bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimates of Forest Growing Stock Volume for Sweden, Central Siberia, and Québec Using Envisat Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar Backscatter Data
Authors: Santoro Maurizio , Cartus Oliver , Fransson Johan , Shvidenko Anatoly , McCallum Ian , Hall Ronald , Beaudoin André , Beer Christian , Schmullius Christiane
Published: September 2013

A study was undertaken to assess Envisat Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (ASAR) ScanSAR data for quantifying forest growing stock volume (GSV) across three boreal regions with varying forest types, composition, and structure (Sweden, Central Siberia, and Québec). Estimates of GSV were obtained using hyper-temporal observations of the radar backscatter acquired by Envisat ASAR with the BIOMASAR algorithm. In total, 5.3×106 km2 were mapped with a 0.01° pixel size to obtain estimates representative for the year of 2005. Comparing the SAR-based estimates to spatially explicit datasets of GSV, generated from forest field inventory and/or Earth Observation data, revealed similar spatial distributions of GSV. Nonetheless, the weak sensitivity of C-band backscatter to forest structural parameters introduced significant uncertainty to the estimated GSV at full resolution. Further discrepancies were observed in the case of different scales of the ASAR and the reference GSV and in areas of fragmented landscapes. Aggregation to 0.1° and 0.5° was then undertaken to generate coarse scale estimates of GSV. The agreement between ASAR and the reference GSV datasets improved; the relative difference at 0.5° was consistently within a magnitude of 20–30%. The results indicate an improvement of the characterization of forest GSV in the boreal zone with respect to currently available information.
Fast Thermal Calibration of Low-Grade Inertial Sensors and Inertial Measurement Units
Authors: Niu Xiaoji , Li You , Zhang Hongping , Wang Qingjiang , Ban Yalong
Published: September 2013

The errors of low-cost inertial sensors, especially Micro-Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) ones, are highly dependent on environmental conditions such as the temperature. Thus, there is a need for the development of accurate and reliable thermal compensation models to reduce the impact of such thermal drift of the sensors. Since the conventional thermal calibration methods are typically time-consuming and costly, an efficient thermal calibration method to investigate the thermal drift of a full set of gyroscope and accelerometer errors (i.e., biases, scale factor errors and non-orthogonalities) over the entire temperature range in a few hours is proposed. The proposed method uses the idea of the Ramp method, which removes the time-consuming process of stabilizing the sensor temperature, and addresses its inherent problems with several improvements. We change the temperature linearly for a complete cycle and take a balanced strategy by making comprehensive use of the sensor measurements during both heating and cooling processes. Besides, an efficient 8-step rotate-and-static scheme is designed to further improve the calibration accuracy and efficiency. Real calibration tests showed that the proposed method is suitable for low-grade IMUs and for both lab and factory calibration due to its efficiency and sufficient accuracy.
Visible Light Communication System Using an Organic Bulk Heterojunction Photodetector
Authors: Arredondo Belén , Romero Beatriz , Pena José , Fernández-Pacheco Agustín , Alonso Eduardo , Vergaz Ricardo , De Dios Cristina
Published: September 2013

A visible light communication (VLC) system using an organic bulk heterojunction photodetector (OPD) is presented. The system has been successfully proven indoors with an audio signal. The emitter consists of three commercial high-power white LEDs connected in parallel. The receiver is based on an organic photodetector having as active layer a blend of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM). The OPD is opto-electrically characterized, showing a responsivity of 0.18 A/W and a modulation response of 790 kHz at −6 V.
Rethinking Study and Management of Agricultural Systems for Policy Design
Authors: Rivera-Ferre Marta , Ortega-Cerdà Miguel , Baumgärtner Johann
Published: September 2013

There is a concern that agriculture will no longer be able to meet, on a global scale, the growing demand for food. Facing such a challenge requires new patterns of thinking in the context of complexity and sustainability sciences. This paper, focused on the social dimension of the study and management of agricultural systems, suggests that rethinking the study of agricultural systems entails analyzing them as complex socio-ecological systems, as well as considering the differing thinking patterns of diverse stakeholders. The intersubjective nature of knowledge, as studied by different philosophical schools, needs to be better integrated into the study and management of agricultural systems than it is done so far, forcing us to accept that there are no simplistic solutions, and to seek a better understanding of the social dimension of agriculture. Different agriculture related problems require different policy and institutional approaches. Finally, the intersubjective nature of knowledge asks for the visualization of different framings and the power relations taking place in the decision-making process. Rethinking management of agricultural systems implies that policy making should be shaped by different principles: learning, flexibility, adaptation, scale-matching, participation, diversity enhancement and precaution hold the promise to significantly improve current standard management procedures.
Le non-recours aux aides personnelles au logement : l'exemple de la CAF du Havre
Authors: Simon Marie-Odile
Published: September 2013

Peu de travaux de recherche s’attachent à quantifier le non-recours aux prestations sociales (dénombrer les bénéficiaires potentiels qui ne valorisent pas leurs droits). La Caisse nationale des allocations familiales s’est livrée à cet exercice pour les aides personnelles au logement. Elle a chargé le CREDOC d’interroger 670 familles allocataires, non bénéficiaires d’une aide au logement et disposant de ressources inférieures au seuil d’exclusion des allocations logement. A partir des déclarations de ces allocataires, il s’agissait d’obtenir les éléments nécessaires à un calcul approximatif de leurs droits aux aides au logement. Au total, la part d’allocataires présumés avoir des droits positifs ne représente pas plus de 5 % de l’ensemble des familles bénéficiaires d’une aide au logement. Le réexamen des droits à prestation montre un taux de non-recours encore plus faible, inférieur à 1 % de l’ensemble des familles bénéficiaires d’une aide au logement. Les moyens à mettre en oeuvre pour diminuer le non-recours seraient donc très coûteux, au regard du nombre de situations à régler.
Travail social et intervention sociale : de la catégorisation à l'identité
Authors: Aballéa François
Published: September 2013

Les écarts entre les différentes évaluations - comptage administratif ou recensement général de la population - du nombre d’intervenants sociaux manifestent, à l’évidence, un problème de définition de l’objet et de délimitation du champ du travail social. Les catégories utilisées sont floues et les identités professionnelles incertaines. D’où les revendications ou les dénis d’appartenance. Derrière eux s’affirment des stratégies de reconnaissance, d’assimilation et de représentation ou, au contraire, des stratégies d’exclusion et d’assujettissement. On y lit également les tensions actuelles entre les processus de professionnalisation, les processus d’institutionnalisation et les vicissitudes du marché de l’emploi des intervenants sociaux. En fait, c’est la dynamique de groupes professionnels en concurrence et en recherche de légitimité et de légalité que l’on dévoile ici. Mais au-delà, le positionnement du chercheur et de l’observateur lui-même se trouve interrogé. Comment se situe-t-il par rapport aux différentes définitions du travail social qui se proposent à lui: entre définition savante et académique, définition administrative et corporatiste, ou définition profane et commune? Quelle démarche doit-il adopter: démarche inductive, au risque de se contenter de restituer des discours partisans, ou démarche déductive, au risque d’imposer ses propres représentations?
Le jouet dans la construction sociale de l'enfance
Authors: Vincent Sandrine
Published: September 2013

Véritables biens de consommation de masse, les jouets font partie de l’univers d’une très grande majorité d’enfants, et sont censés « disparaître » au fur et à mesure que ces derniers grandissent. Pour autant, ce processus est loin d’être uniforme. Cet article se propose d’interroger, à travers l’étude de la durée de vie des jouets, la construction sociale de l’enfance. Le jouet devient ainsi un indicateur qui contribue largement à démontrer qu’il n’existe pas une définition homogène des âges de la vie et, plus fondamentalement, de l’enfance. Les parents de milieux populaires ont ainsi tendance à considérer que les jouets ne meurent jamais et se prolongent à l’âge adulte à travers l’usage des jeux, alors que les parents de milieux supérieurs opèrent une coupure plus nette entre l’enfance et l’entrée dans l’adolescence. Symbolisé, selon eux, par l’entrée au collège, ce passage entre ces deux âges de la vie fait coïncider la fin des jouets et l’entrée dans une scolarité « plus sérieuse ».
Séparation et recomposition familiale d'après les livres pour enfants
Authors: Cadolle Sylvie
Published: September 2013

Après n’avoir longtemps présenté qu’un seul modèle de famille heureuse, les livres pour enfants présentent désormais leurs jeunes héros dans des situations familiales diversifiées: parents non mariés, divorcés, foyers monoparentaux et recomposés. Le divorce y est dédramatisé: l’enfant garde ses deux parents et a deux maisons. Les enfants ont droit à leurs deux parents, qui doivent oublier leurs griefs. Le seul grand malheur est de ne rien savoir sur son père. La recomposition agrandit harmonieusement la famille. Elle est préférable à la vie avec un parent seul, cette situation mettant l’enfant en nécessité de prendre en charge ce parent. Les enfants choisissent eux-mêmes leur beau-parent et celui-ci a toutes les qualités qui en font un parent idéal. Représenter les enfants comme des adultes responsables permet l’utopie d’une société élective, où chacun choisit ceux avec qui il vit.
Le travail social à travers les pratiques d’attribution des aides financières
Authors: Avenel Cyprien
Published: September 2013

A travers les modes d’attribution des aides financières extralégales de l’Aide sociale à l’enfance, cet article interroge le rôle et la place des assistantes sociales polyvalentes dans la lutte contre la pauvreté. Il montre d’abord un décalage entre le critère théoriquement ponctuel de l’aide sociale et les situations réelles de précarité persistante. Il analyse ensuite comment les assistantes sociales parviennent à s’adapter tout à la fois aux directives administratives qui s’empilent et aux demandes des usagers, hétérogènes et massives. En cherchant à rendre compatible la réalité des situations familiales et les exigences institutionnelles, la relation d’aide navigue entre bricolage et maternage, duplicité et complicité.
Qui s’occupe des enfants pendant que les parents travaillent? [Les enseignements d’une recherche auprès de parents de jeunes enfants]
Authors: Fagnani Jeanne , Letablier Marie-Thérèse
Published: September 2013

This article examines the care arrangements for pre-school children, used by families where both parents work. It is based on an original survey on a sample of 3,216 families receiving allowances from local family allowance funds (CAF) across France. The diversity of the solutions adopted by the parents is reflected in large variations in the amount they spend on childcare depending on their social category and place of residence. Regardless of the form of childcare, expenditure on it is always higher in Paris and its region than in the provinces, where families can more often rely on other family members for help. When the parents’ working hours are different, it is the father who, in three-quarters of cases, looks after the children– at least for part of the time– while the mother is working, thus reducing the costs of childcare. This organization appears to owe more to budgetary constraints than to a commitment to apply an egalitarian principle between the two partners.
La relation aux aides sociales «du point de vue» des familles bénéficiaires
Authors: Avenel Cyprien
Published: September 2013

Using interviews conducted with beneficiaries of social assistance in a deprived neighbourhood of Bordeaux, the author analyses their relationship with assistance. He argues that it is both individualized and strategic. Individualized, because assistance benefits are attributed after a long series of interviews with the social worker and after adoption of an attitude that matches the expectations the parties have internalized regarding discourse, outlook and behaviour. Strategic, because some beneficiaries develop a tactical attitude, taking advantage of the different assistance measures and the compartmentalization of the services and institutions that administer them. But this relationship also produces a double sense of injustice, caused by the lack of transparency in the criteria for granting assistance– making them hard to understand and creating an impression of arbitrariness– and of humiliation, caused by a powerful sense of intrusion into the private sphere. From this study Cyprien Avenel concludes for a qualified vision of social work, situated in theoretical terms, between those authors who see it as pure control of individuals who are placed in an inferior position by assistance, and those who by contrast take a strategic and utilitarian view of beneficiaries.
Resource reallocation does not influence estimates of pollen limitation or reproductive assurance in Clarkia xantiana subsp. parviflora (Onagraceae)
Authors: Runquist Ryan D. Briscoe , Moeller David A.
Published: September 2013

• Premise of study: Studies of pollen limitation and the reproductive assurance value of selfing are important for examining the process of floral and mating system evolution in flowering plants. Recent meta‐analyses have shown that common methods for measuring pollen limitation may often lead to biased estimates. Specifically, experiments involving single‐ or few‐flower manipulations per plant tend to overestimate pollen limitation compared to those involving manipulations on most or all flowers per plant. Little previous work has explicitly tested for reallocation within individual systems using alternative methods and response variables.

• Methods: We performed single‐flower and whole‐plant pollen supplementation and emasculation of flowers of Clarkia xantiana subsp. parviflora to estimate pollen limitation (PL) and reproductive assurance (RA). We compared levels of PL and RA using the following response variables: fruit set, seeds/flower, and seeds/plant. We also assessed the germination and viability of seeds to evaluate potential variation in pollen quality among treatments.

• Key results: Autonomous selfing in Clarkia xantiana subsp. parviflora eliminates pollen limitation and provides reproductive assurance. Estimates from single‐flower manipulations were not biased, closely resembling those from whole‐plant manipulations. All three response variables followed the same pattern, but treatments were only significantly different for seeds/flower. Pollen quality, as indicated by seed viability, did not differ among treatments.

• Conclusions: Partial plant manipulations provided reliable estimates of pollen limitation and reproductive assurance. These estimates were also unaffected by accounting for pollen quality. Although whole plant manipulations are desirable, this experiment demonstrates that in some systems partial plant manipulations can be used in studies where whole‐plant manipulations are not feasible.
A Software System for Grading Diabetic Retinopathy by Analyzing Retinal Images
Authors: Akram M. Usman , Khalid Shehzad
Published: September 2013

Medical imaging is very popular and is vital in designing Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CAD) for various diseases such as tumor detection using MRI. Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease that is caused by the increase of insulin in blood in diabetic patients. It can cause total blindness if not detected and treated in time. The disease affects human retina and shows different signs on retinal surface as time passes. In this chapter, the authors present a software based on novel algorithms for early detection of diabetic retinopathy. It detects dark (Microaneurysms, Haemorrhages) and bright (hard exudates, cotton wool spots) lesions from retinal image. The algorithms consist of retinal image preprocessing, main component extraction, detection of candidate lesions, feature extraction, and finally classification using modified m-mediods based classifier. The proposed system is evaluated using publicly available retinal image databases, and results demonstrate the validity of proposed system.
ONTO-KMS-TEC
Authors: Robin C. R. Rene , Miriam D. Doreen Hepzibah , Uma G. V.
Published: September 2013

Knowledge management tools have been used in higher educational institutions for years to improve the effectiveness of teaching methodologies. Knowledge management in pedagogical includes processes of knowledge discovery, capture, storage, retrieval, sharing, and understanding. According to Pundt and Bishr, knowledge management aims at facilitating knowledge flow and utilization across every beneficeiary, such as faculty members and students. An ontology can be used to support knowledge retrieval, store, and sharing domain knowledge. The framework and the case studies described in this chapter detail how the knowledge of an engineering subject can be effectively retrieved, stored, and shared among the teachers and the students.
Modelling of Hydrodynamics and Sediment Transport at Pantai Tok Jembal, Kuala Terengganu Mengabang Telipot, Terengganu, using MIKE 21
Authors: Ahmad Mohammad Fadhli , Siang Ang Yit
Published: September 2013

This study is mainly concerned with simulation of hydrodynamics behaviours and sediment transport characteristics at coastal areas. The field data of the coastal area at Mengabang Telipot recorded by Institute of Oceanography at University of Malaysia Terengganu for January and February of year 2009 have been integrated with two-dimensional modelling system, MIKE 21. A hydrodynamic module of MIKE 21 has been used to simulate the hydrodynamic flow of the study area and the output was integrated with the non-cohesive sediment transport module to model the sediment transport patterns, capacity, and bed level changes. The effect of wave-current interaction is included in the simulation. The model simulates the hydrodynamics satisfactorily with mean current velocity 0.15 ms-1 and 0.10 ms-1, respectively, with maximum value up to 0.40 ms-1. Simulated sediment transport pattern spreads eastward predominantly and suggest an average capacity below 400 m3/yr/m. Initial rates of bed level changes vary between -0.01 m/day to 0.01 m/day. Outcome of the simulation is expected to be representative and give hydrodynamics and sediment logical information of the area.
Corrosion of Aluminium Alloy in Seawater and Development of Green Corrosion Inhibitor for Marine Applications
Authors: Nik Wan Mohd Norsanni Wan , Olanrewaju Oladokun Sulaiman , Zulkifli F. R. , Ahmad M. F. , Rosliza R.
Published: September 2013

Aluminium and its alloys are widely used in marine applications. Recently many studies are being carried out to use natural resources as natural corrosion inhibitors. In the present study, the aluminium alloys were tested for their corrosion performance in seawater containing a natural product as a corrosion inhibitor at room temperature. The effect of honey on the corrosion of AA6064 was researched using the weight loss, potentiodynamic polarization, and SEM methods. Electrochemical measurements and metallurgical characteristics have been made to quantify the potential of honey to be used to retard metal corrosion. Surface morphology of aluminium coupon after exposure was examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). A good inhibition efficiency is observed which increases with an increase in inhibitor efficiency. Polarization plots indicate that honey acts as a natural corrosion inhibitor, preventing the alloys from suffering severe pitting attacks. The weight loss results show low corrosion rates for the alloy in higher honey content.
Rapid detection of drug resistance and mutational patterns of extensively drug-resistant strains by a novel GenoType® MTBDRsl assay
Authors: Singh AK , Maurya AK , Kant S , Umrao J , Kushwaha RAS , Nag VL , Dhole TN
Published: September 2013

Background:

The emergence of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) is a major concern in the India. The burden of XDR-TB is increasing due to inadequate monitoring, lack of proper diagnosis, and treatment. The GenoType ®
Mycobacterium tuberculosis drug resistance second line (MTBDRsl) assay is a novel line probe assay used for the rapid detection of mutational patterns conferring resistance to XDR-TB.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to study the rapid detection of drug resistance and mutational patterns of the XDR-TB by a novel GenoType ® MTBDRsl assay.

Materials and Methods:

We evaluated 98 multidrug-resistant (MDR) M. tuberculosis isolates for second line drugs susceptibility testing by 1% proportion method (BacT/ALERT 3D system) and GenoType ® MTBDRsl assay for rapid detection of conferring drug resistance to XDR-TB.

Results:

A total of seven (17.4%) were identified as XDR-TB by using standard phenotypic method. The concordance between phenotypic and GenoType ® MTBDRsl assay was 91.7-100% for different antibiotics. The sensitivity and specificity of the MTBDRsl assay were 100% and 100% for aminoglycosides; 100% and 100% for fluoroquinolones; 91.7% and 100% for ethambutol. The most frequent mutations and patterns were gyrA MUT1 (A90V) in seven (41.2%) and gyrA + WT1-3 + MUT1 in four (23.5%); rrs MUT1 (A1401G) in 11 (64.7%), and rrs WT1-2 + MUT1 in eight (47.1%); and embB MUT1B (M306V) in 11 (64.7%) strains.

Conclusions:

These data suggest that the GenoType ® MTBDRsl assay is rapid, novel test for detection of resistance to second line anti-tubercular drugs. This assay provides additional information about the frequency and mutational patterns responsible for XDR-TB resistance.
Candidemia in intensive care unit patients
Authors: Giri S , Kindo AJ , Kalyani J
Published: September 2013

Background:

The occurrence of candidemia is on a rise worldwide. Non-albicans Candida species have emerged as major causes of candidemia in many countries. Added to it is the problem of antifungal resistance in Candida isolates.

Objectives:

To find out the prevalence of candidemia in our intensive care unit (ICU) setup along with the antifungal susceptibility pattern of Candida isolates and various risk factors associated with candidemia.

Materials and Methods:

All Candida isolates from blood stream infections of ICU patients were included in the 1 year study period (November 2008-October 2009). The isolates were speciated using various phenotypic tests. Antifungal susceptibility testing was done by disk diffusion methods according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines and also using CANDIFAST. Various risk factors associated with the development of candidemia were looked into.

Results:

A total of 39 Candida isolates were isolated during the study period of 1 year (prevalence of 0.65%). Candida tropicalis (74.35%) was the most common isolate followed by Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Candida krusei and Candida glabrata. All the 39 Candida isolates (100%) were sensitive to amphotericin B while 12 isolates (30.8%) were resistant to fluconazole. The risk factors commonly associated with candidemia patients were long term antibiotic therapy (64.1%), use of central venous catheters (56.4%), urinary catheters (53.9%), steroid therapy (35.9%) and diabetes mellitus (33.3%).

Conclusion:

Candidemia is emerging as a significant problem in hospitalized patients, especially in ICU setups. Non-albicans Candida species are the major cause of candidemia as found in our study and few other studies in India. Multicentric studies involving many hospitals are required to know the true prevalence of candidemia and the status of antifungal drug resistance among Candida isolates in our country.
Lornoxicam-induced hair loss
Authors: Keny MS , Ghodge RR , Bandekar SM
Published: September 2013

A patient started on 8 mg lornoxicam twice daily for pain in the hips developed acute-onset scalp hair loss. History and clinical examination revealed no evident abnormalities. Temporal association of the onset of hair loss with the use of lornoxicam, inability to explain hair loss by alternate causes, possibility of hair loss with lornoxicam and resolution on dechallenge placed this reaction as a probable adverse reaction to lornoxicam.
Vesico-cutaneous fistula to the hip
Authors: Wang J , Xu Y
Published: September 2013

A 37-year-old woman with a vesico-cutaneous hip fistula was admitted to our department. The bladder fistula had formed after repeated hip infections. The fistula was completely resected and the bladder was repaired using a tension-free closure and indwelling catheter for 2 weeks. Vesico-cutaneous fistulae are very rare, and their causes can be complex.
Development of post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis in AmBisome treated visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Das VNR , Pandey K , Singh D , Forwood C , Lal CS , Das P
Published: September 2013

We report two cases, one male (33 years) and a female (14 years), that developed Post-Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) after successful treatment for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) or Kala-azar with AmBisome, the lipid complex of Amphotericin B. Both cases presented with hypo-pigmented macular lesions all over the body. The patients responded well to AmBisome after treatment with three courses. This first ever case report from India indicates that possibly there is no effective drug for VL until date, which can prevent post-treatment development of PKDL.
Thyroid storm presenting as congestive heart failure and protein-S deficiency-induced biventricular and internal jugular venous thrombii
Authors: Kumar S , Moorthy N , Yadav S , Kapoor A , Dale DC
Published: September 2013

The thyroid storm is a medical emergency characterized by decompensation of one or more organ systems. Associated cardiac involvement carries poor prognosis. Early recognition and appropriate management of life-threatening thyrotoxicosis is vital to prevent the high morbidity and mortality that may accompany this disorder. We report a young lady presenting with thyroid storm presenting as acute heart failure with biventricular and bilateral internal jugular venous thrombi. In addition, she also had thyrotoxicosis-induced transient protein-S deficiency which recovered following remission.
High‐resolution carbon budgets on a Palau back‐reef modulated by interactions between hydrodynamics and reef metabolism
Authors: Teneva L. , Dunbar R. B. , Mucciarone D. A. , Dunckley J. F. , Koseff J. R.
Published: September 2013

Diel trends in carbon chemistry and hydrodynamic regimes were measured on a coral‐dominated back‐reef community in the Republic of Palau, western Pacific. Observed diel ranges over 5 d were pH 7.92–8.09, partial pressure of carbon dioxide 33.4–52.7 Pa, measured total alkalinity 2080–2272 µmol kg−1, total dissolved inorganic carbon 1763–1939 µmol kg−1, aragonite saturation state 2.84–3.98, and calcite saturation state 4.44–5.67. The combination of reef metabolism and hydrodynamic regimes drives this variability. We report net community calcification (NCC) and net community production (NCP) rates of −20.4 (± 7.8) to 41.2 (± 37.7) mmol CaCO3 m−2 h−1 and 77.3 (± 95) to 64 (± 22) mmol C m−2 h−1, respectively. Using a control volume approach, we show that NCC and NCP rate estimates are quite sensitive to the effective control volume dimensions. At this site, tracking vertical mixing of water masses within the control volume shows that active water mixing is often confined to a region 2–3 m above the corals. Vertical carbon mass fluxes into and out of the benthic environment were unexpectedly large for the slow current flow rates observed, suggesting that coral morphology or reef rugosity may affect mass transport of carbon and nutrients. The ranges of NCC and NCP values highlight the need for additional field work on various reefs to tune and optimize the control volume approach to achieve its full potential for reef metabolism monitoring.
The importance of nonlinear internal waves in a deep subalpine lake: Lake Iseo, Italy
Authors: Vilhena Leticia C. , Marti Clelia L. , Imberger Jörg
Published: September 2013

The energy transfer from basin‐scale internal waves to internal nonlinear waves was investigated in a large, deep subalpine lake through a combination of field data and three‐dimensional hydrostatic and nonhydrostatic modeling. The response of the internal wave field induced by two storm events, with distinct characteristics, showed that, for the whole lake, around 15% of the total potential energy contained in the basin‐scale internal waves was transferred to nonlinear internal waves in response to moderate forcing, the large transfer being the direct result of the small surface layer thickness compared with the depth of the lake. Locally, the energy transfer to nonlinear waves was up to 30% for the more severe forcing. To model such energy transfers, a nonhydrostatic three‐dimensional hydrodynamic model was required; this implies that the inclusion of nonhydrostatic effects is essential for accurate modeling of ecological processes in deep large lakes, which is a challenge considering currently available computational resources.
Antimicrobial Efficacy of Octenidine Hydrochloride, MTAD and Chlorhexidine Gluconate Mixed with Calcium Hydroxide
Authors: Tirali Resmiye Ebru , Gulsahi Kamran , Cehreli Sevi Burcak , Karahan Zeynep Ceren , Uzunoǧlu Emel , Elhan Atilla
Published: September 2013

Objective

The aim of thisin vitrostudy was to investigate whether mixing with calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] affects the antimicrobial action of Octenidine hydrochloride (Octenisept), MTAD and chlorhexidine againstEnterococcus faecalisandCandida albicans.

Materials and methods

Freshly grown cultures ofEnterococcus faecalis, Candida albicansand a mixture of both strains were incubated in agar plates containing brain-heart infusion broth (BHIB). Zones of inhibition were measured at 24 and 48 hours. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA, both p = 0.05).

Results

Mixing with Ca(OH)2significantly increased the antibacterial effect of Octenisept (p < 0.05), but did not alter its antifungal activity. Only chlorhexidine showed more antibacterial and antifungal efficiency compared to its Ca(OH)2-mixed version (both p < 0.05). Mixing with Ca(OH)2decreased the antibacterial efficacy of MTAD, but increased its antifungal effect (both p < 0.05).

Conclusion

These results demonstrate the differential effects of Ca(OH)2addition on the antimicrobial action of the tested endodontic medicamentsin vitro. Ca(OH)2was as effective as its combination with all of the tested medicaments.

How to cite this article

Tirali RE, Gulsahi K, Cehreli SB, Karahan ZC, Uzunoğlu E, Elhan A. Antimicrobial Efficacy of Octenidine Hydrochloride, MTAD and Chlorhexidine Gluconate Mixed with Calcium Hydroxide. J Contemp Dent Pract 2013;14(3):456-460.
Comparison of Orange Oil and Chloroform as Gutta- Percha Solvents in Endodontic Retreatment
Authors: Khan Farhan Raza , Rehman Kiran , Aman Nadia
Published: September 2013

Objective

To compare the efficacy of gutta-percha removal achieved with simple mechanical technique using two different solvents.

Materials and methods

It was anin vitroexperimental study conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan on 27 extracted human molars divided into two groups by alternate sampling technique.

The teeth were prepared by manual filing and obturated with gutta-percha and calcium hydroxide sealer. Two drops of the assigned solvent were placed on the orifice of the obturated canal and Gates Glidden drills #1, 2 and 3 were used for removal of coronal gutta-percha. Manual filing was done for removal of remaining gutta-percha and the solvent was used in drops until needed. Postoperative periapical radiographs were taken to visualize the remaining gutta-percha left in the canals.

Descriptive statistics (mean and SD) of the variables such as tooth type, obturation length and canal curvatures were determined. Chi-square and independent sample t-tests were applied and level of significance was set at 0.05.

Results

There was 5.19 (3.8) mm of remaining gutta-percha in the orange oil group and 5.37 (4.2) mm in the chloroform group (p = 0.90).

Conclusion

There is no statistically significant difference between the orange oil and chloroform when used as solvent for removing gutta-percha.

How to cite this article

Rehman K, Khan FR, Aman N. Comparison of Orange Oil and Chloroform as Gutta-Percha Solvents in Endodontic Retreatment. J Contemp Dent Pract 2013;14(3):478-482.
Growth of sulphuric acid nanoparticles under wet and dry conditions
Authors: Škrabalová L. , Brus D. , Anttila T. , Ždímal V. , Lihavainen H.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. New particle formation, which greatly influences the number concentrations and size distributions of an atmospheric aerosol, is often followed by a rapid growth of freshly formed particles. The initial growth of a newly formed aerosol is the crucial process determining the fraction of nucleated particles growing into cloud condensation nuclei sizes, which have a significant influence on climate. In this study, we report the laboratory observations of the growth of nanoparticles produced by nucleation of H2SO4 and water in a laminar flow tube at temperatures of 283, 293 and 303 K, under dry (a relative humidity of 1%) and wet conditions (relative humidity of 30%) and residence times of 30, 45, 60 and 90 s. The initial H2SO4 concentration spans the range from 2 × 108 to 1.4 × 1010 molecule cm−3 and the calculated wall losses of H2SO4 were assumed to be diffusion limited. The detected particle number concentrations, measured by the Ultrafine Condensation Particle Counter (UCPC) and Differential Mobility Particle Sizer (DMPS), were found to depend strongly on the residence time. Hygroscopic particle growth, presented by growth factors, was found to be in good agreement with the previously reported studies. The experimental growth rates ranged from 20 nm h−1 to 890 nm h−1 at RH 1% and from 7 nm h−1 to 980 nm h−1 at RH 30% and were found to increase significantly with the increasing concentration of H2SO4. Increases in the nucleation temperature had a slight enhancing effect on the growth rates under dry conditions. The influence of relative humidity on growth was not consistent – at lower H2SO4 concentrations, the growth rates were higher under dry conditions while at H2SO4 concentrations greater than 1×109molecule cm−3 the growth rates were higher under wet conditions. The growth rates show only a weak dependence on the residence time. The experimental observations were compared with predictions made using a numerical model, which investigates the growth of particles with three different extents of neutralization by the ammonia NH3: (1) pure H2SO4 – H2O particles (2) particles formed by ammonium bisulphate, (NH4)HSO4 (3) particles formed by ammonium sulphate, (NH4)2SO4. The highest growth rates were found for ammonium sulphate particles. Since the model accounting for the initial H2SO4 concentration predicted the experimental growth rates correctly, our results suggest that the commonly presumed diffusional wall losses of H2SO4 are not so significant. We therefore assume that there are not only losses of H2SO4 on the wall but also a flux of H2SO4 molecules from the wall into the flow tube, the effect being more profound under dry conditions and at higher temperatures of the tube wall. Based on a comparison with the atmospheric observations, our results indicate that sulphuric acid alone can not explain the growth rates of particles formed in the atmosphere.
Contribution of directly connected and isolated impervious areas to urban drainage network hydrographs
Authors: Seo Y. , Choi N.-J. , Schmidt A. R.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. This paper addresses the mass balance error observed in runoff hydrographs in urban watersheds by introducing assumptions regarding the contribution of infiltrated rainfall from pervious areas and isolated impervious area (IIA) to the runoff hydrograph. Rainfall infiltrating into pervious areas has been assumed not to contribute to the runoff hydrograph until Hortonian excess rainfall occurs. However, mass balance analysis in an urban watershed indicates that rainfall infiltrated to pervious areas can contribute directly to the runoff hydrograph, thereby offering an explanation for the long hydrograph tail commonly observed in runoff from urban storm sewers. In this study, a hydrologic analysis based on the width function is introduced, with two types of width functions obtained from both pervious and impervious areas, respectively. The width function can be regarded as the direct interpretation of the network response. These two width functions are derived to obtain distinct response functions for directly connected impervious areas (DCIA), IIA, and pervious areas. The results show significant improvement in the estimation of runoff hydrographs and suggest the need to consider the flow contribution from pervious areas to the runoff hydrograph. It also implies that additional contribution from flow paths through joints and cracks in sewer pipes needs to be taken into account to improve the estimation of runoff hydrographs in urban catchments.
Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement: Results of 118 Consecutive Cases in a District General Hospital
Authors: Trompeter Alex , Colegate-Stone Toby , Khakha Raghbir , Hull Jonathan
Published: September 2013

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is an increasingly recognised cause of hip symptoms in the young active adult and can lead to labral tears and chondral damage. FAI can be treated with open surgery or arthroscopically: aiming to stabilise labral tears and remove bony impingement. We report the results of a single surgeon series of arthroscopic labral debridement and cam resection in 118 consecutive cases during a two-year period, with a minimum follow-up of one year. Quantitative assessment was undertaken using the Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS) calculated preoperatively and at two, four and 12 months postoperatively. Mean NAHS in all patient groups at two and four months, and at one year showed improvement (p<0.05). These results compare favourably with previous patients treated with open osteochondroplasty by the same surgeon, as well as with the published results from other larger centres. The faster improvement and the shorter hospital stay and lower morbidity make arthroscopic surgery for FAI a favourable option, and a feasible treatment modality in the non-specialist setting.
Postoperative Plasma D-Dimer Value for Predicting Deep Venous Thrombosis following Hip Arthroplasty with Nadroparin Prophylaxis
Authors: Xu Zhihong , Shi Dongquan , Zhang Chengji , Chen Dongyang , Dai Jin , Teng Huajian , Jiang Qing
Published: September 2013

The aim of the study was to assess the value of D-dimer as an event predicitor for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients given low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Plasma D-dimer levels were obtained preoperatively and at days 1, 3, and 7 postoperatively in 83 consecutive patients undergoing THA treated with nadroparin prophylaxis plus intermittent pneumatic compression. Unilateral ascending venography was performed at postoperative day 7 or 8. There was a significant difference between the D-dimer levels in the DVT group (28 patients) and non-DVT group (55 patients) on each day (P<0.01). ROC analysis showed the AUC on postoperative days 1, 3 and 7 was 0.706, 0.712 and 0.772 respectively.

The D-dimer concentration on postoperative day 1, day 3 or day 7 is of moderate predicting value of DVT in patients undergoing THA, treated with nadroparin prophylaxis plus intermittent pneumatic compression.
Topography of the Periacetabular Bone in Chinese Patients – do Current Cages Fit?
Authors: Yang Dejin , Zhou Yixin , Shao Hongyi , Tang Qiheng , Yin Xinghua
Published: September 2013

Background

Understanding the anatomy of the periacetabular bone is critical for designing and implanting cages, as well as reconstruction of lost periacetabular bone. We aimed to study the topography of periacetabular bone and compare it with current cages to examine their fit in a Chinese population.

Methods

We performed three-dimensional measurement on computed tomography images of 105 hemipelves to delineate the topography of the periacetabular bone. We compared the bone with digital models of commercially available cages, and divided the results into three scenarios (fit, mismatch and unfit) according to absence or existence of overhang and the extent of contouring needed after implanting the cages to the pelves.

Results

Our measurement provided a representation of normal topography of the periacetabular bone. Only 21% of the patients studied had commercially available cages which fit their pelves, whilst there was no cage that fitted 59% of the patients even after extensive contouring.

conclusion

Current acetabular cages have low fit rates for the periacetabular bone in Chinese patients.
Anatomical Variations of Lumbar Arteries and Their Clinical Implications: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Karunanayake Aranjan Lionel , Pathmeswaran Arunasalam
Published: September 2013

Lumbar arteries arise from the abdominal aorta. Some abdominal and spinal surgeries can damage these arteries, and that can lead to serious consequences. This study aimed at studying the types and frequencies of variations of lumbar vasculature. We dissected both sides of 109 adult human cadavers and studied the variations of lumbar vasculature. Age range was 43–90 years. Fifty-seven percent were males and 43% were females. The number of lumbar arteries arising from either side of the abdominal aorta varied between 3 and 5 pairs. The lumbar arteries arose from a common single stem in 12% of the cadavers. The third and fourth pairs of lumbar arteries arose from a common single stem in 3% and 11% of cadavers, respectively, and the first and second pairs of lumbar arteries arose from a common single stem in 1% and 2% of cadavers, respectively. The first and second lumbar arteries on the right side traveled anterior to the right crus of the diaphragm in 7% and 8% of cadavers, respectively. There were several variations with regard to the number, origin from the abdominal aorta, and pathway of lumbar arteries from what is described in the literature.
Scaling-up health insurance through community- based health insurance schemes in rural sub- Saharan African communities
Authors: Ejughemre Ufuoma John
Published: September 2013

Context: The knotty and monumental problem of health inequality and the high burden of diseases in sub-Saharan Africa bothers on the poor state of health of many of its citizens particularly in rural communities. These issues are further exacerbated by the harrowing conditions of health care delivery and the poor financing of health services in many of these communities. Against these backdrops, health policy makers in the region are not just concerned with improving peoples’ health but with protecting them against the financial costs of illness. What is important is the need to support more robust strategies for healthcare financing in these communities in sub-Saharan Africa. Objective: This review assesses the evidence of the extent to which community-based health insurance (CBHI) is a more viable option for health care financing amongst other health insurance schemes in rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa. Patterns of health insurance in sub-Saharan Africa: Theoretically, the basis for health insurance is that it allows for risk pooling and therefore ensures that resources follow sick individuals to seek health care when needed. As it were, there are different models such as social, private and CBHI schemes which could come to bear in different settings in the region. However, not all insurance schemes will come to bear in rural settings in the region. Community based health insurance: CBHI is now recognized as a community-initiative that is community friendly and has a wide reach in the informal sector especially if well designed. Experience from Rwanda, parts of Nigeria and other settings in the region indicate high acceptability but the challenge is that these schemes are still very new in the region. Recommendations and conclusion: Governments and international development partners in the region should collect- ively develop CBHI as it will help in strengthening health systems and efforts geared towards achieving the millennium development goals. This is because it is inextricably linked to the health care needs of the poor.
Managing Quarterly DBP Stress in Ohio
Authors: Skeriotis Andrew T. , Miller Christopher M. , Sanchez Nancy
Published: September 2013

Surface water presents many challenges for water treatment, including stricter regulation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) mandated by the US Environmental Protection Agency's Stage 2 Disinfectants/Disinfection Byproducts Rule (D/DBPR). Crucial to utilities being in compliance with the Stage 2 D/DBPR is the ability to obtain real‐time DBP formation potential and to monitor dissolved organic carbon removal as changes are made to the treatment train.
2013 Strategic directions in the US water and wastewater utility industry
Authors: Wallis‐Lage Cindy , Chevrette John
Published: September 2013

Water utility leaders are embracing formal asset management, but massive capital needs persist.
Du tribunal à l’institution. Les jeunes filles délinquantes et « incorrigibles » traduites devant la Cour des délinquants et placées dans les établissements du Bon-Pasteur d’Angers de Montréal (1912-1949)1
Authors: Strimelle Véronique
Published: September 2013

Le présent article s’intéresse aux jeunes filles traduites devant la Cour des jeunes délinquants et placées dans les établissements du Bon-Pasteur d’Angers de Montréal pour la période 1912-1949. Au cours de notre analyse, nous nous pencherons plus spécifiquement sur le concept d’incorrigibilité utilisé pour motiver la comparution de jeunes filles devant la cour des jeunes délinquants et pour justifier leur institutionnalisation. En analysant le parcours de certaines de ces filles incorrigibles, nous essayerons alors de saisir les préoccupations à l’origine de ce processus d’institutionnalisation et décrirons les formes de traitement qui étaient privilégiées vis-à-vis de ces filles dans les institutions du Bon-Pasteur d’Angers.
Self‐Replenishing Dual Structured Superhydrophobic Coatings Prepared by Drop‐Casting of an All‐In‐One Dispersion
Authors: Esteves A. C. C. , Luo Y. , van de Put M. W. P. , Carcouët C. C. M. , de With G.
Published: September 2013

Robust dual structured superhydrophobic coatings which replenish spontaneously their surface chemical composition on new multi‐scale structured surfaces, recreated upon damage, are described. The surface repair occurs at room temperature, via intrinsic elements of the coatings, all covalently bonded. These coatings can be prepared from all‐in‐one dispersions by a simple drop‐cast method, with different thicknesses and on various substrates. The critical factors to optimize the self‐replenishment are described and three main design principles are postulated. The superhydrofobicity of the coatings is maintained even after 500 abrasion cycles. The principles reported can be extended towards self‐healing other surface‐dependent functionalities, that is, anti‐bacteria, anti‐fouling, or drag‐reduction, which will maintain high performance levels all through their life‐cycle with low cost and energy demand for maintenance and surface repair.