bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Performance of Electronic Syndromic Surveillance Systems in Acute Care
Authors: Kashiouris M. , O’Horo J.C. , Pickering B.W. , Herasevich V.
Published: May 2013

Context: Healthcare Electronic Syndromic Surveillance (ESS) is the systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of ongoing clinical data with subsequent dissemination of results, which aid clinical decision-making.

Objective: To evaluate, classify and analyze the diagnostic performance, strengths and limitations of existing acute care ESS systems.

Data Sources: All available to us studies in Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, CINAHL and Scopus databases, from as early as January 1972 through the first week of September 2012.

Study Selection: Prospective and retrospective trials, examining the diagnostic performance of inpatient ESS and providing objective diagnostic data including sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values.

Data Extraction: Two independent reviewers extracted diagnostic performance data on ESS systems, including clinical area, number of decision points, sensitivity and specificity. Positive and negative likelihood ratios were calculated for each healthcare ESS system. A likelihood matrix summarizing the various ESS systems performance was created.

Results: The described search strategy yielded 1639 articles. Of these, 1497 were excluded on abstract information. After full text review, abstraction and arbitration with a third reviewer, 33 studies met inclusion criteria, reporting 102,611 ESS decision points. The yielded I2 was high (98.8%), precluding meta-analysis. Performance was variable, with sensitivities ranging from 21% –100% and specificities ranging from 5%-100%.

Conclusions: There is significant heterogeneity in the diagnostic performance of the available ESS implements in acute care, stemming from the wide spectrum of different clinical entities and ESS systems. Based on the results, we introduce a conceptual framework using a likelihood ratio matrix for evaluation and meaningful application of future, frontline clinical decision support systems.

Citation: Kashiouris M, O’Horo JC, Pickering BW, Herasevich V. Diagnostic performance of electronic syndromic surveillance systems in acute care – a systematic review. Appl Clin Inf 2013; 4: 212–224

http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2012-12-RA-0053
Quantitative Ultrasound Densitometry in University Level Cricket Fast Bowlers and Nonathletes
Authors: Sandhu Jaspal Singh , Shenoy Shweta , Parthasarathy Shadagopan
Published: May 2013

Background

Fast bowling in cricket is an important skill that imparts mechanical loads on limbs. The differential loading patterns involved in bowling affect the peripheral limb bone status.

Objective

To evaluate bone properties using quantitative ultrasound densitometry (QUS), among fast cricket bowlers in comparison with nonathletes. A secondary objective was designed to find correlation between QUS parameters and bonespecific physical activity questionnaire (BPAQ).

Methodology

A total of 80 subject, 40 fast cricket bowlers of both gender (20 male and 20 female) and 40 nonathletes (20 male and 20 female) were included in our study and all are aged between 20 and 25 years. Bone speed of sound (SOS) was measured bilaterally at the distal radius and the mid tibia using Sunlight OmnisenseTM device.

Results

There was a significant difference between dominant side and nondominant side radial SOS (p < 0.05) and tibial SOS (p < 0.05) in cricket bowlers favoring dominant radial bone SOS and nondominant tibial bone SOS which was not found in nonathletes. Significant difference in dominant radial bone SOS values (p < 0.05) and nondominant tibial bone SOS (p < 0.05) values existed between cricket bowlers and controls. Positive correlation was found between tibial SOS and past BPAQ in all subjects.

Conclusion

QUS parameters were significantly higher in young cricket bowlers with greater values observed in the dominant arm and leading foot, thus reflecting the osteogenic effect that occurs due to the nature of the game. Further BPAQ is significantly correlated with lower limb bone properties as measured by QUS at mid shaft tibia.

How to cite this article

Shenoy S, Parthasarathy S, Sandhu JS. Quantitative Ultrasound Densitometry in University Level Cricket Fast Bowlers and Nonathletes. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2013;47(2):83-89.
Drug Abuse in Sports: An Overview
Authors: Beotra Alka
Published: May 2013

The use of drugs to enhance performance in sports is termed as doping and is prevalent since ancient times. In India, the trigger to setup facility for the testing of banned substances was the first positive of an Indian weight lifter in 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games. The Indian laboratory got ISO/IEC 17025: 1999 accreditation in 2003 and WADA accreditation in 2008. It accomplished testing for the two major international games (1st Singapore Youth Olympics and 19th Commonwealth Games) in 2010 successfully. The evaluation of statistics of sample testing in India revealed the maximum number of positives in bodybuilding, athletics, kabbadi, weightlifting and powerlifting. The most prevalent group of drugs in the banned category was anabolic steroids followed by stimulants and diuretics. The implementation of highest standard of quality control is essential for the doping laboratories to ensure best laboratory practices along with the ongoing research to keep up with the advancements in detection of new substances. The sports persons also need to be more vigilant about the prevalent antidoping rules and regulations.

How to cite this article

Beotra A. Drug Abuse in Sports: An Overview. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2013;47(2):94-98.
Outcome of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery in Tuanku Fauziah Hospital, Kangar, Malaysia
Authors: Suppiah Logheswaren , Yeap Ewe Juan , Din Mohamad Yazid Bin
Published: May 2013

Introduction

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the primary stabilizer of the knee against anterior transposition. Injuries are commonly seen in the young and active and are associated with considerable reduction in quality of life, and its numbers are increasing.

Purpose

To evaluate the outcome of ACL reconstructions done in Tuanku Fauziah Hospital, Malaysia.

Materials and methods

It is a single center retrospective study. Thirteen patients who underwent ACL reconstructions were interviewed and scored based on Lysholm and Tegner activity scale. These patients completed are habilitation protocol regime which comprised of basic rehabilitation modalities. They were assessed by personally and by telephone. Average postoperative duration was 34 months.

Results

Mean Tegner scores were 6.1 and Lysholm scores were 85.8. Most patients were satisfied with their current level of activity. These results are almost at par with studies done in highly specialized centers despite having only basic rehabilitation facilities.

Conclusion

Good outcomes are obtainable in basic general hospitals and not only in subspecialized centers.

How to cite this article

Suppiah L, Yeap EJ, Bin Din MY. Outcome of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery in Tuanku Fauziah Hospital, Kangar, Malaysia. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2013;47(2):103-106.
Comparison between summertime and wintertime Arctic Ocean primary marine aerosol properties
Authors: Zábori J. , Krejci R. , Ström J. , Vaattovaara P. , Ekman A. M. L. , Salter M. E. , Mårtensson E. M. , Nilsson E. D.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Primary marine aerosols (PMAs) are an important source of cloud condensation nuclei, and one of the key elements of the remote marine radiative budget. Changes occurring in the rapidly warming Arctic, most importantly the decreasing sea ice extent, will alter PMA production and hence the Arctic climate through a set of feedback processes. In light of this, laboratory experiments with Arctic Ocean water during both Arctic winter and summer were conducted and focused on PMA emissions as a function of season and water properties. Total particle number concentrations and particle number size distributions were used to characterize the PMA population. A comprehensive data set from the Arctic summer and winter showed a decrease in PMA concentrations for the covered water temperature (Tw) range between −1°C and 15°C. A sharp decrease in PMA emissions for a Tw increase from −1°C to 4°C was followed by a lower rate of change in PMA emissions for Tw up to about 6°C. Near constant number concentrations for water temperatures between 6°C to 10°C and higher were recorded. Even though the total particle number concentration changes for overlapping Tw ranges were consistent between the summer and winter measurements, the distribution of particle number concentrations among the different sizes varied between the seasons. Median particle number concentrations for a dry diameter (Dp< 0.125μm measured during winter conditions were similar (deviation of up to 3%), or lower (up to 70%) than the ones measured during summer conditions (for the same water temperature range). For Dp > 0.125μm, the particle number concentrations during winter were mostly higher than in summer (up to 50%). The normalized particle number size distribution as a function of water temperature was examined for both winter and summer measurements. An increase in Tw from −1°C to 10°C during winter measurements showed a decrease in the peak of relative particle number concentration at about a Dp of 0.180μm, while an increase was observed for particles with Dp > 1μm. Summer measurements exhibited a relative shift to smaller particle sizes for an increase of Tw in the range 7–11°C. The differences in the shape of the number size distributions between winter and summer may be caused by different production of organic material in water, different local processes modifying the water masses within the fjord (for example sea ice production in winter and increased glacial meltwater inflow during summer) and different origin of the dominant sea water mass. Further research is needed regarding the contribution of these factors to the PMA production.
Atmospheric mercury concentration and chemical speciation at a rural site in Beijing, China: implication of mercury emission sources
Authors: Zhang L. , Wang S. X. , Wang L. , Hao J. M.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Continuous measurements of atmospheric mercury concentration and speciation play a key role in identifying mercury sources and its behavior in the atmosphere. In this study, speciated atmospheric mercury including gaseous elemental mercury (GEM), reactive gaseous mercury (RGM) and particle-bound mercury (PBM) were continuously measured at Miyun, a rural site in Beijing, China from December 2008 to November 2009. The average GEM, RGM and PBM concentrations were found to be 3.22 ± 1.74 ng m−3, 10.1 ± 18.8 pg m−3 and 98.2 ± 112.7 pg m−3, respectively, about 2–20 times of the background concentration of Northern Hemisphere. The results indicated that atmospheric mercury concentrations in North China were highly affected by anthropogenic emissions. The atmospheric mercury showed obvious seasonal variations with the highest seasonal average GEM concentration in summer (3.48 ng m−3) and the lowest value in winter (2.66 ng m−3). In autumn and winter a diurnal variation of GEM was observed with peak levels in late afternoon till midnight. Most of the high RGM concentration values occurred in the afternoon of all seasons due to the higher oxidation. The PBM concentration was higher in early morning of all seasons because of the atmospheric stratification during nighttime against laminar fluxes during daytime. The ratio of GEM to CO indicates that residential boilers play an important role in the elevation of GEM in winter. The ratio of RGM to O3 could be an indicator of the contribution of local primary sources. The ratio of PBM to PM2.5 reveals that the air mass from east and southwest to the site in spring and summer carries more atmospheric mercury. The HYSPLIT back-trajectory analysis indicated that the monitoring site is affected by local, regional and interregional sources simultaneously during heavy pollution episodes. The results from the potential source contribution function (PSCF) model indicate that the atmospheric transport predominantly from the northwest contribute to the elevated atmospheric mercury in winter and autumn, while the North China Plain (NCP) Region and the north part of Yangtze River Delta (YRD) Region are the major source areas for mercury pollution in spring and summer.
Aerosol optical depth assimilation for a size-resolved sectional model: impacts of observationally constrained, multi-wavelength and fine mode retrievals on regional scale forecasts
Authors: Saide P. E. , Carmichael G. R. , Liu Z. , Schwartz C. S. , Lin H. C. , da Silva A. M. , Hyer E.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. An aerosol optical depth (AOD) three-dimensional variational data assimilation technique is developed for the Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI) system when WRF-Chem forecasts are performed with a detailed sectional model (MOSAIC). Within GSI, forward AOD and adjoint sensitivities are performed using Mie computations from the WRF-Chem optical properties module providing consistency with the forecast. GSI tools such as recursive filters and weak constraints are used to provide correlation within aerosol size bins and upper and lower bounds for the optimization. The system is used to perform assimilation experiments with fine vertical structure and no data thinning or re-gridding on a 12 km horizontal grid over the region of California, USA. A first set of simulations is performed comparing the assimilation impacts of operational MODIS dark target retrievals to observationally constrained ones (i.e. calibrated with AERONET data), the latter ones showing higher error reductions and increased fraction of improved PM2.5 and AOD ground-based monitors. A second set of experiments reveals that the use of fine mode fraction AOD and ocean multi-wavelength retrievals can improve the representation of the aerosol size distribution, while assimilating only 550 nm AOD retrievals produces no or at times degraded impact. While assimilation of multi-wavelength AOD shows positive impacts on all analyses performed, future work is needed to generate observationally constrained multi-wavelength retrievals, which when assimilated will generate size distributions more consistent with AERONET data and will provide better aerosol estimates.
Optical thickness and effective radius of Arctic boundary-layer clouds retrieved from airborne nadir and imaging spectrometry
Authors: Bierwirth E. , Ehrlich A. , Wendisch M. , Gayet J.-F. , Gourbeyre C. , Dupuy R. , Herber A. , Neuber R. , Lampert A.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Arctic boundary-layer clouds in the vicinity of Svalbard (78° N, 15° E) were observed with airborne remote sensing and in situ methods. The cloud optical thickness and the droplet effective radius are retrieved from spectral radiance data from the nadir spot (1.5°, 350–2100 nm) and from a nadir-centred image (40°, 400–1000 nm). Two approaches are used for the nadir retrieval, combining the signal from either two or five wavelengths. Two wavelengths are found to be sufficient for an accurate retrieval of the cloud optical thickness, while the retrieval of droplet effective radius is more sensitive to the number of wavelengths. Even with the comparison to in-situ data, it is not possible to definitely answer the question which method is better. This is due to unavoidable time delays between the in-situ measurements and the remote-sensing observations, and to the scarcity of vertical in-situ profiles within the cloud.
Unravelling the environmental drivers of deep-sea nematode biodiversity and its relation with carbon mineralisation along a longitudinal primary productivity gradient
Authors: Pape E. , Bezerra T. N. , Jones D. O. B. , Vanreusel A.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Alongside a primary productivity gradient between the Galicia Bank region in the Northeast Atlantic and the more oligotrophic eastern Mediterranean Basin, we investigated the bathymetric (1200–3000 m) and longitudinal variation in several measures for nematode taxon (Shannon–Wiener genus diversity, expected genus richness and generic evenness) and functional diversity (trophic diversity, diversity of life history strategies, biomass diversity and phylogenetic diversity). Our goals were to establish the form of the relation between diversity and productivity (measured as seafloor particulate organic carbon or POC flux), and to verify the positive and negative effect of sediment particle size diversity (SED) and the seasonality in POC flux (SVI), respectively, on diversity, as observed for other oceanographic regions and taxa. In addition, we hypothesised that higher taxon diversity is associated with higher functional diversity, which in turn stimulates nematode carbon mineralisation rates (determined from biomass-dependent respiration estimates). Taxon diversity related positively to seafloor POC flux. Phylogenetic diversity (measured as average taxonomic distinctness) was affected negatively by the magnitude and variability in POC flux, and positively by SED. The latter also showed an inverse relation with trophic diversity. Accounting for differences in total biomass between samples, we observed a positive linear relation between taxon diversity and carbon mineralisation in nematode communities. We could, however, not identify the potential mechanism through which taxon diversity may promote this ecosystem function since none of the functional diversity indices related to both diversity and nematode respiration. The present results suggest potential effects of climate change on deep-sea ecosystem functioning, but further also emphasise the need for a better understanding of nematode functions and their response to evolutionary processes.
Organic matter composition and stabilization in a polygonal tundra soil of the Lena Delta
Authors: Höfle S. , Rethemeyer J. , Mueller C. W. , John S.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. This study investigated soil organic matter (OM) composition of differently stabilized soil OM fractions in the active layer of a polygonal tundra soil in the Lena Delta, Russia, by applying density and particle size fractionation combined with qualitative OM analysis using solid state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and lipid analysis combined with 14C analysis. Bulk soil OM was mainly composed of plant-derived, little-decomposed material with surprisingly high and strongly increasing apparent 14C ages with active layer depth suggesting slow microbial OM transformation in cold climate. Most soil organic carbon was stored in clay and fine-silt fractions (< 6.3 μm), which were composed of little-decomposed plant material, indicated by the dominance of long n-alkane and n-fatty acid compounds and low alkyl/O-alkyl C ratios. Organo-mineral associations, which are suggested to be a key mechanism of OM stabilization in temperate soils, seem to be less important in the active layer as the mainly plant-derived clay- and fine-silt-sized OM was surprisingly "young", with 14C contents similar to the bulk soil values. Furthermore, these fractions contained less organic carbon compared to density fractionated OM occluded in soil aggregates – a further important OM stabilization mechanism in temperate soils restricting accessibility of microorganisms. This process seems to be important at greater active layer depth where particulate OM, occluded in soil aggregates, was "older" than free particulate OM.
Ocean acidification state in western Antarctic surface waters: drivers and interannual variability
Authors: Mattsdotter Björk M. , Fransson A. , Chierici M.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Each December during four years from 2006 to 2010, the surface water carbonate system was measured and investigated in the Amundsen Sea and Ross Sea, western Antarctica as part of the Oden Southern Ocean expeditions (OSO). The I/B Oden started in Punta Arenas in Chile and sailed southwest, passing through different regimes such as, the marginal/seasonal ice zone, fronts, coastal shelves, and polynyas. Discrete surface water was sampled underway for analysis of total alkalinity (AT), total dissolved inorganic carbon (CT) and pH. Two of these parameters were used together with sea-surface temperature (SST), and salinity to obtain a full description of the surface water carbonate system, including pH in situ and calcium carbonate saturation state of aragonite (ΩAr) and calcite (ΩCa). Multivariate analysis was used to investigate interannual variability and the major controls (sea-ice concentration, SST, salinity and chlorophyll a) on the variability in the carbonate system and Ω. This analysis showed that SST and chlorophyll a were the major drivers of the Ω variability in both the Amundsen and Ross seas. In 2007, the sea-ice edge was located further south and the area of the open polynya was relatively small compared to 2010. We found the lowest pH in situ (7.932) and Ω = 1 values in the sea-ice zone and in the coastal Amundsen Sea, nearby marine out flowing glaciers. In 2010, the sea-ice coverage was the largest and the areas of the open polynyas were the largest for the whole period. This year we found the lowest salinity and AT, coinciding with highest chl a. This implies that the highest ΩAr in 2010 was likely an effect of biological CO2 drawdown, which out-competed the dilution of carbonate ion concentration due to large melt water volumes. We predict and discuss future Ω values, using our data and reported rates of oceanic uptake of anthropogenic CO2, suggesting that the Amundsen Sea will become undersaturated with regard to aragonite about 20 yr sooner than predicted by models.
Droughts in the Czech Lands, 1090–2012 AD
Authors: Brázdil R. , Dobrovolný P. , Trnka M. , Kotyza O. , Řezníčková L. , Valášek H. , Zahradníček P. , Štěpánek P.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. This paper addresses droughts in the Czech Lands in the 1090–2012 AD period, basing its findings on documentary evidence and instrumental records. Various documentary sources were employed for the selection of drought events, which were then interpreted at a monthly level. While the data on droughts before 1500 AD are scarce, the analysis concentrated mainly on droughts after this time. A dry year in 1501–1804 period (i.e. pre-instrumental times) was defined as a calendar year in the course of which dry patterns occurred on at least two consecutive months. Using this definition, 129 dry years were identified (an average of one drought per 2.4 yr). From the 16th to the 18th centuries these figures become 41, 36 and 49 yr, respectively, with the prevailing occurrence of dry months from April to September (73.7%). Drought indices – SPEI-1, Z-index and PDSI – calculated for the Czech Lands for April–September describe drought patterns between 1805 and 2012 (the instrumental period). N year recurrence intervals were calculated for each of the three indices. Using N ≥ 5 yr, SPEI-1 indicates 40 drought years, Z-index 39 yr and PDSI 47 yr. SPEI-1 and Z-index recorded 100 yr drought in 1834, 1842, 1868, 1947 and 2003 (50 yr drought in 1992). PDSI as an indicator of long-term drought disclosed two important drought periods: 1863–1874 and 2004–2012. The first period was related to a lack of precipitation, the other may be attributed to recent temperature increases without significant changes in precipitation. Droughts from the pre-instrumental and instrumental period were used to compile a long-term chronology for the Czech Lands. The number of years with drought has fluctuated between 26 in 1951–2000 and 16 in 1651–1700. Only nine drought years were recorded between 1641 and 1680, while between 1981 and 2012 the figure was 22 yr. A number of past severe droughts are described in detail: in 1540, 1590, 1616, 1718 and 1719. A discussion of the results centres around the uncertainty problem, the spatial variability of droughts, comparison with tree-ring reconstructions from southern Moravia, and the broader Central European context.
The impact of nitrogen and phosphorous limitation on the estimated terrestrial carbon balance and warming of land use change over the last 156 yr
Authors: Zhang Q. , Pitman A. J. , Wang Y. P. , Dai Y. , Lawrence P. J.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. We examine the impact of land use and land cover change (LULCC) over the period from 1850 to 2005 using an Earth System Model that incorporates nitrogen and phosphorous limitation on the terrestrial carbon cycle. We compare the estimated CO2 emissions and warming from land use change in a carbon only version of the model with those from simulations including nitrogen and phosphorous limitation. If we omit nutrients, our results suggest LULCC cools on the global average by about 0.1 °C. Including nutrients reduces this cooling to ~ 0.05 °C. Our results also suggest LULCC has a major impact on total land carbon over the period 1850–2005. In carbon only simulations, the inclusion of LULCC decreases the total additional land carbon stored in 2005 from around 210 Pg C to 85 Pg C. Including nitrogen and phosphorous limitation also decreases the scale of the terrestrial carbon sink to 80 Pg C. In particular, adding LULCC on top of the nutrient limited simulations changes the sign of the terrestrial carbon flux from a sink to a source (12 Pg C). The CO2 emission from LULCC from 1850 to 2005 is estimated to be 130 Pg C for carbon only simulation, or 97 Pg C if nutrient limitation is accounted for in our model. The difference between these two estimates of CO2 emissions from LULCC largely results from the weaker response of photosynthesis to increased CO2 and smaller carbon pool sizes, and therefore lower carbon loss from plant and wood product carbon pools under nutrient limitation. We suggest that nutrient limitation should be accounted in simulating the effects of LULCC on the past climate and on the past and future carbon budget.
Tsunami hazard in La Réunion island from numerical modeling of historical events
Authors: Quentel E. , Loevenbruck A. , Hébert H. , Allgeyer S.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Whereas major tsunamis have recently affected the southwest Indian Ocean, tsunami hazard in this basin has never been thoroughly examined. Our study contributes to fill in this lack and focuses on La Réunion island for which tsunami hazard related to great earthquakes is evaluated by modeling the scenarios of major historical events. Then, our numerical modeling allow us to compare the tsunami impact at regional scale according to the seismic sources; we thus identify earthquakes locations which most affect the island and describe the impact distribution along its coastline. Thirdly, detailed models are performed for selected sites based on high resolution bathymetric and topographic data; they provide estimations of the water currents, wave heights and potential inundations. When available, field measurements and tide records allow testing our models. Arrival time, amplitude of the first wave and impact on the tide gauge time series are well reproduced. Models are consistent with the observations. The west coast of La Réunion is the most affected (to 2.7 m in the harbour of Le Port Est for 2004 event) by transoceanic tsunamis. Numerical modeling has been performed at Saint-Paul for the 2004 Sumatra-Andaman event and 1833 Sumatra event; the low topography of this town could make it vulnerable to tsunami waves. Harbours, particularly prone to undergo significant damages, are also examined. Outside the harbours as well as at Saint-Paul, inundations are predicted along the coastline due to important local wave heights (> 2.5 m).
On the role of electromagnetic phenomena in some atmospheric processes
Authors: Artekha S. N. , Belyan A. V.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. A crucial part of electromagnetic phenomena in many atmospheric processes is verified by systematized data. The multilayered charged system of clouds represents some dynamically equilibrium structure kept by the ionic and polarization forces. The estimates of acting forces are presented and the necessity of taking into account the plasma-like subsystems' effect on some atmospheric phenomena is demonstrated, including the formation and the maintenance of the structure and characteristics of their movement.
FRBRização de um Catálogo
Authors: Passini Moreno Fernanda , De Oliveira Lima João Alberto
Published: May 2013

O modelo FRBR (Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records) (IFLA, 1998) vem mudando a forma como lidamos com o catálogo bibliográfico. Uma das principais contribuições desse modelo é a representação da informação dos registros bibliográficos por meio de relacionamentos existentes entre entidades conceituais, Obra e suas Expressões, e físicas, Manifestação e seus Itens. Neste estudo de caso, relatamos a experiência da conversão de 83.257 registros do catálogo da Rede Virtual de Bibliotecas – Congresso Nacional (RVBI), codificados no formato MARC (MAchine Readable Cataloging), para um formato que organiza as informações bibliográficas utilizando os conceitos do modelo FRBR. Como resultado, apresenta-se a informação bibliográfica de forma mais concisa e, consequentemente, gera-se economia de tempo para o usuário no momento da consulta. Além disso, obtivemos resultados que não eram inicialmente esperados, como, por exemplo, a identificação de inconsistências nos registros MARC.  A ferramenta “FRBR Display Tool”, desenvolvida pela Biblioteca do Congresso Americano, foi fundamental na realização do experimento aqui relatado.
RUBBER RECYCLING: CHEMISTRY, PROCESSING, AND APPLICATIONS
Authors: Myhre Marvin , Saiwari Sitisaiyidah , Dierkes Wilma , Noordermeer Jacques
Published: May 2013

For both environmental and economic reasons, there is broad interest in recycling rubber and in the continued development of recycling technologies. The use of postindustrial materials is a fairly well-established and documented business. Much effort over the past decade has been put into dealing with of end-of-life tires from landfills and vacant fields. It is only in the last few years that more business opportunities for recycled rubber have come to the forefront. Reclaiming rubber has gained increasing interest, more so in Europe than in North America. In those areas, much work has been done to refine the processes used. The major form of recycled rubber is still ground rubber. This is produced either by cryogenic, ambient, or wet grinding. The material is then used neat with sulfur/curatives, binders, or cements. The binders are normally moisture curable urethanes, liquid polybutadienes, or latex to produce items such as mats, floor tiles, and carpet undercushion. Recycled rubber is still used as tire derived fuel, but less so than 10 years ago. Another outlet is as an additive to asphalt. Recycled rubber can be used in the plastics industry, for which much development is being done. Large particle size ground rubber or chips are used in civil engineering applications, landscaping, or artificial turf. In terms of applications, most use is outside of the conventional rubber industry. Cost factors are still addressed in the tire industry. As of 2012, approximately 8–10% recycled material is used in tires. The biggest obstacles to further adaption are safety factors and property loss. Better methods are needed for treating or modifying the rubber surface and for regenerating the rubber through devulcanization. Devulcanization gives the highest quality recycled material in terms of processing and properties. However, shortcomings to devulcanization are reduced process safety and odorous chemicals that are required at present.
TREATISE ON EPDM
Authors: Ravishankar P. S.
Published: May 2013

EPDM is the designation given for a saturated polymer chain of the polymethylene type, consisting of ethylene, propylene, and diene. It has been and continues to be one of the most widely used and rapidly growing synthetic rubbers. Technology development has been driven by novel catalysts and processes that have expanded the range of products while delivering improvements in manufacturing such as energy efficiency and environmental footprint. A broad overview of the EPDM process and product technology is presented with focus on more recent developments. The range of topics includes polymer chemistry and physics, characterization, applications, and the manufacturing process. Technology platforms based on both the Ziegler–Natta catalysts and metallocene catalysts are compared and contrasted.
OPTIMIZATION OF THE VULCANIZATION PROCESS OF A THICK RUBBER ARTICLE USING AN ADVANCED COMPUTER SIMULATION TECHNIQUE
Authors: Ghoreishy M. H. R. , Rafei M. , Naderi G.
Published: May 2013

A previously developed computer simulation technique was extended for the optimization of the molding time of a thick rubber article in which a commercial finite element code was employed in conjunction with an in-house developed subroutine. The kinetics of the rubber-curing reaction and the physical and thermal properties of the materials were determined using appropriate methods. The accuracy of the method was examined by comparison of the measured temperature profile with calculated data. Two cure simulations were carried out. First, the molding time was set to the actual time used in the manufacturing specification. Having checked the distribution of the state of the cure at the center of the rubber, the molding time was reduced to save time, reduce energy, and avoid the risk of overcure at the rubber surfaces. Based on the proposed molding time, a second simulation was performed. A comparison between the hardness of the rubber article made by the reduced molding time and the measured hardness on the article manufactured by the previous molding time showed that there was 5 shore A increase in the hardness, which confirmed the applicability of procedures used in this work.
CURE SIMULATION OF LARGE RUBBER COMPONENTS: A COMPARISON OF COMPRESSION AND EXTRUSION MOLDING
Authors: Fernando Marina , Fei Wong Hon , Hull Colin
Published: May 2013

Curing rubber is a complex process that involves the insertion of cross-links to convert the rubber into a useful functional material. The estimation of the cure time needed for product manufacture of small or thin walled products is often arrived at by means of a rheometer trace. Although this has been recognized as adequate for thin walled products, the production of large rubber articles requires a more rigorous analysis of cure kinetics for an essentially non-isothermal process. Often finite element analysis is used to generate non-isothermal temperature histories in a thick component, and then an appropriate cure kinetic equation is solved to predict the state of cure. In addition to generating the capability for cure time prediction, there is a need in the industry to minimize cycle time, improving productivity and therefore costs involved in product manufacture. For large products, the viability of the use of extrusion molding, where the rubber is extruded into a heated mold at the same temperature as the mold, has been demonstrated in previous reported work in this laboratory. The present work explores, via simulation, the feasibility of using extrusion molding as a manufacturing method for large components. The cure simulation module of Autodesk Moldflow has been used to compare the state of cure of a laminated bearing manufactured by conventional compression molding and extrusion molding. Previous experimental data on the temperature histories of a large laminated bearing manufactured using compression molding are compared with simulation data. Simulation data are then presented on manufacturing the bearing using extrusion molding. The aim is to demonstrate the usefulness of extrusion molding for very large components and to illustrate the advantages of using simulation codes to assist in shortening the cycle time in product manufacture.
RECLAIMING OF GROUND RUBBER TIRE BY SAFE MULTIFUNCTIONAL RUBBER ADDITIVES: I. TETRA BENZYL THIURAM DISULFIDE
Authors: Mandal Swapan Kumar , Alam Najib , Debnath Subhas Chandra
Published: May 2013

The present paper describes the mechanical reclaiming of ground rubber tire (GRT) by safe tetra benzyl thiuram disulfide (TBzTD), a multifunctional rubber additive. The versatility of the proposed agent is that it acts as a reclaiming agent during reclaiming and as a curing agent during revulcanization of the reclaimed materials. In this regard, we want to introduce a safe reclaiming agent in reclamation of GRT for improving its physical and mechanical performance. Reclaiming GRT has been carried out in an open roll mixing mill at various time intervals and different concentrations of the reclaiming agent (TBzTD) in the presence of spindle oil. The degree of reclaiming has been evaluated by the measurement of sol content, gel content, Mooney viscosity, inherent viscosity of sol rubber, and degree of cross-link of the reclaimed materials as a function of milling time. Also, the influence of gel content on cross-link density at various time intervals on the open two roll mixing mill has been determined. A unique correlation between gel fraction and cross-link density obtained at various time intervals and concentrations of reclaiming agent indicate that an optimization of the concentration of safe TBzTD and milling time has a positive influence on improving the efficiency of reclamation. The reclaiming conditions have been optimized in view of the mechanical properties of the revulcanized GRT and the aging resistance properties of the revulcanized reclaim. The influences of the concentration on the mechanical properties in the revulcanized reclaim have also been studied. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies further indicate the coherency and homogeneity in the revulcanized reclaimed rubber when reclamation is carried out by optimum concentration of safe TBzTD after maximum time of reclaiming.
WHAT LARGE AMPLITUDE OSCILLATING SHEAR CHARACTERIZATION AND MODELING REVEAL ABOUT CARBON-BLACK/RUBBER INTERACTIONS
Authors: Leblanc Jean L.
Published: May 2013

The concept of topological constraints refers to the strong interactions that spontaneously develop when a rigid material with an appropriate surface geometry (or topology) comes into contact with a soft polymer-type material that has the capability to conform its components (i.e., chain segments) to that surface. Applied to carbon black (CB)–filled rubber compounds, this concept means that a number of measurable bulk properties, such as viscosity and/or modulus, readily reflect an adsorption–desorption balance of chain segments on appropriate sites on CB aggregates. With respect to either strain magnitude or temperature or both, that balance may be affected in a reversible manner, and relatively simple mathematical models can be developed to treat measured rheological quantities that are directly related to CB–rubber interactions. Because of their experimental simplicity, strain sweep (SS) test protocols with suitable dynamic rheometers are particularly attractive, in this respect, as demonstrated through experiments on a series of CB-filled compounds and the adequate mathematical modeling of results gathered when playing with the strain amplitude and the temperature, at constant frequency.
PREDICTION OF THE CHLOROBUTYL RUBBER/NATURAL RUBBER BLEND PROPERTIES USING A GENETIC ALGORITHM AND ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK
Authors: Li Lin , Choi Yu-Jin , Boonkerd Kanoktip , Zhang Jin , Gao Li Jun , Zhang Zhen Xiu , Kim Jin Kuk
Published: May 2013

In this study, an orthogonal experimental design (OED) was used to predict and explain the effect of the rubber ratio and the carbon black (CB) and processing oil concentration on the mechanical and gas barrier properties of chlorobutyl rubber (CIIR)/natural rubber (NR) blends. The OED method was adopted for its advantage that it can select representative test points from comprehensive tests and so minimize the number of experiments required to be performed. The hybrid genetic algorithm-artificial neural network technique was applied to obtain an optimal formulation of CIIR/NR, CB, and oil compound with suitable mechanical properties and a good gas barrier property. The optimal composition found exhibited improved mechanical and gas barrier properties, which were found to depend mainly on the rubber ratio and the CB and oil concentrations. With respect to industrial applications, the optimum rubber ratio of CIIR/NR was found to be 87.5 phr/12.5 phr, and the optimum concentrations of CB and oil were 66.25 phr and 10.25 phr, respectively.
COMPUTATIONAL INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF SPHERICAL FILLER MORPHOLOGY AND LOADING ON DIFFUSION TORTUOSITY AND RUBBER PERMEABILITY
Authors: Gruber T. C. , Crossley S. D. , Smith A. P.
Published: May 2013

Inflation pressure loss in tires degrades performance, raises rolling resistance, and reduces fuel economy. The incorporation of solid fillers, such as carbon black, at relatively high loadings in tire innerliners helps minimize these pressure losses by reducing innerliner permeability due to increases in average gas molecule diffusion path lengths (tortuosity), as well as reductions in diffusion pathway density (capacity). The effects of filler morphology and loading on diffusion path tortuosity can be explored by modeling biased random-walk diffusion through impermeable sphere-filled matrices. Modeled diffusion rate was found to decrease with increased filler loading, reduced filler sphere sizes, increased random-walk step sizes, and the aggregation of filler spheres. Initial correlations with limited empirical permeability measurements are used to validate the model approach.
EFFECTS OF AZODICARBONAMIDE AND VULCANIZATION METHODS ON ACRYLONITRILE–BUTADIENE RUBBER/POLYVINYL CHLORIDE FOAM PROPERTIES
Authors: Suriyachai Pachareeya , Thavarungkul Nandh , Sae-oui Pongdhorn
Published: May 2013

Effects of azodicarbonamide (ADC) and vulcanization method, that is, hot air (HA) and infrared (IR), on acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber/polyvinyl chloride (NBR/PVC) foam properties were investigated. Results reveal that ADC content had no significant influence on the onset of vulcanization. The cure pattern of the compounds was dependent on ADC content. Foam density was reduced, whereas water absorption and compression set were increased with increasing ADC content. Regardless of the vulcanization method, the blowing agent utilization efficiency was increased slightly, whereas the thermal conductivity was decreased with increasing ADC content up to 50 phr and then leveled off. At any given ADC content, the vulcanization method had no significant effects on both foam density and porosity. Compared with HA vulcanization method, IR vulcanization method gave slightly lower thermal conductivity but greater values of water absorption and compression set. Foam structure was used to explain the results.
Hemodialysis in Patients Requiring 131I Treatment for Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Fofi Claudia , Festuccia Francescaromana , Barberi Simona , Apponi Francesca , Chiacchiararelli Laura , Scopinaro Francesco , Punzo Giorgio , Menè Paolo
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Thyroid malignancies can be treated by surgery followed by ablation of the remnant tissue with 131I. As iodide removal from the body occurs by renal extraction, in patients suffering from end-stage renal disease it is necessary to properly evaluate both timing and method of the extracorporeal treatment.

Methods

We present two patients on regular hemodialysis, admitted in isolation to the Nuclear Medicine Department and treated with 131I for thyroid carcinoma diagnosed during the check-up for transplantation. Both patients underwent two hemodialysis sessions with a portable machine for CRRT (continuous renal replacement therapy), 24 and 48 hours after the administration of 50 mCi of 131I. The nursing staff were monitored with a dosimeter. Radioactivity of the patients, dialysate and urines were measured during hemodialysis.

Results

The greater reduction was obtained with the first dialysis, but in both patients a further, though shorter, hemodialysis at 48 hours was necessary for reaching a patient's radioactivity compatible with discharge. Radioactivity measured in the dialysate demonstrated the almost total removal of radioiodine by dialysis alone. In both patients, follow-up exams revealed a complete ablation of thyroid tissue, without signs of local recurrence. The dose of radioactivity of the dialysis staff was below allowable limits.

Conclusions

We conclude that a successful reduction of radioactivity, without dispersing its therapeutic efficacy, can be obtained with daily hemodialysis with a CRRT machine in patients in isolation treated with 131I. A therapeutic model is proposed.
Importance of Linguistic Details in Alarm Messages of Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Schima Heinrich , Schlöglhofer Thomas , Hartner Zeno , Horvat Johann , Zimpfer Daniel
Published: May 2013

Purpose

In the daily use of ventricular assist devices (VAD), and especially in emergency situations, an easy, self-explanatory handling of the peripheral components is essential to solving life-threatening situations, for non-experienced bystanders as well as professional staff members. It has been proven that displaying messages can significantly improve proper reactions. However, in the case we report, an accidental pump cable disconnection could not be solved without the assistance of the VAD coordinator.

Case Report

A long-term HeartWare® HVAD patient inadvertently disconnected himself from the pump, most probably due to a metabolically caused mental disorder, for which he had been readmitted to the hospital. Unluckily, the pump cable slipped beneath the bed sheet and the ward staff was not able to solve the problem. The staff who were involved claimed that the messages on the controller did not help them to resolve the difficulty. A comparison between the German and English texts revealed some ambivalence in the German wordings.

Results

Laypersons were asked to respond to this situation in a simulated scenario, starting with the original alarm messages “VAD stopped”-“VAD gestoppt” and “Connect Driveline”-“Verb-Kabel anschl.” If they were unable to solve the problem within 3 minutes, another translation was offered orally: “Pumpe steht” and “Pumpenkabel anschließen”. None of the 5 test persons were able to respond correctly to the emergency situation with the original translation, but when provided with a modified translation, everybody solved the problem within 30 seconds.

Conclusions

Even small linguistic differences can lead to critical differences in the usability and, thus, the safety of VAD peripherals. Detailed discussions with professional translators and/or practical tests of failure scenarios may optimize usability.