bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic Approach of Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques for Flash-Flood Monitoring and Damage Assessment in Thessaly Plain Area, Greece
Authors: Psomiadis Emmanouil , Soulis Konstantinos X. , Zoka Melpomeni , Dercas Nicholas
Published: March 2019

This paper describes the synergetic use of earth observation satellites optical and radar data with a high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM) to detect flooded areas and explore the impacts of a flood event. A flash flood episode took place in May 2016, in the central-eastern part of West Thessaly (Central Greece). Landsat-7 ETM+ and a Sentinel-1 SAR images were acquired. For Landsat-7, several water indices were applied and for the Sentinel-1 a threshold method was implemented. Elevation data were also used to improve the delineation of the inundated areas, and to estimate flood water depth. Furthermore, Sentinel-2 images were utilized so as to record the land use/cover of the flooded area. The inundated areas and the affected cultivations were delineated with high precision, and the financial effects were evaluated.
Sustainability Analysis of Alternative Long-Term Management Strategies for Water Supply Systems: A Case Study in Reggio Emilia (Italy)
Authors: Felisa Giada , Lauriola Ilaria , Pedrazzoli Pietro , Di Federico Vittorio , Ciriello Valentina
Published: March 2019

Increasing urban water demand and water stress conditions due to population growth, combined with climate change and a non-uniform distribution of water resources in space and time, represent major concerns for water companies. As such, long-term management strategies need to improve the resilience of water supply systems and account for the sustainability of water withdrawals. In this context, metabolic modelling may provide a support to decision-making in the medium-long term, based on sustainability criteria. This approach enables mimicking a water supply network (WSN) based on a set of material and energy fluxes that interact and influence each other. By analyzing these fluxes, a suite of key performance indicators (KPIs) is evaluated in order to identify which kind of interventions may be applied to increase the sustainability of the system. Here, we apply a metabolic model, WaterMet2, to a WSN in the Reggio Emilia Province (Italy), combined with hydraulic simulations conducted with EPANET. Different alternative strategies are compared, including a reduction of water withdrawals from the main well field due to a possible future decrease in water availability. Based on KPIs, sustainable long-term strategies are evaluated in order to identify the most suitable solution for dynamic sustainable management of the water supply system.
The Threshold Effect of Environmental Regulation, FDI Agglomeration, and Water Utilization Efficiency under “Double Control Actions”—An Empirical Test Based on Yangtze River Economic Belt
Authors: Ding Xuhui , Tang Ning , He Juhua
Published: March 2019

In this study, the SE-SBM model considering undesirable outputs was used to measure the water utilization efficiency of the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2006 to 2016, and the panel threshold model was used to estimate the impact of environmental regulation and foreign direct investment (FDI) agglomeration on water utilization efficiency. The results show that the water utilization efficiency presents a “U”-shaped trend as a whole, declines incrementally along the eastern, central, and western regions of the economic belt, and that the water utilization efficiency of the economic belt first converges and then diverges. In the estimation of the double threshold panel model, when the per capita GDP is lower than 2.635 or greater than 12.058 thousand dollars, the environmental regulation shows a significant positive effect. Otherwise, the environmental regulation barely shows a significant negative effect. FDI has not had a great impact on water resources utilization efficiency, and neither the “pollution aura” nor “pollution shelter” are significant. When the per capita GDP is lower than 2.184 or greater than 12.058 thousand dollars, FDI can significantly improve the water utilization efficiency through environmental regulation. Besides, the positive effects of technological innovation and foreign trade dependence are significant, and so are the negative effects of industrialization. Differentiated environmental regulation policies should be formulated; industrial upgrade should be promoted; innovation of water-saving and emission reduction should be strengthened in the Yangtze River Economic Belt.
Statistical Study of Rainfall Control: The Dagum Distribution and Applicability to the Southwest of Spain
Authors: López-Rodríguez Fernando , García-Sanz-Calcedo Justo , Moral-García Francisco J. , García-Conde Antonio J.
Published: March 2019

It is of vital importance in statistical distributions to fit rainfall data to determine the maximum amount of rainfall expected for a specific hydraulic work. Otherwise, the hydraulic capacity study could be erroneous, with the tragic consequences that this would entail. This study aims to present the Dagum distribution as a new statistical tool to calculate rainfall in front of frequent statistical distributions such as Gumbel, Log-Pearson Type III, Gen Extreme Value (GEV) and SQRT-ET max. The study was performed by collecting annual rainfall data from 52 meteorological stations in the province of Badajoz (Spain), using the statistical goodness-of-fit tests of Anderson–Darling and Kolmogorov–Smirnov to establish the degree of fitness of the Dagum distribution, applied to the maximum annual rainfall series. The results show that this distribution obtained a flow 21.92% greater than that with the traditional distributions. Therefore, in the Southwest of Spain, the Dagum distribution fits better to the observed rainfall data than other common statistical distributions, with respect to precision and calculus of hydraulics works and river flood plains.
Bioremediation of Waste Water to Remove Heavy Metals Using the Spent Mushroom Substrate of Agaricus bisporus
Authors: Corral-Bobadilla Marina , González-Marcos Ana , Vergara-González Eliseo P. , Alba-Elías Fernando
Published: March 2019

The presence of heavy metals in waste water brings serious environmental pollution that threatens human health and the ecosystem. Bioremediation of heavy metals has received considerable and growing interest over the years. Thus, this paper presents the use of the Spent Mushroom Substrate (SMS) of Agaricus bisporus cultivation as a bioremediating agent to remove heavy metals that are present in industrial waters. These metals include chromium, lead, iron, cobalt, nickel, manganese, zinc, copper and aluminium. In particular, this study analyses the performance of SMS bioreactors with different groups of heavy metals at various concentrations. Between 80% and 98% of all contaminants that were analysed can be removed with 5 kg of SMS at hydraulic retention times of 10 and 100 days. The best removal efficiencies and longevities were achieved when removing iron (III), nickel and cobalt from contaminated water at a pH of 2.5. These results suggest that SMS can successfully treat waste water that has been contaminated with heavy metals.
A carrier velocity model for electrical detection of gas molecules
Authors: Hosseingholi Pourasl Ali , Ariffin Sharifah Hafizah Syed , Ahmadi Mohammad Taghi , Ismail Razali , Gharaei Niayesh
Published: March 2019

Nanomaterial-based sensors with high sensitivity, fast response and recovery time, large detection range, and high chemical stability are in immense demand for the detection of hazardous gas molecules. Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) which have exceptional electrical, physical, and chemical properties can fulfil all of these requirements. The detection of gas molecules using gas sensors, particularly in medical diagnostics and safety applications, is receiving particularly high demand. GNRs exhibit remarkable changes in their electrical characteristics when exposed to different gases through molecular adsorption. In this paper, the adsorption effects of the target gas molecules (CO and NO) on the electrical properties of the armchair graphene nanoribbon (AGNR)-based sensor are analytically modelled. Thus, the energy dispersion relation of AGNR is developed considering the molecular adsorption effect using a tight binding (TB) method. The carrier velocity is calculated based on the density of states (DOS) and carrier concentration (n) to obtain I–V characteristics and to monitor its variation in the presence of the gas molecules. Furthermore, the I–V characteristics and energy band structure of the AGNR sensor are simulated using first principle calculations to investigate the gas adsorption effects on these properties. To ensure the accuracy of the proposed model, the I–V characteristics of the AGNR sensor that are simulated based both on the proposed model and first principles calculations are compared, and an acceptable agreement is achieved.
MANAGING HUMAN RESOURCES IN NURSING: THE RELATIONSHIP OF NURSES’ WORKING TIME AND PATIENTS’ INDEPENDENCE LEVEL
Authors: Čiarnienė Ramunė , Suprikienė Roberta , Čiutienė Rūta , Daunorienė Asta , Riklikienė Olga
Published: March 2019

A skilled, competent, and motivated nursing workforce is crucial for a well-functioning health care system. Nurses’ professional activities done on a regular basis, their workload, and occupancy are related to the patient’s health status, dependence level and care needs. Therefore, managing human resources in nursing by effectively distributing nurses’ working time and monitoring their workload for safe and high quality care, managers should rely on the severity of patients’ health status and their independence level.

In this article the results on how nurses’ working time depends on patients’ independence are provided. The research was carried out at a regional hospital, in departments of medical profile. The time-and-motion study was implemented with 72 observations made in total, which amounted to 777.2 hours of nursing time. A questionnaire was used to assess the level of patients’ independence by assessing the four activities of the patient’s daily living. The results revealed that the largest amount of nurses’ working time, i.e. almost half of a day’s shift, was spent on direct patient care by administrating medication use and performing various nursing procedures. Nurses would spend almost half of the time for direct patient care on completely dependent patients, while one third would be spent on dependent patients. The relative number of nurses’ contacts with a patient is directly proportional to patient’s level of independence; a strong or fairly strong linear relationship was established betweenn the level of patients’ independence and the relative amount of nurses’ working time.
Evidence for a Bright-edged Jet in the Optical/Near-infrared Afterglow of GRB 160625B
Authors: Strausbaugh Robert , Butler Nathaniel , Lee William H. , Troja Eleonora , Watson Alan M.
Published: March 2019

Using deep and high-cadence gamma-ray burst (GRB) afterglow data from the Reionization And Transients Infra-Red/Optical camera, we observe a sharp and achromatic light curve break 12.6 days after the GRB, accompanied by an approximately achromatic bump. Fitting of the optical, near-infrared, and X-ray data suggest a very narrow (2°) jet that remains collimated at late time. We argue that the sharp light curve bump suggests an edge-brightened jet, perhaps emitting only during a brief period of lateral jet expansion. The light curve also exhibits a gradual spectral evolution lasting >10 days. The evolution of the flux can be modeled as

, with a temporal slope α = −0.956 ± 0.003 and a gradually time-varying spectral slope

.
L’objectif d’égalité des sexes dans la mise en œuvre des politiques d’emploi à Berlin
Authors: Perrier Gwenaëlle
Published: March 2019

Le gender mainstreaming est une méthode de promotion de l’égalité des sexes portée par l’Union européenne, participant d’une forme d’institutionnalisation du féminisme. Dans quelle mesure sa mise en œuvre a-t-elle permis la diffusion de l’objectif d’égalité dans les politiques publiques, en dehors du champ du féminisme d’État ? L’article s’attelle à cette question en analysant la politique d’emploi à Berlin durant les années 2000. Il montre que si le travail des avocates du gender mainstreaming a permis une forme d’institutionnalisation du thème de l’égalité au sein du secteur de l’emploi, sa réappropriation par les professionnel·le·s de l’emploi reste très limitée, pour des raisons liées à la fois aux modalités concrètes du processus de mise en œuvre du gender mainstreaming et à l’existence de freins normatifs et cognitifs chez ces professionnel·le·s.
Fouiller… Militer
Authors: Smaoui Sélim
Published: March 2019

La problématisation de la cause des « victimes du franquisme », apparue depuis le début des années 2000 en Espagne, hybride d’une part des logiques de transmissions mémorielles et d’autre part l’usage de référents promus par le champ international des pratiques dites « post-conflictuelles » (mobilisations de « victimes », politiques de « réconciliation », lutte pour la « vérité, la justice et la réparation », contre l’ « impunité », etc.). Afin de documenter les modalités de cette hybridation, cet article propose de placer la focale sur les carrières individuelles d’une certaine catégorie d’acteurs de cette cause : non pas celle des héritiers des « disparus », mais des professionnels, archéologues et anthropologues physiques, engagés dans la recherche des corps gisant dans des fosses communes et dont les compétences pratiques participent précisément de la construction de la cause portée. Cet article combine une analyse processuelle de l’engagement ainsi qu’une approche soucieuse des formes d’expérimentations sensibles générées par le traitement concret d’un problème public. Il met en évidence que, loin d’être des problématiques soudainement greffées ou des ressources d’actions purement instrumentales, la « thématique mémorielle » comme les préceptes moraux du post-conflit (« vérité », « réparation », « lutte contre l’impunité », « disparu », etc.) sont des problématiques éprouvées affectivement et intellectuellement par les experts, tout en étant ajustées à des préoccupations et des inclinations forgées lors des expériences biographiques. En retraçant diachroniquement les multiples expériences de socialisations (familiales, militantes, professionnelles) des acteurs, il s’agira de démontrer que les experts ont éprouvé, sur le long cours, des expériences (sensibles, cognitives, pratiques) et intériorisé des cadres d’interprétations (militants, scientifiques, moraux) qui président à la mise en forme ultérieure de la cause.
La « société civile » entre protestation et prestations. Organisations de victimes, compétition partisane et néo-corporatisme en Bosnie-Herzégovine
Authors: Jouhanneau Cécile
Published: March 2019

Prenant pour objet une organisation de victimes de guerre omniprésente dans la Bosnie-Herzégovine des années 2000, cet article s’émancipe du débat relatif à la contribution de la « société civile » à la démocratisation et lui préfère une étude empirique des liens entre État, partis politiques et organisations collectives. En pointant le rôle que joue l’Union serbe de détenus de camps dans les entreprises partisanes de conquête et d’exercice du pouvoir, puis en dévoilant la place occupée par cette organisation dans le système pyramidal de représentation des intérêts et de répartition des ressources publiques en Republika Srpska, cet article met au jour les logiques partisanes et néo-corporatistes de certaines mobilisations de victimes de guerre. Si ce mode de gouvernement reflète les continuités relatives du néo-corporatisme yougoslave dans la Bosnie-Herzégovine post-socialiste, il est également affecté par les modalités de l’intervention internationale de construction de la paix.
La cause des catastrophes
Authors: Cabane Lydie , Revet Sandrine
Published: March 2019

Les catastrophes dites « naturelles » (séismes, ouragans, tsunamis, éruptions volcaniques, inondations...) ont longtemps été et sont encore aujourd’hui, pour la plupart, analysées par les sciences de la terre et sciences de l’ingénieur. Au cours du XX e  siècle, elles sont également devenues un objet de recherche pour les sciences sociales, déplaçant par la même occasion l’objet d’investigation et d’intervention sur les catastrophes, en les rendant moins « naturelles » et plus « sociales ». Cette concurrence des savoirs, entre sciences de la terre et sciences sociales, a accompagné la mise à l’agenda politique international des catastrophes depuis les années 1970. Au travers d’une comparaison dans le temps et à l’échelle transnationale, l’article s’intéresse à la façon dont ces déplacements et frictions scientifiques ont participé de transformations politiques globales de la Guerre froide à la période actuelle, entre enjeux de sécurité, d’environnement et de développement. L’article montre comment la distribution sociale des disciplines est indissociable de reconfigurations politiques qui promeuvent, adoptent ou rejettent certaines approches au détriment d’autres. Plus généralement, l’enjeu est de mettre en perspective l’inscription politique des savoirs dans des configurations globales au regard de leurs concurrences.
Wear-Resisting Properties of Epoxy/WС-Co/Al Coating on 300M Steel
Authors: Ding Feng , Li Shu Qin , Zhang Ping Ze , Wei Dong Bo , Chen Xiao Hu , Wang Shi Yuan
Published: March 2019

Based on surface protection problems of the steel part of the landing gear, wear-resisting properties of tungsten carbide-cobalt (WC-Co) particles reinforced epoxy (WRE) coatings were investigated in this paper. The curing process of WRE coating was analyzed by DSC, TG and IR. The wear performance under different rotational speed WRE coating was studied respectively. The specific wear rates of the WRE coating at 560 rpm and 840 rpm are 6.04 ×10−4 mm3N−1 m−1and 9.55 ×10−4 mm3N−1 m−1 respectively, about only 60% of that of the uncoated sample. Thus, this could be summarized that WRE coating had a good wear resistance.
Experimental Study on Water-Lubricated Bearing Material in Deep Sea Space Station
Authors: Dai Chun Hui , Lao Xing Sheng , Liu Yong , Wei Wang
Published: March 2019

With the deepening of marine development activities, human-related sea-related behavior has gradually moved from shallow sea to deep sea. In this paper, the deep sea environment of the thruster bearing of the deep sea space station is characterized by high pressure, high corrosion, large amount of microorganisms and sediment. The Modified UHMWPE is developed, and the friction under simulated seawater conditions is studied by using different proportions of samples. The experimental results show that the materials developed in this study have lower friction coefficient and better wear resistance than Thordon and Feroform materials, and are very suitable for deep sea environment.
Performance Study on Modified UHMWPE Composites Water Lubricated Bearing Material
Authors: Lao Xing Sheng , Dai Chun Hui , Liu Yong , Lv Wei Jian
Published: March 2019

Ultrahigh Molecular Weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is modified by adding Polyimide (PI) and the performance of composite marerial is studied. The density as well as the Shore hardess of the modified UHMWPE composite increases with the percentage of PI. The average water absorption rate is less than 0.03%. the composites reaches steady-state creep after 287h’s compression. Electrical insulation capacity of the composite material with 1% PI is about equivalent to that of Thordon material and then the composite material with 5% PI composite materials and the performance of Tenmat material is poor. An experiment in artificial seawater is conduct as the test contact mode is the pin/disc contact, in which the pin sample is modified UHMWPE composite material, the results show that the friction coefficient of the modified UHMWPE composite is the smallest, the wear height of the UHMWPE/PI polymer is smaller than that of the other seven groups, and the PI content of composite is 1% and the wear height is the smallest, wear weight of tin bronze sn10-2 in pair of UHMWPE/PI polymer composites and Thordon and Tenma is in the same stage. As the PI weight percent increases, the depth and width of furrow cutting increase, and there are obvious characteristics of large PI particles shedding, and there are holes on the worn surface. There are obivous cracks on the worn surface of the Thordon material, and the characteristics of abrasive wear is shown in Tenmat material.
Pozzolanic Reactivity of Coal Bottom Ash after Chemically Pre-Treated with Sulfuric Acid
Authors: Kusbiantoro Andri , Hanani Amalina , Embong Rahimah
Published: March 2019

Current trend in construction industry has highlighted the use of silica-rich supplementary cementitious materials from industrial wastes in the production of concrete. Numerous studies have validated the pozzolanic properties of these materials, yet coal bottom ash received only infamous reputation as a pozzolanic material, owing to its low reactivity and heavy metals contaminants. Therefore this study was purposed to enhance the pozzolanic reactivity of coal bottom ash through chemical pre-treatment process. Different concentrations of acids and treatment period were studied to obtain optimum parameters for pre-treatment process. Treated ash was characterized for its chemical oxide composition. Its effect on the hydration of cement was studied through the inclusion as cement replacement material in mortar mixtures. From the chemical oxide compositions, a combination of 0.5 M of H2SO4 and 1 hour soaking duration presented the highest SiO2 proportion in the ash. Its inclusion at 5% (by weight of cement) to replace cement proportion in mortar mixtures was able to enhance the compressive strength of mortar at later age, regardless of its slower strength development in the early age. Utilizing treated coal bottom ash as partial cement replacement material has unlocked new achievement for greener future in construction industry.
Experimental Study on a Chemisorption Refrigeration System Prototype Using Expanded Graphite/Activated Carbon/Lithium Chloride-Ammonia Working Pair in a Solution of 25% NH3
Authors: Carmona Mauricio , Pérez Eduar , Yepes Julian , Villalobos Silvana
Published: March 2019

This paper presents the experimental results given by the operation of a chemical sorption refrigeration system using Expanded Graphite/Activated Carbon/Lithium Chloride (AC/GE/LiCl)-Adsorbent (NH3 in solution with a 25% concentration). Experimental protocol with the characteristics of the experimental rig developed, working pair specifications and the procedure that has developed in the process is described in detail. Results are presented for different behaviors of the system, where the desorption stage is driven by forced convection. Measurements of the thermal variables of the system show that the adsorption-desorption cycles in the test accomplished, with high and low-pressure zones clearly defined. The cooling effects for the pair material studied have the expected behavior for the mixture proposed.
Spectroscopic Analyses of Sputtered Aluminum Oxide Films with Oxygen Plasma Treatments
Authors: Hom-On Chatpawee , Horprathum Mati , Eiamchai Pitak , Limwichean Sakson , Patthanasetakul Viyapol , Chananonnawathorn Chanunthorn , Lertvanithphol Tossaporn , Songsiriritthigul Prayoon , Nakajima Hideki , Triroj Napat , Jaroenapibal Papot
Published: March 2019

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (SE) were used to analyse the effect of oxygen plasma treatment on properties of aluminum oxide thin films. The aluminum oxide films were fabricated using a reactive sputtering system. The as-deposited films were treated with oxygen plasma powered by an RF generator. During the plasma treatment, the pressures were set at 1 x 10-1 to 1x 10-2 mbar, while the RF supplied powers at 100 W and 200 W. It was observed that lower plasma powers and higher pressures resulted in smoother films. The O/Al ratio of the films were found to decrease with increasing plasma powers and pressures. The thickness and refractive index of the films were significantly affected by the oxygen plasma treatment process, which could be related to the change in films’ packing density and the etching at the surface.
Online Hemodiafiltration Inhibits Inflammation-Related Endothelial Dysfunction and Vascular Calcification of Uremic Patients Modulating miR-223 Expression in Plasma Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Cavallari Claudia , Dellepiane Sergio , Fonsato Valentina , Medica Davide , Marengo Marita , Migliori Massimiliano , Quercia Alessandro D. , Pitino Adriana , Formica Marco , Panichi Vincenzo , Maffei Stefano , Biancone Luigi , Gatti Emanuele , Tetta Ciro , Camussi Giovanni , Cantaluppi Vincenzo
Published: March 2019

Decreased inflammation and cardiovascular mortality are evident in patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease treated by online hemodiafiltration. Extracellular vesicles (EV) are mediators of cell-to-cell communication and contain different RNA types. This study investigated whether mixed online hemodiafiltration (mOL-HDF) beneficial effects associate with changes in the RNA content of plasma EV in chronic kidney disease patients. Thirty bicarbonate hemodialysis (BHD) patients were randomized 1:1 to continue BHD or switch to mOL-HDF. Concentration, size, and microRNA content of plasma EV were evaluated for 9 mo; we then studied EV effects on inflammation, angiogenesis, and apoptosis of endothelial cells (HUVEC) and on osteoblast mineralization of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). mOL-HDF treatment reduced different inflammatory markers, including circulating CRP, IL-6, and NGAL. All hemodialysis patients showed higher plasma levels of endothelial-derived EV than healthy subjects, with no significant differences between BHD and mOL-HDF. However, BHD-derived EV had an increased expression of the proatherogenic miR-223 with respect to healthy subjects or mOL-HDF. Compared with EV from healthy subjects, those from hemodialysis patients reduced angiogenesis and increased HUVEC apoptosis and VSMC calcification; however, all these detrimental effects were reduced with mOL-HDF with respect to BHD. Cell transfection with miR-223 mimic or antagomiR proved the role of this microRNA in EV-induced HUVEC and VSMC dysfunction. The switch from BHD to mOL-HDF significantly reduced systemic inflammation and miR-223 expression in plasma EV, thus improving HUVEC angiogenesis and reducing VSMC calcification.
Mycobacterium tuberculosisInhibits Autocrine Type I IFN Signaling to Increase Intracellular Survival
Authors: Banks Dallas A. , Ahlbrand Sarah E. , Hughitt V. Keith , Shah Swati , Mayer-Barber Katrin D. , Vogel Stefanie N. , El-Sayed Najib M. , Briken Volker
Published: March 2019

The type I IFNs (IFN-α and -β) are important for host defense against viral infections. In contrast, their role in defense against nonviral pathogens is more ambiguous. In this article, we report that IFN-β signaling in murine bone marrow–derived macrophages has a cell-intrinsic protective capacity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis via the increased production of NO. The antimycobacterial effects of type I IFNs were mediated by direct signaling through the IFN-α/β–receptor (IFNAR), as Ab-mediated blocking of IFNAR1 prevented the production of NO. Furthermore, M. tuberculosis is able to inhibit IFNAR-mediated cell signaling and the subsequent transcription of 309 IFN-β–stimulated genes in a dose-dependent way. The molecular mechanism of inhibition by M. tuberculosis involves reduced phosphorylation of the IFNAR-associated protein kinases JAK1 and TYK2, leading to reduced phosphorylation of the downstream targets STAT1 and STAT2. Transwell experiments demonstrated that the M. tuberculosis–mediated inhibition of type I IFN signaling was restricted to infected cells. Overall, our study supports the novel concept that M. tuberculosis evolved to inhibit autocrine type I IFN signaling to evade host defense mechanisms.
Effect of malaria on the outcomes of sickle cell phenotypes in a semi-nomadic population
Authors: Gwaram Baffa A. , Dalhat Mahmood M. , Hamza Muhammad , Habib Zaiyad G , Bello Musa M. , Yakasai Ahmad M. , Sadauki Aisha H. , Aliyu Hauwa , Vandi Zira G. , Sarkin-Fada Faruk , Karaye Kamilu M. , Habib Abdulrazaq G.
Published: March 2019

Studies have shown that malaria contribute significantly to mortality among infants and children with Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA). The nomadic lifestyle of the Fulanis make access to health care difficult and exposure to malaria high. We conducted a cross sectional study among consenting members of a semi-nomadic Fulani population in Nigeria to determine the impact of malaria on the outcome of SCA. On-the-spot malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and hemoglobin electrophoresis were done. A total of 229 subjects participated, 100 (43.7%) females. Median age was 35 years (yrs) with range of 15-80 yrs. Hemoglobin AS phenotype was found among 53 (23.1%) subjects; none had hemoglobin SS. A positive malaria RDT was found among 24 (10.5%) individuals. The FGD revealed that majority of the respondents considered malaria as an important cause of ill-health but were not aware of SCA as an important disease. The high prevalences of malaria, hemoglobin AS phenotype, and absent of hemoglobin SS in the community implies the potentially fatal effect of malaria on individuals with hemoglobin SS. A comprehensive intervention to reach this vulnerable population is thus recommended.
Diabetes mellitus in patients with mental disorders: Prevalence and associated factors
Authors: Owolabi Desola Shakirah , Gwaram Baffa Adamu , Owolabi Femi Lukman , Umar Musa Usman , Umar Muhammad Murtala , Musbahu Abdullahi , Shehu Abdullahi , Isah Suleiman Yahaya
Published: March 2019

People with mental disorders have comorbid physical illnesses, particularly an increased risk of diabetes mellitus (DM), found in many psychiatric disorders; schizophrenia, major depression and bipolar disorder. This elevated risk is associated with increased mortality, more so, as treatment of such medical conditions is not easily accessible by people with mental disorders. The aim of the paper is to determine the prevalence and associated factors for DM in patients with mental disorders in Kano, northwest Nigeria. In this cross-sectional study, one hundred and fifty-seven consecutive patients, aged 18 years and above, attending the outpatient psychiatry clinic of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital were recruited. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics questionnaires were completed. Height, weight and blood pressure were measured. Subsequently 3 mL of blood was taken using aseptic venepuncture technique and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were detected, with a cutoff point of 6.5% used for diagnosis of DM. The age of the patients ranged between 18-79 years with a mean (SD) of 35.5 (±10.6) years. Majority of the patients 91 (58%) were female. Schizophrenia was the most common diagnosis (37.6%) The prevalence of DM was 24.2%. A statistically significant association was found between DM and age (P=0.021), duration of illness (P=0.016) and diagnosis of schizophrenia (P=0.027). DM is common in patients with mental disorders. Associated factors for DM in people with mental disorders include increasing age, prolonged duration of illness and a diagnosis of schizophrenia, the latter being an independent predictor of DM in people with mental disorders.
Outcome of breech deliveries in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano State, Nigeria: A 2-year study
Authors: Ahmed Zainab Datti , Usman Haruna , Adamou Natalia , Galadanci Hadiza Shehu
Published: March 2019

Breech presentation is defined as polar alignment of fetus in which the fetal buttocks or feet present at the maternal pelvic inlet. Breech is the most common malpresentation in pregnancy, incidence is high before term but occur in 3-4% of term pregnancies. There is increased perinatal morbidity and mortality with breech presentation which has been linked to the prematurity, birth asphyxia due to cord accidents, congenital abnormalities, birth trauma and mode of delivery. This study was aimed at determining the incidence and outcome of breech deliveries at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. It was a retrospective analysis of breech deliveries at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital over a 2-year period. Information was obtained from the labor ward register, theatre register and the case notes of the mothers. There were 6658 deliveries during the period of the study, out of which 154 had breech deliveries. The incidence of breech deliveries during the period under study was 2.31%. The age of the patients ranged from 17-45 years. Parity ranged between 0-11. There were more breech deliveries in the multipara (59.5%) than in primigravidae (14.9%) and primipara (25.6%).However, there was no significant difference in the perinatal outcome between the groups (P=0.054). Deliveries were mostly through caesarean section (62%), while 38% were through assisted vaginal breech. There were 113 live births and 8 still births. This study has shown that the incidence of breech is slightly lower than in many studies, and breech deliveries were mostly unplanned and more among multiparae. The neonatal outcomes in the planned breech deliveries were excellent. Birth asphyxia and stillborn were found more in the unplanned and unbooked cases with breech.
Cushing syndrome secondary to late onset adrenal hyperplasia: presentation and challenges of management
Authors: Abdullahi Muzzammil , Atiku Mamuda , Ibrahim Imam Mohammed
Published: March 2019

Cushing’s syndrome is a clinical disorder caused by overproduction of cortisol. Adrenal adenoma is the cause in 5% of cases of Cushing syndrome. ACTH-independent Cushing’s syndrome in 90% is caused by unilateral adrenal tumors. Of these, adenomas are the cause in 80% of the cases, while the others are adrenocortical carcinoma. Rare causes of Cushing’s syndrome include adrenal hyperplasia. Overproduction of cortisol results in weakened protein structures leading to protuberant abdomen and poor wound healing, glucose is converted to fat and deposited in the abdomen, supraclavicular fossa and cheeks. Other presentations are diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, fractures, impaired immune function, glucose intolerance, and psychosis. We report a 21-year-old female who presented with clinical symptoms of newly diagnosed hypertension and diabetes mellitus which after poor response to treatment she was evaluated and diagnosed to have Cushing syndrome. She subsequently had left adrenalectomy and did very well with resolution of patients’ symptoms. The histology came out to be diffuse adrenal hyperplasia.
Malignant histiocytosis of lungs and chest wall: A case report of diagnostic conundrum and treatment challenges in a resource-poor setting
Authors: Ahmad Jameel Ismail , Inuwa Ismail Mohammed , Haliru Dalha Gwarzo , Ibrahim Imam Mohammed
Published: March 2019

Malignant histiocytosis is a rare condition with variable clinical presentation and prognosis. Its diagnosis requires high index of suspicion and further evaluation. Thus, it poses a diagnostic as well as management challenges especially in resource poor setting. The objective is to highlight the diagnosis and treatment challenges in the management of malignant histiocytosis so that physicians can diagnose it early and initiate appropriate treatment. Our patient is a 35-year-old man who presented with chest wall mass, dyspnoea and right cervical lymphadenopathy He was initially being evaluated for lymphoma. Biopsy of the lymph nodes was done twice in different hospitals and that of the chest wall mass done once. Histological diagnosis was arrived at with the aid of immunohistochemistry three months after his first presentation to the hospital. The patient was then commenced on chemotherapy and showed remarkable improvement on the short-term basis. Malignant histiocytosis is a rare disease laden with management challenges. Despite that, its diagnosis and treatment can be achieved even in resource poor setting with high index of suspicion, team work and good laboratory support.
Practicum: A Missing Link in the Translator Training at the Postgraduate Level in Nigeria
Authors: Mombe Michael Ngongeh
Published: March 2019

This paper examined the critical role of internship in the translator training and profession. The work is premised on the fact that most translation graduates from Nigerian tertiary institutions shy away from practising translation or from picking up translation jobs due to lack of confidence and experience. For this work, data were collected from the brochures of some Nigerian universities that offer translation from M.A. to the Ph.D. levels. Data were also collected through WhatsApp and phone calls made to translation colleagues in the various Nigerian universities offering  translation at the higher level. Data collected revealed that apart from Abia State University, translation programmes in Nigerian universities fall short of internship, justifying this lack of confidence and experience. The paper also highlighted the likely challenges of internship in Nigeria and proposed that the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) which, in collaboration with National Universities Commission (NUC), manages the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), could be exploited to enable Translation students avail themselves of the internship opportunities offered by these parastatals.Key words: internship, translator training, work experience, internship supervisor
Participation in Peer-Play Activities Among Children With Specific Learning Disability: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Esmaili Samaneh Karamali , Mehraban Afsoon Hassani , Shafaroodi Narges , Yazdani Farzaneh , Masoumi Tayebe , Zarei Masoume
Published: March 2019

OBJECTIVE. Children with a specific learning disability (SLD) have deficits in social and academic competence and executive function (EF). In this study, we used the Model of Human Occupation to investigate the effect of peer-play activities on occupational values and competence as well as EF skills (i.e., behavior regulation and metacognition) in children with SLD.

METHOD. Forty-nine children ages 7–11 yr with SLD were randomly assigned to the peer-play and control groups. Outcome measures were the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function and the Child Occupational Self-Assessment (COSA).

RESULTS. Data analysis showed that the effects of the intervention on EF skills were medium to large. The occupational values and competence did not change according to the COSA.

CONCLUSION. Occupational therapy practitioners can use peer-play activities to enhance EF in children with SLD; however, perceived occupational values and competence may not show any changes with the peer-play intervention using a self-assessment instrument.
Industrial and Residential Ground Water Physico-Chemical Properties Assessment in Lagos Metropolis
Authors: Popoola Lekan Taofeek , Yusuff Adeyinka Sikiru , Aderibigbe Tajudeen Adejare
Published: March 2019

Abstract. This study investigated ground water quality collected from two industrial and residential locations each of Lagos metropolis. Prescribed standard procedures of American Public Health Association (APHA) were used to measure physico-chemical parameters of each of the ground water samples which include pH, EC, DO, TDS, BOD, COD, anions (Cl−, NO3−, SO4−, PO4−) and heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Mn, Fe, Co, Cd and Cr). From laboratory analysis, measured physico-chemical parameters were within the permissible ranges specified by WHO and NSDWQ except pH, TDS, EC, Pb, Mn and Fe for ground water samples from industrial locations and pH, Pb, Mn and Fe for residential locations. Higher concentrations of TDS and EC reported for ground water samples from industrial locations were attributed to heavy discharge of effluents from industrial treatment plants as well as dissolution of ionic heavy metals from industrial activities of heavy machines. Statistical Pearson’s correlation revealed physico-chemical parameters to be moderately and strongly correlated with one another at either p ˂ 0.05 or ˂ 0.01. In conclusion, ground water samples from residential locations are more suitable for drinking than those from industrial locations.
A topographic index explaining hydrological similarity by
accounting for the joint controls of runoff formation
Authors: Loritz Ralf , Kleidon Axel , Jackisch Conrad , Westhoff Martijn , Ehret Uwe , Gupta Hoshin , Zehe Erwin
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Surface topography is an important source of information about the functioning and form of a hydrological landscape. Because of its key role in explaining hydrological processes and structures, and also because of its wide availability at good resolution in the form of digital elevation models (DEM), it is frequently used to inform hydrological analyses. Not surprisingly, several hydrological indices and models have been proposed to link geomorphic properties of a landscape with its hydrological functioning; a widely used example is the Height Above the Nearest Drainage (HAND) index. From an energy-centered perspective HAND reflects the gravitational potential energy of a given unit mass of water located on a hillslope, with the reference level set to the elevation of the nearest corresponding river. Given that potential energy differences are the main drivers for runoff generation, HAND distributions provide important proxies to explain runoff generation in catchments. However, as expressed by the second law of thermodynamics, the driver of a flux explains only one aspect of the runoff generation mechanism, with the driving potential of every flux being depleted via entropy production and dissipative energy loss. In fact, such losses dominate runoff generation in a catchment, and only a tiny portion of the driving potential energy is actually transformed into the kinetic energy of streamflow. In recognition of this, we derive a new topographic index named dissipation per unit length (DUNE) by re-interpreting and enhancing the HAND index. We compare DUNE with HAND, and with the topographic wetness index (TWI), and show that DUNE provides stronger discrimination of catchments into groups that are similar with respect to runoff generation. Our analysis indicates that accounting for both the driver and resistance aspects of flux generation provides a promising approach to linking the architecture of a system with its functioning.
Origami fold states: concept and design tool
Authors: Avila Alex , Magleby Spencer P. , Lang Robert J. , Howell Larry L.
Published: March 2019

Abstract. The ability of origami to alter its properties and behaviors with its shape makes it an elegant source of inspiration for many engineering designs challenges. Fold states specify the shape of the origami – its facets, creases, and fold angles. Origami research recognizes several acknowledged fold states: the unfolded, fully folded, and flat-folded states. However, these fold states are not comprehensive, excluding some of the most predominant fold states in origami-based devices. In this paper we propose a comprehensive list of fold states based on fold angles. We support the method of categorizing fold states by evaluating the functions and fold states of a large sample of origami-based devices. These correlations provide insight for selecting fold states for origami-based design. We discuss properties and behaviors of the fold states individually and provide a process for fold-state selection.
Effect of nickel precursor and catalyst activation temperature on methanation performance
Authors: Buyan-Ulzii Battulga , Daariimaa Odbayar , Munkhdelger Chuluunsukh , Oyunbileg Galindev , Enkhsaruul Byambajav
Published: March 2019

This work studied an effect of anionic precursor on the preparation of active and fine nickel metal catalysts for syngas methanation. Nickel catalysts were pr¬epared by impregnation-co-precipitation method. Nickel hydrate salts of Ni(NO3)2·6H2O, NiSO4·6H2O and NiCl2·6H2O were used as a metal catalyst precursor, and the obtained catalysts were named as Ni/Al (N), Ni/Al (S) and Ni/Al (Cl), respectively. Methanation synthesis of carbon monoxide was carried out in a fixed bed stainless reactor. Prior to experiment, the catalyst powder was pressed into tablets, then crushed and sieved to use 0.5-0.9 mm particles. Reactions were performed at the temperature of 350 °C in the pressure of 3 atm of H2:CO syngas (the molar ratio of 3:1) with the GHSV of 3000 h-1. In the present methanation conditions, the Ni/Al (N), Ni/Al (S) and Ni/Al (Cl) catalysts gave the CH4 selectivity of 93%, 18% and 91% (vol.), respectively. The XRD and ICP-OES analysis clarified that although the Ni/Al (S) catalyst contained a similar nickel amount of 17.4 wt % to other two catalysts, its metal distribution was poor. Also the low activity of the Ni/Al (S) catalyst was caused by the contamination of remained sulfur from sulfate precursor. This work also examined an influence of catalyst activation temperature pre-synthesis. The Ni/Al (N) catalyst was reduced by pure hydrogen gas at different temperatures of 350 ºС, 400 ºС or 450 ºС. The catalyst activated at 400 ºС produced the highest CH4 amount of 0.087 mmol·g-1cat for the duration of 1h methanation. An initial temperature of methane formation was the lowest for the Ni/Al (N) catalyst which was activated at 400 ºС among three catalysts.
The Association between Microcytic Anemia and Spirometric Parameters
Authors: Imanizade Zahra , Danesh Hossein
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Microcytic anemia is a type of anemia with smaller than normal red blood cells. Iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia are some of the major causes. The aim of the study was to compare the pulmonary function of the subjects with microcytic anemia to the respective results of the normal population. Material and methods: This was a cross-sectional study in Bandar Abbas, Iran, conducted on the patients attending yearly occupational health checkups. Complete blood cell count and a standard spirogram were attained from each consenting participant and occupational histories of exposure to dust, fumes, solvents, and noxious gases were obtained. Results: At last, 2199 subjects were included in the analysis, of which 335 cases had microcytic anemia. There was a significant association between having microcytic anemia and forced vital capacity (FVC) reduction, and to a lesser degree, the reduction of forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1). These parameters were also significantly increased together with the rise of mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in the sample population. Conclusions: It can be concluded that having microcytic anemia may reduce some spirometric parameters. Even though these changes are small, adjusting for the reduced values can help prevent an overestimation of lung disorders, mostly in borderline cases.