bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regio- and stereoselective synthesis of new diaminocyclopentanols
Authors: Larin Evgeni A , Kochubei Valeri S , Atroshchenko Yuri M
Published: October 2014

The optimal conditions for regio- and stereoselective epoxide ring opening of N,N-disubstituted 1,2-epoxy-3-aminocyclopentanes by different nucleophilic reagents have been developed. The substituents on the nitrogen atom in the epoxide precursor and the orientation of the oxirane ring are crucial for the reaction outcome. Thus, treatment of (1RS,2SR,3SR)-1,2-epoxy-3-(N,N-dibenzylamino)cyclopentane (3b) with amines gave a mixture of C1 and C2 regioadducts, while the use of (1RS,2SR,3SR)-1,2-epoxy-3-(N-benzyl-N-methylamino)cyclopentane (3a) led ultimately to C1 adducts. Base-catalyzed aminolysis of epoxides 6a,b afforded mainly C1 adducts 13a,b arising from trans-diaxal opening of the epoxide ring. Using a Lewis acid catalyst, epoxides 6a,b were transformed into diaminocyclopentanols 14a,b via an alternative pathway involving the formation of aziridinium intermediate 17.
CHANGES IN THE CONCENTRATION OF HEAVY METALS (CR, CD, NI) DURING THE VERMICOMPOSTING PROCESS OF SEWAGE SLUDGE / SUNKIŲJŲ METALŲ (CR, CD, NI) KONCENTRACIJŲ KAITA NUOTEKŲ DUMBLO VERMIKOMPOSTAVIMO PROCESO METU
Authors: Zigmontienė Aušra , Liberytė Indrė
Published: October 2014

Sewage sludge treatment and utilization is an important issue for a biodegradable waste management strategy. Heavy metals in sewage sludge complicate its use. Vermicomposting is one of the ways to improve the characteristics of sewage sludge and to reduce the residual concentrations of heavy metals. Study on changes in the concentration of heavy metals (Chromium, Nickel and Cadmium), when vermicomposting sewage sludge, was performed using Californian earthworms (Eisenia fetida). For that purpose, 60 kg of sewage sludge from Vilnius Waste Water Treatment Plant were taken thus inserting 1.5 kg of Californian earthworms into it. Optimal conditions for work (optimum temperature, moisture, pH) for earthworms to survive were maintained in the course of the study that lasted 120 days and was conducted in June – August. The samples of sewage sludge and earthworms were taken every 10 days. The concentrations of heavy metals in sewage sludge were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Nuotekų dumblo tvarkymo ir naudojimo problema – svarbi biologiškai skaidžių atliekų tvarkymo strategijos dalis. Lietuvoje kasmet susidaro apie 80 tūkst. tonų nuotekų dumblo, o didžiausia dalis šio kiekio vis dar sandėliuojama valyklų aikštelėse. Nuotekų dumblas gali būti efektyviai naudojamas žemės ūkyje, tačiau sunkieji metalai, esantys nuotekų dumble, apsunkina jo naudojimą. Vienas iš būdų pagerinti dumblo savybes ir kartu sumažinti liekamąsias metalų koncentracijas – nuotekų dumblo vermikompostavimas. Sunkiųjų metalų (chromo, nikelio ir kadmio) koncentracijų kaitos vermikompostuojant nuotekų dumblą tyrimas atliktas naudojant Kalifornijos sliekus (Eisenia fetida). Tirta sunkiųjų metalų koncentracijos kaita viso kompostavimo proceso metu. Tyrimui naudotas nuotekų dumblas (60 kg) buvo paimtas iš Vilniaus miesto nuotekų valyklos ir į jį įleista 1,5 kg Kalifornijos sliekų. Viso tyrimo metu buvo palaikomos optimalios sąlygos sliekams gyvuoti ir veikti (optimali temperatūra, drėgmė, pH). Tyrimo trukmė – 120 parų (birželio–rugpjūčio mėnesiai), dumblo mėginiai imti 10 parų intervalu. Išmatuotos ir nustatytos sunkiųjų metalų – chromo, nikelio ir kadmio – koncentracijos nuotekų dumble.
RESEARCH ON TOXICITY EVALUATION OF WASTE INCINERATION RESIDUES OF PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS / ELEKTRONIKOS PLOKŠČIŲ PELENŲ TYRIMAI IR JŲ PAVOJINGUMO VERTINIMAS
Authors: Volungevičienė Rasa , Bolutienė Violeta , Buinevičius Kęstutis
Published: October 2014

Recycling waste printed circuit boards (PCB) is an extremely complicated process, because PCBs consist of a number of complex components – hazardous and non-hazardous materials sets. Pyrolysis and combustion are currently the most effective treatment technologies for waste printed circuit boards. Pyrolysis can be used for thermally decomposing PCBs allowing for the simultaneous recovery of valuable materials. Following the extraction of valuable materials, the problem of residual ash utilization is encountered. Determining the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of incineration residue helps with choosing effective ash management technologies. This paper analyzes PCB ash generated at three different temperatures of 400 °C, 500 °C and 600 °C. Ash residues have been analysed to determine the quantity and type of metals present. Furthermore, the experiment of leaching heavy metals from ash has been described.
Nebenaudojamoje elektroninėje įrangoje esančių montažinių plokščių (elektronikos plokščių) perdirbimas yra itin komplikuotas procesas, nes jos sudarytos iš daugybės kompleksinių komponentų – pavojingųjų ir nepavojingųjų medžiagų rinkinių. Pirolizė ir deginimas – šiuo metu vienos efektyviausių elektronikos plokščių apdorojimo technologijų ekonominiu ir aplinkosaugos požiūriu. Gauti elektronikos plokščių pelenai toliau naudojami vertingoms medžiagoms išgauti. Išgavus vertingas medžiagas, susiduriama su likusių pelenų naudojimo problema. Tik žinant susidariusių pelenų kokybines ir kiekybines charakteristikas galima parinkti efektyvias pelenų tvarkymo technologijas. Šiame darbe analizuojami televizorių ir kitų namų ūkių prietaisų elektronikos plokščių pelenai, kurie gauti elektronikos plokštes deginant trijose skirtingose temperatūrose: 400 °C, 500 °C ir 600 °C. Įvertinama, kiek pavojingi elektronikos plokščių pelenai. Šiame darbe taip pat atliekamas geležies, mangano, švino, chromo, vario ir cinko išplovimo iš pelenų eksperimentas, siekiant nustatyti galimą metalų išsiplovimą šalinant pelenus sąvartynuose arba jiems patekus į aplinką įvykus avarijoms.
WATER LOSS IN SMALL SETTLEMENTS / VANDENS NUOSTOLIAI MAŽOSE GYVENVIETĖSE
Authors: Rimeika Mindaugas , Jurkienė Anželika
Published: October 2014

The main performance indicators of a water supply system include the quality and safety of water, continuous work, relevant pressure and small water loss. The majority of foreign and local projects on reducing water loss have been carried out in the water supply systems of metropolitans; however, the specificity of small settlements differs from that of big cities. Differences can be observed not only in the development of infrastructure and technical indicators but also in the features of water consumption. The article presents the analysis of water loss formation and describes reduction measures in a small settlement. The conducted research defines that water loss in big cities is much smaller than that in small settlements. The major part of water used in small settlements is applied for agrarian purposes rather than for domestic needs. It has been found that water is employed for the irrigation of plants and livestock watering, which often is not accounted. Research also shows that slight (<0.2 m³/h) physical water loss (holes in the network) that occur in small settlements may compose up to 30% of all water supplied to the water network.
Pagrindiniai vandens tiekimo sistemos efektyvumo rodikliai yra šie: vandens saugumas ir kokybė, nepertraukiamas darbas, tinkamas slėgis ir maži vandens nuostoliai. Absoliuti dauguma užsienio ir šalies vandens nuostolių mažinimo projektų buvo atlikta didmiesčių vandentiekiuose, tačiau mažų gyvenviečių specifika gerokai skiriasi nuo didžiųjų miestų. Skiriasi ne tik infrastruktūros lygis, techniniai rodikliai, bet ir vandens vartojimo ypatumai. Straipsnyje analizuojami vandens nuostolių susidarymas ir galimi mažinimo būdai mažose gyvenvietėse. Nustatyta, kad rajono centruose susidarantys vandens nuostoliai yra gerokai mažesni nei mažose gyvenvietėse. Didžioji dalis gyvenvietėse vartojamo vandens skirta augalams laistyti ir gyvuliams girdyti, o ne gyventojų buitiniams poreikiams tenkinti. Nustatyta, kad vanduo, naudojamas laistyti ir gyvuliams girdyti, dažnai nėra įtraukiamas į apskaitą. Nustatyta, kad mažų gyvenviečių vandentiekio tinkle susidarantys maži (<0,2 m³/h) fiziniai nuostoliai (pvz., dėl skylių tinkle), gali sudaryti daugiau nei 30 % viso į tinklą tiekiamo vandens kiekio.
EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH ON REMOVING SUSPENDED SOLIDS AND AMMONIUM IONS FROM SLUDGE LIQUOR / SKENDINČIŲJŲ MEDŽIAGŲ IR AMONIO JONŲ ŠALINIMO IŠ DUMBLO VANDENS EKSPERIMENTINIAI TYRIMAI
Authors: Gražinskas Kasparas , Mažeikienė Aušra , Valentukevičienė Marina
Published: October 2014

The article investigates the processes of removing suspended solids and ammonium ions from sludge liquor. Experimental research was carried out at the Water Management Department laboratory of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University applying an experimental bench made of filters equipped with the zeolites of a different fraction and other appliances. Laboratory testing looked at the use of natural sorbent zeolite for removing ammonium ions from sludge liquor mixing liquid with powdered zeolite and filtering through zeolite filter media. Research was carried out employing the particles of zeolite 1.0–1.5 mm; 2.0–2.5 mm; 2.5–3.15 mm in diameter. The highest efficiency of removing ammonium ions reached 76% and was obtained using zeolite particles 2.0–2.5 mm in diameter.
Straipsnyje nagrinėjami skendinčiųjų medžiagų ir amonio jonų šalinimo iš dumblo skysčio procesai. Eksperimentiniai tyrimai buvo rengiami VGTU Vandentvarkos katedros laboratorijoje įrengtame eksperimentiniame stende, sudarytame iš filtrų, užpildytų skirtingos frakcijos ceolitų ir kitos įrangos. Laboratorinio tyrimo metu buvo nagrinėjama, kaip gamtinis sorbentas ceolitas naudojamas amonio jonams iš dumblo vandens šalinti, skystį maišant su ceolito milteliais ir filtruojant per ceolito užpildus. Tyrimai vykdyti naudojant 1,0–1,5 mm, 2,0–2,5 mm, 2,5–3,15 mm ceolito frakcijas. Šalinant amonio jonus iš dumblo skysčio, didžiausias efektyvumas, naudojant 2,0–2,5 mm frakcijos ceolitą, siekia 76 %.
Beyond markets and hierarchies : an economic analysis of vertical quasi-integration
Authors: Chassagnon Virgile
Published: October 2014

Les dynamiques industrielles du capitalisme sont liées aux transformations des structures organisationnelles de production. Ainsi, la firme verticalement intégrée à la Chandler s’est effacée au profit de firmes modernes désintégrées. Cette profonde transformation de l’environnement industriel, qui s’est manifestée dans les années 1980 et 1990, a conduit les firmes à développer de nouvelles stratégies de coopération inter-firmes et à faire émerger des formes de quasi-intégration verticale. L’objectif de cet article est d’analyser ces changements institutionnels à l’aune de la théorie économique. L’article se focalise sur les travaux originaux de trois auteurs influents qui ont développé leur propre approche de la quasi-intégration dans la seconde moitié du xx e siècle : Williamson, Houssiaux et Blois.
Teaching Dual-Process Diagnostic Reasoning to Doctor of Nursing Practice Students: Problem-Based Learning and the Illness Script
Authors: Durham Catherine O. , Fowler Terri , Kennedy Sally
Published: October 2014

Accelerating the development of diagnostic reasoning skills for nurse practitioner students is high on the wish list of many faculty. The purpose of this article is to describe how the teaching strategy of problem-based learning (PBL) that drills the hypothetico-deductive or analytic reasoning process when combined with an assignment that fosters pattern recognition (a nonanalytic process) teaches and reinforces the dual process of diagnostic reasoning. In an online Doctor of Nursing Practice program, four PBL cases that start with the same symptom unfold over 2 weeks. These four cases follow different paths as they unfold leading to different diagnoses. Culminating each PBL case, a unique assignment called an illness script was developed to foster the development of pattern recognition. When combined with hypothetico-deductive reasoning drilled during the PBL case, students experience the dual process approach to diagnostic reasoning used by clinicians. [
J Nurs Educ.
2014;53(11):646–650.]
Using a Modified Team-Based Learning Approach to Teach Nursing Students About Communicable Disease Control and Community Health Nursing
Authors: Elliott Shannon
Published: October 2014

Team-based learning (TBL) is an active learning approach that is becoming increasingly more popular in nursing education. When nurse educators flip the classroom and use methods such as TBL, students are often more engaged and are active participants in their own learning. This article outlines how a teaching team in an undergraduate nursing program used a modified TBL method to teach about community health nursing. The traditional method of TBL is described, as well as limitations of this approach and recommendations for future teaching. [
J Nurs Educ.
2014;53(11):651–653.]
A Contemporary Method to Teach Collaboration to Students
Authors: Fewster-Thuente Lori
Published: October 2014

This pilot study examined the effectiveness of an interprofessional educational intervention in which nursing and medical students were taught collaboration skills through low-fidelity simulation. The intervention included didactic content on the process of collaboration, followed by a simulation of the patient care rounding process. The TeamSTEPPS
®
Teamwork Attitudes Questionnaire (T-TAQ) was administered as a pre- and posttest to seven students who participated in the simulation. Anecdotal and observational data were also collected. Statistically significant differences (
p
< 0.05) were found in three of the five core areas of the T-TAQ: team structure, situation monitoring, and communication. Collaborative behaviors were demonstrated, and anecdotal comments reported by the students revealed an appreciation of the overall experience. These findings suggest that low-fidelity simulation is a valuable and cost-effective method to teach interprofessional educational skills, such as collaboration. These skills are essential to professional practice in the clinical setting. [
J Nurs Educ.
2014;53(11):641–645.]
Removal of Nursing Faculty Practice Barriers in Academia: An Evidence-Based Model
Authors: Aquadro Lynn C. , Bailey Birdie Irene
Published: October 2014

The goal of this faculty practice model is to provide a clinical practice site for faculty and provide clinical instruction for baccalaureate nursing students and primary health care services to an underserved, uninsured population in a nonprofit outpatient clinic setting. Community partnerships include a regional university, the city housing authority, local hospitals, the tri-county dental association, the United Way, and other community organizations. The facility is provided by the city housing authority, and the laboratory and diagnostic services are provided by the local hospital. The clinic nurse practitioners are university faculty, and clinical time is part of the faculty workload. Many barriers have been overcome, including lack of funding, increased faculty workloads, and proration of the state’s allocation for higher education. Because the organization was initially set up as a nonprofit organization, federal, state, and local grants are available. [
J Nurs Educ.
2014;53(11):654–658.]
Effects of Exposure on Genotyping Success Rates of Hair Samples from Brown and American Black Bears
Authors: Stetz Jeff B. , Seitz Tucker , Sawaya Michael A.
Published: October 2014

Noninvasively collected hair samples have been used in numerous studies to answer questions about the demographic and genetic status and trends of wildlife populations. In particular, these methods are well-suited for researching and monitoring ursid populations, which are typically difficult to study because of their rare and cryptic nature. Recently, researchers have taken increasing advantage of natural bear behaviors to obtain hair samples for genetic analyses by conducting surveys of bear rubs (objects that bears rub against such as trees and power poles). The low quality and quantity DNA in noninvasively collected samples, however, can result in low genotyping success rates, which may be exacerbated by potentially lengthy duration of environmental exposure. We investigated the effects of environmental exposure (sunlight, moisture, and duration of exposure) on genotyping success rates of brown bear Ursus arctos and American black bear Ursus americanus hair samples. We exposed a total of 238 hair samples from one brown bear and one black bear to multiple treatments for either 30-d or 60-d, periods consistent with collection intervals of recent bear rub survey projects. Sample treatments consisted of full or dappled sunlight, kept dry or saturated with water one to two times daily. We genotyped each sample at three microsatellite loci commonly used in noninvasive genetic studies of bear populations. Our results were consistent with predictions, with all three factors significantly reducing genotyping success rates. Based on our results, we recommend that the specific conditions of field exposure be considered when selecting a suite of microsatellite markers for noninvasive genetic sampling projects, and that researchers carefully consider the duration and environmental conditions that hair samples will be exposed to when designing field studies. Limiting exposure to moisture and sunlight by collecting hairs from bear rubs at relatively short intervals and selecting dry and shaded sites should reduce DNA degradation and thus result in higher genotyping success rates.
Expansion of Dysfunctional Tim-3–Expressing Effector Memory CD8+ T Cells during Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Fujita Tsuyoshi , Burwitz Benjamin J. , Chew Glen M. , Reed Jason S. , Pathak Reesab , Seger Elizabeth , Clayton Kiera L. , Rini James M. , Ostrowski Mario A. , Ishii Naoto , Kuroda Marcelo J. , Hansen Scott G. , Sacha Jonah B. , Ndhlovu Lishomwa C.
Published: October 2014

The T cell Ig- and mucin domain–containing molecule-3 (Tim-3) negative immune checkpoint receptor demarcates functionally exhausted CD8+ T cells arising from chronic stimulation in viral infections like HIV. Tim-3 blockade leads to improved antiviral CD8+ T cell responses in vitro and, therefore, represents a novel intervention strategy to restore T cell function in vivo and protect from disease progression. However, the Tim-3 pathway in the physiologically relevant rhesus macaque SIV model of AIDS remains uncharacterized. We report that Tim-3+CD8+ T cell frequencies are significantly increased in lymph nodes, but not in peripheral blood, in SIV-infected animals. Tim-3+PD-1+CD8+ T cells are similarly increased during SIV infection and positively correlate with SIV plasma viremia. Tim-3 expression was found primarily on effector memory CD8+ T cells in all tissues examined. Tim-3+CD8+ T cells have lower Ki-67 content and minimal cytokine responses to SIV compared with Tim-3−CD8+ T cells. During acute-phase SIV replication, Tim-3 expression peaked on SIV-specific CD8+ T cells by 2 wk postinfection and then rapidly diminished, irrespective of mutational escape of cognate Ag, suggesting non-TCR–driven mechanisms for Tim-3 expression. Thus, rhesus Tim-3 in SIV infection partially mimics human Tim-3 in HIV infection and may serve as a novel model for targeted studies focused on rejuvenating HIV-specific CD8+ T cell responses.
AN EVALUATION TO IDENTIFY THE BARRIERS TO THE FEASIBILITY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT PLANS: FIVE DECADES OF EXPERIENCE IN URBAN PLANNING IN IRAN
Authors: Maghsoodi Tilaki Mohammad Javad , Abdullah Aldrin , Bahauddin Azizi , Hedayati Marzbali Massoomeh
Published: October 2014

The rapid urbanization in many developing countries has indicated several challenges in different aspects. This is due to inefficient urban planning approaches towards managing the development process. Similar to many other developing countries, Iran has experienced rapid urbanization in recent decades. Although over the last few decades, urban planning processes have been applied to develop Iranian cities, urban planning has failed to tackle the challenges facing the cities. This paper seeks to identify the barriers that have prevented Iranian cities from achieving the goals of urban planning. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the current literature on the concept of urban planning and to assess the urban development plan process in Iranian cities. The required data were collected through a review of international theoretical studies, Iranian experimental research and governmental reports. The findings of this study reveal five major barriers to the feasibility of the urban planning process, including the urban plans context, structure of urban planning, related law and regulations, public participation, and financial resources.
SELF-CLEANING ABILITY OF THE MIDDLE AND LOWER COURSES OF THE UBERABA RIVER, UPGRH-GD8
Authors: Salla Marcio Ricardo , Ferreira Andrezza Marques , Pereira Carlos Eugenio , Schmidt Marcio Augusto Reolon
Published: October 2014

The multiple and balanced use of water resources has become a difficult task, since the implementation and continuous improvement of management systems still fail to keep abreast of the constant changes occurring in the environment due to human activities. Water planning and management on a river basin scale requires the use of computational tools that allow for joint modeling of water quantity and quality. This study involved an assessment of the self-cleaning ability of the middle and lower courses of the Uberaba River, located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This river is extremely important because its waters supply a population of approximately 322,500 distributed among the municipalities of Uberaba, Veríssimo and Conceição das Alagoas. The water quality parameters of dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, organic nitrogen, ammonia, nitrate and total phosphorus were modeled for the period of October 2012 to September 2013, using the AQUATOOL system. The constants of biochemical reactions were calibrated by the trial and error method. The sensitivity analysis of the initially calibrated constants Ka, Kd, KNoa and KNai and of the quality parameters of the intermediate inputs did not reveal significant variations in water quality. In the analysis of pollution scenarios, considering the critical flow Q7,10, it was found that organic nitrogen, ammonia and nitrate remained within the levels established by Minas Gerais (2008) and Brazil (2005). The concentration of dissolved oxygen would have to increase by 156% when compared with the value of the driest month only in the intermediate input that comprises the entire urban area of the city of Uberaba, whose urban streams receive domestic and industrial effluents. On the other hand, the parameters BOD5 and Ptotal were the most problematic, with high values in almost all the intermediate inputs, except for the Jataí and Preguiça streams, whose subbasins have minor areas of contribution. This indicates that, in addition to the pollutant loads from the urban area of Uberaba, the use of 70.6% of the total land area of the Uberaba River subbasin for agricultural and pastureland purposes contribute to the high concentrations of BOD5 and Ptotal.
The impact of SLMTA in improving laboratory quality systems in the Caribbean Region
Authors: Guevara Giselle , Gordon Floris , Irving Yvette , Whyms Ismae , Parris Keith , Beckles Songee , Maruta Talkmore , Ndlovu Nqobile , Albalak Rachel , Alemnji George
Published: November 2014

Background: Past efforts to improve laboratory quality systems and to achieve accreditation for better patient care in the Caribbean Region have been slow.Objective: To describe the impact of the Strengthening of Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA) training programme and mentorship amongst five clinical laboratories in the Caribbean after 18 months.Method: Five national reference laboratories from four countries participated in the SLMTA programme that incorporated classroom teaching and implementation of improvement projects. Mentors were assigned to the laboratories to guide trainees on their improvement projects and to assist in the development of Quality Management Systems (QMS). Audits were conducted at baseline, six months, exit (at 12 months) and post-SLMTA (at 18 months) using the Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) checklist to measure changes in implementation of the QMS during the period. At the end of each audit, a comprehensive implementation plan was developed in order to address gaps.Results: Baseline audit scores ranged from 19% to 52%, corresponding to 0 stars on the SLIPTA five-star scale. After 18 months, one laboratory reached four stars, two reached three stars and two reached two stars. There was a corresponding decrease in nonconformities and development of over 100 management and technical standard operating procedures in each of the five laboratories.Conclusion: The tremendous improvement in these five Caribbean laboratories shows that SLMTA coupled with mentorship is an effective, user-friendly, flexible and customisable approach to the implementation of laboratory QMS. It is recommended that other laboratories in the region consider using the SLMTA training programme as they engage in quality systems improvement and preparation for accreditation.
A comprehensive review of the SLMTA literature part 2: Measuring success
Authors: Luman Elizabeth T. , Yao Katy , Nkengasong John N.
Published: November 2014

Background: Since its introduction in 2009, the Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA) programme has been implemented in 671 laboratories in 47 countries. Objective: We completed a systematic review of the published literature on SLMTA. The review consists of two companion papers; this article examines quantitative evidence presented in the publications along with a meta-analysis of selected results. Methods: We identified 28 published articles with data from SLMTA implementation. The SLMTA programme was evaluated through audits based on a standard checklist, which is divided into 12 sections corresponding to the 12 Quality System Essentials (QSEs). Several basic service delivery indicators reported by programmes were also examined. Results for various components of the programme were reviewed and summarised; a meta-analysis of QSE results grouped by the three stages of the quality cycle was conducted for 126 laboratories in 12 countries. Results: Global programme data show improved quality in SLMTA laboratories in every country, with average improvements on audit scores of 25 percentage points. Meta-analysis identified Improvement Management as the weakest stage, with internal audits (8%) and occurrence management (16%) showing the lowest scores. Studies documented 19% – 95% reductions in turn-around times, 69% – 93% reductions in specimen rejection rates, 76% – 81% increases in clinician satisfaction rates, 67% – 85% improvements in external quality assessment results, 50% – 66% decreases in nonconformities and 67% increases in staff punctuality. Conclusions: The wide array of results reported provides a comprehensive picture of the SLMTA programme overall, suggesting a substantive impact on provision of quality laboratory services and patient care. These comprehensive results establish a solid data-driven foundation for program improvement and further expansion.
Tweeting #humanwaste: A practical theological tracing of #humanwaste as a trend on Twitter
Authors: Van den Berg Jan Albert
Published: October 2014

Different and divergent facets of human existence are increasingly becoming embodied within a digital domain. The social media platform, Twitter, comprises an important expression of the digital world and social media, but also of popular culture. In a practical theological tracing of the theme of human waste on Twitter, new contents and meaning related to this concept are mapped out in a variety of categories. On the basis of existing and newly developed research methodologies, an exploration is conducted in order to indicate how the digital world can assist in the creation of new empirical realities, hermeneutic outcomes and strategic involvement. In this tracing of human waste as a theme on Twitter,accents of a possible lived spirituality are sounded out and verbalised. It is on the basis of these descriptions that possibilities unfold for new practical theological orientations, both for the present and the future.
Human resource practices as predictors of engineering staff’s organisational commitment
Authors: Coetzee Melinde , Mitonga-Monga Jeremy , Swart Benita
Published: October 2014

Orientation: Human resource practices are an important means of retaining professionally qualified employees and improving and increasing their future level of organisational performance in today’s turbulent and perpetually competitive world of business.Research purpose: This study examined whether human resource practices (as a core aspect of organisational culture) positively predict organisational commitment. Motivation for the study: In South Africa, high voluntary turnover and skills shortages of professionally qualified people such as engineers are a major obstacle to economic growth and job creation.Research design, approach and method: A cross-sectional survey and quantitative design were used with a non-probability purposive sample of 284 early career professionally qualified engineers from a South African engineering organisation. Correlational statistical techniques were employed to achieve the research objective.Main findings: Job satisfaction, training and development and rewards and remuneration positively predicted affective commitment. Leadership, rewards and remuneration and training and development also positively predicted normative commitment. Human resources policies and procedures positively predicted continuance commitment.Practical/managerial implications: Managers and human resource practitioners need to take a proactive approach in facilitating an organisational culture that reflects the practices embodied by the variables measured in this study in order to increase organisational commitment.Contribution: The findings add new knowledge that may be used to help managers and human resource practitioners understand how these human resource practices may guide retention strategies in the engineering environment
Rôles des vétérinaires dans les animaleries de laboratoire. Responsabilités et formation
Authors: Dudoignon Nicolas , Bouard Delphine , Kolf-Clauw Martine , Degryse Anne-Dominique , Denais-Lalieve Delphine , Liabeuf Marie , Vidal Samuel
Published: November 2014

L’enseignement vétérinaire est riche, tant par les disciplines enseignées que les espèces animales abordées. Mais, à l’issue de ses études, le jeune vétérinaire n''a pas reçu de spécialisation lui permettant de satisfaire les exigences des laboratoires de recherche biomédicale. Il y est toutefois vite confronté à des problématiques complexes, pour lesquelles ses conseils, voire ses décisions, peuvent avoir un impact important sur un programme de recherche ou sur le bien-être des animaux. La nouvelle réglementation relative à la protection des animaux dits «de laboratoire » met l’accent sur le bien-être animal, plaçant le vétérinaire en position de conseiller incontournable en la matière. Il est donc essentiel que ce dernier acquière, grâce à une formation spécialisée, des compétences spécifiques aux animaleries de laboratoire et aux espèces animales qu’elles hébergent, afin de pouvoir interagir à bon escient avec les équipes de recherche et assumer pleinement les nombreux rôles et responsabilités qui sont les siens.
Explosion des connaissances et multiplication de l’information scientifique: quelles réformes pour l’apprentissage de la médecine vétérinaire ?
Authors: Vandeweerd Jean-Michel
Published: November 2014

La variété des missions du vétérinaire praticien, associée à une augmentation exponentielle des savoirs, modifie désormais le cadre de l’apprentissage. Il devient impossible de maîtriser tous les sujets d’une discipline avec la même profondeur. L’apprentissage de la médecine vétérinaire n’est plus tellement d’accumuler des savoirs disciplinaires, mais bien d’apprendre à gérer des situations complexes, souvent sans avoir formellement acquis les connaissances nécessaires au cours des études. Ce contexte implique de déterminer les compétences indispensables au métier de vétérinaire, de privilégier le transfert des connaissances, de former à l’utilisation de l’information scientifique et de tenir compte du nouveau profil des étudiants. Face à ces enjeux, des actions doivent être envisagées par les différents protagonistes : chercheurs, éditeurs, praticiens et enseignants. Une contraction des matières enseignées est indispensable pour s’assurer que les connaissances essentielles soient acquises et transférées. Les dispositifs permettant de s’entraîner aux situations professionnelles prototypes doivent être favorisés (Problem Based Learning, Team Based Learning). Pour motiver les étudiants et permettre l’application des connaissances, des activités pratiques doivent être privilégiées en milieu scolaire et en milieu professionnel. À ce titre le compagnonnage et l’alternance pourraient être développés moyennant une formation des praticiens au rôle de formateur. Plus que jamais, il semble utile que tous les protagonistes s’accordent pour participer à ce changement indispensable de l’apprentissage de la médecine vétérinaire.
Épigénétique : une lecture du génome via des modifications stables / transitoires et transmissibles
Authors: Jammes Hélène
Published: November 2014

Epigenetics : a reading of the genome through stable / temporary / inheritable modifications

Epigenetics refers to molecular processes checking the reading of the genome. These processes, including DNA methylation, the histone post translational modifications, as well as small and long non coding ARN, constitute the epigenetic machinery and participate to nuclear architecture. Stable, flexible, and quickly variable, the epigenetic status of cell nucleus is dynamic. After the fertilization, the parental genomes undergo epigenetic reprogramming, orchestrating the gene expression essential to the embryonic development. During the embryo development, the waves of cellular differentiation involved in organogenesis, come along with the implementation of cell-specific epigenome. Its stability is insured by the heritability of the epigenetic marks through the mitosis (and meiosis). It provides the maintenance of cell function associated with the stability of gene expression profile. Flexibility and/or reversibility of these marks take place in answer to diverse environmental changes. The importance of these processes is suggested by fetal programming, underlined the impact of in utero life on adult health and diseases. In order to exemplify these concepts, we will analyze the role played by the epigenetic programming during the spermatogenesis. Thus, epigenetics acts such as cell memory and origin of diversity between the individuals.
Limites scientifiques de l’autorisation de mise sur le marché des médicaments génériques
Authors: Hugnet Christophe
Published: November 2014

Les médicaments génériques ont une place croissante dans l’arsenal thérapeutique vétérinaire. Une ligne directrice européenne définit les modalités de constitution et d’évaluation du dossier d’autorisation de mise sur le marché de ces médicaments. L’exposé des limites scientifiques permettra aux vétérinaires de garder une analyse critique sur l’usage de ces médicaments dans certaines situations particulières telles que les traitements collectifs, l’antibiothérapie ou la substitution.
Disponibilité du médicament vétérinaire : réalité, enjeux et perspectives
Authors: Fortineau Olivier , Carnat Gautier Paule
Published: November 2014

Dans son exercice quotidien le vétérinaire praticien est souvent confronté à un manque de médicament vétérinaire pour soigner l’animal qu’il consulte. Cette situation est la résultante de contraintes économiques et de contraintes réglementaires. L’étroitesse du marché vétérinaire limite le retour sur investissement et freine l’innovation. L’application du règlement relatif aux Limites Maximales de Résidus a permis d’améliorer la protection du consommateur de denrées animales mais est responsable de l’appauvrissement de l’arsenal thérapeutique en productions animales. Les praticiens doivent recourir quotidiennement à la cascade alors que celle-ci était initialement prévue pour répondre à quelques situations exceptionnelles de carence thérapeutique. L’importation de médicaments et les autovaccins sont des solutions pour pallier certains manques. Pour améliorer durablement la situation, des aménagements sont nécessaires aussi bien sur le plan technique (extrapolation des LMR, adaptation des temps d’attente dans le cadre de la cascade) que sur le plan économique (à travers l’allongement de la durée de protection des AMM par exemple).
Œil et taurine
Authors: Hadj Saïd Wahiba , Sahel José-Alain , Picaud Serge , Rosolen Serge Georges , Froger Nicolas
Published: November 2014

La taurine est l’acide aminé le plus abondant dans la rétine. Son rôle, encore mal connu est essentiellement lié à son pouvoir anti-oxydant. Sa concentration tissulaire dépend d’un apport nutritionnel en taurine exogène et du fonctionnement de son transporteur. De plus, une synthèse endogène de taurine participe au maintien de son taux physiologique. D’anciennes études ont montré que la privation nutritionnelle de taurine chez le chat est responsable de dommages rétiniens graves, affectant la couche des photorécepteurs. En découvrant que la toxicité du vigabatrin est liée à une déplétion en taurine, nous avons récemment montré que la taurine participe également à la survie des cellules ganglionnaires rétiniennes dans différents modèles de dégénérescence rétinienne. La taurine pourrait ainsi être impliquée dans la prévention des dégénérescences rétiniennes telles que les rétinopathies et les glaucomes.
House-Level Risk Factors for Triatoma dimidiata Infestation in Colombia
Authors: Parra-Henao Gabriel , Cardona Ángela Segura , Quirós-Gómez Oscar , Angulo Víctor , Alexander Neal
Published: October 2014

In Colombia, the main vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, are Rhodnius prolixus and Triatoma dimidiata. T. dimidiata is present in the east region of Colombia as domestic, peridomestic, and sylvatic populations, resulting in difficulties for its control. A cost-effective way to prioritize houses for treatment is to stratify houses based on risk factors. In this study, risk factors were evaluated for potential associations with domicile infestation of T. dimidiata. There was an increased likelihood of domestic infestation associated with the presence of mixed roofs (odds ratio [OR] = 36.14, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 12.21–106.97), cats (OR = 3.94, 95% CI = 1.36–11.38), rock piles (OR = 5.28, 95% CI = 1.64–16.98), and bushes with height above 10 m (OR = 11.21, 95% CI = 2.08–60.45). These factors could be used to target surveillance and control of T. dimidiata to houses with an increased risk of being infested.
Non-Invasive Management of Madura Foot with Oral Posaconazole and Ciprofloxacin
Authors: Sharma Amit M. , Sharma Namita , Nat Amritpal , Rane Meghan , Endy Timothy P.
Published: October 2014

Madura foot is a chronic infection caused by fungus and/or bacteria. Traditionally, treatment has been surgical debridement or amputation. Non-invasive management with long-term antimicrobials alone has been reported as successful. We report a case of Madura foot in a Somali refugee successfully managed with oral posaconazole and ciprofloxacin.
Clinical Features of and Risk Factors for Rhabdomyolysis Among Adult Patients with Dengue Virus Infection
Authors: Huang Shi-Yu , Lee Ing-Kit , Liu Jien-Wei , Kung Chia-Te , Wang Lin
Published: October 2014

Among 1,076 dengue patients, 9 patients with rhabdomyolysis and 1,067 patients without rhabdomyolysis (controls) were retrospectively analyzed. Of nine patients with rhabdomyolysis, the most commonly reported symptom other than fever was myalgia; dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) was found in seven cases, and acute kidney injury was found in six cases. Furthermore, one (11.1%) patient died. The median duration from hospital admission to rhabdomyolysis diagnosis was 3 days. Patients with rhabdomyolysis had higher age, proportion of men, prevalence of hypertension, frequency of myalgia, and incidences of DHF, pleural effusion, and acute kidney injury than controls. Multivariate analysis showed that hypertension (odds ratio [OR] = 14.270), myalgia (OR = 20.377), and acute kidney injury (OR = 65.547) were independent risk factors for rhabdomyolysis. Comparison of cytokine/chemokine concentrations in 101 DHF patients, including those with (N = 4) and without (N = 97) rhabdomyolysis, showed that interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α levels were significantly increased in the former.
Hospitalized Patients' Perceptions of Resident Fatigue, Duty Hours, and Continuity of Care
Authors: Drolet Brian C. , Hyman Charles H. , Ghaderi Kimeya F. , Rodriguez-Srednicki Joshua , Thompson Jordan M. , Fischer Staci A.
Published: October 2014

Background

Physicians' perceptions of duty hour regulations have been closely examined, yet patient opinions have been largely unstudied to date.

Objective

We studied patient perceptions of residency duty hours, fatigue, and continuity of care following implementation of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education 2011 Common Program Requirements.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was administered between June and August 2013 to inpatients at a large academic medical center and an affiliated community hospital. Adult inpatients on teaching medical and surgical services were eligible for inclusion in the study.

Results

Survey response rate was 71.3% (513 of 720). Most respondents (57.1%, 293 of 513) believed residents should not be assigned to shifts longer than 12 hours, and nearly half (49.7%, 255 of 513) wanted to be notified if a resident caring for them had worked longer than 12 hours. Most patients (63.2%, 324 of 513) believed medical errors commonly occurred because of fatigue, and fewer (37.4%, 192 of 513; odds ratio, 0.56; P < .01) believed medical errors commonly occurred as a result of transfers of care. Given the choice between a familiar physician who “may be tired from a long shift” or a “fresh” physician who had received sign-out, more patients chose the fresh but unfamiliar physician (57.1% [293 of 513] versus 42.7% [219 of 513], P < .01).

Conclusions

In a survey about physician attributes relevant to medical errors and patient safety, adult inpatients in a large and diverse sample reported greater concern about fatigue and working hours than about continuity of care.
The influence of background music tempo and genre on virtual roulette
Authors: Bramley Stephanie , Dibben Nicola , Rowe Richard
Published: October 2014

Background music can influence everyday behaviour. We examined the influence of music tempo and genre on roulette. Fast tempo and popular music resulted in quicker betting with no effect on expenditure. Subjective arousal did not mediate music tempo's effects. Alternative mechanisms underlying music's influence on gambling and directions for future research are considered.
Making a living online: Problem gambling and workaholism in high earning online Texas hold'em poker players
Authors: Hopley Anthony A.B. , Wagner Jennifer , Nicki Richard
Published: October 2014

The skill component of Texas hold'em online poker (THOP) adds a unique element to the assessment of risk for problem gambling (PG). The current study examined whether PG among a high earning subgroup of THOP players was analogous to workaholism. Participants were self-selected online poker players (N = 31), and results revealed that participants played an average of 30.5 hours per week, and had an average annual online poker earning of CAD 29 995. Furthermore, 32% of the sample gambled problematically according to the PGSI. In accordance with previous findings, PG was uniquely predicted by time played and stress. However, PG in this subset of THOP players was associated with an external locus of control. Contrary to expectations, the personality variable of neuroticism was unrelated to PG and workaholism. Furthermore, workaholism was unrelated to any variables in the model, and no significant relationship emerged between workaholism and PG.
Med lokalnim in globalnim: nanoturizem in poletna šola arhitekture kot primer mednarodnega učenja v lokalni skupnosti
Authors: Ličen Jurij
Published: November 2014

Mednarodna poletna šola za mlade arhitekte (AAVSS) je prikazana kot primer neformalnega izobraževanja, ki združuje globalno (mednarodno) in lokalno (slovensko, vitanjsko) v procesih nastajanja novega znanja. Inovativno učenje je slonelo na doživljajskih metodah in kritični refleksiji o kulturi bivanja ter povezovanju razvoja lokalnega z mednarodnim znanjem. Udeleženci so ustvarjali nove arhitekturne rešitve za razvoj nanoturizma v Vitanju v povezavi s Kulturnim središčem evropskih vesoljskih tehnologij (KSEVT).
AERONET-based models of smoke-dominated aerosol near source regions and transported over oceans, and implications for satellite retrievals of aerosol optical depth
Authors: Sayer A. M. , Hsu N. C. , Eck T. F. , Smirnov A. , Holben B. N.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Smoke aerosols from biomass burning are an important component of the global aerosol system. Analysis of Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) retrievals of aerosol microphysical/optical parameters at 10 sites reveals variety between biomass burning aerosols in different global source regions, in terms of aerosol particle size and single scatter albedo (SSA). Case studies of smoke observed at coastal/island AERONET sites also mostly lie within the range of variability at the near-source sites. Differences between sites tend to be larger than variability at an individual site, although optical properties for some sites in different regions can be quite similar. Across the sites, typical midvisible SSA ranges from ~ 0.95–0.97 (sites dominated by boreal forest or peat burning, typically with larger fine-mode particle radius and spread) to ~ 0.88–0.9 (sites most influenced by grass, shrub, or crop burning, typically smaller fine-mode particle radius and spread). The tropical forest site Alta Floresta (Brazil) is closer to this second category, although with intermediate SSA ~ 0.92. The strongest absorption is seen in southern African savannah at Mongu (Zambia), with average midvisible SSA ~ 0.85. Sites with stronger absorption also tend to have stronger spectral gradients in SSA, becoming more absorbing at longer wavelengths. Microphysical/optical models are presented in detail so as to facilitate their use in radiative transfer calculations, including extension to UV (ultraviolet) wavelengths, and lidar ratios. One intended application is to serve as candidate optical models for use in satellite aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrieval algorithms. The models presently adopted by these algorithms over ocean often have insufficient absorption (i.e. too high SSA) to represent these biomass burning aerosols. The underestimates in satellite-retrieved AOD in smoke outflow regions, which have important consequences for applications of these satellite data sets, are consistent with the level of underestimated absorption.
Satellite-based analysis of thermosphere response to extreme solar flares
Authors: Krauss S. , Pfleger M. , Lammer H.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. We present a refined algorithm to calculate pseudo solar indices, which enable the reproduction of a solar flare impact on the upper Earth's atmosphere for the empirical thermosphere model Jacchia-Bowman 2008. In a first step we compare the estimates of the new algorithm with those from a previous study by analysing an extreme X17.2 flare in 2003 using TIMED/SEE EUV observations. In a second step we adapt the method to use SOHO/SEM measurements within the algorithm and compare the findings with the previous results. Furthermore, the latter procedure is validated by means of GRACE density measurements during a X2.0 solar flare in November 2004. In each of the cases also a comparison with theoretical thermosphere models is performed, which shows a good agreement and suggests that the algorithm can support theoretical evolution studies in case no in situ density measurements during extreme solar events are available.