bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Casino money laundering regulations – Macao and USA
Authors: Siu Lam Carlos , Greenlees Malcolm
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Apart from presenting an overview and background on anti-money laundering (AML) rules and procedures for casinos in both Macao and the USA, this paper aims to examine the differences in their regulatory approaches with regard to their existing AML reporting processes and discusses possible weaknesses in their respective regulatory regime.

Design/methodology/approach

Given that the regulations and statistics on the AML issues may not all be publicly available, the authors managed to secure some data from the bureaus concerned through published reports and interviews with government officials. Regarding the AML procedures in casinos, the authors attempted to go over the annual reports published by the casinos for submission to the Hong Kong Stock Exchanges and Clearing Limited because all these casinos are listed companies in Hong Kong.

Findings

This paper analyzes the trends in reporting numbers and the categorization of the types of suspicious activity reports filed both in Macao and the USA. While the US suspicious activity reporting focuses on efforts to avoid currency reporting, Macao emphasizes improper or inadequate documentation and identification.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the few articles comparing the AML rules and procedures between casinos in the USA and Macao. It seeks to highlight the differences in their regulatory approaches and discusses the expected future direction of AML legislation.
Prescriptive strategies to combat corruption within the administration of justice sector in Nigeria
Authors: Oduntan Gbenga
Published: January 2017

Purpose

A new republic has just begun in Nigeria in 2015 with the election of two anti-corruption crusaders as President and Vice president, respectively. Although very few empirical studies exist on the subject of corruption within the justice system in Nigeria the intolerable popular impression is that the machinery of justice in Nigeria is quite notoriously corrupt. The aim of this paper is to identify strategies and mechanisms that will enhance the professionalism, effectiveness, integrity, accountability and transparency of the organisations within Nigeria’s administration of justice system both at the federal and state levels including Ministries of Justice, the Police, the Prison Service, immigration, customs and even the Bar.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature research is used to examine the problem. The author looks at corruption in the context of Nigerian laws. He tabulates the offences within the scope of the prohibition against corruption in Nigeria, as well as the incidences of corruption within the various sections of the criminal justice system. The prescriptive recommendations are divided into short-, medium- and long-term measures.

Findings

That corruption is actually prevalent in all areas of the Nigerian justice system. It is crucial that an impression must be made by the new administration in this area within a very short frame of time to arrest the situation and to reverse the damage caused so far.

Research limitations/implications

Word limit has not enabled us to go into deeper analysis. Lack of objective studies done from within the Nigeria justice sector itself on the manifestation of corruption.

Originality/value

Very original analysis based on unique insight into the issue as academics, lawyers and practitioners within Nigerian anticorruption institutions.
Experimental and numerical investigation of post-tensioned concrete flat slabs in fire
Authors: Wei Ya , Au Francis T.K. , Li Jing , Tsang Neil C.M.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to understand the structural fire performance of two-way post-tensioned flat slabs, particularly their deformations and load-carrying mechanisms in fire, and to explore the behaviour of post-tensioned high-strength self-compacting concrete flat slabs with unbonded tendons in fire.

Design/methodology/approach

Four tests of post-tensioned high-strength self-compacting concrete flat slabs were conducted under fire conditions. Numerical modelling using the commercial package ABAQUS was conducted to help interpret the test results.

Findings

Two of the specimens with lower moisture contents demonstrated excellent fire resistance performance, while the others with slightly higher moisture contents experienced severe concrete spalling.

Originality/value

The test results were discussed in respect of thermal profiles, deflections, crack patterns and concrete spalling. The performance of post-tensioned high-strength self-compacting concrete flat slabs with unbonded tendons under fire conditions was better understood.
Temperature analysis of extended end plate joints to square CFST columns in fire
Authors: Wang Jing-feng , Wang Hai-Tao , Shi Wei-Wei , Sheng Hong-Yu
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to obtain fire resistance of semi-rigid joints for concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) composite frames and temperature filed distribution of composite joints in fire.

Design/methodology/approach

The temperature filed model of semi-rigid joints to CFST columns with slabs was made by using ABAQUS finite element (FE) software, in considering temperature heating-up stage of fire modelling. The effects of composite slab, fire type and construction location were discussed, and the model was verified by the test results. The temperature distribution of composite joint under three-side or four-side fire condition was studied by the sequentially coupled thermal analysis method. The temperature versus time curves and temperature distribution of various construction and location were analyzed.

Findings

The paper provides FE analysis and numerical simulation on temperature field of semi-rigid joints for CFST composite frames in fire. The effects of composite slab, fire type and construction location were discussed, and the model was verified by the test results. It suggests that the temperature distribution of composite joint in three- or four-side fire condition showed a different development trend.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen FE analysis approach, the research results may lack generalizability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further.

Practical implications

The research results will become the scientific foundation of mechanical behavior and design method of semi-rigid CFST composite frames in fire.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to study the temperature field distribution of the semi-rigid joints to CFST columns and investigate the mechanical behavior of the semi-rigid CFST joints in fire.
Strength prediction of composite ceramic under the non-ellipsoidal particles bridging
Authors: Ni Xinhua , Fu Yunwei , Liu Xiequan , Zhang Long
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to promote a strength model for TiC-TiB2 composite ceramic with non-ellipsoidal particles bridging. Based on the microstructure of TiC-TiB2 composite ceramic, equivalent average residual stress under particles interaction is calculated with the interact direct derivative estimate. Supposing the crack opening displacement keeps ellipsoidal under the TiB2 particles bridging, crack growth resistance curve is obtained.

Design/methodology/approach

Composite strength under R-cure with crack unstable propagation is calculated. Based on this model, influences of particles volume fraction, shape, size and other parameters on strength are analyzed.

Findings

Results indicated that calculated values are consistent to the tested data. Crack growth resistance increases with crack propagation and TiB2 volume fraction. The TiB2 particle does not pull-out entirely even ceramic fracture. Ceramic strength increases with the TiB2 particle volume fraction, the ratio of platelet diameter and thickness, and it reduces with particle thickness.

Originality/value

Supposing the crack open displacement keeps ellipsoidal under the TiB2 particles bridging, crack growth resistance curve is obtained.
Influence of multiwalled carbon nanotubes content on thermal conductivity of polyactic acid/liquid natural rubber nanocomposite
Authors: Tarawneh Mou’ad A. , Ali Adilah Mat , Ahmad Sahrim Hj , Yu L.J.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) loading on the thermal conductivity of nanocomposites.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the polymer nanocomposite of MWCNT nanoparticles incorporated with PLA and LNR as compatibilizer were prepared via melt blending method.

Findings

The result has shown that the sample with 3.5 wt.% of MWCNT content provided higher thermal conductivity which is believed to be the optimum loading that formed the suitable percolated network for phonon conduction facilitation because of better dispersion in the PLA/LNR matrix as confirmed by SEM micrograph.

Originality/value

Thermal conductivity of polylactic acid (PLA)/liquid natural rubber (LNR) matrix improved with MWCNT.
Using multi-remote sensing data to assess Phragmites invasion of the Detroit river international wildlife refuge
Authors: Liu Xinxia , Zhang Anbing , Wang Hefeng , Liu Haixin
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to develope an integrated image processing method to investigate the spatiotemporal dynamics of Phragmites invasion in the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge on the basis of publically available sources.

Design/methodology/approach

This new approach integrates the standard time-series analysis of Landsat images with USDA National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) imagery and USGS Digital Orthophoto Quarter Quads (DOQQ) datasets, which are either classified or manually interpreted with the aid of ground control points. Three different types of spatiotemporal dimensions are designed to test this integrated time-series image analysis method: the selected sites and selected time-points with high spatial resolution and sufficient validation data points, the intermediate time-series with continued yearly images and periodical validation data, and the long time-series with periodical images without enough validation data. The support vector machine (SVM) method was used to classify the Landast TM sequence images to detect the Phragmites invasion.

Findings

The habitat map produced by NAIP images and field collection data shows that the total Phragmites area of DRIWR in 2010 is 4221.87 acres without treatment areas and similar with the removed non-vegetation method. It is confirmed that the pre-classification method can obtain more accurate results.

Originality value

The test results show that the Landsat-5 data can be used for long-term environmental management and monitoring of Phragmites invasion and can achieve rehabilitation of invasion areas.
Review of sustainable energy sources in Kerman
Authors: Hamid Bahrampour , Mohammad Bagher Askari , Mohammad Reza Bahrampour , Mahboubeh Bahrampour
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to identify and introduce areas in Kerman with a very high potential for produce energy from renewable energy. In this paper, with studying renewable energy resources of the world and Iran, and with the introduction of renewable energy resources in Kerman Province and its counties as a proper supplier of energy in Iran and regions. At the end of this discussion, it is seen that the positive impact of clean energies on the economy, the environment and the health of the region and the country and the potential of the Kerman Province in this rare energy place are considered well.

Design methodology/approach

To study the energy consumption in Iran and based on universal reports, this area is the largest renewable energy production region in Iran.

Findings

Currently, electricity used in Kerman is nearly 2,000 MW, while the capacity of production is 1,500 MW which is almost the share of renewable energy in electricity production rate is zero. With regard to industrial development plans in Kerman Province, 5,000 MW of electricity will be needed in the near future, so the province will face an energy crisis. Iran is also a developing country and economy; agriculture and the production of this country is extremely dependent on energy and electricity, and it seems that using renewable energy sources is a way to prevent an energy crisis in the country.

Originality/value

This paper introduces the Kerman Province and examines the potential of this province as a massive source of energy in Iran and the world. Specific qualifications of this region include the climate variability, existing water dams, suitable areas for utilization of biomass and the high potential that this area has for the development of geothermal energy. These qualifications all contribute to make this region a hub for great production of energy from renewable energy sources in Iran.
Deformation analysis and reinforcement of jin-gang tower in jacking method
Authors: Zhang Xiaonan , Shi Sanyuan , Zhao Hongyu , Lu Man , Li Xuguang
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to first analyze the reasons of a brick-wooden building tilts in Yunnan province in China. Then, a jacking method which combines the stress release methods and the excavation of stress release trench were put forward.

Design/methodology/approach

This method uses the anchor static pile to guarantee the safety of the building in the process of rectifying.

Findings

The practice showed that the inclination rate of the building was stable in the process of jacking, which proved the efficiency of the proposed method.

Originality/value

It has a great value for similar rectification projects, and for the protection of cultural heritage and ancient buildings have a positive effect.
Probabilistic fuzzy controller based robotics path decision theory
Authors: Patle B.K. , Parhi D.R. , Jagadeesh A. , Kashyap Sunil Kumar
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to comprise the new ideas for the efficient implementation to autonomous mobile robot navigation over the complex environment in presence of static obstacles.

Design/methodology/approach

The fuzzy decision via probability and its distribution is applied for the generating objective function subject to the robotics path and obstacle avoidance. The present objective function is formed to achieve high level of significance for the real-time obstacle avoidance and the efficiency.

Findings

The proposed controller makes a robot take its decision effectively in complex environment in a feasible time. In comparison with other AI approaches the proposed controller reflects that the proposed method outperforms in terms of optimal path and quality of solution. The experimental and simulation results are nearly same.

Originality/value

It has been tested in a complex crowded environment to find shorter path than existed approaches. For the validation, the experimental and simulation result using Matlab Software (R2008) has provided at the end of the paper.
Depositional facies of gas shale and its impact on shale reservoir of the Permian Shanxi Formation, Northern Ordos Basin
Authors: Guo Wei , Liu Honglin , Lan Chaoli
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Based on core description, gas logging and laboratory analysis, this paper aims to study the controlling effect of the types of shale sedimentary microfacies in coal formations over shale reservoirs using the example of Shanxi formation in Northern Ordos Basin.

Design/methodology/approach

According to core observation, the authors selected typical samples of rock types for thin section analysis to determine the micro features and compositions of rocks.

Findings

By using core observation, we found that fine lithology in Shanxi formation included major shale, carbonaceous shale, partially carbonaceous shale, partially silty shale and silty shale with colors of gray, dark gray, black and/or gray. Shanxi Formation shale are deposited in plant-rich and plant-poor swamps, interdistributary depressions of delta plains, interfluvial depressions of meandering rivers as well as microfacies environment of natural levees and the distal crevasse splay.

Originality/value

Currently, the research on the shale gas in Shanxi Formation in the Ordos Basin is still in its infancy. There is yet no research on the fine-grained partition of the sedimentary facies in coal accumulation environment of Shanxi formation and the controlling effect of sedimentary microfacies over shale reservoirs.
Numerical simulation of combustor temperature performance of a high-temperature high-speed heat-airflow simulation system
Authors: Cai Chaozhi , Fan Leyao , Wu Bingsheng
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to understand the outlet temperature distribution of the combustor of a high-temperature, high-speed heat-airflow simulation system.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses numerical simulation to study the temperature distribution of the combustor of a high-temperature, high-speed heat-airflow simulation system. First, the geometrical model of the combustor and the combustion model of the fuel are established. Then, the combustion of fuel in the combustor is simulated by using FLUENT under various conditions. Finally, the results are obtained.

Findings

The paper found three conclusions: when the actual fuel–gas ratio is equal to the theoretical fuel–gas ratio, the temperature in the combustor of the high-temperature, high-speed heat-airflow simulation system (HTSAS) can reach its highest and the distribution is the most uniform. Although increases in the total temperature of the inlet air can increase the highest temperature in the combustor of the HTSAS, the average temperature of the combustor outlet will decrease. At the same time, it will lead to an uneven temperature distribution of the combustor outlet. When the spray angle of the kerosene droplet is at 30 degrees, the outlet temperature field of the combustor is more uniform.

Originality/value

The paper presents a method to analyze the combustion performance of fuel and the gas temperature distribution in the combustor. The results will lay the foundation for the gas temperature control of a combustor.
Autonomous mobile robot navigation in cluttered environment using hybrid Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy model and simulated annealing algorithm controller
Authors: Pandey Anish , Parhi Dayal R.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to design a Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy model with a simulated annealing hybrid algorithm (fuzzy-SAA) that was implemented for mobile robot navigation and obstacle avoidance in a cluttered environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The SAA is used to optimize the output parameters of the fuzzy controller. The ultrasonic range finder sensor and sharp infrared range sensor are used for calculating the different obstacle distances, such as front, right and left obstacle distance, for selecting the suitable steering angle control command in the environment.

Findings

The simulation and experimental results show the proposed method is feasible and valid for a wheeled mobile robot moving in a cluttered environment.

Originality/value

The developed fuzzy-SAA hybrid algorithm provides better results (in terms of navigation path length and time) as compared to previous works, which verifies the effectiveness and efficiency of the developed hybrid algorithm.
Experimental analysis of stresses in weld metal subjected to tensile load
Authors: S.S. Sampath , Rammohan Nethri , Shetty Reema , Shetty Sawan , M. Chithirai Pon Selvan
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Stainless steel is one of the most important elements in structural design and application, and due to its excellent properties, it is widely used in industries for conventional structural engineering applications, such as thermal power plants, nuclear power plants, civil constructions, etc. (Mishra et al., 2014). A traditional tensile testing machine cannot determine the transversal stress–strain curves (Olden, 2002, 2013).

Design/methodology/approach

In the present study, identical mild steel specimen parts are welded at different intervals and then subjected to tensile loading. Welding is carried along the length of the specimen. Induced stresses are determined at the welded intervals and the stress–strain curve is obtained.

Findings

By considering the temperature of the weld at the interface, thermal stresses are determined. Brinell hardness number is determined at the interface and the base metal. Also, the change in the hardness at the heat-affected zone (HAZ) is found. Validation is carried out by comparing the results with the original stress–strain curve.

Originality/value

In the HAZ, there is a drop in the hardness number, which means that there is a change in the material property due to welding. The thermal stresses which develop at the interface can also play a very important role for property change. Results show that the stress developed due to the rise in temperature is lesser than that of normal stresses.
DC-DC converter for photovoltaic powered battery charger
Authors: Hajighorbani Shahrooz , Mohd Radzi Mohd Amran , Ab Kadir Mohd Zainal Abidin , Bin Shafie Suhaidi
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to show in power-voltage curve, a unique maximum power point (MPP) is existed which has the maximum power.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a MPP tracker algorithm for a standalone system includes DC-DC buck converter and battery storage.

Findings

By using this algorithm, the maximum available power is achieved and simultaneously, the battery is charged and also protected against overcharge and discharge. The operation of the proposed algorithm is evaluated in with Proteus software to be sure that it can be implemented in microcontroller in reality.

Originality/value

The simulations results show that the proposed algorithm is able to detect the MPP under different irradiations. Moreover, the battery is charged during the day by PV and protected against overcharge and discharge.
Quad-porosity shale systems – a review
Authors: Patwardhan Samarth D. , Famoori Fatemeh , Kumar Govindarajan Suresh
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to review the quad-porosity shale system from a production standpoint. Understanding the complex but coupled flow mechanisms in such reservoirs is essential to design appropriate completions and further, optimally produce them. Dual-porosity and dual permeability models are most commonly used to describe a typical shale gas reservoir.

Design/methodology/approach

Characterization of such reservoirs with extremely low permeability does not aptly capture the physics and complexities of gas storage and flow through their existing nanopores. This paper reviews the methods and experimental studies used to describe the flow mechanisms of gas through such systems, and critically recommends the direction in which this work could be extended. A quad-porosity shale system is defined not just as porosity in the matrix and fracture, but as a combination of multiple porosity values.

Findings

It has been observed from studies conducted that shale gas production modeled with conventional simulator/model is seen to be much lower than actually observed in field data. This paper reviews the various flow mechanisms in shale nanopores by capturing the physics behind the actual process. The contribution of Knudson diffusion and gas slippage, gas desorption and gas diffusion from Kerogen to total production is studied in detail.

Originality/value

The results observed from experimental studies and simulation runs indicate that the above effects should be considered while modeling and making production forecast for such reservoirs.
Hazard identification and risk analysis for a reinforced concrete rolling mill
Authors: Hafida Kahoul , Rachid Chaib , Ahmed Bellaouar
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Because of non-satisfactory results obtained at the iron rods steel mill, during the last period of work and to collect relevant data to facilitate rapid and efficient decision-making, the purpose of this study is to describe a global analysis method of risks encountered by companies resulting from their own effects or by their environment to integrate prevention as soon as the conception of work place. From this point of view, it seems that it is time for companies that did learn to master direct costs to learn how to control indirect costs, which means controlling the risks and learning to face them once they are detected.

Design/methodology/approach

The method of work used is hazard identification and risk assessment (HIRA), which is based on Kinney evaluation. The HIRA allowed the authors to collect and analyze different dangers and risks at work posts and consider different corrective measures to prevent damages. The HIRA techniques are based on identifying the different hazardous situations and the risk related to each working station; the risks are identified and are classified and mitigated accordingly. Using unique criteria, the objective of the risk assessment part is to assign to each risk a numerical value. The criteria used for classifying and ordering the risk importance depend greatly on the selected method.

Findings

Risks are identified, classified and mitigated accordingly using Kinney method criteria depending on three factors: frequency of exposure (NE), probability of occurrence (NP) and severity level (NG). The level of risk mitigation (NM) is obtained as the product of the three factors (NP, NG and NE). Using the Pareto plot (20-80 per cent), the authors highlighted the priorities to be taken in the order of importance of the most important causes to take targeted measures.

Originality/value

This work is an opportunity for the steel mill complex to start a global approach in prevention of risks and improve working conditions. This can be reached by taking into consideration the technical, organizational and human solutions; It would not be a better method to search for ways and means to reach better prevention of industrial and technological risks, but it will preserve health of workers and get to a global higher level of security. Also, the steel mill complex can be engaged in a continuous improvement process. Therefore, management of risks will be a relevant way to decrease undesirable effects due to the diverse activities of the company.
Spatial detection of outlier loci with Moran eigenvector maps
Authors: Wagner Helene H. , Chávez‐Pesqueira Mariana , Forester Brenna R.
Published: January 2017

The spatial signature of microevolutionary processes structuring genetic variation may play an important role in the detection of loci under selection. However, the spatial location of samples has not yet been used to quantify this. Here, we present a new two‐step method of spatial outlier detection at the individual and deme levels using the power spectrum of Moran eigenvector maps (MEM). The MEM power spectrum quantifies how the variation in a variable, such as the frequency of an allele at a SNP locus, is distributed across a range of spatial scales defined by MEM spatial eigenvectors. The first step (Moran spectral outlier detection: MSOD) uses genetic and spatial information to identify outlier loci by their unusual power spectrum. The second step uses Moran spectral randomization (MSR) to test the association between outlier loci and environmental predictors, accounting for spatial autocorrelation. Using simulated data from two published papers, we tested this two‐step method in different scenarios of landscape configuration, selection strength, dispersal capacity and sampling design. Under scenarios that included spatial structure, MSOD alone was sufficient to detect outlier loci at the individual and deme levels without the need for incorporating environmental predictors. Follow‐up with MSR generally reduced (already low) false‐positive rates, though in some cases led to a reduction in power. The results were surprisingly robust to differences in sample size and sampling design. Our method represents a new tool for detecting potential loci under selection with individual‐based and population‐based sampling by leveraging spatial information that has hitherto been neglected.
A prospective randomized controlled trial comparing early postoperative complications in patients undergoing loop colostomy with and without a stoma rod
Authors: Franklyn J. , Varghese G. , Mittal R. , Rebekah G. , Jesudason M. R. , Perakath B.
Published: January 2017

Aim

A stoma rod or bridge has been traditionally placed under the bowel loop while constructing a loop colostomy. This is believed to prevent stomal retraction and provide better faecal diversion. However, the rod can cause complications such as mucosal congestion, oedema and necrosis. This single‐centre prospective randomized controlled trial compared outcomes after creation of loop colostomy with and without a supporting stoma rod. The primary outcome studied was stoma retraction rate; other stoma‐related complications were studied as secondary outcomes.

Method

One hundred and fifty‐one patients were randomly allotted to one of two arms, colostomy with or without a supporting rod. Postoperative complications such as retraction, mucocutaneous separation, congestion and re‐exploration for stoma‐related complications were recorded.

Results

There was no difference in the stoma retraction rate between the two arms (8.1% in the rod arm and 6.6% in the no‐rod arm; P = 0.719). Stomal necrosis (10.7% vs 1.3%; P = 0.018), oedema (23% vs 3.9%; P = 0.001), congestion (20.3% vs 2.6%; P = 0.001) and re‐admission rates (8.5% vs 0%; P = 0.027) were significantly increased in the arm randomized to the rod.

Conclusion

The stoma rod does not prevent stomal retraction. However, complication rates are significantly higher when a stoma rod is used. Routine use of a stoma rod for construction of loop colostomy can be avoided.
SUCCESSFUL IN THE LONG RUN: A META‐REGRESSION ANALYSIS OF PERSISTENT FIRM PROFITS
Authors: Hirsch Stefan
Published: January 2017

We study the profit persistence literature by applying meta‐regression analysis (MRA) to a set of 36 empirical papers, which analyze the persistence of abnormal firm profits over time. The analyzed literature provides evidence for a mediocre degree of persistence in abnormal profits. An initial analysis of the distribution of reported profit persistence estimates reveals some degree of excess variation. This points toward publication bias that favors significant results independent of their algebraic sign. The MRA, however, reveals that publication bias is particularly favoring results that indicate profit persistence and thus contradict the neoclassical model of perfect competition. Moreover, the MRA enables to control for heterogeneity driven by the study design. We find that the analyzed country (developing vs. developed), the applied econometric approach, as well as the analyzed period of time are significant drivers of heterogeneity in reported persistence estimates.
Comparing Fracture Resistance and the Time Required for Two Different Fiber Post Removal Systems
Authors: Aydemir Seda , Arukaslan Göze , Sarıdağ Serkan , Kaya‐Büyükbayram Işıl , Ylıdıran Yasemin
Published: January 2017

Purpose

To compare two fiber post removal techniques in terms of fracture resistance and time required for post removal.

Materials and Methods

Post space was prepared to a 9‐mm depth in each root canal. The roots were randomly divided into three groups of 15 specimens each. D.T. Light‐Posts were cemented in all groups. In group 1, fiber posts were removed using the D.T. Light‐Post‐removal kit; in group 2, Start‐X stainless‐steel ultrasonic tips were used. In group 3, fiber posts were left without removal (the control group). For all groups, fracture resistance (N) value was measured and recorded using a universal testing machine. Times required for fiber post removal were also recorded for the two study groups.

Results

There was no significant difference between the control and removal kit groups for fracture resistance values (p = 0.233). The fracture resistance value of the ultrasonic group was found to be significantly lower than that of the control group (p = 0.001) as well as that of the removal kit group (p = 0.032). The fiber post removal time for the ultrasonic group was significantly longer than that for the removal kit group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Compared to the removal kit, removal of the fiber posts with an ultrasonic tip decreases the fracture resistance of the roots, although significantly more time is required.
Risk Mitigation of Production Hedging
Authors: Park John H. , Kazaz Burak , Webster Scott
Published: January 2017

This study examines how a firm can mitigate global economic risk through production hedging, defined as producing less than the total demand. We investigate a firm's production planning, pricing, and financial hedging decisions under exchange rate and demand uncertainty with the objective of maximizing expected profit while complying with a value‐at‐risk (VaR) constraint that limits the firm's losses in amount and probability. The study makes three contributions. First, we show that production hedging, when compared to matching demand with production, can substantially reduce risk both from VaR and conditional‐VaR perspectives while increasing expected profit. Our second contribution relates to the optimal pricing decisions. When a firm has pricing flexibility, it is commonly expected that the optimal price would increase under production hedging. Our study, however, shows that production hedging causes the firm to decrease the optimal price below the riskless price in order to benefit from exchange rate fluctuations. The pressure from risk aversion on the optimal price decision is not one directional, and can lead to both an increase and a decrease in price. Third, our work examines the interactions between financial hedging and production hedging. It identifies when financial hedging serves as a complement, and when as a substitute, to production hedging. Our work shows that financial hedging cannot always eliminate production hedging from being an optimal solution.
Innovations in Treatment Delivery, Risk of Peritonitis, and Patient Retention on Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Piraino Beth
Published: January 2017

Early innovations in the delivery of peritoneal dialysis (PD) markedly improved its acceptability and lowered peritonitis rates. The standard osmotic agent was, and continues to be dextrose, an agent that is not ideal as it is readily absorbed. The development of icodextrin‐containing dialysis fluid has allowed a long dwell time to provide more effective ultrafiltration. The development of a smaller, more easily used automated cycler, led to an increase in the proportion of patients on the cycler as opposed to CAPD. Recently, new cyclers with better teaching tools and ease of use and communication with the training team have come on the market; data on outcomes using these cyclers are not yet available. Peritonitis continues to be a serious complication of PD although improvements in connectology and research on Staphylococcus aureus carriage have decreased peritonitis risk. Peritonitis rates continue to vary tremendously from one program to another, which may be in part due to failure to follow best demonstrated practices in training, care of the l catheter exit site, and prevention of peritonitis. Peritonitis rates should be expressed as episodes per year at risk and as organism‐specific rates to allow comparisons from one program to another, from one period to another and from a program to the published literature. The term technique failure is misused in PD. Patients leave PD for a host of reasons including transplantation. Transfer from PD to hemodialysis can be planned and have an excellent outcome or can be delayed or done emergently and have a less optimal outcome. The life plan of the patient with ESRD needs to be not only considered but also periodically revised as circumstances and patient wishes change.
Reuse and Biocompatibility of Hemodialysis Membranes: Clinically Relevant?
Authors: Upadhyay Ashish , Jaber Bertrand L.
Published: January 2017

The practice of reprocessing dialyzers for reuse, once predominant in the United States, has been steadily declining over the last 20 years. The professed roles of reuse in improving dialyzer membrane biocompatibility and lowering the risk of first‐use syndrome have lost relevance with the advent of biocompatible dialyzer membranes and favorable sterilization techniques. The potential for cost‐savings from reuse is also called into question by the easy availability of comparatively cheaper dialyzers and rising regulatory demands and operational cost of reprocessing systems. While the environmental concerns from additional dialyzer‐related solid waste from rising single‐use practice remains pertinent and requires development of safer dialyzer disposable system technologies, there is no meaningful medical rationale for the continued practice of dialyzer reuse in the twenty‐first century.
Tacrolimus interaction with nafcillin resulting in significant decreases in tacrolimus concentrations: A case report
Authors: Wungwattana Minkey , Savic Marizela
Published: January 2017

Tacrolimus (TAC) is subject to many drug interactions as a result of its metabolism primarily via CYP450 isoenzyme 3A4. Numerous case reports of TAC and CYP3A4 inducers and inhibitors have been described including antimicrobials, calcium channel antagonists, and antiepileptic drugs. We present the case of a 13‐year‐old patient with cystic fibrosis and a history of liver transplantation, where subtherapeutic TAC concentrations were suspected to be a result of concomitant TAC and nafcillin (NAF) therapy. The observed drug interaction occurred on two separate hospital admissions, during both of which the patient exhibited therapeutic TAC concentrations prior to exposure to NAF, a CYP3A4 inducer. Upon discontinuation of NAF, TAC concentrations recovered in both instances. This case represents a drug–drug interaction between TAC and NAF that has not previously been reported to our knowledge. Despite the lack of existing reports of interaction between these two agents, this case highlights the importance of therapeutic drug monitoring and assessing for any potential drug–drug or drug‐food interactions in patients receiving TAC therapy.
Mathematical model and simulations of MERS outbreak: Predictions and implications for control measures
Authors: Al-Asuoad Nofe , Rong Libin , Alaswad Sadoof , Shillor Meir
Published: January 2017

The Middle East Respiratory SyndromeВ (MERS) has been identified in 2012 and since thenВ outbreaks have been reported in various localities in theВ Middle East and in other parts of the world. To helpВ predict the possible dynamics of MERS, as well as waysВ to contain it, this paper develops a mathematical modelВ for the disease. It has a compartmental structure similarВ to SARS models and is in the form of a coupled systemВ of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs). TheВ model predictions are fitted to data from the outbreaksВ in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) during 2013-2016. The resultsВ reveal that MERS will eventually be contained in the city.В However, the containment time and the severity of the outbreaks depend crucially on the contact coefficients andВ the isolation rate constant. When randomness is addedВ to the model coefficients, the simulations show that theВ model is sensitive to the scaled contact rate among peopleВ and to the isolation rate. The model is analyzed usingВ stability theory for ODEs and indicates that when usingВ only isolation, the endemic steady state is locally stableВ and attracting. Numerical simulations with parametersВ estimated from the city of Riyadh illustrate the analyticalВ results and the model behavior, which may have importantВ implications for the disease containment in the city. Indeed,В the model highlights the importance of isolation of infectedВ individuals and may be used to assess other controlВ measures. The model is general and may be used to analyzeВ outbreaks in other parts of the Middle East and other areas.
Reducing frequent visits to Emergency Departments
Authors: George Jane , Briggs Lynne
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND: The Health and Wellbeing Connection (HWC) pilot study was undertaken by Richmond Services in partnership with Pegasus Health, Partnership Health and the Canterbury District Health Board.OBJECTIVE: To explore whether a brief intervention offered to frequent attenders to hospital emergency department (ED) was successful in reducing inappropriate attendance.METHODS: Administration of the Kessler Depression and Anxiety (K10) scale; the World Health Organization Quality of Life Measure (WHOQOL-BREF); extracted de-identified rates of attendance at an ED of a general hospital and general practice, and follow up telephone interviews with study participants were used.RESULTS: By the end of the project, a total of 53 participants had completed the programme. On average, these participants reduced their attendance at the ED significantly while demonstrating no change in their attendance rates at general practice. Additionally, they reported a decrease in psychological distress and a positive increase in their quality of life.CONCLUSION: Although the number of participants in this study does not allow for robust analysis of efficacy of the program offered, it does indicate that there is merit in continuing to develop brief intervention case management models to support behaviour change programmes in hospital EDs.
Social work for sociologists: Theory and practice
Authors: Van Heugten Kate , Gibbs Anita
Published: January 2017

Reviewed by Liz Beddoe, University of Auckland.
A Pākehā journey towards bicultural practice through guilt, shame, identity and hope
Authors: Crawford Heidi Suzanne
Published: January 2017

INTRODUCTION: For many social workers, aspects of their training and the development of competence are a growth journey that begins even before they may be aware of it starting, continues during training and throughout social workers’ professional lives. One area that is of particular interest is bicultural practice, often an area that holds challenges for Pākehā practitioners for many reasons. The journey of understanding and growth towards being a social worker who practices biculturally is a long one that often, for Pākehā, starts in guilt and shame.CONCLUSIONS: This article is a reflection of a Pākehā social worker, who shares her own personal journey through guilt and shame towards hope; hope that we can engage and journey in our bicultural practice to become a more compassionate, effective practitioner. As part of this reflection, the social worker shares her discovery of loss of identity as Pākehā and encourages other Pākehā to connect with who has gone before them in an attempt to understand self and understand others.
Acoustoelasticity in cancellous bone
Authors: Apostolopoulos K. , Pappa E. , Deligianni D.
Published: January 2017

Strain-dependence of ultrasound speed in cancellous bone was determined by applying a range of uniaxial compressive strains in the elasticity region, in a single direction, parallel or perpendicular to the propagating wave. Compressive strain modulated the ultrasound speed significantly. The decrease of ultrasound speed was found to change linearly as a function of strain. The changes of broadband ultrasound attenuation were also determined for the two dilatational waves (parallel or perpendicular to the strain). They do not follow linear relation or constant sign of change with strain for the examined specimens. Considerable possibilities open up for using developments in acoustoelasticity for nondestructive ultrasonic techniques.
In Vivo
Imaging with Bioluminescent Enterovirus 71 Allows for Real-Time Visualization of Tissue Tropism and Viral Spread
Authors: Caine Elizabeth A. , Osorio Jorge E.
Published: January 2017

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a reemerging illness caused by a variety of enteroviruses. The main causative agents are enterovirus 71 (EV71), coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16), and, most recently, coxsackievirus A6 (CVA6). Enterovirus infections can vary from asymptomatic infections to those with a mild fever and blisters on infected individuals' hands, feet, and throats to infections with severe neurological complications. Viral persistence for weeks postinfection (wpi) has also been documented by the demonstration of virus in children's stools. However, little is known about disease progression, viral spread, and tissue tropism of these viruses. These types of studies are limited because many recently developed mouse models mimic the severe neurological complications that occur in a small percentage of enterovirus infections. In the present study, we documented real-time EV71 infection in two different mouse strains by the use of
in vivo
imaging. Infection of BALB/c mice with a bioluminescent mouse-adapted EV71 construct (mEV71-NLuc) resulted in a lack of clinical signs of disease but in relatively high viral replication, as visualized by luminescence, for 2 wpi. In contrast, mEV71-NLuc infection of AG129 mice (alpha/beta and gamma interferon receptor deficient) showed rapid spread and long-term persistence of the virus in the brain. Interestingly, AG129 mice that survived infection maintained luminescence in the brain for up to 8 wpi. The results we present here will allow future studies on EV71 antiviral drug susceptibility, vaccine efficacy, transmissibility, and pathogenesis.

IMPORTANCE
We report here that a stable full-length enterovirus 71 (EV71) reporter construct was used to visualize real-time viral spread in AG129 and BALB/c mice. To our knowledge, this is the first report of
in vivo
imaging of infection with any member of the
Picornaviridae
family. The nanoluciferase (NLuc) gene, one of the smallest luciferase genes currently available, was shown to be stable in the EV71 genome for eight passages on rhabdomyosarcoma cells. Real-time visualization of EV71 infection in mice identified areas of tropism that would have been missed by traditional methods, including full characterization of EV71 replication in BALB/c mice. Additionally, the bioluminescent construct allowed for increased speed and sensitivity of cell culture assays and will allow future studies involving various degrees of enterovirus infection in mice, not just severe infections. Our data suggest that interferon plays an important role in controlling EV71 infection in the central nervous system of mice.
Trends in body condition of smallmouth bass and northern pike (1982–2013) following multiple ecological perturbations in the St. Lawrence River
Authors: Crane Derek P. , Farrell John M.
Published: January 2017

Body condition indices can be used to investigate fish response to biological or environmental change. We used quantile regression to analyze a 32-year weight–length data set (1982–2013) for smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) and northern pike (Esox lucius) from the St. Lawrence River to examine changes in condition (weight-at-length) during three ecologically distinct time periods. Condition of both species varied among time periods, with smallmouth bass experiencing greater proportional changes than northern pike. Smallmouth bass weight-at-length was greatest during 2005–2013 and lowest during 1982–1992. Northern pike weight-at-length was greatest during 2005–2013 for quantiles ≥0.5, similar between the 1982–1992 and 2005–2013 time periods for lower quantiles, and lowest during 1993–2004. The most likely weight–length model for smallmouth bass included terms for length, presence of round goby (Neogobius melanostomus), presence of dreissenid mussels, and an interaction between length and dreissenid mussels (wi = 0.93). The most likely model for northern pike included terms for length, presence of round goby, presence of dreissenid mussels, water temperature, conspecific abundance, and sex (wi = 0.56). Invasive species and environmental change related to invasive species have altered the condition of smallmouth bass and northern pike in the St. Lawrence River.