bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxygen-Limited Fires Inside Under-Ventilated Enclosures (OLIVE-FIRE)
Authors: McGrattan Kevin , Leventon Isaac
Published: August 2022

This report documents a series of fire experiments performed within steel electrical enclosures. The objective is to validate a simple empirical model that predicts the maximum heat release rate of a fire within a closed compartment as a function of its ventilation openings.
Análisis de los recursos lexicográficos disponibles y procedimientos traductológicos empleados en la traducción de John Ingram Lockhart (1844) de la "Historia verdadera de la conquista de la Nueva España" de Bernal Díaz del Castillo (1632)
Authors: Rodríguez-Tapia Sergio
Published: August 2022

En este trabajo pretendemos diseñar un repertorio que reúna los recursos lexicográficos disponibles hasta 1835 para la traducción al inglés de la Historia verdadera de la conquista de la Nueva España, así como analizar los procedimientos y técnicas traductológicas que se emplearon en la traducción de 1844, publicada de forma póstuma, con el objetivo de confirmar los principales problemas que presenta la obra original para su traductor inglés, John Ingram Lockhart. Para ello, mostraremos, por una parte, una panorámica de la vida del autor original, Bernal Díaz del Castillo, las características de su obra y su contexto histórico, y, por otra, un breve apunte sobre la versión inglesa de Lockhart, traducida y publicada más de dos siglos después. Podemos defender, por tanto, que esta traducción especializada de una obra histórica respeta los presupuestos teóricos traductológicos de su época, los métodos confeccionados por los especialistas y que sugiere el dominio del traductor de las lenguas española (del siglo XVI) e inglesa (del siglo XIX) en un nivel pasivo y activo, si bien las dificultades relacionadas con el léxico especializado representan el principal problema de trasvase debido al sistema conceptual que codifican o a las formas crípticas que adoptan los términos.
La traducción de un álbum-ilustrado postmoderno: el peso de la imagen en la dinámica multimodal
Authors: Martínez Mateo Roberto
Published: August 2022

Este estudio investiga qué efectos tiene la interacción entre el modo textual y el modo visual en la traducción al castellano del álbum-ilustrado postmoderno "El Apestoso Hombre Queso y otros Cuentos Maravillosamente Estúpidos", escrito en inglés por Jon Scieszka e ilustrado por Lane Smith. La naturaleza multimodal de los álbumes ilustrados para niños requiere de un análisis contrastivo que explore ambos modos para poder así esclarecer el peso relativo que cada uno de ellos ejerce sobre el producto final, es decir, el texto traducido. Tras examinar comparativamente la versión original y su traducción, se han identificado las transformaciones intralingüísticas así como las transducciones intersemióticas llevadas a cabo por el traductor en su trasvase de la obra del inglés al castellano. Las estrategias y las elecciones de la traducción han posibilitado determinar la influencia que el modo visual ha ejercido en la versión española de este álbum-ilustrado.
Expansion and contraction of resource allocation in sensory bottlenecks
Authors: Edmondson Laura R , Jiménez Rodríguez Alejandro , Saal Hannes P
Published: August 2022

Topographic sensory representations often do not scale proportionally to the size of their input regions, with some expanded and others contracted. In vision, the foveal representation is magnified cortically, as are the fingertips in touch. What principles drive this allocation, and how should receptor density, for example, the high innervation of the fovea or the fingertips, and stimulus statistics, for example, the higher contact frequencies on the fingertips, contribute? Building on work in efficient coding, we address this problem using linear models that optimally decorrelate the sensory signals. We introduce a sensory bottleneck to impose constraints on resource allocation and derive the optimal neural allocation. We find that bottleneck width is a crucial factor in resource allocation, inducing either expansion or contraction. Both receptor density and stimulus statistics affect allocation and jointly determine convergence for wider bottlenecks. Furthermore, we show a close match between the predicted and empirical cortical allocations in a well-studied model system, the star-nosed mole. Overall, our results suggest that the strength of cortical magnification depends on resource limits.
Randomized feasibility trial of the Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network hand exercise program (SPIN-HAND)
Authors: Kwakkenbos Linda , Carrier Marie-Eve , Welling Joep , Turner Kimberly A. , Cumin Julie , Pépin Mia , van den Ende Cornelia , Schouffoer Anne A. , Hudson Marie , van Breda Ward , Sauve Maureen , Mayes Maureen D. , Malcarne Vanessa L. , Nielson Warren R. , Nguyen Christelle , Boutron Isabelle , Rannou François , Thombs Brett D. , Mouthon Luc ,   The SPIN Investigators
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) online hand exercise program (SPIN-HAND), is an online self-help program of hand exercises designed to improve hand function for people with scleroderma. The objective of this feasibility trial was to evaluate aspects of feasibility for conducting a full-scale randomized controlled trial of the SPIN-HAND program.

Materials and Methods

The feasibility trial was embedded in the SPIN cohort and utilized the cohort multiple randomized controlled trial (cmRCT) design. In the cmRCT design, at the time of cohort enrollment, cohort participants consent to be assessed for trial eligibility and randomized prior to being informed about trials conducted using the cohort. When trials were conducted in the cohort, participants randomized to the intervention were informed and consented to access the intervention. Participants randomized to control were not informed that they have not received an intervention. All participants eligible and randomized to participate in the trial were included in analyses on an intent-to-treat basis. Cohort participants with a Cochin Hand Function Scale score ≥ 3/90 and an interest in using an online hand-exercise intervention were randomized (1:1 ratio) to be offered as usual care plus the SPIN-HAND Program or usual care for 3 months. User satisfaction was assessed with semi-structured interviews.

Results

Of the 40 randomized participants, 24 were allocated to SPIN-HAND and 16 to usual care. Of 24 participants randomized to be offered SPIN-HAND, 15 (63%) consented to use the program. Usage of SPIN-HAND content among the 15 participants who consented to use the program was low; only five (33%) logged in more than twice. Participants found the content relevant and easy to understand (satisfaction rating 8.5/10, N = 6). Automated eligibility and randomization procedures via the SPIN Cohort platform functioned properly. The required technical support was minimal.

Conclusions

Trial methodology functioned as designed, and the SPIN-HAND Program was feasibly delivered; however, the acceptance of the offer and use of program content among accepters were low. Adjustments to information provided to potential participants will be implemented in the full-scale SPIN-HAND trial to attempt to increase offer acceptance.
Factors limiting reproductive success in urban Greylag Geese (Anser anser)
Authors: Mai Sabrina , Berthoud Jean-Louis , Haag Holger , Woog Friederike
Published: August 2022

In the late eighties, Greylag Geese (Anser anser) started to colonise an urban area previously void of geese in southwestern Germany. Between 2004 and 2020, in a period of steady population increase with subsequent population stagnation, we analysed two measures of reproductive success: (1) the relation between freshly hatched to fledged young for each brood and (2) the probability of a hatchling to survive to fledging. We were able to show that the dispersal of pairs from the nesting site to a different brood rearing area resulted in higher reproductive success. However, the increasing population size of Greylag Geese and the number of breeding pairs of recently immigrated Egyptian Geese (Alopochen aegyptiaca) had a negative impact on reproductive success, indicating density dependence. Our results show that newly established populations in urban settings do not grow indefinitely, which is an important fact that should be taken into account by wildlife managers.
Environmental detection of Fasciola hepatica by loop-mediated isothermal amplification
Authors: Tran Lily , Toet Hayley , Beddoe Travis
Published: August 2022

Fasciola hepatica, commonly referred to as liver flukes, is a substantial zoonotic parasitic disease of humans and livestock globally. While infection is readily controlled by anthelmintics, namely triclabendazole, the heavy reliance on triclabendazole has resulted in drug resistance appearing worldwide. Due to drug resistance, it is imperative to adopt an integrated parasite management program to preserve the efficacy of currently available anthelmintics. A integrated liver fluke management plan would benefit from a simple rapid, field-deployable diagnostic for detection of F. hepatica in environment and the host. Therefore, a rapid DNA test using loop-mediated isothermal amplification was developed and optimised for the detection of F. hepatica from faecal and water samples to enable the detection of parasites both within the host and from the environment. The assay presented here is fast, with amplification in ≤20 min, and highly sensitive, with a detection limit of 5 × 10−4 ng/µL. The workflow presented here provides a time to result of ≤60 min without requiring a commercial kit for the extraction of DNA from faecal and water samples, and pending further validation from field-samples, could potentially be used to enable real-time decision making to mitigate parasite prevalence on a farming property and with no requirement for sample transportation.
HMGB1-activatied NLRP3 inflammasome induces thrombocytopenia in heatstroke rat
Authors: Yin Huimei , Wu Ming , Lu Yong , Wu Xinghui , Yu BaoJun , Chen Ronglin , Lu JieFu , Tong Huasheng
Published: August 2022

Background

Thrombocytopenia, an early common complication in heatstroke (HS), has been widely considered as a mortality predictor of HS. The mechanism underlying thrombocytopenia in HS remains unknown. It is not known whether NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is activated in HS platelet, which, in turn, induces platelet activation and thrombocytopenia. This study tried to clarify the activation of the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway under HS conditions and investigate its roles in mediating HS-induced thrombocytopenia.

Methods

Rat HS models were established in a certain ambient temperature and humidity. Platelets, isolated from blood, were counted and CD62P, an index of platelet activation, was measured by flow cytometry in all rats. The colocalization of NLRP3 inflammasome in platelet was detected by confocal fluorescence microscopy. Mitochondrial-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected using the molecular probes. Plasma HMGB1 and IL-1β levels were measured by ELISA.

Results

Platelet activation, showed by upregulated CD62P, and thrombocytopenia were observed in HS rats. HS activated the NLRP3 inflammasome, which was induced by elevated levels of ROS, while the upregulated CD62P and thrombocytopenia triggered by NLRP3 inflammasome were attributed to the high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) inplasma. Moreover, inhibition of the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway in rats with HS suppressed platelet activation and the decline of platelet count. Similar results were obtained when the receptor toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/advanced glycation end product (RAGE) was blocked.

Conclusions

The NOD-like receptor signaling pathway induces platelet activation and thrombocytopenia in HS rats. These findings suggested that the NLRP3 inflammasome might be the potential target for HS treatment.
Zanthoxylum bungeanum root-rot associated shifts in microbiomes of root endosphere, rhizosphere, and soil
Authors: Liao Li Bin , Chen Xiao Xia , Xiang Jun , Zhang Nan Nan , Wang En Tao , Shi Fu Sun
Published: August 2022

Root-rot disease has lead to serious reduction in yields and jeopardized the survival of the economically and ecologically important Zanthoxylum bungeanum trees cultured in Sichuan Province. In order to investigate the interaction between the microbiome and the root-rot disease, a metagenomic analysis was performed to characterize the microbial communities and functions in Z. bungeanum root endosphere, rhizosphere and bulk soil with/without root-rot disease. Soil physicochemical properties, microbial population size and enzyme activities were also analyzed for finding their interactions with the root-rot disease. As results, lower total nitrogen (TN) and available phosphorus (AP) contents but higher pH in rhizosphere and bulk soil, as well as lower substrate-induced respiration (SIR) and higher protease activity in bulk soil of diseased trees were found, in comparison with that of healthy trees. Microbial diversity and community composition were changed by root-rot disease in the endosphere, but not in rhizosphere and bulk soils. The endophytic microbiome of diseased trees presented higher Proteobacteria abundance and lower abundances of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and dominant fungal phyla. The relative abundances of nitrogen cycle- and carbon cycle-related genes in endophytic microbiomes were different between the diseased and healthy trees. Based on ANOSIM and PCoA, functional profiles (KEGG and CAZy) of microbiomes in rhizosphere and bulk soil shifted significantly between the diseased and healthy trees. In addition, soil pH, TN, AP, SIR, invertase and protease were estimated as the main factors influencing the shifts of taxonomic and functional groups in microbiomes of rhizosphere and bulk soil. Conclusively, the imbalance of root and soil microbial function groups might lead to shifts in the root endosphere-rhizosphere microenvironment, which in turn resulted in Z. bungeanum root-rot.
Role of Calcium and Phosphate Ionic Product as an Early Marker of Vascular Calcification to Predict Cardiac Risk in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Case-control Study
Authors: Deepthi M , Sirsikar Mangala N , Shailaja A , Mohanthy Shrabani
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is the most leading cause of death in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Vascular Calcification (CV) is one of the strongest predictors of cardiovascular risk. CV is a process characterised by thickening and loss of elasticity of muscular arteries walls which occurs in two distinct sites, the intimal associated with atherosclerotic plaques and medial calcification is characterised by vascular stiffening and arteriosclerosis with adverse clinical outcomes leading to cardiovascular mortality. Disturbed mineral metabolism such as increased serum phosphorus and ionic product may be one such risk factor and is emerging as a principle modifier of CV in the CKD subjects. Aim: To determine serum phosphorus and calcium in CKD patients and compare with calcium phosphorus ionic product as an early independent marker of CV in CKD to predict cardiac mortality. Materials and Methods: This was duration based case-control study conducted in Department of Nephrology, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Karnataka, India. Fifty cases of CKD presented in stage 3,4 and 5 and 50 healthy individuals between the age group 21-78 years were included as controls. Serum levels of Calcium, Phosphorous were analysed in autoanalyser, Ca x P ionic product was calculated, estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) was calculated by Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula. All measured variables were compared with eGFR and compared between cases and controls. The results were presented as a mean±Standard Deviation (SD) and p-value <0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Mean age of cases were 47.74±11.01 years and 45.66±11.46 years were of controls. Clinically, confirmed CKD was found more in male patients 31 (62) compared to female 19 (38). eGFR (mL/min) cases (14.12±10.72) and (102.97±27.46) in control, Serum Creatinine (mg/dl) were 7.04±5.34 mg/dL in cases which was significantly more compared to control (0.84±0.20 mg/ dL). Serum Calcium (Ca) (mg/dL) 8.11±1.09 mg/dL in cases less compared with control 9.31±0.42 mg/dL, indicating hypocalcaemia. Serum Phosphrous (P) 5.2932±1.83 mg/dL) in CKD suggesting hyperphosphatemia compared to control (3.27±0.54 mg/dL). Calcium Phosphorus Ionic Product was 46.9108±14.77 in cases, elevated in CKD as compared to control (30.46±5.03). Statistically, significant result was found between serum phosphorus and calcium phosphorus ionic product (p<0.05), well compared with eGFR of stage 3, 4 and 5 CKD patients. Conclusion: Hyperphosphatemia and elevated calcium- phosphate ionic product is an early independent marker of calcification to predict cardiovascular risk in late stages of CKD.
Resident Perceptions on the Health Risks Associated with Solid Waste Disposal at Kalundu Dumpsite, Kitui County – Kenya on the Surrounding Human Settlement
Authors: Matheka Valilian Kavutha , O. Manono Bonface , Muriu-Ng’ang’a Felista
Published: August 2022

Aims: Urban centers of developing countries are growing at very rapid rates. This has been accompanied by increased use of resources and enormous waste generation. The generated waste is dumped in the outskirts of the urban where they can have negative impacts on the environment and surrounding human settlements. This study therefore aims to assess the perceived health risks of Kalundu dumpsite in Kitui Town, Kitui County of Kenya.

Study Design:  A survey design was used to collect data from people living within 500 meter radius of Kalundu dumpsite.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out between January 2020 and December 2020 in Kitui Town of Kitui County, Kenya.

Methodology: A Semi - structured questionnaire was administered to 78 respondents to collect data on perceived health risks they associate with the presence of Kalundu dumpsite in their locality. The collected data was coded and then analyzed. Pearson Correlation Coefficient was used to test the link between respondent characteristics and perceived health risks.

Results: 83.3% of respondents perceived the presence of the dumpsite in their vicinity as a health hazard that they attributed to cause diseases (Malaria, chest pain; diarrhea, and cholera) and other negative environmental effects (smoke, odour, and habitat for disease vectors and pathogens). Children under the age of 5 years were the most vulnerable.

Conclusion: There is a perceived link between waste deposited onto Kalundu dumpsite and human and environmental health of the surrounding community.
Pre-sowing Seed Treatment with Botanicals and Organics on Plant Growth, Yield and Yield Attributing Traits of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) cv.VROH-12 Kashi Shristi
Authors: Raviteja Paila Venkata , Bara Bineeta M. , Sravani Pandula
Published: August 2022

The present situation emphasizes the need to enhance eco-friendly agriculture practices for intensive farming. Chemical farming has made an unfavourable impact of the health care of not only soil but also the favourable soil microbial clique and the plants cultivated in these soil. This eventually has led the way to a high demand of botanical and organic produce by the present day health conscious society and repeated attempts are being made by farmers all over the world to make chemical free environment. Botanical and organics play vital role in increasing soil fertility and increase yield. The experimental study was conducted at crop research field during Kharif 2021-2022, in the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences. To find out the suitable pre-sowing seed treatment of okra with different concentration, definite period of pre-sowing seed treatments with control (without treated) were calculated by the experimental study. The field experiment was carried out in Randomized Block Design with 13 treatments including control were used to study under field conditions. the results indicates that field emergence percentage (%), plant height at (30, 60 and at harvest ) (cm), days of 50% flowering, days to maturity, number of branches per plant, number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, length of capsule (cm), seed yield per plant (g), seed yield per plot (g),seed index (%), biological yield (g), harvest index (%) were significantly recorded highest in vermiwash @5% (12hours) followed by vermiwash (3%), beejamrutham (3%), panchagavya (3%) and neem leaf extract (5%) is used for improving growth, yield and yield attributing traits of okra.
Varietal Evaluation of Broccoli (Brassica Oleraceae var. Italica)
Authors: Changkiri Imlinenla , Singh Devi , Wesley C. John
Published: August 2022

Broccoli (Brassica Oleraceae var. Italica) is an unusual vegetable that has gained appeal among Indian producers in recent years due to its excellent nutritional content and market potential. An experiment was done to measure the broccoli’s growth, yield, and quality. The research experiment was carried out at Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj during the year 2021-2022. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design comprising of 10 Broccoli genotypes as follows: viz.,Fiesta , Green Magic ,Green Giant ,Local Broccoli ,Lucky F1, Broccoli Hybrid, Green star F1, Broccoli Captain 488,Green Fairy, Anastya , with three replications. The observed and recorded were sets of parameters divided in 3 categories as growth, yield and quality. The results revealed that the genotype “Green Magic” had the best overall performance than the other evaluated genotypes of Broccoli as revealed from the data of the growth, yield and quality parameters.
The Prevalence Study of Urinary Schistosomiasis among the Primary School Pupils in Kisayhip, Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State-Nigeria
Authors: Ezeanyagu O. C. , Onosakponome E. O. , Ejinaka O. R. , Nyenke C. U. , Obeta M. U.
Published: August 2022

Schistosomiasis is a chronic disease caused by parasitic flat worms also known as trematodes, which belongs to the genus Schistosoma. Schistosomiasis is considered to be the third most acute tropical illnesses globally, after malaria and helminthiasis as it is a main origin of morbidity and mortality, highly prevalent among school children, adolescents and young adults. The study was aimed to determine the prevalence of schistosomiasis of the urine and intestine in primary school pupils in Kisayhip, Bassa local Government Area of Plateau State. This study was conducted in five primary schools in Kisayhip, Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State. A total of 230 children who were within the age 5-14years participated in the study. The schools and participating subjects were selected randomly provided they met the inclusion criteria. Fresh urine samples were collected between 10am-2pm, twice a week. The samples were examined macroscopically and microscopically to determine physical characteristics and parasite presence respectively. The result showed that prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in A, B, C, D and E schools in Bassa Local government area were 6.00%, 4.00%, 8.00 and 4.00% respectively. There was no significant difference in the prevalence among the participating schools, P-value>0.05. There was also no significant difference was recorded in gender based comparison, P-value>0.05. There was no significant difference in the prevalence with respect to various age distributions. The study has revealed that though schistosomiasis was present in the area, the prevalence of the infection was very low and below WHO threshold.
Design of Fuzzy Control System for Dissolved Oxygen Concentration in Aeration Tank
Authors: Li Yinlei , Li Lulu
Published: August 2022

The effluent quality of the wastewater treatment is significantly influenced by the amount of dissolved oxygen in the wastewater aeration tank. In this paper, we design a fuzzy control system to regulate the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the aeration tank based on the fact that the control process of dissolved oxygen concentration in actual engineering is characterized by nonlinearity, large fluctuation, and severe hysteresis. The dissolved oxygen concentration is real-time controlled by the control system using the dissolved oxygen concentration as the controlled variable and the aeration of the blower as the manipulated variable. The simulation of the fuzzy control system using MATLAB software demonstrates that the response of the control system to the level of dissolved oxygen in the aeration tank is accelerated, and the outcome has strong robustness and good stability. With this design, the aeration tank's energy loss is decreased while the efficacy of the wastewater treatment is maintained.
Critical Challenges, Implications and Sustainable Options of Potable Water Management in Mutengene, South West Region, Cameroon
Authors: Buh Emmanuel Nong , Mbua Roy Lyonga , Maurice Melle Ekane , Sunjo Tata Emmanuel , Zeh Amos Fang , Shang-Quartey Leonard , Ngong Ukah Bonaventure
Published: August 2022

Sustainable management of potable water has been an outstanding problem faced by the world and a greater challenge of it is seen in Africa. The rapid growing population in Cameroon has led to a critical challenge of potable water management in Mutengene, south west region of Cameroon. This study examines the critical challenges and implications of potable water management and supply in Mutengene. A combination of research methods like the literature reviews; interviews and reconnaissance field appraisal have been used in this study. A community based cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 2021 to February 2022 using quantitative and qualitative approaches. The assessment of water supply challenges was done with a semi quantitative approach. Two hundred and twenty-five (225) questionnaires were administered while qualitative data was collected through Focus Group Discussions and in-depth interviews. The results obtained from the questionnaires administered indicated that 60% of the water supply challenges were as a result of frequent water shortages in Mutengene town. Meanwhile 40% of the respondents stated that longer distances is being undertaken every day to fetch for potable water. In order to overcome these challenges, the government and the local community of Mutengene urgently need to set up a budget together with a stronger team to manage and supply potable water to the town of Mutengene.
Severity of Splenic Trauma and Its Surgical Outcome among Patients Presented at Liaquat University Hospital, Pakistan
Authors: Soomro Suhail Ahmed , Shah Riaz Ahmed , Abro Abdul Sattar , Abbasi Mushtaq Ahmad , Ahsan Muhammad Fahim , Khatti Shahnawaz
Published: August 2022

Objective: To determine the severity of splenic trauma and its surgical outcome among patients presented with abdominal blunt trauma at surgical emergency of Liaquat University Hospital Jamshoro (Hyderabad)

Material and Methods: This prospective case series study was conducted in the department of Surgery at Liaquat University Hospital Jamshoro, from December 2013 to November 2014. Patients having a diagnosis of abdominal trauma with a diagnosis of splenic injury, aged above 18 years and both genders were included. All the patients underwent surgical treatment as per indications. Patients were monitored during hospital stays to assess the outcome. A study proforma was employed to gather data and SPSS software version 20 was utilized for the analysis of it.

Results: The study included 60 patients; their mean age was 28.3±12.4 years. Most of the cases 51(84.9%) were between 18 and 40 years of age. Males were predominant with a male to female ratio of 3.1:1. The majority of the cases (48.3% and 33.3%, respectively) had Grade III and Grade IV injuries, and none of our patients were diagnosed as Grade V by the scan. Overall among 30 cases, developed complications, particularly as 10 cases had pulmonary infection, 08 cases had intra-abdominal bleeding, wound infection was in 9 and 1 had developed over-whelming post splenectomy (OPSS). The overall mortality rate was 5.0%.

Conclusion: Splenic trauma and its severity in patients having blunt abdominal trauma were observed to be the most frequent. A better outcome has been observed, and it is also depending on the immediate arrival, accurate diagnosis, surgeons' ability, and experience.
Complications After Implantation of Subcutaneous Central Venous Ports: Focus on Infection and Catheter Pinch-off
Authors: Nakamura Takatoshi , Sato Takeo , Torii Shinzo , Sasaki Jiichiro , Naito Masanori , Yamashita Keishi , Watanabe Masahiko
Published: August 2022

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the causes of postoperative complications associated with subcutaneous central venous ports.

Summary of Background Data

Central venous ports were subcutaneously implanted in 523 patients between January 2005 and December 2013.

Methods

The purpose of port implantation was administration of chemotherapy in 439 patients and home central venous nutrition in 84 patients. The underlying disease was malignant in 481 patients and benign in 42.

Results

The median follow-up was 12 months (range, 1–99 months), and postoperative complications developed in 69 patients (13%). Infection occurred in 40 patients (7.6%) and catheter pinch-off in 11 patients (3%). Significant risk factors for infection were nutritional port placement (P < 0.001) and use of a femoral vein approach (P = 0.001). A left subclavian approach was a significant risk factor for catheter pinch-off (P = 0.003).

Conclusions

Postoperative complications, mainly infections and catheter pinch-off, developed in 13% of the patients. As for measures against complications, a femoral vein approach should be avoided to prevent infection. Moreover, because ports for parenteral nutrition require multiple punctures, methods to reduce the number of punctures and techniques for disinfection and management should be reevaluated. To prevent catheter pinch-off, an internal jugular vein approach should be used instead of a left subclavian approach.
DIREITO AO SANEAMENTO BÁSICO EM LOCALIDADES RURAIS: ESTUDO NO OESTE DO ESTADO DA BAHIA
Authors: Silva Amanda dos Santos Carteado , Moraes Luiz Roberto Santos
Published: August 2022

As desigualdades acerca do acesso aos serviços públicos, existentes entre o meio rural e meio urbano, e o direcionamento da atenção dos profissionais, governos e empresas aos núcleos urbanos em detrimento do rural, são fenômenos intrigantes e sugere estudos aprofundados que reflitam criticamente suas causas e consequências. O presente artigo é parte de uma dissertação que objetivou estudar as contradições relacionadas à promoção do direito ao saneamento básico em localidades rurais, por meio de estudo nas localidades Derocal e Penedo no município de São Desidério/Oeste da Bahia, considerando o recente processo de acumulação capitalista na região. Foi utilizada metodologia qualitativa, com triangulação dos métodos: questionário; Observação participante; Grupo Focal; e Análise documental. O artigo prioriza a análise da percepção de mordores das localidades e da gestão pública local sobre saneamento básico como direito, para possibilitar uma compreensão sobre a dificuldade na promoção deste e as contradições que o permeia. As contradições das relações capitalistas e seus efeitos nos espaços rurais são bem caracterizadas no estudo das localidades rurais que, por um lado, não têm acesso adequado aos serviços públicos de saneamento básico, essenciais à uma vida digna. Por outro lado, vivenciam um conflito de uso da água, fruto de interesses globais que fogem às capacidades locais de enfrentamento, pelo menos nas relações de forças.
PRESENÇA DE POLUENTES DE LIXIVIADO NO SOLO E ÁGUAS SUBTERRÂNEAS EM LOCAIS DE DISPOSIÇÃO INADEQUADA DE RESÍDUOS SÓLIDOS NO BRASIL: REVISÃO DA LITERATURA
Authors: Aquino Layla Ferraz , Cruz Iago Antão Sabença , Lopes Giulianna Teixeira , Mannarino Camille Ferreira , Ritter Elisabeth
Published: August 2022

A disposição de resíduos sólidos no solo de forma inadequada ainda é uma realidade em muitos municípios brasileiros. Segundo dados no SNIS de 2021, 54,9% das áreas de disposição de resíduos são lixões. A falta de remediação dessas áreas pós encerramento pode causar danos à saúde pública ao contaminar as águas subterrâneas através da infiltração de lixiviado pelo solo. Esse trabalho teve como objetivo analisar e organizar dados referentes a trabalhos de campo realizados em áreas de disposição de resíduos sólido. A consulta partiu de um material suplementar publicado em artigo em 2021 e foi complementada com busca nas bases de dados Science Direct, SciELO, Biblioteca Brasileira de Teses e Dissertações e Google Acadêmico, para o período de 01 de janeiro de 2020, a 01 janeiro de 2022. Ao todo foram 111 trabalhos selecionados, que geraram 254 grupos de dados referentes a água superficial, água subterrânea, lixiviado e solos superficiais, em profundidade e sedimentos. Foram selecionados os trabalhos que realizaram análises em mais de um meio (lixiviado, solo e/ou água subterrânea), isso reduziu o número de publicações para 31 trabalhos. Em seguida foi aplicado um novo filtro selecionando apenas os que realizaram mais de quatro campanhas de coletas de amostras, foram discutidos os dados gerados por 11 trabalhos. Os parâmetros que mais se destacaram nas análises de lixiviado, predominantemente alcalino, foram a condutividade, demanda bioquímica de oxigênio (DBO), demanda química de oxigênio (DQO), o nitrogênio amoniacal e o cloreto. As amostras de água subterrânea apresentaram altos valores de condutividade e cloreto. Alguns íons de interesse para a identificação gerada pela contaminação por lixiviado como Na, K, Mg e Ca não possuem valores de referência de qualidade (VRQ) orientados pela Legislação, o que compromete a discussão dos resultados. Os diferentes solos de cada sítio contaminado foram amostrados nas áreas de influência da contaminação por lixiviado e apresentaram concentrações acima do permitido pela legislação para alguns metais como Cd, Cr, Cu e Zn. É possível notar que o lixiviado exerceu influência na natureza do solo e água subterrânea amostrados.
Individual versus Institutional Investing
Authors: Markowitz Harry M.
Published: July 2002

This paper first describes the analytic approach that Markowitz used in developing his portfolio theory. Developing a game-of-life simulation is a parallel approach for modelling individualfinancial management. To develop a realistic simulator will require deciding what goals are essential to the family planning process, formulating optimizable subproblems, using technology to interpret and record decisions, and developing decision rules which prove robust in the model and can be implemented in practice.
A comparison of patient tolerance of hysterosalpingo‐contrast sonography (HyCoSy) with Echovist®‐200 and X‐ray hysterosalpingography for outpatient investigation of infertile women
Authors: Ayida G. , Kennedy S. , Barlow D. , Chamberlain P.
Published: July 2002

The aim of this study was to assess patient tolerance of two outpatient tests. Sixty‐six infertile women were prospectively randomized to hysterosalpingo‐contrast sonography (HyCoSy) (n = 34) or X‐ray hysterosalpingography (HSG) (n = 32). The procedures were performed by the same operator. The uterine cavity outline and tubal patency were determined by both procedures. The mean times taken and the volume of contrast medium required for HyCoSy and HSG were similar: 12.1 ± 5.2 and 9.5 ± 4.8 min and 9.4 ± 5.2 and 11.5 ± 8.4 ml, respectively. Side‐effects were assessed during the procedure, at 2h, 24 h and 28 days. The most common side‐effect was pelvic pain, in 56/66 (84%) women, occurring during the procedures (HyCoSy 19/34 (56%); HSG 23/32 (72/%)) and/or in the following 24 h (HyCoSy l4/34 (41%); HSG 15/32 (47%)). This was described as less severe or equal to their usual period pains (HyCoSy 100%; HSG 8.5%). Only 12/66 (18%) women required simple non‐steroidal analgesia (HyCoSy 8/34 (24%); HSG 4/32 (13%)). There were no significant differences between the two methods concerning the frequency or severity of pains at different stages during and after the procedure or analgesia requirements. HyCoSy and HSG are equally well tolerated outpatient procedures for assessing tubal patency and uterine abnormalities. In addition, HyCoSy avoids the risks of ovarian irradiation and allows scanning of the uterine corpus and ovaries at the same time. Copyright © 1996 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Observation of CH2 radical and comparison with CH3 radical in a rf methane discharge
Authors: Kojima H. , Toyoda H. , Sugai H.
Published: July 2002

Methylene radical (CH2) in a rf methane discharge was detected using threshold ionization mass spectrometry. The absolute density of CH2 radical (∼109 cm−3) for the discharge in 10 mTorr CH4 with 10 W rf power was two orders of magnitude less than the density of methyl radical (CH3). The CH2 density in the afterglow of a pulsed rf discharge turned out to decay on a time scale (≤10 ms) much shorter than the decay time of CH3 radical (∼100 ms). The observed rapid loss of CH2 radical was attributed to a large sticking coefficient and the resultant surface loss, in addition to gas phase losses due to the CH2 reactions with CH3 and CH4.
Large, nonresonant, intensity dependent refractive index of 4-dialkylamino-4′-nitro-diphenyl-polyene side chain polymers in waveguides
Authors: Marques M. B. , Assanto G. , Stegeman G. I. , Möhlmann G. R. , Erdhuisen E. W. P. , Horsthuis W. H. G.
Published: July 2002

We report the experimental evaluation of the intensity-dependent index of refraction of a new class of third order nonlinear materials, side chain polymers containing 4-dialkylamino-4′-nitro-stilbene and 4-dialkylamino-4′-nitro-diphenylbutadiene as side groups. The measurements, based on nonlinear grating coupling into planar waveguides with 30 ps pulses at 1.064 μm, showed large electronic nonresonant n2 Kerr coefficients.
Dynamics of photoreflectance from undoped GaAs
Authors: Shen H. , Dutta M. , Lux R. , Buchwald W. , Fotiadis L. , Sacks R. N.
Published: July 2002

We have studied the time constants involved in photoreflectance from several GaAs surface-intrinsic-n+ structures. The rise and fall times were determined from digital oscilloscope traces. We find that they depend on the intensity and wavelength of the pump and probe beams. The observed photoreflectance feature does not always follow a single exponential decay. The dependence of rise and fall times on intensity and wavelength of pump and probe beams can be accounted for by a theory based on majority-carrier flow. The characteristic time obtained can be used to determine the potential barrier height.
Dynamic optical switching of symmetric self-electro-optic effect devices
Authors: Boyd G. D. , Chirovsky L. M. F. , Morgan R. A.
Published: July 2002

We describe a new method of operation of symmetric self-electro-optic effect devices (S-SEEDs) using excitation pulses shorter than the diode sweep out times. We shall call this dynamic SEED switching. Previous SEEDs are optically bistable logic devices which use the unique properties of multiple quantum well structures placed in the intrinsic i regions of two p-i-n diodes reverse biased in series. Conventional operation of S-SEEDs is at the exciton wavelength where absorption decreases with increasing electric field. Utilizing the dynamic properties of the S-SEED we demonstrate that switching is possible at any wavelength where there is a nonlinear response showing a threshold. The major advantages of dynamic over conventional operation, is that it can be faster while requiring less optical energy, is automatically reset each cycle, and is less susceptible to saturation.
Effect of polymer matrix glass transition temperature on polymer dispersed liquid crystal electro-optics
Authors: West J. L. , Kelly J. R. , Jewell K. , Ji Y.
Published: July 2002

We have studied the electro-optic properties as a function of temperature of a polymer dispersed liquid crystal film composed of E7 dispersed as droplets in a polyvinylformal (PVFM) matrix. The drive voltage and turn-off time change abruptly as the temperature is raised above the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the PVFM matrix. There is essentially no hysteresis below, but significant hysteresis above Tg. These temperature effects are completely reversible. The rapid change in electro-optic properties cannot be entirely explained by changes in the polymer dielectric properties or droplet shape. Freedericksz measurements show no abrupt change in the surface anchoring energy at Tg, which may be responsible for the changes observed in the electro-optic response.
Growth of GaAs/ErAs/GaAs structures by migration-enhanced epitaxy
Authors: Yamaguchi Hiroshi , Horikoshi Yoshiji
Published: July 2002

Monocrystalline GaAs/ErAs/GaAs structures are fabricated by migration-enhanced epitaxy at 320 °C. When the ErAs layer thickness is less than 3 monolayers, reflection high-energy electron diffraction patterns, double crystal x-ray diffraction analysis, and transmission electron microscopy observations show successful overgrowth of GaAs on the ErAs layer. Distinct satellite peaks are observed in an x-ray rocking curve of an ErAs/GaAs superlattice grown under a similar condition, indicating that high-quality multilayer structures with very thin ErAs layers can be fabricated by migration-enhanced epitaxy.
Ultrafast all-optical switching in semiconductor nonlinear directional couplers at half the band gap
Authors: Villeneuve A. , Yang C. C. , Wigley P. G. J. , Stegeman G. I. , Aitchison J. S. , Ironside C. N.
Published: July 2002

Efficient ultrafast all-optical switching in nonlinear directional couplers made of AlGaAs and AlGaAs/GaAs quantum wells near half the band gap is reported. The switching is limited by multiphoton absorption which is dominated by three-photon absorption in this spectral range. The three-photon absorption in the quantum well nonlinear directional coupler is stronger than that of bulk AlGaAs. Autocorrelations of the output pulses in the bar and cross states confirm pulse breakup through nonlinear coupling, and illustrate the effects of multiphoton absorption. All sets of experimental data are fitted well by a theoretical model.
Photocurrent multiplication in organic pigment films
Authors: Hiramoto Masahiro , Imahigashi Takashi , Yokoyama Masaaki
Published: July 2002

Large photocurrent multiplication reaching 10 000 times has been observed in a perylene pigment film sandwiched between Au electrodes. The phenomenon occurs at the interface between the perylene film and a negatively biased Au electrode and is found to be associated with electron injection from the Au electrode to the perylene film through the depletion layer formed in the pigment film under a high electric field, which is built up by the photoaccumulated space charges of trapped holes near the interface.
Ultraviolet second harmonic generation in radio-frequency sputter-deposited aluminum nitride thin films
Authors: Lundquist P. M. , Lin W. P. , Xu Z. Y. , Wong G. K. , Rippert E. D. , Helfrich J. A. , Ketterson J. B.
Published: July 2002

Optical second harmonic generation in radio-frequency sputter-deposited AlN thin films has been studied for harmonic wavelengths from ultraviolet to near infrared. The effective second-order nonlinearity χ(2)(ω) was determined to have a nonresonant background value of ∼5×10−9 esu for second harmonic wavelengths longer than 400 nm, and it increases dramatically as the second harmonic frequency approaches the bandgap of 6.2 eV. This is likely due to resonance of the second harmonic frequency with the critical point transition associated with the direct bandgap of AlN.
Novel pseudoalloy approach to epitaxial growth of complex InGaAlAs multilayer structures
Authors: Fritz I. J. , Klem J. F. , Hafich M. J. , Howard A. J.
Published: July 2002

We describe growth by molecular-beam epitaxy of InGaAlAs multilayers using a versatile and agile technique that allows a wide range of band gaps and strains for the individual layers. In our approach, the layers are most generally pseudoalloys produced by growing short-period superlattices containing ternary or quaternary layers, in various combinations, without changing the temperatures of the single In, Ga, Al, and As effusion cells. To illustrate the method, we have designed, grown, and characterized a separate-confinement, strained layer light-emitting diode operating at 1.5 μm.
Continuous wave operation of InAs/InAsxSb1−x midinfrared lasers
Authors: Zhang Yong-Hang
Published: July 2002

Effective band gaps of type-II superlattices (SLs) can cover a wide infrared wavelength range, even beyond the narrowest band gap of any natural antimonide semiconductor alloys. This letter reports the first InAs/InAsxSb1−x type-II SL lasers with cw, optically pumped operation up to 95 K. The stimulated emission results from spatially indirect transitions of relatively extended electron states in the InAs/InAsxSb1−x SL conduction band to the hole states that are localized in the InAsx Sb1−x layers. The lasing wavelength is around 3.3–3.4 μm. Equivalent threshold current densities are estimated to be 3.3 and 56 A/cm2 at sample temperatures of 5 and 95 K, respectively. The characteristic temperature (T0) is approximately 32 K. These results demonstrate that the InAs/InAsxSb1−x type-II SL clad by AlAs0.16Sb0.84 ordered-alloy layers is a promising material system for midwave infrared semiconductor lasers.
Development of an electrostatic positioner for space material processing
Authors: Rhim W. K. , Collender M. , Hyson M. T. , Simms W. T. , Elleman D. D.
Published: July 2002

This paper describes an electrostatic positioning instrument which was developed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to enable experimenters to conduct containerless material science experiments in space. Samples that are to be studied are electrically charged and controlled by the electrostatic force produced by a set of properly arranged electrodes. Three different types of positioners are described, i.e., the dish type, the ring type, and the tetrahedral type. In all these systems, the positioning and the damping of the sample is accomplished by a feedback control system. The advantage of this electrostatic positioning method, in comparison to the other methods, such as acoustic and electromagnetic, lies in the fact that it can operate in a high vacuum and does not require the material to be electrically conductive as long as the material can carry a certain amount of charge.
Threshold dependence of laser-induced optical breakdown on pulse duration
Authors: Niemz M. H.
Published: July 2002

A model for optical breakdown is presented, that takes the effects of avalanche ionization, electron–ion recombination, and electron diffusion into account. By assuming a rectangular temporal shape of the laser pulse, an analytical solution of the threshold parameters can be given. Especially, a square root dependence of the energy density on the pulse duration is found for pulse duration values between roughly 4 ps and 8 μs. The theory explains the results of several previous experiments investigating threshold parameters for a variety of target materials.