Aerosol Optical Depth (AODλ) and Ångström Exponent (AE), which were evaluated against retrievals from a collocated CIMEL sunphotometer belonging to the AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET). Results obtained revealed that Amazonian pristine conditions are able to provide MFRSR extraterrestrial spectral response with relative uncertainty lower than 1.0 % at visible channels. The worst estimate (air mass = 1) for absolute uncertainty in AODλ retrieval varied from ~ 0.02 to ~ 0.03, depending on the assumption regarding uncertainty for MFRSR direct-normal irradiance measured at the surface. Obtained Root Mean Square Errors (RMSE ~ 0.025) from the evaluation of MFRSR retrievals against AERONET AODλ were, in general, lower than estimate MFRSR AODλ uncertainties, and close to AERONET field sunphotometers (~ 0.02).
Global-change effects on early-stage decomposition processes in tidal wetlands – implications from a global survey using standardized litter
Authors: Mueller Peter , Schile-Beers Lisa M. , Mozdzer Thomas J. , Chmura Gail L. , Dinter Thomas , Kuzyakov Yakov , de Groot Alma V. , Esselink Peter , Smit Christian , D'Alpaos Andrea , Ibáñez Carles , Lazarus Magdalena , Neumeier Urs , Johnson Beverly J. , Baldwin Andrew H. , Yarwood Stephanie A. , Montemayor Diana I. , Yang Zaichao , Wu Jihua , Jensen Kai , Nolte Stefanie
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Tidal wetlands, such as tidal marshes and mangroves, are hotspots for carbon
sequestration. The preservation of organic matter (OM) is a critical process
by which tidal wetlands exert influence over the global carbon cycle and at
the same time gain elevation to keep pace with sea-level rise (SLR). The
present study assessed the effects of temperature and relative sea level on
the decomposition rate and stabilization of OM in tidal wetlands worldwide,
utilizing commercially available standardized litter. While effects on
decomposition rate per se were minor, we show strong negative effects of
temperature and relative sea level on stabilization, as based on the fraction
of labile, rapidly hydrolyzable OM that becomes stabilized during deployment.
Across study sites, OM stabilization was 29 % lower in low, more frequently
flooded vs. high, less frequently flooded zones. Stabilization declined by
∼ 75 % over the studied temperature gradient from 10.9 to
28.5 ∘C. Additionally, data from the Plum Island long-term
ecological research site in Massachusetts, USA, show a pronounced reduction in
OM stabilization by > 70 % in response to simulated coastal
eutrophication, confirming the potentially high sensitivity of OM
stabilization to global change. We therefore provide evidence that rising
temperature, accelerated SLR, and coastal eutrophication may decrease the
future capacity of tidal wetlands to sequester carbon by affecting the
initial transformations of recent OM inputs to soil OM.
Precipitation alters plastic film mulching impacts on soil respiration in an arid area of northwest China
Authors: Ming Guanghui , Hu Hongchang , Tian Fuqiang , Peng Zhenyang , Yang Pengju , Luo Yiqi
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Plastic film mulching (PFM) has widely been used around the world to save water and improve crop yield. However, the effect of PFM on soil respiration (Rs) remains unclear and could be further confounded by irrigation and precipitation. To address these topics, controlled experiments were conducted in mulched and non-mulched fields under drip irrigation from 2014 to 2016 in an arid area of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northwest China. The spatio-temporal pattern of soil surface CO2 flux as an index of soil respiration under drip irrigation with PFM was investigated, and the confounded effects of PFM and irrigation/precipitation on soil respiration were explored. The main findings were as follows. (1) Furrows, planting holes, and plastic mulch are three important pathways of soil CO2 emissions in mulched fields, of which the planting hole efflux outweighs that from the furrow, with the largest values of 8.0 and 6.6 µmol m−2 s−1, respectively, and the plastic mulch itself can emit up to 3.6 µmol m−2 s−1 of CO2. (2) The frequent application of water (i.e. through irrigation and precipitation) elevates soil moisture and soil respiration and enhances their variation. The resultant higher variation of soil moisture further alleviates the sensitivity of soil respiration to soil temperature, leading to a weak correlation and lower Q10 values. (3) Soil CO2 effluxes from furrows and ridges in mulched fields outweigh the corresponding values in non-mulched fields in arid areas. However, this outweighing relation attenuates with increasing precipitation. Furthermore, by combining our results with those from the literature, we show that the difference in soil CO2 effluxes between non-mulched and mulched fields presents a linear relation with the amount of precipitation, which results in negative values in arid areas and positive values in humid areas. Therefore, whether PFM increases soil respiration or not depends on the amount of precipitation during the crop-growing season.
REPLICAS IN CULTURAL HERITAGE: 3D PRINTING AND THE MUSEUM EXPERIENCE
Authors: Ballarin M. , Balletti C. , Vernier P.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. 3D printing has seen a recent massive diffusion for several applications, not least the field of Cultural Heritage. Being used for different purposes, such as study, analysis, conservation or access in museum exhibitions, 3D printed replicas need to undergo a process of validation also in terms of metrical precision and accuracy. The Laboratory of Photogrammetry of Iuav University of Venice has started several collaborations with Italian museum institutions firstly for the digital acquisition and then for the physical reproduction of objects of historical and artistic interest. The aim of the research is to analyse the metric characteristics of the printed model in relation to the original data, and to optimize the process that from the survey leads to the physical representation of an object. In fact, this could be acquired through different methodologies that have different precisions (multi-image photogrammetry, TOF laser scanner, triangulation based laser scanner), and it always involves a long processing phase. It should not be forgotten that the digital data have to undergo a series of simplifications, which, on one hand, eliminate the noise introduced by the acquisition process, but on the other one, they can lead to discrepancies between the physical copy and the original geometry. In this paper we will show the results obtained on a small archaeological find that was acquired and reproduced for a museum exhibition intended for blind and partially sighted people.
A CASE STUDY ON THROUGH-WATER DENSE IMAGE MATCHING
Authors: Mandlburger G.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. In the last years, the tremendous progress in image processing and camera technology has reactivated the interest in photogrammetrybased surface mapping. With the advent of Dense Image Matching (DIM), the derivation of height values on a per-pixel basis became feasible, allowing the derivation of Digital Elevation Models (DEM) with a spatial resolution in the range of the ground sampling distance of the aerial images, which is often below 10 cm today. While mapping topography and vegetation constitutes the primary field of application for image based surface reconstruction, multi-spectral images also allow to see through the water surface to the bottom underneath provided sufficient water clarity. In this contribution, the feasibility of through-water dense image matching for mapping shallow water bathymetry using off-the-shelf software is evaluated. In a case study, the SURE software is applied to three different coastal and inland water bodies. After refraction correction, the DIM point clouds and the DEMs derived thereof are compared to concurrently acquired laser bathymetry data. The results confirm the general suitability of through-water dense image matching, but sufficient bottom texture and favorable environmental conditions (clear water, calm water surface) are a preconditions for achieving accurate results. Water depths of up to 5 m could be mapped with a mean deviation between laser and trough-water DIM in the dm-range. Image based water depth estimates, however, become unreliable in case of turbid or wavy water and poor bottom texture.
SUBAQUATIC DIGITAL ELEVATION MODELS FROM UAV-IMAGERY
Authors: Mulsow C. , Kenner R. , Bühler Y. , Stoffel A. , Maas H.-G.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. The paper presents an approach for the generation of digital elevation models (DEMs) of underwater areas from aerial images. Standard software-products do not provide the possibility to measure correctly through refractive interfaces, such as water. Existing solutions for that problem are based on oriented images and known water levels with the DEM points determined by forward intersection based on reconstructed image ray paths (ray tracing). In this article we present an integrated procedure for image orientation as well as DEM mass point determination from aerial imagery containing both land and underwater areas. The proof of concept was done by capturing UAV imagery of shallow water areas of a high-alpine lake in the Swiss alps. In the paper the processed dataset will be presented. Furthermore, the extraction and matching of image-points observed through water are discussed. The accuracy potential as well as practical limitations of processing multimedia-data are analysed.
REPRESENTING WITH LIGHT. VIDEO PROJECTION MAPPING FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE
Authors: Barbiani C. , Guerra F. , Pasini T. , Visonà M.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. In this paper, we describe a cross-disciplinary process that uses photogrammetric surveys as a precise basis for video projection mapping techniques. Beginning with a solid basis that uses geoinformatics technologies, such as laser scanning and photogrammetric survey, the method sets, as a first step, the physical and geometrical acquisition of the object. Precision and accuracy are the basics that allow the analysis of the artwork, both at a small or large scale, to evaluate details and correspondences. Testing contents at different scales of the object, using 3D printed replicas or real architectures is the second step of the investigation.The core of the process is the use of equations of collinearity into an interactive system such as Max 7, a visual programming language for music and multimedia, in order to facilitate operators to have a fast image correction, directly inside the interactive software. Interactivity gives also the opportunity to easily configure a set of actions to let the spectators to directly change and control the animation content. The paper goes through the different phases of the research, analysing the results and the progress through a series of events on real architecture and experiments on 3d printed models to test the level of involvement of the audience and the flexibility of the system in terms of content.The idea of using the collinearity equation inside da software Max 7 was developed for the M.Arch final Thesis by Massimo Visonà and Tommaso Pasini of the University of Venice (IUAV) in collaboration with the Digital Exhibit Postgraduate Master Course (MDE Iuav).
CHARACTERIZATION OF SILICA MODIFIED WITH SILANES BY USING THERMOGRAVIMETRIC ANALYSIS COMBINED WITH INFRARED DETECTION
Authors: Ngeow Yen Wan , Chapman Andrew V. , Heng Jerry Y. Y. , Williams Daryl R. , Mathys Susanna , Hull Colin D.
Published: May 2018

Tire treads with reduced rolling resistance and increased wet grip can be achieved by coupling hydrophilic silica to hydrocarbon rubber by using an alkoxysilane. The silica surface was modified by reaction with a wide range of coupling and non-coupling silanes. The chemistry and extent of these silanizations were elucidated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) combined with infrared detection. The silane grafting efficiencies were typically 52–72%, but efficiencies were lower with the bulkier 3-(di-(tridecyloxypenta(ethyleneoxy))ethoxysilyl)propyl mercaptan. However, the silica surface coverage increases with increasing size of the silane. Grafting efficiencies were lower with higher silane loadings. In the TGA, ethoxy and methoxy groups are displaced from the grafted silanes mainly at moderate temperatures (up to about 495 °C) to form siloxane bridges. Over a similar temperature range, the weaker S–S bonds present in bis(3-triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide (TESPT)- or bis[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl] disulfide (TESPD)-modified silica are cleaved, leading to weight losses from TESPT or TESPD bound at one end to the silica and from TESPT bound at both ends. The remaining weight losses from bound silanes occurred mainly at higher temperatures. In the commercial silanized silica Coupsil 8113, TGA indicates that about two of three ethoxy groups in each triethoxysilane were lost during the silanization process.
Hermenêutica e Literatura: a metáfora em Paul Ricoeur como princípio de interpretação da poética em O Guesa, de Sousândrade
Authors: Oliveira Rita De Cássia
Published: May 2018

É na obra La Métaphore Vive (1975) que Ricoeur trata da poesia como objeto de análise e interpretação. Ele procura instituir e legitimar, no âmbito da inovação semântica, a referencialidade do uso da linguagem poética numa relação de pertencimento: poesia e mundo e mundo e poesia. Isto porque, é suposto que o poema projeta um mundo a uma dimensão ontológica, um ser-como, um ser estruturalmente dialético. O poema tem um poder de referenciação direta que decorre da equivalência subsumida pelo verbo "ser" em posição metafórica entre o ver-como da metáfora e o ser-como da própria realidade. É com esse princípio estético que interpreto o poema O Guesa, de Sousândrade. As metáforas são recorrentes em O Guesa para transportar imagens e ações que numa transgressão das palavras, implode com a linguagem, revelando uma narração autônoma em seus cantos.
A relevância do ensino de línguas estrangeiras na formação de policiais em Moçambique
Authors: Timbane Alexandre António
Published: May 2018

As línguas estrangeiras têm sido as mais requisitadas no mundo globalizado. A pesquisa lança um debate sobre a metodologia do ensino e a importância das línguas no trabalho da polícia em Moçambique. A pesquisa tem por objetivos discutir o conceito língua e explicar a sua importância na formação policial; apontar metodologias que possam melhorar a qualidade de ensino e aprendizagem de línguas estrangeiras na polícia. Utilizando método bibliográfico, a pesquisa conclui que há necessidade de formação de agentes de polícia em línguas estrangeiras para que possam responder com qualidade os desafios da globalização, garantindo a ordem e tranquilidade públicas.
O enfoque CTS no curso de Pedagogia: problematizando o ensino de ciências nos anos iniciais do ensino fundamental
Authors: Richetti Graziela Piccoli
Published: May 2018

Nos cursos de Pedagogia, as discussões sobre o ensino de ciências (EC) geralmente são limitadas, pois, nos anos iniciais do ensino fundamental, priorizam-se a alfabetização e o ensino da matemática. Documentos curriculares recomendam que o EC contemple discussões sobre as interfaces entre ciência, tecnologia e sociedade (CTS), cujo enfoque pressupõe o desenvolvimento da alfabetização científica dos estudantes. Os docentes dos anos iniciais do ensino fundamental precisam estar preparados para planejar aulas e atividades que articulem temas de relevância social com significados reais. Apresentam-se, neste artigo, perspectivas do enfoque CTS para problematizar conteúdos de ciências dos anos iniciais do ensino fundamental no curso de licenciatura em Pedagogia. No componente curricular Fundamentos de Ciências, os licenciandos elaboraram sequências de atividades que deveriam articular um tema de relevância social aos pressupostos teóricos do enfoque CTS e aos conteúdos de ciências. As propostas priorizaram temas sobre meio ambiente e saúde, favorecendo a construção de ideias sobre aspectos sociais, culturais e tecnológicos, contribuindo para a formação da cidadania. Depreende-se que os cursos de licenciatura devem trazer as discussões sobre CTS em seus componentes curriculares, visando uma
formação inicial de qualidade e que aborde situações cotidianas. Nessa perspectiva, o ensino de ciências poderá favorecer o desenvolvimento da alfabetização científica e o exercício da cidadania.
Rejeição do uso de camisinha por adolescentes: uma perspectiva a partir da zona muda das representações sociais
Authors: Correa Lannes Denise Rocha , Gonzaga Luciano Luz
Published: May 2018

Após o aparecimento da Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida (Aids) e sua constituição enquanto epidemia generalizada, o uso da camisinha passou a ser recomendado como uma forma segura de prevenção à síndrome e a outras doenças sexualmente transmissíveis. Assim, neste artigo, a partir da análise prototípica e da definição do conceito de zona muda das representações sociais (ABRIC, 2003, 2005), utilizamos a técnica de substituição para revelar as representações escondidas ou mascaradas acerca do uso da camisinha em função de sua inadequação
às normas sociais vigentes em um grupo de adolescentes escolares da periferia do estado do Rio de Janeiro. Nossos dados mostraram crenças normativas e contranormativas distintas entre os adolescentes dos sexos feminino e masculino quanto ao uso da camisinha. Para as meninas, identificamos a representação normativa do medo de engravidar e a representação contranormativa de que usar camisinha é “chato”, porque
incomoda a pele. Em comparação aos meninos, identificamos a representação normativa do medo de contrair uma doença e a representação contranormativa de que usar camisinha é “ruim”, porque é desconfortável.
Incidencia de la política económica predominante sobre algunos parámetros de la seguridad alimentaria en El Salvador
Authors: Rubio Roberto
Published: May 2018

No abstract availableRealidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 29, 1992: 517-573
Sondeo exploratorio sobre el impacto de la incorporación de México al NAFTA en los flujos de nuevas inversiones extranjeras directas hacia Centroamérica
Authors: Galdámez Ernesto
Published: May 2018

No abstract availableRealidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 29, 1992: 575-586
Entre seguridad y bienestar, entre consumo e inversión: entre ética y corrupción 1992
Authors: Ibisate Francisco Javier
Published: May 2018

No abstract availableRealidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 30, 1992: 589-610
El fracaso de los programas de ajuste estructural en América Latina
Authors: Arriola Palomares Joaquín
Published: May 2018

No abstract availableRealidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 30, 1992: 627-643
Comparison of Cognitive Diagnosis Models under Changing Conditions: DINA, RDINA, HODINA and HORDINA
Authors: Kalkan Omur K. , Kelecioglu Hulya , Basokcu Tahsin O.
Published: May 2018

The application of CDMs to fraction subtraction data revealed problems on the classification of examinees, latent class sizes, and the use of higher-order models. Additionally, selecting the most appropriate model assumes critical importance if there are several appropriate models available for the data. In the present study, DINA–RDINA and HODINA–HORDINA models were compared under changing conditions (i.e., number of attributes, g and s item parameter values, and number of items) with simulated and real data. The results show that for conditions where the g–s parameter values and the number of attributes were low (0.1 and 3, respectively), the reparameterized models generated values that were virtually identical to those obtained using DINA models. However, when the g–s parameter values and the number of attributes were increased (0.5 and 5, respectively), the parameter estimations obtained from the models, latent class estimates, AIC, and BIC show differences through the values from the models.
Education and Labor Market Outcomes in Korea
Authors: Joo Lan
Published: May 2018

The study examined the prevailing assumption of education’s role in labor market outcomes using samples from Korea's young adult population. KEEP, collected annually by KRIVET since 2004, includes an initial sample in 2004 of 12th graders from both general and vocational high schools; the sample size reflected a total of 2 000 students for each school type. In 2006, a similar sampling was taken with 11th graders from special-purposed high schools for study; the sample size reflected a total of 600 students. In this study, the respondents’ income-, social origin-, and education-related data were collected, and the multiple regression method was used to analyze the aforementioned data. The study examined the association between social origin and/or education and labor market outcomes, but given the prevalence of private tutoring in Korea, the study separated the examination of private tutoring recipients and compared their results to those of all general respondents. The findings revealed, against assumption, that the actual overall effect of education on income is weak, and there is no effect, especially, on private tutoring recipients. And if and when an association does exist, education appears to affect income negatively. On the other hand, social origin shows its statistical significance in its association with income across the groups; and among social origin components, the father’s educational level and employment type appear to be predictors.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Education Studies, Vol. 11, No. 6
Authors: Lee Chris
Published: May 2018

Reviewer acknowledgements for International Education Studies, Vol. 11, No. 6, 2018.