bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Equity, Inclusion and Conflict in Community Based Forest Management: A Case of Salghari Community Forest in Nepal
Authors: Acharya Sushant , Upreti Bishnu Raj
Published: December 2015

The equity and inclusion issues are widely observed in Community Based Forest Management (CBFM) and Community Forestry (CF) is not an exception. Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs) are portrayed as robust grassroots institutions for forest management and group governance. However, many contemporary researches have shown that CFUGs are still governed by some influential local elites who hardly practice equity and inclusion. In this context, objectives of this paper are: to explore how equity and inclusion issues lead CFUGs fall into internal conflicts; and to demonstrate how CFUGs are able to address such issues locally. The study was carried out in Salghari CFUG of Ratnechaur, Myagdi. Semi-structured interview and focused group discussion were key tools used for data collection. Livelihoods and Social Inclusion Framework and Equity Framework are used for data analysis. The findings of the research revealed that dalits and non-dalits of Salghari fall into internal conflict regarding the use of forest products. The conflict was then managed through amendments in CF provisions and change in CF leadership. This paper concludes that execution of equity and inclusion provisions in CF, secures access to assets for disadvantaged people from CBFM. However, this demands empowerment of these people and facilitating role of external agency.
Further application of the cleavage fracture stress model for estimating the T
0 of highly embrittled ferritic steels
Authors: Sreenivasan P. R.
Published: December 2015

The semi-empirical cleavage fracture stress model (CFS), based on the microscopic cleavage fracture stress, σ
f, for estimating the ASTM E1921 reference temperature (T
0) of ferritic steels from instrumented impact testing of unprecracked Charpy V-notch specimens is further confirmed by test results for additional steels, including steels highly embrittled by thermal aging or irradiation. In addition to the ferrite–pearlite, bainitic or tempered martensitic steels (which was examined earlier), acicular or polygonal ferrite, precipitation-strengthened or additional simulated heat affected zone steels are also evaluated. The upper limit for the applicability of the present CFS model seems to be T
41J ∼160 to 170 °C or T
0 or T
Qcfs (T
0 estimate from the present CFS model) ∼100 to 120 °C. This is not a clear-cut boundary, but indicative of an area of caution where generation and evaluation of further data are required. However, the present work demonstrates the applicability of the present CFS model even to substantially embrittled steels. The earlier doubts expressed about T
Qcfs becoming unduly non-conservative for highly embrittled steels has not been fully substantiated and partly arises from the necessity of modifications in the T
0 evaluation itself at high degrees of embrittlement suggested in the literature.
Effect of green preform composition, temperature and duration conditions on microstructure and performance of Al-5Ti-0.2C master alloy
Authors: Svynarenko Kateryna , Jie Jinchuan , Zhang Yubo , Kutsova Valentyna , Li Tingju
Published: December 2015

Al-5Ti-0.2C master alloy was prepared via a simple combustion synthesis approach. By means of different smelting parameters, changes in its microstructure and refining performance were studied. Under short holding conditions (5 – 10 min) increase of Al content in the preform from 10 % to 40 % results in more numerous carbon-rich particles in the master alloy and better refinement performance. Nevertheless, preparation of refiner with satisfactory refining ability requires longer holding conditions (30 min). With prolonged holding time after the combustion, alloys possess similar microstructure and refining efficacy regardless of the chemical composition of the preform. Decrease of smelting temperature from 1 250 °C to 950 °C results in noticeable deterioration of the master alloy refining performance. The reasons, which impede successful utilization of primary benefits provided by combustion reaction, are discussed.
Force-Sensing Actuator with a Compliant Flexure-Type Joint for a Robotic Manipulator
Authors: Grossard Mathieu , Martin Javier , Huard Benoît
Published: December 2015

This paper deals with the mechatronic design of a novel self-sensing motor-to-joint transmission to be used for the actuation of robotic dexterous manipulators. Backdrivability, mechanical simplicity and efficient flexure joint structures are key concepts that have guided the mechanical design rationale to provide the actuator with force sensing capabilities. Indeed, a self-sensing characteristic is achieved by the specific design of high-resolution cable-driven actuators based on a DC motor, a ball-screw and a monolithic compliant anti-rotation system together with a novel flexure pivot providing a frictionless mechanical structure. That novel compliant pivot with a large angular range and a small center shift has been conceived of to provide the inter-phalangeal rotational degree of freedom of the fingers’ joints to be used for integration in a multi-fingered robotic gripper. Simultaneously, it helps to remove friction at the joint level of the mechanism. Experimental tests carried out on a prototype show an accurate matching between the model and the real behavior. Overall, this mechatronic design contributes to the improvement of the manipulation skills of robotic grippers, thanks to the combination of high performance mechanics, high sensitivity to external forces and compliance control capability.
Fractal Characterization of Settlement Patterns and Their Spatial Determinants in Coastal Zones
Authors: Zhang Zhonghao , Yang Xiaoqin , Xiao Rui
Published: December 2015

Using box-counting and spatial regression, this paper analyzes the morphological characteristics of coastal settlement patterns and their spatial determinants, with a case of the Wen-Tai region on the Chinese eastern coast. Coastal settlement patterns, which reflect the interactions between people and the surrounding environment, can indicate the anthropogenic pressure sustained in the coastal zones. Characterization of settlement patterns in coastal zones is definitely needed for coastal management. Results indicate that coastal settlement patterns in the Wen-Tai region present significant fractal characteristics, and exhibit obvious spatial variations. The morphological characteristics of settlement patterns are significantly correlated with the standard deviation value of elevation and slope, as well as percentage of loam soils. In particular, cities with greater relief amplitude, higher slope variability, and higher percentage of loam soils would present more complexity in form. Proximity to roads and rivers are insignificant determinants. Our study contributes to the understanding of the spatial determinants of the morphological characteristics of settlement patterns in coastal zones. We argue that fractal dimension provides a useful tool to facilitate the identification of vulnerability hotspots for coastal studies.
Diversity and Inheritance of Intergenic Spacer Sequences of 45S Ribosomal DNA among Accessions of Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata
Authors: Yang Kiwoung , Robin Arif , Yi Go-Eun , Lee Jonghoon , Chung Mi-Young , Yang Tae-Jin , Nou Ill-Sup
Published: December 2015

Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) of plants is present in high copy number and shows variation between and within species in the length of the intergenic spacer (IGS). The 45S rDNA of flowering plants includes the 5.8S, 18S and 25S rDNA genes, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS1 and ITS2), and the intergenic spacer 45S-IGS (25S-18S). This study identified six different types of 45S-IGS, A to F, which at 363 bp, 1121 bp, 1717 bp, 1969 bp, 2036 bp and 2111 bp in length, respectively, were much shorter than the reported reference IGS sequences in B. oleracea var. alboglabra. The shortest two IGS types, A and B, lacked the transcription initiation site, non-transcribed spacer, and external transcribed spacer. Functional behavior of those two IGS types in relation to rRNA synthesis is a subject of further investigation. The other four IGSs had subtle variations in the transcription termination site, guanine-cytosine (GC) content, and number of tandem repeats, but the external transcribed spacers of these four IGSs were quite similar in length. The 45S IGSs were found to follow Mendelian inheritance in a population of 15 F1s and their 30 inbred parental lines, which suggests that these sequences could be useful for development of new breeding tools. In addition, this study represents the first report of intra-specific (within subspecies) variation of the 45S IGS in B. oleracea.
Addendum: Keller, L.; et al. Integrating Microtissues in Nanofiber Scaffolds for Regenerative Nanomedicine. Materials 2015, 8, 6863–6867
Authors: Editorial Office Materials
Published: December 2015

The Materials Editorial Office wishes to make the following erratum to this paper.
The 9th European Conference on Marine Natural Products
Authors: Edrada-Ebel RuAngelie , Jaspars Marcel
Published: December 2015

The 9th European Conference on Marine Natural Products (ECMNP) in Glasgow follows its predecessors in La Toja (2013), Tjärnö (2011), Porto (2009), Ischia (2007), Paris (2005), Elmau (2002), Santiago de Compostela (1999), and Athens (1997). [...]
Simultaneous Determination of Eight Ginsenosides in Rat Plasma by Liquid Chromatography–Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry: Application to Their Pharmacokinetics
Authors: Ma Li-Yuan , Zhang You-Bo , Zhou Qi-Le , Yang Yan-Fang , Yang Xiu-Wei
Published: December 2015

A high-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) method was successfully developed and validated for the identification and determination of eight ginsenosides: ginsenoside Rg1 (1); 20(S)-ginsenoside Rh1 (2); 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg2 (3); 20(R)-ginsenoside Rh1 (4); 20(R)-ginsenoside Rg2 (5); ginsenoside Rd (6); 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg3 (7); and 20(R)-ginsenoside Rg3 (8) in rat plasma. The established rapid method had high linearity, selectivity, sensitivity, accuracy, and precision. The method has been used successfully to study the pharmacokinetics of abovementioned eight ginsenosides for the first time. After an oral administration of total saponins in the stems-leaves of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (GTSSL) at a dose of 400 mg/kg, the ginsenosides 6, 7, and 8, belonging to protopanaxadiol-type saponins, exhibited relatively long tmax values, suggesting that they were slowly absorbed, while the ginsenosides 1–5, belonging to protopanaxatriol-type saponins, had different tmax values, which should be due to their differences in the substituted groups. Compounds 2 and 4, 3 and 5, 7 and 8 were three pairs of R/S epimerics at C-20, which was interesting that the t1/2 of 20(S)-epimers were always longer than those of 20(R)-epimers. This pharmacokinetic identification of multiple ginsenosides of GTSSL in rat plasma provides a significant basis for better understanding the clinical application of GTSSL.
Tracking Multiple Video Targets with an Improved GM-PHD Tracker
Authors: Zhou Xiaolong , Yu Hui , Liu Honghai , Li Youfu
Published: December 2015

Tracking multiple moving targets from a video plays an important role in many vision-based robotic applications. In this paper, we propose an improved Gaussian mixture probability hypothesis density (GM-PHD) tracker with weight penalization to effectively and accurately track multiple moving targets from a video. First, an entropy-based birth intensity estimation method is incorporated to eliminate the false positives caused by noisy video data. Then, a weight-penalized method with multi-feature fusion is proposed to accurately track the targets in close movement. For targets without occlusion, a weight matrix that contains all updated weights between the predicted target states and the measurements is constructed, and a simple, but effective method based on total weight and predicted target state is proposed to search the ambiguous weights in the weight matrix. The ambiguous weights are then penalized according to the fused target features that include spatial-colour appearance, histogram of oriented gradient and target area and further re-normalized to form a new weight matrix. With this new weight matrix, the tracker can correctly track the targets in close movement without occlusion. For targets with occlusion, a robust game-theoretical method is used. Finally, the experiments conducted on various video scenarios validate the effectiveness of the proposed penalization method and show the superior performance of our tracker over the state of the art.
Microelectromechanical Resonant Accelerometer Designed with a High Sensitivity
Authors: Zhang Jing , Su Yan , Shi Qin , Qiu An-Ping
Published: December 2015

This paper describes the design and experimental evaluation of a silicon micro-machined resonant accelerometer (SMRA). This type of accelerometer works on the principle that a proof mass under acceleration applies force to two double-ended tuning fork (DETF) resonators, and the frequency output of two DETFs exhibits a differential shift. The dies of an SMRA are fabricated using silicon-on-insulator (SOI) processing and wafer-level vacuum packaging. This research aims to design a high-sensitivity SMRA because a high sensitivity allows for the acceleration signal to be easily demodulated by frequency counting techniques and decreases the noise level. This study applies the energy-consumed concept and the Nelder-Mead algorithm in the SMRA to address the design issues and further increase its sensitivity. Using this novel method, the sensitivity of the SMRA has been increased by 66.1%, which attributes to both the re-designed DETF and the reduced energy loss on the micro-lever. The results of both the closed-form and finite-element analyses are described and are in agreement with one another. A resonant frequency of approximately 22 kHz, a frequency sensitivity of over 250 Hz per g, a one-hour bias stability of 55 μg, a bias repeatability (1σ) of 48 μg and the bias-instability of 4.8 μg have been achieved.
Determination of Rate of Medical Waste Generation Using RVM, MARS and MPMR
Authors: J. Jagan , Samui Pijush , Dixon Barnali
Published: December 2015

The prediction of medical waste generation is an important task in hospital waste management. This article uses Relevance Vector Machine (RVM), Multivariate Adaptive Regression Spline (MARS) and Minimax Probability Machine Regression (MPMR) for prediction of rate of medical waste generation. Type of hospital, Capacity and Bed Occupancy has been used as inputs of RVM, MARS and MPMR. RVM is a probabilistic bayesian learning framework. MARS builds flexible model by using piecewise linear regressions. MPMR maximizes the minimum probability that future predicted outputs of the regression model will be within some bound of the true regression function. MARS, RVM and MPMR have been used as regression techniques. The results show that the developed RVM, MPMR and MARS give excellent models for determination of rate of medical waste generation.
Life Cycle Costing for Sustainability
Authors: Üç Mustafa , Elitaş Cemal
Published: December 2015

Life cycle costing supports sustainability by stressing the costs not only in the production and selling phases but also considering the costs which are incurred after the sale of the products. This chapter reveals main characteristics of life cycle costing as follows: Life cycle costing also includes production costs which are; (a) research and development costs, (b) marketing, selling, distribution and design costs, (c) and also user costs. User costs have three dimensions: transaction costs, maintenance costs, and disposal costs. Therefore one can simply assert that life cycle costing has a broader approach in the calculation of the costs compared to other conventional costing systems. After introducing the main characteristics and basic definitions of life cycle costing, this chapter will discuss the implementation of life cycle costing in comparison with other conventional costing systems. Following this, we will analyze the link between life cycle costing, waste management and sustainability. Overall review will be done in the conclusion.
SCOR Model and the Green Supply Chain
Authors: Akkucuk Ulas
Published: December 2015

Supply chain management (SCM) is a continually evolving field, relying on breaking down internal and external organizational barriers to gain efficiencies, improve customer support and increase flexibility, thereby resulting in lower costs and increased market share. An emerging area in supply chain practice is green SCM, which integrates environmental management with traditional SCM. Green supply chain management is seen as an important step companies need to take on the road to sustainable practices. SCOR Model (Supply Chain Operations Reference) has been developed by the Supply Chain Council (SCC now merged with APICS) in order to guide companies applying SCM principles. The GreenSCOR model was also developed as an integrated green SCM tool that allows companies to manage their supply chain's environmental impacts, resulting in more efficient operations which have minimal impact on the environment. This chapter will talk about how SCM principles can be modified to reduce the adverse effects of company operations on the environment, especially using the GreenSCOR model.
The Networked Self
Authors: Hesapci-Sanaktekin Ozlem , Aslanbay Yonca
Published: December 2015

The number of digital networks established for a common social ‘cause' having passion of civic activism increase globally day by day. The purpose of this study is to provide explanations for civic engagement through social media causes. In the current study, a structured questionnaire is administered to 308 social media users in Turkey. The findings refine existing research bringing a new perspective to collectivism by explaining civic engagement in specific areas through social media causes in terms of individualistic values, self-identity (social vs. personal) and social media use. Overall findings ascertain social media's role on raising social capital while enhancing not only the individual selves but also collective performances through diverse civic cause engagements. The study has significant outcomes for both non-profit and profit organizations in building strategies of communication with their stakeholders through digital means.
Structure Development for Effective Medical Waste and Hazardous Waste Management System
Authors: Cılız Nilgün , Yıldırım Hacer , Temizel Şila
Published: December 2015

Management of medical and hazardous wastes is a serious problem especially for developing countries. People are not aware of possible threats and/or they are afraid of the cost of application. Rapid population growth leads municipalities towards proper solid waste management applications. In this study, data were collected from the Turkish Statistical Institute and a general framework was drawn for medical and hazardous waste amounts and disposal methods. Starting from this point of view, the authors analyzed both the Regulation on Control of Hazardous Waste and the Regulation on Control of Medical Waste applied in Turkey. Taking into account all of these factors, this chapter is intended to develop the medical and hazardous waste management system economically and environmentally including waste generation, collection, transportation, disposal and treatment activities. Additionally, it investigates the reasons for lack of proper application of the regulations in light of the statistical data.
Agent-Based Simulation and Modeling for Service Allocation in Digital Manufacturing Market
Authors: Dabbaghianamiri Maedeh , Ameri Farhad , Jimenez Jesus
Published: December 2015

Manufacturing supply chains are increasingly becoming agile to keep up with the rapid changes in the market. Ability to assess and select new suppliers quickly is a necessity for rapid formation of agile supply chains. The Digital Manufacturing Market (DMM) was proposed as a virtual market for trading manufacturing services. In the DMM, buyers and sellers are represented by intelligent software agents. The DMM enables autonomous deployment of service-oriented supply chains from a pool of suppliers that are distributed geographically. In this paper, a simulated model of the DMM is proposed and implemented. The objective is to evaluate the performance of the market under different scenarios. The metrics used for evaluating the performance of the market include average customer wait time, utilization rate of the suppliers in the system, the number of matched services in a given time period, and the overall score of the created supply chains. The results show that a combination of dynamic capacity adjustment and discount policy improves the performance of the market.
Systems medicine as a scientific method for individualizing therapies in cardiology
Authors: Pristipino Christian
Published: December 2015

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Role of a multidisciplinary program in improving outcomes in cognitively impaired heart failure older patients
Authors: Del Sindaco Donatella , Pulignano Giovanni , Di Lenarda Andrea , Tarantini Luigi , Cioffi Giovanni , Tolone Stefano , Denitza Tinti Maria , Monzo Luca , Barbati Giulia , Minardi Giovanni
Published: December 2015

Background: Cognitive impairment (CI) frequently complicates Heart failure (HF) and is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Previous studies reported that nurse-lead home-based multidisciplinary program (MP) may not improve the prognosis of this high-risk group. In the present study, we analysed the relative effectiveness of an integrated hospital-based MP in patients with cognitive impairment. Methods: Consecutive (n=173) community-living outpatients aged >70 years (mean 77+6, 48% women) randomized to a MP (n=86) or usual care (UC) (n=87) were enrolled in stable clinical conditions. Cognitive status was assessed by means of Folstein Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Results: CI (MMSE<24) was present in 41.6% (42,5% UC vs 40.7% MP p=ns). The variables independently associated to CI were: older age, education level <5 years, anemia and severe renal dysfunction. During a 2-year follow-up, 59 patients died (31.4%) with no significant difference between intervention group. At multivariate analysis, in the entire cohort, CI was independently associated to death (HR 2,077[95%CI 1,097- 3,931]), HF admissions (2,133[1,346-3,381]), death/HF admissions (1,784[1,132-2,811]) and all-cause admissions (1,473[1,008-2,153]. When considered according to intervention groups, CI was independently associated to all-cause death (3,603 [1,553-8,358], death/HF admissions (2,029[1,200-3,432]) and HF admissions (2,474[1,406-4,353]) but not to all-cause admissions. The assignment of patients with CI to MP was associated to a significant reduction in HF admissions vs UC (0,503[0,253-0,999] (all interaction tests p=ns). Conclusions: This study suggests that CI is very common and associated to worse prognosis in heart failure and that hospital-based MP seems to improve outcomes in these patients through reduction of heart failure hospital admission.
Ventilatory muscle strength in cystic fibrosis patients: a literature review
Authors: Heinzmann-Filho J.P. , Marostica P.J.C. , Donadio M.V.F.
Published: December 2015

The ventilatory mechanic changes that occur in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients may lead to alterations in the respiratory muscle strength levels. However, the findings regarding the strength profile in these patients are still contradictory. Objective: To evaluate, trough a literature review, the respiratory muscle strength behavior in CF patients. We have performed a search in Medline/Pubmed, Scielo, IBECS and LILACS databases selecting observational cross-sectional, prospective or retrospective studies, as well as randomized clinical trials, published between 1981 and 2011, using the following terms: cystic fibrosis, respiratory muscle strength, inspiratory maximal pressure and muscle training. The majority of the studies 71,24% have shown normal or above normal respiratory muscle strength, whilst 28,57% demonstrated reduced or near-normal values. Most of these findings were attributed to an increased work of breathing as a result of airway obstruction and chronic persistent cough. Taken together, the analyses of selected studies have showed conflicting findings regarding respiratory muscle strength behavior in these patients. However, most of the studies seem to indicate that CF patients presented maximum respiratory pressures normal or above predicted values.
Pulmonary fibrosis presenting as an early manifestation of microscopic polyangiitis
Authors: Eleftheriou D. , Katsenos S. , Zorbas S. , Griveas I. , Psathakis K.
Published: December 2015

Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) is a systemic small vessel vasculitis that is included in the pulmonary-renal syndromes. Although glomerulonephritis represents the major clinical feature of MPA indicative of renal involvement, diffuse alveolar haemorrhage is the classic manifestation of pulmonary involvement. However, pulmonary fibrosis is a less frequently reported pulmonary manifestation. Herein we describe a patient who was diagnosed with MPA presenting with radiographic evidence of pulmonary interstitial fibrosis as an early clinical manifestation accompanied by constitutional symptoms such as fever and weight loss. We also include a short literature review focusing on the association between pulmonary fibrosis and MPA.
Telemonitoring in chronic ventilatory failure: a new model of survellaince, a pilot study
Authors: Bertini S. , Picariello M. , Gorini M. , Renda T. , Augustynen A. , Villella G. , Misuri G. , Maluccio N.M. , Ginanni R. , Tozzi D. , Corrado A.
Published: December 2015

Background and Aim. The efficiency of tele-monitoring or tele-assistance in patients with severe chronic ventilatory failure in home mechanical ventilation (HMV) is still being investigated. Our aim was to test the feasibility of a model which consisted in: 1) once a week nocturnal telemonitoring, supervised by a doctor in charge in a Respiratory Intensive Care Unit, who also provided a telephone-counselling (24/7) on demand; 2) a scheduled visit every two months. Methods. A 2-year observational study was carried out on 16 patients ventilated for at least 1 year and for â‰¥ 8 hours /day. Once a week patients underwent a nocturnal monitoring during HMV. The compliance was evaluated by regular transmission of data and regular follow-up, the level of satisfaction by a telephonequestionnaire. Results. The adherence to the protocol study was good in 9/16 (56%) and poor in 7/16 (44%) patients. For each patient, the mean number of connections was 46,12 Â± 36.39 (70.7% of that expected), in those with good compliance it increased to 63.8 Â± 32.7 (114% of that expected). The median hours of connection was 343 (138- 1019) and 89 (0-521) for patients with good and poor compliance respectively, p=0.038. The mean scheduled visits for patient with good compliance was 6.9 Â± 4.14 (100% of that expected). Emergency visits were avoided in 62.5% of cases. The satisfaction score was higher in compliant versus non compliant patients (p=0.019). Conclusion. This pilot study showed that the telemonitoring system employed was feasible and effective in more compliant patients who claimed a high rate of satisfaction.
Essential amino acid supplementation in patients with severe COPD: a step towards home rehabilitation
Authors: Dal Negro R.W. , Testa A. , Aquilani R. , Tognella S. , Pasini E. , Barbieri A. , Boschi F.
Published: December 2015

Background. Pulmonary Rehabilitation (â€œRehabilitationâ€) can improve both lung function and quality of life in patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) even if only a very small proportion of patients have access to Rehabilitation. Supplementation of Essential Amino Acids (EAAs) might allow COPD patients to achieve some typical Rehabilitation outcomes such as a better physical performance and an improved health status. Methods. 88 COPD out-patients (GOLD class 3-4) with a body mass index (BMI) <23 Kg/m2 were randomised to receive EAAs (n=44) or placebo (n=44) for twelve weeks. Primary outcome measures were changes in both physical activities in daily life (measured by Sense Wear Armband in terms of mean steps walked in one week) and in quality of life (measured by the St Georgeâ€™s Respiratory Questionnaire, SGRQ). Results. After 12 weeks, the physical performance was significantly increased vs baseline only in patients who received EAAs (1140.33 Â± 524.69 and 638.68 Â± 662.1 steps/day, respectively; p=0.02), being also the comparison vs the placebo group highly significant (p=0.003). Similarly, the SGRQ score improved significantly only in EAA patients (69.35 Â± 9.51 vs baseline 72.04 Â± 8.62; p<0.01), and changes were significantly different from those measured in the placebo group (p<0.001). Furthermore, when compared to those who received placebo, EAAs patients significantly increased their fat-free mass (p=0.04), muscle strength (p<0.01), saturation of oxygen (p=0.05), serum albumin (p<0.001), and also ameliorated their original cognitive dysfunction (p=0.02). Conclusions. Oral supplementation with EAAs contribute to improve the daily-life performance in domiciliary severe COPD patients who can not enter any Rehabilitation programme, together with their quality of life; nutritional and cognitive status, and muscle strength.
Bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis after kidney surgery
Authors: Sozzo S. , CarratÃ¹ P. , Damiani M.F. , Falcone V.A. , Palumbo A. , Dragonieri S. , Resta O.
Published: December 2015

A 57-year-old woman underwent an enucleoresection of her right kidney angiomyolipoma. Two weeks later she was admitted to our hospital because of dyspnea at rest with orthopnea. The chest x-ray showed the elevation of both hemidiaphragms and the measurement of the sniff transdiaphragmatic pressure confirmed the diagnosis of bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis. A diaphragm paralysis can be ascribed to several causes, i.e. trauma, compressive events, inflammations, neuropathies, or it can be idiopathic. In this case, it was very likely that the patient suffered from post-surgery neuralgic amyotrophy. To our knowledge, there are only a few reported cases of neuralgic amyotrophy, also known as Parsonage- Turner Syndrome, which affects only the phrenic nerve as a consequence of a surgery in an anatomically distant site.
Volitional assessment of respiratory muscle strength
Authors: Fitting J.W.
Published: December 2015

Respiratory muscle weakness may induce dyspnoea, secretion retention and respiratory failure. Assessing respiratory muscle strength is mandatory in neuromuscular diseases and in case of unexplained dyspnoea. A step by step approach is recommended, starting with simple volitional tests. Using spirometry, respiratory muscle weakness may be suspected on the basis of an abnormal flowvolume loop or a fall of supine vital capacity. When normal, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures against a near complete occlusion exclude significant muscle weakness, but low values are more difficult to interpret. Sniff nasal inspiratory pressure is a useful alternative because it is easy and it eliminates the problem of air leaks around the mouthpiece in patients with neuromuscular disorders. The strength available for coughing is easily assessed by measuring peak cough flow. In most cases, these simple non invasive tests are sufficient to confirm or to eliminate significant respiratory muscle weakness and help the timely introduction of ventilatory support or assisted cough techniques. In a minority of patients, a more complete evaluation is necessary using non volitional tests like cervical magnetic stimulation of phrenic nerves.
A new type of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: salami brusherâ€™s disease
Authors: Marvisi M. , Balzarini L. , Mancini C. , Mouzakiti P.
Published: December 2015

We observed five consecutive cases of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis in subjects working in a salami factory. The workers had to clean the white mould growing on salami surface using a manual wire brush. The five patients (four female) had a mean age of 39Â±15 years; two were smokers. Three patients had an acute clinical presentation with fever, dyspnoea, dry cough, oxygen desaturation, and presented at the emergency department with suspected diagnosis of community acquired pneumonia. The mean latency for developing respiratory symptoms was 11.6 days. Pulmonary function test demonstrated a reduction in diffusing capacity (DLCO) in all 5 patients (60Â±15% of predicted value). Skin prick test was positive for Penicillium spp in 3 cases and for Cladosporium and Aspergillus spp in 2 others. Specific IgG antibodies against Penicillium spp were positive in 3 subjects; 2 were positive for Aspergillus Fumigatus. The prevailing radiological pattern was a ground glass appearance in the three patients with acute clinical onset and a centrilobular one in patients with subacute onset. All patients were advised to avoid exposure to the antigens. Follow-up visits including pulmonary function testing, and DLCO measurement were conducted at one, three and six months. HRCT was performed at six month. Four subjects had a complete radiological and clinical resolution after changing work. Only one patient was treated with oral steroids for severe dyspnoea and progressive reduction of DLCO, gaining a complete radiological and clinical stability at six months.
Geology of Keno and Galena hills, Yukon Territory
Authors: McTaggart K C
Published: December 2015

The rocks of Keno and Galena Hills are quartzites, phyllites and schists, with a wide range of compos it ion, intruded by metamorphosed greenstone sill s. All the metamorphic rocks have been intruded byrhyolite and lam prophyre sills. Structures are highly
complex. From a consideration of major and minor folds, 'gleitbrett' structures, lineation, foliation, joints and faults, it is concluded that the now metamorphic rocks were at an early stage over thrust in a northerly direction with a simultaneous development of tight, recumbent folds. At a later
stage, this highly folded and over thrust terrane was further deformed by open folds that trend northwesterly. The faults that contain the rich silver-lead veins of the area were probably formed after this folding. The area provides evidence of an early glaciation during which Galena Hill and most
of Keno Hill were covered by ice and of a late glaciation when ice reached only low levels.
Middle and early upper devonian Rhynchonelloid Brachiopods from western Canada
Authors: McLaren D J
Published: December 2015

Species of five genera of rhynchonelloid brachiopods are described. Their range in time is illustrated diagrammatically on a summary correlation chart, and the stratigraphy of the main areas of Devonian outcrop is discussed briefly. Three stages are represented:
Eifelian, Givetian, and Frasnian. A rhynchonelloid zonal scheme has not yet been worked out for the Middle Devonian, but in the Frasnian Stage, four well-differentiated zones are recognized, with a fifth, typified by the spiriferoid genus Theodossia, at the top of the stage. Genera have been
differentiated by detailed consideration of internal structure as well as of external morphology. Interiors were investigated by serial sectioning and by preparing artificial internal moulds. Species and subspecies have been recognized largely by variation in external form. Special attention has
been paid to growth and variation. The genera include: Calvinaria Stainbrook, with two species and seven subspecies, of which three are new - C. albertensis opima, C. albertensis feni, and C. variabilis jobensis; Cassidirostrum McLaren, with one species; Hadrorhynchia McLaren, with one species;
Ladogioides McLaren, with two species; Leiorhynchus Hall, with five species, three of which are new - L. manetoe, L. awokanak, and L. russel/i. Known occurrences of each species and subspecies are listed in an appendix.
History and geology of Meighen Island, Arctic Archipelago
Authors: Thorsteinsson R
Published: December 2015

Meighen Island is situated on the edge of the Arctic Ocean, about 27 miles from the central-we t coast of Axel Heiberg Island. Its discovery was claimed by Vilhjalmur Stefansson in 1916 but it could well have been visited by F. A. Cook on his return journey to
Greenland after he claimed to have reached the North Pole in 1908. The island is also linked with the mysterious disappearance of the ill-fated German Arctic Expedition of 1930. Of low relief Meighen Island has a radial drainage from a single central ice-cap. Bedrock is ex posed around the periphery
of the ice-cap and it is all assigned to the Beaufort formation of post-Eocene age.
Design of a Curie Point meter
Authors: Larochelle A
Published: December 2015

The Curie point of a substance is defined as the temperature at which that substance abruptly loses its spontaneous magnetization upon being heated. This property depends only upon the chemical composition of a ferromagnetic substance and it may thus be used to
identify the members of ferromagnetic solid solution series found in rocks. The instrument described is of the torsion-balance type, using a photoelectric recording mechanism. Details of the various components of the instrument and an outline of its calibration are discussed. An attempt was made to
confirm the idea that two distinct ferromagnetic minerals were present in a suite of igneous rocks. It was concluded that only one such mineral was present or if there were two, both had the same Curie point.
Parents perceptions of stress in a neonatal intensive care unit in Rwanda
Authors: Musabirema Priscille , Brysiewicz Petra , Chipps Jennifer
Published: December 2015

Background: Having a newborn infant hospitalised in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is an unexpected and stressful event for a family. A number of potential stressors to which family members of patients in these units may be exposed have been identified, although no studies about this issue have been conducted in Rwanda.Aim: The aim of this study was to describe and analyse parental perception of stress that resulted from having their infant admitted to a NICU in Kigali, Rwanda.Method: A quantitative survey was used to describe and analyse parents’ perceptions of stress when they had an infant admitted to a NICU. The Parental Stress Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit was used to measure the level of stress that those parents experienced.Results: The results indicated that parents experienced stress from having their infants cared for in a NICU. The most stressful events were the appearance and behaviour of the baby with a mean score of 4.02, whilst the subscale items related to sights and sounds were found to be the least significant source of stress for parents with a mean score of 2.51. In addition, the current study found that parents’ age, educational level, occupation, and infant birth weight were associated with parental stress.Conclusion: The study established that a range of factors was responsible for parental stress when a baby was cared for in a NICU. Identification of these factors could enable health professionals from a hospital in Kigali, Rwanda, to facilitate parents’ adjusting and coping.
Equidimensional isometric maps
Authors: Kirchheim Bernd , Spadaro Emanuele , Székelyhidi Jr. László
Published: December 2015

In Gromov’s treatise (
Partial differential relations
, volume 9 of
Ergebnisse der Mathematik und ihrer Grenzgebiete (3)
, 1986), a continuous map between Riemannian manifolds is called isometric if it preserves the length of rectifiable curves. In this note we develop a method using the Baire category theorem for constructing such isometries. We show that a typical 1-Lipschitz map is isometric in canonically formulated extension and restriction problems.
Hyperbolic entire functions with bounded Fatou components
Authors: Bergweiler Walter , Fagella Núria , Rempe-Gillen Lasse
Published: December 2015

We show that an invariant Fatou component of a hyperbolic transcendental entire function is a Jordan domain (in fact, a quasidisc) if and only if it contains only finitely many critical points and no asymptotic curves. We use this theorem to prove criteria for the boundedness of Fatou components and local connectivity of Julia sets for hyperbolic entire functions, and give examples that demonstrate that our results are optimal. A particularly strong dichotomy is obtained in the case of a function with precisely two critical values.
Convergence of the density of states and delocalization of eigenvectors on random regular graphs
Authors: Geisinger Leander
Published: December 2015

Consider a random regular graph of fixed degree

d

with

n

vertices. We study spectral properties of the adjacency matrix and of random Schrödinger operators on such a graph as

n

tends to infinity.

We prove that the integrated density of states on the graph converges to the integrated density of states on the infinite regular tree and we give uniform bounds on the rate of convergence. This allows to estimate the number of eigenvalues in intervals of size comparable to

\log_{d-1}^{-1}(n)

. Based on related estimates for the Green function we derive results about delocalization of eigenvectors.
Opleidingshomogamie in Nederland revisited
Authors: Kalmijn Matthijs , Uunk Wilfred
Published: December 2015

Summary Educational homogamy in the Netherlands revisited. Stability or increased segmentation on the marriage market?Using large-scale, representative survey data from the 1999, 2003 and 2007 waves of Aanvullende Voorzieningengebruik Onderzoek (AVO)
we study trends in educational homogamy for the Netherlands between 1960 and 2010. Prior studies for the Netherlands focused on relative homogamy, the tendency to marry within the group given the supply of marriage candidates. We investigate next to relative homogamy, patterns and trends in
absolute homogamy since absolute homogamy is consequential for social inequality and cohesion. Descriptive analyses display a decrease in absolute educational homogamy for lower educated men, a rise for higher educated men, and a decrease for higher educated women. Loglinear analyses of relative
educational homogamy show relative stable patterns, except for an increase of relative homogamy for lower educated. Our findings indicate no uniform in- or decreased social segmentation on marriage markets in the Netherlands, and show that observed changes in educational homogamy are foremost
due to changes in the supply of marriage candidates, and less so to changes in preferences for homogamy.
Flood sensitivity of the Bavarian Alpine Foreland since the late Middle Ages in the context of internal and external climate forcing factors
Authors: Böhm O. , Jacobeit J. , Glaser R. , Wetzel K.-F.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. This paper describes the flood sensitivity of the Bavarian part of the Alpine Foreland of Germany and addresses different questions concerning climate variability and flood frequencies, from the 14th century until today. The focal point of the paper is the flood frequency of the superordinate spatial unit of the Bavarian Foreland. Based on written historical sources, the flood history of the Alpine Foreland of Germany can be reconstructed back to the 14th century. One major result is the occurrence of "flood-rich" and "flood-poor" episodes in almost cyclical sequences. Flood-rich periods, before the 16th century based on limited available data, were recorded in the periods 1300–1335, 1370–1450, 1470–1525, 1555–1590, 1615–1665, 1730–1780, 1820–1870, and 1910–1955 as well as in a ninth period beginning in 1980. The flood-rich periods are characterized by longer flood duration. Most of the flood-rich and flood-poor periods (in particular the beginning and the end of them) can be connected to changes in natural climate variability. These include changing sunspot numbers (as a measure of solar activity), so-called Little Ice Age type events (LIATEs) as well as changes in the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). Climate signals from external forcing factors, which could be used to explain the changing flood frequencies in the Bavarian Alpine Foreland, end in 1930. Relationships within the climate system such as the correlation of flood frequencies with the NAO have changed during the transition from the post Little Ice Age period to the Modern Climate Optimum around 1930. Natural climate variability might have been overlaid by anthropogenic climate change.
Beam-hardening correction by a surface fitting and phase classification by a least square support vector machine approach for tomography images of geological samples
Authors: Khan F. , Enzmann F. , Kersten M.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. In X-ray computed microtomography (μXCT) image processing is the most important operation prior to image analysis. Such processing mainly involves artefact reduction and image segmentation. We propose a new two-stage post-reconstruction procedure of an image of a geological rock core obtained by polychromatic cone-beam μXCT technology. In the first stage, the beam-hardening (BH) is removed applying a best-fit quadratic surface algorithm to a given image data set (reconstructed slice), which minimizes the BH offsets of the attenuation data points from that surface. The final BH-corrected image is extracted from the residual data, or the difference between the surface elevation values and the original grey-scale values. For the second stage, we propose using a least square support vector machine (a non-linear classifier algorithm) to segment the BH-corrected data as a pixel-based multi-classification task. A combination of the two approaches was used to classify a complex multi-mineral rock sample. The Matlab code for this approach is provided in the Appendix. A minor drawback is that the proposed segmentation algorithm may become computationally demanding in the case of a high dimensional training data set.
Guest Editorial: Emerging Scholars' Section
Authors: Garwood-Gowers Andrew , Suzor Nic , Mathews Ben
Published: December 2015

This issue of the QUT Law Review features an Emerging Scholars’ section containing contributions from early career researchers and doctoral students. This section was conceived by the previous General Editor of the journal, Prof Dan Hunter, as a forum to showcase high-quality legal scholarship from emerging scholars. We are grateful to Prof Hunter for his work on this initiative.
Policy Space Utilization in Developing Area Medan - Binjai - Deli Serdang (Mebidang) Indonesia
Authors: Akhir Riadil , Hassan Miraza Bachtiar , Matondang Rahim , Deni Djakapermana Ruchyat
Published: December 2015

This study is conducted to assess and analyze whether urban areas Medan - Binjai - Deli Serdang optimal functioning as an economic driver of the region with the carrying capacity of the existing potential of the region that will have implications for the use of space.

This research is applied research with descriptive approach. To answer the research questions, then we do the analysisi on the Location Quotient (LQ), Specialization Index (SI), Typologi Klassen, MPE (Model Comparison Exponential) and AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process) on various approaches commodity/sector seed, and the constellation of the region and produce factors driving the economy of the dominant and main policies.
Results shows that the urban area Medan- Binjai - Deli Serdang meet six criteria of 7 criteria primemover for Binjai and Deli Serdang, but the third growth region are no synergy and grow together. Based on analysis of AHP and MPE obtained utilization policy consists of four (4) sectors of economy, infrastructure, environmental, and socio-cultural. Carrying capacity of the commodity which has the function of competitiveness and cities in the region MEDAN - Binjai - Deli Serdang implications on the use of space is an attempt to create patterns and structures of space.