bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Presentación del Monográfico sobre Género, Ciencia y Conocimiento
Authors: De la Flor Fernández María Luisa , Fuentes Rodríguez Francisca
Published: February 2018

Presentación del Monográfico sobre Género, Ciencia y Conocimiento (Suplemento 6, 2017).
Défis au Bas de la Pyramide
Authors: Garrette Bernard , Kozan Asli , Roulet Thomas
Published: February 2018

Le « Bas de la Pyramide » (BdP), est-il le nouvel Eldorado pour les entreprises, ou seulement un miroir aux alouettes ? L’examen des activités « BdP » existantes montre que les entreprises ont beaucoup de mal à gagner de l’argent en offrant aux populations les plus pauvres de la planète des produits et des services qui sont censés contribuer à la résolution de problèmes sociaux ou environnementaux. Cet article suggère cependant que les entreprises doivent persévérer dans leurs efforts. Nous proposons des solutions pour surmonter les obstacles économiques, sociaux et politiques des projets « BdP » et discutons le rôle de ces initiatives en matière d’innovation et de croissance.
Reverse Innovation and Reverse Technology Transfer: From Made in China to Discovered in China in the Pharmaceutical Sector
Authors: Hadengue Marine , de Marcellis-Warin Nathalie , Warin Thierry
Published: February 2018

The emergence of a giant like China changes the landscape. The potential localization of multinational companies' R&D centers into emerging countries changes the analytical perspective. This phenomenon moves the knowledge frontier and creates a real paradigm change in terms of innovation and technology transfer. On the one hand, we confirm the global trend of knowledge sources implied in previous studies and we demonstrate that multinationals might now choose emergent countries as a strategic place to externalize R&D. On the other hand, we go further by empirically showing the phenomena of reverse innovation and reverse technology transfer in the pharmaceutical sector.
Le développement d’une capacité d’exploration : une analyse des réseaux sociaux des porteurs de projets au sein d’un centre de R&D d’une multinationale
Authors: Simon Fanny , Tellier Albéric
Published: February 2018

Les capacités dynamiques reposent sur des processus organisationnels qui diffèrent selon que l’on s’inscrit dans une démarche d’exploitation ou d’exploration. Peut-on établir un lien entre les caractéristiques des réseaux sociaux dans lesquels sont engagés les acteurs des projets et le développement d’une capacité d’exploration ? Pour répondre à cette question, nous avons suivi pendant quatre ans les équipes dédiées à quatre projets d’exploration chez un fabricant de semi-conducteurs. Il apparaît que la structure du réseau et les type de liens peuvent faciliter le développement des capacités d’exploration. Notamment, les structures de type coeur/périphérie semblent propices au développement de ces capacités.
Discuter le tournant pratique en Relations internationales
Authors: Ramel Frédéric
Published: February 2018

L’approche développée par Vincent Pouliot dans son article d’International Organization ouvre des pistes fructueuses afin de repenser le fonctionnement des communautés de sécurité, en l’occurrence l’Otan, à partir des pratiques sociales et plus précisément de la logique du praticable (des savoirs non réfléchis sur lesquels repose l’action). L’objet de cet article vise à discuter deux aspects de cette approche. Le premier tient au modèle de Bourdieu qui sert de matrice à l’intelligibilité des pratiques. Il consiste à intégrer des éléments non utilisés par Vincent Pouliot comme le capital informationnel, les rites, la logique du don et contre-don, ou encore la nature du champ diplomatique comparé à celle du champ politique. Le deuxième relève des analyses alternatives qui relèvent de la théorie normative et qui sont également des sentiers possibles pour aborder cet objet, notamment la pensée d’Arendt.
À la recherche d’un langage de l’action
Authors: Kauppi Niilo
Published: February 2018

Dans le champ des Relations internationales, Vincent Pouliot développe une théorie du praticable comme une théorie « matérielle » de la pratique, complémentaire à celle des conséquences, de la convenance, de l’argumentation. La logique du praticable serait paradoxalement la base non théorique de toutes les théories en ri. Comment l’approche de Pouliot, inspirée par les travaux de Bourdieu, se prête-t-elle à ce genre d’exercice ? Deux questions me semblent essentielles pour une analyse sociologique de la pratique en ri d’un point de vue « webero-bourdieusien » : le rôle du politique et de la domination, puis la logique de la pratique.
Zero-inflated and over-dispersed data models: Empirical evidence from insurance claim frequencies
Authors: Karaa Imen , Chabchoub Habib
Published: February 2018

The main objective of this paper is to model automobile claim frequency by using standard count regression and zero-inflated regression models. The use of the latter model is mainly motivated by its ability to handle the over dispersion and zero-inflation phenomenon. The sample data consist of claims data obtained from one randomly selected automobile insurance company in Tunisia for a single year, 2009, containing beginning drivers and drivers who have had a license for less than three years. Our estimation results show that many exogenous variables can explain the frequency of claims; they are not taken into account in calculating the basic insurance premium. Moreover, the ZI binomial negative regression outperforms the standard count models and the ZI Poisson model in handling zero-inflated and additional over dispersed claim count data.
Droit à l’oubli pour les malades de cancers : un risque relatif pour les
assurances
Authors: Picot Jérémy
Published: February 2018

La signature de la convention AERAS en 2006 a été une avancée majeure en permettant
l’accès aux crédits pour des milliers de malades et anciens malades. Aujourd’hui, le projet
de loi santé prévoit la mise en place d’un droit à l’oubli pour les malades de cancers. Sa
localisation et le pronostic moyen associé seront susceptibles de faire varier le délai
permettant d’accéder à ce droit. Tandis que les compagnies d’assurance souhaitent voir
l’obligation de déclaration conservée pendant 15 ans après le diagnostic, les associations
de malades militent pour que ce délai soit réduit à 10 voire 5 ans, dans certains cas. En
croisant les données épidémiologiques et les données bancaires, nous démontrerons que le
nombre supplémentaire d’assurés potentiels engendré par la réduction de ce délai ne
représenterait qu’une augmentation très marginale des risques couverts par les
assureurs.
CRPClustering: An R Package for Bayesian Nonparametric Chinese Restaurant Process Clustering with Entropy
Authors: Okada Masashi
Published: February 2018

Clustering is a scientific method which finds the clusters of data and many related methods are traditionally researched for long terms. Bayesian nonparametrics is statistics which can treat models having infinite parameters. Chinese restaurant process is used in order to compose Dirichlet process. The clustering which uses Chinese restaurant process does not need to decide the number of clusters in advance. This algorithm automatically adjusts it. Then, this package can calculate clusters in addition to entropy as the ambiguity of clusters.
Factors influencing the estimation of aboveground biomass (AGB) in tropical forests using RADAR remote sensing.
Authors: Espinoza-Mendoza Victoria E
Published: February 2018

Despite the large amount of accessible spatial information, the issue of estimating aboveground biomass through remote sensing, especially radar, remains a challenge in complex ecosystems such as tropical forests. One of the advantages of radar sensors is that of "crossing clouds" (capacity that does not have optical images like Landsat), facilitating their use in areas with permanent cloud cover. This work defines, from several studies conducted in tropical forests using ALOS PALSAR, which are the factors with the most influence on the signal of the radar. This can be useful in the development and/or improvement of methodologies to estimate aboveground biomass in tropical forests, combining field data and satellite imagery of radar.
Uveíte durante terapia anti-tnf na espondilite anquilosante refratária
Authors: Carvalho Jozélio Freire , Gomes Johnny De Lima , Araujo Roberto Paulo Correia de
Published: February 2018

Não se aplica
Análise comparativa entre hábitos alimentares e condições socioeconômicas no controle glicêmico de crianças com diabetes melito tipo 1: capital x interior da Bahia
Authors: Lima Eugênia da Silva , Guerreiro Caroline Ferreira , Santos Albert Ramon Oliveira , Andrade Carlos Jefferson do Nascimento , Alves Crésio de Aragão Dantas
Published: February 2018

Objetivo: conhecer os hábitos alimentares e as condições socioeconômicas de crianças com diabetes melito tipo 1 (DM1) e as possíveis diferenças entre as que residem na capital e as do interior do estado da Bahia. Metodologia: estudo de corte transversal realizado entre abril e agosto de 2013, nos Serviços de Endocrinologia Pediátrica de dois hospitais públicos universitários de Salvador, Bahia. As condições socioeconômicas foram obtidas por meio do Critério de Classificação Econômica Brasil (CCEB) e as características sociodemográficas e os hábitos alimentares foram mensurados por um questionário estruturado para pesquisa. Estas variáveis foram comparadas aos resultados da hemoglobina glicada (HbA1c). Resultados: participaram do estudo 68 crianças portadoras de DM1, das quais a maioria 36 (52,9%) residiam no interior do estado e 32 (47,1%) são oriundas de Salvador. Quando comparado o controle glicêmico, com base na localidade, constata-se no grupo residente em Salvador um maior número de crianças (9) com valores de HbA1c dentro dos parâmetros adequados (13,2%), já no grupo de crianças residentes no interior da Bahia o controle glicêmico dentro das condições estabelecidas pela ADA foi percebido apenas em 4 (5,9%) participantes. Discussão: a residência nas cidades do interior da Bahia, baixo nível de escolaridade e hábitos alimentares precários, foi predominante em relação a capital, pode ser relacionado à falta de serviços públicos especializados nessas localidades. Razões para explicar o mau controle glicêmico em crianças residentes em Salvador, bem como no interior da Bahia, fundamenta-se na realidade que manter níveis mais baixos de HbA1c é uma dificuldade persistente, mesmo para centros de referência. Conclusão: hábitos alimentares e condições socioeconômicas dos participantes do estudo mostraram associação negativa com resultados de HbA1c, o que confirma a importância destas variáveis como preditores do controle glicêmico. Os resultados apresentados servem como subsídios para uma reflexão sobre as políticas e práticas implementadas no estado acerca da alimentação e condições socioeconômicas que assegurem melhores condições de atenção e cuidado para essas crianças, contribuindo assim para um melhor controle glicêmico nessa população.
Incidência de síndromes genéticas associadas às cardiopatias congênitas
Authors: Guimarães Juciane Rocha , São Pedro Simone Andrade Porto , Guimarães Isabel Cristina Britto
Published: February 2018

Introdução: as anomalias cardíacas podem se apresentar isoladamente ou fazer parte de síndromes cromossômicas ou gênicas. As principais causas dos defeitos cardíacos congênitos estão relacionadas com a interação entre os agentes ambientais e os fatores genéticos. Objetivo: conhecer a incidência das síndromes genéticas associadas às cardiopatias congênitas. Metodologia: trata-se de um estudo seccional descritivo, com base em prontuários de pacientes portadores de cardiopatias congênitas, no período 2013 a 2014. Resultados: foram avaliados 307 prontuários, dos quais 52,4% eram de pacientes do sexo masculino e 47,6% de pacientes do sexo feminino, com idades entre zero e 15 anos. As síndromes genéticas associadas às cardiopatias foram evidenciadas em 50 pacientes, com a seguinte distribuição: Síndrome de Down, 13%; Síndrome de Kartagener, 1,3%; Síndrome de Edwards, 1%; Síndrome de Noonan, 0,7%; e Síndrome Di George (0,3%). Conclusão: a síndrome de Down prevaleceu sobre as demais síndromes associadas às cardiopatias congênitas.
Aquisição dos marcos motores em crianças pós-transplante hepático: estudo piloto
Authors: Santos Juliana Costa , Mendes Carlos Maurício Cardeal , Silva Luciana Rodrigues
Published: February 2018

Introdução: crianças com hepatopatias estão expostas a fatores biológicos e ambientais que podem acarretar atrasos na aquisição dos marcos motores previstos para a idade. Objetivo: Descrever as aquisições motoras de crianças submetidas a transplante hepático, segundo o relato dos cuidadores principais. Metodologia: trata-se de um estudo transversal, descritivo e exploratório, realizado entre julho e setembro de 2014. Foram incluídas crianças de três a seis anos, submetidas ao transplante hepático (TxH), atendidas no Ambulatório de Gastroenterologia e Hepatologia Pediátrica de Hospital Universitário público de Salvador. Foi aplicado um questionário construído pelos autores, com perguntas sobre o período de aquisição dos principais marcos motores da primeira infância. Foram feitos ainda questionamentos aos cuidadores das crianças sobre o período do TxH. Resultados: oito crianças foram avaliadas, sete possuíam diagnóstico de atresia de vias biliares extra-hepáticas antes do TxH, e cinco realizaram o TxH no primeiro ano de vida. Em relação às aquisições motoras, cinco crianças adquiriram controle cervical nos quatro primeiros meses de idade, apenas uma sentou sem apoio no período preconizado, e seis andaram entre 12 e 18 meses. Conclusão: as crianças realizaram o TxH no primeiro ano de vida e apresentaram maiores prejuízos nas aquisições dos primeiros marcos motores, tais como controle da cabeça, sentar sem apoio. Observou-se que a habilidade do andar foi alcançada pela maioria das crianças da amostra no tempo preconizado, o que pode estar associado ao fato de o TxH ter sido realizado no primeiro ano de vida.
Avaliação do efeito da água de piscina sobre a rugosidade superficial de resinas compostas de esmalte
Authors: Alves Fernanda Vieira , Mathias Paula
Published: February 2018

Introdução: A estabilidade de cor e a durabilidade de uma restauração em resina composta são influenciadas por sua lisura superficial. Características inerentes ao material, procedimentos de acabamento e polimento, dieta e hábitos dos indivíduos podem interferir nas suas propriedades superficiais. Objetivo: Avaliar a rugosidade superficial de resinas compostas de esmalte submetidas ao contato com água de piscina clorada e estimar se o uso de uma proteção mecânica limitaria esse contato e seus efeitos. Metodologia: Duzentos corpos de prova, de cinco diferentes resinas foram preparados e distribuídos, aleatoriamente, em quatro grupos (n=10), de acordo com o desafio a que foram submetidos: imersão em água destilada sem e com proteção de moldeira de acetato; imersão em água clorada sem e com proteção de moldeira de acetato. Os corpos ficaram imersos por 30 dias, sendo as respectivas águas trocadas diariamente. Para avaliação da rugosidade superficial, utilizou-se um rugosímetro. Procedeu-se à análise estatística inferencial por meio da análise de variância a 3-critérios, avaliando-se a comparação múltipla dessas médias com auxílio do teste de Tukey (nível de significância de 5%). Resultados: Observou-se: interação significativa entre os fatores água e condição experimental (p<0,0001) e maior rugosidade superficial para a resina Esthet-X HD, quando exposta à água clorada. O uso da moldeira resultou em maiores valores de rugosidade superficial para todas as resinas testadas quando expostas à água clorada. Conclusão: O efeito da água de piscina foi material dependente. O uso da proteção mecânica pareceu aumentar a rugosidade superficial das resinas compostas expostas à água clorada.
Alteração de cor em simulação de dente escurecido, utilizando duas resinas compostas de mesma cor com diferentes opacidades
Authors: Donato Tais Rocha , Mathias Paula
Published: February 2018

Introdução: O tratamento estético de dentes escurecidos é desafiador, especialmente quando o escurecimento ocorre de maneira pontual. Para alcançar bons resultados, é imprescindível, além do domínio da técnica restauradora, o conhecimento sobre a composição e características ópticas dos materiais restauradores. Objetivo: Avaliar a cor resultante da sobreposição de duas resinas compostas, quando utilizadas sobre um substrato escurecido. Metodologia: Na confecção dos corpos de prova, foram utilizadas duas matrizes metálicas e as resinas compostas Charisma A2 e OA2 e Opallis DA4 (simulando o substrato escurecido), perfazendo um total de 30 corpos de prova. As mensurações de cor foram realizadas em espectrofotômetro de reflexão (UV-2600; Shimadzu) e as leituras colorimétricas foram realizadas no programa Color Analysis, seguindo os parâmetros do sistema CIEL*a*b*. A análise estatística inferencial foi realizada pela ANOVA 1-critério. Para as comparações múltiplas, utilizou-se o teste Tukey (significância de 5%). Resultados: Entre as três variáveis, apenas na variável a* houve diferença estatística (p<0,0001). Conclusão: Os resultados permitiram a observação de alteração colorimétrica após o uso de ambas as resinas, porém com melhores resultados para o grupo da resina AO2, quando em comparação com o grupo da A2.

 
Bioinspired Wood Nanotechnology for Functional Materials
Authors: Berglund Lars A. , Burgert Ingo
Published: February 2018

It is a challenging task to realize the vision of hierarchically structured nanomaterials for large‐scale applications. Herein, the biomaterial wood as a large‐scale biotemplate for functionalization at multiple scales is discussed, to provide an increased property range to this renewable and CO2‐storing bioresource, which is available at low cost and in large quantities. The Progress Report reviews the emerging field of functional wood materials in view of the specific features of the structural template and novel nanotechnological approaches for the development of wood–polymer composites and wood–mineral hybrids for advanced property profiles and new functions.
Identification of Three Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Subtypes by Machine Learning Integration of Synovial Histologic Features and RNA Sequencing Data
Authors: Orange Dana E. , Agius Phaedra , DiCarlo Edward F. , Robine Nicolas , Geiger Heather , Szymonifka Jackie , McNamara Michael , Cummings Ryan , Andersen Kathleen M. , Mirza Serene , Figgie Mark , Ivashkiv Lionel B. , Pernis Alessandra B. , Jiang Caroline S. , Frank Mayu O. , Darnell Robert B. , Lingampali Nithya , Robinson William H. , Gravallese Ellen ,   the Accelerating Medicines Partnership in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus Network, Bykerk Vivian P. , Goodman Susan M. , Donlin Laura T.
Published: February 2018

Objective

In this study, we sought to refine histologic scoring of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial tissue by training with gene expression data and machine learning.

Methods

Twenty histologic features were assessed in 129 synovial tissue samples (n = 123 RA patients and n = 6 osteoarthritis [OA] patients). Consensus clustering was performed on gene expression data from a subset of 45 synovial samples. Support vector machine learning was used to predict gene expression subtypes, using histologic data as the input. Corresponding clinical data were compared across subtypes.

Results

Consensus clustering of gene expression data revealed 3 distinct synovial subtypes, including a high inflammatory subtype characterized by extensive infiltration of leukocytes, a low inflammatory subtype characterized by enrichment in pathways including transforming growth factor β, glycoproteins, and neuronal genes, and a mixed subtype. Machine learning applied to histologic features, with gene expression subtypes serving as labels, generated an algorithm for the scoring of histologic features. Patients with the high inflammatory synovial subtype exhibited higher levels of markers of systemic inflammation and autoantibodies. C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels were significantly correlated with the severity of pain in the high inflammatory subgroup but not in the others.

Conclusion

Gene expression analysis of RA and OA synovial tissue revealed 3 distinct synovial subtypes. These labels were used to generate a histologic scoring algorithm in which the histologic scores were found to be associated with parameters of systemic inflammation, including the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, CRP level, and autoantibody levels. Comparison of gene expression patterns to clinical features revealed a potentially clinically important distinction: mechanisms of pain may differ in patients with different synovial subtypes.
Rhodium(II)‐Catalyzed Reaction of 1‐Tosyl‐1,2,3‐triazoles with Morita–Baylis–Hillman Adducts: Synthesis of 3,4‐Fused Pyrroles
Authors: Jia Renmeng , Meng Jiang , Leng Jiaying , Yu Xingxin , Deng Wei‐Ping
Published: February 2018

A cascade reaction of rhodium azavinylcarbenes with Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) adducts enables a novel synthetic approach to 3,4‐fused pyrroles. The cascade reaction begins with the insertion of O−H bond into rhodium azavinylcarbenes, subsquent sigmatropic rearrangement provides substituted α,β‐unsaturated cyclic ketone intermediates. Then the intramolecular aza Michael addition/oxidative aromatization sequence give rise to a wide range of 3,4‐fused pyrroles in good yields, and with excellent functional group compatibility.
Exosomes Enter Vaccine Development: Strategies Meeting Global Challenges of Emerging Infections
Authors: Jungbauer Alois
Published: February 2018

New approaches for vaccination must be developed in order to meet the grand challenges for emerging infectious diseases. Exosomes now enter vaccine development and these are strategies are meeting these global challenges, as demonstrated by Anticoli et al., in this issue of Biotechnology Journal. Using exosome vaccines has been now been demonstrated in vivo for several viruses such as Ebola Virus VP24, VP40, and NP, Influenza Virus NP, Crimean‐Congo Hemorrhagic Fever NP, West Nile Virus NS3, and Hepatitis C Virus NS3. Now this technology must be tested in clinics.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of stent type in endoscopic treatment of gastric leak after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
Authors: Cosse C , Rebibo L , Brazier F , Hakim S , Delcenserie R , Regimbeau J M
Published: February 2018

Background

Gastric leak is the most feared surgical postoperative complication after sleeve gastrectomy. An endoscopic procedure is usually required to treat the leak. No data are available on the cost-effectiveness of different stent types in this procedure.

Methods

Between April 2005 and July 2016, patients with a confirmed gastric leak undergoing endoscopic treatment using a covered stent (CS) or double-pigtail stent (DPS) were included. The primary objective of the study was to assess overall costs of the stent types after primary sleeve gastrectomy. Secondary objectives were the cost-effectiveness of each stent type expressed as an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER); the incremental net benefit; the probability of efficiency, defined as the probability of being cost-effective at a threshold of €30 000, and identification of the key drivers of ICER derived from a multivariable analysis.

Results

One hundred and twelve patients were enrolled. The overall mean costs of gastric leak were €22 470; the mean(s.d.) cost was €24 916(12 212) in the CS arm and €20 024(3352) in the DPS arm (P = 0·018). DPS was more cost-effective than CS (ICER €4743 per endoscopic procedure avoided), with an incremental net benefit of €25 257 and a 27 per cent probability of efficiency. Key drivers of the ICER were the inpatient ward after diagnosis of gastric leak (surgery versus internal medicine), type of institution (private versus public) and duration of hospital stay per endoscopic procedure.

Conclusion

DPS for the treatment of gastric leak is more cost-effective than CS and should be proposed as the standard regimen whenever possible.
Postoperative ileus following major colorectal surgery
Authors: Chapman S J , Pericleous A , Downey C , Jayne D G
Published: February 2018

Background

Postoperative ileus (POI) is characterized by delayed gastrointestinal recovery following surgery. Current knowledge of pathophysiology, clinical interventions and methodological challenges was reviewed to inform modern practice and future research.

Methods

A systematic search of MEDLINE and Embase databases was performed using search terms related to ileus and colorectal surgery. All RCTs involving an intervention to prevent or reduce POI published between 1990 and 2016 were identified. Grey literature, non-full-text manuscripts, and reanalyses of previous RCTs were excluded. Eligible articles were assessed using the Cochrane tool for assessing risk of bias.

Results

Of 5614 studies screened, 86 eligible articles describing 88 RCTs were identified. Current knowledge of pathophysiology acknowledges neurogenic, inflammatory and pharmacological mechanisms, but much of the evidence arises from animal studies. The most common interventions tested were chewing gum (11 trials) and early enteral feeding (11), which are safe but of unclear benefit for actively reducing POI. Others, including thoracic epidural analgesia (8), systemic lidocaine (8) and peripheral μ antagonists (5), show benefit but require further investigation for safety and cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion

POI is a common condition with no established definition, aetiology or treatment. According to current literature, minimally invasive surgery, protocol-driven recovery (including early feeding and opioid avoidance strategies) and measures to avoid major inflammatory events (such as anastomotic leak) offer the best chances of reducing POI.
Defective Carbons Derived from Macadamia Nut Shell Biomass for Efficient Oxygen Reduction and Supercapacitors
Authors: Yan Xuecheng , Jia Yi , Zhuang Linzhou , Zhang Longzhou , Wang Kang , Yao Xiangdong
Published: February 2018

Efficient yet cost‐effective electrode materials play deciding roles in the widespread application of fuel cells, as precious metals, such as platinum (Pt), remain the main component of the cathodic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalyst. Herein, a type of biomass, macadamia nut shell (MNS), is utilized for synthesizing ORR catalysts, aiming at enhancing the activity and lowering the production cost of the electrode materials. Benefiting from a defective catalysis mechanism, the resulting defective MNS material (D‐MNS‐A) shows greatly improved ORR performance in alkaline solutions. The onset potential of D‐MNS‐A is only 29 mV more negative than that of the commercial Pt/C. Moreover, the durability of D‐MNS‐A is superior to that of Pt/C, and it presents excellent tolerance to methanol. In addition, D‐MNS‐A is an ideal material for supercapacitors. It exhibits a specific capacitance of 155 F/g under the current density of 1 A/g in 1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte, which was further increased to 231 F/g after coating with MnO2. The defective nature combined with the highly porous structure of D‐MNS‐A render it a potential material for fuel cell and supercapacitor applications.
Reduced gene flow in a vulnerable species reflects two centuries of habitat loss and fragmentation
Authors: Stevens Kate , Harrisson Katherine A. , Hogan Fiona E. , Cooke Raylene , Clarke Rohan H.
Published: February 2018

Understanding the effects of landscape modification on gene flow of fauna is central to informing conservation strategies that promote functional landscape connectivity and population persistence. We explored the effects of large‐scale habitat loss and fragmentation on spatial and temporal patterns of gene flow in a threatened Australian woodland bird: the Grey‐crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis. Using microsatellite data, we (1) investigated historical (i.e., pre‐fragmentation) and contemporary (i.e., post‐fragmentation) levels of gene flow among subpopulations and/or regions, (2) identified first‐generation migrants and likely dispersal events, (3) tested for signatures of genetic bottlenecks, (4) estimated contemporary and historical effective population sizes, and (5) explored the relative influences of drift and migration in shaping contemporary population structure. Results indicated that the functional connectivity of landscapes used by the Grey‐crowned Babbler is severely compromised in the study area. The proportion of individuals that were recent immigrants among all subpopulations were low. Habitat fragmentation has led to a clear division between subpopulations in the east and west, and the patterns of gene flow exchange between these two regions have changed over time. The effective population size estimates for these two regions are now well below that required for long‐term population viability (Ne < 100). Demographic history models indicate that genetic drift was a greater influence on subpopulations than gene flow, and most subpopulations show signatures of bottlenecks. Translocations to promote gene flow and boost genetic diversity in the short term and targeted habitat restoration to improve landscape functional connectivity in the long term represent promising conservation management strategies that will likely have benefits for many other woodland bird species.
Raising the Stakes for Nondiscrimination Protections in the ACA
Authors: Underhill Kristen
Published: February 2018

In the struggle over the durability of the Affordable Care Act, defenders of the ACA stand guard at many fronts. A major contribution of the ACA to nondiscrimination law, however, appears increasingly vulnerable. The ACA established significant new nondiscrimination protections for patients under section 1557 and its implementing regulations. Several of these regulations—including protections on the basis of gender identity and pregnancy termination—are now under reconsideration at the Department of Health and Human Services, after a nationwide injunction lasting almost a year. Nondiscrimination laws matter, of course, because they promote equal access to health care. But focusing on discriminatory behavior alone is a narrow view of the purpose and potential of nondiscrimination rules—and underestimates the stakes of softening section 1557. To evaluate these protections, we must consider not only their impacts on discriminatory behavior but also their behavioral and attitudinal impacts on patients and communities. This is because supportive or stigmatizing rules can exert an expressive effect: laws communicate information about prevailing social norms, they give some norms greater authority by virtue of the state's support, and they can shape community values. Through these expressive impacts, nondiscrimination laws may affect not only discriminatory behavior in health activities but also the attitudes, beliefs, and decisions of people who are legally protected.
The Intimate Responsibility of Surrogate Decision‐Making
Authors: Lindemann Hilde
Published: February 2018

Daniel Brudney's clear‐headed analysis, in this issue of the Hastings Center Report, of the difference between a patient's and a surrogate's right to make medical treatment decisions contributes to a longstanding conversation in bioethics. Brudney offers an epistemological and a moral argument for the patient's and the surrogate's right to decide. The epistemological argument is the same for both parties: the (competent) patient has a right to decide because she is presumed to know her own interests better than anyone else, and the surrogate is entitled to make decisions because she knows the patient better than anyone else. However, argues Brudney, the moral arguments are not parallel. The patient's moral right to decide for herself is an exercise of autonomy, but the only ground for the responsibility held by the surrogate, says Brudney, is that she knows the patient better than the health care professionals do. If in fact that's not the case, then she forfeits her right to be the patient's surrogate. For all the clarity and force of his argument, I think Brudney may be barking up the wrong tree. In cases of proxy decision‐making, it's intimacy, not knowledge, that does the heavy moral lifting.
Collaboration and Communication
Authors: Balser Tina J. , Grabau Ashli A. , Kniess Dena , Page Laura A.
Published: February 2018

This chapter discusses how collaboration and communication impacts the assessment process to ensure success.
Importance of Thrust Blocks for Pipe Installations
Authors: Schmid George G. , Bauhahn Elmer E.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the importance of providing sufficient thrust blocking for pipe installations due to the likelihood of shock pressure, surges, and soil movement from freezing and thawing cycles. The article begins by providing a brief overview of new materials used for pipes, the wide variety of joints that are available, and sealing materials. Necessary blocking, however, is required with joints that do not provide protection against the movement of fittings and plugs. Installation of mains, leaks, supports, water hammer, and safe bearing load and thrust are all discussed.
Design and Installation of Intakes for Canadian Supplies
Authors: Argo John W.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the the design and construction of intakes for all water systems utilizing a surface source, whether it be a river or a lake. The main problems of intake design are rather general and are probably applicable to most systems, although the construction equipment and methods locally available must be considered. Further, intakes for Canadian conditions present some problems, such as ice, which are not encountered in intakes in milder climates. Location of the intake at the source, capacity, inlet types, intake hazards, conduit pipe, large intakes, suction wells, screens, construction and design, and costs are all discussed.
Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority
Authors: Urrutia Rafael V.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the history of the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority. The article begins by providing a brief overview of how the Puerto Rico Sewer Service was created by law as a dependency of the Puerto Rico Department of Public Works, to manage all sanitary sewerage systems. Both services were grouped in 1945 into the Puerto Rico Water and Sewer Service. In 1949, Law 163 created the present Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority. Organization of the authority is discussed, along with interagency relations, economic assistance, water rates, and financing of urban water works, sewers, rural systems and utility plants. In Puerto Rico, the public corporation has turned out to be a very effective instrument to that end. The government itself, upon creating the authority, bestowed upon it the autonomy and flexibility necessary to enable it to improve service vastly in just a few short years.
Cross‐Connection Hazards and Controls
Authors: Shillinger William D. , Fassnacht George G.
Published: February 2018

This article begins by providing an example of a cross connection incident in 1923 at Fort Wayne, Indiana, that was responsible for that state being one of the first to regulate cross connections. In 1925, at the AWWA Annual Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, the Fire Protection Division of AWWA passed the first resolution against any physical connection between a public water supply and any other supply. Subsequent revisions to this resolution are discussed, along with cross connection incidents that have occurred in Indiana since 1945. Protective devices and their effectiveness are discussed, including the reduced‐pressure backflow preventer that offered more protection than the double check. The AWWA Joint Committee on Backflow Preventers published a report in December of 1958 that indicates the “reduced‐pressure backflow preventer can be accepted as a second line of defense, but it does not provide the complete protection needed.”
Use of Prestressed Concrete for Storage Facilities
Authors: Closner John J.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the use of prestressed concrete for water storage tanks, and covers the following topics: applications of prestressing; design considerations; construction; and, economic considerations.
Effects of Soil Corrosion on Cast‐Iron Pipe
Authors: Hamilton Hugh L.
Published: February 2018

In 1945, AWWA, in cooperation with the New England Water Works Association (NEWWA) and the Institute of Water Supply Utilities, published a summary of a survey of water supply facilities in 26 cities in the United States and Canada. The records of these cities were examined to determine the expected life of various facilities. Included in the survey were data on approximately 56,000,000 ft of cast‐iron water distribution mains, ranging in size from 4 in. to 60 in. The first of the mains was laid in 1817. At the time of the survey, 91.3 per cent of the cast‐iron mains were still in service. In order to arrive at a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved, the Cast Iron Pipe Research Association recently undertook two supplementary studies to determine the effect of soil corrosion on cast‐iron pipe. Studied in these surveys, conducted during 1956 and 1957, were eight cities located in different parts of the United States, representing six of the seven major soil classifications. The work was also undertaken to add further meaning and significance, through engineering data, to the figures established in the 1945 survey.
Economic Aspects of Water Well Stimulation
Authors: Koenig Louis
Published: February 2018

From the analysis of technical and economic data of the survey reported in this and the preceding article, it may be concluded that water well stimulation has shown highly favorable results, not only in its technical performance, but also by the economic criterion chosen. In the majority of instances, stimulation has added specific capacity at a unit cost less than the unit cost of the specific capacity produced by the original well. The median cost of improvement of even the least favorable method by this economic criterion occurs at a unit cost less than half the unit cost of the original specific capacity. This is not only important in regions of existing groundwater exploitation; it is equally applicable and possibly much more important to the large areas in which there are adequate quantities of groundwater contained in aquifers of such low permeability that groundwater production from wells has not been economical. Wider knowledge and application of water well stimulation can potentially bring about a greater utilization of this segment of groundwater resources. Based on these analyses and results, the author recommends that water well stimulation be much more widely considered as a technique for developing groundwater supplies. Such recommendations should not, however, be made without a simultaneous mention of a number of quite legitimate limitations to the benefits of water well stimulation. The well production may not always be limited by the specific capacity and available drawdown, but, instead, by extraneous factors, such as avoidance of interference with other wells on adjacent properties, avoidance of intrusion of undesirable waters, or legal restrictions. Once such limits are reached, water well stimulation can be of no further influence in reducing investment cost per unit of production, although it can still function to reduce operating costs. The latter possibility will be described in a later paper. Considerations of flexibility and standby facilities also enter in. If a well supply consists of only one well, then the choice between stimulation and construction of an additional well should be influenced not only by considerations of investment cost but also by the general desirability of having alternative facilities for flexibility and emergency. In bringing this restriction to bear in connection with the survey data, it should be recalled that the investment cost for the original well in the present study does not include the pump and a large number of additional facilities that are necessary before a well can become a water supply. To that extent, the comparisons, specifically those of unit cost ratios, are very conservative. If an additional well is contemplated, the actual economic advantage of stimulation of an existing well will be found to be much greater.
Strontium‐90 in Surface Water in the United States
Authors: Straub Conrad P. , Setter Lloyd R. , Goldin A. S. , Hallbach Paul F.
Published: February 2018

This paper discusses the significance of Strontium‐90 (Sr90) levels in the surface waters of the United States. The data represent a rather extensive study, in that samples were collected weekly from one to eight stations on each of fifteen major river or lake systems throughout the United States. Aliquots of the 1‐liter samples were taken for gross activity measurements, and equal residual portions of the weekly samples from each station were combined into a 3‐month (13‐week) composite sample of about 4 liters. These samples were then analyzed for Sr90, with the use of procedures previously described. From these values, it was calculated that the average runoff of Sr90 in these waters amounts to 4 c/day, corresponding to 0.5 mc/sq mi/yr, or 190 μμc/sq m/yr. The total gross fallout contribution was calculated as 23,900 c/day, of which 408 c/day is found in runoff. Calculations also showed that at Chattanooga the major source of Sr90 was not fallout but Oak Ridge National Laboratory operations. This condition is not found at the Hanford or Savannah River operations. Estimated rates of Sr90 runoff, from 1958 and 1959 flow data in the Ohio River Valley, showed somewhat higher levels than the average value of 190 μμc/sq m/yr. The current maximum permissible concentration level of Sr90 in drinking water for an uncontrolled area is 100 μμc/l. One‐third of this concentration has been suggested as the average concentration applicable to the entire population. The contribution to general Sr90 intake from water alone is quite small, certainly less than 5 per cent of the maximum permissible concentration. Food, however, not water, is the major vehicle of Sr90 intake. On the average, water may be responsible for 10 per cent of ingested Sr90. In Chattanooga or in places where cisterns are used as a source of supply, the Sr90 from water is nearly 35‐50 per cent of the total intake.
Administrative Manual of Winnipeg Engineering Department
Authors: Hurst William D.
Published: February 2018

This article presents the manual of the Winnipeg Engineering Department as an example of what the scope of a typical administrative manual should include. The article discusses the preparation and advantages of a manual, along with the disadvantages of a manual.
Changes in the Streamflow Data Collection Program of USGS
Authors: Wells Joseph V. B.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses changes the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has made in its streamflow data collection program. The changes include: modifying the basic data collection program to provide more data at more locations at more reasonable costs; making basic data available in more usable form by analyzing, interpreting, and rearranging it so as to provide areal information rather than point information; streamlining reporting procedures to make the information available when and where it is needed; and, carrying on research to develop better equipment, more and better techniques for use of basic data, and a better understanding of hydrologic principles. The article provides examples of the new configuration of data including: flow duration curves; low‐flow frequencies; flood frequencies; flood maps; new instrumentation; and, movement of nuclear wastes.
Water Control Progress in the Everglades
Authors: Troxler Paul D.
Published: February 2018

The Central and Southern Florida Flood Control Project is designed to prevent floods and to provide water on demand. It is neither a drainage nor an irrigation project, but a plan for water control throughout an area of approximately 15,000 sq mi. The project will cost about $300,000,000. Approximately $61,000,000 has been invested to date, as a joint effort of the federal government and the state of Florida. The Corps of Engineers designs, plans, and constructs the project works. The Central and Southern Florida Flood Control District, an agency of the state, represents local interests at all stages of planning and construction, provides lands, operates and maintains com‐ pleted works, and contributes, in cash 15‐20 per cent of the cost of construction. In aggregate, the economic worth of the state's contribution approaches that of the federal government's. The return in annual benefits over the 50‐year economic life of the project will be $4 for every $1 invested. In addition to the state's contribution, the individual landowners must make considerable investments to obtain full project benefits. The project provides only the basic works for water control. The individual has to provide connecting canals to the main canals in order to receive or get rid of water on his land. He must also provide his own surrounding dikes, individual pumping stations, farm ditches, and other works so that he can adjust his water levels to his needs. The project, in effect, assures the landowner that he will have water when he needs it and a place to deposit excess water. The pumping station on the West Palm Beach Canal is particularly interesting. It is one of the largest low‐lift stations in the world, having six pumps, each nearly 10 ft in diameter. The station is capable of pumping more than 2,000,000 gpm of water during periods of flood.
Studies on the Toxicity and Decomposition of Fluosilicic Acid
Authors: Ingols Hobert S.
Published: February 2018

This paper discusses a study of the toxicity of fluosilicic acid and fluosilicates that was initiated to determine the concentration of fluosilicic acid and its salts required to kill fish. Fluosilicic acid and silicon tetrafluoride decompose rapidly above pH 3.6, although the rate of decomposition is retarded by the presence of extra fluoride ions. Either the rate of decomposition or the manner of decomposition can favor a supersaturated solution of calcium fluoride at pH 6.5 for a period of several hours at a 0.002M concentration. At any given pH, the toxicities of fluoride and fluosilicate ion are equivalent.
Organization and Problems of the Fairfax County Water Authority
Authors: Corbalis James J.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the Fairfax County (Virginia) Water Authority's approach to the problem of providing water for its expanding suburban areas. The article discusses the three sources of water that serve the northern Virginia area, the creation of the Fairfax County Water Authority in 1957, the acquisition of the Annandale system, the authority's commitment to supply water to Dulles International Airport, and the acquisition of the Alexandria system. The article presents three features that distinguish the authority from municipal/public ownership that include the following: the authority is a single‐purpose, businesslike organization that can consider both day‐to‐day and long‐range problems and may gear itself to find solutions as the circumstances warrant; the authority possesses more liberal contractual powers, which are of particular value in the development of joint‐use programs; and, the authority can arrange its financing without express approval by a referendum.