bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison of green building assessment systems
Authors: Krajangsri Thanachon , Pongpeng Jakrapong
Published: August 2018

Construction is one of industries that have negative impacts on the environment. Relevant organizations both in Thailand and other countries have been trying to minimize these impacts. Developing green building assessment systems is one of efforts in reducing environmental impacts and using natural resources efficiently. Currently, there are many green building assessment systems with different objectives and assessment scopes in some details. This could cause some confusion in selecting the suitable system for the project in accordance with its environmental, social and economical contexts. This study was aimed to compare and provide overview and components of these systems. The comparison results can be used as a guideline for further development of green building assessment systems. It is found that most major green building assessment systems still concern only environmental issues while newly developed systems have included social and economic issues in their criteria. Furthermore, the system which is developed in one environment could not be used with full capabilities in another. This will lead to more research in developing the assessment system that is more comprehensive and adaptable enough to be used effectively in various environment.
Fabrication of polyaniline coated conductive cotton for ammonia gas detection
Authors: Myat Swe Mon , Eamsa-ard Tanthip , Kerdcharoen Teerakiat
Published: August 2018

Nowadays, ammonia becomes major toxic pollutant. The industrial zones, agricultural zones and mining zones are facing this problem all over the world. Ammonia gives irritating strong smell in the environment and it can affect on the health of human with a long exposure time. Moreover, ammonia is also the biomarker which can indicate the health status of human. For these situations, many ammonia gas sensors are produced. In this work, flexible ammonia gas sensor is prepared based on polyaniline through in-situ polymerization process. We developed a wearable smart textile sensor for ammonia gas detection. 100% cotton which does not irritate the wearer was used for this sensor. The polyaniline-cotton composite was characterized by optical microscope, SEM and FTIR spectroscopy. The morphology of the composites reveal PANI was successfully coated on the cotton. The sensitivity of the gas sensors was monitored directly increasing the concentration of ammonia gas. The resistance changes of the sensors can be seen with increasing the concentration. It could also be proved that the sensor is flexible with bending test. In the future, this flexible PANI-cotton composite sensor can be used for ammonia detection in real applications.
Estimating sediment delivery ratio by stream slope and relief ratio
Authors: Anh Nguyen Kieu , Chen Walter
Published: August 2018

Nowadays, the storage capacity of a reservoir reduced by sediment deposition is a concern of many countries in the world. Therefore, understanding the soil erosion and transportation process is a significant matter, which helps to manage and prevent sediments entering the reservoir. The main objective of this study is to examine the sediments reaching the outlet of a basin by empirical sediment delivery ratio (SDR) equations and the gross soil erosion. The Shihmen reservoir watershed is used as the study area. Because steep terrain is a characteristic feature of the study area, two SDR models that depend on the slope of the mainstream channel and the relief-length ratio of the watershed are chosen. It is found that the Maner (1958) model, which uses the relief-length ratio, is the better model of the two. We believe that this empirical research improves our understanding of the sediment delivery process occurring in the study area.
Study of Interaction Between Operational Clock-Frequency and Energy Consumption of Microcontrollers for Wireless Sensor Applications
Authors: Jayasvasti Subhawat , Isarakorn Don
Published: August 2018

This work focuses on the diagnosis of energy consumption of commonly used microcontrollers with various driving clock-frequency. The interaction among the driving clock-frequency, processing time and current consumption are determined to be a guidance for the design of low-power wireless sensor applications. In implementation, the microcontrollers are supposed to process the data following the operational procedures of wireless sensor application, which is programmed to solve mathematical equation with various driving clock-frequencies, and then sleep to reduce the power consumption. With a single circle procession, the current consumption at each driving clock-frequency are captured and analyzed. As the results, the current consumption is proportional to the driving clock-frequency, however energy consumption is minimized at highest clock-frequency.
Peristaltic pumping through porous medium in presence of electric double layer
Authors: Yadav Ashu , Bhushan Shashi , Tripathi Dharmendra
Published: August 2018

The present paper investigates the peristaltic flow of Newtonian fluids through the porous medium. The effects of electroosmosis mechanism on peristaltic pumping are also considered. An analytical solution is obtained under lubrication approach. Poisson Boltzmann equations are also simplified using Debye linearization. The effects of permeability parameter, electrical double layer thickness and electro-osmotic parameter on the flow characteristics, pressure distribution and shear stress distributions are computed. Numerical computations reveal that electroosmosis and permeability play vital role in peristaltic pumping. The findings of present study may be applicable in biomedical engineering and chemical engineering where peristaltic micropumps may be designed.
An exploratory factor analysis of government construction procurement problems
Authors: Leungbootnak Narong , Chaithongrat Tanayut , Aksorn Preenithi
Published: August 2018

This study aims to apply Exploratory Factor Analysis in government construction procurement problems. The questionnaire used in this study to collect data with is the Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient equal to 0.986. The data was collected through Web Survey and 353 participants completed the questionnaires. The data was analysed with the use of percentages, mean, standard deviation, and Exploratory Factor Analysis. When ranking the effect of each component on government construction procurement problems, it was found that the most influential component is procurement process problems, followed by internal and external influence problems, and project management and technical problems, respectively. The top 3 detailed problems on government construction procurement were: 1) Problems arising from fix announcement period, 2) Restrictions according to the regulations that all agencies need to send the announcement details by the approval date of procurement, and 3) Problems arising from fix announcement periods, especially associated to mandatory plans.
Employee perception of work stress in a large construction company in Australia
Authors: Lim Teck Heng Benson, , Perica Adam
Published: August 2018

Managing stress effectively is touted to be a key determinant of increased performance. It is
however believed that individuals perceive and cope with stress differently. This thus makes stress
management more complicated in construction. The aim of this research is to investigate the perceived work
stress of construction employees by examining how perceived stress vary across employees and the
perceived stress correlate with employee performance. In addressing these, an online questionnaire survey
of 187 construction employees was undertaken, and data were analysed using the relative prevalence
indexing method, ANOVA and Pearson correlation tests. The overall results show that poor work-life
balance and work overloads are the major negative perceived stressors for construction professionals.
Furthermore, there were differences in the perceived stress among cadets, operational staff, middle and top
management. Lastly, the findings reveal the interpersonal and organisational climate have strong association
with employee performance. In conclusion, the findings shed lights on the spectrum of work stress
underling employee performance and how different cohorts of employees perceive and experience work
stress.
Thermal performance in a tubular heat exchanger with deltawinglets
Authors: Tongyote Pattarapan , Promvonge Pongjet , Depaiwa Nattawoot , Jedsadaratanachai Withada
Published: August 2018

The paper presents an experimental heat transfer enhancement study in a tubular heat exchanger fitted with delta-winglets. The experimental work was conducted by varying the airflow rate in the test tube having a constant wall heat-flux for turbulent regime, Reynolds number (Re) from 5200 to 23,000. Effects of three pitch ratios (PR=P/D=1.5, 2.0 and 3.0) and two attack angles, α = 45° and 60°, of the winglets at a single blockage ratio (BR=b/D = 0.15) on thermal characteristics are examined. The experimental results show that the winglet-inserted tube yields, respectively, the heat transfer, friction factor and thermal performance in the form of TEF around 1.99–4.08, 4.9–14.3 times higher than the plain tube and 0.85–1.85, depending on the operating condition.
Comparative analysis of city planning and land use change in Bangkok, Thailand, by using remote sensing and GIS
Authors: Posuk Suvimon , Kajita Yoshitaka , Petchsasithon Arthit
Published: August 2018

This study proposed the comparative analysis of city planning and land use change by using remote sensing and GIS in Bangkok, Thailand. Bangkok had been developed and faced many land use problems. If the problems were not controlled, it will cause more problems in the future. Therefore, this study suggested the solution to solve occurring land use problems in Bangkok. Which, remote sensing was used to do the land survey and automatically map urban land cover from Landsat time-series satellite imagery. Then, the change of urban area and Bangkok Comprehensive Plan were compared by GIS. And, the results showed that urban area in Bangkok increased 403.99 km2 over the past 21 years. While rural and agricultural zone in Bangkok Comprehensive Plan decreased due to residential area expansion. So, Area Division System and the district plan from urban planning system of Japan can solve the problems by developing the city and controlling urban areas expansion.
The effect of different additives on safety manipulation of cis-1,3,4,6-tetranitrooctahydroimidazo-[4,5-d]imidazole (BCHMX)
Authors: HUSSEIN Ahmed K. , ELBEIH Ahmed , ZEMAN Svatopluk , JUNGOVA Marcela
Published: August 2018

In this work, new cyclic nitramine named cis-1,3,4,6-tetranitrooctahydroimidazo-[4,5-d]imidazole (BCHMX) was premixed with insensitive explosives (3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one, NTO and1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethene, FOX) and with two cyclic nitramines (1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazinane, RDXand, 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocane, HMX) and bonded by polydimethyl-siloxane (PDMS) binder.Impact and friction sensitivities were evaluated. Detonation velocity was measured and the detonationcharacteristics were calculated by EXPLO 5 thermodynamic code. Relative explosive strength wasdetermined by using the ballistic mortar test. The results showed a great positive influence on the sensitivityof BCHMX due to the addition of the insensitive explosive (NTO, FOX-7) however the performance wasdecreased. On the other side, mixing the nitramines improved the performance with reduction of BCHMXsensitivity. PDMS binder succeed to decrease the sensitivity of all the studied mixtures.
Ultrasonic-assisted extraction of gallic acid and isoquercetin from aspergillus niger fermented tri-phala waste
Authors: Chysirichote Teerin , Pakaweerachat Pattarabhorn
Published: August 2018

The Aspergillus niger fermented Tri-phala waste (FTW) was extracted with ultrasonic assisted extraction (UAE) using deionized water as an extraction medium at 30°C. The 40 kHz ultrasonic frequency was used for sonicate the FTW immerged in the water at the ratio of 1 : 100 for 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 min. The contents of gallic acid, isoquercetin obtained after extraction were measured by HPLC. The extraction yields of gallic acid and isoquercetin were compared with the yields from the water extraction without ultrasonic assistance (control condition). The results showed that using the ultrasonic assistance increased the extraction yield of gallic acid from 0.25±0.03 to 1.26±0.25 g.g-1 with the shorter extraction time from 60 min to 30 min. Moreover, isoquercetin extraction yield increased from 0.17±0.02 to 0.41±0.04 g.g-1 with the shorter extraction time from 60 min to 20 min.
Modified photoperiods and light intensities for grow-out production of nile tilapia (O. niloticus) under indoor tank culture system
Authors: Cinense Marvin , Agulto Ireneo , Espino Armando , Gavino Romeo , Sicat Emmanuel , Taylan Victorino
Published: August 2018

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of modified photoperiods and light intensities on grow-out production of tilapia under indoor tank culture system; specifically on water quality and on growth performance of tilapia. The study was conducted inside the greenhouse and considered two factors: photoperiod (24L:0D, 20L:4D and 16L:8D); and light intensity (40 watts m-2, 60 watts m-2 and 80 watts m-2); also, a control treatment was set-up outside the greenhouse to receive the normal environmental condition. Light manipulations inside the greenhouse were able to sustain the water quality within the desirable level for tilapia cultured in tank; while control tanks shows high water quality variation. Growth performance of tilapia cultured in tank responds positively in prolonged photoperiod at different light intensities. However, light manipulation gave insignificant difference on feed conversion ratio and survival rate compared to normal condition. Results indicated that 20-hours photoperiod and 40 watts m-2 light intensity is just enough to sustain the recommended water quality and better growth performance of the cultured tilapia in indoor tank system. It can be concluded that longer photoperiod and restrained light intensity can improved the growth performance of tilapia under indoor tank culture.
Tensile properties of PLA/PBAT blends and PLA fibre-reinforced PBAT composite
Authors: Sritham Eakasit , Phunsombat Phakaimat , Chaishome Jedsada
Published: August 2018

The tensile properties of PLA/PBAT blends, PLA fibre reinforced PBAT composite (PLAF) at room temperature and -18°C were investigated. The concentrations of PLA in the blends were 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% (by volume). There was an improvement of elastic modulus (E) for PLA/PBAT blends when PLA was 40%. There was no significant difference of ultimate tensile strength (UTS) among the blends. For the same concentration of PLA (40%) in PLA-PBAT mixture, PLAF exhibited higher values ofEandUTSthan that of PLA/PBAT blends. Elongation of PLA/PBAT blends rapidly decreased upon the addition of PLA to the blends. The values ofEandUTSfor PLA/PBAT blends and composite, neat PLA, and PP increased with the decreasing of temperature from room temperature to -18°C. The effect of decreasing temperature was not observed on elongation. It was appeared from the results obtained for FTIR and DSC measurements that PLA and PBAT were immiscible, separating into two phases.
Ammonia removal from giant fresh water prawn farm by using zeolite from oil palm ash
Authors: Anuwattana Rewadee , Phungngamphan Pattamaphorn , Natpinit Patthanant , Soparatana Narumon , Pattayawan Worapong , Yindee Supinya
Published: August 2018

The Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) and Mesocarp fiber ash (FB) was obtained from the boiler at NAM HONG Palm Oil Company Limited, Thailand. The optimum condition was used in Na-A zeolite synthesis from oil palm ash. The obtain produce was Na12Al12Si12O48· 27H2O. The sample was dried in hot air oven. The calcium exchange capacity (CEC) of 386.39 mg CaCO3/g of product, and the 86.05% of pure Na-A zeolite phase was formed. In batch experimental study, the synthetic wastewater was prepared. In order to find out the optimal zeolite dosage was added into 10 mg/L of total ammonium nitrogen solution. The results of unionized ammonia (NH3) removal efficiency indicated that zeolite A standard and zeolite from oil palm ash are better than commercial zeolite. The optimum dosage of 0.2, 0.25 and 0.2 g of zeolite A standard, zeolite from oil palm ash and commercial zeolite, respectively. The NH3 removal capacity from giant freshwater prawn farm, zeolite A standard is better than zeolite from oil palm ash and commercial zeolite, respectively. In the large volume of synthetic wastewater (1000 mL), the zeolite from oil palm ash is the best ammonia removal capacity when compared with zeolite A standard and commercial zeolite.
Synthesis of glycerol carbonate from dimethyl carbonate and glycerol using CaO derived from eggshells
Authors: Praikaew Wanichaya , Kiatkittipong Worapon , Kiatkittipong Kunlanan , Laosiripojana Navadol , Viriya-empikul Navin , Boonyasuwat Sunya , Aiouache Farid , Najdanovic Vesna , Assabumrungrat Suttichai
Published: August 2018

Waste eggshell is proposed as a highly active catalyst for glycerol carbonate production from dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and glycerol. The effect of reaction temperature, reaction time and catalyst loading on the reaction performance were investigated in order to find a suitable operating condition. CaO derived from waste eggshell exhibits catalytic activity comparable to commercial CaO. By using CaO eggshell, glycerol conversion of 96% can be achieved within 90 min of reaction time under 2.5:1 feed molar ratio of DMC to glycerol, 0.08 mole ratio of CaO to glycerol and reaction temperature of 60°C. The catalyst was examined by XRD, TGA/DSC, SEM, N2 adsorption-desorption and Hammett indicators method. Utilization of eggshell as a catalyst for glycerol carbonate production not only provides a cost-effective and value-added of waste eggshell as a green catalyst, but also decrease amount of waste and its treatment cost which is ecologically friendly.
Study on wind energy potential for agricultural water pumping system in the middle part of Thailand
Authors: Prabkeao Chamlong , Tantrapiwat Akapot
Published: August 2018

A study on wind powered water pumping system aimed for agriculture was carried out in the middle part of Thailand. In this alluvial plain, wind energy potential was determined by making a survey on 21 observation sites. The survey was made in a period of one year, and it has shown that this region locates in a clam climate zone with average wind speeds at about 2 m/s. A wind turbine-water pumping system was installed and evaluated for its performance and efficiency. The result has shown a linear relationship between water discharge capability and the wind speeds. Due to the type of turbine and low wind speed in this region, the system efficiency turned out to be minimal, yet it was practical because the wind power was free. A simple cost analysis from the survey data also has shown that using a wind turbine in this region will be worthwhile when it can be operated for about two decades.
Aufgaben beruflich Pflegender in der palliativen Schmerzversorgung von Tumorpatienten
Authors: Nestler Nadja , Krutter Simon , Wittling Thomas , Osterbrink Jürgen
Published: August 2018

Ziele einer palliativen Versorgung sind die Sicherung der Autonomie und Lebensqualität der Patienten sowie die Kontrolle ihrer Symptome, die insbesondere durch
die Stabilisierung der Schmerzsituation erreicht werden. Für die professionelle Versorgung von Patienten mit Tumorschmerzen ist die Berücksichtigung des
subjektiven Schmerzerlebens von besonderer Bedeutung. Damit verbunden ist die Notwendigkeit, im interprofessionellen Schmerzmanagement nach individuellen
Lösungen zu suchen. Die Aufgaben Pflegender im Schmerzmanagement können dabei in 3 Felder zusammengefasst werden: erstens klinische, edukative und
administrative Aufgaben, zweitens die interdisziplinäre Kooperation und Kommunikation sowie drittens die Mitwirkung bei schmerztherapeutischen Maßnahmen. Zur
Anwendung des Konzeptes der stabilen Schmerzsituation benötigen Pflegende Kompetenzen, um ein systematisches pflegerisches Schmerzmanagement unter Einbeziehung
von Pflegeexperten Schmerz und in Abstimmung mit dem interprofessionellen Team umsetzen zu können.
Acute Administration of Tibolone Prevents Oxidative Stress in Ovariectomized Rats Fed High-Fat-and-Fructose Diet
Authors: Estrada Cruz Norma Angélica , Almanza Pérez Julio César , Fortis Barrera Ángeles , Gallardo Juan Manuel , Manuel Apolinar Leticia , Segura Uribe Julia Jeanett , Orozco Suárez Sandra , Coyoy Salgado Angélica , Guerra Araiza Christian
Published: August 2018

In addition to oxidative stress due to the increase of free radicals, estrogen deficiency is associated with changes in enzymatic activity, glutathione redox ratio (GSH/GSSG), and the content of oxidative markers such as malondialdehyde. Tibolone, a synthetic steroid, has been used as an elective treatment for the relief of menopausal symptoms. However, the acute effects of hormonal therapy with tibolone on metabolic parameters and oxidative stress markers associated with the first stages of estrogen deficiency are still unknown. The study aimed to evaluate if the acute administration of tibolone reduces oxidative stress in ovariectomized rats fed high-fat-and-fructose diet. Rats were fed a standard diet or a diet consisting of 10% lard-supplemented chow and 20% high-fructose syrup in the drinking water plus tibolone or vehicle for seven days. Weight, cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose levels, as well as antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress markers were quantified in the serum of each experimental group. It was observed that seven days of diet and tibolone treatment in the ovariectomized group reduced weight, triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose levels and advanced glycation end products but did not change GSH/GSSG ratio nor the enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase. Also, both glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activity decreased, as well as malondialdehyde levels. These results suggest that the acute treatment with tibolone prevented the changes in the metabolic parameters analyzed as well as the increase in the levels of malondialdehyde and AGEs induced by ovariectomy and high-fat diet.
Österreichisches Benchmarking ERCP: 10-Jahresbericht
Authors: Kienbauer Melanie , Duller Christine , Gschwantler Michael , Püspök Andreas , Schöfl Rainer , Kapral Christine
Published: August 2018

Seit 10 Jahren überblickt das Qualitätssicherungsprogramm „Benchmarking ERCP“ unter der Patronanz der Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Gastroenterologie und Hepatologie (ÖGGH) mit einjähriger Unterbrechung (2008) in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Institut für Angewandte Statistik der Johannes Kepler Universität Linz die Ergebnisqualität, Erfolgsrate und Patientensicherheit bei der ERCP in Österreich anhand von derzeit 28 319 gesammelten Untersuchungen.

Die teilnehmenden Zentren mit unterschiedlicher ERCP-Frequenz und Untersucherzahl können so anhand des Vergleichs den gepoolten Benchmark-Daten individuelle Probleme in Hinblick auf Erfolgs-, Sondierungs- und Komplikationsraten (3,9 % Post-ERCP-Pankreatitiden, 3,8 % Blutungen, 0,6 % Perforationen, 1,2 % Cholangitiden, 1,0 % kardiopulmonale Komplikationen) erkennen und verbessern.
The importance of applying Standardised Integrative Taxonomy when describing marine benthic organisms and collecting ecological data
Authors: Di Camillo Cristina Gioia , Gravili Cinzia , De Vito Doris , Pica Daniela , Piraino Stefano , Puce Stefania , Cerrano Carlo
Published: August 2018

The decline of morphologically based taxonomy is mainly linked to increasing species redundancy, which probably contributed to a worldwide disinterest in taxonomy, and to a reduction of funding for systematic biology and for expertise training. The present trend in the study of biodiversity is integrated taxonomy, which merges morphological and molecular approaches. At the same time, in many cases new molecular techniques have eclipsed the morphological approach. The application of Standardised Integrative Taxonomy, i.e. a rigorous, common method of description based on the integration between ecological and morphological characteristics, may increase the precision, accessibility, exploitability and longevity of the collected data, and favour the renaissance of taxonomy by new investments in biodiversity exploration.
Intimate-partner violence and reproductive decision-making by women attending Victorian Maternal- and Child-Health services: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Bauleni Esther M. , Hooker Leesa , Vally Hassan P. , Taft Angela
Published: August 2018

The reproductive years are a critical period where women experience greater risk of intimate-partner violence (IPV). Most studies investigating the association between IPV and reproductive health have been completed in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to examine the relationship between IPV and women’s reproductive decision-making in Victoria, Australia. We analysed secondary data from a cluster-randomised trial of IPV screening that surveyed new mothers attending Maternal- and Child-Health centres in Melbourne. Survey measures included the experience of partner abuse in the past 12 months using the Composite Abuse Scale and four reproductive decision-making indicators. Results showed that IPV affects reproductive decision-making among postpartum women. Women who reported abuse were less likely to plan for a baby (adjusted Odds Ratio 0.48, 95% CI: 0.31–0.75) than were non-abused women, significantly more likely to have partners make decisions for them about contraception (Risk ratio (RR) 4.09, 95% CI: 1.31–12.75), and whether and when to have a baby (RR 12.35, 95% CI: 4.46–34.16), than they were to make decisions jointly. Pregnant and postpartum women need to be screened for partner violence that compromises women’s decision-making power regarding their reproductive rights.
Informing major government programs for rural transport infrastructure in northern Australia
Authors: Higgins Andrew , McFallan Stephen , McKeown Adam , Bruce Caroline , Chilcott Chris
Published: August 2018

New or expanded agricultural industries in northern Australia require efficient and reliable supply chains and transport to domestic and international markets. A major challenge in the north is long transport distances of over 1000km between production and markets, along a sparse rural road/rail network that is largely unsealed and disrupted by seasonal flooding. To provide a comprehensive view of transport logistics costs and benefits due to infrastructure investments and regulatory changes in agriculture supply chains, the Australian Government commissioned CSIRO to develop the Transport Network Strategic Investment Tool (TraNSIT). TraNSIT optimises transport routes for up to hundreds of thousands of enterprises and millions of vehicle trips between farms and their markets, providing modelled input into operational and investment decisions. As part of a major Australian Government initiative, TraNSIT was used to directly inform the A$100 million 2016 Beef Roads Program targeting transport infrastructure investments across northern Australia. It was used to evaluate the transport savings for 60 road upgrade submissions, where the total construction cost exceeded A$3 billion. This paper highlights the innovations and experiences of using TraNSIT to inform the Beef Roads Program.
Genome Detective: an automated system for virus identification from high-throughput sequencing data
Authors: Vilsker Michael , Moosa Yumna , Nooij Sam , Fonseca Vagner , Ghysens Yoika , Dumon Korneel , Pauwels Raf , Alcantara Luiz Carlos , Vanden Eynden Ewout , Vandamme Anne-Mieke , Deforche Koen , de Oliveira Tulio
Published: August 2018

Genome Detective is an easy to use web-based software application that assembles the genomes of viruses quickly and accurately. The application uses a novel alignment method that constructs genomes by reference-based linking of de novo contigs by combining amino-acids and nucleotide scores. The software was optimized using synthetic datasets to represent the great diversity of virus genomes. The application was then validated with next generation sequencing data of hundreds of viruses. User time is minimal and it is limited to the time required to upload the data.

Availability and implementation

Available online: http://www.genomedetective.com/app/typingtool/virus/.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Factors Affecting the Response of Pomegranate Fruit to Alternaria alternata, the Causal Agent of Heart Rot
Authors: Ezra D. , Shulhani R. , Bar Ya’akov I. , Harel-Beja R. , Holland D. , Shtienberg D.
Published: August 2018

Heart rot, caused by Alternaria alternata, is a major pomegranate disease that impacts production worldwide; most fruits in orchards are colonized by A. alternata but, nevertheless, symptoms are apparent on only a small proportion of the colonized fruits. During the years of our previous research it was noticed that within individual orchards, the incidence of pomegranate fruits exhibiting heart rot symptoms was related to the visual appearance of the trees: trees that appeared visually frail bore more diseased fruits than robust trees. Furthermore, it was noticed that the disease responses of different pomegranate accessions and possibly of different variants of the same cultivar varied markedly. The specific objectives of the present study were: (i) to characterize the relationship between the visual appearance of pomegranate plants or individual stems and the incidence of heart rot and their vulnerability to heart rot; and (ii) to elucidate factors affecting the response of pomegranate fruit to A. alternata. Analysis of heart rot incidence in four orchards in 2014 revealed large differences in heart rot incidence among trees growing side by side in the same orchard; these differences were related to the visual appearance of the pomegranate trees. There were significant differences among germination rates of A. alternata spores in juice prepared from asymptomatic fruits originating from these trees, and comparable differences were found among the acidity levels (pH) of the juices. These differences may reflect differences among the physiological responses of pomegranate trees to heart rot. Fruits collected from the pomegranate collection located in Newe Ya’ar, which comprised 95 accessions in 2015 and 110 accessions in 2016, were also examined. There were differences among the acidity levels (pH) of the juices produced from these fruits and among the germination rates of A. alternata spores in the juices. These differences may reflect variances among the genetic responses of pomegranate accessions to heart rot. Results of studying the relationship between the acidity levels of pomegranate juice and the germination rates of A. alternata spores supported the hypothesis that, apart from pH, a compound(s) present in the juice regulates the germination of A. alternata spores in the juice.
The Effects of ILeVO and VOTiVO on Root Penetration and Behavior of the Soybean Cyst Nematode, Heterodera glycines
Authors: Beeman Augustine Q. , Njus Zach L. , Pandey Santosh , Tylka Gregory L.
Published: August 2018

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of ILeVO (fluopyram) and VOTiVO (Bacillus firmus I-1582) seed treatments on Heterodera glycines second-stage juvenile (J2) root penetration and behavior. In a growth chamber experiment, roots of soybeans grown from treated or untreated seeds were inoculated with H. glycines J2s at soil depths of 2.5, 5, or 7.5 cm. ILeVO significantly reduced H. glycines root penetration compared with the untreated control, but only when J2s were inoculated at a soil depth of 2.5 cm, which was near the seed. Changes in nematode behavior were assessed by collecting 60-s videos of J2s after 2 h of exposure to exudates from treated seeds or radicles from treated seeds or from soil leachates in which treated seeds were planted. X- and y-coordinates of each of the 13 reference points were recorded every hour for 24 h. A custom program analyzed and transformed the coordinates into nematode motion parameters (speed and total change in curvature). ILeVO, but not VOTiVO, seed exudates significantly reduced J2 speed relative to the untreated control. Soil leachates from ILeVO or VOTiVO treatments had no consistent effect on H. glycines speed or total change in curvature compared with the untreated control. In another experiment, treated or untreated seeds were incubated in wells of 6-well tissue culture plates containing 11.5% Pluronic gel. Seeds were removed after 2 h, and approximately 50 J2s then were pipetted into each well. The plates were scanned every 60 min for 24 h, and the number of J2s in each well that moved a minimum distance of ≥300 µm was determined using another custom software program. ILeVO, but not VOTiVO, significantly reduced the movement of J2 populations relative to control wells in which no seeds were added. And wells that had seeds, treated or not, yielded significantly less J2 movement compared with the no-seed control. The results of these experiments indicate that ILeVO reduces activity on H. glycines J2s but may not affect nematodes beyond a limited area surrounding the treated seed.
Health Locus of Control Is Associated With Physical Activity and Other Health Behaviors in Cardiac Patients
Authors: Mercer Darren A. , Ditto Blaine , Lavoie Kim L. , Campbell Tavis , Arsenault André , Bacon Simon L.
Published: August 2018

Purpose:

Physical inactivity, smoking, and excessive alcohol use are well-recognized modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), yet uptake of strategies to mitigate these poor health behaviors varies widely among patients with cardiovascular disease. Part of this variation may be explained by health locus of control (HLOC), defined as the extent to which individuals believe their health is a consequence of their own actions, chance, or the influence of others (eg, physicians).

Methods:

A total of 599 cardiac outpatients (30% female, 61.4 ± 9.4 y of age) completed the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control questionnaire and a structured health behavior questionnaire assessing physical activity, smoking, and alcohol use, at baseline and a 4-y follow-up. Relationships between health behaviors and HLOC were assessed cross-sectionally and longitudinally using general linear models and logistic regression models adjusting for medical and sociodemographic factors.

Results:

Higher Internal HLOC was found to be associated with higher levels of leisure time physical activity (LTPA) (β = .21, P = .0008), while lower Internal HLOC was associated with decreasing levels of alcohol consumption over time (β = .26, P = .03). Increasing Chance HLOC was related to lower levels of leisure time physical activity (β = −.15, P = .047) and increased likelihood of being a smoker (β = .10, P = .01), and increasing physician HLOC was associated with decreased likelihood of being a smoker (β = −.17, P = .01).

Conclusions:

Associations between HLOC and multiple health behaviors were observed in a large sample of cardiac outpatients. Results suggest that assessing and targeting HLOC beliefs of cardiac patients may be clinically relevant for behavior change in settings, such as in rehabilitation programs where behavior change is a goal.
CENTRAL RETINAL ARTERY OCCLUSION WITH CILIORETINAL ARTERY SPARING AFTER LASER-ASSISTED IN SITU KERATOMILEUSIS
Authors: Francis Andrew W. , Zhu Ivy , Borirakchanyavat Sidhiporn , Schwartz Daniel M. , Hwang David G.
Published: August 2018

Purpose:

To report a central retinal artery occlusion with cilioretinal artery sparing in a 48-year-old woman after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis surgery.

Methods:

Case history and clinical examination including best-corrected visual acuity, serum markers, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography.

Results:

A 48-year-old woman underwent routine laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis surgery in both eyes. On postoperative Day 1, vision was 20/20 in both eyes with full visual fields by confrontation. Eight hours after being examined, she reported photopsias and a new visual field defect in the right eye . Visual acuity was 20/40, pinhole 20/20 in the right eye, with restriction of visual field by confrontation. Dilated fundus examination revealed retinal whitening in all quadrants with sparing of the fovea along the distribution of a perfused cilioretinal artery. Optical coherence tomography showed an intact foveal depression with inner retinal layer hyperreflectivity outside the region of the perfused cilioretinal artery. Fluorescein angiography revealed sectoral nonperfusion of the posterior pole with macular sparing along the patent cilioretinal artery. Hypercoagulable workup, carotid imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain were unremarkable.

Conclusion:

This is the first report of a central retinal artery occlusion with cilioretinal artery sparing occurring on postoperative Day 1 after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis surgery.
Ex-PRESS Miniature Glaucoma Shunt Versus Ahmed Glaucoma Valve in the Surgical Treatment of Glaucoma in Pseudophakic Patients
Authors: Rabkin-Mainer Zoya , Wolf Alvit , Mathalone Nurit , Melamud Alina , Buckman Gila , Edmunds Beth , Stein Nili , Steinberg David M. , Geyer Orna
Published: August 2018

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to compare the 3-year outcome of Ex-PRESS miniature glaucoma shunt versus Ahmed glaucoma valve in pseudophakic patients.

Patients and Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with a history of clear corneal phacoemulsification alone, or failed trabeculectomy following phacoemulsification, who subsequently underwent Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation or Ex-PRESS shunt surgery. The main outcome measure, surgical success, was defined as an intraocular pressure between 5 and 21 mm Hg and a 20% intraocular pressure reduction from baseline (with/without glaucoma medications) without glaucoma reoperation.

Results:

In total, 92 patients (92 eyes) were included (43 AGV, 49 Ex-PRESS). Overall success at 3 years was 92.7% for AGV and 66.1% for Ex-PRESS (P=0.006). AGV had a higher success rate in patients with prior phacoemulsification and failed trabeculectomy (96% AGV vs. 64.1% Ex-PRESS; P=0.023). There was no difference in success rate for patients with only previous phacoemulsification (87.5% AGV vs. 69.4% Ex-PRESS; P=0.205). Glaucoma reoperation rates were 4.6% and 30.6% in the AGV and Ex-PRESS group, respectively (P=0.001). Both procedures had similar complication rates.

Conclusions:

AGV compared with Ex-PRESS shunt, had a higher success rate for secondary surgeries but not primary surgeries, in patients with prior clear corneal phacoemulsification. The AGV surgery also had a lower overall glaucoma reoperation rate.
Safety and Efficacy of Diode Laser Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation in Eyes With Good Visual Acuity
Authors: Shah Parth , Bhakta Amitabha , Vanner Elizabeth A. , Kishor Krishna S. , Greenfield David S. , Maharaj Arindel S.R.
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims:

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC) in eyes with good visual acuity.

Patients and Methods:

A retrospective chart review identified patients who underwent TSCPC for uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) from 2014 to 2016. Enrollment criteria included pretreatment best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20 of 40 or better, and a minimum of 6 months of postoperative follow-up.

Results:

Thirty-three eyes of 33 patients(mean age, 72.1±16.0 y) were enrolled (mean follow-up 12.6±6.1 mo). The mean (SD) IOP was reduced 48.3% from 27.1 mm Hg (7.8) at baseline to 13.1 mm Hg (4.2) at last follow-up. Reduction of ≥1 glaucoma medications was achieved in 17 eyes (51.5%) at last follow-up. The cumulative probability of complete success (BCVA loss <2 Snelling lines, 20% reduction IOP, no reoperation for glaucoma, no IOP<5 mm Hg) was 78.8% and 50% at months 6 and 12, respectively. The cumulative probability of qualified success (BCVA≥2 lines with ≥20% reduction IOP, no reoperation for glaucoma, no IOP<5 mm Hg) was 90.1% and 81.3% at month 6 and 1 year, respectively. Significant vision loss, defined as BCVA≥2 lines, occurred in 33% of patients. The most common complications were postoperative iritic (56.3%) and cystoid macular edema (12.5%).

Conclusions:

TSCPC demonstrates a strong reduction in IOP and glaucoma medication use. However, with significant vision loss in 33% of patients, future prospective studies with a comparison group receiving traditional glaucoma surgery are needed to determine comparative safety and efficacy.
The Effect of Body Weight Changes on Total Plasma Clozapine Concentrations Determined by Applying a Statistical Model to the Data From a Double-Blind Trial
Authors: Diaz Francisco J. , Josiassen Richard C. , de Leon Jose
Published: August 2018

Purpose/Background

Some therapeutic drug monitoring studies suggest that increased weight is associated with small increases in clozapine concentrations. The goal of this study was to reanalyze a US double-blind study using a sophisticated statistical model to test whether weight gains from baseline or increases in percentage of body fat from baseline, computed from a published equation, are associated with increased total plasma clozapine concentrations after controlling for the effects of smoking and sex.

Methods/Procedures

Using data from a multidosage randomized double-blind US clozapine trial previously published, a random intercept linear model of steady-state total plasma clozapine concentrations was fitted to 424 concentrations from 47 patients.

Findings/Results

After adjusting for sex and smoking, (1) a 1-kg gain in body weight during clozapine treatment was significantly associated with a 1.4% increase in total plasma clozapine concentrations (95% confidence interval = 0.55 to 2.3) and (2) a 1-point increase in percentage of body fat during clozapine treatment was significantly associated with a 5.4% increase in total clozapine concentration (2.5 to 8.3) in females and 1.4% (−1.1 to 4.0) in males.

Implications/Conclusions

As hypothesized, weight increases during clozapine treatment, which probably reflect increases in fat tissue, were associated with increases in total plasma concentrations. Pending further replication in other samples, it seems likely that clozapine may deposit in body fat and that this may decrease clozapine clearance. This change may be small in most patients but may be clinically relevant in females with major gains in body fat.
Tranylcypromine Plus Amitriptyline for Electroconvulsive Therapy–Resistant Depression
Authors: Ferreira-Garcia Rafael , da Rocha Freire Rafael Christophe , Appolinário José Carlos , Levitan Michelle N. , Halkjær-Lassen Roseane Dorte , Bueno João Romildo , Nardi Antonio E.
Published: August 2018

Background

Few therapeutic options are available for patients with electroconvulsive therapy–resistant major depressive disorder (ECT-r MDD), leaving a substantial proportion of this population beyond treatment possibilities. The combination of monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants could be a potential strategy for managing ECT-r MDD, and the specific association of amitriptyline and tranylcypromine may offer additional tolerability advantages. Although promising, in our knowledge, no studies have examined until now the effectiveness of this combination in ECT-r MDD.

Methods

We report a retrospective cohort of 31 patients with ECT-r MDD treated in an open-label fashion with the combination of amitriptyline and tranylcypromine.

Results

Overall, 80.6% of the sample met response criteria at the end of the first 12 weeks of treatment. Seventy-six percent (19 of 25) of the responders were followed for a mean of 9.37 ± 3.86 years. During this follow-up period, none of the patients had a recurring depressive episode. The combination was well tolerated, whereas minor adverse effects were common, and no severe or life-threatening events were reported throughout the study.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that the combination tranylcypromine and amitriptyline is a potentially safe and effective candidate for future investigation in the treatment and long-term maintenance of ECT-r MDD.
Effect of Immediate Loop Electrode Excisional Procedure for High-Grade Cervical Cytology in an Urban Academic Clinic Setting
Authors: McGregor Ali E. , Gecsi Kimberly
Published: August 2018

Objective

The aim of the study was to determine whether treating all patients older than 25 years with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) Paps with immediate loop electrode excisional procedure (LEEP) improves rates of receiving indicated treatment and evaluating whether this practice results in overtreatment (defined by excisional pathology less than cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2).

Materials and Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study at an urban, Medicaid-based clinic, which evaluated women older than 25 years with HSIL Pap results seen from June 2011 to December 2016. In June 2013, the clinic practice was restructured and management of HSIL Pap results in patients older than 25 years was standardized to immediate LEEP procedure, without intermediate colposcopic examination. Our primary outcome is the number of women who received LEEPs before and after this clinical practice change. The secondary outcome evaluated the number of women who received overtreatment. The χ2 test with a p value of 0.05 as significant was used to compare the results between groups.

Results

Twenty-three (82%) of the 28 women treated before clinical practice change received indicated treatment, with 19 receiving LEEPs. Twenty-four (96%) of the 25 women treated after the clinical practice change received indicated LEEPs (p = .11). Seven (37%) of the 19 women in the initial group had LEEP pathology results less than CIN 2, whereas only 4 (17%) of the 24 women in the immediate LEEP group had results less than CIN 2 (p = .13).

Conclusions

Implementation of a standardized management of HSIL Pap with immediate LEEP did not statistically increase the amount of patients who received indicated LEEPs; however, implementation of this practice did not result in overtreatment.