bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Institutional Economics
Authors: Çalışkan Zehra Doğan
Published: December 2019

Since the mid-19th century, the thinkers of historical school challenged the deductive, abstractive, and decisive methods of neo-classical economics. According to historical school, social terms have been changed within space and time. Therefore, they defended that the economic theories could not be universal but could only be relative. Instead of professing laws with universal validity, it is more important to reveal the changing structure of society with the extensive studies of economic history. The inductive method of German historical school brought a new perspective into economic theory with theorems such as to consider society as an organism beyond the individuals who would only seek their benefits and the necessity of historical followings in the economic events. From this point of view, it is possible to observe the traces of historical school in the old institutional economics literature.
Transaction Cost Approach to the Outsourcing Decision Problem
Authors: Erdogan Dilek
Published: December 2019

Outsourcing has become a management tool that is increasingly involved in the manager's agenda, but the decision to outsource is a problematic issue for decision makers in organizations. Outsourcing provides many benefits but also includes many risks, so every outsourcing agreement does not result in success. This chapter aims to provide a better understanding of the outsourcing problem in light of transaction cost economics. For this purpose, the concept of outsourcing is first explained. The transaction characteristics and the behavioral assumptions of the theory, which play a role in increasing or decreasing transaction costs, are clarified. Finally, governance decision (outsource or not) and some critical issues (safeguarding mechanism against opportunistic behavior by supplier, adaptation, and performance evaluation problem) that will arise after the outsourcing decisions are discussed.
Study on Generalization of Lefort’s Approach to Critical Crack Length
Authors: Horníková Jana , Šandera Pavel , Žák Stanislav , Pokluda Jaroslav
Published: December 2019

The critical length aIc of a mode I crack that corresponds to a vanishing of the influence of the notch stress concentration can be approximately expressed by a formula reported by Lefort. This study aimed to generalize his approach to shear mode cracks by finding a criterion for a statistical compatibility of formulae for critical lengths of cracks. It revealed that the Lefort ́s formula describes the critical crack length aIc at which the relative level of the notch effect on the mode I SIF is less than 1%. Based on this criterion, a mathematically similar formula for the critical length aIIIc was found. A part of this study was also a development of a transformation procedure suitable for fitting the obtained SIF data by simple analytical formulae and for clear related illustrative plots of results.
An Influence of Cyclic Loading on Behaviour of a Hysteretic Interface Damage Model
Authors: Vodička Roman
Published: December 2019

A computational interface damage model which takes into account crack initiation andgrowth along connections between parts of a multi-domain structure is proposed and is exposed tosituations where cyclic loading and its effects on the structure are noticeable, though the inertial effects are not considered. Modelling of damage takes into account various aspects of damage propagation and invoking of an interface crack. First, the degradation function of the interface layer controls the stressseparation relation on damage evolution. Second, the instant of triggering and cessation of damage propagation may in situations of cyclic loads depend on the actual state of the structure, influencing thus its endurance limit. Finally, the hysteretic character of damage provides together with loadingunloading conditions a fatigue-like character, where the crack appears for smaller magnitude of the cyclic load than for pure uploading. The numerical solution and a short parametric study is provided for a simplified situation of single damageable interface spring.
Gun Bullet Collision and Penetration Behaviors for Protecting Board
Authors: Ohbuchi Yoshifumi , Yamaguchi Toshihiko , Sakamoto Hidetoshi
Published: December 2019

In this research, the bullet-collision test was done in the different velocity. The influence of its velocity on the deformation shape after collision was discussed by comparison with experiment and simulation. The velocity of the bullet was chosen in several kinds of speed ranges at 80m/s-250m/s. The angle of incidence with the collision object is 90 degree (head-on collision). The deformation shape was measured by 3D measurement instrument and reconstructed with 3D-CAD based on the 3D digital data. The deformation mark of the polycarbonate plate and the penetration shape of acrylic plastic plate caused by the bullet's collision with the object were examined. In addition, the collision simulation of the bullet was done by using FE analysis code “LS-DYNA”, and these analytical results were compared with the 3D digital data which is the experimental results.
Prediction of Indentation Size Formed by a High-Velocity Impingement of a Solid Sphere Based on an Expanding Cavity Model
Authors: Ito Kiyohiro , Arai Masayuki
Published: December 2019

The fan blades and turbine blades in a jet engine are seriously damaged by high velocity impingements of various foreign objects. In this study, a prediction method of indentation size formed by a high-velocity impingement of a solid sphere (PMIS) was developed from a theoretical model based on an expanding cavity model and energy conservation before and after impingement. The Johnson-Cook constitutive equation was employed to introduce effects of work hardening, strain rate hardening and thermal softening into the cavity model. As a result, the distribution of equivalent plastic strain, equivalent plastic strain rate, temperature and equivalent von Mises stress estimated using the expanding cavity model was in good agreement with the data obtained from the finite element analysis. In addition, it has been demonstrated that PMIS can accurately predict the radius of indentation formed on various metallic materials subjected to the impingement of a solid sphere with the radii of 0.75, 1.5 and 3 mm at several impact velocities from 50 to 300 m/s.
Damage Evaluation of TBC by Rapid Thermal Cycling Test Utilizing a Laser Irradiation
Authors: Hayashi Yusuke , Suzuki Kento , Arai Masayuki , Ito Kiyohiro , Higuchi Tsuyoshi , Suzuki Yuka , Suidzu Tatsuo
Published: December 2019

Thermal barrier coating (TBC) is deposited onto the gas turbine blade surface in order to protect the substrate from high-temperature combustion gas. Cracks and delamination of the ceramic coating which come from high heat flux loading are serious problem in TBC. In this study, the rapid thermal cycling device utilizing laser irradiation was developed. It was then investigated how the damage progresses in the ceramic coating exposed to cyclic rapid thermal loading. As a result, a sintering layer was formed in the surface of the ceramic coating, although such phenomenon was not recognized in TBC sample tested by the conventional thermal cycling test using an electric furnace. It was also revealed from the cross-sectional observation that the vertical crack was initiated at the surface of TBC and propagated into sintering layer. Finally, mechanical factors of those damages from finite element analysis using the TBC model including sintering progress was discussed
Morphology Evolution and Probability Characteristic of γ' Phase in Single Crystal Superalloy during Creep Rafting
Authors: Guo Zi Xu , Qin Xiao Yu , Huang Da Wei , Yan Xiao Jun
Published: December 2019

Ni-based single crystal (SC) superalloys are widely applied in the turbine blades of advanced aero-engine due to their excellent heat resistance. Rafting is a major degradation mode of SC under creep damage. In this study, the morphology evolution and probability characteristic of shape parameters are investigated for cuboidal γ´ phase during creep rafting. Three groups of SC creep tests are carried out at 850 °C and 600 Mpa along [001] direction. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) is used to observe the microstructure of SC at four different creep times including 0 h, 8 h, 16 h and 64 h. In addition, an image processing program is developed to identify the length (normal to uniaxial stress) and width (parallel to the stress) of each γ´ phase. Two interesting findings of this investigation can be summarized as: 1) During the N-type rafting of SC, the vertical matrix channel widths are gradually decreased, and the γ phases near the vertex of the cuboidal γ´ phases disappear 2) The length, width of γ´ phases both obey lognormal distributions during creep rafting, and the standard deviations change slightly for the width, but increase significantly for the length. These above findings are of significance to multi-scale probability modeling for creep deformation and fracture.
Two-Dimensional Stress Analysis of an Infinite Plate with Anisotropic Inclusions by BFM
Authors: Ino Takuichiro , Sonobe Yohei , Koyama Atsuhiro , Saimoto Akihide
Published: December 2019

Based on the principle of a Body Force Method (BFM), any inclusion problem can besolved only by using a Kelvin solution which corresponds to a stress field caused by a point forceacting in a homogeneous infinite plate, regardless of the mechanical properties of the inclusion. Thischaracteristic is true even for an anisotropic inclusion in which the number of independent elasticconstants are larger than that of a homogeneous material. In the present study, some problems among anisotropic inclusions were analyzed numerically to demonstrate the validity.
Fatigue Crack Propagation under Mixed Mode I and III in Polyoxymethelene Homopolymer
Authors: Slávik O. , Hutař Pavel , Gosch A. , Berer Michael , Vojtek Tomáš , Arbeiter F. , Pinter Gerald , Náhlík Luboš
Published: December 2019

While mixed-mode loading conditions became hot topic recently, it is still quite unexplored area, even in case of metals. In case of polymers, this is even more complex problem, thanks to their higher sensitivity on higher temperatures connected with friction. Since polymer materials are very popular, this topic is of high interest. One of the best experimental specimens for achieving mixed mode loading conditions is the CRB specimen, as it provides clear mixed-mode I + III conditions under tension + torsion. Furthermore, for lifetime predictions it is necessary to calculate some material constants based on measured crack growth rates. However, these crack growth rates are not as easily and accurately measured on CRB specimens, as on CT specimens. Therefore, the main focus of this study is to observe difference between lifetime predictions based on CT and CRB data and possible application of CT data for CRB specimens.
A Comparative Study of Impact Localisation in Composite Structures Using Neural Networks under Environmental and Operational Variations
Authors: Seno Aldyandra Hami , Aliabadi M.H.
Published: December 2019

In this study we compare the effectiveness of the Normalised Smoothed Envelope (NSET) method for Artificial Neural Network (ANN) based impact localisation under simulated environmental and operational conditions with respect to other ANN based localisation methods developed by other studies. It is shown that when the testing and training impact case is the same, most studies give comparably good accuracy of localisation irrespective of feature extraction method or structure geometry. However, when the testing and training impact cases are not the same, only the NSET method is able to negate the variations caused by various impact cases and provide good localisation accuracy for an ANN trained using only a single impact case thus allowing for smaller training data set size requirements and increasing feasibility for real life application.
Electromagnetic Shielding for Buildings Using Hybrid Polymer Composites: A Life Cycle Assessment Study
Authors: La Rosa Angela Daniela , Grammatikos Sotirios A. , Ciobanu Romeo Cristian , Schreiner Cristina
Published: December 2019

In the present paper, we investigated a sandwich composite as a potential electromagnetic interference shielding wall panel for buildings. The panel was built using a ferrite-particle modified high density polyethylene in a sandwich assembly enabling electromagnetic shielding properties. The life cycle assessment (LCA) approach was employed here to assist in the production phase and in the materials selection, in order to obtain an environmental friendly final product. An optimization of the constituents of the sandwich structure is proposed by comparing the environmental impact of different potential solutions without influencing the EMI shielding properties.
SHM of Composite Mono-Stringer Elements Based on Guided Waves
Authors: Bekas D.G. , Mendias M. Mora , Sharif Khodaei Zahra , Karachalios Evangelos , Alonso F.J. Chamorro , Aliabadi M.H.
Published: December 2019

In this work, the applicability of structural health monitoring (SHM) technique for damage detection in two composite mono-stringers representative of composite fuselage are investigated. The two different manufacturing technologies are co-curing and co-bonding of composite mono-stringers to the skin. The panels were then impacted at the foot of the stringer to cause Barely Visible Impact Damage (BVID). Piezoelectric transducers were surface mounted on the mono-stringers, guided wave measurements before and after impact were taken and used for detecting damage based on Weighted Energy Arrival Method (WEAM).
Impact Detection on Composite Plates Based on Convolution Neural Network
Authors: Tabian I. , Fu H. , Sharif Khodaei Zahra
Published: December 2019

This paper presents a novel Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) based metamodel for impact detection and characterization for a Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) application. The signals recorded by PZT sensors during various impact events on a composite plate is used as inputs to CNN to detect and locate impact events. The input of the metamodel consists of 2D images, constructed from the signals recorded from a network of sensors. The developed meta-model was then developed and tested on a composite plate. The results show that the CNN-based metamodel is capable of detecting impacts with more than 98% accuracy. In addition, the network was capable of detecting impacts in the other regions of the panel, which was not trained with but had similar geometric configuration. The accuracy in this case was also above 98%, showing the scalability of this method for large complex structures of repeating zones such as composite stiffened panel.
Numerical Modelling of Plasticity Induced Crack Closure with Rough Fracture Surfaces
Authors: Materna Aleš , Lauschmann Hynek , Ondráček Jan
Published: December 2019

A two-dimensional elastic-plastic finite element model was built to simulate the closure of a long fatigue crack with arbitrarily shaped crack faces. The model growth is simulated by the successive mesh splitting along the crack path defined by element edges. To obtain a realistic morphology of the fracture surface, fatigue crack growth experiments with CT specimen made from AISI 304 stainless steel were performed and fracture surface topology was determined using a single camera and a depth-from-focus method. Simulated closing loads and closure lengths for the cracks with rough and smooth faces and for plane-stress and plane-strain conditions are compared. A mismatch of rough crack faces, resulting in an additional contact, is visualized.
A ward round with sherlock Holmes
Authors: Karunathilake Harindra
Published: December 2019

No abstract available
User related factors in implementation of WHO surgical safety checklist (SSC)
Authors: Amadoru S. D. S. , Perera K. Y. D. , Amjed D. M. M. L. A. , Chaminda J. L. P. , Kandamby H. G. I. T.
Published: December 2019

Introduction: WHO Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) was introduced to address the well-recognized global problem of lack of surgical safety. Although proper implementation of SSC reduces common adverse events occurring during surgical procedures, the practical implementation in some cases has been found to be less than optimal. Objective: To assess the user related factors in the implementation of the SSC at District General Hospital (DGH), Matara . Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at DGH, Matara using a self-administered questionnaire among 76 doctors and 116 nurses who worked in operating theatres of DGH, Matara. A questionnaire based on the SSC and its implementation was used to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of doctors and nurses. Results: On the average, the seniority and experience in working in the operating theatres of DGH, Matara had a significant association with the awareness of the SSC. Nurses were more familiar about the SSC compared to doctors. Even when the user of the checklist had good knowledge, favorable attitudes and interest for proper implementation of the SSC, only a minority (8.7%) was trained in SSC. Discussion: The complexity, uncertainty of the definition of the responsibility and frequent unavailability of checklists were the main perceived barriers. It is recommended to simplify and reformat the checklist to make more user friendly and designating a checklist coordinator, training and monitoring implementation for better compliance.
Evaluation of patient transfers from peripheral hospitals to a District General Hospital
Authors: Abeysekara C. M. , Hewageegana N. R. , Dharmarathtne S. D.
Published: December 2019

Introduction: Despite Sri Lanka’s remarkable success of achieving higher health status, there are many areas in the system which need immediate and priority attention to further improve the provision of healthcare. Patient transfer procedure is one such area. Objectives: This study was undertaken to evaluate the patient transfers from peripheral hospitals to District General Hospital (DGH), Matara and to make recommendations to improve the process. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out using three study instruments. A questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of 427 transferred patients and medical officers who attended them at the Primary Care Unit (PCU). Two checklists were used to assess the completeness of the components of the transfer process. Data were triangulated and analyzed regarding proportions (quantitative data) and associations (using chi-square test). Results: Involvement of the patient/guardian to the decision-making process was inadequate as 62.5% of the patients/guardians were not aware of the reason for the transfer. Pre-transfer communication was not done in 90.9% occasions. Majority of transferred patients (74.5%) were accompanied by staff attendants irrespective of the nature of the transfer. There were many lapses in the documentation of the transfer form. Discussion: Guidelines for inter-hospital patient transfers need to be revised. The transfer form used at present need to be redesigned.
Subacute thyroiditis – A rare cause of pyrexia of unknown origin
Authors: Branavan Balasubramaniam , Hemal Sugathapala Athwel Gamarallage
Published: December 2019

Pyrexia of unknown origin is a challenging problem to the physicians and rarely endocrine causes such as subacute thyroiditis can present as a pyrexia of unknown origin. It is usually a self-limiting condition and following post viral inflammatory process. It is common in young adults to middle age and does not involve in any autoimmune pathology. It has a self-limiting nature and symptomatic treatment is adequate. We report a 34 year old presented with a one month history of fever found to have high ESR and CRP with high free thyroxine level and treated as subacute thyroiditis with NSAID and she recovered completely from the acute illness.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus mimicking lymphoproliferative malignancy in a child
Authors: Munasinghe T. M. , Naotunna C. , Vithana S. , Kankananarachchi I. , Dharmawardena H. , Amarasena S.
Published: December 2019

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chromic autoimmune disease with multisystemic involvement. The estimated prevalence of SLE among children is 1-6/100000. Here we report a child who presented with generalized lymphadeopathy as the first manifestation of SLE. A 13 year old previously healthy girl presented with cervical lymphadenopathy and low grade remitting fever for 1 month duration. On examination she was found to have generalized lymphadenopathy and unremarkable rest of the clinical examination. Her basic haematological and biochemical parameters were normal. ESR was 110mm/hr and CRP was 6mg/dL. Ultrasound scan and Contrast CT of the abdomen and pelvis revealed extensive mediastinal, mesenteric, para-aortic, splenic hilar, bilateral axillary and inguinal lymphadenopathy suggestive of lymphoproliferative malignancy. However, her bone marrow and lymph node biopsies revealed reactive pattern. Meantime she developed a malar rash, oral ulcers and 2 episodes of generalized tonic-clonic convulsions. Her urinalysis revealed microscopic haematuria and sub nephrotic range proteinuria. Her ANA and dsDNA levels were positive. Her subsequent full blood count revealed severe bicytopenia, predominetly lymphopenia.The diagnosis of SLE was made and she was started on Hydroxychloroquine, high dose prednisolone and cyclophosphamide pulse therapy. The most common presenting symptoms of SLE in children include, constituitional symptoms, joint symptoms and haematological abnormalities. It is estimated 23-34% children with SLE are having lymphadenopathy. Though, generalized lymphadenopathy as the presenting symptom of SLE is uncommon, it should not be forgotten in order to avoid diagnostic delay.
Neutrophils Are More Effective than Monocytes at Phagosomal Containment and Killing of Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Okunnu Busola M , Berg Rance E
Published: December 2019

Neutrophils and inflammatory monocytes are innate immune cells essential for protection during Listeria monocytogenes infection. Although certain functions have been generally assigned to each of the cells, similarities and differences in functions necessary for bacterial clearance have not previously been investigated. In the current study, phagocytosis, phagosomal containment, bacterial killing, and cytokine production by neutrophils and monocytes during L. monocytogenes infection were studied. Data obtained via in vitro studies show that neutrophils are more effective at L. monocytogenes uptake, phagosomal containment, and killing than monocytes. However, monocytes were found to be more effective at cytokine production during L. monocytogenes infection, in vivo. Additionally, the data demonstrated that neutrophils and monocytes are also capable of producing IL-1α, a cytokine that does not yet have a clearly defined role during infection with L. monocytogenes. Furthermore, we were able to demonstrate a population of monocytes producing both TNF-α and IL-α, concurrently. This study highlights the multifunctional capabilities of neutrophils and monocytes, further adding to our knowledge of these innate immune cells during L. monocytogenes infection.
Essai de valorisation des déchets verts de cuisine comme ingrédients pour améliorer la qualité nutritionnelle d’aliments de gallinacés et d’herbivores dans la ville de Mascara (Algérie)
Authors: Bouzid Aman , Benabdeli Kheloufi , Bouzid Khadidja
Published: December 2019

The recycling and recovery of Household and Similar Waste represents a real potential in Algeria. The quantity generated is important with a significant annual growth of 1.23 kg/person/day with a total quantity generated in 2018 around 34 million tons. Therefore, Algeria is facing a real challenge to deal environmental problems. This report provides a first portrait of the potential use of fruit and vegetable peelings in farm animal feed. The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a green product-mix model as animal feed. Obtained results showed that fruits and vegetables wastes is a potentially valuable resource that can be valorised to new sources of alternative animal breeding feed.

Le recyclage et la valorisation des déchets ménagers et assimilés représentent un réel potentiel en Algérie. La quantité générée est d’environ 34 000 000 tonnes sur l’année 2018, soit 1,23 kg par habitant et par jour. L’Algérie est donc confrontée à un véritable défi pour résoudre les problèmes environnementaux et améliorer la récupération de ressources à partir des déchets produits. Cet article présente une évaluation de l’utilisation potentielle des épluchures de fruits et légumes dans l’alimentation des animaux d’élevage. Le but de l’étude est de développer et de tester un modèle de mélange de produits verts comme aliment pour animaux. Les résultats obtenus ont montré que les déchets de fruits et de légumes constituent une ressource potentiellement précieuse qui peut être valorisée pour de nouvelles sources d’aliments alternatifs pour l’élevage.
Déchets du centre d’enfouissement technique de Sfax (Tunisie) : nature, composition et traitement
Authors: Smaoui Yosr , Bouzid Jalel
Published: December 2019

Landfilling is the strategy adopted in Tunisia to ensure sustainable solid waste management. The Sfax controlled landfill is one of the technical landfills that have been set up. This study presents the main categories and characteristics of household waste buried in the Sfax controlled landfill, as well as the physic-chemical and micro-biological properties of the generated leachates. The leachates treatment processes applied at the station level are presented and their performance is discussed. The results of the waste characterization show the dominance of the potentially biodegradable fermentable fraction (69%). The distribution by particle size of the waste shows a dominance of the average fraction whose particle size is between 20 and 100mm. The characterization of leachates generated shows the presence of a high organic load that is difficult to biodegrade, a high content of ammoniacal nitrogen and recalcitrant compounds such as phenols. We also note the presence of some micro-pollutants minerals and certain pathogens. The toxic nature of leachates has been demonstrated by microtoxicity and phytotoxicity tests. The monitoring of the operation of the leachates treatment plant shows a significant variability of the quantities treated, which explains the filling of the storage ponds.

La mise en décharge est le mode de gestion adoptée en Tunisie pour assurer une gestion des déchets solides. Le centre d’enfouissement technique (CET) de la région de Sfax constitue l’un des principaux centres qui ont été mis en place en Tunisie depuis 2009. L’objectif de ce travail est d’identifier les principales catégories et caractéristiques des déchets ménagers enfouis dans le CET de Sfax, ainsi que les propriétés physico-chimiques et microbiologiques des lixiviats générés. Dans ce travail, les procédés de traitement appliqués aux lixiviats du CET de Sfax ont également été présentés et évalués.Les résultats de la caractérisation des déchets montrent la prédominance de la fraction fermentescible potentiellement biodégradable (69 %). La répartition granulométrique des déchets montre une prépondérance de la fraction moyenne dont la granulométrie est comprise entre 20 et 100 mm. La caractérisation des lixiviats générés montre la présence d’une forte charge organique difficilement biodégradable, une forte teneur en azote ammoniacal et en composés récalcitrants tels que les phénols. On note également la présence de quelques micropolluants minéraux et de certains germes pathogènes. Le caractère toxique des lixiviats a été démontré à travers les tests de microtoxicité et de phytotoxicité. Les fluctuations de débit et de charge sont responsables des perturbations observées dans le fonctionnement de la station.
Plastiques compostables : biodégradabilité anaérobie et contribution à la production de méthane
Authors: Constans Laure , Rouez Maxime , Lespielle Marion , Auclair Justine , Percheron Benjamin , Decottignies Virginie , Magnié Marie-Claire
Published: December 2019

Compostable plastics benefit from a favorable image among the general public, politicians and principals, in particular to selectively collect biowaste. In order to evaluate their behavior in mesophilic methanisation and their contribution to the production of biomethane, the present study compares the anaerobic biodegradability of 10 compostable plastics and 4 paper bags that can be used for the selective collection of biowaste. The results show that compostable plastics have relatively little or no anaerobic biodegradability (0 to 136 mL(CH4)/gVM) or generate an inhibition of the biological process of methanisation. Comparatively, the 4 paper bags tested showed methanogenic potentials of 214 to 313 mL(CH4)/gVM and standard production kinetics. Moreover, the co-digestion of compostable plastics with biowaste seems to promote the anaerobic biodegradability of materials despite a lag phase at the initiation of digestion. Maintaining the physical integrity of compostable plastics after methanisation could present an operational risk related to their accumulation in the digester as well as the generation of (micro) plastics in the digestates. Thus, in industrial context, compostable plastics must be, in the same way as conventional plastics, withdrawn from fermentable organic matter, upstream of digestion, by mechanical pre-treatment of the incoming deposit.

Les plastiques compostables bénéficient d’une image favorable auprès du grand public, des politiques et des donneurs d’ordre, notamment pour collecter sélectivement les biodéchets. Afin d’évaluer leur comportement en méthanisation mésophile et leur contribution à la production de biométhane, la présente étude compare la biodégradabilité anaérobie de 10 plastiques compostables et de 4 sacs en papier utilisables pour la collecte sélective de biodéchets. Les résultats montrent que les plastiques compostables ont une biodégradabilité anaérobie relativement faible ou nulle (0 à 136 mL(CH4)/gMV) ou génèrent une inhibition du procédé biologique de méthanisation. Comparativement, les 4 sacs en papier testés ont présenté des potentiels méthanogènes de 214 à 313 mL(CH4)/gMV et des cinétiques standards de production. Par ailleurs, la co-digestion de certains plastiques compostables avec des biodéchets semble favoriser leur biodégradabilité anaérobie malgré une phase de latence à l’initiation de la digestion. Le maintien de l’intégrité physique des plastiques compostables constaté après méthanisation peut présenter un risque opérationnel relatif à leur accumulation dans le digesteur ainsi que la génération de (micro)plastiques dans les digestats. Ainsi, les plastiques compostables doivent être, au même titre que les plastiques conventionnels, soutirés de la matière organique fermentescible, en amont de la digestion, par prétraitement mécanique du gisement entrant.
Environmental Determinants of Aedes albopictus Abundance at a Northern Limit of Its Range in the United States
Authors: Kache Pallavi A. , Eastwood Gillian , Collins-Palmer Kaitlin , Katz Marly , Falco Richard C. , Bajwa Waheed I. , Armstrong Philip M. , Andreadis Theodore G. , Diuk-Wasser Maria A.
Published: December 2019

Aedes albopictus is a vector of arboviruses with high rates of morbidity and mortality. The northern limit of Ae. albopictus in the northeastern United States runs through New York state (NYS) and Connecticut. We present a landscape-level analysis of mosquito abundance measured by daily counts of Ae. albopictus from 338 trap sites in 12 counties during May–September 2017. During the study period, the mean number of Ae. albopictus caught per day of trapping across all sites was 3.21. We constructed four sets of negative binomial generalized linear models to evaluate how trapping methodology, land cover, as well as temperature and precipitation at multiple time intervals influenced Ae. albopictus abundance. Biogents-Sentinel (BGS) traps were 2.78 times as efficient as gravid traps and 1.49 times as efficient as CO2-baited CDC light traps. Greater proportions of low- and medium-intensity development and low proportions of deciduous cover around the trap site were positively associated with increased abundance, as were minimum winter temperature and March precipitation. The cumulative precipitation within a 28-day time window before the date of collection had a nonlinear relationship with abundance, such that greater cumulative precipitation was associated with increased abundance until approximately 70 mm, above which there was a decrease in abundance. We concluded that populations are established in Nassau, Suffolk, and New York City counties in NYS; north of these counties, the species is undergoing population invasion and establishment. We recommend that mosquito surveillance programs monitoring the northward invasion of Ae. albopictus place BGS traps at sites chosen with respect to land cover.
Mapping the Prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis Infection in Ecuador: A Serosurvey
Authors: Guevara Angel Gustavo , Anselmi Mariella , Bisoffi Zeno , Prandi Rosanna , Márquez Monica , Silva Ronaldo , Vicuña Yosselin , Calvopiña Manuel , Cevallos William , Pérez Jorge , Baldeón Lucy , Buonfrate Dora
Published: December 2019

Data on the prevalence of strongyloidiasis in Ecuador are patchy. The aim of this study was to document the presence of Strongyloides stercoralis infection in rural communities of different provinces of Ecuador. We tested 1,418 serum samples stored at the biobank of the Central University of Ecuador, Quito, with an ELISA test for Strongyloides. The samples had been collected in eight different provinces of Ecuador. Two hundred ninety-four samples (20.7%) were positive, and Jipijapa, Manabí Province, was the site with the largest proportion of positive samples (66.7%). Further surveys aimed at estimating the prevalence of the infection should be carried out in areas where the infection seems highly prevalent, and ad hoc control measures should be adopted.
Identities of Svanibor Pettan
Authors: Hemetek Ursula
Published: December 2019

Without doubt every individual has multiple identities. In our longstanding friendship I have witnessed some of Svanibor’s: ethnically Slovenian as well as Croatian, ethnomusicologist, engaged activist, ICTM official, white male, caring son, loving husband and loyal friend. And there would be many more to mention. Here I want to concentrate on some of his outstanding characteristics in his professional career. My thoughts are based on my personal perceptions.
Indigenous Voices Within the Majority-Minority Discourse in Sri Lanka
Authors: Kalinga Dona Lasanthi Manaranjanie
Published: December 2019

The presence of Sri Lanka's indigenous Vedda minority is subject to continuous shrinking due to imposed views of modernity, including political decisions, sociocultural circumstances, technological and other issues. Could the collaborative work on strengthening communal and individual self-perceptions and attitudes towards heritage and identity issues benefit the endangered community?
Observational study of inflammatory arthritis treatment by etanercept originator switched to an etanercept biosimilar
Authors: Felis-Giemza Anna , Chmurzyńska Kornelia , Nałęcz-Janik Jolanta , Romanowska-Próchnicka Katarzyna , Świerkocka Katarzyna , Wudarski Mariusz , Olesińska Marzena
Published: December 2019

Objectives

The aim of the study was to assess the safety and efficacy of switching an etanercept originator to an etanercept biosimilar in rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis patients.

Material and methods

In 162 patients etanercept originator treatment had been replaced with the biosimilar (Group 1), and in six patients the biosimilar was initiated as the first biological agent (Group 2). The efficacy and safety of the treatment were monitored at 3–6 months.

Results

In the majority of patients in Group 1 (n = 138) the etanercept biosimilar was well tolerated, whereas in 24 patients a switch back to the originator was required. The loss of efficacy was confirmed in nine patients using clinical scoring system, and nine patients reported subjective loss of efficacy; 13 patients reported adverse events, most often headache (n = 3) and skin lesions (n = 3). In four patients injection site reactions were present. The adverse events (AE) and/or the loss of the biosimilar efficacy were more commonly observed in women, patients with rheumatoid arthritis (especially in those who did not receive methotrexate), and in patients with a previous history of any other biological treatment. In patients in Group 2 the therapy was effective and no adverse events were observed.

Conclusions

The etanercept biosimilar seems to be effective and well-tolerated in the majority of patients. Nevertheless, in some cases, switching from the originator to the biosimilar was associated with AEs or loss of efficacy.
Systemic lupus erythematosus: genetic variants in Xq28 region
Authors: Doudar Noha , Abdelshafy Sanaa , Rady Shaimaa , Mokhtar Asmaa
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) and interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK1) are encoded by adjacent X-linked genes and recognized for their role in regulation of inflammation. The present case control study was conducted to detect the genetic association between MECP2 (rs1734791) and IRAK1 (rs1059703) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and the possible association of these SNPs and severity of SLE.

Material and methods

Fifty patients with SLE and 100 healthy controls were included in this study. Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) criteria were used to classify SLE patients and the activity of the disease was assessed by SLEDAI score. Disease severity was assessed by the SLICC damage index (SLICC DI). Genetic association of both SNPs with SLE was assessed by Taq Man allelic discrimination technique.

Results

Analyses of MECP2 (rs1734791) SNP genotypes revealed that homozygous TT genotype was significantly higher in the control group than SLE patients (p < 0.001, odds ratio [OR] = 0.120). Frequency of allele (A) was significantly higher in SLE patients, (p < 0.001, OR = 0.334). SLE patients had significantly higher frequency of the homozygous AA and heterozygous AG genotype of IRAK1 (rs1059703) SNP in comparison to healthy controls (p = 0.0029, OR = 4.17 and 6.30 respectively). T+G and T+A of rs1734791 and rs1059703 SNPs are protective haplotypes (OR = 0.47 and 0.3, p = 0.0046 and < 0.012 respectively). No significant association between either SNP and disease activity or severity was found.

Conclusions

There is a possible genetic association between both rs1734791 and rs1059703 SNPs and susceptibility to SLE, while no significant association between either SNP and disease activity or severity was detected.
Classification criteria for secondary Sjögren’s syndrome. Current state of knowledge
Authors: Sebastian Agata , Szachowicz Aleksandra , Wiland Piotr
Published: December 2019

Dryness of mucosa and eyes is the most recognizable symptom of Sjögren’s syndrome (SS). Secondary SS (sSS) is diagnosed when symptoms of SS coexist with other systemic connective tissue disease. The sSS is often identified based on the symptoms of dryness in the presence of other connective tissue disease, making the diagnosis of sSS very subjective. The goal of this work was to summarize previously used and current criteria for the diagnosis of sSS. Classification criteria for sSS, which are universally accepted standards, do not exist. The diagnosis of sSS still depends on the experience of the investigator. Histopathological examination of minor salivary glands appears to be crucial for characterization of patients with sSS due to a specific picture of the disease and repeatability of the test.
Dercum’s disease (adiposis dolorosa): a review of clinical presentation and management
Authors: J. Kucharz Eugeniusz , Kopeć-Mędrek Magdalena , Kramza Justyna , Chrzanowska Monika , Kotyla Przemysław
Published: December 2019

Dercum’s disease (adiposis dolorosa) is a rare disease of unknown etiology characterized by painful subcutaneous adipose tissue deposits with various localization over the body. The deposits occur histologically as lipomas and are associated with overweight or obesity and a variety of psychiatric disturbances (anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances). Classification of Dercum’s disease is related to size and location of adipose nodules (generalized diffuse, generalized nodular, localized nodular and juxta-articular forms). Diagnosis in based on clinical presentation and exclusion of a number of other disorders associated with lipomas. There is no generally accepted management of the patients. Liposuction or lidocaine application has been reported successful in some cases. Other therapeutic methods have been reported but their effectiveness is based on anecdotal descriptions only, and were not confirmed in clinical trials.
Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis syndrome persisting to adulthood – an example of a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge
Authors: Więsik-Szewczyk Ewa , Wolska-Kuśnierz Beata , Jahnz-Różyk Karina
Published: December 2019

Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome is the most common cause of periodic fever in childhood. Reports of adult patients are sparse. In adults the clinical picture is more heterogeneous than in children, so PFAPA can be a real diagnostic challenge. Data regarding treatment efficacy and disease outcome are available mainly for children, whereas for adult patients they are limited and conflicting. Our aim is to increase the awareness about PFAPA among clinical practitioners. We present a case of PFAPA beginning in childhood and without resolution of symptoms in maturity. In our case the diagnostic delay was 15 years. We treated the patient with a prophylactic dose of colchicine. Colchicine helped to control flares and significantly improved the patient’s quality of life. Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis in adults is a rare disease, but it should be included in the differential diagnosis of fever of unknown origin in adults.
Assessment of the quality of TROPOMI high-spatial-resolution NO2 data products
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyi , Griffin Debora , Fioletov Vitali , McLinden Chris , Cede Alexander , Tiefengraber Martin , Müller Moritz , Bognar Kristof , Strong Kimberly , Boersma Folkert , Eskes Henk , Davies Jonathan , Ogyu Akira , Lee Sum Chi
Published: December 2019

Abstract. The TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) on-board the Sentinel-5 Precursor satellite (launched on 13 October 2017) is a nadir-viewing spectrometer measuring reflected sunlight in the ultraviolet, visible, near-infrared, and shortwave infrared spectral ranges. The measured spectra are used to retrieve total columns of trace gases, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2). For ground validation of these satellite measurements, Pandora spectrometers, which retrieve high-quality NO2 total columns via direct-sun measurements, are widely used. In this study, Pandora NO2 measurements made at three sites located in or north of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) are used to evaluate the TROPOMI NO2 data products, including standard Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) tropospheric and stratospheric NO2 data product and a TROPOMI research data product developed by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) using a high-resolution regional air quality forecast model (used in the air mass factor calculation). It is found that these current TROPOMI tropospheric NO2 data products (standard and ECCC) met the TROPOMI design bias requirement. Using the statistical uncertainty estimation method, the estimated TROPOMI upper limit precision falls below the design requirement at a rural site, but above in the other two urban and suburban sites. The Pandora instruments are found to have sufficient precision to perform TROPOMI validation work. In addition to the traditional satellite validation method (i.e., pairing ground-based measurements with satellite measurements closest in time and space), we analyzed TROPOMI pixels located upwind and downwind from the Pandora site. This makes it possible to improve the statistics and better interpret the high-spatial-resolution measurements made by TROPOMI. By using this wind-based validation technique, the number of coincident measurements can be increased by about a factor of five. Using this larger number of coincident measurements, this work shows that both TROPOMI and Pandora instruments can reveal detailed spatial patterns (i.e., horizontal distributions) of local and transported NO2 emissions, which can be used to evaluate regional air quality changes. The TROPOMI ECCC NO2 research data product shows improved agreement with Pandora measurements compared to the TROPOMI standard tropospheric NO2 data product, demonstrating benefits from the high-resolution regional air quality forecast model.
Changes in high intensity precipitation on the Northern Apennines (Italy) as revealed by multidisciplinary data over the last 9000 years
Authors: Segadelli Stefano , Grazzini Federico , Aguzzi Margherita , Chelli Alessandro , Rossi Veronica , De Nardo Maria T. , Francese Roberto , Marvelli Silvia , Marchesini Marco , Nanni Sandro
Published: December 2019

Abstract. Several record-breaking precipitation events have stricken the mountainous area of Emilia-Romagna Region (northern Apennines, Italy) over the last years. As consequence, several geomorphological processes, like widespread debris flows along the slopes and hyperconcentrated flood in the stream channels, shallow landslides and overbank flooding affected the territory, causing serious damages to man-made structures. The intensity and wide spatial scale of these phenomena leads us to investigate their frequency in the past, beyond the instrumental time. A detailed study of these recent deposits compared with fossil peat bog and lake paleodeposits can provide useful insight to support a strong match between precipitation intensity and warm climatic phases in antecedent climatic periods, as expected by the increase air water vapour holding capacity at higher temperatures. Here we present the results of the field campaign performed in summer 2017 at Lake Moo a 0.15 km2 peat bog located at an altitude of 1130 m a.s.l. The chosen area has been affected, during the flooding of the upper Trebbia and Nure valleys 13–14 September 2015, by several high-density flows generated by the stream that flow into the plain. Our main assumption is that, in such a small drainage basin (area