bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time Modulated Arrays: From their Origin to Their Utilization in Wireless Communication Systems
Authors: Maneiro-Catoira Roberto , Brégains Julio , García-Naya José , Castedo Luis
Published: March 2017

Time-modulated arrays (TMAs) are electromagnetic systems whose radiated power pattern is controlled by the application of variable-width periodical pulses to the individual elements. The nonlinear nature of the array operation causes the appearance of radiation patterns at the harmonic frequencies of such periodic pulses. The technique can be used for improving the side-lobe level (SLL) topology of the radiation pattern at the central frequency and/or to profitably exploit the harmonic patterns in order to supply smart antenna capabilities. Among the latter features, the TMA harmonic beamforming takes on special importance due to its attractive trade-off performance-hardware complexity. From this perspective, TMAs are sensors capable of transforming the spatial diversity of a communication channel into frequency diversity, thus improving the performance of a wireless communication. In addition to a walk through the origins of the concept, and a brief analysis of the mathematical fundamentals, this paper organizes the prolific state of the art of TMAs in two major thematic blocks: (1) TMA design from an antenna perspective; and (2) TMA design from a signal processing perspective.
Linear Mathematical Model for Seam Tracking with an Arc Sensor in P-GMAW Processes
Authors: Liu Wenji , Li Liangyu , Hong Ying , Yue Jianfeng
Published: March 2017

Arc sensors have been used in seam tracking and widely studied since the 80s and commercial arc sensing products for T and V shaped grooves have been developed. However, it is difficult to use these arc sensors in narrow gap welding because the arc stability and sensing accuracy are not satisfactory. Pulse gas melting arc welding (P-GMAW) has been successfully applied in narrow gap welding and all position welding processes, so it is worthwhile to research P-GMAW arc sensing technology. In this paper, we derived a linear mathematical P-GMAW model for arc sensing, and the assumptions for the model are verified through experiments and finite element methods. Finally, the linear characteristics of the mathematical model were investigated. In torch height changing experiments, uphill experiments, and groove angle changing experiments the P-GMAW arc signals all satisfied the linear rules. In addition, the faster the welding speed, the higher the arc signal sensitivities; the smaller the groove angle, the greater the arc sensitivities. The arc signal variation rate needs to be modified according to the welding power, groove angles, and weaving or rotate speed.
Chloroplast microsatellite markers for Pseudotaxus chienii developed from the whole chloroplast genome of Taxus chinensis var. mairei (Taxaceae)
Authors: Deng Qi , Zhang Hanrui , He Yipeng , Wang Ting , Su Yingjuan
Published: March 2017

Premise of the study:

Pseudotaxus chienii (Taxaceae) is an old rare species endemic to China that has adapted well to ecological heterogeneity with high genetic diversity in its nuclear genome. However, the genetic variation in its chloroplast genome is unknown.

Methods and Results:

Eighteen chloroplast microsatellite markers (cpSSRs) were developed from the whole chloroplast genome of Taxus chinensis var. mairei and successfully amplified in four P. chienii populations and one T. chinensis var. mairei population. Of these loci, 10 were polymorphic in P. chienii, whereas six were polymorphic in T. chinensis var. mairei. The unbiased haploid diversity per locus ranged from 0.000 to 0.641 and 0.000 to 0.545 for P. chienii and T. chinensis var. mairei, respectively.

Conclusions:

The 18 cpSSRs will be used to further investigate the chloroplast genetic structure and adaptive evolution in P. chienii populations.
Contribution of microreactor technology and flow chemistry to the development of green and sustainable synthesis
Authors: Fanelli Flavio , Parisi Giovanna , Degennaro Leonardo , Luisi Renzo
Published: March 2017

Microreactor technology and flow chemistry could play an important role in the development of green and sustainable synthetic processes. In this review, some recent relevant examples in the field of flash chemistry, catalysis, hazardous chemistry and continuous flow processing are described. Selected examples highlight the role that flow chemistry could play in the near future for a sustainable development.
Spirituality On The Assistance Practice Meaning: Multi Professional Team Perspectives
Authors: Silva Terezinha Nunes da , Vasconcelos Monica Ferreira de , Freire Maria Eliane Moreira , Lopes Maria Emília Limeira , Moreira Luciana De Araújo , Martins Marineuma , Costa Brunna Hellen Saraiva , Noronha Lucia de Fátima Mororó , Chaves Simone Pereira Lins , Araújo Patrícia Da Silva , Carvalho Marta Ferreira de
Published: March 2017

The spirituality has been pointed as a valuable resource that helps the human being to face the sickness process. This study aimed to investigate the opinion of a multi professional health team about the spirituality on the health-disease process and; verify the multi professional health team perspectives about the spiritual care integrated to the health assistance. It is about a descriptive research with qualitative approach, developed with members of a school-hospital multi professional team, in João Pessoa city – PB. Analyzed qualitatively, through content analyze technique, in the thematic modality, proposed by Bardin. From the analyzes of empirical material obtained through subjective questions, emerged two thematic categories: spirituality with religiosity interface, transcendence, life style and culture; spirituality influence on the promotion of comfort to the patient and on the professional ethical posture. It was understood in this study that the multi professional team understanding about the spirituality is ambiguous and permeated by fragile significances. The professionals don’t feel prepared and comfortable yet to insert this therapeutic modality in their routine, however there is a more exponential perception of this gape in the assistance plan. 

Descriptors: Spirituality. Patient. Health. Assistance. Multi professional team.
Adaptation Of Women’s Questionnaire To Reality Of Assistance Before, During And After Delivery
Authors: Santos Monte Alana , Paiva Rodrigues Dafne , De Almeida Paulo César , Oliveira Batista Oriá Mônica , De Castro Damasceno Ana Kelve , Sousa de Mesquita Nayara , Souza de Oliveira Amanda
Published: March 2017

Background: Use “Women’s questionnaire” will allow the healthcare professional to meet previously an area in which a woman gets better care during labour and delivery, enabling thus an implementation of strategies for the care and promotion humanized childbirth. On exposed, this research aims to adapt the "Women’s Questionnaire" to the reality of assistance in Ceará.

Method: methodological study adopted the procedures recommended in psychometric of face and content validation by seven judges, semantic analysis by 30 mothers and a pre - test involving 30 postpartum women interned in rooming hospital from April to September 2013. It has been considered necessary to have the agreement of at least 80% of the judges for validation, for pertinence and Content Validation Index.

Results: This paper shows that most items have been considered clear, comprehensive and relevant by the judges. The final Content Validity Index of the questionnaire was 0.88. The suggestions of the mothers were accepted.

Conclusion: The questionnaire finished with 21 items showing up adapted to the reality of the assistance of Ceará, being considered in the context of assistance as a tool to evaluate the care provided to women during labor, delivery and postpartum.
Unifying the Micro and Macro Properties of AGN Feeding and Feedback
Authors: Gaspari Massimo , Sądowski Aleksander
Published: March 2017

We unify the feeding and feedback of supermassive black holes with the global properties of galaxies, groups, and clusters by linking for the first time the physical mechanical efficiency at the horizon and megaparsec scale. The macro hot halo is tightly constrained by the absence of overheating and overcooling as probed by X-ray data and hydrodynamic simulations (

). The micro flow is shaped by general-relativistic effects tracked by state-of-the-art GR-RMHD simulations (

). The supermassive black hole properties are tied to the X-ray halo temperature

, or related cosmic scaling relation (as

). The model is minimally based on first principles, such as conservation of energy and mass recycling. The inflow occurs via chaotic cold accretion (CCA), the rain of cold clouds condensing out of the quenched cooling flow and then recurrently funneled via inelastic collisions. Within 100s gravitational radii, the accretion energy is transformed into ultrafast 104 km s−1 outflows (UFOs) ejecting most of the inflowing mass. At larger radii, the energy-driven outflow entrains progressively more mass: at roughly kiloparsec scale, the velocities of the hot/warm/cold outflows are a few 103, 1000, and 500 km s−1, with median mass rates ∼ 10, 100, and several 100

yr−1, respectively. The unified CCA model is consistent with the observations of nuclear UFOs and ionized, neutral, and molecular macro outflows. We provide step-by-step implementation for subgrid simulations, (semi)analytic works, or observational interpretations that require self-regulated AGN feedback at coarse scales, avoiding the a-posteriori fine-tuning of efficiencies.
Le Tesbih et l’iPhone : islam politique et libéralisme en Turquie
Authors: Robert Max-Valentin
Published: March 2017

Jusqu’à la fin des années 1990, le discours économique porté par l’islam politique turc se caractérisait par son antilibéralisme. En acceptant l’économie de marché et en se faisant le porte-parole des « tigres anatoliens », l’AKP a donc incarné une rupture idéologique avec ses prédécesseurs islamistes. Toutefois, l’hétérogénéité de sa base électorale oblige ce parti à maintenir une ambivalence discursive sur l’UE et la globalisation.
Négociations climatiques et commerciales : itinéraires croisés
Authors: Pène Cédric , Ramos Daniel , Tamiotti Ludivine
Published: March 2017

Depuis quelques années, les négociations multilatérales en matière commerciale et climatique connaissent des trajectoires différentes. Alors que la COP21 est vue comme un succès historique, les avancées dans le domaine commercial sont moins spectaculaires. Au-delà des enjeux respectifs – qui paraissent plus importants et urgents dans le domaine climatique –, des différences intéressantes peuvent être notées au sujet des modes de négociation ou du degré de contrainte pesant sur les parties.
L’Office of Net Assessment : plongée au cœur du think tank du Pentagone
Authors: Boutherin Grégory
Published: March 2017

La prospective de défense américaine s’est développée depuis plus de quarante ans autour d’une structure originale : l’Office of Net Assessment (ONA). Ce bureau, dirigé jusqu’en 2015 par Andrew Marshall, n’a compté depuis sa création qu’une centaine de collaborateurs directs. Il a toutefois contribué à alimenter tout un écosystème de recherche stratégique. Ses analyses, fondées sur la méthode pluridisciplinaire du Net Assessment, ont eu un impact important, parfois bien au-delà des États-Unis.
L’équivalent patrimonial des droits à la retraite en France
Authors: Daniel Christophe , Nze Obame Jesus Herell , Séjourné Bruno , Lavigne Anne , Tagne Christian , Mottet Stéphane
Published: March 2017

L’objectif de cet article est de développer une mesure de l’équivalent patrimonial des droits à retraite des assurés à la retraite avec les données de l’Échantillon Inter-régime de Retraités (EIR) de 2008. Contrairement aux données des enquêtes Patrimoine, les EIR fournissent une information exhaustive sur les conditions de liquidation des droits acquis par les assurés affiliés à l’ensemble des régimes de retraite et exposés aux réformes des retraites. Au niveau agrégé, avec un taux d’actualisation à 2 %, le montant total des engagements envers l’ensemble des retraités de tous les régimes de retraite s’élève à 4 765 milliards d’euros, soit 23,5 années de prestations de droits directs versées en 2008. Au niveau microéconomique, l’ampleur des engagements envers les assurés à la retraite varie d’un régime à l’autre et dépend de l’âge de liquidation, du sexe, et des conditions de liquidation qui, jusqu’en 2008, sont différentes entre les régimes des salariés du privé et ceux de la fonction publique.
Aimia : histoire d’un mégasuccès autour d’Aéroplan
Authors: Lord Simon , Bouchard Jonatan , Laquerre Anne-Josée
Published: March 2017

Dès ses débuts, Aimia a misé sur les données pour mieux comprendre les consommateurs avant même que l’analytique et les mégadonnées ne deviennent un des sujets de l’heure. Championne des chiffres, cette entreprise montréalaise responsable du programme Aéroplan est maintenant un joueur mondial dans son secteur d’activité. Récit d’une réussite calculée.
Pour optimiser l’expérience client et alimenter la croissance
Authors: Sénécal Sylvain , Fredette Marc
Published: March 2017

Tandis que les entreprises ont de plus en plus accès à des données très variées sur leurs clients, elles en font encore un usage limité. Pourtant, toutes ces informations peuvent contribuer à améliorer l’expérience client et ainsi alimenter la croissance. Le web analytique et des tests pointus du Tech3Lab permettent non seulement d’accumuler des données intéressantes mais aussi de les rendre accessibles afin de faciliter la prise de décision.
Les données au service du savoir
Authors: Bengio Yoshua , Lodi Andrea
Published: March 2017

L’analyse de grands ensembles de données pour les traduire en connaissances et en décisions constitue aujourd’hui un défi majeur dans tous les secteurs de l’activité humaine. De concert avec l’industrie et ses institutions partenaires, Campus Montréal, par le truchement d’un projet phare élaboré avec l’Institut de valorisation des données, occupe une position idéale pour faire des percées d’envergure mondiale dans le domaine de l’innovation guidée par les données.
Intelligence artificielle : une mine d’or pour les entreprises
Authors: Charlin Laurent
Published: March 2017

Les innovations rendues possibles grâce aux récents progrès de l’intelligence artificielle sont vastes et pourraient avoir des répercussions sociales et industrielles majeures. Qu’est-ce qui distingue les techniques de l’intelligence artificielle moderne ? Comment les entreprises pourraient-elles bénéficier de ces avancées ?
Organisations : quel est votre degré de maturité numérique ?
Authors: Grange Camille , Ricoul Stéphane
Published: March 2017

En quoi consiste la maturité numérique ? Comment la mesure-t-on ? Est-elle un préalable à une transformation numérique efficace des organisations ou constitue-t-elle un aboutissement en soi ? Et pourquoi est-il si important d’en acquérir ?
DIFFERENT GENOMIC SIGNAL PROCESSING METHODS FOR EUKARYOTIC GENE PREDICTION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Mabrouk Mai S. , Naeem Safaa M. , Eldosoky Mohamed A.
Published: March 2017

Bioinformatics field has now solidly settled itself as a control in molecular biology and incorporates an extensive variety of branches of knowledge from structural biology, genomics to gene expression studies. Bioinformatics is the application of computer technology to the management of biological information. Genomic signal processing (GSP) techniques have been connected most all around in bioinformatics and will keep on assuming an essential part in the investigation of biomedical issues. GSP refers to using the digital signal processing (DSP) methods for genomic data (e.g. DNA sequences) analysis. Recently, applications of GSP in bioinformatics have obtained great consideration such as identification of DNA protein coding regions, identification of reading frames, cancer detection and others. Cancer is one of the most dangerous diseases that the world faces and has raised the death rate in recent years, it is known medically as malignant neoplasm, so detection of it at the early stage can yield a promising approach to determine and take actions to treat with this risk. GSP is a method which can be used to detect the cancerous cells that are often caused due to genetic abnormality. This systematic review discusses some of the GSP applications in bioinformatics generally. The GSP techniques, used for cancer detection especially, are presented to collect the recent results and what has been reached at this point to be a new subject of research.
A PILOT STUDY ON THETA FREQUENCY OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN WITH DIFFERENT PLAYING ACTIVITIES AT PREFRONTAL CORTEX
Authors: Lee Poh Foong , Kan Donica Pei Xin
Published: March 2017

Theta frequency at the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is often related to the cognitive process in early childhood. In the present study, we focused on the types of playing activities that could enhance the theta frequency in preschoolers at their PFC area with study on individual brainwaves. The selected playing activities included LEGO and wooden blocks with and without instruction, iPad apps and flash card comparison. A total of 12 individual cases were analyzed in this study. The mean theta amplitudes of their PFC were measured by an electroencephalogram (EEG). Children brainwaves showed profoundly high theta frequency while playing LEGO without guidance. Meanwhile, tablet-based computer educational tool with pictures, sound, and motion initiated greater theta frequency as compared to the conventional flash card. Brainwaves analysis is a great tool to determine the cognitive development of children, based on the types of activities allocated to them.
Roughness study on homogeneous layer panels manufactured from treated wood waste
Authors: Nascimento Maria Fátima do , Christoforo André Luis , Fiorelli Juliano , Varanda Luciano Donizeti , Macedo Laurenn Borges de , Lahr Francisco Antonio Rocco
Published: March 2017

Natural resource exploration is growing, highlighting woods and joinery waste, wood industries and the like. This study presents homogeneous particleboard (PPH) roughness characterization manufactured from treated wood waste. Normative document with values of Brazilian Technical Standard Association ABNT NBR 8404 (1984), was adopted as a reference. The results show that the manufactured PPH showed roughness class N 10, with roughness values (Ra) of less than 12.5 microns.
Prolonged Ischemia Triggers Necrotic Depletion of Tissue-Resident Macrophages To Facilitate Inflammatory Immune Activation in Liver Ischemia Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Yue Shi , Zhou Haoming , Wang Xuehao , Busuttil Ronald W. , Kupiec-Weglinski Jerzy W. , Zhai Yuan
Published: March 2017

Although mechanisms of immune activation against liver ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury (IRI) have been studied extensively, questions regarding liver-resident macrophages, that is, Kupffer cells (KCs), remain controversial. Recent progress in the biology of tissue-resident macrophages implicates homeostatic functions of KCs. This study aims to dissect responses and functions of KCs in liver IRI. In a murine liver partial warm ischemia model, we analyzed liver-resident versus infiltrating macrophages by FACS and immunofluorescence staining. Our data showed that liver immune activation by IR was associated with not only infiltrations/activations of peripheral macrophages, but also necrotic depletion of KCs. Inhibition of receptor-interacting protein 1 (RIP1) by necrostatin-1s protected KCs from ischemia-induced depletion, resulting in the reduction of macrophage infiltration, suppression of proinflammatory immune activation, and protection of livers from IRI. The depletion of KCs by clodronate liposomes abrogated the effect of necrostatin-1s. Additionally, liver reconstitutions with KCs postischemia exerted anti-inflammatory/cytoprotective effects against IRI. These results reveal a unique response of KCs against liver IR, that is, RIP1-dependent necrosis, which constitutes a novel mechanism of liver inflammatory immune activation in the pathogenesis of liver IRI.
Targeting Neutrophilic Inflammation Using Polymersome-Mediated Cellular Delivery
Authors: Robertson James D. , Ward Jon R. , Avila-Olias Milagros , Battaglia Giuseppe , Renshaw Stephen A.
Published: March 2017

Neutrophils are key effector cells in inflammation and play an important role in neutralizing invading pathogens. During inflammation resolution, neutrophils undergo apoptosis before they are removed by macrophages, but if apoptosis is delayed, neutrophils can cause extensive tissue damage and chronic disease. Promotion of neutrophil apoptosis is a potential therapeutic approach for treating persistent inflammation, yet neutrophils have proven difficult cells to manipulate experimentally. In this study, we deliver therapeutic compounds to neutrophils using biocompatible, nanometer-sized synthetic vesicles, or polymersomes, which are internalized by binding to scavenger receptors and subsequently escape the early endosome through a pH-triggered disassembly mechanism. This allows polymersomes to deliver molecules into the cell cytosol of neutrophils without causing cellular activation. After optimizing polymersome size, we show that polymersomes can deliver the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (R)-roscovitine into human neutrophils to promote apoptosis in vitro. Finally, using a transgenic zebrafish model, we show that encapsulated (R)-roscovitine can speed up inflammation resolution in vivo more efficiently than the free drug. These results show that polymersomes are effective intracellular carriers for drug delivery into neutrophils. This has important consequences for the study of neutrophil biology and the development of neutrophil-targeted therapeutics.
Differences in Inflammation Patterns Induced by African and Asian Burkholderia pseudomallei Isolates in Mice
Authors: Weehuizen Tassili A. F. , Birnie Emma , Ferwerda Bart , Roelofs Joris J. T. H. , de Vos Alex F. , Grobusch Martin P. , Wiersinga W. Joost
Published: March 2017

Burkholderia pseudomallei is the causative agent of melioidosis, an emerging tropical disease of high mortality. Sub-Saharan Africa represents potential melioidosis “hotspots”; however, to date, only a few cases have been reported. Here in, we compared the inflammatory patterns induced by a B. pseudomallei strain recently isolated from a fatal Gabonese case with the Thai reference strain B. pseudomallei-1026b and Burkholderia thailandensis-E264. Ex vivo, no differences were observed in terms of cellular responsiveness between strains. However, when compared with the B. pseudomallei-1026b strain, the Gabonese isolate was significantly less virulent in terms of bacterial dissemination, inflammatory response, and organ damage in mice. Genomic comparison between strains showed differences in regions containing a fimbriae/adhesion virulence protein. In addition to a lack of microbiology facilities, differences in virulence of Burkholderia strains might contribute to the diverse global clinical occurrence of melioidosis.
The Prevalence of Chagas Disease Among Latin American Immigrants with Pacemakers in Los Angeles, California
Authors: Park Sandy , Sanchez Daniel R. , Traina Mahmoud I. , Bradfield Jason S. , Hernandez Salvador , Ufion Alvaro Joaquin Altamirano , Dufani Jalal , Bergin Patrick , Wachsner Robin Y. , Meymandi Sheba K.
Published: March 2017

Chagas disease (CD), with associated conduction abnormalities, is a common indication for pacemaker implantation in Latin America. The prevalence of CD in Latin American immigrants with pacemakers residing in the United States has never been studied. This single-center cross-sectional study included pacemaker patients who were aged 18 years or more with a previous residence in Latin America for at least 6 months. Patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, cardiac resynchronization therapy, or iatrogenic and/or congenital heart block were excluded. Serological testing for Trypanosoma cruzi was performed at enrollment. A total of 80 patients were enrolled, and CD was diagnosed in six patients (7.5%). Patients with CD were more likely to be from El Salvador (P = 0.001). Other clinical, therapeutic, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic variables were similar between the CD and non-CD groups. There is a high prevalence of CD among Latin American immigrants with pacemakers in Los Angeles.
FTA Cards Facilitate Storage, Shipment, and Detection of Arboviruses in Infected Aedes aegypti Collected in Adult Mosquito Traps
Authors: Hall-Mendelin Sonja , Hewitson Glen R. , Genge Doris , Burtonclay Peter J. , De Jong Amanda J. , Pyke Alyssa T. , van den Hurk Andrew F.
Published: March 2017

The utility of applying infected Aedes aegypti to Flinders Technology Associates (FTA®) cards for storage, transport, and detection of dengue, Zika, and Barmah Forest viruses was assessed in laboratory-based experiments. The mosquitoes had been removed from Gravid Aedes Traps maintained under conditions of high temperature and humidity. RNA of all viruses could be detected in infected mosquitoes on FTA cards either individually or in pools with uninfected mosquitoes, and stored for up to 28 days. Importantly, there was only a minimal decrease in RNA levels in mosquitoes between days 0 and 28, indicating that viral RNA was relatively stable on the cards. FTA cards thus provide a mechanism for storing potentially infected mosquitoes collected in the field and transporting them to a central diagnostic facility for virus detection.
Why switch to Rental? Costing of Laundry Services at an Apex Tertiary Care Hospital from the View of Outsourcing based on Rental Linen Management Services
Authors: Tadia VK , Ahlawat R , Gupta, SK , Arya, SK , Lathwal, A , Jain, K
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Modern hospitals are matrix organizations with a high investment in terms of capital, labor, and resources. It is imperative for the hospital administration to provide right material of right quality at the right time. Hospitals that set up in-house laundry operations generally make the decision without thoroughly identifying and accounting for total linen and laundry costs. Now evidence has emerged that hospitals that outsource were seeing improved linen utilization rates. If proper and clean linen is not provided, this can result in patient dissatisfaction. Further, innovations in laundry equipment have led to tremendous increases in efficacy. So, there is a need to ascertain the cost incurred in providing linen and laundry services so as to gauge the plausibility of transitioning to outsourcing-based models.

Aims and objectives

To study the cost incurred in providing linen and laundry services at an apex tertiary care hospital and to evaluate outsourcing model based on rental linen management.

Materials and methods

A descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective, record-based study was conducted during a period of 1 month from March 1, 2016 to March 31, 2016.

Observations

The quantity of monthly linen washed in Dr Rajendra Prasad Centre was found to be 22,465 kg. The monthly laundry expenditure in Dr RP Centre was Rs. 1,415,295. The linen procurement expenditure per month at Dr RP Centre was Rs. 419,386. So total expenditure on linen and laundry per month at Dr RP Centre was Rs. 1,834,681. Thus, cost/kg (with inclusion of linen cost) was Rs. 82.

Discussion and conclusion

The rate quoted by a leading vendor to supply washed, sterilized linen to the hospital was Rs. 55 per kg. Since the expenditure incurred per kg at Dr RP Centre was Rs. 82, this amounted to a saving of around Rs. 27 per kg. It would mean saving of around Rs. 606,555 per month and Rs. 7,278,660 per annum. So, it was recommended that rental linen management services may be hired for Dr RP Centre after taking care of functional, operational, and strategic contingency.

How to cite this article

Tadia VK, Gupta SK, Arya SK, Lathwal A, Jain K, Ahlawat R. Why switch to Rental? Costing of Laundry Services at an Apex Tertiary Care Hospital from the View of Outsourcing based on Rental Linen Management Services. Int J Res Foundation Hosp Healthc Adm 2016;4(2):79-88.
Diffusivity measurements of volatile organics in levitated viscous aerosol particles
Authors: Bastelberger Sandra , Krieger Ulrich K. , Luo Beiping , Peter Thomas
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Field measurements indicating that atmospheric secondary aerosol (SOA) particles can be present in a highly viscous, glassy state have spurred numerous studies addressing low diffusivities of water in glassy aerosols. The focus of these studies is on kinetic limitations of hygroscopic growth and the plasticizing effect of water. In contrast, much less is known about diffusion limitations of organic molecules and oxidants in viscous matrices. These may affect atmospheric chemistry and gas-particle partitioning of complex mixtures with constituents of different volatility. In this study, we quantify the diffusivity of a volatile organic in a viscous matrix. Evaporation of single particles generated from an aqueous solution of sucrose and small amounts of volatile tetraethylene glycol (PEG-4) is investigated in an electrodynamic balance at controlled humidity (RH) and temperature. The evaporative loss of PEG-4 as determined by Mie resonance spectroscopy is used in conjunction with a radially resolved diffusion model to retrieve translational diffusion coefficients of PEG-4. Comparison of the experimentally derived diffusivities with viscosity estimates for the ternary system reveals a breakdown of the Stokes-Einstein relationship, which has often been invoked to infer diffusivity from viscosity. The evaporation of PEG-4 shows pronounced RH and temperature dependencies and is severely depressed for RH ≲ 30 %, corresponding to diffusivities
Long term O3-precursor relationships in Hong Kong: Field
observation and model simulation
Authors: Wang Yu , Wang Hao , Guo Hai , Lyu Xiaopu , Cheng Hairong , Ling Zhenhao , Louie Peter K. K. , Simpson Isobel J. , Meinardi Simone , Blake Donald R.
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Over the past ten years (2005–2014), ground-level O3 in Hong Kong has consistently increased in all seasons except winter, despite the yearly reduction of its precursors, i.e., nitrogen oxides (NOx = O + NO2), total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) and carbon monoxide (CO). To explain the contradictory phenomenon, an observation-based box model (OBM) coupled with CB05 mechanism was applied in order to understand the influence of both locally-produced O3 and regional transport. The simulation of locally-produced O3 showed an increasing trend in spring, a decreasing trend in autumn and no changes in summer and winter. The O3 increase in spring was caused by the net effect of more rapid decrease of NO titration and unchanged TVOC reactivity despite decreased TVOC mixing ratios, while the decreased local O3 formation in autumn was mainly due to the reduction of aromatic VOC mixing ratios and the TVOC reactivity and much slower decrease of NO titration. However, the decreased in-situ O3 formation in autumn was overridden by the regional contribution, resulting in elevated O3 observations. Furthermore, the OBM-derived relative incremental reactivity indicated that the O3 formation was VOC-limited in all seasons, and the long-term O3 formation was more sensitive to VOCs and less to NOx and CO in the past 10 years. In addition, the OBM results found that the contributions of aromatics to O3 formation decreased in all seasons of these years, particularly in autumn, likely due to effective control of solvent-related sources. In contrast, the contributions of alkenes increased, suggesting a continuing need to reduce traffic emissions. The findings provided updated information on photochemical pollution and its impact in Hong Kong.
A comparison of vertical velocity variance measurements from wind profiling radars and sonic anemometers
Authors: McCaffrey Katherine , Bianco Laura , Johnston Paul , Wilczak James M.
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Observations of turbulence in the planetary boundary layer are critical for developing and evaluating boundary layer parameterizations in mesoscale numerical weather prediction models. These observations, however, are expensive and rarely profile the entire boundary layer. Using optimized configurations for 449 and 915 MHz wind profiling radars during the eXperimental Planetary boundary layer Instrumentation Assessment (XPIA), improvements have been made to the historical methods of measuring vertical velocity variance through the time series of vertical velocity, as well as the Doppler spectral width. Using six heights of sonic anemometers mounted on a 300 m tower, correlations of up to R2 = 0. 74 are seen in measurements of the large-scale variances from the radar time series and R2 = 0. 79 in measurements of small-scale variance from radar spectral widths. The total variance, measured as the sum of the small and large scales, agrees well with sonic anemometers, with R2 = 0. 79. Correlation is higher in daytime convective boundary layers than nighttime stable conditions when turbulence levels are smaller. With the good agreement with the in situ measurements, highly resolved profiles up to 2 km can be accurately observed from the 449 MHz radar and 1 km from the 915 MHz radar. This optimized configuration will provide unique observations for the verification and improvement to boundary layer parameterizations in mesoscale models.
High-resolution coherent backscatter interferometric radar images of equatorial spread F using Capon's method
Authors: Rodrigues Fabiano S. , de Paula Eurico R. , Zewdie Gebreab K.
Published: March 2017

Abstract. We present results of Capon's method for estimation of in-beam images of ionospheric scattering structures observed by a small, low-power coherent backscatter interferometer. The radar interferometer operated in the equatorial site of São Luís, Brazil (2.59° S, 44.21° W, −2.35° dip latitude). We show numerical simulations that evaluate the performance of the Capon method for typical F region measurement conditions. Numerical simulations show that, despite the short baselines of the São Luís radar, the Capon technique is capable of distinguishing localized features with kilometric scale sizes (in the zonal direction) at F region heights. Following the simulations, we applied the Capon algorithm to actual measurements made by the São Luís interferometer during a typical equatorial spread F (ESF) event. As indicated by the simulations, the Capon method produced images that were better resolved than those produced by the Fourier method. The Capon images show narrow (a few kilometers wide) scattering channels associated with ESF plumes and scattering regions spaced by only a few tens of kilometers in the zonal direction. The images are also capable of resolving bifurcations and the C shape of scattering structures.
The C32 alkane-1,15-diol as a proxy of late Quaternary riverine input in coastal margins
Authors: Lattaud Julie , Dorhout Denise , Schulz Hartmut , Castañeda Isla S. , Sinninghe Damsté Jaap S. , Schouten Stefan
Published: March 2017

Abstract. The study of past sedimentary records from coastal margins allows us to reconstruct variations of terrestrial input into the marine realm and to gain insight into continental climatic variability. There are numerous organic proxies for tracing terrestrial input into marine environments but none that strictly reflect riverine organic matter input. Here, we test the fractional abundance of the C32 alkane 1,15-diol relative to all 1,13- and 1,15-diols (F1,15-C32) as a tracer of riverine input in the marine realm in surface and Quaternary (0–45 ka) sediments on the shelf off the Zambezi and nearby smaller rivers in the Mozambique Channel (western Indian Ocean). A Quaternary (0–22 ka) sediment record off the Nile River mouth in the Eastern Mediterranean was also studied for diols. For the Mozambique Channel, surface sediments of sites most proximal to Mozambique rivers showed the highest F1,15-C32 (up to 10 %). The sedimentary record shows high (15–35 %) pre-Holocene F1,15-C32 and low (
Temporal variations of groundwater table and implications for submarine groundwater discharge: A three-decade case study in Central Japan
Authors: Zhang Bing , Zhang Jing , Yoshida Takafumi
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Fresh submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) is the key pathway of flux and nutrients for the groundwater from land to the ocean. SGD flux is a current issue of discussion and a means to clarify the coastal marine system under climate change. SGD flux accounts for about 1/4 of the river runoff in the Katakai alluvial fan in Uozu, Toyama, Japan, which is an ideal area to study SGD flux considering the need for a rapid response to climate change and the prior research on SGD there. In this paper, the monthly groundwater table’s condition over 30 years is analyzed using monthly rainfall, snowfall, and the climate change index. Rainfall has been on an upward trend, but the snowfall has decreased over 40 years. Furthermore, the groundwater table at monitoring wells in the coastal area increased, as a result of the increased rainfall. However, the relationship between snowfall and groundwater is negative. As expected by Darcy’s law, SGD flux was controlled by the hydraulic gradient of the coastal groundwater. The estimated historic SGD flux by groundwater table variation shows an upward trend of SGD. Considering the increase in precipitation and the groundwater table, SGD flux may increase under climate change.
Seasonal streamflow forecasting by conditioning climatology with precipitation indices
Authors: Crochemore Louise , Ramos Maria-Helena , Pappenberger Florian , Perrin Charles
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Many fields, such as drought-risk assessment or reservoir management, can benefit from long-range streamflow forecasts. Climatology has long been used in long-range streamflow forecasting. Conditioning methods have been proposed to select or weight relevant historical time series from climatology. They are often based on general circulation model (GCM) outputs that are specific to the forecast date due to the initialisation of GCMs on current conditions. This study investigates the impact of conditioning methods on the performance of seasonal streamflow forecasts. Four conditioning statistics based on seasonal forecasts of cumulative precipitation and the standardised precipitation index were used to select relevant traces within historical streamflows and precipitation respectively. This resulted in eight conditioned streamflow forecast scenarios. These scenarios were compared to the climatology of historical streamflows, the ensemble streamflow prediction approach and the streamflow forecasts obtained from ECMWF System 4 precipitation forecasts. The impact of conditioning was assessed in terms of forecast sharpness (spread), reliability, overall performance and low-flow event detection. Results showed that conditioning past observations on seasonal precipitation indices generally improves forecast sharpness, but may reduce reliability, with respect to climatology. Conversely, conditioned ensembles were more reliable but less sharp than streamflow forecasts derived from System 4 precipitation. Forecast attributes from conditioned and unconditioned ensembles are illustrated for a case of drought-risk forecasting: the 2003 drought in France. In the case of low-flow forecasting, conditioning results in ensembles that can better assess weekly deficit volumes and durations over a wider range of lead times.
MobRISK: A model for assessing the exposure of road users to flash
flood events
Authors: Shabou Saif , Ruin Isabelle , Lutoff Céline , Debionne Samuel , Anquetin Sandrine , Creutin Jean-Dominique , Beaufils Xavier
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Recent flash flood impact studies highlight that road network is often disrupted due to adverse weather and flash flood events. Road users are thus particularly exposed to road flooding during their daily mobility. Previous exposure analysis studies, however, don't take into consideration population mobility. Recent advances in transportation research provide an appropriate framework for simulating individual travel-activity patterns using activity-based approach. These activity-based mobility models enable to predict the sequence of activities performed by individuals and locate them with a high spatial-temporal resolution. This paper describes the development of MobRISK modelling system: a model for assessing the exposure of road users to extreme hydro-meteorological events. MobRISK aims at providing an accurate spatiotemporal exposure assessment by integrating travel-activity behaviors and mobility adaptation with respect to weather disruptions. The model is applied in a flash flood prone area in Southern France to assess motorists' exposure to September 2002 flash flood event. The results show that risk of flooding is mainly located in principal road links with considerable traffic load. However, a lag time between the timing of the road submersion and persons crossing these roads contributes to reduce the potential vehicle-related fatal accidents. It is also found that socio-demographic variables have significant effect on individual exposure. Thus, the proposed model demonstrates the benefits of considering spatiotemporal dynamics of population exposure to flash floods and presents an important improvement in exposure assessment methods. Such improved characterization of road user exposures can present valuable information for flood risk management services.
Transposing an active fault database into a seismic hazard fault model for nuclear facilities – Part A: Building a database of potentially active faults (BDFA) for metropolitan France
Authors: Jomard Hervé , Cushing Edward Marc , Palumbo Luigi , Baize Stéphane , David Claire , Chartier Thomas
Published: March 2017

Abstract. The French Radioprotection and Nuclear Safety Institute (IRSN), with the support of the Ministry of Environment, compiled a database (BDFA) in order to define and characterize known potentially active faults of metropolitan France. The general structure of BDFA is presented in this paper. BDFA contains to date a total of 136 faults and represent a first step toward the implementation of seismic source models that would be used for both deterministic and probabilistic hazard calculations. An example transposing BDFA into a fault source model for PSHA (Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis) calculation is presented for the Upper Rhine Graben (Eastern France); and exploited in the parent paper (part B) in order to illustrate ongoing challenges for probabilistic fault-based seismic hazard calculations.
Wild African great apes as natural hosts of malaria parasites: current knowledge and research perspectives
Authors: De Nys Hélène Marie , Löhrich Therese , Wu Doris , Calvignac-Spencer Sébastien , Leendertz Fabian Hubertus
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Humans and African great apes (AGAs) are naturally infected with several species of closely related malaria parasites. The need to understand the origins of human malaria as well as the risk of zoonotic transmissions and emergence of new malaria strains in human populations has markedly encouraged research on great ape Plasmodium parasites. Progress in the use of non-invasive methods has rendered investigations into wild ape populations possible. Present knowledge is mainly focused on parasite diversity and phylogeny, with still large gaps to fill on malaria parasite ecology. Understanding what malaria infection means in terms of great ape health is also an important, but challenging avenue of research and has been subject to relatively few research efforts so far. This paper reviews current knowledge on African great ape malaria and identifies gaps and future research perspectives.
Report on the presence of a group of golden-headed lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas), an endangered primate species in a rubber plantation in southern Bahia, Brazil
Authors: De Vleeschouwer Kristel M. , Oliveira Leonardo C.
Published: March 2017

Abstract. In a landscape fragmented by agriculture, the extent to which forest-dwelling primates can use the matrix between fragments can be critical for their long-term survival. So far, the golden-headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas), an endangered primate inhabiting the Atlantic Forest of south Bahia, is only known to use shaded cacao (Theobroma cacao) agroforests within the matrix. We report on the use of a rubber plantation by a group of golden-headed lion tamarins between August 2013 and January 2014. The group used the rubber plantation on 16 of the 22 observation days (73 %), and we recorded behaviours such as eating, grooming and sleeping, consistent with the use of the area as a home range. We also observed associations with Wied's marmosets (Callithrix kuhlii). The locations of group sightings were not uniformly spread across the entire area of the rubber plantation, suggesting preferred use of certain areas. The presence of resources such as jackfruits (Artocarpus heterophyllus) and epiphytic bromeliads may be attracting both species to these plantations. In addition to shaded cacao plantations, rubber plantations with the appropriate structure may be a viable option for increasing forest connectivity for both species in south Bahia, reconciling economic rubber production with primate conservation.
Structure and evolution of the drainage system of a Himalayan debris-covered glacier, and its relationship with patterns of mass loss
Authors: Benn Douglas I. , Thompson Sarah , Gulley Jason , Mertes Jordan , Luckman Adrian , Nicholson Lindsey
Published: March 2017

Abstract. This paper provides the first synoptic view of the drainage system of a Himalayan debris-covered glacier and its evolution through time, based on speleological exploration and satellite image analysis of Ngozumpa Glacier, Nepal. The drainage system has several linked components: 1) a seasonal subglacial drainage system below the upper ablation zone; 2) supraglacial channels allowing efficient meltwater transport across parts of the upper ablation zone; 3) sub-marginal channels, allowing long-distance transport of meltwater; 4) perched lakes, which intermittently store meltwater prior to evacuation via the englacial drainage system; 5) englacial cut-and-closure conduits, which may undergo repeated cycles of abandonment and reactivation; 6) a 'base-level' lake system (Spillway Lake) dammed behind the terminal moraine. The distribution and relative importance of these elements has evolved through time, in response to sustained negative mass balance. The area occupied by perched lakes has expanded upglacier at the expense of supraglacial channels, and Spillway Lake has grown as more of the glacier surface ablates to base level. Subsurface processes play a governing role in creating, maintaining and shutting down exposures of ice at the glacier surface, with a major impact on spatial patterns and rates of surface mass loss. Comparison of our results with observations on other glaciers indicate that englacial drainage systems play a key role in the response of debris-covered glaciers to sustained periods of negative mass balance.
REGIÃO METROPOLITANA DE GOIÂNIA: ANÁLISE DA DISPOSIÇÃO ESPACIAL DOS RECURSOS FINANCEIROS PROVENIENTES DE CONVÊNIOS COM O GOVERNO FEDERAL ENTRE 2009 E 2011
Authors: Ribeiro Viana Juheina Lacerda
Published: March 2017

O artigo discute a distribuição de recursos provenientes de convênios entre os municípios da Região Metropolitana de Goiânia (RMG) e o Governo Federal por intermédio dos Ministérios da Saúde, Educação, Turismo e Cidades entre 2009 e 2011. Os convênios são analisados como mecanismos capazes de promover a integração metropolitana por meio  da disponibilidade de serviços de interesse comum ou mesmo da execução de obras de infraestrutura. Para atingir os objetivos foi realizada análise bibliográfica e documental, coleta de dados secundários e mapeamento das informações. A distribuição espacial dos recursos nos permite concluir que, tal qual o padrão de dispersão da população e da infraestrutura urbana, os recursos provenientes são centralizados em municípios com maior demanda e também maior grau de burocratização das administrações municipais.