bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying Irrigated Areas in the Snake River Plain, Idaho: Evaluating Performance across Composting Algorithms, Spectral Indices, and Sensors
Authors: Chance Eric , Cobourn Kelly , Thomas Valerie , Dawson Blaine , Flores Alejandro
Published: June 2017

There are pressing concerns about the interplay between agricultural productivity, water demand, and water availability in semi-arid to arid regions of the world. Currently, irrigated agriculture is the dominant water user in these regions and is estimated to consume approximately 80% of the world’s diverted freshwater resources. We develop an improved irrigated land-use mapping algorithm that uses the seasonal maximum value of a spectral index to distinguish between irrigated and non-irrigated parcels in Idaho’s Snake River Plain. We compare this approach to two alternative algorithms that differentiate between irrigated and non-irrigated parcels using spectral index values at a single date or the area beneath spectral index trajectories for the duration of the agricultural growing season. Using six different pixel and county-scale error metrics, we evaluate the performance of these three algorithms across all possible combinations of two growing seasons (2002 and 2007), two datasets (MODIS and Landsat 5), and three spectral indices, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, Enhanced Vegetation Index and Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDVI, EVI, and NDMI). We demonstrate that, on average, the seasonal-maximum algorithm yields an improvement in classification accuracy over the accepted single-date approach, and that the average improvement under this approach is a 60% reduction in county scale root mean square error (RMSE), and modest improvements of overall accuracy in the pixel scale validation. The greater accuracy of the seasonal-maximum algorithm is primarily due to its ability to correctly classify non-irrigated lands in riparian and developed areas of the study region.
Optimized Kernel Minimum Noise Fraction Transformation for Hyperspectral Image Classification
Authors: Gao Lianru , Zhao Bin , Jia Xiuping , Liao Wenzhi , Zhang Bing
Published: June 2017

This paper presents an optimized kernel minimum noise fraction transformation (OKMNF) for feature extraction of hyperspectral imagery. The proposed approach is based on the kernel minimum noise fraction (KMNF) transformation, which is a nonlinear dimensionality reduction method. KMNF can map the original data into a higher dimensional feature space and provide a small number of quality features for classification and some other post processing. Noise estimation is an important component in KMNF. It is often estimated based on a strong relationship between adjacent pixels. However, hyperspectral images have limited spatial resolution and usually have a large number of mixed pixels, which make the spatial information less reliable for noise estimation. It is the main reason that KMNF generally shows unstable performance in feature extraction for classification. To overcome this problem, this paper exploits the use of a more accurate noise estimation method to improve KMNF. We propose two new noise estimation methods accurately. Moreover, we also propose a framework to improve noise estimation, where both spectral and spatial de-correlation are exploited. Experimental results, conducted using a variety of hyperspectral images, indicate that the proposed OKMNF is superior to some other related dimensionality reduction methods in most cases. Compared to the conventional KMNF, the proposed OKMNF benefits significant improvements in overall classification accuracy.
Nanoporous Gold Films Prepared by a Combination of Sputtering and Dealloying for Trace Detection of Benzo[a]pyrene Based on Surface Plasmon Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Li , Wan Xiu-Mei , Gao Ran , Lu Dan-Feng , Qi Zhi-Mei
Published: June 2017

A wavelength-interrogated surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor based on a nanoporous gold (NPG) film has been fabricated for the sensitive detection of trace quantities of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) in water. The large-area uniform NPG film was prepared by a two-step process that includes sputtering deposition of a 60-nm-thick AuAg alloy film on a glass substrate and chemical dealloying of the alloy film in nitric acid. For SPR sensor applications, the NPG film plays the dual roles of analyte enrichment and supporting surface plasmon waves, which leads to sensitivity enhancement. In this work, the as-prepared NPG film was first modified with 1-dodecanethiol molecules to make the film hydrophobic so as to improve BaP enrichment from water via hydrophobic interactions. The SPR sensor with the hydrophobic NPG film enables one to detect BaP at concentrations as low as 1 nmol·L−1. In response to this concentration of BaP the sensor produced a resonance-wavelength shift of ΔλR = 2.22 nm. After the NPG film was functionalized with mouse monoclonal IgG1 that is the antibody against BaP, the sensor’s sensitivity was further improved and the BaP detection limit decreased further down to 5 pmol·L−1 (the corresponding ΔλR = 1.77 nm). In contrast, the conventional SPR sensor with an antibody-functionalized dense gold film can give a response of merely ΔλR = 0.9 nm for 100 pmol·L−1 BaP.
Farmer Cooperation as a Means for Creating Local Food Systems—Potentials and Challenges
Authors: Lutz Juliana , Smetschka Barbara , Grima Nelson
Published: June 2017

Facing the continuous loss of family-run farms across Europe, farmers are seeking new pathways to sustainability. One such pathway is involvement in local food supply systems. Often, this requires new forms of cooperation among farmers and with consumers. Little is known, however, about how this cooperation works in practice and how it might be better fostered. This paper aims to illustrate various forms of cooperation in relation to small-scale farming and the establishment of local food supply. It sheds light on challenges farmers are facing and on the potential measures they can adopt to tackle these challenges. By means of an Austrian case study, researchers applied a participatory method (Social Multi-Criteria Evaluation) and conducted workshops with farmers. Research shows that local production, processing and distribution infrastructure becomes more affordable when farmers collaborate with each other and with consumers and institutions. Furthermore, sharing and collectively developing know-how helps to optimise local farming and food supply systems. However, farmers often lack the knowledge and time to establish new collaborations and to re-organise labour, logistics and communication processes. They would benefit from the availability of cooperative schemes that help facilitate such processes and innovations.
A Systems Model to Make, Market, and Lead Your Way towards Sustained Growth
Authors: Agrawalla Raman
Published: June 2017

Business enterprises exist in a world that is fiercely competitive, tied with huge global uncertainties. They always encounter increasing pressure on prices and margins. Hence, irrespective of their domain of operations and industry, businesses are naturally concerned about their growth, specifically sustained profitable growth, in today’s world. Marketing is a key business function to market and lead a business towards sustained profitable growth but the problem is it lacks a systems perspective in its operations, strategy, and practice. Further, given the confluence and systemic interactions of various economic, digital, and competitive forces; the challenge for different business functions—including marketing—increases tremendously. In this context, it is important for business enterprises to have a systems perspective to find their ways to growth that will be sustained. This calls for a holistic approach to assimilate and steer the business functions in any enterprise. The present conceptual paper focuses on an important business function for sustained growth in a holistic way and presents a systems model, called ‘Value Based Business Approach (VBBA)-marketing’, which has potential to guide and steer companies and business enterprises to create a path for their sustained profitable growth.
Effect of Organic Matter on Cr(VI) Removal from Groundwaters by Fe(II) Reductive Precipitation for Groundwater Treatment
Authors: Gröhlich Anna , Langer Margarethe , Mitrakas Manassis , Zouboulis Anastasios , Katsoyiannis Ioannis , Ernst Mathias
Published: June 2017

Due to its toxicity, Cr(VI) is undesirable in groundwater. Its chemical reduction to Cr(III) species, followed by precipitation is the most widely practiced treatment technique for the removal of Cr(VI) from polluted waters. The resulting Cr(III) species present low solubility, is much less toxic, and can be subsequently removed either by precipitation, or by adsorption onto iron oxy-hydroxides and co-precipitation. The effects of several parameters, such as the pH value of water to be treated, the applied Fe(II) dose, and the presence of appropriate mineral surfaces, are well investigated and understood. However, the impact of the presence of humic acids (HAs) in this process has only been considered by rather few studies. The main aim of this study was to determine the effect of humic substances on Fe(II) reductive precipitation of Cr(VI) within a pH range relevant for drinking water treatment. Jar test experiments were performed, using artificial groundwater of defined composition and initial Cr(VI) concentration 100 μg/L, ferrous sulphate dosages 0.25–2 mg Fe(II)/L, and pH values 6.5–8. It was found that Cr(VI) and total chromium (Cr(total)) can be reliably removed in the absence of HAs in the tested pH range with the addition of Fe(II) dosage of 1 mg Fe(II)/L. Further on, the results indicated that the reduction of Cr(VI) is only slightly affected by the presence of HAs. However, increased residual total Cr concentrations were found at lower Fe(II) dosages and/or higher pH values. Additionally, the removal of the Cr(III) species formed during Cr(VI) reduction was strongly inhibited by the presence of HAs under the examined experimental conditions, since residual concentrations higher than 60 μg/L were determined. The results of this study will have implications to the ongoing discussion of a new, stricter, European Union regulation limit, regarding the presence of total chromium in drinking water.
Water Use and Yield of Soybean under Various Irrigation Regimes and Severe Water Stress. Application of AquaCrop and SIMDualKc Models
Authors: Giménez Luis , Paredes Paula , Pereira Luis S.
Published: June 2017

Data relative to two soybean seasons, several irrigation scheduling treatments, including moderate and severe deficit irrigation, and rain-fed cropping were used to parameterize and assess the performance of models AquaCrop and SIMDualKc, the latter combined with the Stewart’s yield model. SIMDualKc applies the FAO56 dual crop coefficient approach for computing and partitioning evapotranspiration (ET) into actual crop transpiration (Tc act) and soil evaporation (Es), while AquaCrop uses an approach that depends on the canopy cover curve. The calibration-validations of models were performed by comparing observed and predicted soil water content (SWC) and grain yield. SIMDualKc showed good accuracy for SWC estimations, with normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) ≤ 7.6%. AquaCrop was less accurate, with NRMSE ≤ 9.2%. Differences between models regarding the water balance terms were notable, and the ET partition revealed a trend for under-estimation of Tc act by AquaCrop, mainly under severe water stress. Yield predictions with SIMDualKc-Stewart models produced NRMSE < 15% while predictions with AquaCrop resulted in NRMSE ≤ 23% due to under-estimation of Tc act, particularly for water stressed treatments. Results show the appropriateness of SIMDualKc to support irrigation scheduling and assessing impacts on yield when combined with Stewart’s model.
Cooperation, interaction and competition. The Economy of Pastoral Nomadism in Imperial Africa
Authors: Vanacker Wouter , Broekaert Wim
Published: June 2017

The interaction between Roman power and local nomadic societies in Africa caused constraints and limitations to traditional economic patters, but at the same time created new opportunities. The presence of Rome hence not only introduced a predatory regime, yet also allowed nomadic tribes a better integration in the imperial economy.
Clinical And Epidemiological Aspects Of Hepatitis B Virus And Hepatitis C Virus In Fortaleza-Ceara
Authors: Brito Gizelly Castelo Branco , Pereira Maria Lúcia Duarte , Lima Ivana Cristina Vieira de , Bravo Lia Guedes , Dutra Patrícia Alencar , Oliveira Elys Bezerra , Ferreira Adriana Kelly Almeida
Published: June 2017

Introduction: Viral hepatitis is among the main problems that affect public health globally. The knowledge of the clinical and epidemiological situation of hepatitis B and hepatitis C is necessary for the establishment of prevention and control strategies together with individuals and communities in vulnerable situations.

Objective: To investigate the clinical and epidemiological aspects of the population affected by hepatitis B and hepatitis C from 2007 to 2014, in Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil.

Methodology: Descriptive, retrospective study involving data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System, with analysis of gender, age, race, illicit drug use, sex partnerships, tattoo/piercing, transfusion, dialysis and transplantation. Chi-squared tests were used for statistical analysis of the variables.

Results: It was reported 779 cases of hepatitis B and 756 of hepatitis C. Regarding the HBV, 69.7% were male, 77.5% of brown color, and a median age of 36 years. Regarding risk factors, there was highlight for sexual practice and number of sex partners (p = 0.001), blood transfusion (p = 0.011) and use of tattoo/piercing (p = 0.011). As for HCV, 57.7% were male and the mean age was 46 years. As for risk factors, the injecting drug use (p = 0.001), the presence of three or more partners (p = 0.001) and the use of tattoo/piercing (p = 0.021) stood out. Regardless of gender, age or race and drug use, transfusions and age over 40 years increased the risk for hepatitis. There were still high percentages of missing data in several variables.

Conclusion: This study contributes to alert the Brazilian health authorities on the importance of these infections and the need to expand and strengthen current health policies, and allows reflection on control strategies for hepatitis.

Keywords: Hepatitis B; Hepatitis C; Risk factors.
Modeling the Black Hole Merger of QSO 3C 186
Authors: Lousto Carlos O. , Zlochower Yosef , Campanelli Manuela
Published: June 2017

Recent detailed observations of the radio-loud quasar 3C 186 indicate the possibility that a supermassive recoiling black hole is moving away from the host galaxy at a speed of nearly 2100 km s−1. If this is the case, we can model the mass ratio and spins of the progenitor binary black hole using the results of numerical relativity simulations. We find that the black holes in the progenitor must have comparable masses with a mass ratio

and the spin of the primary black hole must be

. The final remnant of the merger is bounded by

, and at least 4% of the total mass of the binary system is radiated into gravitational waves. We consider four different pre-merger scenarios that further narrow those values. Assuming, for instance, a cold accretion driven merger model, we find that the binary had comparable masses with

and the normalized spins of the larger and smaller black holes were

and

. We can also estimate the final recoiling black hole spin

and that the system radiated

of its total mass, making the merger of those black holes the most energetic event ever observed.
El premio R. S. Reynolds Memorial. Comedores de S. E. A. T. Barcelona
Authors: Ortizechagüe Cesar , Barbero Rebolledo Manuel , De la Joya Rafael , Valle Benítez R.
Published: June 2017

El Jurado formado para elegir el ganador del Premio R. S. Reynolds Memorial 1957, para Arquitectos, fue convocado por el Asesor profesional y emitió su informe los días 1 y 2 de abril de 1957. Después de un detenido examen de los 86 trabajos recibidos, procedentes de 19 países, eligió como ganador al envío presentado con el número 33 de entrada.
Residencia en Jacarépaguá
Authors: Reidy Affonso E.
Published: June 2017

En las proximidades de Río de Janeiro, y enclavada en una zona residencial, poblada de árboles, se encuentra esta vivienda. Como fue construida en un terreno de marcada pendiente, se ha aprovechado el desnivel para procurar un movimiento de planos, airoso y ágil, a la vez que para elevar unos pilotes lisos sobre los que apoya el forjado de la zona representativa, de modo que resulta como un mirador avanzado sobre las copas de la masa verde, las montañas y el mar, al fondo.
A Vibration Signal Processing of Large-scale Structural Systems Based on Wireless Sensor
Authors: Xue Lian , Hu Cheng-song
Published: June 2017

The inherent characteristics of large-scale structural system are also called modal parameters, which include natural frequency, damping ratio and vibration mode. They are the basis for analyzing dynamic characteristics of large-scale structural system. Modal Parameter Identification is a modern method, and it is used to identify the vibration signals. At present, the problem of large-scale structural system security is paid more and more attention to, so the method of modal parameter recognition is very significant. A fast integral method is put forward to eliminate the trend item of vibration signals, and the vibration signals are collected through the wireless sensor network (acceleration signal), so as to obtain the integrated vibration signal (speed and displacement signal). The polynomial fitting method is applied to eliminate the trend items in the sampling integral, and improve the operation speed and accuracy by the relationship among the various coefficients. Then, they are discretized to meet the wireless sensor network requirements of "online" processing and analysis. Through the simulation of acceleration signals based on finite element modeling and the processing of actual acquisition acceleration signals based on wireless sensor network, the effectiveness of this method was verified. As a result, the precision effect by sampling frequency and the data length is summarized
Design and Realization of Greenhouse Sensor Intelligent Management System Based on Internet of Things
Authors: Li Juanjuan
Published: June 2017

Traditional and inefficient agricultural production methods cannot meet the modern agriculture requirements of safe, high quality, efficiency and productivity. The technology of Internet of Things is introduced into the field of agriculture, and the agricultural industrialization and information technology has an unprecedented opportunity. The relevant literature is read, the actual scene is investigated and the needs of agricultural field monitoring are identified. In the meanwhile, the development trend of Internet of Things and facility agricultural monitoring system is analyzed and system performance indicators that meet the actual requirements are developed. Moreover, the overall program of the system is designed and the three-tier architecture of Internet of Things system based on sensor technology, wireless communication technology, and configuration monitoring technology is constructed. The structure of the three layers of the sensing layer, transmission layer and application layer is analyzed, and the greenhouse sensor intelligent management system based on Internet of Things is designed. The performance of the system is tested in the laboratory. The test items include remote monitoring effect, information acquisition precision and system overall coordination. The results showed that the system is reasonable, the structure is compact, the network layer is reliable, and the performance is stable. Meanwhile, the application layer is rich in functionality, the interface is beautiful, the data processing is intelligent and the operability is strong. As last, it is concluded that the system meets system design requirements and expected performance specifications.
FPGA Alarm System Based on Multi Temperature Sensor
Authors: Xu Yubao
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this study is to achieve real-time acquisition and monitoring of temperature in large-scale industrial or agricultural production scene, and timely detect abnormal temperature. FPGA chip, multi temperature sensor and alarm control module three parts consist of FPGA alarm system obtained based on multi temperature sensor. Multi temperature sensor is used for the acquisition of relevant temperature signal in the production site, and the transmission of the collected data through the way of digital signal chip to the FPGA chip for further processing. The FPGA chip is responsible for the parameter setting, the temperature signal acquisition and the threshold comparison and so on, and according to the data processing result, it can send out the normal response control signal to the alarm module. The alarm module contains the pre-warning lights and the alarm device that it can receive the control signal and realize alarm response. The results showed that the test in planting flowers in greenhouse showed that the system is sensitive in response and small in error of temperature acquisition, in accordance with the requirements for use. As a result, the system can be widely used in the temperature monitoring in the production scene, suitable for being promoted in a variety of occasions needing for monitoring the temperature.
Application of GIS Technology and Sensor Technology in Tunnel Deformation Mapping
Authors: Liu XiangfaLiu
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this study is to enhance the role of sensor technology in tunnel deformation mapping. The method is to combine RTK (real-time dynamic difference) algorithm with GIS (Geographic Information Systems) technology. After coordinating transformation of the deformed data that was collected from the test tunnel, the HGMonitor was then employed to solve the problems. The results show that the horizontal accuracy of tunnel deformation monitoring is about 5mm, and the elevation accuracy is about 15mm, which can meet the actual requirements. We also verified that the test data meets the requirements for tunnel deformation mapping accuracy, which can help to improve the safety and reliability of the tunnel structure.
Delirium in Children: Identification, Prevention, and Management
Authors: Bettencourt Amanda , Mullen Jodi E.
Published: June 2017

Delirium in children is an often underrecognized but serious complication of hospitalization. Delirium in this age group has been described as behaviors such as refractory agitation and restlessness, visual or auditory hallucinations, children being “not themselves,” and a lethargic state. Often, children with delirium are at risk for harming themselves by dislodging tubes, falling, or refusing care. Pediatric nurses must recognize and intervene to prevent and treat delirium in hospitalized children because the delirium may be an indicator of worsening clinical status and is associated with high mortality and morbidity in children of all ages and with posttraumatic stress disorder. Pediatric nurses are uniquely positioned to design care interventions to both reduce risk for delirium and treat active delirium. Many treatment recommendations are nonpharmacological and are part of excellent nursing care.
Caspofungin Increases Fungal Chitin and Eosinophil and γδ T Cell–Dependent Pathology in Invasive Aspergillosis
Authors: Amarsaikhan Nansalmaa , Sands Ethan M. , Shah Anand , Abdolrasouli Ali , Reed Anna , Slaven James E. , Armstrong-James Darius , Templeton Steven P.
Published: June 2017

The polysaccharide-rich fungal cell wall provides pathogen-specific targets for antifungal therapy and distinct molecular patterns that stimulate protective or detrimental host immunity. The echinocandin antifungal caspofungin inhibits synthesis of cell wall β-1,3-glucan and is used for prophylactic therapy in immune-suppressed individuals. However, breakthrough infections with fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus are associated with caspofungin prophylaxis. In this study, we report in vitro and in vivo increases in fungal surface chitin in A. fumigatus induced by caspofungin that was associated with airway eosinophil recruitment in neutropenic mice with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IA). More importantly, caspofungin treatment of mice with IA resulted in a pattern of increased fungal burden and severity of disease that was reversed in eosinophil-deficient mice. Additionally, the eosinophil granule proteins major basic protein and eosinophil peroxidase were more frequently detected in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of lung transplant patients diagnosed with IA that received caspofungin therapy when compared with azole-treated patients. Eosinophil recruitment and inhibition of fungal clearance in caspofungin-treated mice with IA required RAG1 expression and γδ T cells. These results identify an eosinophil-mediated mechanism for paradoxical caspofungin activity and support the future investigation of the potential of eosinophil or fungal chitin-targeted inhibition in the treatment of IA.
Cerebral Stroke in a Teenage Girl with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria
Authors: Gervasi Francesco , D’Amelio Lucia , Trizzino Antonino , Ferraro Fabrizia , Russo Delia , Santangelo Giuseppe , Cardella Francesca , Trizzino Angela , Di Marco Floriana , Farruggia Piero
Published: June 2017

We report a case of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) in a 14 year-old girl presenting a cerebral arterial thrombosis. The initial diagnosis was carential anemia due to menarche following identification of slight macrocytic anemia, leucopenia and mild thrombocytopenia at routine blood analysis. The child was eventually referred to a children’s hospital after the onset of progressive fatigue, anorexia and paleness. Severe anemia (hemoglobin 6 g/dL) with negative Coombs test, mild leucopenia (white blood cells 4.9 × 109/L) and thrombocytopenia (platelets 97 × 109/L) and high values of lactate dehydrogenase (2855 U/L) were identified; a packed red cells transfusion was administered. Her condition worsened and she subsequently presented complete right hemiplegia, aphasia and coma; magnetic resonance imaging revealed a massive ischemic lesion. A diagnosis of PNH was eventually made following high sensitivity flow cytometry, which identified a PNH clone (CD66b negative equal to 93.7% of granulocytes). Fast recovery from neurologic and hematological problems occurred in response to anticoagulant therapy and intravenous therapy with eculizumab. We are convinced that PNH should be included in the differential diagnosis of children presenting with cytopenia.
Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome: A Brief Review
Authors: Zhang Kuixing , Lu Yuxin , Harley Kevin , Tran Minh-Ha
Published: June 2017

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a disease characterized by the triad of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and acute kidney injury. The histopathologic lesions of aHUS include thrombotic microangiopathy involving the glomerular capillaries and thrombosis involving arterioles or interlobar arteries. Extra-renal manifestations occur in up to 20% of patients. The majority of aHUS is caused by complement system defects impairing ordinary regulatory mechanisms. Activating events therefore lead to unbridled, ongoing complement activity producing widespread endothelial injury. Pathologic mutations include those resulting in loss-of-function in a complement regulatory gene (CFH, CFI, CD46 or THBD) or gain-of-function in an effector gene (CFB or C3). Treatment with the late complement inhibitor, eculizumab—a monoclonal antibody directed against C5—is effective.
Pre-treatment of biomasses using magnetised sulfonic acid catalysts
Authors: Ansanay Yane , Kolar Praveen , Sharma-Shivappa Ratna , Cheng Jay , Park Sunkyu , Arellano Consuelo
Published: June 2017

There is a significant interest in employing solid acid catalysts for pre-treatment of biomasses for subsequent hydrolysis into sugars, because solid acid catalysts facilitate reusability, high activity, and easier separation. Hence the present research investigated pretreatment of four lignocellulosic biomasses, namely Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L ‘Alamo’), Gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides), Miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus) and Triticale hay (Triticale hexaploide Lart.) at 90°C for 2 h using three carbon-supported sulfonic acid catalysts. The catalysts were synthesized via impregnating p-Toluenesulfonic acid on carbon (regular) and further impregnated with iron nitrate via two methods to obtain magnetic A and magnetic B catalysts. When tested as pre-treatment agents, a maximum total lignin reduction of 17.73±0.63% was observed for Triticale hay treated with magnetic A catalyst. Furthermore, maximum glucose yield after enzymatic hydrolysis was observed to be 203.47±5.09 mg g–1 (conversion of 65.07±1.63%) from Switchgrass treated with magnetic A catalyst. When reusability of magnetised catalysts were tested, it was observed that magnetic A catalyst was consistent for Gamagrass, Miscanthus × Giganteus and Triticale hay, while magnetic B catalyst was found to maintain consistent yield for switchgrass feedstock. Our results suggested that magnetised solid acid catalyst could pre-treat various biomass stocks and also can potentially reduce the use of harsh chemicals and make bioenergy processes environment friendly.
Identifying areas suitable for wine tourism through the use of multi-criteria and geographic information system: the method and its application in the countryside around Mount Etna (Sicily)
Authors: Riguccio Lara , Tomaselli Giovanna , Carullo Laura , Verde Danilo , Russo Patrizia
Published: June 2017

Vineyards are among the crops that shape quality landscapes. Many places in the world are famous for their unique wine landscapes which play an important role in the development of tourism in the rural areas. Among these, the wine landscape surrounding mount Etna (Sicily) emerges due to its undisputed value, as it is an important component of the territory recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This work was conducted with that in mind, in order to identify the most suitable areas for wine tourism on the slopes of our volcano. The method used assigns a great importance to the quality of the landscape, an indispensable resource for encouraging wine tourism, and considers it to be of equal importance with the production of the wines themselves. The present work uses multi-criteria analysis in combination with geographic information system (GIS). Numerous indicators describing local resources were weighed and spatialized. The GIS analysis allowed for the development of various intermediate maps, which allowed to draw up the final suitability map for wine tourism, identifying areas larger than those of the actual vineyards. The value of these areas and the quality of their landscapes are closely connected to the production of the wines in the zone. It could be the target for specific plans and projects aimed at using the available resources, to develop wine tourism in rural areas. Although the study only covers a limited geographical area, the methodology used has general validity and could be used in other contexts.
Standaarde vir die interhospitaalvervoer van siek neonate
Authors: Muller M.E. , Nolte A.G.W. , Roux J.C.
Published: June 2017

The transport o f ill neonates between hospitals and/or health care centres, plays an important role in the mortality rate o f these seriously ill neonates. It is therefore important that the ill neonate is transported under optimal conditions. A lack o f standards in this regard hampers the evaluation o f the quality o f inter hospital transport o f ill neonates. The purpose o f this study is to formulate valid standards fo r the transport o f seriously ill neonates between hospitals (and/or other health care institutions) to form the basis fo r the evaluation o f the quality o f this service. Factors that need to be considered in the transport o f ill neonates include the ambulance, equipment and stock, the transport personnel and communication. These factors were systematically explored and described and standards were formulated accordingly.
Enige variante by die Werkwoord in die Habakuk-kommentaar
Authors: Muntingh L. M.
Published: June 2017

No abstract available.
Prof. Dr S.P. Engelbrecht en die Geestelike kultuur van die Afrikaner
Authors: Rautenbach C. H.
Published: June 2017

No abstract available.
Barnabas: Van Leviet tot Apostel
Authors: Geyser A. S.
Published: June 2017

No abstract available.
Terreinverkenning Insake die Verhouding van Psigoterapie en Sielsorg
Authors: Koekemoer P. J.T.
Published: June 2017

No abstract available.
Die Plek van Sielsorg in die Christelike Diakonie-Prinsipieel Gesien
Authors: Zwarts A. J.
Published: June 2017

No abstract available.
Hoofstuk 2 - Die Klein Begin 1916−1933
Authors: Oberholzer J.P.
Published: June 2017

Die opleiding neem ‘n aanvang met een kerklike dosent, J.H.J.A. Greyventein, en ‘n aantal universiteitsdosente. Die studentetal groei stadig. Die vertrek van professor Paterson en die koms van S.P. Engelbrecht in 1921 bring ‘n belangrike wending. Wanneer B. Gemser in 1926 toetree, is daar drie dosente wat tegelyk ampsdraers van die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk is. Gemser is dosent in Teologie sowel as in Lettere en Wysbegeerte waar hy begin met die vestiging van ‘n sterk departement Semitiese Tale. Engelbrecht se kundigheid omvat Kerkgeskiedenis sowel as ‘n unieke kennis van die Voortrekker- en ou Tansvaalse geskiedenis en dit kom die Departement Geskiedenis ten goede. Die akademiese gehalte van die opleiding neem toe, en so ook die studentetal. ‘n Bedreiging vir die voortbestaan van die Fakulteit teologie is afgeweer deur die tydige optrede van S.P. Engelbrecht en die tussenkoms van die Eerste Minister. Die selfstandigwording van die Universiteit van Pretoria en die Afrikaanswording van die Universiteit bring ‘n veranderde konteks.
He wrote a letter home to myself: Tracing the epistolary in Damon Galgut’s ‘In a strange room’
Authors: O'Dwyer Erin
Published: June 2017

This article considers Damon Galgut’s In a strange room as a work of contemporary epistolary fiction. Recent studies of epistolarity argue that the epistolary tradition remains identifiable and apparent even once woven into other genres. Though not strictly an epistolary novel, In a strange room addresses the same thematic concerns that exist in all epistolary writing – exile,loneliness, unrequited love, self-identity and trial. This article asks the same three questions that all epistolary fiction invites: To whom, for whom and why does Damon write? The epistolary mode is considered with reference to Jacques Lacan’s gaze theory. The gaze sets up an inherent secret, revealing the truth only in the final dénouement. In epistolary work, it anticipates the voyeuristic reader, compelling him or her to watch. The gaze can be found in only one of Galgut’s three novellas. It is for this reason that In a strange room makes for difficult reading. It is also why the novel is so confounding and compelling, presenting as it does the internal dialogue of a lonely man.
‘Die choreografie van ontwyking’: Die poëtiese krag van negativering by Elisabeth Eybers
Authors: Viljoen Hein
Published: June 2017

Hierdie artikel is ’n verkenning van die opvallende gebruik van woorde met die voorvoegselson- en ont-, asook ander negatiewe, negativerende woorde, of terme van afstroping (soosdie woord sonder en die agtervoegsel -loos, e.d.m.), in Elisabeth Eybers se poësie. Dit is ’n hermeneutiese ondersoek van die moontlikhede wat negativerende uitdrukkings bied, en nadie rol wat hulle in haar poësie en poëtika speel. Eybers roep dikwels ’n alternatiewe wêrelddeur negativering op. Dit is tekenend van haar digterlike ingesteldheid en haar poëtika.
Sex, lies and disclosures: Researchers and the reporting of under-age sex
Authors: Strode Ann , Slack Catherine
Published: June 2017

Children are a vulnerable group and require legal protection due to their youth and inexperience. Resultantly, various provisions in the law ensure the care and protection of children through mechanisms such as the mandatory reporting of abuse. A recent change in the law has broadened the mandatory reporting obligations by requiring any person who is aware of a sexual offence having been committed against a child to report this to the police. Given that it is a sexual offence to have sex below the age of 16 researchers involved in research with teenagers in which they may become aware that that they are engaging in sex or sexual activity but are under the age4 of 16 will be obliged to inform the police of this fact.

The issue of reporting under-age sex is very complex as in our view there are various categories of under-age sex. We argue that researchers should not comply with the mandatory reporting obligations for underage consensual, non-exploitative sexual activity but in all other cases there should be reporting.

We argue that because the mandatory reporting of underage sex/ activity (even consensual and non-exploitative activity) may alienate children from services and “punish” them by reporting their conduct to the police, advocacy is needed for a change to the Sexual Offences Act to ensure consistency with the approach taken in the Children’s Act which enables such children to access sexual and reproductive services..
Usefulness of the HIV Dementia Scale in Nigerian patients with HIV/AIDS
Authors: Ogunrin Olubunmi A , Eze Emeka U , Alika Francis
Published: June 2017

Objective: Information on the cognitive complications of HIV/AIDS from sub-Saharan Africa, where statistics on HIV is alarming, is sparse because of lack of validated cognitive tools. This study assessed the usefulness and predictive validity of the HIV Dementia Scale (HDS) as a screening tool among HIV-positive Nigerian Africans.

Design: HIV-positive patients were randomly selected over a period of two months.

Setting: The HIV/AIDS outpatient clinic of the University teaching hospital, Benin City, Nigeria.

Subjects: Asymptomatic and symptomatic HIV-positive patients were compared with age, sex and level of education-matched controls.

Outcome measures: Cognitive performances on the modified HIV Dementia scale.

Results: The performances of 160 HIV-positive (comprising 80 asymptomatic and 80 symptomatic) subjects were compared with 80 age, sex and level of education-matched HIV-negative subjects on the HDS. The mean HDS scores (maximum =12) were 10.78±1.18 (comparison subjects), 8.85±1.38 (asymptomatic) and 5.2±1.13 (symptomatic); p
CPD Quesionnaire
Authors: Bekker Linda-Gail
Published: June 2017

N/A
Held to Ransom: CMV Treatment in South Africa
Authors: Laher Fatima , Ashford Gail , Cescon Angela , Cullen Claire , Lazarus Erica , Puren Adrian , Visser Linda
Published: June 2017

Cytomegalovirus is a multi-systemic infection reactivated in the immunocompromised. Diagnosis and treatment are prohibitively costly in sub-Saharan Africa, and efforts need to be made for their price reduction to support the expanding highly active antiretroviral treatment programme in the region.
Prevention is better than cure – the art of avoiding non-adherence to antiretroviral treatment
Authors: Kwaan Leith , Kindra Gurpreet , Mdutyana Lulama , Coutsoudis Anna
Published: June 2017

The much-used phrase ‘prevention is better than cure’ is applicable to many circumstances, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. In recent years suggestions have been made for a move towards treatment strategies that emphasise prevention of foreseeable adherence problems on a patient-by-patient basis, through focused patient preparation before commencing antiretroviral therapy (ART). This is well elucidated in a statement made in 2004 by Coetzee et al.:1 ‘As it is difficult to ascertain robust predictors of adherence, there has been a move to concentrate on patient preparation before the initiation of ART rather than the use of non-clinical predictors of adherence or selection criteria. A paradigm focused on preparation rather than selection is better suited to the aggressive targets for the scaling up of ART in countries with large epidemics (such as in South Africa), where the view of ART as a very expensive rationed intervention is rapidly changing.’
Guideline on safer conception in fertile HIV-infected individuals and couples
Authors: Bekker L-G , Black V , Myer L , Rees H , Cooper D , Mall S , Mnyami C , Conradie F , Mahabeer I , Gilbert L , Schwartz S
Published: June 2017

Ninety years ago the isolation of insulin transformed the lives of people with type 1 diabetes. Now, models based on empirical data estimate that a 25-year-old person with HIV, when appropriately treated with antiretroviral therapy, can expect to enjoy a median survival of 35 years, remarkably similar to that for someone of the same age with type 1 diabetes. It is high time we normalised the lives of people living positively with HIV. This includes the basic human right to conceive and raise children. HIV-positive individuals may be in serodiscordant relationships or in seroconcordant relationships. As health care providers, it is our responsibility to ensure we understand the opportunities and risks of natural conception in these scenarios, so that we can help our patients to make informed decisions about their own lives. Most of all, it is our duty to make family planning in the setting of positive prevention as safe as we can. This includes informed decisions on contraception, adoption, fostering, conception and prevention of mother-to-child transmission. Some months ago a dedicated group of individuals, invited and sponsored by the Southern African HIV Clinicians Society, came together in Cape Town to devise guidance in this area, recognising that there are ideal strategies that may be outside the realm of the resource constraints of the public sector or health programmes in southern Africa. This guideline therefore attempts to provide a range of strategies for various resource settings. It is up to us, the providers, to familiarise ourselves with the merits/benefits and risks of each, and to then engage patients in meaningful discussions. All the above, however, is based on the premise and prerequisite that the subject of family planning is actively raised and frequently discussed in our patient encounters.Please find a link to the update of this guideline: http://sajhivmed.org.za/index.php/hivmed/article/view/399
How can we reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV during invasive obstetric procedures?
Authors: Mnyani C N , Nicolaou E , Bera E , Black V , Hull J C , McIntyre J A
Published: June 2017

Antenatal invasive obstetric procedures may be diagnostic or therapeutic, and are performed at different stages of pregnancy for various indications. The commonest indication for an invasive procedure during pregnancy is for fetal karyotyping when a chromosomal abnormality or a genetic defect is suspected, either from the couple’s history or from ultrasound assessment of the fetus. Other less common but equally important indications may be diagnostic (fetoscopy, fetal tissue sampling, estimation of fetal haemoglobin) or therapeutic (aspiration of various fetal cavities, fetal blood transfusion and embryo reductions). In a high HIV prevalence setting like South Africa, a significant proportion of pregnant women in need of invasive procedures will be HIV-infected.
Localised treatment and 6-month outcomes in patients with cytomegalovirus retinitis at a tertiary ophthalmology service in Ga-Rankuwa
Authors: Laher Fatima , Cullen Claire , Matlala J Baile
Published: June 2017

Objective. There are few data from before the antiretroviral therapy (ART) era for cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMV-R) from settings where cost limits use of systemic treatment. This study examines CMV-R treatment and survival outcomes in a public hospital ophthalmology service in Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa.

Methods. From October 2009 to October 2010, voluntarily consenting participants over the age of 15 years with incident clinically diagnosed CMV-R seen at the Dr George Mukhari Hospital ophthalmology clinic were prospectively enrolled in an observational study. Treatment was per clinic protocols and patients were followed up with structured data collection for up to 6 months.

Results. Eight individuals, all HIV infected and 50% female, were identified and enrolled. At enrolment, median age was 38 years (interquartile range (IQR) 32 - 39 years), median CD4 count 20 cells/μl (IQR 13 - 46.5 cells/μl), and 50% were currently receiving ART (mean duration of ART use 18 days, standard deviation (SD) 2.99 days). No participant received systemic ganciclovir, but 6 reported symptom combinations suggesting systemic CMV: shortness of breath (n=3), diarrhoea (n=3) and/or central nervous system complaints (n=3). Ten eyes had visual impairment less than counting fingers at enrolment. Treatment combinations were: ART plus intravitreal ganciclovir (n=5), intravitreal ganciclovir alone (n=2), and ART alone (n=1). Six-month outcomes were: death (n=1), survival (n=6), loss to follow-up (n=3), untraceable (n=1), systemic symptom resolution (4/4), visual acuity deterioration (0/5), and persisting uveitis (2/3).

Conclusion. In the ART era, incident CMV-R appears to be uncommon in this setting. CMV-R may occur within the first 3 weeks after ART initiation. Even in CMV-R patients with suggestive systemic symptoms, 6-month survival is good despite no systemic CMV therapy.

S Afr J HIV Med 2012;13(2):68-71.
Guidelines for antiretroviral therapy in adults
Authors: Meintjes G , Maartens G , Southern African HIV Clinicians Society On behalf of the
Published: June 2017

These guidelines are intended as an update to those published in the Southern African Journal of HIV Medicine in January 2008. Since the release of the previous guidelines, the scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Southern Africa has continued to grow. Cohort studies from the region show excellent clinical outcomes; however, ART is still being started late (in advanced disease), resulting in relatively high early mortality rates. New data on antiretroviral (ARV) tolerability in the region and several new ARV drugs have become available. Although currently few in number, some patients in the region are failing protease inhibitor (PI)-based second-line regimens. To address this, guidelines on third-line (or ‘salvage’) therapy have been expanded.
Tuberculosis prevention in HIV-infected pregnant women in South Africa
Authors: Martin C E , Black V
Published: June 2017

The high burden of HIV and tuberculosis (TB) among pregnant women in South Africa contributes to a high maternal mortality rate. Isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) is recommended for the prevention of active TB in HIV-infected individuals, including pregnant women. However, there are few data regarding IPT use in the latter, with concern regarding the concurrent use of IPT with nevirapine in pregnancy, as both treatments are hepatotoxic. The benefit and safety of IPT in HIV-infected pregnant women has not been established. We recommend a simplification of HIV and TB interventions by providing triple antiretroviral therapy to all HIV-infected pregnant women.
Maternal deaths following nevirapine-based antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Bera E , Naidoo D , Williams M
Published: June 2017

We report 2 cases illustrating that it is too simplistic to link nevirapine (NVP) toxicity exclusively to individuals with immune preservation. Not enough is known about the mechanism of hepatotoxicity or cutaneous eruption to predict these events. This type of hypersensitivity reaction occurs rarely among HIV-exposed infants taking NVP prophylaxis or antiretroviral therapy (ART)-experienced adults with complete plasma viral load suppression. Conversely, HIV-uninfected adults and ART-naive pregnant women appear to be disproportionately affected by the adverse effects of NVP.