bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of obesity surgery (laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy technique) on lower urinary tract symptoms, depression and quality of life of males: Prospective study
Authors: Uruç Fatih , Akan Serkan , Aras Bekir , Yıldırım Çaglar , Sahin Aytaç , Yuksel Ozgur Haki , Aydın Mehmet Timuçin , Verit Ayhan
Published: March 2017

Purpose: Technically, obesity weakens the pelvic base muscles by causing an increase in the intraabdominal pressure and intravesical pressure due to increasing fat and it triggers the occurrence of lower urinary tract symptoms. However it is believed that weight loss will cause recovery of these symptoms. Our purpose in this study is to research about the effects of the weight loss achieved by using especially the Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) technique of bariatric surgery which is being more and more widely used today. Materials and Methods: Out of all patients who had LSG surgery due to obesity earlier in our center during the period between April 2014 and March 2015, 22 applicable male patients were considered after a brief exclusion criteria application. Age, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) data of these patients were recorded before the operation. International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - short from) (ICIQ-SF), Beck depression inventory (BECK) and Short form - 36 (SF-36) were filled for the patients and the data were recorded. Also, the weight loss amounts and BMI decreases of the patients after the operation were recorded. Results: After the procedure, the decrease in the averages of BECK depression inventory, IPSS, ICIQ-SF and the increase in the Mental and Physical subgroup scores of SF-36 were found statistically coherent. Conclusion: The adverse effect of obesity, which is observed more and more often in today's world, on lower urinary tract symptoms and on the quality of life is undeniable. In our study, we think that the bariatric surgery made by using the LSG technique, not only causes serious amount of weight loss, but also reduces urinary dysfunction and enhances the quality of life among males.
Relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms and inguinal hernia
Authors: Sentürk Aykut Buğra , Ekici Musa , Sahiner Ibrahim Tayfun , Tas Tuncay , Cakiroglu Basri
Published: March 2017

Aim: To determine the relationship between inguinal hernia (and inguinal hernia subtypes) and low urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), that could be more common than we think. Method: The study was designed retrospectively and was done in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki, including 100 patients aged > 50 years that were divided into 2 groups: patients with BPH (BPH group) and patients with BPH and inguinal hernia (BPH-IH group 2). In addition, the BPH-IH group was subdivided according to 2 inguinal hernia subtypes; patients of BPH-IH subgroup A had direct inguinal hernia (n = 25) and those of BPH-IH subgroup B had indirect inguinal hernia (n = 25). Results: There was no statistical relationship and difference in rates between IPSS scores in both groups (p = 0.659) and there wasn’t a significant correlation between IPSS symptom severity and type of hernia, based on chi square analysis (p = 0.104) Conclusion: We were not able to prove our hypothesis that patients with inguinal hernia and BPH would have higher IPSS scores because of voiding dysfunction.
Azoospermic patient’s treatment: An experience of a PMA hospital unit and role of ultrasonography
Authors: Panella Paolo , Pepe Pietro , Borzì Placido , Vento Maria Elena , Pennisi Michele , Scollo Paolo
Published: March 2017

Introduction: Azoospermia causes about 10% of male infertility and the best therapeutic option is the retrieval of sperm from testis or epididymis. Material and methods: From Juanary 2008 to June 2016, 92 men (median 36 years; range: 25-54 years) were submitted in 47 cases to TESE (testicular sperm extraction) and in 45 cases to PESA (percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration) for secretory and obstructive azoospermia, respectively; moreover, all the patients previously underwent color Doppler ultrasound of the testis and transrectal ultrasound of the prostate. Results: Serum FSH values were 9.4 ml/UI and 36.4 ml/UI (median 18.2 ml/UI) with an estimated volume of the testis equal to 5 ml; 40 men had the mutation for cystic fibrosis with bilateral agenesis of the deferentia vasa, 4 men had a cyst of the prostatic utricle, 1 man had retrograde ejaculation, 7 had an epididymis cyst and 2 had anejaculation secondary to traumatic neurologic spinal cord injury. The retrieval of sperm was performed in 39 (83%) and 36 (80%) of the patients submitted to TESE and PESA, respectively. The pregnancy rate was equal to 28% and 33% in men with secretory and obstructive azoospermia, respectively. Discussion: Assisted reproduction technology with a multidisciplinary team is provided of a pregnancy rate equal about 30% in men with azoospermia; ultrasound allows to evaluate abnormalities of the testis and prostate improving the percentage of pregnancy.
Testicular sparing surgery in small testis masses: A multinstitutional experience
Authors: Galosi Andrea B. , Fulvi Paola , Fabiani Andrea , Servi Lucilla , Filosa Alessandra , Leone Luca , Marronaro Angelo , Caraceni Enrico , Montironi Rodolfo
Published: March 2017

Introduction: The incidence of benign testicular tumors is increasing in particular in small lesion incidentally found at scrotal ultrasonography. Primary aim of this study was to perform radical surgery in malignant tumor. Secondary aim was to verify the efficacy of the diagnostic-therapeutic pathway recently adopted in management of small masses with testis sparing surgery in benign lesions. Materials and methods: In this multicenter study, we reviewed all patients with single testis lesion less than 15 mm at ultrasound as main diameter. We applied the diagnostic-therapeutic pathway described by Sbrollini et al. (Arch Ital Urol Androl 2014; 86:397) which comprises: 1) testicular tumor markers, 2) repeated scrotal ultrasound at the tertiary center, 3) surgical exploration with inguinal approach, intraoperative ultrasound, and intraoperative pathological examination. Definitive histology was reviewed by a dedicated uro-pathologist. Results: Twenty-eight patients completed this clinical flowchart. The mean lesion size was 9.3 mm (range 2.5-15). Testicular tumor markers were normal except in a case. Intraoperative ultrasound was necessary in 8/28 cases. We treated 11/28 (39.3%) with immediate radical orchiectomy and 17/28 (60.7%) with testis-sparing surgery. Definitive pathological results were: malignant tumor in 6 cases (seminoma), benign tumor in 10 cases (5 Leydig tumors, 2 Sertoli tumors, 1 epidermoid cyst, 1 adenomatoid tumor, 1 angiofibroma), benign disease in 11 (8 inflammation with haemorragic infiltration, 2 tubular atrophy, 1 fibrosis), and normal parenchyma in 1 case. We observed a good concordance between frozen section examination and definitive histology. Any malignant tumor was treated conservatively. Any delayed orchiectomy was necessary based on definitive histology. Conclusions: The incidence of benign lesions in 60% of small testis lesions with normal tumor markers makes orchiectomy an overtreatment. Testicular sparing surgery of single testicular nodules below 15 mm is a safe option, but requires a standardized pathway in diagnosis. Our pathway has shown good reliability and security profile to be applied in a multicenter management for small scrotal masses. Our study has shown the reliability of the diagnostic-therapeutic pathway in the management of single testicular masses. The higher incidence of benign lesions in 60% of patients makes often orchiectomy an overtreatment.
An unusual case of primary intrascrotal lipoma
Authors: Fabiani Andrea , Principi Emanuele , Filosa Alessandra , Pieramici Tiziana , Fioretti Fabrizio , Maurelli Valentina , Servi Lucilla , Mammana Gabriele
Published: March 2017

In daily clinical practice, intrascrotal lesion are commonly detected, both by clinical examination either by ultrasound scan. While 95% of testicular lesions are malignant, most paratesticular lesions are benign. Among these, intrascrotal lipomas must be take into account in differential diagnosis. When they originate from scrotal wall, they named “primary scrotal lipoma”. We describe a case of a primary intrascrotal lipoma diagnosed after surgical excision in a young man presented at our Urological Department complaining a painful left scrotal mass.
Traumatic stress and psychological functioning in a South African adolescent community sample
Authors: Swain Karl D. , Pillay Basil J. , Kliewer Wendy
Published: March 2017

Background: Traumatic stress may arise from various incidents often leading to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The lifetime prevalence of PTSD is estimated at 1% – 2% in Western Europe, 6% – 9% in North America and at just over 10% in countries exposed to long-term violence. In South Africa, the lifetime prevalence for PTSD in the general population is estimated at 2.3%.Aim: To examine the prevalence of posttraumatic stress symptomatology and related psychological functioning in a community sample of adolescents.Setting: Low-socioeconomic communities in KwaZulu-Natal. Methods: Home interviews with adolescents and their maternal caregivers were used to collect the data using standardised instruments. Adolescents completed the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children; Children’s Depression Inventory; Children’s Somatization Inventory; and Revised Children’s Manifest Anxiety Scale. The Child Behaviour Checklist was completed by the caregivers. The sample comprised Grade 7 (n = 256) and Grade 10 (n = 68) learners. Sixty-five percent of the sample was female, and ages ranged from 9 to 18 (M = 13.11, s.d. = 1.54).Results: Almost 6% of the sample endorsed PTSD and an additional 4% of the participants had clinically significant traumatic stress symptomatology. There was a significant, large, positive correlation between posttraumatic stress and anxiety, and medium positive correlations between posttraumatic stress and depression and somatic symptoms.Conclusion: Posttraumatic stress symptomatology can be debilitating, often co-occurring with symptoms of depression, anxiety and somatic complications. This may lead to long-term academic, social and emotional consequences in this vulnerable group.
The use of cyproterone acetate in a forensic psychiatric cohort of male sex offenders and its associations with sexual activity and sexual functioning
Authors: Lippi Gian , Van Staden Paul J.
Published: March 2017

Background: Cyproterone acetate (CPA) is a steroidal anti-androgenic medication used in the field of psychiatry for the treatment of paraphilic disorders, hypersexuality, and inappropriate sexual behaviour which may be present in patients with disorders such as mild and major neurocognitive disorders. In the forensic psychiatric population, it is prescribed for these indications especially for patients with a history of committing a sexual offence or who are at moderate to high risk of recidivism.Objectives: To investigate the use of CPA in a forensic psychiatric cohort of male sex offenders and its associations with sexual activity and sexual functioning.Methods: Seventy-six forensic psychiatric patients from Weskoppies Hospital in Pretoria, South Africa, participated in the study which measured their sexual functioning. A specifically designed questionnaire was used to capture relevant background information. The use of CPA was studied. The Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire, Male Clinical Version (CSFQ-M-C) was used to measure sexual functioning of participants. The CSFQ-M-C scores, and those of all its subscales, of participants on CPA were compared to those not on the drug. Relevant statistical analyses were performed.Results: Thirteen out of the 76 participants were being treated with CPA (17.11%). In total, 53.85% of the participants on CPA and 65.08% not on CPA had scores indicating the presence of sexual dysfunction. The total CSFQ-M-C scores for participants on CPA (mean = 40.54; median = 42) were not statistically significantly lower than those not on the drug (mean = 41.22; median = 41). More notable is that the use of CPA in this population was associated with lower levels of desire, frequency of and pleasure from sexual activity. There was an association between having intellectual disability and being treated with CPA.Conclusion: That all the participants were being treated with psychotropic medication could account for the high percentage of sexual dysfunction in any or all areas of sexual functioning and contribute to the small difference in CSFQ-M-C scores between the two groups. Only a tentative conclusion can be made that CPA may be more effective in decreasing levels of desire, frequency and pleasure related to sexual activity than other areas of sexual functioning. The indication for the use of CPA in this population should be assessed clinically according to patient circumstances and risk assessment.
Fitting--O-Ring Face Seal
Authors:   Hydraulic Tube Fittings Committee
Published: March 2017

This SAE Standard covers material, dimensional, and performance requirements of steel O-ring face seal fittings for tubing and the O-ring face seal interface and nut portion of hose stem assemblies for nominal tube or hose diameters 6.35 mm (0.250 in) through 38.1 mm (1.500 in). These fittings are intended for general application and hydraulic systems on industrial equipment and commercial products, where elastomeric seals are acceptable to overcome leakage and variations in assembly procedures. These fittings are capable of providing leak-proof full flow connections in hydraulic systems operating from 95 kPa (28 in Hg) vacuum to working pressures shown in Table 1. Since many factors influence the pressure at which a hydraulic system will or will not perform satisfactorily, these values should not be construed as guaranteed minimums. For any application, it is recommended that sufficient testing be conducted and reviewed by both the user and manufacturer to assure that required performance levels will be safe. See Figure 1. The rated working pressure of a fluid conductor assembly using SAE J1453 hose stem connections or formed tube connection per Figure 32a, shall not exceed rated working pressure of the lowest rated component thereof.
DIESEL FUEL INJECTION PUMP—VALIDATION OF CALIBRATING NOZZLE HOLDER ASSEMBLIES
Authors:   Diesel Fuel Injection Equipment Standards Committee
Published: March 2017

The fuel injection pump is intended to validate the accuracy of calibrating nozzle and holder assemblies for applications using 0.4 - 0.8 mm diameter orifice plates and to assist in identifying problems in fuel injection pump test stands.

This SAE Recommended Practice is divided into two parts:

Part I—Design, Description and Specifications of the Fuel Injection Pump; and

Part II—Test Procedures for Using the Fuel Injection Pump.
ABRASION RESISTANCE TESTING—VEHICLE EXTERIOR GRAPHICS AND PIN STRIPING
Authors:   Materials, Processes and Parts Council
Published: March 2017

This SAE Recommended Practice applies to the abrasion resistance testing of decorative tapes, graphics, and pin striping. It may also have relevance to certain vehicle labels and plastic wood grain film.

The resistance to abrasive damage is judged qualitatively by its effect on the legibility, pattern, and color of the graphic marking.

This recommended practice is intended as a guide toward standard practice but may be subject to frequent change to keep pace with experience and technical advances. This should be kept in mind when considering the use of this recommended practice.
ROAD VEHICLES—HIGH PRESSURE FUEL INJECTION PIPE END—CONNECTIONS WITH 60 DEGREE FEMALE CONE
Authors:   Diesel Fuel Injection Equipment Standards Committee
Published: March 2017

This SAE Standard specifies the dimensional requirements for the assembly of high-pressure pipe connections for compression-ignition (diesel) engine fuel injection equipment.

It applies to 60 degrees female cones with external threaded connectors types 1 and 2 (see Figures 1, 2, and 3), and to the internal threaded tube nuts and male cone type end assembly (see Figure 4) of high-pressure pipe connections for tubes with diameters up to 12 mm inclusive.
ELECTROCOAT COMPATIBILITIES OF AUTOMOTIVE SEALERS
Authors:   Materials, Processes and Parts Council
Published: March 2017

This SAE Recommended Practice sets forth a method for determining the compatibility of automotive sealers with cathodic electrocoat primer.
ALUMINUM ALLOYS - FUNDAMENTALS
Authors:   Metals Technical Committee
Published: March 2017

This information report is intended to give general data on the properties of aluminum and information on working, joining, forming, machining, finishing, and heat treating of aluminum.
ZINC ALLOY INGOT AND DIE CASTING COMPOSITIONS
Authors:   Metals Technical Committee
Published: March 2017

SIMILAR SPECIFICATIONS—UNS Z33521, former SAE 903, ingot is similar to ASTM B 240-79, Alloy AG40A; and UNS Z33520, former SAE 903, die casting is similar to ASTM B 86-76, Alloy AG40A. UNS Z35530, former SAE 925, ingot is similar to ASTM B 240-79, Alloy AC41A; and UNS Z35531, former SAE 925, die casting is similar to ASTM B 86-82a, Alloy AC41A.
PNEUMATIC SPRING TERMINOLOGY
Authors:   Materials, Processes and Parts Council
Published: March 2017

This pneumatic spring terminology has been developed to assist engineers and designers in the preparation of specifications and descriptive material relating to pneumatic springs and their components. It does not include gas supply or control systems.
Principles of Effective USA Federal Fire Management Plans
Authors: Meyer Marc D. , Roberts Susan L. , Wills Robin , Brooks Matthew , Winford Eric M.
Published: March 2017

Federal fire management plans are essential implementation guides for the management of wildland fire on federal lands. Recent changes in federal fire policy implementation guidance and fire science information suggest the need for substantial changes in federal fire management plans of the United States. Federal land management agencies are also undergoing land management planning efforts that will initiate revision of fire management plans across the country. Using the southern Sierra Nevada as a case study, we briefly describe the underlying framework of fire management plans, assess their consistency with guiding principles based on current science information and federal policy guidance, and provide recommendations for the development of future fire management plans. Based on our review, we recommend that future fire management plans be: (1) consistent and compatible, (2) collaborative, (3) clear and comprehensive, (4) spatially and temporally scalable, (5) informed by the best available science, and (6) flexible and adaptive. In addition, we identify and describe several strategic guides or “tools” that can enhance these core principles and benefit future fire management plans in the following areas: planning and prioritization, science integration, climate change adaptation, partnerships, monitoring, education and communication, and applied fire management. These principles and tools are essential to successfully realize fire management goals and objectives in a rapidly changing world.
Impacts of Fire on Snowshoe Hares in Glacier National Park, Montana, USA
Authors: Cheng Ellen , Hodges Karen E. , Mills L. Scott
Published: March 2017

Forest fires fundamentally shape the habitats available for wildlife. Current predictions for fire under a warming climate suggest larger and more severe fires may occur, thus challenging scientists and managers to understand and predict impacts of fire on focal species, especially species of management concern. Snowshoe hares (Lepus americanusErxleben) are a common and important prey animal in boreal forests and are the primary prey for the US federally threatened Canada lynx (Lynx canadensisKerr), so understanding hare dynamics in post-fire landscapes is critical for managing lynx. We collected habitat and fecal pellet data from 114 sites across three natural burn treatments (mature forest, 1988 Red Bench burn, and 1994 Adair and Howling burns) to evaluate impacts of fire and fire-habitat interactions on snowshoe hare in Glacier National Park, Montana, USA. We found that hare numbers were low throughout the park, with hares absent at 17 % of surveyed sites and occurring at densities above 0.5 hares ha−1(a commonly suggested threshold for supporting Canada lynx) at only 7 % of sites. Hare densities were variable but 10 to 20 times higher in regenerating lodgepole pine (Pinus contortaDouglas ex Loudon) stands of 1988 Red Bench burn compared to lodgepole stands in other burn treatments. In stands dominated by other tree species, we found little difference in hare densities across burn treatments. Regardless of burn history or dominant canopy type, percent canopy cover was positively associated with hare relative abundance. Hare densities also increased with percent understory cover up to 80 % cover, beyond which they began to decline. The regular occurrence of wildfires in Glacier National Park, with 2003 being a particularly large fire year (the largest since 1910), suggest that hare and lynx distribution and abundance within the park may shift substantially in the coming decades as these animals respond to changing spatiotemporal patterns of regenerating forest.
Lichen Community Response to Prescribed Burning and Thinning in Southern Pine Forests of the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain, USA
Authors: Ray David G. , Barton Jason W. , Lendemer James C.
Published: March 2017

The effects of prescribed burning and thinning on lichen communities is a poorly understood aspect of biodiversity conservation, despite the widespread use of these practices to achieve conservation-oriented land management goals. To address this knowledge gap we documented apparent changes in the diversity and abundance of lichens following 0 to 2 growing-season burns preceded by 0 to 1 commercial thinnings within nine southern pine dominated stands on the Delmarva Peninsula of Maryland, USA. Corticolous lichens growing on the stems and within the canopies of pines and co-occurring hardwoods were identified to species and fractional coverage was estimated; growth forms and reproductive modes were also determined. A total of 93 lichen taxa were recorded on the 19 tree species (4 pines, 15 hardwoods) represented in this study. Burning emerged as a strong driver of reductions in lichen diversity (P = 0.002), whereas thinning in the absence of burning did not (P = 0.279). In general, we found that lichens growing on tree bases and lower bole sections were more strongly impacted by burning, both in terms of diversity and cover, than those residing in the canopy. The apparent refugia represented by the canopy was qualified by the limited overlap in lichen species composition observed among the various sampling heights. This work calls attention to an understudied component of biodiversity that appears to be sensitive to fire management; however, we suggest that these results need to be interpreted in the context of altered disturbance regimes and the trajectory of community assembly resulting from long-term fire exclusion.
Simulating Grassland Prescribed Fires Using Experimental Approaches
Authors: Kral Katherine C. , Limb Ryan F. , Hovick Torre J. , McGranahan Devan A. , Field Aaron L. , O’Brien Peter L.
Published: March 2017

Small-scale fire approaches, like burn boxes, burn tables, and propane burners, are often used to facilitate experimental control over fire and allow greater replication. We compared characteristics of grassland prescribed fires to three experimental approaches to determine if these approaches simulate prescribed fires. We conducted prescribed fires during the growing and dormant season to compare with burn box, burn table, and propane prong approaches. Burn box and burn table approaches used additional timothy (Phleum spp. L.) hay for a fuel source, while the propane prong used propane to burn in situ and greenhouse-grown plants. We collected temperature data with thermocouples to determine time-temperature profiles, maximum temperatures, heat durations (time above 60 °C), and heat dosages (the product of time and temperature above 60 °C). Fires produced by burn box, burn table, and prescribed fires had similarly shaped time-temperature profiles, but propane prong fires produced different curves with a longer duration near the maximum temperature. Burn box and burn table approaches had the highest heat dosages because timothy hay completely compared to in situ vegetation in prescribed fires. To simulate prescribed fires, propane rates should be regulated—either increased or decreased—to produce time-temperature profiles consistent with prescribed fires. Moreover, approaches using added hay often result in higher heat dosages and may require decreased fuel loading to match research objectives.
Recovery of Tall Open Eucalypt Forest in South-Western Australia following Complete Crown Scorch
Authors: McCaw Lachlan , Middleton Ted
Published: March 2017

We investigated the response of overstorey and mid-storey trees in tall open forest of Eucalyptus diversicolor F. Muell., Eucalyptus jacksonii Maiden, and Corymbia calophylla (Lindl.) K.D. Hill & L.A.S. Johnson over an eight-year period following complete crown scorch by high intensity fire in March 2001. More than 90% of E. diversicolor and E. jacksonii and 85% of C. calophylla remained alive four years after fire, having replaced their crowns by re-sprouting from epicormic buds on the stems and larger branches. Mid-storey trees were more severely affected by fire with almost one third of Allocasuarina decussata (Benth.) L.A.S. Johnson stems and all above-ground stems of Agonis flexuosa (Willd.) Sweet killed back to ground level. Abundant seedling regeneration of E. diversicolor and E. jacksonii developed in the year following the fire but seedling density and stocking declined progressively over subsequent years. Survival of E. diversicolor seedlings was higher than for E. jacksonii seedlings, consistent with findings of earlier research. For both species, initial seedling densities were significantly greater within 25 m of potential seed trees, but seedling density was otherwise unrelated to the basal area of surrounding forest. Eight years after the fire, 38% of sample quadrats (4 m2) were stocked with one or more eucalypt saplings, with saplings of E. diversicolor and E. jacksonii having a mean height of 5 m. Saplings established following the 2001 fire could add a further age class to the stand provided that this cohort persists during subsequent fires. The results of our study provide further evidence to support the view that tall open eucalypt forests in south-west Western Australia rarely experience complete stand replacement even following intense fires, and that multi-aged stands are common.
How much information do extinction and backscattering measurements contain about the chemical composition of atmospheric aerosol?
Authors: Kahnert Michael , Andersson Emma
Published: March 2017

Abstract. We theoretically and numerically investigate the problem of assimilating multiwavelength lidar observations of extinction and backscattering coefficients of aerosols into a chemical transport model. More specifically, we consider the inverse problem of determining the chemical composition of aerosols from these observations. The main questions are how much information the observations contain to determine the particles' chemical composition, and how one can optimize a chemical data assimilation system to make maximum use of the available information. We first quantify the information content of the measurements by computing the singular values of the scaled observation operator. From the singular values we can compute the number of signal degrees of freedom, Ns, and the reduction in Shannon entropy, H. As expected, the information content as expressed by either Ns or H grows as one increases the number of observational parameters and/or wavelengths. However, the information content is strongly sensitive to the observation error. The larger the observation error variance, the lower the growth rate of Ns or H with increasing number of observations. The right singular vectors of the scaled observation operator can be employed to transform the model variables into a new basis in which the components of the state vector can be partitioned into signal-related and noise-related components. We incorporate these results in a chemical data assimilation algorithm by introducing weak constraints that restrict the assimilation algorithm to acting on the signal-related model variables only. This ensures that the information contained in the measurements is fully exploited, but not overused. Numerical tests show that the constrained data assimilation algorithm provides a solution to the inverse problem that is considerably less noisy than the corresponding unconstrained algorithm. This suggests that the restriction of the algorithm to the signal-related model variables suppresses the assimilation of noise in the observations.
The Caltech Photooxidation Flow Tube reactor: design, fluid dynamics and characterization
Authors: Huang Yuanlong , Coggon Matthew M. , Zhao Ran , Lignell Hanna , Bauer Michael U. , Flagan Richard C. , Seinfeld John H.
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Flow tube reactors are widely employed to study gas-phase atmospheric chemistry and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation. The development of a new laminar-flow tube reactor, the Caltech Photooxidation Flow Tube (CPOT), intended for the study of gas-phase atmospheric chemistry and SOA formation, is reported here. The present work addresses the reactor design based on fluid dynamical characterization and the fundamental behavior of vapor molecules and particles in the reactor. The design of the inlet to the reactor, based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, comprises a static mixer and a conical diffuser to facilitate development of a characteristic laminar flow profile. To assess the extent to which the actual performance adheres to the theoretical CFD model, residence time distribution (RTD) experiments are reported with vapor molecules (O3) and submicrometer ammonium sulfate particles. As confirmed by the CFD prediction, the presence of a slight deviation from strictly isothermal conditions leads to secondary flows in the reactor that produce deviations from the ideal parabolic laminar flow. The characterization experiments, in conjunction with theory, provide a basis for interpretation of atmospheric chemistry and SOA studies to follow. A 1-D photochemical model within an axially dispersed plug flow reactor (AD-PFR) framework is formulated to evaluate the oxidation level in the reactor. The simulation indicates that the OH concentration is uniform along the reactor, and an OH exposure (OHexp) ranging from ∼ 109 to ∼ 1012 molecules cm−3 s can be achieved from photolysis of H2O2. A method to calculate OHexp with a consideration for the axial dispersion in the present photochemical system is developed.
Comparisons of stemflow and its bio-/abiotic influential factors between two xerophytic shrub species
Authors: Yuan Chuan , Gao Guangyao , Fu Bojie
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Stemflow transports nutrient-enriched precipitation to the rhizosphere and functions as an efficient terrestrial flux in water-stressed ecosystems. However, its ecological significance has generally been underestimated because it is relatively limited in amount, and the biotic mechanisms that affect it have not been thoroughly studied at the leaf scale. This study was conducted during the 2014 and 2015 rainy seasons at the northern Loess Plateau of China. We measured the branch stemflow volume (SFb), shrub stemflow equivalent water depth (SFd), stemflow percentage of incident precipitation (SF %), stemflow productivity (SFP), funnelling ratio (FR), the meteorological characteristics and the plant traits of branches and leaves of C. korshinskii and S. psammophila. This study evaluated stemflow efficiency for the first time with the combined results of SFP and FR, and sought to determine the inter- and intra-specific differences of stemflow yield and efficiency between the two species, as well as the specific bio-/abiotic mechanisms that affected stemflow. The results indicated that C. korshinskii had a greater stemflow yield and efficiency at all precipitation levels than that of S. psammophila. The largest inter-specific difference generally occurred at the 5–10 mm branches during rains of  ≤  2 mm. Precipitation amount was the most influential meteorological characteristic that affected stemflow yield and efficiency in these two endemic shrub species. Branch angle was the most influential plant trait on FR. For SFb, stem biomass and leaf biomass were the most influential plant traits for C. korshinskii and S. psammophila, respectively. For SFP of these two shrub species, leaf traits (the individual leaf area) and branch traits (branch size and biomass allocation pattern) had a great influence during lighter rains  ≤  10 mm and heavier rains  >  15 mm, respectively. The lower precipitation threshold to start stemflow allowed C. korshinskii (0.9 mm vs. 2.1 mm for S. psammophila) to employ more rains to harvest water via stemflow. The beneficial leaf traits (e.g., leaf shape, arrangement, area, amount) might partly explain the greater stemflow production of C. korshinskii. Comparison of SFb between the foliated and manually defoliated shrubs during the 2015 rainy season indicated that the newly exposed branch surface at the defoliated period and the resulting rainfall intercepting effects might be an important mechanism affecting stemflow in the dormant season.
Validating the use of non-invasively sourced DNA for population genetic studies using pedigree data
Authors: Wedrowicz Faye , Mosse Jennifer , Wright Wendy , Hogan Fiona E.
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Non-invasive genetic sampling has provided valuable ecological data for many species – data which may have been unobtainable using invasive sampling methods. However, DNA obtained non-invasively may be prone to increased levels of amplification failure and genotyping error. Utilizing genotype data from 32 pedigreed koalas, this study aimed to validate the reliability of final consensus genotypes obtained using DNA isolated from koala scats. Pedigree analysis, duplicate genotyping, analysis of mismatched loci and tests for null alleles were used to look for evidence of errors. All genetically confirmed parent–offspring relationships were found to follow Mendelian rules of inheritance. Duplicate genotypes matched in all cases and there was no evidence of null alleles. Related individuals always had different 12-marker genotypes having a minimum of three unique loci (in one full sibling pair), a mode of seven unique loci and a maximum of 11 unique loci. This study demonstrates the capacity of DNA recovered from koala scats to provide reliable genotypes that can unequivocally discriminate individuals and infer parentage, provided data are missing from no more than two loci. Validating data obtained using non-invasive sampling is an important step, allowing potential problems to be identified at an early stage.
ORTODONTINIŲ PACIENTŲ, TĖVŲ IR GLOBĖJŲ POŽIŪRIO Į ORTODONTINĮ GYDYMĄ PALYGINIMAS
Authors: Petronytė Donata , Trakinienė Giedrė
Published: March 2017

Šio tyrimo tikslas buvo įvertinti ortodontinių pacientų tėvų požiūrį į ortodontinį gydymą. Buvo atlikta ortodontinių pacientų tėvų ir globėjų anoniminė anketinė apklausa Kauno klinikų Ortodontijos klinikoje. Tyrime dalyvavo 229 respondentai (amžiaus vidurkis 39.48±6.84m), iš jų 194 buvo motinos, 20 tėčių ir 15 globėjų. 59,4% tėvų ir globėjų į Ortodontijos kliniką kreipėsi paskatinti vaikų odontologo, logopedo ar kito specialisto, 48% kreipėsi asmeniniu sprendimu. Daugiau nei 96% tėvų ir globėjų manė, kad taisyklingas sąkandis pagerintų vaiko gyvenimo kokybę bei vaiko burnos ertmės priežiūrą. Išvados. Dauguma tėvų mano, kad taisyklingas sąkandis pagerintų vaiko gyvenimo kokybę bei tiki, jog sugebės tinkamai rūpintis vaiku ortodontinio gydymo metu, kad pasiektų geriausių gydymo rezultatų.
Tax Evasion in Brazil and the Institutions to Control
Authors: Clemente Felippe , Lírio Viviani Silva
Published: March 2017

Brazilian tax evasion is very high. Tax evasion cause many problems for economics as budget realization, income distribution and not allocation of productive resources. The tax authority and the government have tried developing mechanisms for down the tax evasion agent action. But, the problem in Brazil is not having a real and security database about tax evasion. This paper is a first effort for try to measure and to identify tax evasion in Brazil. Despite efforts to the fight against crimes pension Brazil faces several problems regarding the decreased levels of tax evasion in the country, the main structural nature such as soft laws, lack of skilled labor, inefficient methods of preventive combat and academic research.
Assessment of Effectiveness of Government Accounting and Budgeting System (GABS) in Botswana
Authors: Tonkope N. , Baliyan Pritika Singh , Tobedza G.
Published: March 2017

An effective implementation of Government Accounting and Budgeting System (GABS) is critical to the success of any government business. This mixed method study investigated the effectiveness of Government Accounting and Budgeting System in the public sector of Botswana by analyzing the procedures, benefits, and challenges of the system. An exploratory research design was used whereby a sample of sixty respondents was selected from six government departments in Botswana using a stratified proportionate sampling method. Primary and secondary data collected for the study was analyzed using frequency, percentages, correlation and content analysis. The findings indicated that government accounting and budgeting system promotes efficiency in the public sector, as its introduction is positively related to accountability and decision making in an organization. This system has been effective as it has improved service delivery and saves time. Network connectivity, lack of skilled manpower and access of system by outsiders were the three major challenges whereas increase in qualified personnel, increase in training on GABS and a reliable backups system were determined major strategies to improve the system. Keywords: Accounting system, budgeting system, computerized accounting system, government accounting, GABS
“GDP-GNP Gap Trade-Off-is it Significant for Economic Performance? Review of World Economies Having Both Gaps”
Authors: Bristy Jannatul Ferdous , Bose Tarun Kanti
Published: March 2017

This study directed toward identifying the comparative economic performance of countries having GDP>GNP Gap and GNP>GDP Gap. A total of 32 countries with GDP>GNP Gap and 24 countries with GNP>GDP Gap were identified and analyzed using twelve important economic indicators. The result shows that Countries with GDP>GNP Gap are doing comparatively well in employment, export, foreign reserve, GDP, import, per capita income, savings and trade investment. Countries with GNP>GDP Gap are leading in inflation and exchange rate. Although Countries with GDP>GNP Gap are leading the race but this study concludes that economic development can be ensured and sustained with these two types of gaps.
Lecturers’ Professional Competency and Students’ Academic Performance in Indonesia Higher Education
Authors: Prasetio Arif Partono , Azis Elvira , Fadhilah Darin Dindi , Fauziah Anissa Fitri
Published: March 2017

In an increasingly competitive environment to provide better education, higher education institution should focus on improving the students’ academic performance. This performance embodied in student grade which then support the graduated student who search for jobs. Besides improving the mental attitude, higher education institution should also improve cognitive abilities. One of the important factors which can contribute in improving cognitive abilities is lecturer professional competencies. Lecturer should have a wide and deep knowledge regarding the courses they teach. They also should possess practical experience so their lesson more attractive. This study examined the impact of lecturers’ professional competency on students’ academic performance in higher education. The findings show that the professional competency do not have a significantly relation with students’ academic performance. The detail discussion provided with new insights of various factors which might relate to the performance.
Color Connotations in Clothes among British and Jordanian Females: A Sociolinguistic Indication
Authors: Alomari Dima , AL-Qadi Maha Jamal
Published: March 2017

Colors resemble an essential part of most females' choices in various parts of life. The present study investigates differences between British and Jordanian females' choices of colors of clothes.Ten British females and ten Jordanian females, ranging 30-45 years old, have answered a questionnaire that is divided into four sections related to: personal information, showing how and why they chose different colors for different reasons. Analysis of the data shows clear differences between the British and Jordanian females. The purpose of this study is to uncover the cultural differences between British and Jordanian females in their choices of colors.
Preventing the Suffering of Free-Living Animals: Should Animal Advocates Begin the Killing?
Authors: Višak Tatjana
Published: March 2017

Driven by concern about the suffering of animals in nature, Christopher Belshaw (2016) argued that if we were exclusively concerned with these animals’ good, we should reduce the number of free-living animals. We should prevent free-living animals from coming into existence and, if this is not possible, we should painlessly end their lives as soon as we can. This holds, according to Belshaw, even if the future lives of these animals would contain much more enjoyment than suffering. Belshaw’s argument rests on two premises. First, he assumes that death does not harm an animal in a way that matters. Second, he takes it that most free-living animals lead a life of uncompensated suffering because the enjoyments in an animal’s life, even if more predominant, cannot outweigh the animal’s suffering. Therefore, since uncompensated suffering exists in about every animal’s life and matters morally and killing the animal does not harm the animal in a way that matters, killing the animal is an appropriate intervention with the aim of preventing its suffering. This article criticizes both assumptions of Belshaw’s argument and shows that his conclusion is insufficiently supported.
Reinventing the Polish Community: Manitoba After the 1980s
Authors: Blackmore Magdalena
Published: March 2017

Lack of current research on Poles in Manitoba prompted the author to conduct an oral history project documenting the experiences of immigrants of the 1980s Solidarity wave. These living histories provide an insight into specific aspects of immigrant experiences, in particular this group’s political, economic, and cultural impact on existing Polish Canadian communities. This manuscript picks up where scholars of the 1980s left off, and discusses the character and role of the Solidarity immigration wave. With the benefit of more than twenty years after immigration, the author answers whether this group was able to integrate quickly into the main stream of Canadian society, as predicted in earlier scholarship, or whether they chose a more traditional pattern of constructing their cultural identity.
Demand for and Satisfaction with Places at University – An Empirical Comparative Study
Authors: Bischoff Florian , Gassmann Freya , Emrich E.
Published: March 2017

What features lead a student to choose sport science, chemistry, physics, computer science or musicology as their subject of study and the Saarland University Saarbrücken as their place of study? Empirical analysis shows that study conditions for students of chemistry, physics and music do not play an important role in selecting the place of study, but closeness to family and friends do. Only for students of sports or computer science are ranking results important/very important in making a decision. All students gave acquiring necessary theoretical knowledge for later life, differentiating themselves from competitors without degrees, and the expectation of better earnings as their reasons for choosing a subject. Where students' choice of studies was based on factors specific to the university, they reported higher satisfaction with their choices. Problems arising during the course of studies are generally attributed to the strenuous requirements of the studies.
The Community Champions Program at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
Authors: Mintz Sophie R. , Low Chantal A. , McCurry Ian J. , Lipman Terri H.
Published: March 2017

The Community Champions program at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing provides motivated nursing students with opportunities to partner with the greater Philadelphia community and engage in hands-on learning. With several thriving initiatives, students participate in service learning outside of the classroom, which ultimately strengthens their nursing and leadership skills. Students work to improve health and health education for people of all ages. These experiences help nursing students better understand the social determinants of health and how they impact community members. Dedicated faculty members assist in guiding the students, who work collaboratively to exchange ideas and methods. This program not only has an effect on the community, but also has a profound impact on the students that participate.
Dano moral coletivo nas relações de trabalho: perspectiva jurídica de caracterização e reparação
Authors: Tomi Kevin , Oliveira Lourival José de
Published: March 2017

trabalho aborda o dano moral coletivo nas relações de trabalho dentro do panorama jurídico vivenciado e em diálogo com a tutela dos interesses e direitos difusos, coletivos e individuais homogêneos dos trabalhadores. Analisa a nova sistemática do instituto com o advento da globalização. Esmiúça os componentes básicos do dano moral e os imbrica às particularidades atinentes ao dano coletivo. tem como objetivo o estudo das características, dos impactos e o modo pelo qual se revela o dano moral coletivo nas relações trabalhistas, considerando os principais aspectos reparatórios decorrentes da lesão. Busca uma análise crítica do instituto, arrimada em teses doutrinárias e posições jurisprudenciais, de forma a interagir com a realidade trabalhista, por meio de exposições exemplificativas e notórios julgados. Sugere algumas medidas para atenuar as mazelas oriundas do dano moral coletivo em âmbito trabalhista, pela via administrativa, prevenindo e reprimindo e judicial. Apropriou-se do método dedutivo, com pesquisas bibliográficas, incluindo áreas afins, compondo um estudo multidisciplinar.