bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Data Mining Framework for Forest Fire Mapping
Authors: Toujani Ahmed , Achour Hammadi
Published: October 2016

Forest fires constitute the major reasons for the loss of biodiversity and degradation of ecosystems. Locally, forest fires are one of the major natural risks in the Kroumirie mountains, northwestern Tunisia. In these massifs, fires occur frequently, and this requires understanding the complex biophysical parameters of this phenomenon. The special attention of the research is paid to the spatial forecasting of forest fires. Different types of classical frequent itemset algorithms have been tested and employed to reveal forest fire patterns that relate the spatial parameters with the probability of fire occurrence. Extracted frequent patterns are then being aggregated through a defined measurement of pertinence. The forest fire risk zone maps are then generated, resulting in extracted spatial patterns. The experiments showed that, the integration of these patterns into GIS could be advantageous to determine risky places and able to produce good prediction accuracy.
Geographic Knowledge Discovery in Multiple Spatial Databases
Authors: Mehenni Tahar
Published: October 2016

Voluminous geographic data have been, and continue to be, collected from various Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications such as Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and high-resolution remote sensing. For these applications, huge amount of data is maintained in multiple disparate databases and different in spatial data type, file formats, data schema, access mechanism, etc. Spatial data mining and knowledge discovery has emerged as an active research field that focuses on the development of theory, methodology, and practice for the extraction of useful information and knowledge from massive and complex spatial databases. This chapter highlights recent theoretical and applied research in geographic knowledge discovery and spatial data mining in a distributed environment where spatial data are dispersed in multiple sites. The author will present in this chapter, an overall picture of how spatial multi-database mining is achieved through several common spatial data-mining tasks, including spatial cluster analysis, spatial association rule and spatial classification.
A Feature Selection-Based Method for an Ontological Enrichment Process in Geographic Knowledge Modelling
Authors: Farah Mohamed , Nefzi Hafedh , Farah Imed Riadh
Published: October 2016

Nowadays, geographic information becomes too complex and abundant, thus recent research projects have been undertaken to make it manageable and exploitable. Ontologies are considered as a valuable support for geographic information representation. Building geographic ontologies could be viewed as an enrichment process. Alignment of concepts coming from different ontologies is central to the enrichment process and deeply affects the quality of the resulting ontology. The alignment of ontologies is based on using similarity measures. In the literature, there are many models for ontology alignment that mainly differ with respect to the similarity measures they use and the way they are combined. Most of the alignment methods do not deal with the problem of correlation between similarity measures. In this chapter, we address this issue to better decide which similarity measures we should consider to better assess the true similarity between concepts. Our proposal consists of using feature selection methods, in order to select a reduced set of relevant similarity measures.
Species Distribution Models (SDM) – A Strategic Tool for Predicting Suitable Habitats for Conserving the Target Species
Authors: Balakrishnan Balaguru , Nandakumar Nagamurugan , Sebastin Soosairaj , Kareem Khaleel Ahamed Abdul
Published: October 2016

Conservation of the species in their native landscapes required understanding patterns of spatial distribution of species and their ecological connectivity through Species Distribution Models (SDM) by generation and integration of spatial data from different sources using Geographical Information System (GIS) tools. SDM is an ecological/spatial model which combines datasets and maps of occurrence of target species and their geographical and environmental variables by linking various algorithms together, that has been applied to either identify or predict the regions fulfilling the set conditions. This article is focused on comprehensive review of spatial data requirements, statistical algorithms and softwares used to generate the SDMs. This chapter also includes a case study predicting the suitable habitat distribution of Gnetum ula, an endemic and vulnerable plant species using maximum entropy (MaxEnt) species distribution model for species occurrences with inputs from environmental variables such as bioclimate and elevation.
Urban Master Data Management
Authors: Eteme Adolphe Ayissi , Ngossaha Justin Moskolai
Published: October 2016

The use of information technology in council management has resulted in the generation of a large amount of data through various autonomous urban bodies. The relevant bodies barely or never reuse such locally-generated data. This may be due particularly to managers', policy makers' and users' lack of awareness of existing information. The Platform for the Integration and Interoperability of the Yaounde Urban Information Systems (YUSIIP) project seeks to reduce this deficit by establishing a federated operational platform of heterogeneous and distributed data systems based on a distributed data repository. The position developed in this paper is that Master Data Management (MDM) will contribute to achieving this objective in a context marked by the dispersion and duplication of data and diversity of information systems.
Biogeochemical Cycles of Nitrogen and Phosphorus
Authors: Fra-Vázquez Andrea , Valenzuela-Heredia Daniel
Published: October 2016

The study of biogeochemical cycles is important to understand the circulation of elements through aquatic, aerial and terrestrial ecosystems. Among others, N and P are considered as the limiting nutrients that determine the productivity of organisms. Since human activity is increasing its influence over these cycles at a global scale, it is important to analyze the implications of anthropogenic variations in order to detect the sources and try to prevent or reduce their impact. Moreover, not only the increasing or diminished concentration of nitrogen and phosphorus in nature by human resource exploitations is needed to account today. As metals play a crucial role in the dynamics of these essential elements, their presence in the environment also requires a significant attention.
New Ecuadorian Lamiinae (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
Authors: Galileo Maria Helena M. , Santos-Silva Antonio , Bezark Larry G.
Published: October 2016

Four new Cerambycidae (Coleoptera) species and two new genera are described from Ecuador: Blabia albosetanew species (Lamiinae: Desmiphorini); Alloblabianew genus, type species, A. praecipuanew species (Lamiinae: Desmiphorini); Alicalnew genus, type species, A. tuberculatusnew species (Lamiinae: Calliini); and Piola schiffinew species (Lamiinae: Phacellini). The new species of Blabia Thomson, 1864 and Piola Marinoni, 1974, and Alical are included in modified published keys.
Widespread circulation of echovirus 6 causing aseptic meningitis in paediatric patients in the area of Modena, Italy, in 2011
Authors: Tagliazucchi Sara , Frascaro Francesca , Fregni Serpini Giulia , Nanni Nadia , Forbicini Giulia , Magnani Rita , Gennari William , Grottola Antonella , Rumpianesi Fabio , Pecorari Monica
Published: October 2016

Introduction: Between May and November 2011, enterovirus RNA was detected in the cerebrospinal fluids (CSFs) of 72 children with signs of aseptic meningitis admitted to paediatric departments of different Hospitals of the prefecture of Modena, Emilia Romagna region, Italy. Enterovirus RNA was detected in 34 CSFs by commercial reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Twenty-one samples, resulted human enterovirus B by species-specific RT-nested PCR, were submitted to sequencing of the 3’ terminus of the VP1 gene.
Materials and Methods: Upon sequencing and interrogation of the National Center for Biotechnology Information database, all 21 viruses were characterized as echovirus 6 (E6), and posses a 100% nucleotide identity each other.
Results: This study reports the molecular detection and typing of E6 isolated from clinical specimens from paediatric patients with aseptic meningitis in the wide area of Modena, Italy, in 2011.
Molecular evaluation of 7 sexually transmissible microorganisms in symptomatic and asymptomatic Italian childbearing age women: is Ureaplasma parvum a real innocent bystander?
Authors: Avolio Manuela , Modolo Maria Luisa , Stano Paola , De Rosa Rita , Camporese Alessandro
Published: October 2016

Background: Symptoms of most common bacterial and parasitic sexually transmitted infections tend to be non-specific and typically have a variety of different potential causal agents that may require different treatments. In this field the pathogenic potential of genital Ureaplasma species is still uncertain and debated. The goal of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), Mycoplasma hominis (MH), Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) and Ureaplasma parvum (UP) in a cohort of symptomatic and asymptomatic childbearing age women and to assess the relationships between bacterial vaginosis and symptoms with both UU and UP.
Materials and Methods: DNA of 2735 endocervical specimens was consecutively analysed by a commercial multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction for detection of 7 multiple target sequences simultaneously: CT, NG, TV, MG, MH, UU and UP.
Results: Out of the total number of population studied (n=2735), UP was found to be the species with highest prevalence (30.9%) followed by MH (6.5%), UU (6.3%), CT (2.6%), MG (0.8%) and TV (0.9%). UP single species detection was extremely significant in symptomatic women with normal flora (P<0.0001). The correlation of UP in symptomatic women with bacterial vaginosis was not significant (P=0.3387).
Conclusions: Our results suggest a potential specific etiological role to UP, still considered rightly or wrongly innocent bystander, despite the lack so far of specific-species culture tests.
Rapid acquisition and modulation of colistin-resistance by an extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: case report and review of current literature
Authors: Intra Jari , Sala Roberta M. , Beck Eduardo , Brambilla Paolo
Published: October 2016

Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as a major cause of healthcare-associated infections. It commonly expresses clinical resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents, and hence, it is considered the paradigm of an extensively drug-resistant (XDR) bacterium. XDR A. baumannii is a rapidly emerging pathogen, especially in the intensive care unit (ICU), causing nosocomial infections including sepsis, ventilatorassociated pneumonia, meningitis, peritonitis, urinary tract infection, and central venous catheter-related infection. In the present report, we described an in vivo evolution of A. baumannii strain from a colistinsusceptibility to a colistin-resistance state. A 65-year-old male, who suffered a duodenal ulcer, two days after hospitalization and during the stay in ICU, contracted a pneumonia and peritoneal infection by a carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii strain. After a combination treatment with colistin, vancomycin plus imipenem, and within seven days, the pathogen rapidly evolved in seven days to a pandrug-resistant phenotype. As the antimicrobial treatment was stopped, the A. baumannii isolate changed another time its profile to colistin, becoming newly susceptible, showing a very high level of adaptability to external conditions. We also have reviewed here the current literature on this worryingly public health threat.
Monitoring of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in solid organ transplant recipients: quantitation of CMV DNAemia by two real-time polymerase chain reaction assays
Authors: Chiereghin Angela , Piccirilli Giulia , Turello Gabriele , Squarzoni Diego , Pavia Claudia , Gabrielli Liliana , Landini Maria Paola , Lazzarotto Tiziana
Published: October 2016

Background and aim: Quantification of cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNAemia is essential in clinical management of post-transplant infection. We evaluated the performances of two quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays.
Materials and Methods: 114 serial whole blood samples collected from 14 actively infected transplant recipients were processed by Abbott RealTime CMV PCR kit (Abbott Molecular) and CMV ELITe MGB™ kit (ELITech Group). The Quality Control for Molecular Diagnostics human CMV panels was also tested.
Results: Sixteen (14%) samples resulted negative and 59 (51.7%) positive with a quantitative result for both assays. In the 59 samples, the coefficient of correlation was 0.856. Bland-Altman analysis showed a mean difference of <0.11 log10 copies/mL (standard deviation=0.38 log10 copies/mL). The assays gave CMV-DNA loads differing by 1 log10 DNA copies/mL in 57 samples (96.6%) and by <0.5 log10 DNA copies/mL in 48 samples (81.3%). Eleven (9.6%) samples were positive with a quantitative result with Abbott and negative with ELITech. Sixteen (14%) positive samples with a quantitative result for Abbott resulted positive but below the lower limit of quantification (LLQ) for ELITech. Twelve (10.5%) samples resulted negative with ELITech and positive but below the LLQ with Abbott. No samples were positive with ELITech and negative with Abbott.
Conclusions: The assays showed a good correlation between CMVDNA levels detected and variation in CMV-DNA <0.5 log10 was observed in the majority of the samples. The viral load kinetic profiles of the assays were overlapping in all patients, but Abbott showed higher sensitivity in samples containing lower amount of DNA. The clinical value of this greater sensitivity requires further investigation.
Antibiotic susceptibility profiles of ropy slime-producing Leuconostoc mesenteroides isolated from cooked meat products
Authors: Iulietto Maria F. , Sechi Paola , Borgogni Elena , Cenci Goga Beniamino T.
Published: October 2016

The transfer of antibiotic resistance via the food chain is a global concern. Nevertheless, more attention is required to non-pathogenic strains, such as spoilage bacteria, which could transmit genes to pathogens. Although Lactic Acid Bacteria are microorganisms generally recognized as safe, Leuconostoc mesenteroides may reach and maintain high concentration levels on the surface of cooked products and ready-to-eat products throughout the entire shelf life. It is therefore important to consider the possibility for this species to carry antibiotic- resistance genes. The present research deals with the antibiotic susceptibility profile of strains of L. mesenteroides, isolated from vacuum packaged cooked meat products. In this study, the antimicrobial susceptibility of L.mesenteroides, previously isolated from cooked ham, was investigated through disk diffusion assay according to CLSI standards. Isolated strains from ready-to-eat food show high levels of resistance to ampicillin and methicillin and, according to a settled panel of 21 antibiotics, the antibiotic resistance was demonstrated for the 50% of the tested molecules.
Treatment of enthesopathies with peritendinous injection of oxygen/ozone and ultrasound-guided collagenotherapy
Authors: Brembilla Roberto
Published: October 2016

Our own experience about a new way of therapy for ligament e tendon injuries, degenerative or traumatic with use of double treatment: oxygen-ozone injection and collagen injection in the site of the pathology with ultrasound guide.
Salmonella pyomyositis with concurrent sacroiliac osteomyelitis presenting as piriformis syndrome
Authors: Phadke PS , Gandhi AR , More SA , Joshirao RP
Published: October 2016

A-21-year old male admitted with fever and piriformis syndrome, typically associated with gluteal region pain radiating down the thigh, was evaluated and found to have pyomyositis involving piriformis and osteomyelitis with sacroiliac joint affection on radiological imaging. Salmonella serotype typhi was isolated from blood culture. He was treated with intravenous Ceftriaxone for 6 weeks with signs of recovery documented clinically as well as on imaging studies. Salmonella pyomyositis with osteomyelitis in an immunocompetent patient with no previous hematological or endocrine disorder makes this case an unusual presentation.
The effect of viscosity and diffusion on the HO2 uptake by sucrose and secondary organic aerosol particles
Authors: Lakey Pascale S. J. , Berkemeier Thomas , Krapf Manuel , Dommen Josef , Steimer Sarah S. , Whalley Lisa K. , Ingham Trevor , Baeza-Romero Maria T. , Pöschl Ulrich , Shiraiwa Manabu , Ammann Markus , Heard Dwayne E.
Published: October 2016

Abstract. We report the first measurements of HO2 uptake coefficients, γ, for secondary organic aerosol (SOA) particles and for the well-studied model compound sucrose which we doped with copper(II). Above 65 % relative humidity (RH), γ for copper(II)-doped sucrose aerosol particles equalled the surface mass accommodation coefficient α  =  0.22 ± 0.06, but it decreased to γ  =  0.012 ± 0.007 upon decreasing the RH to 17 %. The trend of γ with RH can be explained by an increase in aerosol viscosity and the contribution of a surface reaction, as demonstrated using the kinetic multilayer model of aerosol surface and bulk chemistry (KM-SUB). At high RH the total uptake was driven by reaction in the near-surface bulk and limited by mass accommodation, whilst at low RH it was limited by surface reaction. SOA from two different precursors, α-pinene and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (TMB), was investigated, yielding low uptake coefficients of γ  <  0.001 and γ  =  0.004 ± 0.002, respectively. It is postulated that the larger values measured for TMB-derived SOA compared to α-pinene-derived SOA are either due to differing viscosity, a different liquid water content of the aerosol particles, or an HO2 + RO2 reaction occurring within the aerosol particles.
The role of methane in projections of 21st century stratospheric water vapour
Authors: Revell Laura E. , Stenke Andrea , Rozanov Eugene , Ball William , Lossow Stefan , Peter Thomas
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Stratospheric water vapour (SWV) is an important component of the Earth's atmosphere as it affects both radiative balance and the chemistry of the atmosphere. Key processes driving changes in SWV include dehydration of air masses transiting the cold-point tropopause (CPT) and methane oxidation. We use a chemistry–climate model to simulate changes in SWV through the 21st century following the four canonical representative concentration pathways (RCPs). Furthermore, we quantify the contribution that methane oxidation makes to SWV following each of the RCPs. Although the methane contribution to SWV maximizes in the upper stratosphere, modelled SWV trends are found to be driven predominantly by warming of the CPT rather than by increasing methane oxidation. SWV changes by −5 to 60 % (depending on the location in the atmosphere and emissions scenario) and increases in the lower stratosphere in all RCPs through the 21st century. Because the lower stratosphere is where water vapour radiative forcing maximizes, SWV's influence on surface climate is also expected to increase through the 21st century.
Random uncertainties of flux measurements by the eddy covariance technique
Authors: Rannik Üllar , Peltola Olli , Mammarella Ivan
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Large variability is inherent to turbulent flux observations. We review different methods used to estimate the flux random errors. Flux errors are calculated using measured turbulent and simulated artificial records. We recommend two flux errors with clear physical meaning: the flux error of the covariance, defining the error of the measured flux as 1 standard deviation of the random uncertainty of turbulent flux observed over an averaging period of typically 30 min to 1 h duration; and the error of the flux due to the instrumental noise. We suggest that the numerical approximation by Finkelstein and Sims (2001) is a robust and accurate method for calculation of the first error estimate. The method appeared insensitive to the integration period and the value 200 s sufficient to obtain the estimate without significant bias for variety of sites and wide range of observation conditions. The filtering method proposed by Salesky et al. (2012) is an alternative to the method by Finkelstein and Sims (2001) producing consistent, but somewhat lower, estimates. The method proposed by Wienhold et al. (1995) provides a good approximation to the total flux random uncertainty provided that independent cross-covariance values far from the maximum are used in estimation as suggested in this study. For the error due to instrumental noise the method by Lenschow et al. (2000) is useful in evaluation of the respective uncertainty. The method was found to be reliable for signal-to-noise ratio, defined by the ratio of the standard deviation of the signal to that of the noise in this study, less than three. Finally, the random uncertainty of the error estimates was determined to be in the order of 10 to 30 % for the total flux error, depending on the conditions and method of estimation.
Food selectivity and processing by the cold-water coral Lophelia pertusa
Authors: van Oevelen Dick , Mueller Christina E. , Lundälv Tomas , Middelburg Jack J.
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Cold-water corals form prominent reef ecosystems along ocean margins that depend on suspended resources produced in surface waters. In this study, we investigated food processing of 13C and 15N labelled bacteria and algae by the cold-water coral Lophelia pertusa. Coral respiration, tissue incorporation of C and N and metabolically derived C incorporation into the skeleton were traced following the additions of different food concentrations (100, 300, 1300 µg C L−1) and two ratios of suspended bacterial and algal biomass (1 : 1, 3 : 1). Respiration and tissue incorporation by L. pertusa increased markedly following exposure to higher food concentrations. The net growth efficiency of L. pertusa was low (0.08 ± 0.03), which is consistent with its slow growth rate. The contribution of algae and bacteria to total coral assimilation was proportional to the food mixture in the two lowest food concentrations, but algae were preferred over bacteria as a food source at the highest food concentration. Similarly, the stoichiometric uptake of C and N was coupled in the low and medium food treatment, but was uncoupled in the high food treatment and indicated a comparatively higher uptake or retention of bacterial carbon as compared to algal nitrogen. We argue that behavioural responses for these small-sized food particles, such as tentacle behaviour, mucus trapping and physiological processing, are more likely to explain the observed food selectivity as compared to physical–mechanical considerations. A comparison of the experimental food conditions to natural organic carbon concentrations above CWC reefs suggests that L. pertusa is well adapted to exploit temporal pulses of high organic matter concentrations in the bottom water caused by internal waves and downwelling events.
Evaluating the Community Land Model (CLM 4.5) at a Coniferous Forest Site in Northwestern United States Using Flux and Carbon-Isotope Measurements
Authors: Duarte Henrique F. , Raczka Brett M. , Ricciuto Daniel M. , Lin John C. , Koven Charles D. , Thornton Peter E. , Bowling David R. , Lai Chun-Ta , Bible Kenneth J. , Ehleringer James R.
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Summer droughts in the western United States are expected to intensify with climate change. Thus, an adequate representation of ecosystem drought response in land models is critical for predicting carbon dynamics. The goal of this study was to assess the performance of the Community Land Model, Version 4.5 (CLM) for an old-growth coniferous forest in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States (Wind River AmeriFlux site), characterized by a climate that has heavy winter precipitation followed by summer drought. Particular attention was given to the model skill in the simulation of stomatal conductance and its response to drought stress. CLM was driven by site-observed meteorology and calibrated primarily using parameter values observed at the site or at similar stands in the region. Key model adjustments included parameters controlling specific leaf area and stomatal conductance. Default values of these parameters led to significant underestimation of gross primary production, overestimation of evapotranspiration, and consequently overestimation of photosynthetic 13C discrimination, reflected on reduced 13C:12C ratios of carbon fluxes and pools. Adjustments in soil hydraulic parameters within CLM were also critical, preventing significant underestimation of soil water content and unrealistic drought stress during summer. After calibration, CLM was able to simulate energy and carbon fluxes, leaf area index, biomass stocks, and carbon isotope ratios of carbon fluxes and pools in reasonable agreement with site observations. Overall, the calibrated CLM was able to simulate the observed response of canopy conductance to atmospheric vapor pressure deficit and soil water content, reasonably capturing the impact of drought stress on ecosystem functioning. The calibrated parameters may be of use for future modeling studies involving stands of similar age and composition under a similar climate regime. More broadly, the calibration of the Ball-Berry stomatal conductance model in CLM aligned with observations reported in the literature for coniferous trees, suggesting that a future release of CLM would benefit from using a distinct, lower slope value (mbb=6) for conifers, rather than a unique value for all C3 plants (mbb=9). Thanks to the recent implementation of photosynthetic 13C discrimination within CLM, the results of this study indicate that carbon isotope measurements can be used to constrain stomatal conductance and water use efficiency in CLM as an alternative to flux observations. They also have the potential to guide structural improvements in the model in respect to the representation of carbon storage pools.
Paleosols can promote root growth of recent vegetation – a case study
from the sandy soil–sediment sequence Rakt, the Netherlands
Authors: Gocke Martina I. , Kessler Fabian , van Mourik Jan M. , Jansen Boris , Wiesenberg Guido L. B.
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Soil studies commonly comprise the uppermost meter for tracing, e.g., soil development. However, the maximum rooting depth of various plants significantly exceeds this depth. We hypothesized that deeper parts of the soil, soil parent material and especially paleosols provide beneficial conditions in terms of, e.g., nutrient contents, thus supporting their utilization and exploitation by deep roots. We aimed to decipher the different phases of soil formation in Dutch drift sands and cover sands. The study site is located at Bedafse Bergen (southeastern Netherlands) in a 200-year-old oak stand. A recent Podzol developed on drift sand covering a Plaggic Anthrosol that was piled up on a relict Podzol on Late Glacial eolian cover sand. Root-free soil and sediment samples, collected in 10–15 cm depth increments, were subjected to a multi-proxy physical and geochemical approach. The Plaggic Anthrosol revealed low bulk density and high phosphorous and organic carbon contents, whereas the relict Podzol was characterized by high iron and aluminum contents. Frequencies of fine (diameter  ≤  2 mm) and medium roots (2–5 mm) were determined on horizontal levels and the profile wall for a detailed pseudo-three-dimensional insight. On horizontal levels, living roots were most abundant in the uppermost part of the relict Podzol with ca. 4450 and 220 m−2, significantly exceeding topsoil root abundances. Roots of oak trees thus benefited from the favorable growth conditions in the nutrient-rich Plaggic Anthrosol, whereas increased compactness and high aluminum contents of the relict Podzol caused a strong decrease of roots. The approach demonstrated the benefit of comprehensive root investigation to support interpretation of soil profiles, as fine roots can be significantly underestimated when quantified at the profile wall. The possible rooting of soil parent material and paleosols long after their burial confirmed recent studies on the potential influence of rooting to overprint sediment–(paleo)soil sequences of various ages, sedimentary and climatic settings. Potential consequences of deep rooting for terrestrial deep carbon stocks, located to a relevant part in paleosols, remain largely unknown and require further investigation.
Propuesta sostenible para mitigar los efectos climáticos adversos en una ciudad costera de Argentina
Authors: Ferrelli Federico , Piccolo María Cintia
Published: October 2016

Los indicadores de sostenibilidad climática constituyen herramientas fundamentales para complementar las políticas de ordenamiento del territorio urbano y pueden beneficiar la calidad de vida sus habitantes. En el presente trabajo se diseñó un indicador climático urbano para la ciudad de Bahía Blanca considerando variables meteorológicas y análisis de la percepción social. El mismo permitió delimitar la ciudad en cuatro regiones bien diferenciadas entre sí. A partir de entonces, se realizó una propuesta sostenible para mitigar los efectos adversos del clima a partir de la aplicación del método DPSIR. Las mismas estuvieron destinadas a mejorar las condiciones de vida de la población. Los resultados permitieron considerar que una pronta implementación de la misma junto con una activa participación de los actores sociales y los tomadores de decisiones es necesaria para mejorar las condiciones actuales en la que se encuentra la ciudad. Con las medidas propuestas, la población local sabrá cómo actuar ante la ocurrencia de distintos eventos extremos, eventos de desconfort climático, etc. Al ser un método sencillo, la metodología aplicada en este estudio puede replicarse en otras ciudades del mundo con el objetivo de mejorar la calidad de vida de los habitantes.
Incisión fluvial del río Darro durante el periodo 1890-2010 en el sector urbano de Granada (Alambra-Valparaíso, España) determinada a partir de fotografías históricas
Authors: García-Aguilar José Manuel , Guerra-Merchán Antonio , Suárez Medina Francisco Javier
Published: October 2016

En este trabajo se calcula la tasa media de incisión fluvial del río Darro (Granada, España) durante el periodo 1890-2010 en su tramo urbano (sector Alhambra-Valparaíso). Para ello se han utilizado fotografías históricas en las que aparece dicho río, a partir de las cuales se ha podido determinar la posición del cauce en el momento en el que se realizaron las fotografías. La comparación con los escenarios actuales de tales imágenes ha permitido determinar la diferencia de altura del cauce a través de medidas de cotas absolutas realizadas mediante teodolito. Esta metodología ha permitido estimar de modo cuantitativo un índice de encajamiento vertical medio del río de 1,05 cm/año para el periodo histórico considerado.
Conceptual Framework for Speech Language Pathologists to Work with Migrants: A Focus on Malta
Authors: Grech Helen , Cheng Li Rong Lilly
Published: October 2016

The goal of this paper is to describe the current state, needs and values of migrants with a focus on relevant global issues and Malta as a case study. It also aims to review services offered to these migrants, identify aspects that require attention and draw up a framework that could be applied to enhance services to the culturally diverse populations, particularly speech therapy. The health care services offered to migrants are reviewed in the light of attitudes and expectations. Professional perceptions and competences to work with these populations are also discussed and perceptions of migrants about services offered to them are taken into consideration. Issues related to equitable professional practice and the training of health care professionals to address needs of the cultural diverse community are discussed. Strategies to implement the conceptual framework are suggested.
Normal Values and Variation of Radiographic and CT Infant Lateral Iliac Wall Angles in Normal and Dysplastic Hips
Authors: Swami Vimarsha G. , Liu Lei , Mabee Myles , Jaremko Jacob L.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

Indices from 3-D ultrasound may have a role in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) assessment, but require a way to determine spatial orientation relative to body axes. The lateral iliac wall angle is a potentially suitable reference axis in 3-D ultrasound. We sought to quantify normal values and variations of the infant iliac wall angle on radiography, and compare with computed tomography (CT).

Methods

Acetabular and lateral iliac angles were measured on frontal pelvic radiographs of 200 patients (400 hips, 183 with DDH) and coronal CT of 20 patients (40 hips) aged 0-12 months. Relationships among morphologic indices and demographics were assessed using linear regression, Welch's t-test, Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) and coefficients of variance (CoV). Reliability was assessed using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC).

Results

The radiographic iliac angle averaged 53.0° ± 7.7° (mean ± standard deviation; 95% CI, 38°-68°) in DDH vs. 56.2° ± 6.7° (95% CI, 43°-69°) in normal hips (p<0.001), correlated weakly with age (r = 0.25), and showed no inter-sex differences (p = 0.79). Inter-reader and intra-reader reliability were ICC = 0.946 and 0.965. CT iliac angle had mean difference 5.8° ± 6.2° (p<0.01), CoV = 10% and r = 0.68 vs. corresponding radiographs.

Conclusions

The radiographic infant lateral iliac wall angle has mean value 53-56° in dysplastic and normal hips with consistent range of variation approximately ±15°, was measured with high reliability, does not differ by sex, and is only slightly lower in the youngest infants. The iliac wall angle is an unbiased reference axis that may be suitable to establish general spatial orientation of 3-D hip ultrasound images.
Varus will Have Varus; A Radiological Study to Assess and Predict Varus Stem Placement in Uncemented Femoral Stems
Authors: Murphy Colin G. , Bonnin Michel P. , Desbiolles Antoine H. , Carrillon Yannick , Aїt Si Selmi Tarik
Published: October 2016

Background

Varus inclination of the uncemented stem is not necessarily a technical error. The proximal femoral anatomy of hips with a coxa vara deformity frequently predisposes varus inclination.

Methods

We reviewed a series of 200 patients undergoing primary uncemented THA with the Corail® hip system. Preoperative data were based on patient demographics, diagnosis, and radiographic information (preoperative templating-CT measurements), and compared postoperative alignment for each stem and type of stem used. Proximal femoral traits which can alert surgeons, when templating preoperatively, to potential varus alignment were noted.

Results

All stems were inserted either in neutral or varus alignments. Low neck shaft angle is strongly predictive of increased varus stem alignment (p<0.001). Stems inserted with higher varus alignment were associated with the preoperative morphological traits associated with coxa vara hip deformities – increased femoral offset (p<0.001), greater trochanteric overhang (p<0.001), greater trochanteric height (p<0.046), and a lower canal flare index (p<0.046).

Conclusions

Varus stem alignment is neither unexpected nor necessarily a technical failure when using this particular uncemented stem system. Coxa vara deformities, due to a combination of morphological traits, are more likely to be inserted with higher varus alignment than hips with normal or higher neck shaft angles. Surgeons need to be aware of this when carrying out preoperative templating and intraoperative assessment, in order to prevent over-compensation for offset, length or stability.
Fibonacci-Compliant Finger Design
Authors: El-Sheikh Mogeeb A.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

This work presents the mechanical design of 4 configurations of compliant fingers in order to address the need for commercially feasible prosthetic and robotic hands.

Methods

The fingers consist of a single part and utilize a compliant mechanism to reduce the cost and control complexity. The geometric parameters of the compliant finger designs follow the Fibonacci series. The first and second compliant fingers have 2 joints and 2 degrees of freedom. The others have 3 joints and 3 degrees of freedom. The type of flexure hinges of the compliant finger are single and multiple nonsymmetrical circular hinges.

Results

The finite element method (FEM) was used to verify the range of motion of the joints in the compliant finger. In addition, the study defines the finger tip trajectory of these configurations. The multiple flexure hinges have minimum stress.

Conclusions

This study presents affordable, single-element, compliant finger designs and their presumable hypothetical design variables are defined by the Fibonacci series. This method is faster and simpler than optimization. The study identifies the application of each finger design for either prosthetic or robotic purposes.
Repeated mappings of arm veins by physical examination: role of nephrologists in the selection of suitable veins for AV fistula surgery
Authors: Nguyen Vo D. , Griffith Chris N.
Published: October 2016

Multidisciplinary team work is important for a successful hemodialysis vascular access program. The authors present a clinical case to illustrate the potential dynamic factors that can affect vein sizes, independent from the operators’ skills and experiences. Therefore, if the first examination fails to detect suitable veins, repeated examinations of arm veins by nephrologists during routine office visits may greatly assist the surgeons in the selection of suitable arm veins for arteriovenous fistula surgery.
Straight configuration saphenous vein transposition to popliteal artery for vascular access
Authors: Caco Gentian , Golemi Dhurata , Likaj Eriola
Published: October 2016

Introduction

The saphenous vein is commonly used as a vascular graft in peripheral artery surgery but rarely used for vascular access. The literature on straight configuration saphenous vein transposition to the popliteal artery is scarce. Here we present two cases of straight configuration saphenous vein transposition to the popliteal artery for vascular access, the surgical technique and respective follow-up.

Case report

Two young men, aged 29 and 36 years, were chosen for lower-limb vascular access for hemodialysis. The first patient was paraplegic since birth. He used his arms to move so upper extremity vascular access was avoided. The second patient presented with an infected upper extremity arteriovenous graft (AVG) and after multiple closed AVFs he had no more available arm veins. Both patients received autologous lower extremity straight configuration saphenous vein transpositions to the popliteal artery under spinal anesthesia in May and October 2012, respectively. Cannulation of the fistula was allowed after one month. There were no early complications. Slight swelling on the leg appeared in one of the patients. Both fistulas were still functional after 36 and 32 months, respectively.

Conclusions

The straight configuration saphenous vein transposition to popliteal artery is simple to perform, offers a long and straight segment for cannulation and may be a suitable autologous vascular access in selected patients.
Histologic Subtypes of Ovarian Carcinoma: Selected Diagnostic and Classification Problems in Bulgaria: Is Low Hospital Volume an Issue?
Authors: Ivanova Vesela , Dikov Tihomir , Dimitrova Nadya
Published: October 2016

Purpose

To provide an overview of the morphologic subtypes of ovarian carcinomas in Bulgaria in relation to current healthcare organization using Bulgarian National Cancer Registry data. Further, we investigated hospital volume as a factor influencing the quality of care for patients with ovarian cancer.

Methods

Bulgarian National Cancer Registry ovarian carcinoma data were retrieved (2009-2011) and distribution of histologic types was analyzed. Cases were divided and compared with respect to main treatment: no surgery, surgery at hospitals dealing with ≥30 ovarian cancer patients/year (high volume), and surgery at hospitals dealing with <30 ovarian cancer patients/year (low volume). We then estimated the odds of being diagnosed with adenocarcinoma and carcinoma not otherwise specified (NOS) vs specified morphologies (serous, endometrioid, clear cell, and mucinous), including age, grade, stage, and hospital volume, in a logistic regression model.

Results

A total of 2,041 ovarian carcinomas were distributed as follows: serous 47.7%, mucinous 11.9%, endometrioid 5.8%, clear cell 1.8%, and adenocarcinoma and carcinoma NOS 32.5%. More than half of cancer patients (n = 1,100, 53.9%) were surgically treated in low-volume hospitals and they had a larger proportion of cases with adenocarcinoma and carcinoma NOS: 33.3%, in comparison with 24.0% in high-volume hospitals (p<0.0001). The odds of being diagnosed with unspecified morphology, assumed as a proxy of suboptimal quality of care, are higher for patients surgically treated in low-volume hospitals (odds ratio 1.50 [95% confidence interval 1.21-1.87]) compared with high-volume hospitals after adjustment for age, stage, and grade.

Conclusions

The results of our study may serve policymakers and healthcare professionals when optimizing diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer in Bulgaria.
Clinical Outcomes of Recurrent Gastric Cancer Detected by Upper Endoscopy after Curative Total Gastrectomy
Authors: Na Hee Kyong , Ahn Ji Yong , Lee Jeong Hoon , Kim Do Hoon , Choi Kee Don , Song Ho June , Lee Gin Hyug , Jung Hwoon-Yong , Kim Jin-Ho
Published: October 2016

Background/aims

Endoscopically detected tumor recurrence after curative total gastrectomy is very rare. We reviewed the clinicopathological and endoscopic findings together with the clinical outcomes of these patients.

Methods

Seventeen patients with recurrent gastric cancer detected by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy who underwent curative total gastrectomy between January 1990 and May 2011 at the Asan Medical Center were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

Of the 17 patients, 5 were resectable at the time of diagnosis of recurrence and 12 were unresectable. The median interval between total gastrectomy and diagnosis of recurrence was 20.2 months (interquartile range 12.4-42.1 months). The tumors were located in the anastomotic area in 8 patients, in the proximal part of the afferent or efferent loop in 7, and in the stump of the afferent loop in 2 patients. With regard to the endoscopic findings, a mass was found in 8 cases, an ulcer in 2, stricture in 4, and nodularities in 3. Operations were performed in 3 patients, chemotherapy in 10 (including 2 receiving adjuvant chemotherapy), and conservative management in 6. Fourteen patients died from progression of the disease and the median survival period from recurrence for all 17 patients was 5.3 months (interquartile range 1.2-7.7 months).

Conclusions

Local recurrence of gastric cancer detected by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy after curative total gastrectomy has a poor prognosis.
Renal Fungus Ball: A Challenging Clinical Problem
Authors: Tan Wei Phin , Turba Ulku C. , Deane Leslie A.
Published: October 2016

Introduction

We describe a case of renal pelvi-ureteric fungus ball managed with placement of two nephrostomy tubes and amphotericin B irrigation through a nephrostomy tube with the other to free drain.

Case Report

A 46-year-old man with uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes mellitus was referred to the urology clinic for workup of recurrent urinary tract infection. Urine culture grew Candida albicans. The patient was started on oral fluconazole therapy. Cystoscopy and cystogram revealed a grade 3 left vesicoureteral reflux and right retrograde pyelogram revealed a filling defect in the right renal pelvis extending into the proximal ureter with severe hydroureteronephrosis. Two nephrostomy tubes were placed (mid-pole and lower pole) to ensure that the system was not obstructed. Amphotericin B (50 mg/1000 ml normal saline) irrigation was then instilled through the mid-pole nephrostomy tube at a rate of 30 ml/h with the lower pole nephrostomy tube to free drain. An antegrade nephrostogram was performed after 5 days of amphotericin B instillation, showing complete resolution of the fungus ball. The patient is awaiting definitive minimally invasive management of the distal ureteral narrowing.

Comments

Renal and pelvi-ureteric fungus ball is a challenging clinical entity. It must be addressed promptly and efficiently to be successful. We describe a minimally invasive approach that was tolerated well and resulted in complete clearance of the fungus ball in a relatively short time frame.
Teaching Note: Prequels and Sequels—A Creative Assignment That Extends Students' Reading of Arthur Miller's Drama
Authors: Dominik Jane K.
Published: October 2016

Recognizing the benefits of creativity and creative thinking in standard college composition and literature courses, the author has designed assignments that provide students with opportunities to approach reading, writing, and analysis through a variety of creative techniques. One such assignment that has effected the most substantive benefits has been one requiring students to write a prequel or sequel to one of four Miller plays that they read in an introduction to literature course. Student interest is piqued, anxiety is lessened, and the results reveal an understanding of the literary elements of the plays, as well as an increased appreciation of the original plays and their creator. To date, of the four Miller plays studied, students have written more often for All My Sons, and have tended to write more sequels than prequels. The author invites those who use this assignment to share the results as she continues to develop such assignments.
A EPISIOTOMIA NA PERCEPÇÃO DE PUÉRPERAS
Authors: Dengo Vanessa Aparecida Rezende , Silva Rosana Dos Santos , Souza Silvana Regina Rossi Kissula , Aldrighi Juliane Dias , Wall Marilene Loewen , Cancela Franciane Zabloski Vieira
Published: October 2016

O presente estudo teve como objetivo conhecer como a parturiente foi informada e orientada quanto à realização da episiotomia no parto. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa e descritiva. Participaram do estudo oito puérperas, internadas no alojamento conjunto de uma maternidade pública do Estado do Paraná. A coleta de dados foi realizada em fevereiro de 2015 por meio de entrevista semiestruturada. Os dados foram analisados com base na análise temática, emergindo os seguintes temas: Episiotomia: o conhecido desconhecido; “Cortando” o direito de escolha; Desconhecendo as consequências da episiotomia. Observou-se que as mulheres não são informadas e orientadas a respeito da realização da episiotomia, o que leva ao entendimento errôneo sobre esta prática e à limitação do direito de escolha da mulher. Isso indica a necessidade de ampliação do conhecimento e do resgate da autonomia da mulher no processo de parto e nascimento.