bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Which abiotic filters shape earthworm distribution patterns at the catchment scale?
Authors: Schneider A.‐K. , van Schaik L. , Zangerlé A. , Eccard J. A. , Schröder B.
Published: May 2016

Earthworms affect various soil ecosystem processes in their role as ecosystem engineers. The spatial distribution of earthworms determines the spatial distribution of their functional effects. In particular, earthworm‐induced macropore networks may act as preferential flow pathways. In this research we aimed to determine earthworm distributions at the catchment scale with species distribution models (SDMs). We used land‐use types, temporally invariant topography‐related variables and plot‐scale soil characteristics such as pH and organic matter content. We used data from spring 2013 to estimate probability distributions of the occurrence of ten earthworm species. To assess the robustness of these models, we tested temporal transferability by evaluating the accuracy of predictions from the models derived for the spring data with the predictions from data of two other field surveys in autumn 2012 and 2013. In addition, we compared the performance of SDMs based (i) on temporally varying plot‐scale predictor variables with (ii) those based on temporally invariant catchment‐scale predictors. Models based on catchment‐scale predictors, especially land use and slope, experience a small loss of predictive performance only compared with plot‐scale SDMs but have greater temporal transferability. Earthworm distribution maps derived from this kind of SDM are a prerequisite for understanding the spatial distribution patterns of functional effects related to earthworms.

Highlights

Do plot‐scale variables explain earthworm distributions better than landscape‐scale variables?

We modelled ten earthworm species and give comprehensive model evaluations.

Landscape‐scale variables are almost as useful as proximate plot‐scale variables.

Landscape‐scale variables allow temporally robust mapping, but are limited to the study area.
Interaction with slow waves during sleep improves discrimination of physiologic and pathologic high‐frequency oscillations (80–500 Hz)
Authors: von Ellenrieder Nicolás , Frauscher Birgit , Dubeau François , Gotman Jean
Published: May 2016

Objective

To characterize the interaction between physiologic and pathologic high‐frequency oscillations (HFOs) and slow waves during sleep, and to evaluate the practical significance of these interactions by automatically classifying channels as recording from normal or epileptic brain regions.

Methods

We automatically detected HFOs in intracerebral electroencephalography (EEG) recordings of 45 patients. We characterized the interaction between the HFOs and the amplitude and phase of automatically detected slow waves during sleep. We computed features associated with HFOs, and compared classic features such as rate, amplitude, duration, and frequency to novel features related to the interaction between HFOs and slow waves. To quantify the practical significance of the difference in these features we classified the channels as recording from normal/epileptic regions using logistic regression. We assessed the results in different brain regions to study differences in the HFO characteristics at the lobar level.

Results

We found a clear difference in the coupling between the phase of slow waves during sleep and the occurrence of HFOs. In channels recording physiologic activity, the HFOs tend to occur after the peak of the deactivated state of the slow wave, and in channels with epileptic activity, the HFOs occur more often before this peak. This holds for HFOs in the ripple (80–250 Hz) and fast ripple (250–500 Hz) bands, and different regions of the brain. When using this interaction to automatically classify channels as recording from normal/epileptic brain regions, the performance is better than when using other HFO characteristics. We confirmed differences in the HFO characteristics in mesiotemporal structures and in the occipital lobe.

Significance

We found the association between slow waves and HFOs to be different in normal and epileptic brain regions, emphasizing their different origin. This is also of practical significance, since it improves the separation between channels recording from normal and epileptic brain regions.
Assessment of specific contribution of residual stress generated near surface anomalies in the high temperature fatigue life of a René 65 superalloy
Authors: Gourdin S. , Cormier J. , Henaff G. , Nadot Y. , Hamon F. , Pierret S.
Published: May 2016

This study evaluates the influence of residual stresses induced by the fabrication of surface anomalies on the fatigue crack growth in a nickel based superalloy. To separate the notch effect of the geometry from the residual stress field induced by fabrication of the surface flaws, two V‐type anomalies are considered: scratches and dents with equivalent morphology and size. A specially designed heat treatment has been used to reduce the magnitude of residual stresses around these anomalies in order to highlight their effects on the different stages of the crack propagation, under low cycle fatigue conditions at 400 °C. The crack initiation life is short for both anomalies but in the presence of compressive residual stresses, a decrease of the fatigue crack growth rate has been observed during the first stages of the crack propagation. Furthermore, the results showed that without residual stresses, scratches and dents exhibit the same behaviour. Thus, the residual stress field below surface anomalies is the main parameter controlling the fatigue life from surface anomalies.
Reducing emissions from agriculture to meet the 2 °C target
Authors: Wollenberg Eva , Richards Meryl , Smith Pete , Havlík Petr , Obersteiner Michael , Tubiello Francesco N. , Herold Martin , Gerber Pierre , Carter Sarah , Reisinger Andrew , van Vuuren Detlef P. , Dickie Amy , Neufeldt Henry , Sander Björn O. , Wassmann Reiner , Sommer Rolf , Amonette James E. , Falcucci Alessandra , Herrero Mario , Opio Carolyn , Roman‐Cuesta Rosa Maria , Stehfest Elke , Westhoek Henk , Ortiz‐Monasterio Ivan , Sapkota Tek , Rufino Mariana C. , Thornton Philip K. , Verchot Louis , West Paul C. , Soussana Jean‐François , Baedeker Tobias , Sadler Marc , Vermeulen Sonja , Campbell Bruce M.
Published: May 2016

More than 100 countries pledged to reduce agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the 2015 Paris Agreement of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Yet technical information about how much mitigation is needed in the sector vs. how much is feasible remains poor. We identify a preliminary global target for reducing emissions from agriculture of ~1 GtCO2e yr−1by 2030 to limit warming in 2100 to 2 °C above pre‐industrial levels. Yet plausible agricultural development pathways with mitigation cobenefits deliver only 21–40% of needed mitigation. The target indicates that more transformative technical and policy options will be needed, such as methane inhibitors and finance for new practices. A more comprehensive target for the 2 °C limit should be developed to include soil carbon and agriculture‐related mitigation options. Excluding agricultural emissions from mitigation targets and plans will increase the cost of mitigation in other sectors or reduce the feasibility of meeting the 2 °C limit.
Factors affecting maternal confidence and satisfaction in older Japanese primiparae during postpartum hospital stay
Authors: Maehara Kunie , Mori Emi , Tsuchiya Miyako , Iwata Hiroko , Sakajo Akiko , Tamakoshi Koji
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this study was to identify factors affecting maternal confidence and satisfaction in older Japanese primiparae during their postpartum hospital stay. Participants were Japanese primiparae (age ≥ 35) who delivered live singleton infants (n = 479). Questionnaires completed 1 day before discharge from hospital included the Postpartum Maternal Confidence Scale and the Postpartum Maternal Satisfaction Scale. Data were analysed using stepwise multiple regression for maternal confidence and stepwise logistic regression for maternal satisfaction, after controlling for delivery mode. Maternal confidence was negatively affected by feeling overwhelmed by postpartum routines, needing a longer time for feeding, and a pregnancy with complications. Satisfaction with the birth experience and a longer rooming‐in period were related to greater maternal satisfaction. Lack of prior experiences with caring for babies and lack of communication with their partner about parenting role were also associated with lower confidence and satisfaction. These findings provide an important framework for nurses to teach and counsel older first‐time mothers.
Business Power and the Politics of Postneoliberalism: Relations Between Governments and Economic Elites in Bolivia and Ecuador
Authors: Wolff Jonas
Published: May 2016

The article analyzes and compares the dynamics of business-government relations in Bolivia and Ecuador during the presidencies of Evo Morales and Rafael Correa. It specifically traces the shift from confrontation to rapprochement to a fairly stable pattern of negotiation and dialogue that characterizes the two governments' interaction with core business elites. Drawing on the structural and instrumental power framework developed by Tasha Fairfield, it proposes an explanation that accounts for this overall shift as well as for the main differences between the two countries. In a nutshell, the article argues that the business elites' response to a severe loss of instrumental power and the governments' response to the persistent structural power of business combined to cause the shift toward negotiation and dialogue. The article also probes the plausibility of this power-based explanation by briefly comparing the two cases with other left-of-center governments in the region.
Medication errors room: a simulation to assess the medical, nursing and pharmacy staffs' ability to identify errors related to the medication‐use system
Authors: Daupin Johanne , Atkinson Suzanne , Bédard Pascal , Pelchat Véronique , Lebel Denis , Bussières Jean‐François
Published: May 2016

Rationale, aims and objectives

The medication‐use system in hospitals is very complex. To improve the health professionals' awareness of the risks of errors related to the medication‐use system, a simulation of medication errors was created. The main objective was to assess the medical, nursing and pharmacy staffs' ability to identify errors related to the medication‐use system using a simulation. The secondary objective was to assess their level of satisfaction.

Method

This descriptive cross‐sectional study was conducted in a 500‐bed mother‐and‐child university hospital. A multidisciplinary group set up 30 situations and replicated a patient room and a care unit pharmacy. All hospital staff, including nurses, physicians, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, was invited. Participants had to detect if a situation contained an error and fill out a response grid. They also answered a satisfaction survey.

Results

The simulation was held during 100 hours. A total of 230 professionals visited the simulation, 207 handed in a response grid and 136 answered the satisfaction survey. The participants' overall rate of correct answers was 67.5% ± 13.3% (4073/6036). Among the least detected errors were situations involving a Y‐site infusion incompatibility, an oral syringe preparation and the patient's identification. Participants mainly considered the simulation as effective in identifying incorrect practices (132/136, 97.8%) and relevant to their practice (129/136, 95.6%). Most of them (114/136; 84.4%) intended to change their practices in view of their exposure to the simulation.

Conclusions

We implemented a realistic medication‐use system errors simulation in a mother–child hospital, with a wide audience. This simulation was an effective, relevant and innovative tool to raise the health care professionals' awareness of critical processes.
The Changing International Transmission of Financial Shocks: Evidence from a Classical Time‐Varying FAVAR
Authors: ABBATE ANGELA , EICKMEIER SANDRA , LEMKE WOLFGANG , MARCELLINO MASSIMILIANO
Published: May 2016

We study the changing international transmission of financial shocks over the period 1971–2012. Global financial shocks are measured as unexpected changes of a U.S. financial conditions index (FCI), developed by Hatzius et al. (2010). We model the FCI jointly with a large international data set through a time‐varying parameter factor‐augmented VAR and find that financial shocks have a considerable impact on growth in the nine countries considered. Moreover, financial shocks during the global financial crisis are found to be large by historical standards. They explain approximately 20% of GDP growth variation on average over 2008–9, compared to an average of 5% prior to the crisis.
Second Chances: Subprime Mortgage Modification and Redefault
Authors: HAUGHWOUT ANDREW , OKAH EBIERE , TRACY JOSEPH
Published: May 2016

We examine how the structure of mortgage modification affects the likelihood that the mortgage redefaults over the next year. We focus on pre‐HAMP (Home Affordable Modification Program) subprime modifications where the borrower was seriously delinquent and the monthly payment was reduced. The average redefault rate over the year following the modification is 56%. Redefault rates decline with the magnitude of reduction in monthly payments, and redefault rates decline more when the payment reduction is achieved through principal forgiveness as compared to lower interest rates.
Neurochemical biomarkers in the diagnosis of frontotemporal lobar degeneration: an update
Authors: Oeckl Patrick , Steinacker Petra , Feneberg Emily , Otto Markus
Published: May 2016

Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is a spectrum of rare neurodegenerative diseases with overlapping symptoms and neuropathology. It includes the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), the semantic and non‐fluent variant of primary progressive aphasia (svPPA and nfvPPA), FTD with motor neuron disease (FTD‐MND), progressive supranuclear palsy, and corticobasal syndrome. The diagnosis of the FTLD spectrum of diseases is based on clinical symptoms which hampers the differentiation of the diseases among each other and with other disorders that show a similar clinical appearance resulting in a high rate of misdiagnoses. This highlights the need for objective and selective measures in the diagnostic criteria and there is extensive research on neurochemical biomarkers in FTLD as one option to address this unmet clinical need. Here, we review the advances in CSF biomarker research in FTLD in the last 2 years with regard to the validation of previously suggested and identification of new biomarker candidates for the differential diagnosis of FTLD.

image

New biomarkers for frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) are urgently needed to support differential diagnosis within the disease spectrum and with related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease (AD). Here, we review the advances in cerebrospinal fluid biomarker research in FTLD and provide a list of promising candidate markers.

This article is part of the Frontotemporal Dementia special issue.
Forecasting and Performance: Conceptualizing Forecasting Management Competence as a Higher‐Order Construct
Authors: Doering Torsten , Suresh Nallan C.
Published: May 2016

This note empirically validates forecasting management competence (FMC) as a higher‐order construct based on four underlying sets of practices: internal integration, forecasting process quality, effective use of advanced systems, and evaluation of forecasting. The results from a partial least squares structural equation model support FMC as a significant driver for three outcomes: forecast accuracy, cost reduction, and delivery performance, thereby establishing predictive validity. The study provides insights to the relative effectiveness of the four sets of forecasting practices constituting FMC. A mediator–moderator analysis shows that forecast accuracy is not a mediator or a moderator between FMC and the other two outcome variables of cost reduction and delivery performance. This indicates that in addition to effective demand forecasting practices, other processes such as sales and operations planning (S&OP) are also important for translating the benefits of effective forecasting to realize favorable business outcomes. A multigroup analysis shows that the impact of the four practice elements on the three performance outcomes also differs based on specific business contexts.
Higher all‐cause hospitalization among patients with chronic hepatitis C: the Chronic Hepatitis Cohort Study (CHeCS), 2006–2013
Authors: Teshale E. H. , Xing J. , Moorman A. , Holmberg S. D. , Spradling P. R. , Gordon S. C. , Rupp L. B. , Lu M. , Boscarino J. A. , Trinacity C.M. , Schmidt M. A. , Xu F. ,   the CHeCS Investigators
Published: May 2016

In the United States, hospitalization among patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is high. The healthcare burden associated with hospitalization is not clearly known. We analysed data from the Chronic Hepatitis Cohort Study, an observational cohort of patients receiving care at four integrated healthcare systems, collected from 2006 to 2013 to determine all‐cause hospitalization rates of patients with chronic HCV infection and the other health system patients. To compare the hospitalization rates, we selected two health system patients for each chronic HCV patient using their propensity score (PS). Propensity score matching was conducted by site, gender, race, age and household income to minimize differences attributable to these characteristics. We also compared primary reason for hospitalization between chronic HCV patients and the other health system patients. Overall, 10 131 patients with chronic HCV infection and 20 262 health system patients were selected from the 1 867 802 health system patients and were matched by PS. All‐cause hospitalization rates were 27.4 (27.0–27.8) and 7.4 (7.2–7.5) per 100 persons‐year (PY) for chronic HCV patients and for the other health system patients, respectively. Compared to health system patients, hospitalization rates were significantly higher by site, gender, age group, race and household income among chronic HCV patients (P < 0.001). Compared to health system patients, chronic HCV patients were more likely to be hospitalized from liver‐related conditions (RR = 24.8, P < 0.001). Hence, patients with chronic HCV infection had approximately 3.7‐fold higher all‐cause hospitalization rate than other health system patients. These findings highlight the incremental costs and healthcare burden of patients with chronic HCV infection associated with hospitalization.
Vaccination against hepatitis A and B in patients with chronic liver disease and type 2 diabetes: has anything changed?
Authors: Koenig Aaron , Stepanova Maria , Felix Sean , Kalwaney Shirley , Clement Stephen , Younossi Zobair M.
Published: May 2016

Background & Aims

Given the severity of acute hepatitis in patients with chronic liver diseases (CLD) and patients with type 2 diabetes (DM), most of these patients are recommended to be vaccinated. The aim is to assess the recent changes in HAV and HBV vaccination rates in patients with CLD and DM in the U.S. using the most recent population data.

Methods

We used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) cycles 2009–2012 and 2013–2014, and compared those to previous cycles (1999–2004 and 2005–2008).

Results

In general U.S. population, the rates of quality measure (QM, serologic immunity or history of vaccination) for HBV increased from 31.9% in 1999–2004 to 49.5% in 2013–2014 (P < 0.0001), synchronously with an increase in self‐reported HBV vaccination: from 24.4% to 41.3% (P < 0.0001). A similar increase was noted for HAV: 12.0% in 1999–2004 to 33.4% in 2013–2014 in vaccination, 44.0% to 52.4% in HAV QM (all P < 0.0001). Greater recent increases in HBV QM were noted in non‐HBV CLD patients: 34.7% to 56.8% in HBV QM and 22.7% to 51.1% in HBV vaccination (all P < 0.0001), while the changes in patients with diabetes were similar to those in general U.S. population despite the recent CDC recommendation (for the age 19–59): 31.0% to 45.1% (P = 0.007) in HBV QM, and 22.3% to 39.0% (P = 0.0004) in HBV vaccination.

Conclusions

Despite recommendations, HAV and HBV vaccination rates in patients with CLD and DM remain relatively low. Better vaccination strategies for these high risk patients should be undertaken.
The costs of stunting in South Asia and the benefits of public investments in nutrition
Authors: Shekar Meera , Dayton Eberwein Julia , Kakietek Jakub
Published: May 2016

South Asia is home to the largest number of stunted children worldwide: 65 million or 37% of all South Asian children under 5 were stunted in 2014. The costs to society as a result of stunting during childhood are high and include increased mortality, increased morbidity (in childhood and later as adults), decreased cognitive ability, poor educational outcomes, lost earnings and losses to national economic productivity. Conversely, investing in nutrition provides many benefits for poverty reduction and economic growth. This article draws from analyses conducted in four sub‐Saharan countries to demonstrate that investments in nutrition can also be very cost‐effective in South Asian countries. Specifically, the analyses demonstrate that scaling up a set of 10 critical nutrition‐specific interventions is highly cost‐effective when considered as a package. Most of the interventions are also very cost‐effective when considered individually. By modelling cost‐effectiveness of different scale‐up scenarios, the analysis offers insights into ways in which the impact of investing in nutrition interventions can be maximized under budget constraints. Rigorous estimations of the costs and benefits of nutrition investments, similar to those reported here for sub‐Saharan countries, are an important next step for all South Asian countries in order to drive political commitment and action and to enhance allocative efficiency of nutrition resources.
Prechewing infant food, consumption of sweets and dairy and not breastfeeding are associated with increased diarrhoea risk of 10‐month‐old infants in the United States
Authors: Conkle Joel , Ramakrishnan Usha , Freeman Matthew C.
Published: May 2016

Prechewing of food by caregivers is a common infant feeding practice both globally and in the United States, where the highest rates of the practice are found among African‐Americans and Alaska Natives. The objective of this study was to determine if prechewing of infant food is associated with increased diarrhoea prevalence of 10‐month‐old infants in the United States. The study used cross‐sectional data from the Infant Feeding Practices Study II to test for associations between prechewing and 2‐week‐period prevalence of infant diarrhoea. At 10 months of age, infants who received prechewed food (n = 203) had a diarrhoea prevalence of 16.1%, compared with 10.9% of children who did not receive prechewed food (n = 1567) [relative risk (RR) = 1.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–2.11]. After adjusting for covariates, including breastfeeding and consuming sweets and dairy, prechewing was associated with a 58% higher risk (RR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.10–2.26) of 2‐week diarrhoea prevalence. Consumption of sweets (RR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.03–1.78) and dairy (RR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.03–1.93) was also associated with increased diarrhoea risk. Continued breastfeeding at 10 months of age was associated with a reduced risk of diarrhoea (RR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.50–0.91). Prechewing of infant food is associated with increased diarrhoea among 10‐month‐old infants. The high RR found in this study suggests that prechewing may be an important factor in public health efforts to reduce the burden of diarrhoeal disease. However, further research is needed to establish that prechewing causes increased diarrhoea risk and to explore potential benefits of prechewing.
MANAGEMENT STRATEGY EVALUATION OF PHEROMONE‐BAITED TRAPPING TECHNIQUES TO IMPROVE MANAGEMENT OF INVASIVE SEA LAMPREY
Authors: DAWSON HEATHER A. , JONES MICHAEL L. , IRWIN BRIAN J. , JOHNSON NICHOLAS S. , WAGNER MICHAEL C. , SZYMANSKI MELISSA D.
Published: May 2016

We applied a management strategy evaluation (MSE) model to examine the potential cost‐effectiveness of using pheromone‐baited trapping along with conventional lampricide treatment to manage invasive sea lamprey. Four pheromone‐baited trapping strategies were modeled: (1) stream activation wherein pheromone was applied to existing traps to achieve 10−12 mol/L in‐stream concentration, (2) stream activation plus two additional traps downstream with pheromone applied at 2.5 mg/hr (reverse‐intercept approach), (3) trap activation wherein pheromone was applied at 10 mg/hr to existing traps, and (4) trap activation and reverse‐intercept approach. Each new strategy was applied, with remaining funds applied to conventional lampricide control. Simulating deployment of these hybrid strategies on fourteen Lake Michigan streams resulted in increases of 17 and 11% (strategies 1 and 2) and decreases of 4 and 7% (strategies 3 and 4) of the lakewide mean abundance of adult sea lamprey relative to status quo. MSE revealed performance targets for trap efficacy to guide additional research because results indicate that combining lampricides and high efficacy trapping technologies can reduce sea lamprey abundance on average without increasing control costs.
The role of ischaemia in necrotising sialometaplasia
Authors: Domah F. , Shah R.
Published: May 2016

Aim

To establish the role of ischaemia in necrotising sialometaplasia.

Background

Necrotising sialometaplasia is a rare, benign inflammatory lesion primarily involving the minor salivary glands of the hard palate. Presentation of the lesion is that of a deep seated ulcer. It represents a diagnostic challenge to the clinician because of its clinical and histopathologic features that simulate malignancy. It is commonly believed that the lesion is a result of vascular ischaemia initiated by trauma.

Materials and methods

Cases of necrotising sialometaplasia described in the literature have been reviewed. Relations between oral manifestations, aetiology, pathogenesis and management have been critically analysed.

Results

Different factors have been described as the source of trauma responsible for necrotising sialometaplasia, such as local anaesthetic, ill‐fitting dentures, smoking, alcohol, cocaine snorting, vomiting and fellatio.

Conclusions

The literature supports the causal role of trauma and ischaemia in the development of necrotising sialometaplasia. However not all cases of trauma inevitably lead to necrotising sialometaplasia.
Announcement—guidance document for acquiring reliable data in ecological restoration projects
Authors: Stapanian Martin A. , Rodriguez Karen , Lewis Timothy E. , Blume Louis , Palmer Craig J. , Walters Lynn , Schofield Judith , Amos Molly M. , Bucher Adam
Published: May 2016

The Laurentian Great Lakes are undergoing intensive ecological restoration in Canada and the United States. In the United States, an interagency committee was formed to facilitate implementation of quality practices for federally funded restoration projects in the Great Lakes basin. The Committee's responsibilities include developing a guidance document that will provide a common approach to the application of quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) practices for restoration projects. The document will serve as a “how‐to” guide for ensuring data quality during each aspect of ecological restoration projects. In addition, the document will provide suggestions on linking QA/QC data with the routine project data and hints on creating detailed supporting documentation. Finally, the document will advocate integrating all components of the project, including QA/QC applications, into an overarching decision‐support framework. The guidance document is expected to be released by the U.S. EPA Great Lakes National Program Office in 2017.
Waka and Zen in Medieval Japan
Authors: Vallor Molly
Published: May 2016

Although it is clear that Zen played some role in the medieval waka tradition (and vice versa), textual uncertainties and controversies have long complicated scholarly efforts to determine the extent. While a considerable amount of scholarly ink has been spilled on the topic in Japanese, the mysteries of waka and Zen have yet to be taken up in any systematic fashion in English. In seeking to remedy this lacuna, this article introduces scholarship and debates on the topic (especially in Japanese), identifies areas for future research, and offers annotated translations of select poems. Topics introduced include: Zen in the imperial anthologies; waka attributed to Zen monks and nuns, such as Dōgen, Mugai Nyodai, Musō Soseki, and Ikkyū; waka and Zen practice; recent scholarship on the 1543 kōan collection Shōnan Kattō Roku (translated by Trevor Leggett as The Warrior Koans or Samurai Zen), which contains waka; and dedicatory sequences featuring Zen monks.
Usefulness of transcutaneous PCO2 to assess nocturnal hypoventilation in restrictive lung disorders
Authors: Georges Marjolaine , Nguyen‐Baranoff Danièle , Griffon Lucie , Foignot Clement , Bonniaud Philippe , Camus Philippe , Pepin Jean‐Louis , Rabec Claudio
Published: May 2016

Background and objective

Nocturnal hypoventilation is now an accepted indication for the initiation of non‐invasive ventilation. Nocturnal hypoventilation may be an under diagnosed condition in chronic respiratory failure. The most appropriate strategy to identify sleep hypoventilation is not yet clearly defined. In clinical practice, it is indirectly assessed using nocturnal pulse oximetry (NPO) and morning arterial blood gases (mABG). Even though continuous transcutaneous carbon dioxide partial pressure (TcPCO2) monitoring is theoretically superior to NPO plus mABG, it is not routinely used. We aimed to prospectively compare NPO plus mABG with nocturnal TcPCO2 for the detection of alveolar hypoventilation in a cohort of patients with chronic restrictive respiratory dysfunction.

Methods

We assessed 80 recordings of mABG, nocturnal TcPCO2 and NPO in 72 consecutive patients with neuromuscular disease or thoracic cage disorders. Nocturnal hypoventilation was defined as a mean nightime TcPCO2 ≥50 mm Hg, and nocturnal hypoxaemia as ≥30% of the night with transcutaneous pulse oxygen saturation ≤90% and/or >5 consecutive minutes with transcutaneous pulse oxygen saturation ≤88%.

Results

Amongst the 80 recordings, 25 of 76 (32.9%) without nocturnal hypoxaemia and 16 of 59 (27.1%) without hypercapnia on mABG showed nocturnal hypoventilation on TcPCO2. Amongst recordings showing both normal NPO and mABG, 16 of 52 (30.8%) had a mean TcPCO2 ≥50 mm Hg. Nocturnal hypoxaemia was associated with nocturnal hypoventilation in all recordings. However, 5 of 21 (23.8%) recordings that showed an absence of nocturnal hypoventilation at the chosen threshold showed hypercapnia on mABG.

Conclusion

Morning arterial blood gases and NPO alone or in combination underestimate nocturnal hypoventilation in patients with chronic restrictive respiratory dysfunction of extrapulmonary origin.
How do I interpret a confidence interval?
Authors: O'Brien Sheila F. , Yi Qi Long
Published: May 2016

A 95% confidence interval (CI) of the mean is a range with an upper and lower number calculated from a sample. Because the true population mean is unknown, this range describes possible values that the mean could be. If multiple samples were drawn from the same population and a 95% CI calculated for each sample, we would expect the population mean to be found within 95% of these CIs. CIs are sensitive to variability in the population (spread of values) and sample size. When used to compare the means of two or more treatment groups, a CI shows the magnitude of a difference between groups. This is helpful in understanding both the statistical significance and the clinical significance of a treatment. In this article we describe the basic principles of CIs and their interpretation.
A targeted immunomic approach identifies diagnostic antigens in the human pathogen Babesia microti
Authors: Cornillot Emmanuel , Dassouli Amina , Pachikara Niseema , Lawres Lauren , Renard Isaline , Francois Celia , Randazzo Sylvie , Brès Virginie , Garg Aprajita , Brancato Janna , Pazzi Joseph E. , Pablo Jozelyn , Hung Chris , Teng Andy , Shandling Adam D. , Huynh Vu T. , Krause Peter J. , Lepore Timothy , Delbecq Stephane , Hermanson Gary , Liang Xiaowu , Williams Scott , Molina Douglas M. , Ben Mamoun Choukri
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND

Babesia microti is a protozoan parasite responsible for the majority of reported cases of human babesiosis and a major risk to the blood supply. Laboratory screening of blood donors may help prevent transfusion‐transmitted babesiosis but there is no Food and Drug Administration–approved screening method yet available. Development of a sensitive, specific, and highly automated B. microti antibody assay for diagnosis of acute babesiosis and blood screening could have an important impact on decreasing the health burden of B. microti infection.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Herein, we take advantage of recent advances in B. microti genomic analyses, field surveys of the reservoir host, and human studies in endemic areas to apply a targeted immunomic approach to the discovery of B. microti antigens that serve as signatures of active or past babesiosis infections. Of 19 glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)‐anchored protein candidates (BmGPI1‐19) identified in the B. microti proteome, 17 were successfully expressed, printed on a microarray chip, and used to screen sera from uninfected and B. microti–infected mice and humans to determine immune responses that are associated with active and past infection.

RESULTS

Antibody responses to various B. microti BmGPI antigens were detected and BmGPI12 was identified as the best biomarker of infection that provided high sensitivity and specificity when used in a microarray antibody assay.

CONCLUSION

BmGPI12 alone or in combination with other BmGPI proteins is a promising candidate biomarker for detection of B. microti antibodies that might be useful in blood screening to prevent transfusion‐transmitted babesiosis.
Prevalence of RHD alleles in Japanese individuals with weak D phenotype: Identification of 20 new RHD alleles
Authors: Isa K. , Sasaki K. , Ogasawara K. , Saito M. , Tsuneyama H. , Yabe R. , Uchikawa M. , Satake M.
Published: May 2016

We identified 46 different RHD alleles from 226 Japanese individuals with weak D phenotype, 26 of which had been previously described and 20 that were novel. Among these weak D individuals, the alleles with c.960G>A, c.845G>A (RHD*15) or c.1013T>C (RHD*01W.24) mutations were most prevalent with relative occurrences of 36·7%, 15·9% and 9·7%, respectively. These findings demonstrate that the prevalence of common weak D alleles in the Japanese population significantly differs from that of Caucasian populations.
LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM IN MALAYSIA: MATERIALS SELECTION FOR DOWN CONDUCTOR
Authors: Abdul Rahim Mustaqqim , Abdul Ghani Abdul Naser , Che Munaaim Muhammad Arkam
Published: May 2016

Lightning is a natural phenomenon that cannot be prevented, therefore the specific system need to be installed in the building to reduce or eliminate the impact of lightning flash and safely discharge to the ground. The country along the equator including Africa, South America and Southern Asia received the highest number of lightning. Malaysia experienced in average of 100 to 140 days of lightning and 600000 to 1300000 number of lightning flash per year. This research is conducted to identify the materials selection for the lightning protection system especially the down conductor cable. Several projects around Malaysia had been selected for this purpose. From the research, they are two types of lightning protection system commonly implemented in Malaysian buildings; the conventional method and structural bonding method. It was found that 23 % of the projects used structural bonding method, mostly from the government projects, and 77% of the projects used conventional method. For the down conductor cable selection, the conventional method used the copper and aluminium tape. And for the structural bonding method the galvanized steel iron was used as the down conductor cable.
REVIEW ON THE POTENTIAL OF MICRO HYDRO ELECTRIC GENERATOR EMBEDDED AT EFFLUENT DISCHARGE OF SEWERAGE TREATMENT PLANT
Authors: C. Munaaim M. Arkam , Hamidin Nasrul , Ayob Afizah
Published: May 2016

A micro hydroelectric generator is an energy conversion approach to generate electricity from potential (motion) energy to an electrical energy. It is desired to be implemented by using a micro-hydro electric generator which is embedded at the continuous flow of effluent discharge point of sewerage treatment plant (STP). Any conventional STP is appropriate with domestic wastewater and an effective and approved technology to control water discharged according to local requirements which at the same time suitable to drive a turbine rotation head of a dynamo. This paper evaluate the potential of electricity generation using micro-hydro generator turbine attached to a selective sizing of an electrical dynamo and system regulator to produce electrical energy which meets the minimum power quality for domestic use. The overview of micro hydro electric generator on the actual application and suggestion made by previous researchers is summarized.
NUTRIENT LEACH FROM CONCRETE ARTIFICIAL REEF INCORPORATING WITH ORGANIC MATERIAL
Authors: Mohamad N. , Samad A. A. A. , Goh W. I. , Monica Hazel , Hasbullah Fahmi
Published: May 2016

Solid waste from the construction site has always been an environmental issue in this country. Poor management has often resulted with the solid waste being dumped in open field even though these waste materials be recycled for new products. The recycled waste   will not only reduce the environmental problem, but it will also contribute to new innovations and technology. This article discusses the design and fabrication of the artificial reef using recycled waste concrete from the construction industry. The artificial reef is added with organic material which is peanut’s shell. The organic material was used to provide organic nutrients inside the artificial reef. Laboratory tests were conducted to determine the compressive strength of the reef and to measure the organic nutrients; nitrate (NO3N) and phosphorus (TP) released from the reef when it was placed in the water. From the results, it was found that the artificial reef with added peanut’s shell achieved a maximum compressive strength of 31.3 MPa. It was also found that the organic material in the reef dispersed nutrients into the water.
A LABORATORY WORK WITH BIOMASS: A CEMENT REPLACEMENT MATERIAL IN CONCRETE MIX
Authors: Abas Noor Faisal
Published: May 2016

The cement production facing the current environmental issue like CO2 emission and scarcity of raw materials, burning of higher amount fossil fuel for production and rapidly increasing demand for cement and concrete can be of a greater problem in the near future. On the other hand there is an ongoing issue of biomass waste management, so there is great opportunity for biomass ash to be used as a cement replacement material as many ongoing researches suggest. This can help to cut down the production of cement and with waste management. The pozzolanic characteristic of several biomass ash can be advantageous, and if the required strength of concrete can be achieved with a certain amount of replacement of cement with biomass ash, then this can be used widely if allowed by structural codes. This report explores the scope of biomass as a cement replacement material in several percentages (5%, 10%, 20%) and shows an effective result with 5 to 10% replacement as the cement with this percentage showed almost same engineering and durability properties like the traditional mix.
FACTORS TOWARDS THE RESTORATION OF ABANDONED RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN MALAYSIA: A PILOT STUDY
Authors: V. Doraisamy Sunitha , Akasah Zainal Abidin , Khamis Azme
Published: May 2016

The construction industry in Malaysia plays a vital role in meeting with people’s needs and increasing the quality of life of the society as well. However, it must be noted that most of the construction projects are failed to complete on time. It is also not uncommon for construction projects to be delayed, or in the worst scenario even abandoned due to various reasons, which has been studied by researches from Malaysia and other countries as well. This study was conducted to identify the significant factors contributing towards the restoration of abandoned residential projects in Malaysia. This study also touches on the factors for non-revival/discontinuation of the abandoned projects too. In the purpose of doing so, data was collected using questionnaires from a certain targeted group for this study. The data collected was further analyzed, which resulted on the determination of the most important factors to the least. From the analysis too, the reliability of the questionnaire was also established, where it is suggested as a tool for further research on the related issue.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE OF FLOOD PREPAREDNESS: CURRENT PHENOMENA TO FUTURE ACTION
Authors: Kamarulzaman Nitty Hirawaty , A/L K.N. Vaiappuri Selvakkumar , Ismail Nor Atiah , Mydin Md Azree Othuman
Published: May 2016

Understanding local knowledge towards isolated incidents is important as a means to the inclusion and participation of local people in disaster management and preparedness activities. Indeed, investigating how local people or communities in a particular area view and interact with their environment and its changes is crucial. In recent years, extreme weather phenomenon has caused havoc not only other parts of the world, but also in Malaysiawith major destructions to most lives and properties. Much research and development has focused on these global phenomena. The situation is getting alarming in Malaysia, especially along the eastern coastal area. In light of the big flood of Kelantan in 2014, this study aimed to discover the local communities’ knowledge on flood preparedness. Face-to-face interviews and a series of workshops were conducted with 15 respondents, from professionals, voluntaries, community leaders, and affected communities. The aftermath of the big flood showed that all forms of transportation were affected, lives, farm lands and properties were lost, and economic activities were grounded. Worst of all, these disasters are reported to be linked to human actions as the key cause. Thus, it is recommended that more efforts be taken to channel the information on flood preparedness from the affected communities, for future use. Besides, well-established and clear guidelines will help other relevant players like NGO, voluntaries, helpers, officers, and communities to play their roles in the most efficient way to face any disaster.
ANALYZING THE FEATURES OF MUGHAL GARDEN DESIGN: CASE OF TAJ MAHAL, AGRA, INDIA
Authors: Azmee Nurshamiela , Mohd Yunos Mohd Yazid , Mydin Md Azree Othuman , Ismail Sumarni , Mohd Ariffin Noor Fazamimah , Mohd Isa Nor Kalsum , Abdul Latiff Zainab
Published: May 2016

Islamic garden is a place for rest and reflection, and a reminder to paradise. The themes of an Islamic garden are shade and water element. The Islamic Gardens are influenced by the historic Islamic Garden that majority fromSpain,Iran, and MughalIndia. Those are among the recognized gardens design during Islamic Civilization and remain as a legacy of the influential era of Islamic rulers. However the gardens have different culture influences that make each of the gardens are different in their design. This paper is to analyzing the features used in the garden design ofMughalGarden: Taj Mahal,Agra,India.Â Â  The study used a content analysis and observation of features used in the design for the garden. The outcome of this study will enhance the understanding and appreciation towards Islamic garden design as an Islamic cultural heritage for the next generation.Â Â
STRUCTURAL BEHAVIOUR OF COIR FIBRE-REINFORCED FOAMED CONCRETE WALL PANEL SYSTEM
Authors: Mydin Md Azree Othuman , Ganesan Shankar , Mohd Yunos Mohd Yazid , Utaberta Nangkula , Ismail Nor Atiah
Published: May 2016

Lightweight foamed concrete (LFC) can be modified to have a reliable amount of compression protection, making it possibly to be used in low-rise building as load-bearing walls. LFC with coir fibre has experienced massive improvement in its strength compared to the normal LFC. Therefore, this particular investigation explores the contribution of coir fibre in the lightweight walling construction in terms of structural behaviour under axial compression. Fundamental steps need to be carried out to investigate thoroughly its behaviour before this innovative product can be used in practice. Coir fibre has potential to be used as replacement for the coarse aggregate in concrete to produce structural concrete. The experimental results shown that when 1400kg/m3 and 700kg/m3 density samples were associated to become one single solid concrete, the total density will be reduced and the thermal performance of the concrete will be enhanced. In this case, the panel recorded higher strength under compression than the control specimen. Due to the integrity of the reinforcing agent, the panel yielded better enhancements in the structural behaviour because natural fibres have strong resistance upon compression.Â
THE INFLUENCES OF FURNITURE ON CHILDRENâ€™S HEALTH AND WELL-BEING AT PRIMARY SCHOOOL
Authors: Valikhani Mahkameh , Ibrahim Rahinah , Dolah Mohd Shahrizal
Published: May 2016

Pre-schools and primary schools play a prominent role in the lives of children. In this phase of their life, reading and writing would begin. There are studies which explored the relationships between writing and reading performance and furniture in the classroom. A considerable body of research addresses the role of school furniture on childrenâ€™s health. Nevertheless, the impact of furniture on behaviour received fairly insufficient attention in design and furniture industries. Since children have no choice in selecting their furniture, they ended becoming passive users in the design process. In this paper, we aim to understand the impacts that school furniture have on childrenâ€™s health and performance. This paper reviews previous studies about childrenâ€™s furniture at educational centers in order to introduce a new prototype of school furniture. This study could inform designers and those involved in children related educational systems to develop better furniture designs in schools.
ROUTING IMPLEMENTATION BASED-ON SOFTWARE DEFINED NETWORK USING RYU CONTROLLER AND OPENVSWITCH
Authors: Hariyani Yuli Sun , Dyah Irawati Indrarini , Dwi S. Danu , Nuruzzamanirridha Mohammad
Published: May 2016

Open Flow is a standard protocol for differentiating forward function and control functions to facilitate the management of big network of SDN. The research have been carried out before using the emulator SDN Mininet. However Mininet has many shortcomings, such as the performance of which is less than the maximum due to simulation. Then some researchers also use the Net-FPGA as device. This device is less suitable for small scale because the prices are quite expensive and programming is quite complicated. In this study, SDN implementation carried out using OpenvSwitch as forwarding function mounted on TP-Link that has modificated using openwrt as firmware and Raspberry Pi with Ryu SDN Controller as control functions. The result shows that routing static can be implemented on SDN Network which use Raspberry Pi with Ryu Controller as control function with average bandwith 536.0909 Mbits/sec and average uptime network is 10.45 second.