bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Composite Layers TiAlIntermetallic/PVD Coating Obtained by Hybrid Surface Treatment Technology on Aluminium Alloys
Authors: Smolik Jerzy , Mazurkiewicz Adam , Kacprzyńska-Gołacka Joanna , Rydzewski Michał
Published: August 2015

The paper presents the results of tests on an “intermetallic layer TiAl / coating AlCrTiN" hybrid layer, which was obtained using a hybrid method combining magnetron Sputtering, diffusion, and arc evaporation in a single technological process. The hybrid layer obtained was subjected to studies on morphology and chemical composition using the TM3000 scanning electron microscope. Additionally, hardness and Young's modulus as a function of distance from the surface were measured using a nanohardness tester CSM. Based on the analysis of the results obtained, the authors suggest the mechanism of layer growth in the technological process. The composite layer was also subjected to wear resistance using the ball-cratering method and erosion resistance tests using the glass powder. The obtained results showed that the Ti-Al intermetallic / AlCrTiN hybrid layer significantly increases resistance to abrasion as well as erosion wear resistance of the Ak12 alloy.
Thermal Stability and Corrosion Resistance of Cr/CrN Multilayer Coatings on Ti6Al4V Alloy
Authors: Wieciński Piotr , Smolik Jerzy , Garbacz Halina , Kurzydłowski Krzysztof Jan
Published: August 2015

The aim of this work was to investigate thermal stability and corrosion resistance of the Cr/CrN multilayer coatings. For this purpose, multilayer Cr/CrN coating was deposited on Ti6Al4V titanium alloy using PVD vacuum arc method. The Cr/CrN coating has thickness of 5.6 μm and was composed of 16 layers (8 Cr and 8 CrN). The Cr layers has thickness of 0.26 μm and were composed of columnar grains. CrN layer has thickness of 0.32 μm and were characterized by needle-like structure. Because of the potential application of the investigated coatings, thermal stability in temperature range of 300-500°C as well as corrosion behavior during salt fog test were analyzed.The investigation showed that microstructure of Cr/CrN multilayer coating was stable up to 400°C. In this temperature only a slight increase of thickness of transition Cr2N layer was observed. Annealing at temperature of 500°C changed the microstructure of the constituent Cr and CrN layers and caused decrease of their thicknesses due to increase of thickness of Cr2N transition layer. Annealing at 500°C also increased the hardness of Cr/CrN coating. XPS analysis revealed the presence of the CrO3and Cr2O3on the surface after annealing. Cr/CrN multilayer coatings exhibit also excellent corrosion resistant in salt fog test. No corrosion products was observed on the Cr/CrN coating surface after 120 hour of test.
Inspection of the Proprieties of Joints for Pipes with Couplers Using the Hybrid Vision Method
Authors: Czajka Piotr , Mężyk Jordan , Mizak Wojciech
Published: August 2015

The aim of this study was to test the connections of wastewater pipes with sockets. The connections are made by friction welding. In the production process, the pipe is fixed and the socket is rotated. Then, the rotating socket is forced onto the pipe. The heat necessary for the connection elements is produced by the friction of the contact surfaces with use of a suitable force. The effectiveness of the sealing process depends mainly on the holding force, temperature, and duration of the process. Figure 1 shows a cross section model of the pipe connected to the socket. The area includes two notches in the welded pipe.
The Study on Erosive and Abrasive Wear Resistance of Different Multilayer Coatings Obtained on Titanium Alloy Ti6Al4V
Authors: Mazurkiewicz Adam , Smolik Jerzy , Paćko Daniel , Kacprzyńska-Gołacka Joanna , Garbacz Halina , Wieciński Piotr
Published: August 2015

One of the areas in which increased durability is of particular significance is the use of machine elements in conditions of intensive exposure to erosive wear, for example, turbine blades of aircraft engines and power turbines in ventilation systems, and machine elements working in a dusty environment. As it is apparent from the analysis of the state of the art, high possibilities to increase the erosive and abrasive wear resistance of machine elements are created by appropriately designed coatings and layers, especially multilayer coatings composed on the base of materials with different plasticity properties. This is associated with particular characteristics of this type of multilayer coatings that allow the absorption of external energy reaching the surface without causing permanent damage to the coating, while significantly reducing the erosive wear rate.The article presents the results of material research and the results of erosion test of three different materials solutions of surface engineering, i.e. multilayer coatings (Cr / CrN) x8, (TiN / ZrN)multinano and a (Ti-Al) intermetallic / AlCrTiN hybrid layer, obtained on titanium alloy Ti6Al4V. The (Cr / CrN) x8 and (TiN / ZrN)multinano multilayer coatings were obtained by arc evaporation, and the (Ti-Al) intermetallic / AlCrTiN hybrid layer was prepared using a hybrid technology combining diffusion saturation in aluminium powders and arc evaporation in a single technological process. The selected material solutions of the surface layer were subjected to the analysis of the structure by scanning electron microscopy (Hitachi 3000). Measurements of hardness and Young's modulus were conducted using the nanohardness Tester CSM. The results of this study allowed the authors to compare the erosive wear resistance and wear resistance of selected material solutions, and this led to the conclusion that the (Ti-Al) intermetallic / AlCrTiN hybrid layer is the most effective solution.
The Raf Kinase Inhibitor Sorafenib Inhibits JAK–STAT Signal Transduction in Human Immune Cells
Authors: Martin del Campo Sara E. , Levine Kala M. , Mundy-Bosse Bethany L. , Grignol Valerie P. , Fairchild Ene T. , Campbell Amanda R. , Trikha Prashant , Mace Thomas A. , Paul Bonnie K. , Jaime-Ramirez Alena Cristina , Markowitz Joseph , Kondadasula Sri Vidya , Guenterberg Kristan D. , McClory Susan , Karpa Volodymyr I. , Pan Xueliang , Olencki Thomas E. , Monk J. Paul , Mortazavi Amir , Tridandapani Susheela , Lesinski Gregory B. , Byrd John C. , Caligiuri Michael A. , Shah Manisha H. , Carson William E.
Published: August 2015

Sorafenib is an oral multikinase inhibitor that was originally developed as a Raf kinase inhibitor. We hypothesized that sorafenib would also have inhibitory effects on cytokine signaling pathways in immune cells. PBMCs from normal donors were treated with varying concentrations of sorafenib and stimulated with IFN-α or IL-2. Phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT5 was measured by flow cytometry and confirmed by immunoblot analysis. Changes in IFN-α– and IL-2–stimulated gene expression were measured by quantitative PCR, and changes in cytokine production were evaluated by ELISA. Cryopreserved PBMCs were obtained from cancer patients before and after receiving 400 mg sorafenib twice daily. Patient PBMCs were thawed, stimulated with IL-2 or IFN-α, and evaluated for phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT5. Pretreatment of PBMCs with 10 μM sorafenib decreased STAT1 and STAT5 phosphorylation after treatment with IFN-α or IL-2. This inhibitory effect was observed in PBMCs from healthy donors over a range of concentrations of sorafenib (5–20 μM), IL-2 (2–24 nM), and IFN-α (101–106 U/ml). This effect was observed in immune cell subsets, including T cells, B cells, NK cells, regulatory T cells, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Pretreatment with sorafenib also inhibited PBMC expression of IFN-α– and IL-2–regulated genes and inhibited NK cell production of IFN-γ, RANTES, MIP1-α, and MIG in response to IFN-α stimulation. PBMCs from patients receiving sorafenib therapy showed decreased responsiveness to IL-2 and IFN-α treatment. Sorafenib is a Raf kinase inhibitor that could have off-target effects on cytokine-induced signal transduction in immune effector cells.
Endothelial LSP1 Modulates Extravascular Neutrophil Chemotaxis by Regulating Nonhematopoietic Vascular PECAM-1 Expression
Authors: Hossain Mokarram , Qadri Syed M. , Xu Najia , Su Yang , Cayabyab Francisco S. , Heit Bryan , Liu Lixin
Published: August 2015

During inflammation, leukocyte–endothelial cell interactions generate molecular signals that regulate cell functions. The Ca2+- and F-actin–binding leukocyte-specific protein 1 (LSP1) expressed in leukocytes and nonhematopoietic endothelial cells is pivotal in regulating microvascular permeability and leukocyte recruitment. However, cell-specific function of LSP1 during leukocyte recruitment remains elusive. Using intravital microscopy of cremasteric microvasculature of chimeric LSP1-deficient mice, we show that not neutrophil but endothelial LSP1 regulates neutrophil transendothelial migration and extravascular directionality without affecting the speed of neutrophil migration in tissue in response to CXCL2 chemokine gradient. The expression of PECAM-1–sensitive α6β1 integrins on the surface of transmigrated neutrophils was blunted in mice deficient in endothelial LSP1. Functional blocking studies in vivo and in vitro elucidated that α6β1 integrins orchestrated extravascular directionality but not the speed of neutrophil migration. In LSP1-deficient mice, PECAM-1 expression was reduced in endothelial cells, but not in neutrophils. Similarly, LSP1-targeted small interfering RNA silencing in murine endothelial cells mitigated mRNA and protein expression of PECAM-1, but not ICAM-1 or VCAM-1. Overexpression of LSP1 in endothelial cells upregulated PECAM-1 expression. Furthermore, the expression of transcription factor GATA-2 that regulates endothelial PECAM-1 expression was blunted in LSP1-deficient or LSP1-silenced endothelial cells. The present study unravels endothelial LSP1 as a novel cell-specific regulator of integrin α6β1-dependent neutrophil extravascular chemotactic function in vivo, effective through GATA-2–dependent transcriptional regulation of endothelial PECAM-1 expression.
Th Cell Diversity in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis and Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Carbajal Kevin S. , Mironova Yevgeniya , Ulrich-Lewis Justin T. , Kulkarni Deven , Grifka-Walk Heather M. , Huber Amanda K. , Shrager Peter , Giger Roman J. , Segal Benjamin M.
Published: August 2015

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is believed to be initiated by myelin-reactive CD4+ Th cells. IL-12–polarized Th1 cells, IL-23–polarized Th17 cells, and Th17 cells that acquire Th1 characteristics were each implicated in autoimmune pathogenesis. It is debated whether Th cells that can drive the development of demyelinating lesions are phenotypically diverse or arise from a single lineage. In the current study, we assessed the requirement of IL-12 or IL-23 stimulation, as well as Th plasticity, for the differentiation of T cells capable of inducing CNS axon damage. We found that stable murine Th1 and Th17 cells independently transfer experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (widely used as an animal model of MS) in the absence of IL-23 and IL-12, respectively. Plastic Th17 cells are particularly potent mediators of demyelination and axonopathy. In parallel studies, we identified MS patients who consistently mount either IFN-γ– or IL-17–skewed responses to myelin basic protein over the course of a year. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed that patients with mixed IFN-γ and IL-17 responses have relatively high T1 lesion burden, a measure of permanent axon damage. Our data challenge the dogma that IL-23 and Th17 plasticity are universally required for the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. This study definitively demonstrates that autoimmune demyelinating disease can be driven by distinct Th-polarizing factors and effector subsets, underscoring the importance of a customized approach to the pharmaceutical management of MS.
Leadership empowering behaviour, psychological empowerment, organisational citizenship behaviours and turnover intention in a manufacturing division
Authors: Bester Janie , Stander Marius W. , Van Zyl Llewellyn E.
Published: August 2015

Orientation: Employees’ perceptions of their leaders’ behaviour play a role in creating empowering environments where employees are willing to do more than what is expected, with retention of employees as a result.Research purpose: The aim of this study was to theoretically conceptualise and empirically determine the relationships between employees’ perception of their leaders’ empowering behaviour, psychological empowerment, organisational citizenship behaviours and intention to leave within a manufacturing division of an organisation.Motivation for the study: In the ever-changing work environment, organisations must capitalise on their human capital in order to maintain competitiveness. It is therefore important to identify the role of employees’ perception of leadership in contributing to the establishment of an environment where employees feel empowered, are willing to do more than what is expected and want to stay in the organisation.Research design, approach and method: A non-experimental, cross-sectional survey design was used. The total population (N = 300) employed at the manufacturing division was targeted. Two hundred completed questionnaires were obtained. The Leader Empowering Behaviour Questionnaire, Measuring Empowerment Questionnaire, Organisational Citizenship Behaviour Questionnaire and Intention to Leave Scale were administered.Main findings: Employees’ perception of their leaders’ empowering behaviour (keeping employees accountable, self-directed decision-making and people development), psychological empowerment (attitude and influence) and organisational citizenship behaviours (loyalty, deviant behaviour and participation) predict intention to leave the organisation.Practical/managerial implications: Organisations should foster the elements of a positive organisation, in this case leader empowering behaviours, if they want to retain their employees.Contribution/value-add: The results of this research contribute to scientific knowledge about the positive effects of employees experiencing their leaders as empowering.
Incidence and Potential Significance of Internal Mammary Lymphadenopathy on Computed Tomography in Patients with a Diagnosis of Primary Breast Cancer
Authors: Savaridas Sarah L. , Spratt Jonathan D. , Cox Julie
Published: August 2015

Introduction

The importance of internal mammary nodes (IMNs) in the staging and treatment of breast cancer patients is controversial.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of patients diagnosed with primary breast cancer over a 4-year period (January 2009 to December 2012) was assessed. The number and size of any IMNs visible on spiral computed tomography (CT) were recorded.

Results

A total of 830 patients were diagnosed with primary breast cancer within the identified time frame, of which 150 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these 42% (63) had IMNs present, although the majority were small (<5 mm). However, 16% (25) had larger nodes, greater than 5 mm in short axis, present on CT. Significantly more patients with the presence of large (>5 mm) IMNs had more advanced disease with CT evidence of other distant spread.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated that IMNs are present in a substantial number of our primary breast cancer patients. We suggest that further histological research is required to establish reliable CT size criterion for pathological IMNs. In addition, routine imaging of the IM chain, as well as axilla, should be considered in the staging of breast cancer.
Getting to the Heart of the Matter: An Overview of Cardiac Toxicity Related to Cancer Therapy
Authors: Hamo Carine E. , Bloom Michelle Weisfelner
Published: August 2015

With the improvement in cancer survival, long-term cardiotoxicity has become an area of increased interest. Various cancer therapies, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy can lead to cardiac toxicities with both acute and chronic manifestations. Awareness and early recognition can lead to improvement in cardiac survival and patient outcomes. The focus of this review is to summarize the cancer therapy agents most often associated with cardiovascular side effects, highlighting their mechanism of action and strategies for surveillance and prevention.
Tryptophan Catabolism in Chronic Viral Infections: Handling Uninvited Guests
Authors: Mehraj Vikram , Routy Jean-Pierre
Published: August 2015

L-Tryptophan (L-Trp) is an essential amino acid that possesses diverse metabolic, neurological, and immunological roles spanning from the synthesis of proteins, neurotransmitter serotonin, and neurohormone melatonin, to its degradation into immunosuppressive catabolites by indoleamine-2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) in the kynurenine pathway (KP). Trp catabolites, by activating aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), play an important role in antimicrobial defense and immune regulation. IDO/AhR acts as a double-edged sword by both depleting L-Trp to starve the invaders and by contributing to the state of immunosuppression with microorganisms that were not cleared during acute infection. Pathogens experiencing Trp deprivation by IDO-mediated degradation include certain bacteria, parasites, and less likely viruses. However, chronic viral infections highjack the host immune response to create a state of disease tolerance via kynurenine catabolites. This review covers the latest data involving chronic viral infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), herpes, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) and their cellular interplay with Trp catabolites. Strategies developed by viruses to escape immune control also represent new avenues for therapeutic interventions based on Trp metabolism.
Multidisciplinary Prognostication Using the Palliative Prognostic Score in an Australian Cancer Center
Authors: Mendis Ruwani , Soo Wee-Kheng , Zannino Diana , Michael Natasha , Spruyt Odette
Published: August 2015

Context

Accurate prognostication is important in oncology and palliative care. A multidisciplinary approach to prognostication provides a novel approach, but its accuracy and application is poorly researched. In this study, we describe and analyze our experience of multidisciplinary prognostication in palliative care patients with cancer.

Objectives

To assess our accuracy of prognostication using multidisciplinary team prediction of survival (MTPS) alone and within the Palliative Prognostic (PaP) Score.

Methods

This retrospective study included all new patients referred to a palliative care consultation service in a tertiary cancer center between January 2010 and December 2011. Initial assessment data for 421 inpatients and 223 outpatients were analyzed according to inpatient and outpatient groups to evaluate the accuracy of prognostication using MTPS alone and within the PaP score (MTPS-PaP) and their correlation with overall survival.

Results

Inpatients with MTPS-PaP group A, B, and C had a median survival of 10.9, 3.4, and 0.7 weeks, respectively, and a 30-day survival probability of 81%, 40%, and 10%, respectively. Outpatients with MTPS-PaP group A and B had a median survival of 17.3 and 5.1 weeks, respectively, and a 30-day survival probability of 94% and 50%, respectively. MTPS overestimated survival by a factor of 1.5 for inpatients and 1.2 for outpatients. The MTPS-PaP score correlated better than MTPS alone with overall survival.

Conclusion

This study suggests that a multidisciplinary team approach to prognostication within routine clinical practice is possible and may substitute for single clinician prediction of survival within the PaP score without detracting from its accuracy. Multidisciplinary team prognostication can assist treating teams to recognize and articulate prognosis, facilitate treatment decisions, and plan end-of-life care appropriately. PaP was less useful in the outpatient setting, given the longer survival interval of the outpatient palliative care patient group.
G6PD Deficiency in an HIV Clinic Setting in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Xu Julia Z. , Francis Richard O. , Lerebours Nadal Leonel E. , Shirazi Maryam , Jobanputra Vaidehi , Hod Eldad A. , Jhang Jeffrey S. , Stotler Brie A. , Spitalnik Steven L. , Nicholas Stephen W.
Published: August 2015

Because human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients receive prophylaxis with oxidative drugs, those with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency may experience hemolysis. However, G6PD deficiency has not been studied in the Dominican Republic, where many individuals have African ancestry. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of G6PD deficiency in Dominican HIV-infected patients and to attempt to develop a cost-effective algorithm for identifying such individuals. To this end, histories, chart reviews, and G6PD testing were performed for 238 consecutive HIV-infected adult clinic patients. The overall prevalence of G6PD deficiency (8.8%) was similar in males (9.3%) and females (8.5%), and higher in Haitians (18%) than Dominicans (6.4%; P = 0.01). By logistic regression, three clinical variables predicted G6PD status: maternal country of birth (P = 0.01) and a history of hemolysis (P = 0.01) or severe anemia (P = 0.03). Using these criteria, an algorithm was developed, in which a patient subset was identified that would benefit most from G6PD screening, yielding a sensitivity of 94.7% and a specificity of 97.2%, increasing the pretest probability (8.8–15.1%), and halving the number of patients needing testing. This algorithm may provide a cost-effective strategy for improving care in resource-limited settings.
Delayed Hemolysis After Parenteral Artesunate Therapy for Severe Malaria in Two Returning Canadian Travelers
Authors: Charles Marthe , Patterson Jeffery M. , Asadi Leyla , Houston Stan
Published: August 2015

Delayed hemolysis after parenteral artesunate has been described in Europe and Asia, but until recently had not been reported in patients receiving the artesunate product used in the United States and Canada. We report two cases of severe delayed hemolysis after the treatment with intravenous artesunate in Canada.
Improvement of climate predictions and reduction of their uncertainties using learning algorithms
Authors: Strobach E. , Bel G.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Simulated climate dynamics, initialized with observed conditions, is expected to be synchronized, for several years, with the actual dynamics. However, the predictions of climate models are not sufficiently accurate. Moreover, there is a large variance between simulations initialized at different times and between different models. One way to improve climate predictions and to reduce the associated uncertainties is to use an ensemble of climate model predictions, weighted according to their past performances. Here, we show that skillful predictions, for a decadal time scale, of the 2 m temperature can be achieved by applying a sequential learning algorithm to an ensemble of decadal climate model simulations. The predictions generated by the learning algorithm are shown to be better than those of each of the models in the ensemble, the better performing simple average and a reference climatology. In addition, the uncertainties associated with the predictions are shown to be reduced relative to those derived from an equally weighted ensemble of bias-corrected predictions. The results show that learning algorithms can help to better assess future climate dynamics.
Putting the clouds back in aerosol-cloud interactions
Authors: Gettelman A.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Aerosol Cloud Interactions (ACI) are the consequence of perturbed aerosols affecting cloud drop and crystal number, with corresponding microphysical and radiative effects. ACI are sensitive to both cloud microphysical processes (the "C" in ACI) and aerosol emissions and processes (the "A" in ACI). This work highlights the importance of cloud microphysical processes, using idealized and global tests of a cloud microphysics scheme used for global climate prediction. Uncertainties in cloud microphysical processes cause uncertainties of up to −35 to +50 % in ACI, stronger than uncertainties due to natural aerosol emissions (−20 to +30 %). The different dimensions and sensitivities of ACI to microphysical processes are analyzed in detail, showing that precipitation processes are critical for understanding ACI and that uncertain cloud lifetime effects are 1/3 of simulated ACI. Buffering of different processes is important, as is the mixed phase and coupling of the microphysics to the condensation and turbulence schemes in the model.
A comprehensive filtering scheme for high-resolution estimation of the water balance components from high-precision lysimeters
Authors: Hannes M. , Wollschläger U. , Schrader F. , Durner W. , Gebler S. , Pütz T. , Fank J. , von Unold G. , Vogel H.-J.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Large weighing lysimeters are currently the most precise method to directly measure all components of the terrestrial water balance in parallel via the built-in weighing system. As lysimeters are exposed to several external forces such as management practices or wind influencing the weighing data, the calculated fluxes of precipitation and evapotranspiration can be altered considerably without having applied appropriate corrections to the raw data. Therefore, adequate filtering schemes for obtaining most accurate estimates of the water balance components are required. In this study, we use data from the TERENO (TERrestrial ENvironmental Observatories) SoilCan research site in Bad Lauchstädt to develop a comprehensive filtering procedure for high-precision lysimeter data, which is designed to deal with various kinds of possible errors starting from the elimination of large disturbances in the raw data resulting e.g., from management practices all the way to the reduction of noise caused e.g., by moderate wind. Furthermore, we analyze the influence of averaging times and thresholds required by some of the filtering steps on the calculated water balance and investigate the ability of two adaptive filtering methods (the adaptive window and adaptive threshold filter (AWAT filter; Peters et al., 2014), and a new synchro filter applicable to the data from a set of several lysimeters) to further reduce the filtering error. Finally, we take advantage of the data sets of all 18 lysimeters running in parallel at the Bad Lauchstädt site to evaluate the performance and accuracy of the proposed filtering scheme. For the tested time interval of 2 months, we show that the estimation of the water balance with high temporal resolution and good accuracy is possible. The filtering code can be downloaded from the journal website as Supplement to this publication.
Sea level trend and variability around Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Luu Q. H. , Tkalich P. , Tay T. W.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Sea level rise due to climate change is non-uniform globally, necessitating regional estimates. Peninsular Malaysia is located in the middle of Southeast Asia, bounded from the west by the Malacca Strait, from the east by the South China Sea (SCS), and from the south by the Singapore Strait. The sea level along the peninsula may be influenced by various regional phenomena native to the adjacent parts of the Indian and Pacific oceans. To examine the variability and trend of sea level around the peninsula, tide gauge records and satellite altimetry are analyzed taking into account vertical land movements (VLMs). At annual scale, sea level anomalies (SLAs) around Peninsular Malaysia on the order of 5–25 cm are mainly monsoon driven. Sea levels at eastern and western coasts respond differently to the Asian monsoon: two peaks per year in the Malacca Strait due to South Asian–Indian monsoon; an annual cycle in the remaining region mostly due to the East Asian–western Pacific monsoon. At interannual scale, regional sea level variability in the range of ±6 cm is correlated with El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). SLAs in the Malacca Strait side are further correlated with the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) in the range of ±5 cm. Interannual regional sea level falls are associated with El Niño events and positive phases of IOD, whilst rises are correlated with La Niña episodes and negative values of the IOD index. At seasonal to interannual scales, we observe the separation of the sea level patterns in the Singapore Strait, between the Raffles Lighthouse and Tanjong Pagar tide stations, likely caused by a dynamic constriction in the narrowest part. During the observation period 1986–2013, average relative rates of sea level rise derived from tide gauges in Malacca Strait and along the east coast of the peninsula are 3.6±1.6 and 3.7±1.1 mm yr−1, respectively. Correcting for respective VLMs (0.8±2.6 and 0.9±2.2 mm yr−1), their corresponding geocentric sea level rise rates are estimated at 4.4±3.1 and 4.6±2.5 mm yr−1. The geocentric rates are about 25 % faster than those measured at tide gauges around the peninsula; however, the level of uncertainty associated with VLM data is relatively high. For the common period between 1993 and 2009, geocentric sea level rise values along the Malaysian coast are similar from tide gauge records and satellite altimetry (3.1 and 2.7 mm yr−1, respectively), and arguably correspond to the global trend.
Foster the "mores", counter the "limits"
Authors: Gui Xinning , Nardi Bonnie
Published: August 2015

This paper reports an ethnographic study of an environmental volunteer organization in Mincheng, China and the Transition Town movement in Totnes, U.K. We examine limits that affected local sustainable activities, and how people attempted to counter the limits. Our use of the term “limits” is a little different than “limits on computing” but pertinent to the larger issues.
Limits and sustainable interaction design: Obsolescence in a future of collapse and resource scarcity
Authors: Remy Christian , Huang Elaine M.
Published: August 2015

Electronic waste, caused by the advancements of technology and its rapidly increasing obsolescence, represents a major threat to environmental sustainability. Research in sustainable HCI has proposed a variety of solutions to tackle this issue, but has yet to create a major impact in product design. While currently industry’s goals are opposed to research’s concepts of addressing obsolescence, a future of collapse and resource scarcity requires a revisit of those contributions: changes in society at large, such as a decrease of resource availability, different needs, requirements, and desires of the consumer, but also new directions of industry and marketing might enable researchers to bring their old concepts into practice. We take a look at a variety of obsolescence-related research in sustainable HCI and foreshadow its potential for such a future of collapse and resource scarcity.
Collapse (and other futures) software engineering
Authors: Penzenstadler Birgit , Raturi Ankita , Richardson Debra J. , Silberman M. Six , Tomlinson Bill
Published: August 2015

Current software engineering efforts typically rely heavily on industrial infrastructure. In a situation of civilizational collapse — which various researchers have suggested could ensue in the next century via an assortment of environmental, economic, and/or social pathways — this infrastructure may become less reliable. Previous research has offered some thoughts about what new forms of software may be relevant in the context of collapse. However, those papers did not consider how these new kinds of software would arise. Building on previous work in software engineering for sustainability (SE4S), information and communications technology for development (ICT4D), and collapse informatics, this paper explores how various forms of civilizational collapse would affect the software development process.
“Impact of Training on Employees Performance” (Evidence from Pharmaceutical Companies in Karachi, Pakistan)
Authors: Hafeez Uzma , Akbar Waqar
Published: August 2015

Employees are major assets of every organization. The accomplishment of the industry depends on its employee performance. Therefore, upper management knows the significance of expense in training for the advantage of improving employee performance and also places them to get the challenges of the today’s competitive business environment. This research also aims to see the “Impact of Training on Employee Performance in Pharmaceutical Industry in Karachi Pakistan”, in which Training consider as independent whereas dependent variable ‘Employee Performance‘ having its Performance areas i.e.; demonstrating team work, communication skill, customer service, interpersonal relationship and reduced absenteeism and its Developments areas i.e.; job-satisfaction, employee motivation, new technologies, efficiencies in process and innovation in strategies as its levers. The paper presents a concise summary of the literature on the value of training in improving the performance of the employees. Four pharmaceutical companies are selected. A survey of 356 employees via self administrated questionnaire with the help of random sampling technique is conducted with the response rate of 96%. Two sets of hypothesis are developed which relate directly to the research questions. SPSS 19 is used to perform reliability, descriptive, correlation and regression analysis. The analysis shows a positive significant relationship between them and the results reveal that the more the employee gets training, the more efficient their level of performance would be. The last section of the paper concludes along with recommendation to give guidelines for future research.
A Fast Link Initialization Protocol for Beam-Steering based Cellular Backhaul Systems
Authors: Petri Markus , Ehrig Marcus , Günther Markus
Published: August 2015

To deal with the enormous increase of mobile data traffic, new cellular network topologies are necessary. The reduction of cell area and the usage of light-weighted base stations serving only a handful of users, commonly known as the small cell approach, seems to be a suitable solution addressing changes in user expectations and usage scenarios. This paper is an extended version of [1], where current challenges of small cell deployments were presented from a backhaul perspective. A mesh-type backhaul network topology based on beam-steering millimeter-wave systems was proposed as a future-proof solution. In this paper, we focus on a link initialization protocol for beam-steering with highly directive antennas. Special requirements and problems for link setup are analyzed. Based on that, a fast protocol for link initialization is presented and it is evaluated in terms of the resulting initialization speed-up compared to state-of-the-art solutions. Furthermore, a potential approach for extending the fast link initialization protocol to support point-to-multipoint connections is given.
Quality Management Systems Implementation Compared With Organizational Maturity in Hospital
Authors: Moradi Tayebeh , Jafari Mehdi , Maleki Mohammad Reza , Naghdi Seyran , Ghiasvand Hesam
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND: A quality management system can provide a framework for continuous improvement in order to increase the probability of customers and other stakeholders’ satisfaction. The test maturity model helps organizations to assess the degree of maturity in implementing effective and sustained quality management systems; plan based on the current realities of the organization and prioritize their improvement programs.

OBJECTIVES: We aim to investigate and compare the level of organizational maturity in hospitals with the status of quality management systems implementation.

MATERIALS & METHODS: This analytical cross sectional study was conducted among hospital administrators and quality experts working in hospitals with over 200 beds located in Tehran. In the first step, 32 hospitals were selected and then 96 employees working in the selected hospitals were studied. The data were gathered using the implementation checklist of quality management systems and the organization maturity questionnaire derived from ISO 10014. The content validity was calculated using Lawshe method and the reliability was estimated using test - retest method and calculation of Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data using SPSS 18 software.

RESULTS: According to the table, the mean score of organizational maturity among hospitals in the first stage of quality management systems implementation was equal to those in the third stage and hypothesis was rejected (p-value = 0.093). In general, there is no significant difference in the organizational maturity between the first and third level hospitals (in terms of implementation of quality management systems).

CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the findings of the study show that there is no significant difference in the organizational maturity between the hospitals in different levels of the quality management systems implementation and in fact, the maturity of the organizations cannot be attributed to the implementation of such systems. As a result, hospitals should make changes in the quantity and quality of quality management systems in an effort to increase organizational maturity, whereby they improve the hospital efficiency and productivity.
Health Economics and Radium-223 (Xofigo®) in the Treatment of Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC): A Case History and a Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Norum Jan , Traasdahl Erik R. , Totth Arpad , Nieder Carsten , Olsen Jan Abel
Published: August 2015

OBJECTIVES: Prostate cancer (PC) is the most common cancer in Western countries. Recent advances in the treatment of metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) have caused significant pressure on health care budgets. We aimed to exemplify this dilemma presenting an example, radium-223 (Xofigo®), and review the literature.

METHODS: A 74-year-old man diagnosed with mCRPC was referred to our department in October 2014 for radium-223 therapy. We faced the following dilemma: is radium-223 standard therapy? Is it cost-effective? Medline was searched employing the following search criteria: “radium-223”, “alpharadin”, “Xofigo” and “prostate”. Exclusion and inclusion criteria were applied. Guidelines and cost-effectiveness analyses were focused. We also searched the websites of ASCO, ESMO and ISPOR. The web was searched, using Yahoo and Google search engines, for Health Technology Assessments (HTAs).

RESULTS: 181 publications were identified in the Medline database. Only four studies included the word “cost”, three “economics” and none “budget” in heading or abstract. None of the publications were thorough of cost analysis (cost-effectiveness, cost-utility, cost-minimizing or cost-of-illness analysis). Six HTAs and eight national guidelines were identified. The cost per quality adjusted life years was indicated €80.000-94,000. HTAs concluded reimbursement being not recommendable or no ultimate statement could be made. One pointed towards a limited use with caution.

CONCLUSION: Guidelines were based on data from randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Health economics was not considered when guidelines were made. Most HTAs concluded this therapy not cost-effective or there was insufficient data for final conclusions. Licensing and reimbursement processes should be run simultaneously.
Implementing Perennial Kitchen Garden Model to Improve Diet Diversity in Melghat, India
Authors: Birdi Tannaz J. , Shah Shimoni U.
Published: August 2015

Lack of diet diversity causing micronutrient deficiency is common in developing countries and is gaining attention due to the hidden consequences of impaired physical and cognitive development. This paper describes the propagation of a sustainable perennial kitchen garden (KG) model to address household (HH) diet diversity in Melghat. Nutrient dense plants, comprising of minimum one tree (perennial) and one green leafy vegetable (GLV) were given to participating HHs along with qualitative interventions. Baseline survey was conducted in winter 2011 followed by seasonal surveys over 2 years to record changes in KG practices, dietary intake and childcare practices. Marked increase from 4% at baseline to 95% at endline was seen in the KG maintainance. Increased diversity was seen in all food categories other than cereals and pulses. Variety of GLVs consumed increased over the two winters as well as the 2 summers. However, no change in the quantity of GLV consumed was noted which was attributed to the duration of the study period being insufficient for the trees to grow and provide adequate leaves for consumption. Notably, livelihood component was not promoted and HHs were encouraged to harvest and distribute excess seeds to relatives and neighbours. The study generated huge demand from HHs within the intervention and neighbouring villages. It concludes that a well designed perennial KG along with imparting adequate knowledge can be a sustainable practice to increase diet diversity and GLV intake which would help address micronutrient deficiencies in the community.
A New Horizon in Life: Experiences of Patients Receiving Chemotherapy
Authors: Nasrabadi Alireza Nikbakht , Mohammadpour Ali , Fathi Mohammad
Published: August 2015

INTRODUCTION: The treatment quality of diseases can affect the patient’s experience. Due to its different complications among cancer patients, the experience of chemotherapy is unique. The present study was conducted to explore the lived experience among cancer patients who had received chemotherapy.

METHODS: The study was conducted by a qualitative approach and a phenomenological method. In so doing, 12 cancer patients who had received chemotherapy were purposefully selected were interviewed using an in-depth method. After the required data were collected, they were analyzed by Tanner, Allen, Diekelmann method.

RESULTS: Analysis of the collected data indicated that the experience of chemotherapy appeared as “a new horizon in life” for the patients. Secondary themes of the new horizon in life included rebirth, understanding of life values, dependence, and need.

CONCLUSION: According to the results of the study, it was concluded that in addition to taking into providing mental-spiritual support and reducing the complications of the treatment, nurses in chemotherapy wards should pay attention to the experiences of the patients receiving chemotherapy and enhance hope and positive attitude among them.
Epidemiological and Inducible Resistance in Coagulase Negative Staphylococci
Authors: Abdollahi Shadieh , Ramazanzadeh Rashid , Khiabani Zahra Delami , Kalantar Enayat
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS) are potential pathogens with the increased use of implants in hospitals. Macrolide, lincosamide and streptogramin B (MLSB) are used in the treatment of staphylococcal infections. The aim of this study was to molecular detection of inducible clindamycin resistance and genetic pattern in CNS isolates and their transmission between hospitals.

MATERIALS & METHODS: 110 CNS strains, isolated from hospitalized patients in the intensive care unit and infectious wards of Besat and Toohid hospitals, Sanandaj. Methicillin resistance was done by agar screen test and the resistance inducible Clindamycin by the D-Test. Multiplex PCR was performed, using primers specific for erm (A, B, C, and TR) genes. Diversity of strains was determined by ERIC–PCR technique based on the similarities between DNA fingerprints by using Jaccards coefficient in the SAHN program of the NTSYS-pc software.

RESULTS: Of the 110 isolates, 64(58.2%) were methicillin -resistant CNS (MRCNS), 48(43.6%) were resistant to erythromycin (ERCNS). Out of 48 Erythromycin-resistant strains 5 (10.4%) were iMLS B phenotypes that 4 isolates showed genes erm by Multiplex PCR. The ERIC–PCR profiles allowed typing of the 110 isolates into 90 ERIC-types which were grouped into fourteen main clusters (C1–C14).

CONCLUSION: The results of this study also showed that most of CNS isolated produced different genomic fingerprint patterns, therefore, source of infection is differen t.
The Association Between Postpartum Depression and Pica During Pregnancy
Authors: Ezzeddin Neda , Zavoshy Roza , Noroozi Mostafa , Sarichloo Mohammad Ebrahim , Jahanihashemi Hassan
Published: August 2015

INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common disorder and social debilitating that has adverse effects on the mother, child and family. Pica is an eating disorder characterized by persistent ingestion of substances that the consumer does not define as food. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of postpartum depression with pica during pregnancy.

METHOD: This is case-control study was carried out in health centers in west Tehran. 152 depressed women (case group) and 148 non-depressed women (control group) were selected randomly from these health care centers. In addition to collecting demographic and pica data, the Edinburgh Depression Scale was used. The data was analyzed by both descriptive and analytic analyses such as chi-squared and logistic regression in SPSS version 16.

RESULT: In this study, there wasn’t a significant association between PPD and pica during pregnancy (P=0.153, OR=2.043, CI=0.767, 5.438), but, postpartum depression has a significant association with type (clay) (P= 0.024) and duration (more than 2 months) (P= 0.023) of pica practice.

CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, pregnancy pica was not important risk factor for PPD but there were similar risk factors such as iron supplementation during and postpartum pregnancy with pica and PPD.
Les couples mixtes et l’éducation en milieu francophone minoritaire de l’Ouest canadien
Authors: Rocque Jules
Published: August 2015

L’article porte sur les résultats d’une étude des couples mixtes et l’éducation en milieu francophone minoritaire de l’Ouest canadien. Il y a eu trois cueillettes de données: 1) un sondage et des rencontres avec des directeurs d’école; 2) des entretiens avec des parents de couples mixtes, dont les enfants fréquentent l’école de langue française; et 3) une analyse des sites Internet des conseils scolaires de langue française. Nous voulions connaître le niveau de satisfaction des parents et des directeurs ainsi que les défis du système d’éducation. Nous constatons que les réussites sont nombreuses: l’accueil, la qualité de l’enseignement, le sens d’appartenance et la fierté d’apprendre la langue et la culture françaises. Parmi les défis à relever, les acteurs parlent de la communication école-foyer (uniquement en français), d’une participation limitée des parents ne parlant pas le français à la vie scolaire et peu de sens d’appartenance à la communauté. Les sites Internet ont de plus en plus de renseignements en anglais destinés aux couples mixtes. Nous terminons en formulant quelques recommandations en vue d’améliorer ce partenariat école-foyer.