bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Manhaj Tafsir dalam Memahami ayat-ayat Kisah dalam Al Quran
Authors: Syarifah Umaiyatus
Published: November 2015

The narrative verses in the Holy Qur’an mainly function to lead the morality (akhlaq) of the society. Islam has guiding principles for interpreting such verses so that Moslems can gain objective comprehension upon them. One of the foremost principles is to view the narratives as mysterious events and only Allah SWT knows the sequential facts-say, the real chronologies– of the stories. Besides, Moslems should not rely the validity of the narratives on ahl al-kitab’s explanation. It is, finally, imperative that any stories be confirmed and rechecked across reliable sources, such as al-Qur’an, hadits, and ulama’s trustworthy interpretation (tafsir).
 As the interpretation of narrative verses spread very fast orally or in written, it might be unexpectedly interfered by some Israiliyat stories. This paper provides three insights to respond the subsistence of Israiliyats: first, the validity of the Israiliyats should always be questioned except when al Quran and Hadits have provided evident points of justification; second, the Israiliyats whose content is appropriate with the teachings of al Quran and hadits can enrich our religious perspectives; third, the Israiliyats whose content contradicts Islamic values (syari’ah) should be disregarded and thrown away; and fourth, it is prohibited to tell false stories.
BIOETIKA DALAM PERSPEKTIF ISLAM SEBAGAI PENGAWAL PERKEMBANGAN BIOLOGI MODERN
Authors: Minarno Eko Budi
Published: November 2015

Modern biology has been developing so rapidly that the field can amazingly provides great benefits for human beings’ prosperous life either at present or in the future.  It may, however, influence the ethical aspects negatively due to reductionism. Therefore, bioethics is highly required to control the devastating growth of modern biology and drive it toward persistent commitment upon human benefits (maslahah).

This paper suggests that Bioethics–based learning be implemented in any educational level to develop the students’ critical thinking. Such learning might be put into practice by promoting the ethical decision-making method integrated with religious (Islamic) perspective. The integration would result in the students’ considering the six principles of Islamic bioethics in any modern biology studies so that the students can precisely predict the beneficial or dangerous consequences of their scientific activities.
Corporate Social Responsibility: Aktualisasi Ajaran Ihsan dalam Bisnis
Authors: Djakfar H. Muhammad
Published: November 2015

Corporate is a business institution which has rapid development in the modern era. It is to fulfill the diverse society’s needs. In fact, corporation must be close to the society as both of them are interconnected and mutually demanding. To make them close, nowadays, it has been developed Corporate Social Responsibility, specifically, big sale corporate. With this program, corporate can help society based on their needs. Based on theological point of view, if it done wisely for God’s blessing, it is absolutely the actualization of Islamic teaching, Ihsan, in business context. Through the actualization of Ihsan, the business practitioners will be close not only both to others but also to God. According to Islamic teaching, there are many ways to earn fund for this program such as zakat, infak, sedekah, ang wakaf wich can be earned form Islamic employees. With this collected funding, corporate can invest in prospective business. And the result, then can be used as fund to succeed Corporate Social Responsibility program as well as to help the have not people. This program will be truly kindness program which importantly develop as the representation of Islamic teaching.
TATA GUNA LAHAN DALAM TINJAUAN PENYUSUNAN KEBIJAKAN DAN PENGELOLAANNYA SECARA ISLAMI
Authors: Firmansyah Aldrin Yusuf
Published: November 2015

Land use is still one of the key elements of urban design. It determines the basic two dimensional plans on which three dimensional spaces are created and functions are performed. Urban is also a fusion of architecture, economics, history, geography, politics and religion. This entire aspects make a city has complex form. Islam as an amalgamation on community life, it contributes urban order include policy and management of land use. This paper has a purpose to explore Islamic contribution on arrangement of land use policy and management, from philosophical level to operational level. This paper uses methodical interpretative-historical research. It means investigations into social-physical phenomena that are a past condition, within complex contexts, with a view toward explaining those phenomena in narrative form and in a holistic fashion.

 
Kontroversi Mushaf Utsmani
Authors: Hidayah Ulil
Published: November 2015

The Quran has sailed a long history, beginning with the receipt of the divinitymessage of Muhammad which was conveyed to Muslim generations by recording itthrough memorization and writing. Initially, in teaching al Quran Muhammadused tribal dialect if necessary. Yet, after the Prophet passed away, the variousdialect of the letters in the Quran lead to confusion and dispute in society.Therefore, when Uthman became caliph, he ordered that all manuscripts bedestroyed, and formed a team of Mushaf bookkeeping led by Zaid bin Thabit.The manuscripts verified by Uthman were sent to all parts of the Islamic State.However, Ibnu Mas’ud, one of the companions who wrote manuscripts duringprophet’s era, rejected the order. He refused reading Zaid’s mushaf becauseduring Zaid’s childhood Ibnu Mas’ud had been memorizing more than seventysurahs uttered by the Prophet.Al Quran telah mengarungi sejarah panjang, diawali dengan penerimaan pesanketuhanan oleh Muhammad yang kemudian disampaikan kepada generasiIslam dengan merekamnya melalui menghafal dan menulis. Awalnya dalammengajarkan al Quran nabi Muhammad menggunakan dialek sesuai kesukuanjika dirasa perlu. Namun setelah Rasulullah wafat terdapat banyak dialek yangmenyebabkan huruf al Quran mulai menampakkan kerancuan dan perselisihandalam masyarakat. Maka pada masa khalifah Utsman, diperintahkan agarsemua mushaf dimusnahkan dan dibentuk tim pembukuan mushaf al Quranyang dipimpin oleh Zaid bin Tsabit. Naskah yang sudah di verifikasi Utsmandikirimkan ke seluruh wilayah negara Islam. Namun, Ibnu Mas’ud salahsatu sahabat yang telah menulis mushaf sejak masa nabi menolak membakarmushafnya. Dia tidak mau membaca qiraat Zaid, karena semasa Zaid masihkecil Ibnu Mas’ud telah menghafal lebih dari tujuh puluh surah langsung darilisan Rasulullah.
SISTEM ISNAD DAN OTENTISITAS HADITS; Kajian Orientalis dan Gugatan atasnya
Authors: Fahimah Siti
Published: November 2015

Pergulatan pemikiran kontemporer mengenai hadits, baik yang dilakukan oleh para pemikir muslim (insider) maupun para orientalis (outsider) agaknya juga mengalami dinamika perkembangan yang cukup signifikan. Hal ini tampak dari banyaknya para pengkaji hadits khususnya dari kalangan muslim yang mencoba memekarkan dan mengkritisi pemikiran tentang hadits, seperti Fazlur Rahman (Fazlur Rahman, 1984: 57), Muhamad al-Ghazali, Yusuf al-Qardhawi dan Mushthafa al-A'zami. Sedangkan dari kalangan non-muslim (orientalis), kajian hadits antara lain dilakukan oleh Sprenger, Ignaz Goldjiher, Montgomery Watt, Joseph Schacht dan yang lain (Wahyudin Darmalaksana, 2004: 96). Diakui atau tidak, hadits selalu menjadi kajian yang  menarik bagi para pemikir dan cendekia, baik yang mengkajinya sebagai pembela (kalangan Muslim) maupun sebagai penentangnya (yang kebanyakan adalah para orientalis) (Ensiklopedi Tematis, V.I: 81.)
ZAKAT PROFESI DALAM PERSPEKTIF UU RI NOMOR 23 TAHUN 2011 DAN HUKUM ISLAM
Authors: Aziz Muhammad , Sholikah Sholikah
Published: November 2015

One of the real object of charity to this day is still debatable zakat profession, although its existence is still debated, but many have been put into practice, including the case that the rule in Indonesia, who wants to know in this article are; how the zakat profession in the legal perspective number 23 year 2011 about the management of zakat and Islamic law?

This paper uses qualitative research methods to the study of comparative - descriptive - analytic, ie describe the Surah al-Baqarah: 167, hadith of the Prophet narrated by Said bin Abi Burdah, and scholars' opinions, as well as Law No. 23 of 2011, in particular article that talk about charity profession, comparing expert opinion in fiqh, then analyze it critically.

This paper concludes; Zakat Law No. profession in perspective. 23 in 2011, to emphasize that the charity has an official and legal profession institutionalized in formal, binding and juridical in the regulation of the state of Indonesia. existence of zakat profession in this regulation, as well as to provide legal certainty on the Muslim individual and business entity owned by Muslims in zakat to mustahiq transfer can also be used as part of Islamic philanthropy that can be used for the welfare of Muslims, the case so this is also part of the basic management of zakat perpspektif Law No. 23 year 2011 is. Zakat profession in Islamic law perspective to emphasize that the obligation of zakat profession based on letters of al -Baqarah: 267 of a general nature, hadiths of a general nature and analyzes of Islamic jurists (fuqaha') good classic or contemporary. The case has implications regarding the result of the material, whether derived from trade, capital investment, honorarium, salary, etc., or even in terms of the time limit should not have been in possession of the property.
Instantaneous threat escape and differentiated refuge demand among zooplankton taxa
Authors: Hansson Lars‐Anders , Bianco Giuseppe , Ekvall Mikael , Heuschele Jan , Hylander Samuel , Yang Xi
Published: November 2015

Most animals, including aquatic crustacean zooplankton, perform strong avoidance movements when exposed to a threat, such as ultraviolet radiation (UVR). We here show that the genera Daphnia and Bosmina instantly adjust their vertical position in the water in accordance with the present UVR threat, i.e., seek refuge in deeper waters, whereas other taxa show less response to the threat. Moreover, Daphnia repeatedly respond to UVR pulses, suggesting that they spend more energy on movement than more stationary taxa, for example, during days with fluctuating cloud cover, illustrating nonlethal effects in avoiding UVR threat. Accordingly, we also show that the taxa with the most contrasting behavioral responses differ considerably in photoprotection, suggesting different morphological and behavioral strategies in handling the UVR threat. In a broader context, our studies on individual and taxa specific responses to UVR provide insights into observed spatial and temporal distribution in natural ecosystems.
A Physics-Based Method To Forecast Production From Tight and Shale Petroleum Reservoirs by Use of Succession of Pseudosteady States
Authors: Shahamat M. S. , Mattar L.. , Aguilera R..
Published: November 2015

Analysis of production data from tight and shale reservoirs requires the use of complex models for which the inputs are rarely known. The same objectives can also be achieved by knowing only the overall (bulk) characteristics of the reservoir, with no need for all the detailed and rarely known inputs. In this study, we introduce the concept of continuous succession of pseudosteady states as a method to perform the analysis of production data. It requires few input data yet is based on rigorous engineering concepts, which works during the transient- as well as the boundary-dominated-flow periods.

This method consists of a combination of three simple and well-known equations: material balance, distance of investigation, and boundary-dominated flow. It is a form of a capacitance/resistance methodology in which the material-balance equation over the investigated region represents the capacitance and the boundary-dominated-flow equation represents the resistance. The flow regime in the region of investigation (the areal extent of which varies with time during transient flow) is assumed to be pseudosteady state. This region is depleted at a rate controlled by the material-balance equation.

The initial flow rate and flowing pressure are used to define the resistance, and the distance of investigation defines the capacitance. The capacitance and resistance are then used in a stepwise procedure to calculate the depletion and the new rates or flowing pressures. The method was tested, for linear-flow geometry, against analytical solutions for liquids and numerical simulations for gas reservoirs, exhibiting both transient and boundary-dominated flow. Excellent agreement was obtained, thus corroborating the validity of the method developed in this study. Two practical examples are provided to demonstrate the applicability of the methodology to forecast production from tight and shale petroleum reservoirs.

The proposed method is easy to implement in a spreadsheet application. It indicates that complex systems with complicated mathematical (e.g., Laplace space) solutions can be represented adequately by use of simple concepts. The approach offers a new insight into production analysis of tight and shale reservoirs, by use of familiar and easy-to-understand reservoir-engineering principles.
New Analytical Method To Calculate Matrix- and Fluid-Corrected Total Porosity in Organic Shale
Authors: Ortega Edwin , Torres-Verdín Carlos
Published: November 2015

Estimation of total porosity from neutron and density porosity logs in organic shale (source rock) is challenging because these logs are substantially affected by fluid and matrix-composition effects. Conventional interpretation of neutron and density porosity logs often includes corrections for shale concentration in which the main objective is to improve the calculation of nonshale porosity in hydrocarbon-bearing zones. These corrections are not desirable in unconventional rock formations because shale pores can be hydrocarbon-saturated. Neutron and density porosity readings across shale zones are sometimes averaged by use of the root-mean-square (RMS) method.

We introduce a new and simple analytical expression for total porosity that effectively separates both matrix and fluid effects on neutron and density porosity logs. The expression stems from a new nonlinear mixing law for neutron migration length that is coupled with the linear-density mixing law to calculate total porosity and fluid density. The method is applied in two sequential steps: First, separate corrections for only matrix effects are implemented to enhance the neutron-density crossover for qualitative interpretation of fluid type; second, the coupled equation is used to estimate fluid density and actual porosity devoid of matrix and fluid effects. Calculated porosity and fluid density can be used further to calculate water saturation from density logs. One remarkable feature of this method is the ease with which it can be applied to obtain accurate and reliable results. Application of the method only requires knowledge of single-component nuclear properties and mineral volumetric concentrations. One can obtain nuclear properties from a set of charts for multiple fluid types and minerals provided in this paper, whereas one can calculate mineral concentrations on the basis of available triple combo logs or gamma ray spectroscopy logs.

Two synthetic and four field examples (two conventional and two shale-gas reservoirs) are used to test the method. First, we describe an application in a conventional siliciclastic sedimentary sequence in which only shale concentration calculated from gamma ray logs is required to improve the estimation of porosity in shaly sections. Second, we document several applications in which gamma ray spectroscopy logs are used together with a reliable hypothesis for clay type to define mineral properties. Results compare well with nuclear-magnetic-resonance (NMR) and core measurements, whereas the new method outperforms the conventional RMS procedure, especially in the cases of gas-bearing, low-porosity organic shale. The new analytical method can be readily implemented on an Excel spreadsheet and requires minimal adjustments for its operation.
The Challenges Faced and the Successes Achieved in Delivering Well Operations Crew Resource Management in a Multi-Cultural Offshore Environment
Authors: Smith Phil , Lock Gareth
Published: November 2015

Since the disastrous events of Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 in 1972, KLM 408/Pan AM 736 in 1977 and British Midlands 92 in 1989, the aviation community have worked together to develop, deploy and mandate crew resource management (CRM) training for aircrews with recognisable benefits being shown in terms of operational safety, crew performance and cost savings. Unfortunately, it took a number of major incidents in the Oil and Gas sector (Piper Alpha in 1988, Montara in 2009 and Macondo in 2010) to raise the priority of human factors and crew resource management training despite papers being written to this effect. From 2012 onwards, the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) published three reports in the form of Reports 460, 501 and 502. At this point, there was clarity of what Well Operations CRM (WOCRM) should consist of and how it should be deployed.

This report covers the delivery of WOCRM training and individual coaching to the supervisors from one prime operator who had contracted four drilling rigs operating under three drilling companies in a Middle East location. Over an 8-month period, 121 supervisors from a multitude of nationalities, cultures and experiences were trained and coached on the skills required for effective WOCRM. The training used Report 502 as the basis for the course content but went futher and one-to-one coaching was also provided on the rigs to consolidate classroom learning.

This paper will identify the challenges faced in deploying such training, given that much of the research into WOCRM has been carried out in single cultural environments e.g. the North Sea or the USA, and other research has shown that difference in culture can have an impact on the effectiveness of ‘simple’ Crew Resource Management (CRM) training.

There were demonstrated rewards and benefits with performance and efficiencies being improved. 1100 hours of training and coaching was delivered to more than 26 nationalities across the full spectrum of roles ranging from drilling supervisor and OIM to the assistant crane operators & assistant drillers offshore, and where the majority of crews were non-native English speakers. However, as has been recognised in other domains, measuring these improvements is a considerable challenge and should not be underestimated despite the non-tangible gains observed in other domains.

Finally, the paper will show that the development of WOCRM skills cannot be done via a ‘sheep dip’ approach. Furthmore, nationalistic cultures need to be taken into account when developing WOCRM training interventions; they need to be tailored to individual crew-members and specific teams. Finally, it should be noted that training alone is extremely unlikely to deliver the expected benefits and as a consequence, strong leadership and long-term commitment is essential, with a need to deliver coaching and continued development at the workplace and not just in the classroom.
Applying Choosing Wisely: Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) and Sub- Serology Testing in a Safety Net Hospital System
Authors: Davis Lisa Anne , Goldstein Barbara , Tran Vivian , Keniston Angela , Yazdany Jinoos , Hirsh Joel , Storfa Amy , Zell JoAnn
Published: November 2015

Objective:

In 2013, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) participated in the Choosing Wisely campaign and devised a recommendation to avoid testing antinuclear antibody (ANA) subserologies without a positive ANA and clinical suspicion of disease. The goals of our study were to describe ANA and subserology ordering practices and predictors of ordering concurrent ANA and subserologies in a safety-net hospital.

Methods:

We identified ANA and subserologies (dsDNA, Sm, RNP, SSA, SSB, Scl-70 and centromere) completed at Denver Health between 1/1/2005 and 12/31/2011. Variables included demographics, primary insurance, service, and setting from which the test was ordered. We performed multivariable logistic regression to determine predictors of concurrent ordering of ANA and subserologies.

Results:

During seven years, 3221 ANA were performed in 2771 individuals and 211 (6.6%) were performed concurrently with at least one subserology. The most common concurrent subserologies were dsDNA (21.8%), SSA (20.8%), and SSB (19.7%). In the multivariable logistic analysis, significant predictors of concurrent ANA and subserologies were the labs being ordered from subspecialty care (OR 8.12, 95% CI 5.27-12.50, p-value <0.0001) or from urgent/inpatient care (OR 3.86, 95% CI 1.78-8.38, p-value 0.001). A significant predictor of decreased odds was male gender (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.21-0.49, p-value <0.0001). Five individuals (2.2% of the negative ANA with subserologies ordered) had a negative ANA but positive subserologies.

Conclusion:

Of 3221 ANA, 6.6% were performed concurrently with subserologies, and subspecialists were more likely to order concurrent tests. A negative ANA predicted negative subserologies with rare exceptions, which validates the ACR’s recommendations.
Alleviating Pain in Oculoplastic Procedures by Reducing the Rate of
Injection of Local Anaesthetic
Authors: Gupta Aditi , Tomlins Paul J. , T.W. Ng Aaron , Reuser Tristan T.Q.
Published: November 2015

Purpose :

To investigate whether the rate of infiltration of local anaesthetic influences the pain or efficacy of
local anaesthesia in oculoplastic surgery.

Methods :

A prospective observational study on consecutive patients undergoing a variety of oculoplastic procedures under
local anaesthesia. An observer recorded the rate of injection of local anaesthetic during each procedure. The same mixture
of local anaesthetic and the same needle gauge was used in all cases. Patients were asked to rate the pain of both the
injection and the surgery using a visual analog scale (VAS).

Results :

77 consecutive patients were observed, 39/77 (50.6%) patients were female and the average age was 63.5 years
(range 31-94). A statistically significant correlation was found between the rate of injection and the VAS score from the
injection (p<0.0001, r=0.42). There was no significant correlation between the injection rate and the VAS score from the
procedure itself (p=0.25, r=0.13). Additionally, a significant correlation was found between the injection VAS score and
the procedure VAS score (p=0.0002, r=0.42).

Conclusion :

The slower the rate of injection of local anaesthetic, the less pain was reported by the patient from the
injection itself. Indeed the perception of pain from the surgery overall was significantly related to the pain felt during the
injection, highlighting the importance of minimising pain during the injection of the local anaesthetic. We conclude that
slowing the rate of injection is an effective way of alleviating pain from administration of the anaesthetic.
Energy and exergy efficiency of heat pipe evacuated tube solar collectors
Authors: Jafarkazemi Farzad , Ahmadifard Emad , Abdi Hossein
Published: November 2015

In this paper, a heat pipe evacuated tube solar collector has been
investigated both theoretically and experimentally. A detailed theoretical
method for energy and exergy analysis of the collector is provided. The
method is also evaluated by experiments. The results showed a good agreement
between the experiment and theory. Using the theoretical model, the effect
of different parameters on the collector?s energy and exergy efficiency has
been investigated. It is concluded that inlet water temperature, inlet water
mass flow rate, the transmittance of tubes and absorptance of the absorber
surface have a direct effect on the energy and exergy efficiency of the heat
pipe evacuated tube solar collector. Increasing water inlet temperature in
heat pipe evacuated solar collectors leads to a decrease in heat transfer
rate between the heat pipe?s condenser and water.
Experimental and numerical analysis of convective heat losses from spherical cavity receiver of solar concentrator
Authors: Shewale Vinod , Dongarwar Prashant , Gawande Rupesh
Published: November 2015

Spherical cavity receiver of solar concentrator is made up of Cu tubing material having cavity diameter 385 mm to analyze the different heat losses such as conduction, convection and radiation. As the convection loss plays major role in heat loss analysis of cavity receiver, the experimental analysis is carried out to study convective heat loss for the temperature range of 55-75?C at 0?, 15?, 30?, 45?, 60?, and 90? inclination angle of downward facing cavity receiver. The numerical analysis is carried out to study convective heat loss for the low temperature range (55-75?C) as well as high temperature range (150-300 ?C) for no wind condition only. The experimental set-up mainly consists of spherical cavity receiver which is insulated with glass wool insulation to reduce the heat losses from outside surface. The numerical analysis is carried out by using CFD software and the results are compared with the experimental results and found good agreement. The result shows that the convective loss increases with decrease in cavity inclination angle and decreases with decrease in mean cavity receiver temperature. The maximum losses are obtained at 0? inclination angle and the minimum losses are obtained at 90? inclination angle of cavity due to increase in stagnation zone in to the cavity from 0? to 90? inclination. The Nusselt number correlation is developed for the low temperature range 55-75?C based on the experimental data. The analysis is also carried out to study the effect of wind speed and wind direction on convective heat losses. The convective heat losses are studied for two wind speeds (3 m/s and 5 m/s) and four wind directions [? is 0? (Side-on wind), 30?, 60?, and 90? (head-on wind)]. It is found that the convective heat losses for both wind speed are higher than the losses obtained by no wind test. The highest heat losses are found for wind direction ? is 60? with respect to receiver stand and lowest heat losses are found for wind direction ? is 0? (side-on wind). The heat losses obtained for wind direction, ?, is 30? condition are higher than the heat losses obtained for wind direction ? is 0? (side-on wind) condition, while the heat losses obtained by wind direction ? is 90? (head-on wind) condition are less than the heat losses obtained for wind direction, ?, is 60? condition.
Computational fluid dynamics simulation of indoor climate in low energy buildings: Computational set up
Authors: Risberg Daniel , Westerlund Lars , Hellström Gunnar
Published: November 2015

In this paper CFD was used for simulation of the indoor climate in a part of a low energy building. The focus of the work was on investigating the computational set up, such as grid size and boundary conditions in order to solve the indoor climate problems in an accurate way. Future work is to model a complete building, with reasonable calculation time and accuracy. A limited number of grid elements and knowledge of boundary settings are therefore essential. An accurate grid edge size of around 0.1 m was enough to predict the climate according to a grid independency study. Different turbulence models were compared with only small differences in the indoor air velocities and temperatures. The models show that radiation between building surfaces has a large impact on the temperature field inside the building, with the largest differences at the floor level. Simplifying the simulations by modelling the radiator as a surface in the outer wall of the room is appropriate for the calculations. The overall indoor climate is finally compared between three different cases for the outdoor air temperature. The results show a good indoor climate for a low energy building all around the year.
Fluid bed drying as upgrading technology for feasible treatment of Kolubara lignite
Authors: Eric Milic , Stakic Milan , Banjac Milos
Published: November 2015

An overview of the current status of low-rank coal upgrading technologies is
presented in the paper, particularly with respect to drying and dewatering
procedures. In order to calculate the significant parameters of the moisture
removal process, a model of convective coal drying in a fluid bed, based on
the two-phase (bubbling) fluidization model proposed by Kunii and Levenspiel,
is developed and presented. Product-specific data (intraparticle mass
transfer, gas-solid moisture equilibrium) related to the particular coal
variety addressed here (Kolubara lignite) are obtained through preliminary
investigations. Effective thermal conductivity of the packed bed as defined
by Zehner/Bauer/Schl?nder is used to define heat transfer mechanisms
occurring in the suspension phase of the fluid bed. A completely new set of
experimental data obtained has been successfully used to validate the model
additionally.
Rex Seafood, Incorporated: Accounting for Inventory Transactions among Related Parties
Authors: Kowalczyk Tamara K. , Stallworth H. Lynn
Published: November 2015

This case is based on an actual inventory accounting dilemma for a fish processing company located in Washington State. Rex Seafood, Incorporated (Rex) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Juneau Supply Company, purchase, process, and sell fish to restaurants and other retail outlets in the state of Washington and surrounding inland states. Rex has an agreement with Condor Enterprises to transport fish purchased from Juneau Supply in Alaska to Rex's facility in Washington for processing. The central issue of the case involves appropriate accounting and reporting for intercompany sales: How should the sales of inventory from Juneau Supply to Condor and the purchases by Rex from Condor be recorded and reported? Using the FASB Accounting Standards Codification, students must determine whether Rex's arrangement with Condor is a product financing arrangement, whether the purchases and sales of inventory should be considered a single exchange transaction, and whether the events should be considered intercompany transactions. In addition, students are asked to consider recording and disclosure implications of recommended solutions. This case is suitable for use in undergraduate Intermediate and graduate Financial Accounting classes.
HbA1c After a Short Period of Monotherapy With Metformin Identifies Durable Glycemic Control Among Adolescents With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Zeitler Phil , Hirst Kathryn , Copeland Kenneth C. , El ghormli Laure , Levitt Katz Lorraine , Levitsky Lynne L. , Linder Barbara , McGuigan Paul , White Neil H. , Wilfley Denise ,   for the TODAY Study Group
Published: November 2015

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether clinically accessible parameters early in the course of youth-onset type 2 diabetes predict likelihood of durable control on oral therapy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

TODAY was a randomized clinical trial of adolescents with type 2 diabetes. Two groups, including participants from all three treatments, were defined for analysis: 1) those who remained in glycemic control for at least 48 months of follow-up and 2) those who lost glycemic control before 48 months. Outcome group was analyzed in univariate and multivariate models as a function of baseline characteristics (age, sex, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, BMI, waist circumference, Tanner stage, disease duration, depressive symptoms) and biochemical measures (HbA1c, C-peptide, lean and fat body mass, insulin inverse, insulinogenic index). Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to analyze HbA1c cut points.

RESULTS

In multivariate models including factors significant in univariate analysis, only HbA1c and insulinogenic index at randomization remained significant (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0002, respectively). An HbA1c cutoff of 6.3% (45 mmol/mol) (positive likelihood ratio [PLR] 3.7) was identified that optimally distinguished the groups; sex-specific cutoffs were 6.3% (45 mmol/mol) for females (PLR 4.4) and 5.6% (38 mmol/mol) for males (PLR 2.1).

CONCLUSIONS

Identifying youth with type 2 diabetes at risk for rapid loss of glycemic control would allow more targeted therapy. HbA1c is a clinically accessible measure to identify high risk for loss of glycemic control on oral therapy. Adolescents with type 2 diabetes unable to attain a non–diabetes range HbA1c on metformin are at increased risk for rapid loss of glycemic control.
Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus CC398 is an increasing cause of disease in people with no livestock contact in Denmark, 1999 to 2011
Authors: Larsen Jesper , Petersen Andreas , Sørum Marit , Stegger Marc , van Alphen Lieke , Valentiner-Branth Palle , Knudsen Lisbet Krause , Larsen Lars Stehr , Feingold Beth , Price Lance Bradley , Andersen Paal Skytt , Larsen Anders Rhod , Skov Robert Leo
Published: November 2015

Livestock constitutes a potential reservoir of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates belonging to a recently derived lineage within clonal complex 398 (MRSA CC398-IIa). Since its discovery in the early 2000s, this lineage has become a major cause of human disease in Europe, posing a serious public health challenge in countries with intensive livestock production. To retrace the history of human colonisation and infection with MRSA CC398-IIa in Denmark, we conducted a nationwide, retrospective study of MRSA isolates collected from 1999 to 2011. Among 7,429 MRSA isolates screened, we identified 416 MRSA CC398-IIa isolates. Of these, 148 were from people with infections, including 51 from patients reporting no livestock exposure. The first cases of MRSA CC398-IIa infection in Denmark occurred in 2004. Subsequently, the incidence of MRSA CC398-IIa infection showed a linear annual increase of 66% from 2004 to 2011 (from 0.09 to 1.1 per 100,000 person-years). There were clear temporal and spatial relationships between MRSA CC398-IIa-infected patients with and without livestock exposure. These findings suggest substantial dissemination of MRSA CC398-IIa from livestock or livestock workers into the Danish community and underscore the need for strategies to control its spread both on and off the farm.
Hospital-based Clostridium difficile infection surveillance reveals high proportions of PCR ribotypes 027 and 176 in different areas of Poland, 2011 to 2013
Authors: Pituch Hanna , Obuch-Woszczatyński Piotr , Lachowicz Dominika , Wultańska Dorota , Karpiński Pawel , Młynarczyk Grazyna , van Dorp Sofie M , Kuijper Ed J ,   the Polish Clostridium difficile Study Group
Published: November 2015

As part of the European Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) surveillance Network (ECDIS-Net), which aims to build capacity for CDI surveillance in Europe, we constructed a new network of hospital-based laboratories in Poland. We performed a survey in 13 randomly selected hospital-laboratories in different sites of the country to determine their annual CDI incidence rates from 2011 to 2013. Information on C. difficile laboratory diagnostic testing and indications for testing was also collected. Moreover, for 2012 and 2013 respectively, participating hospital-laboratories sent all consecutive isolates from CDI patients between February and March to the Anaerobe Laboratory in Warsaw for further molecular characterisation, including the detection of toxin-encoding genes and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-ribotyping. Within the network, the mean annual hospital CDI incidence rates were 6.1, 8.6 and 9.6 CDI per 10,000 patient-days in 2011, 2012, and 2013 respectively. Six of the 13 laboratories tested specimens only on the request of a physician, five tested samples of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea or samples from patients who developed diarrhoea more than two days after admission (nosocomial diarrhoea), while two tested all submitted diarrhoeal faecal samples. Most laboratories (9/13) used tests to detect glutamate dehydrogenase and toxin A/B either separately or in combination. In the two periods of molecular surveillance, a total of 166 strains were characterised. Of these, 159 were toxigenic and the majority belonged to two PCR-ribotypes: 027 (n = 99; 62%) and the closely related ribotype 176 (n = 22; 14%). The annual frequency of PCR-ribotype 027 was not significantly different during the surveillance periods (62.9% in 2012; 61.8% in 2013). Our results indicate that CDIs caused by PCR-ribotype 027 predominate in Polish hospitals participating in the surveillance, with the closely related 176 ribotype being the second most common agent of infection.
Uptake and impact of vaccinating school age children against influenza during a season with circulation of drifted influenza A and B strains, England, 2014/15
Authors: Pebody Richard G , Green Helen K , Andrews Nick , Boddington Nicola L , Zhao Hongxin , Yonova Ivelina , Ellis Joanna , Steinberger Sophia , Donati Matthew , Elliot Alex J , Hughes Helen E , Pathirannehelage Sameera , Mullett David , Smith Gillian E , de Lusignan Simon , Zambon Maria
Published: November 2015

The 2014/15 influenza season was the second season of roll-out of a live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) programme for healthy children in England. During this season, besides offering LAIV to all two to four year olds, several areas piloted vaccination of primary (4–11 years) and secondary (11–13 years) age children. Influenza A(H3N2) circulated, with strains genetically and antigenically distinct from the 2014/15 A(H3N2) vaccine strain, followed by a drifted B strain. We assessed the overall and indirect impact of vaccinating school age children, comparing cumulative disease incidence in targeted and non-targeted age groups in vaccine pilot to non-pilot areas. Uptake levels were 56.8% and 49.8% in primary and secondary school pilot areas respectively. In primary school age pilot areas, cumulative primary care influenza-like consultation, emergency department respiratory attendance, respiratory swab positivity, hospitalisation and excess respiratory mortality were consistently lower in targeted and non-targeted age groups, though less for adults and more severe end-points, compared with non-pilot areas. There was no significant reduction for excess all-cause mortality. Little impact was seen in secondary school age pilot only areas compared with non-pilot areas. Vaccination of healthy primary school age children resulted in population-level impact despite circulation of drifted A and B influenza strains.
Incorporating Covariates Into Stochastic Blockmodels
Authors: Sweet Tracy M.
Published: November 2015

Social networks in education commonly involve some form of grouping, such as friendship cliques or teacher departments, and blockmodels are a type of statistical social network model that accommodate these grouping or blocks by assuming different within-group tie probabilities than between-group tie probabilities. We describe a class of models, covariate stochastic blockmodels (CSBMs), that incorporates covariates into blockmodels. These models not only estimate the effects of covariates in the presence of the block structure but also can determine differential covariate effects such as within blocks versus between blocks. For example, education researchers can now determine those factors that mitigate relationships both within schools and between schools. We introduce several CSBMs as examples and present a series of simulation studies to investigate both the feasibility and some operating characteristics as well as fit CSBMs to real network data.
On Responsible Distance: An Interview with R. Cheran by Aparna Halpé
Authors: Cheran R. , Halpé Aparna
Published: November 2015

R. Cheran speaks on his trajectory as a Tamil poet, journalist, and intellectual, during the years of conflict in Sri Lanka and on his current work as a playwright, activist, and collaborator in the development of Tamil diaspora studies with Chelva Kanaganayakam in Toronto, Canada. This interview provides a glimpse of the histories of dislocation, censorship, and exile that framed Tamil political, cultural, and intellectual life throughout the latter half of the twentieth century and the beginning of the twenty-first century. Precariously positioned as an artist and scholar who eschewed the non-democratic, militant positions of successive Sri Lankan governments and Tamil militant organizations, Cheran interrogates evolving notions of Tamil nationalism as articulated in the post-war context and looks to the future of the idea of the Tamil nation in Sri Lanka and around the world. This interview is a transcript of the public interview held at Trans(sub)continental Imaginations: Three Centuries of South Asian Literary English, a symposium in memory of Chelva Kanaganayakam, University of Toronto at Mississauga, 25 March 2015.
The Varthamanappusthakamor Is there Justice for the Narrating Subaltern?
Authors: Joseph Clara A.B.
Published: November 2015

The article examines India's first modern travelogue, The Varthamanappusthakam, from the point of view of narratology and Kanaganayakam's observations on storytelling from the margins. The focus is on the travelogue's narratology, including the story and its narration, and on the discussion it triggers, in a secular academy that is Western or Westernized, with a closed canon that incorporates postcolonial studies. The article draws on, among other things, Gérard Genette's narrative theories and Gerhart Husserl's phenomenological discussion of communities. It makes an argument for the inclusion of a translation of a Christian text from the Indian subcontinent in the curriculum of English Studies as a challenge to preconceived notions of colonial India, thereby providing the required institutional approval that Gayatri Spivak points to.
Toughening of Polylactide by Bio-Based and Petroleum-Based Thermoplastic Elastomers
Authors: Meyva Y. , Kaynak C.
Published: November 2015

The purpose of this study was to improve toughness of inherently very brittle polylactide (PLA) without sacrificing strength and thermal properties, so that biopolymer PLA could be used in engineering applications. For this purpose, PLA was blended with various amounts of two different thermoplastic elastomers; TPU (petroleum-based thermoplastic polyurethane) and TPE (bio-based thermoplastic polyester). Melt blending and specimen shaping were achieved by using a twin-screw extruder and injection molder, respectively. SEM analysis indicated that TPU and TPE were immiscible forming fine and uniform round domains in the PLA matrix. It was revealed that rubber-toughening mechanisms of TPU and TPE were very effective. For instance, using only 10 phr of TPU or TPE increased Charpy impact toughness of PLA more than 300 %, while increases in fracture toughness (KIC and GIC) values of PLA were as much as 35 % and 130 %, respectively. Other mechanical tests (tension, flexure, hardness) and thermal analyses (DSC) revealed that there were no significant detrimental effects of using 10 phr TPU or TPE on the engineering performance of PLA.
Paste Extrusion and Mechanical Properties of PTFE
Authors: Ansari M. , Vavlekas D. , McCoy J. L. , Hatzikiriakos S. G.
Published: November 2015

The paste extrusion process of two types of PTFE has been studied in capillary extrusion using dies having different reduction ratio (RR) and die entrance angles. The extrusion pressure shows a weak increase with shear rate over a wide range of flow rates and a more significant increase with reduction ratio. Moreover, the extrusion pressure exhibits a minimum for entrance angle at around 30°. A simple analytical model based on the radial flow hypothesis (previously developed) has been found to represent the extrusion pressure adequately as a function of flow rate (shear rate) and geometrical characteristics of the capillary dies. The extrudates collected at different processing conditions were dried and tested in uniaxial extension to assess their effect on mechanical properties. The tensile modulus, yield stress and ultimate tensile strength of the obtained extrudates were found to be increasing functions of reduction ratio, although the opposite effect was found for the ultimate elongational strain. These mechanical properties are also found to be insensitive to changes in the die entrance angle although the ultimate tensile strength has shown a maximum at the entrance angle of about 60°. The PTFE paste extrudates show a Poisson's ratio equal to zero in tensile experiments, thus exhibiting expansion (significant density reduction with stretching). Finally, a simple model was derived for the density change in tensile deformation by taking into the account the Poisson's ratio and the strain recovery (recovery of the elastic energy stored upon removal of the tensile stress).
Forschung zur richtigen Zeit, umsetzungsorientiert und politisch eingebettet
Authors: Manser Rolf , Steffen Konrad , Meier Ueli , Küchli Christian
Published: November 2015

Research at the right time, implementation-oriented and politically embedded

Climate change is occurring at a speed that raises doubts as to whether multi-functional forests can adapt to it naturally in time. In the medium to long term, important forest services seem to be endangered. Therefore, forest management strategies that support the adaptation of forests and maintain forest functions are necessary. In order to develop the necessary knowledge base and qualified decision-making support, the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment and the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research started the “Forest and Climate Change” research program in 2009. This special issue, devoted to the reaction and sensitivity of forest trees and stands to increased drought, presents for the first time results of the research program more broadly. This research program is one of the activities at the federal level relating to mitigation of climate change and adaptation to its impacts. It is politically embedded as an integral part of both the Forest Policy 2020 and the Federal Council's strategy of adaptation to climate change.
Zustand und Entwicklung der Trockenheit in Schweizer Wäldern
Authors: Remund Jan , Augustin Sabine
Published: November 2015

State and development of drought in Swiss forests

Climate scenarios for the 21st century for Switzerland show increasing temperatures and more frequent weather extremes and the risk of drought will become more important. The objective of the study was the calculation of indicators which allow the estimation and evaluation of drought risks on a regional scale. The site water balance and the ratio between actual and potential evapotranspiration (ETa/ETp) were used as indicators. They are closely related to vitality parameters of trees. For projections in the future were used the A1B climate scenario, which assumes a warming of 2.7 to 4.1°C in Switzerland, and three regional climate models (CLM, RCA, REGCM3), which predict different developments regarding precipitation and temperature. Historical time series between 1951 and 2012 and scenarios up to 2100 for different climatic regions were calculated. The indicators reproduce well the measured trends and the regional differences. In all regions there was in the past a trend to increased drought. The Geneva/ Vaud region as well as the western midlands and north Switzerland show the most pronounced changes. Projections with the CLM model (which reproduced best the historic trend 1981–2010 for Switzerland) show increasing drought and, in general, an increasing variability of the climate for the mid-century.