bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Driving Performance and User's Evaluation of Self-Balancing Personal Mobility Vehicle with a Pedal Driving Mechanism
Authors: Jeong Seonghee , Takahara Satoshi , Takahashi Takayuki , Hiroi Yutaka , Matsumoto Osamu
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we propose a self-balancing personal mobility vehicle with a hybrid driving mechanism, called as Wi-PMP, and discuss its features from the perspectives of its power-assist driving performance and a rider's evaluation. The mobility vehicle consists of a wheeled inverted pendulum type mobile platform, and a hybrid driving mechanism that can use human and motor power together for driving. By performing a bump driving, a slope driving, and a outdoor driving experiment, we confirm that the proposed hybrid mechanism is valid for the integration of human and motor power, and is effective to increase the driving power and reduce electrical load on motors and batteries. We conducted several experiments to investigate the rider's evaluation on a sit-riding method compared to a stand-riding one. The questionnaire results showed that a rider felt more comfortable in the case of the sit-riding method when getting on and off, and when driving the mobility vehicle. This implies that riding-type self-balancing vehicles such as Wi-PMP have the potential to become familiar personal mobility vehicles in daily life.
Application of Bernoulli Process-Based Charts to Electronic Assembly
Authors: Noskievičová Darja , Jarošová Eva , Brodecká Kateřina
Published: July 2015

The application of protective gel, which is a subprocess of the electronic assembly of the exhaust gas recirculation sensor, is a highly capable process with the fraction of nonconforming units as low as 200 ppm. Every unit is inspected immediately after gel application. The conventional Shewhart chart is of no use here, and the approach based on the Bernoulli process is therefore considered. The number of conforming items in a row until the occurrence of first or the r-th nonconforming is determined and CCC-r, CCC-r EWMA, and CCC CUSUM charts are applied. The aim of the control is to detect the process deterioration, and so the one-sided charts are used. So that the charts based on the geometric or negative binomial distribution can be compared, their performance is assessed through the average number of inspected units until a signal (ANOS). Our study confirmed that CCC-r EWMA and CCC CUSUM are able to detect the process shift more quickly than the CCC-r chart. Of the two charts, the first is easier to construct.
Preparation of a Nanosilver Composite Plant Medium with Antimicrobial Capability through a Nontoxic Method
Authors: Zhang Xin , Shi Baoli
Published: July 2015

A nanosilver composite plant medium with a good antimicrobial capability was successfully prepared via a two-step method in this work. First, nanosilver particles were prepared in a silver nitrate (AgNO3) solution by using D-glucose as a reduction reagent at room temperature. The effect of AgNO3 concentration levels on the size of the nanosilver particles was investigated. The sedimentation activation energy of the nanosilver particles was also measured. Second, the solvent containing the nanosilver particles was added to a Murashige-Skoog medium (a plant growth medium used in the laboratory for the cultivation of plant cell cultures, which was invented by Toshio Murashige and Folke K. Skoog) to form a composite plant medium. The antimicrobial capability of the composite medium was investigated by cultivating in it some fresh strawberry slices. The results showed that the concentration level of AgNO3 significantly influenced the average size of the prepared nanosilver particles. When the AgNO3 concentration was increased from 1.0×10−3 mol/L to 4.0×10−3 mol/L, the average diameter of the nanosilver particles increased from 52 nm to 72 nm, and the sedimentation activation energy of the particles increased from −20.0 kJ/mol to −63.3 kJ/mol. Images from the transmission electron microscope showed that the size distribution of the particles was within narrow parameters. The results of sedimentation activation energy strongly supported the size results obtained from the TEM measurement. It meant that the preparation method could offer good control over the size and size distribution of the nanosilver particles. The cultivation experiments proved that the composite medium has a good antimicrobial capability. Since D-glucose is a nontoxic material, this method of preparing the composite MS medium with an antimicrobial capability was a ‘green’ method.
Recorregut de recerca geològica i mineralògica per l´Arieja: des del coll de Pimorent a l´Hospitalet - près - l´Andorre, Mérens les Vals, Ax – les Thermes i a Orlu
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: July 2015

Recorregut realitzat el 7 de juliol del 2013. En aquesta ocasió, el recorregut de l’itinerari discorrerà, en la seva totalitat pel Sistema Pirinenc. I més concretament ho farà per Apilaments Antiformes de la Zona Axial Pirinenca (i més concretament pels sectors corresponents al Massís dels Tres Senhors). Així, el recorregut s’iniciarà i finalitzarà dintre de la denominada Zona Axial Pirinenca, entre els afloraments dels materials paleozoics que la constitueixen. Aquests materials pertanyen en la seva major part a l´Ordovicià. Així, veurem afloraments dels materials esquistosos i també afloraments de granits i de granodiorites. Per d´altra banda, aquest recorregut transitarà per zones de clara morfologia glacial. Així, veurem bona part de l’antic glacial del riu Arieja, així com la d´alguns del seus afluents; concretament la del Mourguillou i la de l´Orlu. També cal dir que la totalitat del recorregut es farà dintre de la zona denominada de l´Alta Arieja, corresponents a les valls d´Ax – les Thermes, dintre del denominat Pais de Fois, a l´actual Departament de l´Ariege.
Recorregut de recerca geològica i mineralògica per les comarques de l´Alta Cerdanya i del Capcir (Catalunya Nord): des de la Quingueta d´Ix a Angostrina – Vilanova de les Escaldes, Targasona, Font Romeu, a Mont-lluis i a la Bollosa
Authors: Mata Perelló Josep Maria , Sanz Balagué Joaquim
Published: July 2015

Recorregut realitzat el 6 de juliol del 2014. El recorregut del present itinerari, es desenvoluparà quasi íntegrament pel Sistema Pirinenc; distribuint-se tant per diferents sectors d´aquesta serralada. Així, s´iniciarà a la  Depressió de la Cerdanya – Capcir, per entrar després a la denominada Zona Axial del Sistema Pirinenc. Tanmateix, es circularà cap a la fi del recorregut, per les proximitats de la Zona Nord – Pirinenca. Així  el recorregut de l’itinerari s’iniciarà a la població de la Guingueta d´Ix  (o Bourmadame), per on es farà la primera parada. Després, el recorregut es dirigirà cap al poble de Angostrina – Vilanova de les Escaldes, prop d´on es farà una nova aturada. Després es dirigirà cap a Targasona, Font Romeu i Mont-Lluis. Després, es dirigirà cap el Nord, per tal d´arribar al llac de la Bollosa, per on es farà la darrera aturada d´aquest itinerari. Els trams inicials d´aquest recorregut s’haurà fet per la Depressió de la Cerdanya – Capcir, tot i que haurà transitat prop de la Zona Axial Pirinenca en diferents parts d´aquest recorregut. Així, inicialment es tallaran els materials cenozoics que reblen l´esmentada depressió. Posteriorment, es veuran afloraments de les roques granítiques, així com afloraments dels materials paleozoics, en circular per la Zona Axial Pirinenca.
FDA: Is Off-Label on the Table?
Authors: Pitts Peter
Published: July 2015

Biopharmaceutical companies have the most complete and up-to-date information about the medicines that they research, develop and manufacture for use by patients.Â  However, companies are often unable to proactively share valuable information about their medicines, especially for information that is not contained in the FDA-approved prescribing information (the package insert you often receive with a prescription), with physicians and other healthcare providers.The new FDA draft guidance opens the door for companies to share truthful, scientifically accurate, and data-driven information with healthcare professionals to inform treatment decisions.
The Globetrotting Regulator
Authors: Pitts Peter J.
Published: July 2015

I am putting in a lot of miles on behalf of international regulatory fraternity.Like Johnny Cash said, â€œIâ€™ve been everywhereâ€ â€” or at least it seems that way. Recently Iâ€™ve visited with government health officials in China (both PRC and ROC), the Philippines, Malaysia, Egypt, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Russia, Brazil, Colombia, South Africa, Indonesia, Kenya, and many other points in-between. And the only thing thatâ€™s grown more than my frequent flyer miles is my respect and admiration for those over-worked and under-appreciated civil servants toiling on the front lines of medicines regulation. Itâ€™s a global fraternity of dedicated (and generally under-paid) healthcare and health policy professionals devoted to ensuring timely access to innovative medicines and quality generics drugs.Â  But, just as in similar Western agencies (USFDA, EMA, Health Canada, etc.), â€œdoing the right thingâ€ is often a battle of evolving regulatory science, tight resources, competing priorities â€¦ and politics.
Combating a Global Pandemic of Weak, Adulterated, and Fake Drugs
Authors: Bairu Menghis
Published: July 2015

Whether itâ€™s willful counterfeiting, sloppy manufacturing processes, or neglectful handing of drugs in the global supply chain, recent studies suggest the problem of weakened, adulterated, and fake drugs is a growing global issue with deadly consequences. In Africa, the lack of access to innovative drugs makes the population vulnerable to counterfeits and inefficacious copies of medicines that are much needed. This humanitarian crisis rests on policymakersâ€™ steadfastness in each country to ensure the authenticity of the drug supply. Among the steps that should be taken is the restriction of the sale of drugs to pharmacies and hospitals and the prohibition of their sale through street vendors and open markets. There is also an urgent need for post-importation testing to ensure drugs actually contain their active ingredients in adequate strength before they are sold. Â These are necessary parts of a needed comprehensive approach to combating the importation of counterfeit, weakened, and adulterated drugs. Countries have it within their power to protect their populations, ensure the integrity of medications, and restore trust in their healthcare systems.
Divergencias del alumnado y del profesorado universitario sobre las dificultades para aplicar la evaluación formativa
Authors: Romero-Martín Rosario , Castejón-Oliva Francisco-Javier , López-Pastor Víctor
Published: July 2015

La evaluación formativa supone un claro cambio en la forma de plantear la evaluación en la docencia universitaria. Su aplicación no está exenta de cierta controversia, y sobre todo de dificultades, que hacen que alumnado y profesorado tengan distintas perspectivas. El objetivo del presente estudio ha sido comprobar las divergencias del alumnado y del profesorado cuando se diseña y se ponen en práctica sistemas de evaluación formativa. Se ha utilizado un cuestionario para el alumnado (N=3013) y los informes elaborados por el profesorado (N=46) aplicados durante el curso 2012-13. Los resultados muestran que la evaluación formativa es bastante exigente para el alumnado, aunque también muestran una alta satisfacción del alumnado con la misma, particularmente con la calificación. Un inconveniente que refleja el alumnado parece ser la acumulación de trabajo al final del proceso, lo cual resulta paradójico y requiere de una investigación más profunda en el futuro. El profesorado también muestra una alta satisfacción con este tipo de evaluación, aunque tengan una mayor carga de trabajo. Se observan escasas discrepancias entre los dos colectivos (alumnado y profesorado). En el estudio se proponen recomendaciones de puesta en práctica en cuanto al diseño y la planificación para investigaciones futuras. Las limitaciones se observan en cuanto a la población participante en el estudio, con el fin de que puedan generalizarse los resultados.
Ariopsis peltata var. brevifolia (Araceae) from Achankovil Shear Zone region of Southern Western Ghats, India
Authors: Mathew Jose , George K V
Published: July 2015

In the bycatch of a scientific expedition in the Achankovil Shear Zone part of Southern Western Ghats, a variant of Ariopsis peltata was collected. It differs from the typical species mainly by the miniature leaf size, dome shaped male zone and by two rings of punctured cavities in synandria. This specimen is described and illustrated here as Ariopsis peltata var. brevifolia.
Traditional Carrier Approaches to Mental Health
Authors: Dobson Christina , Schmidt Glen
Published: July 2015

The Carrier First Nations, who are the original inhabitants of North Central British Columbia, have endured years of hardship as a result of European colonization. Over time, this has resulted in an erosion of traditional practices and a decline in overall health. There is concern that mental health practitioners are not meeting the needs of the Carrier people because they fail to understand the Carrier worldview. In an effort to better understand and respect the Carrier ideas and beliefs about mental health and mental illness, interviews were conducted with 7 traditional healers about their beliefs and their practices. The traditional healers reported that the concept of mental illness did not exist in pre-contact culture. However, the traditional healers who participated in this research actively practise ceremonies and rituals that seek to restore balance and harmony between the person and his or her environment.
Patients’ Preferences for Surgical Management of Esophageal Cancer: A Discrete Choice Experiment
Authors: de Bekker‐Grob Esther W. , Niers Eva J. , van Lanschot J. Jan B. , Steyerberg Ewout W. , Wijnhoven Bas P. L.
Published: July 2015

Background

Obtaining insight into patients’ preferences is important to optimize cancer care. We investigated patients’ preferences for surgical management of esophageal cancer.

Methods

We conducted a discrete choice experiment among adult patients who had undergone esophagectomy for adenocarcinoma or squamous cell cancer of the esophagus. Patients’ preferences were quantified with regression analysis using scenarios based on five aspects: risk of in‐hospital mortality, risk of persistent symptoms, chance of 5‐year survival, risk of surgical and non‐surgical complications, and hospital volume of esophageal cancer surgery.

Results

The response rate was 68 % (104/142). All aspects proved to influence patients’ preferences (p < 0.05). Persisting gastrointestinal symptoms and 5‐year survival were the most important attributes, but preferences varied between patients. On average, patients were willing to trade‐off 9.5 % (CI 2.4–16.6 %) 5‐year survival chance to obtain a surgical treatment with 30 % lower risk of gastrointestinal symptoms, or 8.1 % (CI 4.0–12.2 %) 5‐year survival chance for being treated in a high instead of a low‐volume hospital.

Conclusions

Patients are willing to trade‐off some 5‐year survival chance to achieve an improvement in early outcomes. Given the preference heterogeneity among participants, the present study underlines the importance of a patient‐tailored approach when discussing prognosis and treatment.
An Exploratory Study of Employers’ Attitudes Towards a Clinical Doctorate in Genetic Counseling
Authors: Valverde Kathleen , Mueller Rebecca , Paciotti Breah , Conway Laura
Published: July 2015

Creation of an advanced degree in genetic counseling has been considered since the early 1980s. The Genetic Counseling Advanced Degree Task Force (GCADTF) was convened in 2012 to formally explore the potential suitability of a clinical doctorate (ClinD), though employer perspectives of advanced training were not part of the discussion. The conclusion of this group was that the field was not ready to move to an entry‐level clinical doctorate at this time but that further education and research among other stakeholders was necessary (Nagy et al. 2014). In this study, we describe employers’ perspectives on developing a clinical doctorate in genetic counseling based upon thirty audio‐recorded semi‐structured phone interviews that were transcribed verbatim and qualitatively analyzed. Overall, employers expressed concerns regarding the economic viability of ClinD training but envisioned expanded roles for genetic counselors (especially in areas of education and research) and enhanced credibility. While some employers reported that they would provide flexibility and tuition assistance for acquisition of a ClinD, for many employers, support was contingent on perceived value of the degree. Some employers were not clear about the difference between a ClinD and a PhD, suggesting that there is a need for educating employers about advanced degree options for the genetic counseling field. Future research could include investigating employer attitudes about market needs, envisioned roles, and compensation formulas for counselors with a ClinD or other forms of advanced training.
Utilization of Oil Industry Residues for the Production of Rhamnolipids by Pseudomonas indica
Authors: Bhardwaj Garima , Cameotra Swaranjit Singh , Chopra Harish Kumar
Published: July 2015

In the present work, a new strain Pseudomonas indica MTCC 3714 was studied for the production of biosurfactants using various rice‐bran oil industry residues viz. rice‐bran, de‐oiled rice‐bran, fatty acids and waxes. Among all the carbon sources, a maximum reduction in surface tension (26.4 mN/m) was observed when the media were supplemented with rice‐bran and the biosurfactant was recovered using the ultrasonication technique as one of the steps in the extraction process. Biosurfactants were obtained in yields of about 9.6 g/L using rice‐bran as the carbon source. The structure of the biosurfactants as characterized by FT‐IR, NMR (1H and 13C) and LC–MS analysis revealed that the majority of the biosurfactants were di‐rhamnolipids. The biosurfactants produced were able to emulsify various hydrocarbons and showed excellent potential in microbial enhanced oil recovery, as it was able to recover kerosene up to 70 % in a sandpack test.
A trifunctional, triangular RNA–protein complex
Authors: Ohuchi Shoji J. , Sagawa Fumihiko , Sakamoto Taiichi , Inoue Tan
Published: July 2015

Multifunctional molecular complexes are valuable tools with a variety of applications. We have developed an RNA–protein complex (RNP) containing three different proteins attached to the tips of a triangular RNA scaffold. We designed and constructed three RNA strands that specifically bind a ribosomal protein, L7Ae, and that autonomously form a single triangular RNP via RNA kissing loop (KL) interactions. This RNP‐based approach can be used as an alternative tool to produce unique, multifunctional molecules with customized dimensions, functions, and targets.
The Association Between Medical Treatment of Physical Diseases and Psychological Distress After the Great East Japan Earthquake: The Shichigahama Health Promotion Project
Authors: Nakaya Naoki , Nakamura Tomohiro , Tsuchiya Naho , Tsuji Ichiro , Hozawa Atsushi , Tomita Hiroaki
Published: July 2015

Objective

Physical disease patients are known to experience high levels of psychological distress. This study examined the association between the medical treatment of physical diseases and psychological distress in the coastal area affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Methods

Using cross-sectional data, we studied 3032 individuals aged ≥40 years who lived in Shichigahama, Miyagi, Japan. We examined the associations between 8 medical treatments for physical diseases and psychological distress, defined as Kessler Psychological Distress scale score ≥13 of 24 points. To investigate the associations, we performed multiple logistic regression analyses.

Results

There were statistically significant associations between psychological distress and medical treatments for myocardial infarction/angina pectoris (odds ratio [OR]=1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.0-3.0) and liver disease (OR=3.1, 95% CI=1.0-7.7). The other 4 medical treatments for physical diseases had ORs of 1.3 or higher and were positively associated with psychological distress: cancer, hyperlipidemia, kidney disease, and diabetes mellitus. The degree of damage to homes did not affect the association between most of the medical treatments for physical diseases and psychological distress.

Conclusions

In the disaster area, most of the medical treatments for physical diseases had positive associations with psychological distress, irrespective of the degree of damage to homes. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness.2015;9:374–381)
Assessment of Emergency Preparedness of Households in Israel for War—Current Status
Authors: Bodas Moran , Siman-Tov Maya , Kreitler Shulamith , Peleg Kobi
Published: July 2015

Objective

In recent decades, many efforts have been made, both globally and locally, to enhance household preparedness for emergencies. In the State of Israel in particular, substantial investment has been made throughout the years in preparing the population for one of the major threats to the civilian population—a rapidly deteriorating regional conflict that involves high-trajectory weapons (ie, rocket and missile fire) launched at the home front. The purpose of this study was to examine the current preparedness level of the Israeli public for this threat and determine the correlates of such preparedness with known factors.

Methods

A telephone-based, random sampling of 503 households representative of the Israeli population was carried out during October 2013. The questionnaire examined the level of household preparedness as well as attitudes towards threat perception, responsibility, willingness to search for information, and sense of preparedness. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the level of preparedness in the general population and to find correlates to this preparedness in attitudes and demographic variables.

Results

More than half of the sample reported complying with 50% or fewer of the actions recommended by the Israeli Home Front Command. Having an increased sense of preparedness and willingness to search for related information were positively correlated with actual household preparedness, and the latter was also found to be the most predictive variable of household preparedness.

Conclusions

Although the overall household preparedness reported is mediocre, the level of preparedness found in this study suggests better preparedness of the population in Israel for its primary threat. The findings suggest that in order to promote preparedness of the Israeli public for war, emphasis should be put on increasing the public demand for information and encouraging people to evaluate their sense of preparedness. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;9:382–390)
THE NOTION OF ORIGINALITY AND DEGREES OF FAITHFULNESS IN TRANSLATING CLASSICAL CHINESE: COMPARING TRANSLATIONS OF THE LIEZI
Authors: Li Xiaofan Amy
Published: July 2015

This article compares several post-1950s translations of the Liezi, and examines the concept of originality, the degrees of closeness to the original text a modern translation can achieve, and how this “faithfulness” can be understood. I first discuss how the problem of the Liezi's originality has negatively influenced critics' and translators' perception of the text's significance, then compare its different translations to show their specific translational and interpretational problems. Finally, I reflect on the overarching methodological question that frames my comparisons of translations, namely, why compare? I argue that comparing translations cannot be a means to ascertain the best translation, because both concepts of originality and faithfulness are multiple in meaning rather than singularly defined. Instead of measuring translations in terms of “fidelity,” a more insightful practice would be discovering the insights different translations offer into the relationships between the original and translated texts, source and target languages, as well as questioning the construction of texts as “original source texts” through translation by recognizing the potential fluidity and multiplicity of the source text itself.
Concentration inequalities for sequential dynamical systems of the unit interval
Authors: AIMINO ROMAIN , ROUSSEAU JÉRÔME
Published: July 2015

We prove a concentration inequality for sequential dynamical systems of the unit interval enjoying an exponential loss of memory in the BV norm and we investigate several of its consequences. In particular, this covers compositions of$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}$-transformations, with all$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}$lying in a neighborhood of a fixed$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}_{\star }>1$, and systems satisfying a covering-type assumption.
Enveloping semigroups and quasi-discrete spectrum
Authors: RAUTIO JUHO
Published: July 2015

The structures of the enveloping semigroups of certain elementary finite- and infinite-dimensional distal dynamical systems are given, answering open problems posed in 1982 by Namioka [Ellis groups and compact right topological groups. Conference in Modern Analysis and Probability (New Haven, CT, 1982) (Contemporary Mathematics, 26). American Mathematical Society, Providence, RI, 1984, 295–300]. The universal minimal system with (topological) quasi-discrete spectrum is obtained from the infinite-dimensional case. It is proved that, on the one hand, a minimal system is a factor of this universal system if and only if its enveloping semigroup has quasi-discrete spectrum and that, on the other hand, such a factor need not have quasi-discrete spectrum in itself. This leads to a natural generalization of the property of having quasi-discrete spectrum, which is named the ${\mathcal{W}}$-property.
Review of Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests and Clinical Prediction Rules for Diagnosis of Tuberculosis in Acute Care Facilities
Authors: Chitnis Amit S. , Davis J. Lucian , Schecter Gisela F. , Barry Pennan M. , Flood Jennifer M.
Published: July 2015

Tuberculosis (TB) remains an important cause of hospitalization and mortality in the United States. Prevention of TB transmission in acute care facilities relies on prompt identification and implementation of airborne isolation, rapid diagnosis, and treatment of presumptive pulmonary TB patients. In areas with low TB burden, this strategy may result in inefficient utilization of airborne infection isolation rooms (AIIRs). We reviewed TB epidemiology and diagnostic approaches to inform optimal TB detection in low-burden settings. Published clinical prediction rules for individual studies have a sensitivity ranging from 81% to 100% and specificity ranging from 14% to 63% for detection of culture-positive pulmonary TB patients admitted to acute care facilities. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) have a specificity of >98%, and the sensitivity of NAATs varies by acid-fast bacilli sputum smear status (positive smear, ≥95%; negative smear, 50%–70%). We propose an infection prevention strategy using a clinical prediction rule to identify patients who warrant diagnostic evaluation for TB in an AIIR with an NAAT. Future studies are needed to evaluate whether use of clinical prediction rules and NAATs results in optimized utilization of AIIRs and improved detection and treatment of presumptive pulmonary TB patients.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;36(10):1215–1225
Quantifying the Hawthorne Effect in Hand Hygiene Compliance Through Comparing Direct Observation With Automated Hand Hygiene Monitoring
Authors: Hagel Stefan , Reischke Jana , Kesselmeier Miriam , Winning Johannes , Gastmeier Petra , Brunkhorst Frank M. , Scherag André , Pletz Mathias W.
Published: July 2015

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the Hawthorne effect of hand hygiene performance among healthcare workers using direct observation.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

Intensive care unit, university hospital.

METHODS

Direct observation of hand hygiene compliance over 48 audits of 2 hours each. Simultaneously, hand hygiene events (HHEs) were recorded using electronic alcohol-based handrub dispensers. Directly observed and electronically recorded HHEs during the 2 hours of direct observation were compared using Spearman correlations and Bland-Altman plots. To quantify the Hawthorne effect, we compared the number of electronically recorded HHEs during the direct observation periods with the re-scaled electronically recorded HHEs in the 6 remaining hours of the 8-hour working shift.

RESULTS

A total of 3,978 opportunities for hand hygiene were observed during the 96 hours of direct observation. Hand hygiene compliance was 51% (95% CI, 49%–53%). There was a strong positive correlation between directly observed compliance and electronically recorded HHEs (ρ=0.68 [95% CI, 0.49–0.81], P<.0001). In the 384 hours under surveillance, 4,180 HHEs were recorded by the electronic dispensers. Of those, 2,029 HHEs were recorded during the 96 hours in which direct observation was also performed, and 2,151 HHEs were performed in the remaining 288 hours of the same working shift that were not under direct observation. Healthcare workers performed 8 HHEs per hour when not under observation compared with 21 HHEs per hour during observation.

CONCLUSIONS

Directly and electronically observed HHEs were in agreement. We observed a marked influence of the Hawthorne effect on hand hygiene performance.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;36(8):957–962
Detached shear-layer instability and entrainment in the wake of a flat plate with turbulent separating boundary layers
Authors: Rai Man Mohan
Published: July 2015

The near and very near wake of a flat plate with a circular trailing edge, with vigorous vortex shedding, is investigated with data from direct numerical simulations (DNS). Computations were performed for four different combinations of the Reynolds numbers based on plate thickness ($D$) and momentum thickness near the trailing edge (${\it\theta}$). Unlike the case of the cylinder, these Reynolds numbers are independent parameters for the flat plate. The objectives of the study are twofold, to investigate the entrainment process when the separating boundary layers are turbulent and to better understand the instability of the detached shear layers (DSLs). A visualization of the entrainment process, the effect of changing the ratio ${\it\theta}/D$ on entrainment and wake-velocity statistics, and a way of understanding entrainment in a phase-averaged sense via distributions of the turbulent transport rate are provided here. The discussion on shear-layer instability focuses on the role of log-layer eddies in the destabilization process, the effect of high-speed streaks in the turbulent boundary layer in the vicinity of the trailing edge on shear-layer vortex generation rates, and a relationship between the prevalence of shear-layer vortex generation and shedding phase that is a result of an interaction between the shedding process and the shear-layer instability mechanism. A power-law relationship between the ratio of shear-layer and shedding frequencies and the Reynolds numbers mentioned above is obtained. A discussion of the relative magnitudes of the exponents is provided. A second power-law relationship between shed-vortex strength and these two Reynolds numbers is also proposed.
An active feedback flow control theory of the axisymmetric vortex breakdown process
Authors: Rusak Zvi , Granata Joshua , Wang Shixiao
Published: July 2015

An active feedback flow control theory of the axisymmetric vortex breakdown process in incompressible swirling flows in a finite-length straight circular pipe is developed. Flow injection distributed along the pipe wall is used as the controller. The flow is subjected to non-periodic inlet and outlet conditions where the inlet profiles of the axial velocity, circumferential velocity and azimuthal vorticity are prescribed, along with no radial velocity at the outlet. A long-wave asymptotic analysis at near-critical swirl ratios, which involves a rescaling of the axial distance and time, results in a model problem for the dynamics and the nonlinear control of both inviscid and high-Reynolds-number ($\mathit{Re}$) flows. The approach provides the bifurcation diagram of steady states and the stability characteristics of these states. In addition, an energy analysis of the controlled flow dynamics suggests a feedback control law that relates the flow injection to the evolving maximum radial velocity at the inlet. Computed examples of the flow dynamics based on the full Euler and Navier–Stokes formulations at various swirl levels demonstrate the evolution to near-steady breakdown states when swirl is above a critical level that depends on $\mathit{Re}$. Moreover, applying the proposed feedback control law during flow evolution shows for the first time the successful and robust elimination of the breakdown states and flow stabilization on an almost columnar state for a wide range of swirl (up to at least 30 %) above critical. The feedback control cuts the natural feed-forward mechanism of the breakdown process. Specifically, in the case of high-$\mathit{Re}$ flows, the control approach establishes a branch of columnar states for all swirl levels studied, where in the natural flow dynamics no such states exist. The present theory is limited to the control of axisymmetric flows in pipes where the wall boundary layer is thin and attached and does not interact with the flow in the bulk.
Triple-deck and direct numerical simulation analyses of high-speed subsonic flows past a roughness element
Authors: Mengaldo G. , Kravtsova M. , Ruban A. I. , Sherwin S. J.
Published: July 2015

This paper is concerned with the boundary-layer separation in subsonic and transonic flows caused by a two-dimensional isolated wall roughness. The process of the separation is analysed by means of two approaches: the direct numerical simulation (DNS) of the flow using the Navier–Stokes equations, and the numerical solution of the triple-deck equations. Since the triple-deck theory relies on the assumption that the Reynolds number ($\mathit{Re}$) is large, we performed the Navier–Stokes calculations at $\mathit{Re}=4\times 10^{5}$ based on the distance of the roughness element from the leading edge of the flat plate. This $\mathit{Re}$ is also relevant for aeronautical applications. Two sets of calculation were conducted with the free-stream Mach number $\mathit{Ma}_{\infty }=0.5$ and $\mathit{Ma}_{\infty }=0.87$. We used different roughness element heights, some of which were large enough to cause a well-developed separation region behind the roughness. We found that the two approaches generally compare well with one another in terms of wall shear stress, longitudinal pressure gradient and detachment/reattachment points of the separation bubbles (when present). The main differences were found in proximity to the centre of the roughness element, where the wall shear stress and longitudinal pressure gradient predicted by the triple-deck theory are noticeably different from those predicted by DNS. In addition, DNS predicts slightly longer separation regions.
Effects of spanwise spacing on large-scale secondary flows in rough-wall turbulent boundary layers
Authors: Vanderwel Christina , Ganapathisubramani Bharathram
Published: July 2015

Large-scale secondary flows can sometimes appear in turbulent boundary layers formed over rough surfaces, creating low- and high-momentum pathways along the surface (Barros & Christensen, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 748, 2014, R1). We investigate experimentally the dependence of these secondary flows on surface/flow conditions by measuring the flows over streamwise strips of roughness with systematically varied spanwise spacing. We find that the large-scale secondary flows are accentuated when the spacing of the roughness elements is roughly proportional to the boundary layer thickness ${\it\delta}$, and do not appear for cases with finer spacing. Cases with coarser spacing also generate ${\it\delta}$-scale secondary flows with tertiary flows in the spaces in between. These results show that the ratio of the spanwise length scale of roughness heterogeneity to the boundary layer thickness is a critical parameter for the occurrence of these secondary motions in turbulent boundary layers over rough walls.
Time-resolved flow dynamics and Reynolds number effects at a wall–cylinder junction
Authors: Apsilidis Nikolaos , Diplas Panayiotis , Dancey Clinton L. , Bouratsis Polydefkis
Published: July 2015

This study investigated the physics of separated turbulent flows near the vertical intersection of a flat wall with a cylindrical obstacle. The geometry imposes an adverse pressure gradient on the incoming boundary layer. As a result, flow separates from the wall and reorganizes to a system of characteristic flow patterns known as the horseshoe vortex. We studied the time-averaged and instantaneous behaviour of the turbulent horseshoe vortex using planar time-resolved particle image velocimetry (TRPIV). In particular, we focused on the effect of Reynolds number based on the diameter of the obstacle and the bulk approach velocity, $\mathit{Re}_{D}$. Experiments were carried out at $\mathit{Re}_{D}$: $2.9\times 10^{4}$, $4.7\times 10^{4}$ and $12.3\times 10^{4}$. Data analysis emphasized time-averaged and turbulence quantities, time-resolved flow dynamics and the statistics of coherent flow patterns. It is demonstrated that two large-scale vortical structures dominate the junction flow topology in a time-averaged sense. The number of additional vortices with intermittent presence does not vary substantially with $\mathit{Re}_{D}$. In addition, the increase of turbulence kinetic energy (TKE), momentum and vorticity content of the flow at higher $\mathit{Re}_{D}$ is documented. The distinctive behaviour of the primary horseshoe vortex for the $\mathit{Re}_{D}=12.3\times 10^{4}$ case is manifested by episodes of rapid advection of the vortex to the upstream, higher spatio-temporal variability of its trajectory, and violent eruptions of near-wall fluid. Differences between this experimental run and those at lower Reynolds numbers were also identified with respect to the spatial extents of the bimodal behaviour of the horseshoe vortex, which is a well-known characteristic of turbulent junction flows. Our findings suggest a modified mechanism for the aperiodic switching between the dominant flow modes. Without disregarding the limitations of this work, we argue that Reynolds number effects need to be considered in any effort to control the dynamics of junction flows characterized by the same (or reasonably similar) configurations.
Absolute Parameters of Detached Binaries in the Southern Sky – I: V349 Ara and V4403 Sgr
Authors: Erdem A. , Sürgit D. , Engelbrecht C. A. , Van Heerden H. P.
Published: July 2015

We present the first analysis of spectroscopic and photometric observations of the two southern eclipsing binary stars, V349 Ara and V4403 Sgr. Radial velocity curves of these two systems obtained at the South African Astronomical Observatory and their V light curves from the All Sky Automated Survey were solved simultaneously using the Wilson–Devinney code. Our photometric models describe these two systems as Algol-like binary stars with detached configurations. The masses and radii were found to be 2.59 ± 0.07 M⊙, 3.60 ± 0.07 R⊙ and 2.51 ± 0.06 M⊙, 4.15 ± 0.07 R⊙ for the primary and secondary components of V349 Ara, respectively. Those of V4403 Sgr were derived to be 1.33 ± 0.02 M⊙, 1.74 ± 0.02 R⊙ and 1.59 ± 0.03 M⊙, 2.50 ± 0.03 R⊙ for the primary and secondary components, respectively. The distances to V349 Ara and V4403 Sgr were computed to be 677 ± 36 and 199 ± 10 pc from the dynamic parallax, respectively, taking into account interstellar extinction. The evolution cases of these two systems are also examined. Both components of these two systems are evolved main-sequence stars, and the dynamic ages were estimated as approximately 0.67 and 2.29 Gyr for V349 Ara and V4403 Sgr, respectively, when compared to Geneva theoretical evolution models.
Le pouvoir moderne et le dispositif asilaire selon Michel Foucault et Marcel Gauchet
Authors: LECOMTE OLIVIER
Published: July 2015

La notion de modernité est, selon Michel Foucault et Marcel Gauchet, intimement liée à l’idée d’une nouvelle forme de pouvoir. Alors que Foucault analyse les articulations des microphysiques du pouvoir, Gauchet formule une théorie du pouvoir en fonction d’un rapport à l’extériorité. Tous deux perçoivent l’asile comme l’un des lieux représentatifs par excellence de la forme moderne du pouvoir. Ce texte vise à montrer que le modèle de Gauchet permet de conserver l’apport de Foucault tout en lui conférant un sens nouveau.
On the continuation of solutions of non-autonomous semilinear parabolic problems
Authors: Carvalho Alexandre N. , Cholewa Jan W. , Nascimento Marcelo J. D.
Published: July 2015

We study non-autonomous parabolic equations with critical exponents in a scale of Banach spaces Eσ, σ ∈ [0,1 + μ). We consider a suitable E1+ε-solution and describe continuation properties of the solution. This concerns both a situation when the solution can be continued as an E1+ε-solution and a situation when the E1+ε-norm of the solution blows up, in which case a piecewise E1+ε-solution is constructed.
Impact of water deficit on light interception, radiation use efficiency and leaf area index in a potato crop (Solanum tuberosumL.)
Authors: CAMARGO D. C. , MONTOYA F. , MORENO M. A. , ORTEGA J. F. , CÓRCOLES J. I.
Published: July 2015

The aim of the current research was to analyse the effect of four water irrigation treatments (1·20, 1·00, 0·80 and 0·60 of the crop water requirement) on the relationships among leaf area index (LAI), radiation use efficiency (RUE) and green canopy cover in a potato crop (Solanum tuberosumL.) cv. Agria. The crop was established in a commercial plot irrigated with a centre pivot system in Southeast Spain during the 2011 and 2012 seasons. In both seasons, the highest light absorption efficiency values occurred at the LAI value of 3 that corresponded to maximum ground cover. With regard to the irrigation treatment, a significant linear response was indicated for RUE. The results indicate that the 1·00 irrigation treatment produced the best result, improving water resources management without reducing crop yield.
Role of cyclins D1 and D3 in vestibular schwannoma
Authors: Jabbour J , Earls P , Biggs N , Gracie G , Fagan P , Bova R
Published: July 2015

Background:

Vestibular schwannomas in younger patients have been observed to be larger in size and grow more quickly.

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the expression of three important cell cycle proteins, cyclin D1, cyclin D3and Ki-67, in vestibular schwannoma patients separated into two age groups: ≤40 years or >40 years.

Method:

Immunohistochemical detection of cyclin D1, cyclin D3and Ki-67 was undertaken in 180 surgically resected vestibular schwannomas.

Results:

The proliferation index of vestibular schwannomas was statistically higher in the ≤40 years age group compared to that in the >40 years age group (mean of 4.52vs3.27, respectively;p = 0.01). Overexpression of cyclin D1and cyclin D3was found in 68 per cent and 44 per cent of tumours, respectively.

Conclusion:

There was an increased Ki-67 proliferation index in the younger age group that appears to correlate with clinical behaviour. Vestibular schwannomas in both age groups show increased expression of cyclin D1and cyclin D3.
Lake Nakuru Black Rhinoceros Sanctuary
Authors: Lever Christopher
Published: July 2015

In an attempt to stem the decline of the black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis in Kenya, the Rhino Rescue Charitable Appeal Trust was formed in England in 1985. Within a year work on the first sanctuary, in the Lake Nakuru National Park, had begun. The sanctuary was opened in 1987, when 17 rhinos from Mr Courtland Parfet's private ranch at Solio joined the wo animals already in Nakuru. A further 11 females are due to be added to the park shortly. Rhino Rescue, of which the author is a patron and trustee, is also developing its own education programme, and is contributing to other rhino sanctuaries in Kenya.
A member of the HSP90 family from ovineBabesiain China: molecular characterization, phylogenetic analysis and antigenicity
Authors: GUAN GUIQUAN , LIU JUNLONG , LIU AIHONG , LI YOUQUAN , NIU QINGLI , GAO JINLIANG , LUO JIANXUN , CHAUVIN ALAIN , YIN HONG , MOREAU EMMANUELLE
Published: July 2015

Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is a key component of the molecular chaperone complex essential for activating many signalling proteins involved in the development and progression of pathogenic cellular transformation. AHsp90gene (BQHsp90) was cloned and characterized fromBabesiasp. BQ1 (Lintan), an ovineBabesiaisolate belonging toBabesia motasi-like group, by screening a cDNA expression library and performing rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The full-length cDNA ofBQHsp90is 2399 bp with an open reading frame of 2154 bp encoding a predicted 83 kDa polypeptide with 717 amino acid residues. It shows significant homology and similar structural characteristics toHsp90of other apicomplex organisms. Phylogenetic analysis, based on the HSP90 amino acid sequences, showed that theBabesiagenus is clearly separated from other apicomplexa genera. Five Chinese ovineBabesiaisolates were divided into 2 phylogenetic clusters, namelyBabesiasp. Xinjiang (previously designated a new species) cluster andB. motasi-like cluster which could be further divided into 2 subclusters (Babesiasp. BQ1 (Lintan)/Babesiasp. Tianzhu andBabesiasp. BQ1 (Ningxian)/Babesiasp. Hebei). Finally, the antigenicity of rBQHSP90 protein from prokaryotic expression was also evaluated using western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Immunophilin–protein interactions inPlasmodium falciparum
Authors: LENEGHAN DARREN , BELL ANGUS
Published: July 2015

Immunophilins comprise two protein families, cyclophilins (CYPs) and FK506-binding proteins (FKBPs), and are the major receptors for the immunosuppressive drugs cyclosporin A (CsA) and FK506 (tacrolimus), respectively. Most eukaryotic species have at least one immunophilin and some of them have been associated with pathogenesis of infectious or parasitic diseases or the action of antiparasitic drugs. The human malarial parasitePlasmodium falciparumhas 13 immunophilin or immunophilin-like genes but the functions of their products are unknown. We set out to identify the parasite proteins that interact with the major CYPs, PfCYP19A and PfCYP19B, and the FKBP, PfFKBP35, using a combination of co-immunoprecipitation and yeast two-hybrid screening. We identified a cohort of putative interacting partners and further investigation of some of these revealed potentially novel roles in parasite biology. We demonstrated that (i)P. falciparumCYPs interacted with the heat shock protein 70, (ii) treatment of parasites with CYP ligands disrupted transport of the rhoptry-associated protein 1, and (iii) PfFKBP35 interacted with parasite histones in a way that might modulate gene expression. These findings begin to elucidate the functions of immunophilins in malaria. Furthermore, the known antimalarial effects of CsA, FK506 and non-immunosuppressive derivatives of these immunophilin ligands could be mediated through these partner proteins.