bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication and Characterization of Aligned Flexible Lead-Free Piezoelectric Nanofibers for Wearable Device Applications
Authors: Ji Sang , Yun Ji
Published: March 2018

Flexible lead-free piezoelectric nanofibers, based on BNT-ST (0.78Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-0.22SrTiO3) ceramic and poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (PVDF-TrFE) copolymers, were fabricated by an electrospinning method and the effects of the degree of alignment in the nanofibers on the piezoelectric characteristics were investigated. The microstructure of the lead-free piezoelectric nanofibers was observed by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and the orientation was analyzed by fast Fourier transform (FFT) images. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed that the phase was not changed by the electrospinning process and maintained a perovskite phase. Polarization-electric field (P-E) loops and piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) were used to investigate the piezoelectric properties of the piezoelectric nanofibers, according to the degree of alignment—the well aligned piezoelectric nanofibers had higher piezoelectric properties. Furthermore, the output voltage of the aligned lead-free piezoelectric nanofibers was measured according to the vibration frequency and the bending motion and the aligned piezoelectric nanofibers with a collector rotation speed of 1500 rpm performed the best.
Effects of Consuming a Low Dose of Alcohol with Mixers Containing Carbohydrate or Artificial Sweetener on Simulated Driving Performance
Authors: Brickley Bryce , Desbrow Ben , McCartney Danielle , Irwin Christopher
Published: March 2018

The Australian National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) devised gender-based drinking recommendations to ensure blood or equivalized breath alcohol concentrations (BrAC) remain <0.050%. However, these may be inappropriate for individuals consuming alcohol without carbohydrate (CHO), which results in higher BrACs. This study investigated the effects of ingesting alcohol with and without CHO on BrACs and simulated driving performance. Thirty-two participants (16 males; age: 23 ± 6 years) completed two randomized single-blinded trials. Participants performed a baseline drive (Drive 1), then an experimental drive (Drive 2), following alcohol consumption (males: 20 g; females: 10 g). Alcoholic beverages contained either 25 g sucrose or aspartame (AS). Driving performance was assessed using lateral control (standard deviation of lane position [SDLP] and number of lane departures) and risk-taking (number of overtaking maneuvers and maximum overtaking speed). BrAC and subjective ratings (e.g., intoxication) were also assessed. BrAC was significantly lower as Drive 2 commenced with CHO compared to AS (0.022 ± 0.008% vs. 0.030 ± 0.011%). Two males provided BrACs >0.050% with AS. Neither beverage influenced changes to simulated driving performance. Ingesting alcohol in quantities advised by the NDARC results in no detectable simulated driving impairment. However, the likelihood of exceeding the legal drink-driving BrAC is increased when alcohol is consumed with artificially-sweetened mixers.
Use of Iodine-Containing Dietary Supplements Remains Low among Women of Reproductive Age in the United States: NHANES 2011–2014
Authors: Gupta Priya M. , Gahche Jaime J. , Herrick Kirsten A. , Ershow Abby G. , Potischman Nancy , Perrine Cria G.
Published: March 2018

In the United States, the American Thyroid Association recommends that women take a dietary supplement containing 150 µg of iodine 3 months prior to conception and while pregnant and lactating to support fetal growth and neurological development. We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2014 to describe the use of dietary supplements with and without iodine in the past 30 days among 2155 non-pregnant, non-lactating (NPNL) women; 122 pregnant women; and 61 lactating women. Among NPNL women, 45.3% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 42.0, 48.6) used any dietary supplement and 14.8% (95% CI: 12.7, 16.8) used a dietary supplement with iodine in the past 30 days. Non-Hispanic black and Hispanic women were less likely to use any dietary supplement as well as one with iodine, than non-Hispanic white or non-Hispanic Asian women (p < 0.05). Among pregnant women, 72.2% (95% CI: 65.8, 78.6) used any dietary supplement; however, only 17.8% (95% CI: 11.4, 24.3) used a dietary supplement with iodine. Among lactating women, 75.0% (95% CI: 63.0, 87.0) used a dietary supplement; however, only 19.0% (95% CI: 8.8, 29.2) used a dietary supplement with iodine. Among NPNL women using a supplement with iodine, median daily iodine intake was 75.0 µg. Self-reported data suggests that the use of iodine containing dietary supplements among pregnant and lactating women remains low in contrast with current recommendations.
The Relevancy of paracetamol and Breastfeeding Post Infant Vaccination: A Systematic Review
Authors: Suleiman Nurain , Shamsudin Siti Hadijah , Mohd Rus Razman , Draman Samsul , Taib Mai
Published: March 2018

Background: Paracetamol may be used as an antipyretic agent for the treatment of fever, as well as an analgesic in the treatment of mild to moderate pain post-vaccination in infants. The use of paracetamol during fever may be or may not be recommended since it may alter the natural human body immune response, although it may reduce fever and fussiness. Objectives: The aims of this study are to describe the effectiveness of breastfeeding in reducing pain and paracetamol in reducing fever and pain post infant vaccination. Methods: Data sources and study selection was conducted by electronic searching of six databases. Manual reference checks of all articles on paracetamol and breastfeeding post infant vaccination published in the English language between 1978 and 2017. Two levels of screening were used on 9614 citations, which include screening of abstracts and titles followed by full text screening. The data synthesis were tabulated into study characteristics, quality, and effects. Results: Systematic review of breastfeeding included three studies from 9614 database searches found significant benefit from breastfeeding in pain scores and the duration of crying, as well as behavioural changes. None of the studies stated the detriment of breastfeeding before, during, and after immunization. Systematic review of paracetamol effectiveness included four studies from 1177 database searches found significant benefit from prophylaxis paracetamol in fever, one study found significant benefit from prophylaxis paracetamol in fussiness, and one study’s results were found to be not significant. Two studies on evaluating the safety of prophylactic paracetamol in 2009 found that antibody responses to several antigens were significantly reduced, and the other study in 1988 found that antibody titres to DTP bacteria of placebo and PCM did not differ significantly. Conclusions: The relevancy of giving paracetamol post all types of vaccination may be questionable. Breastfeeding before, during, and after immunization are recommended for pain reduction and are proven effective. Further research is required in deciding if paracetamol is to be of rational use following infant immunization.
Impedance-Matched, Double-Zero Optical Metamaterials Based on Weakly Resonant Metal Oxide Nanowires
Authors: Abujetas Diego , Paniagua-Domínguez Ramón , Sánchez-Gil José
Published: March 2018

Artificial optical metamaterial with a zero index of refraction holds promise for many diverse phenomena and applications, which can be achieved with vacuum (or related) surface impedance and materials in the optical domain. Here, we propose simple metal-oxide nanorods as meta-atoms on the basis of an effective medium approach, based on their weak overlapping (electric/magnetic) resonances. We thus studied the optical properties of TiO 2 nanowire arrays with a high-filling fraction through their photonic band structure, which exhibits a double-degeneracy point without a band gap at the center of the Brillouin zone. Various configurations are considered that reveal their performance over a reasonable range of incident wave vectors as impedance-matched, double-zero, bulk (low-loss) metamaterials.
Klebsiella pneumoniae-Induced Multiple Infections in a Diabetes Mellitus Patient: Pneumonia, Liver Abscess, Endogenous Endophthalmitis, Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Wu Meng-Yu , Hou Yueh-Tseng , Yiang Giou-Teng
Published: March 2018

Klebsiella pneumoniae-induced endogenous endophthalmitis is a rare but devastating disease, which usually occurs in immunosuppressed patients. Poorly controlled diabetes mellitus is a significant risk factor for this disease. The most common distant infection in patients with K. pneumoniae-induced endogenous endophthalmitis was reported to be liver abscess. Other less commons distant infections were found to be catheter-related bloodstream infection, urinary tract infection, soft tissue infection, renal and psoas abscesses, and endocarditis. Patients with coexisting multiple infection sites are rare according to previous studies. These patients may have a high risk of sepsis and death. Here, we present a case of a 64-year-old male who presented with a progressive visual disturbance with general malaise. A K. pneumoniae-induced endogenous endophthalmitis was suspected. After surveying distant infection sites, pneumonia, liver abscess, and urinary tract infection were reported. This paper also describes the clinical features of endogenous endophthalmitis and highlights K. pneumoniae-induced multiple infections in a diabetes mellitus patient, thus providing information that will be useful for physicians to perform timely interventions and avoid sepsis.
Spatio-Temporal Variability of Annual Sea Level Cycle in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Cheng Yongcun , Xu Qing , Li Xiaofeng
Published: March 2018

In coastal and semi-enclosed seas, the mean local sea level can significantly influence the magnitude of flooding in inundation areas. Using the cyclostationary empirical orthogonal function (CSEOF) method, we examine the spatial patterns and temporal variations of annual sea level cycle in the Baltic Sea based on satellite altimetry data, tide gauge data, and regional model reanalysis during 1993 and 2014. All datasets demonstrate coherent spatial and temporal annual sea level variability, although the model reanalysis shows a smaller interannual variation of annual sea level amplitude than other datasets. A large annual sea level cycle is observed in the Baltic Sea, except in the Danish straits from December to February. Compared with altimetry data, tide gauge data exhibit a stronger annual sea level cycle in the Baltic Sea (e.g., along the coasts and in the Gulf of Finland and the Gulf of Bothnia), particularly in the winter. Moreover, the maps of the maximum and minimum annual sea level amplitude imply that all datasets underestimate the maximum annual sea level amplitude. Analysis of the atmospheric forcing factors (e.g., sea level pressure, North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), winds and air temperature), which may contribute to the interannual variation of the annual sea level cycle shows that both the zonal wind and winter NAO (e.g., from December to March) are highly correlated with the annual cycle variations in the tide gauge data in 1900–2012. In the altimetry era (1993–2014), all the atmospheric forcing factors are linked to the annual sea level cycle variations, particularly in 1996, 2010 and 2012, when a significant increase and drop of annual sea level amplitude are observed from all datasets, respectively.
Image Registration-Based Bolt Loosening Detection of Steel Joints
Authors: Kong Xiangxiong , Li Jian
Published: March 2018

Self-loosening of bolts caused by repetitive loads and vibrations is one of the common defects that can weaken the structural integrity of bolted steel joints in civil structures. Many existing approaches for detecting loosening bolts are based on physical sensors and, hence, require extensive sensor deployment, which limit their abilities to cost-effectively detect loosened bolts in a large number of steel joints. Recently, computer vision-based structural health monitoring (SHM) technologies have demonstrated great potential for damage detection due to the benefits of being low cost, easy to deploy, and contactless. In this study, we propose a vision-based non-contact bolt loosening detection method that uses a consumer-grade digital camera. Two images of the monitored steel joint are first collected during different inspection periods and then aligned through two image registration processes. If the bolt experiences rotation between inspections, it will introduce differential features in the registration errors, serving as a good indicator for bolt loosening detection. The performance and robustness of this approach have been validated through a series of experimental investigations using three laboratory setups including a gusset plate on a cross frame, a column flange, and a girder web. The bolt loosening detection results are presented for easy interpretation such that informed decisions can be made about the detected loosened bolts.
A Simultaneous and Continuous Excitation Method for High-Speed Electrical Impedance Tomography with Reduced Transients and Noise Sensitivity
Authors: Dupré Antoine , Mylvaganam Saba
Published: March 2018

This paper presents a concept for soft field tomographic scan of all the projections of electromagnetic waves emanating from an array of electrodes. Instead of the sequential excitation of all pairs of electrodes in the list of all projections, the new method present here consists of a single and continuous excitation. This excitation signal is the linear combination of the excitation signals in the projection set at different AC frequencies. The response to a given projection is discriminated by selecting the corresponding AC frequency component in the signal spectra of the digitally demodulated signals. The main advantage of this method is the suppression of transients after each projection, which is particularly problematic in electrical impedance tomography due to contact impedance phenomena and skin effect. The second benefit over the sequential scan method is the increased number of samples for each measurement for reduced noise sensitivity with digital demodulation. The third benefit is the increased temporal resolution in high-speed applications. The main drawback is the increased number of signal sources required (one per electrode). This paper focuses on electrical impedance tomography, based on earlier work by the authors. An experimental proof-of-concept using a simple 4-electrodes electrical impedance tomographic system is presented using simulations and laboratory data. The method presented here may be extended to other modalities (ultrasonic, microwave, optical, etc.).
Non-Invasive Electromagnetic Skin Patch Sensor to Measure Intracranial Fluid–Volume Shifts
Authors: Griffith Jacob , Cluff Kim , Eckerman Brandon , Aldrich Jessica , Becker Ryan , Moore-Jansen Peer , Patterson Jeremy
Published: March 2018

Elevated intracranial fluid volume can drive intracranial pressure increases, which can potentially result in numerous neurological complications or death. This study’s focus was to develop a passive skin patch sensor for the head that would non-invasively measure cranial fluid volume shifts. The sensor consists of a single baseline component configured into a rectangular planar spiral with a self-resonant frequency response when impinged upon by external radio frequency sweeps. Fluid volume changes (10 mL increments) were detected through cranial bone using the sensor on a dry human skull model. Preliminary human tests utilized two sensors to determine feasibility of detecting fluid volume shifts in the complex environment of the human body. The correlation between fluid volume changes and shifts in the first resonance frequency using the dry human skull was classified as a second order polynomial with R2 = 0.97. During preliminary and secondary human tests, a ≈24 MHz and an average of ≈45.07 MHz shifts in the principal resonant frequency were measured respectively, corresponding to the induced cephalad bio-fluid shifts. This electromagnetic resonant sensor may provide a non-invasive method to monitor shifts in fluid volume and assist with medical scenarios including stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, concussion, or monitoring intracranial pressure.
Investigating Water Movement Within and Near Wells Using Active Point Heating and Fiber Optic Distributed Temperature Sensing
Authors: Selker Frank , Selker John
Published: March 2018

There are few methods to provide high-resolution in-situ characterization of flow in aquifers and reservoirs. We present a method that has the potential to quantify lateral and vertical (magnitude and direction) components of flow with spatial resolution of about one meter and temporal resolution of about one day. A fiber optic distributed temperature sensor is used with a novel heating system. Temperatures before heating may be used to evaluate background geothermal gradient and vertical profile of thermal diffusivity. The innovation presented is the use of variable energy application along the well, in this case concentrated heating at equally-spaced (2 m) localized areas (0.5 m). Relative to uniform warming this offers greater opportunity to estimate water movement, reduces required heating power, and increases practical length that can be heated. Numerical simulations are presented which illustrate expected behaviors. We estimate relative advection rates near the well using the times at which various locations diverge from a heating trajectory expected for pure conduction in the absence of advection. The concept is demonstrated in a grouted 600 m borehole with 300 heated patches, though evidence of vertical water movement was not seen.
Object-Based Dense Matching Method for Maintaining Structure Characteristics of Linear Buildings
Authors: Su Nan , Yan Yiming , Qiu Mingjie , Zhao Chunhui , Wang Liguo
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we proposed a novel object-based dense matching method specially for the high-precision disparity map of building objects in urban areas, which can maintain accurate object structure characteristics. The proposed framework mainly includes three stages. Firstly, an improved edge line extraction method is proposed for the edge segments to fit closely to building outlines. Secondly, a fusion method is proposed for the outlines under the constraint of straight lines, which can maintain the building structural attribute with parallel or vertical edges, which is very useful for the dense matching method. Finally, we proposed an edge constraint and outline compensation (ECAOC) dense matching method to maintain building object structural characteristics in the disparity map. In the proposed method, the improved edge lines are used to optimize matching search scope and matching template window, and the high-precision building outlines are used to compensate the shape feature of building objects. Our method can greatly increase the matching accuracy of building objects in urban areas, especially at building edges. For the outline extraction experiments, our fusion method verifies the superiority and robustness on panchromatic images of different satellites and different resolutions. For the dense matching experiments, our ECOAC method shows great advantages for matching accuracy of building objects in urban areas compared with three other methods.
Carbon Footprint and Driving Forces of Saline Agriculture in Coastally Reclaimed Areas of Eastern China: A Survey of Four Staple Crops
Authors: Li Jianguo , Yang Wenhui , Wang Yi , Li Qiang , Liu Lili , Zhang Zhongqi
Published: March 2018

Carbon emissions have always been a key issue in agricultural production. Due to the specific natural factors in the soil of saline agriculture, there are distinctive characteristics in saline agricultural production as compared with traditional agricultural zones. Here, we have adopted the theory of life cycle assessment and employed the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) greenhouse gas (GHG) field calculation to estimate the GHG emissions, derived from the staple crop productions (i.e., barley, wheat, corn and rice). In addition, our study further analyzed the main driving forces of carbon emissions and proposed some effective measures to reduce them. Our results have showed that: (1) carbon footprint from the four crops in the study area varies from 0.63 to 0.77 kg CO2 eq·kg−1, which is higher than that from traditional agriculture; (2) GHG emissions from Fertilizer-Nitrogen (N) manufacture and inorganic N application have contributed to the greatest percentage of carbon footprint. Compared with traditional agricultural zones, fertilizer-N application and paddy irrigation involved with crop productions have overall greater contributions to carbon footprint; (3) carbon emissions from saline agriculture can be reduced significantly by planting-breeding combination to reduce the amount of N fertilizer application, improving the traditional rotation system, and developing water-saving agriculture and ecological agriculture.
Relationship between Healthy Habits and Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport among University Students: A Structural Equation Model
Authors: Chacón Cuberos Ramón , Zurita Ortega Félix , Puertas Molero Pilar , Knox Emily , Cofré Bolados Cristián , Viciana Garófano Virginia , Muros Molina José
Published: March 2018

(1) Background: Several studies have shown how certain types of motivation for sports can favour healthy habits or can cause risk behaviours. (2) Methods: The aim of this study was to establish and verify an explanatory model for motivational climate in sport which considers other possible influential variables related to health. This research was conducted with a sample of 490 university students from Spain. The 33-item Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire (PMCSQ-2) was used to assess perceived motivational climate. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), the Questionnaire of Experiences Related to Video Games (QERV), the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A), and the KIDMED test were used to assess healthy habits; (3) Results: Findings revealed that task-involved climate and ego-involved climate were both positively associated with physical activity with the strongest relationship emerging for a task-involved climate. Furthermore, task climate was positively associated with a good adherence to a Mediterranean diet. A direct relationship was found between ego climate and alcohol intake and problematic use of video games; (4) Conclusions: The findings imply that students who have greater intrinsic motivation to participate in sport and perceive a task-involved climate also report healthier habits. This highlights the importance of creating task-involved motivational climates in sport and physical education lessons.
Teaching and Learning about Biomass Energy: The Significance of Biomass Education in Schools
Authors: Han Guang , Martin Robert
Published: March 2018

Biomass energy can mitigate climate change, revitalize rural economies, and achieve energy independence. Using biomass energy as subject matter content, American agricultural education programs at the secondary school level can prepare future agricultural professionals with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills to solve complex issues. Through a state-wide survey (N = 100) in the U.S., this study found agriculture teachers’ interest in biomass energy is motivated by economic, environmental, pedagogical, and learning factors. Nine relevant topics were determined as high training needs perceived by teachers. Teacher educators are recommended to incorporate the four factors and nine topics in planning, delivering, and evaluating in-service training programs of biomass energy for agriculture teachers.
Business Models for Social Innovation of Municipal Solid Waste Recycling Companies: Comparison of Two Business Cases in Thailand and Taiwan
Authors: Chen Xiujuan , Tai Chih-Tsung , Wu Linhai , Tsai Fu-Sheng , Srimanus Kotchaphorn
Published: March 2018

The significant increase of municipal solid wastes (e.g., food disposals, biomedical wastes, recyclable materials, etc.) is a very important environmental issue around the world. Waste recycling, reduction, and reuse are not only methods to solve environmental problems, but also directions for social innovation for business to create potential social value. This study investigates the business models of two waste recycling companies in Thailand and Taiwan. First, the basic micro and macro environmental factors were analyzed, including the period of firm’s business operations, location of the firm, space for separating and storing recyclable waste and various types of recyclable waste purchasing affecting the firms’ performance in these two economies. Second, different recyclable waste materials, volumes and price strategies between the case companies were compared. Third, this study also investigates the impacts of factors regarding resource characteristics, a firm’s capabilities and an entrepreneur’s abilities to improve a firm’s performance all compose a critical business model. The results showed that there were an increasing number of owners of waste recycling businesses developing and adapting to new business models. Detailed comparisons are reported and discussed in the article to shed light on managerial and policy implications.
Antipruritic Effects of Botulinum Neurotoxins
Authors: Gazerani Parisa
Published: March 2018

This review explores current evidence to demonstrate that botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) exert antipruritic effects. Both experimental and clinical conditions in which botulinum neurotoxins have been applied for pruritus relief will be presented and significant findings will be highlighted. Potential mechanisms underlying antipruritic effects will also be discussed and ongoing challenges and unmet needs will be addressed.
Antiviral and Inflammatory Cellular Signaling Associated with Enterovirus 71 Infection
Authors: Jin Yuefei , Zhang Rongguang , Wu Weidong , Duan Guangcai
Published: March 2018

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection has become a major threat to global public health, especially in infants and young children. Epidemiological studies have indicated that EV71 infection is responsible for severe and even fatal cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). Accumulated evidence indicates that EV71 infection triggers a plethora of interactive signaling pathways, resulting in host immune evasion and inflammatory response. This review mainly covers the effects of EV71 infection on major antiviral and inflammatory cellular signal pathways. EV71 can activate cellular signaling networks including multiple cell surface and intracellular receptors, intracellular kinases, calcium flux, and transcription factors that regulate antiviral innate immunity and inflammatory response. Cellular signaling plays a critical role in the regulation of host innate immune and inflammatory pathogenesis. Elucidation of antiviral and inflammatory cellular signaling pathways initiated by EV71 will not only help uncover the potential mechanisms of EV71 infection-induced pathogenesis, but will also provide clues for the design of therapeutic strategies against EV71 infection.
Geometrical Characterization of Sediment Deposits at the Confluence of Mountain Streams
Authors: Stancanelli Laura , Musumeci Rosaria
Published: March 2018

Debris flow injections from tributaries into a main mountain stream generate deposits of sediments which, in turn, result in obstruction and eventual damming of the river section. This contribution presents the results of a series of flume experiments on the dynamics of these deposits, with reference to three different types of blockage: no blockage, partial blockage, and full blockage. Results show that the shape of the deposit is mainly controlled by the ratio between the debris flow discharge and the main river discharge. The experimental dataset is used to develop a deposit resilience stability index based on the shape of the deposit contour retrieved from photos taken from above. The proposed index is based on the invariant elliptic Fourier coefficients and the dimensionless transverse obstruction parameter. The elliptic Fourier coefficients give information on the symmetry of the deposit contour. High symmetry indicates more stable and resilient deposits. The proposed index is calibrated on the basis of the flume experiments and tested with field data. The results are quite promising and suggest that the index can be appropriate for a fast hazard assessment of multiple debris flow deposits at a regional scale.
Wave Height Attenuation and Flow Resistance Due to Emergent or Near-Emergent Vegetation
Authors: Peruzzo Paolo , De Serio Francesca , Defina Andrea , Mossa Michele
Published: March 2018

Vegetation plays a pivotal role in fluvial and coastal flows, affecting their structure and turbulence, thus having a strong impact on the processes of transport and diffusion of nutrients and sediments, as well as on ecosystems and habitats. In the present experimental study, the attenuation of regular waves propagating in a channel through flexible vegetation is investigated. Specifically, artificial plants mimicking Spartina maritima are considered. Different plant densities and arrangements are tested, as well as different submergence ratios. Measurements of wave characteristics by six wave gauges, distributed all along the vegetated stretch, allow us to estimate the wave energy dissipation. The flow resistance opposed by vegetation is inferred by considering that drag and dissipation coefficients are strictly related. The submergence ratio and the stem density, rather than the wave characteristics, affect the drag coefficient the most. A comparison with the results obtained in the case when the same vegetation is placed in a uniform flow is also shown. It confirms that the drag coefficient for the canopy is lower than for an isolated cylinder, even if the reduction is not affected by the stem density, underlining that flow unsteadiness might be crucial in the process of dissipation.
Comparison of Dosage Requirement of Erythropoietin Stimulating Agent (ESA) in Maintenance of Hemoglobin Concentration in patients undergoing twice weekly versus thrice weekly Hemodialysis in Pakistani Population
Authors: Naveed Osama Kunwer , Zafar Marium , Mahmood Sumbal Nasir , Mukhtar Kunwer Naveed
Published: March 2018

Anemia is one of the major complications of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and is associated with left ventricular hypertrophy and also increases morbidity and mortality. Anemia in patients with CKD can be due to two major reasons; iron deficiency or erythropoietin insufficiency. Erythropoietin Stimulating Agent (ESAs) administration is the mainstay in treating anemia if the patient is iron sufficient. However, higher doses of ESAs have been associated with increased cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events. We conducted this study to see how much erythropoietin is required in our setting in iron sufficient patients to maintain hemoglobin(Hb)  level and the effect of dialysis frequency on ESA doses. 

Methods and Findings:

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Nephrology at Ziauddin University Hospital. Patients’ charts were reviewed for Hb levels and doses of ESA to maintain Hb between 10-12 mg/dl. Patients were excluded if they had iron deficiency, malignancy, were on immunosuppressive agents, had renal transplant, and with Hb >12 mg/dl or <10 mg/dl and their ferritin levels, transferrin saturation, hemoglobin concentration, frequency of hemodialysis and ESA dosage were monitored. We also compared these variables between patients undergoing hemodialysis thrice weekly with those undergoing hemodialysis twice a week.

A total of 105 patients were analyzed. 24 were excluded as they did not match the inclusion criteria. 81 patients were included in the study. 36 (44.4%) were males and 45 (55.6%) were females. Mean age of the patient was 56.47 ± 11.72 years. The average dose of ESA was 106.91 ± 61.47 for patients undergoing hemodialysis thrice weekly and 183.94 ± 116.71 for patients undergoing hemodialysis twice a week. Significant difference was found to exist between dosage of patients undergoing thrice weekly dialysis versus twice weekly dialysis(p=<0.001).

 Our study has limitations. First our study only looked at Hb levels, iron stores and dosages of ESA, while other factors like Parathyroid Hormone(PTH) levels and Vitamin B12 were not considered that may have a role in anemia of chronic renal disease. In addition, it was a study limited to one center only and a multicenter trial should be taken to validate the results. We have reported one aspect of dialysis vintage i.e.  high ESA dosage requirement

Conclusion:

We found that patients undergoing hemodialysis three times a week require recommended dosage of ESA; however those undergoing hemodialysis less than three times a week require higher dosage of ESA to maintain Hb level. Here we report significant effect of hemodialysis on ESA dosage to maintain same level of Hb.
Genome‐Wide Association Mapping of Anthracnose (Colletotrichum sublineolum) Resistance in the U.S. Sorghum Association Panel
Authors: Cuevas Hugo E. , Prom Louis K. , Cooper Elizabeth A. , Knoll Joseph E. , Ni Xinzhi
Published: March 2018

The productivity and profitability of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is reduced by susceptibility to fungal diseases, such as anthracnose (Colletotrichum sublineolum P. Henn.). A limited number of resistant accessions are present in the temperate‐adapted germplasm; other exotic sources of resistance are not currently available for breeding programs. Among 335 accessions available to breeders from a previously genotyped sorghum association panel (SAP), we found that 75 were resistant to anthracnose. A phylogenetic analysis of these accessions showed high genetic diversity and multiple resistance sources. Genome‐wide association scans (GWAS) were conducted using 268,289 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms to identify loci associated with anthracnose resistance. Using logistic regressions for binary measures of resistance responses, we identified three loci within a region on chromosome 5 that have been previously associated with three sources of anthracnose resistance. A GWAS limited to Caudatum germplasm identified an association with a region on chromosome 1 and with the same previous region on chromosome 5. Candidate genes within these loci were related to R‐gene families, signaling cascades, and transcriptional reprogramming, suggesting that the resistance response is controlled by multiple defense mechanisms. The strategic integration of exotic resistant germplasm into the SAP is needed to identify additional rare resistance alleles via GWAS.
Regulatory enforcement and the effectiveness of fraud training: A European investigation into earnings manipulation
Authors: Campa Domenico
Published: March 2018

Cet article cherche à déterminer si les formations antifraudes ont un effet sur la manipulation des états financiers et si le niveau des dispositifs règlementaires (estimé au travers de la mise en application des lois et de la présentation des états financiers) y joue également un rôle. Les données sont issues d’un échantillon de 500 compagnies implantées dans les cinq plus grands pays européens (France, Allemagne, Italie, Espagne, et Royaume-Uni) sur la période 2009-2014. Les tests sont réalisés à partir d’analyses multivariées avec contrôle de l’endogénéité. Les résultats indiquent que la mise en place de formations antifraudes réduisent la manipulation des profits. En complément, les résultats montrent que les formations antifraudes contribuent à augmenter leur efficacité dans les pays dont l’application réglementaire est plus faible, compensant ainsi les insuffisances institutionnelles au niveau des pays. Ces résultats soulignent que les ressources supplémentaires investies par les entreprises dans la formation à l’éthique génèrent des bénéfices qui proviennent à la fois de la réduction de la manipulation des profits mais aussi dans le fait que ces formations encouragent les managers des entreprises situées dans les pays où les institutions parviennent faiblement à imposer ce type de dispositifs. Dans ce cas, l’efficacité des formations est amplifiée.
Du travail social à l’intervention sociale
Authors: Dambuyant-Wargny Gisèle
Published: March 2018

Le travail social, par sa création et son évolution, a prouvé son professionnalisme. L’élargissement de ce groupe professionnel s’est développé pour répondre à la « métamorphose » de la question sociale, articulant les réalités aux publics à prendre en charge. En questionnant le sens éthique de ces diverses prises en charge, des plus traditionnelles aux plus novatrices, on peut revenir aux fondamentaux des actions de tous ces métiers, en évitant alors le corporatisme et le repli identitaire. Au final, entre assistance et contrôle, tous vont s’employer de façon complémentaire à accompagner l’autre en situation vulnérable, en privilégiant la relation humaine et la prise en charge du corps fragile dans toutes ses dimensions.
La pluralité des professionnalisations au sein de l’intervention sociale
Authors: Artois Pierre
Published: March 2018

Comment aborder aujourd’hui la professionnalisation au sein de l’intervention sociale et plus précisément au sein des services à la personne alors que les modalités et catégories d’analyses soulevées semblent contradictoires ? Nous proposons, par le détour de la professionnalisation, de comprendre la transformation des rapports sociaux produits par les interactions de travail à travers une lecture typologique.
La professionnalisation-formation en tensions : l’épreuve du travail des frontières et des normes du métier
Authors: Lechaux Patrick
Published: March 2018

L’article vise à montrer que derrière la rhétorique de l’unité du métier se cache un travail invisible et silencieux des frontières entre les territoires professionnels et des normes de l’activité qui rend problématique la professionnalisation-formation dans le sens où elle doit relever le défi de transformer les tensions et les épreuves du quotidien en apprentissages.
Des références communes en travail social ? Le détour par l’international
Authors: Boyé Julien
Published: March 2018

En France, le champ social est traversé par des questions identitaires et des difficultés apparaissent autour de l’identification de références communes allant au-delà d’une pluralité de métiers complémentaires. Interrogés sur les missions, les savoirs et la méthodologie inhérents au travail social, des récurrences apparaissent dans les témoignages des professionnels de ce secteur à travers le monde. Le détour par l’international à travers l’identification et l’analyse de ces repères constitue alors un moyen de se décentrer et apporte des pistes de réflexion au débat national.
Une profession plurielle, une éthique commune
Authors: Barata Yohan
Published: March 2018

Guidé par une éthique professionnelle bâtie sur un ensemble de valeurs, le travailleur social par-delà les frontières inscrit sa démarche d’aide dans un registre humaniste. Partagées par de nombreux professionnels de terrain à travers le monde, ces valeurs communes rassemblent et mettent en lumière le sens même de leurs actions. L’éthique professionnelle s’accompagne alors d’apports théoriques et de savoirs appris afin de « renforcer l’humanité de la société en développant l’humanité de ceux qui ont des difficultés à la faire valoir » (Conseil supérieur du travail social, 2009).
Qui a conduit la « Révolution chantante » à travers la Lituanie ? Une typologie des pionniers du mouvement du Sąjūdis
Authors: Ramonaitė Ainė , Kavaliauskaitė Jūratė , Chandavoine‑Urbaitis Isabelle
Published: March 2018

L’article explore l’expansion de Mouvement réformateur de Lituanie (Sąjūdis) qui a contribué à la chute du régime soviétique. En particulier, il enquête sur ceux qui ont été les pionniers du mouvement dans différentes régions. En prenant appui sur l’approche théorique de Pierre Bourdieu et les données de l’histoire orale, l’article analyse les conditions objectives et subjectives qui ont conduit certains vers les rangs des « révolutionnaires » et reconstruit le spectre « généalogique » des pionniers du Sąjūdis.
Adieu au rituel ? Les obsèques et le don du corps à la science
Authors: Bernard Julien
Published: March 2018

Cet article analyse le rapport à la ritualité funéraire dans le cas du don de corps à la science, où toute possibilité de rituel en présence du corps et dans des lieux de mémoire personnalisés est souvent annulée. L’article montre l’hétérogénéité des représentations des donateurs, de leurs proches et des établissements receveurs, à propos du don du corps, de la ritualité funéraire et du statut anthropologique du corps mort. L’importance de cérémonies et de lieux de mémoire est réaffirmée mais nuancée devant les premiers bilans des initiatives rituelles et les discours contrastés des intéressés.
Les écrits de fanfiction dans la classe
Authors: Brunel Magali
Published: March 2018

L’article vise à questionner la pertinence de l’exploitation, en situation d’enseignement de la littérature, de pratiques de fanfiction. Celles-ci constituent des pratiques sociales émergentes prisées par les jeunes et se caractérisent par la stimulation de compétences scripturales et lectorales impliquant le lecteur comme sujet. La cadre méthodologique de l’expérimentation s’appuie sur le modèle didactique du genre de J.-F. de Pietro et B. Schneuwly : il s’agit d’élaborer la transposition didactique de la fan fiction comme pratique de référence dans un contexte d’enseignement pour développer les compétences, notamment scripturales des élèves. Les choix didactiques opérés sont alors justifiés et illustrés d’exemples tirés de l’expérimentation mise en œuvre en collège, au cours de l’année 2016-2017.
L’écriture nativement numérique, de Twitter à YouTube : pour une approche non-conversionnelle des processus créatifs
Authors: Longhi Julien
Published: March 2018

L’article développe quelques enjeux de l’écriture nativement numérique, à partir d’exemples de travaux menés en cours de DUT MMI (Métiers du multimédia et de l’internet) 1 ère et 2 ème année. Nous montrons qu’il est important de considérer ces productions comme des pratiques résolument spécifiques, qui engagent pour les étudiants des formes de médiatisation, de sémiotisation, et d’interactivité, propres, et très largement définitoires de leurs caractéristiques.
De l’hallucination mémorielle comme arrivée de réel : « Véra », de Villiers de l’Isle-Adam
Authors: Perrin Jean-François
Published: March 2018

En partant de la façon dont la médecine et la psychologie du xix e siècle comprennent les phénomènes hallucinatoires, cette étude montre comment, tirant les conséquences logiques d’une définition de l’être par la sensibilité, de l’amour par le physique, de la mémoire comme hallucination partageable et du deuil comme déni de réalité, Villiers parvient à rendre progressivement vraisemblable la nécessité de la transmutation d’une reviviscence aussi passionnée que volontaire en résurrection actuelle.
Evaluating the Influence of a Standardized Bedside Handoff Process in a Medical–Surgical Unit
Authors: Usher Ronnita , Cronin Sherill Nones , York Nancy L.
Published: March 2018

Background:

Patient safety is a national and global concern. In the United States, medical errors result in more than 50,000 unnecessary patient deaths annually and contribute to billions of dollars in health care costs. The purpose of this project was to evaluate a standardized bedside handoff process and its influence in a medical–surgical unit.

Method:

A quality improvement project was performed in a medical–surgical unit and consisted of development, implementation, and evaluation of a standardized bedside handoff. The project included surveying nurses, a web-based educational program, and observations using the SBAR (T) competency checklist tool. Data were analyzed for trends.

Results:

Results identified an improved perception of communication among the nurses as it relates to shift report and a reduction in length of handoff time after the education intervention.

Conclusion:

Continual nurse education and audits by nurse leaders are vital to the sustainment of positive outcomes.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2018;49(4):157–163.
Interactions, emotions, and Earpers: "Wynonna Earp," the best fandom ever
Authors: Yanders Jacinta
Published: March 2018

In many regards, the arrival of social media has significantly changed interactions between fans and television show creators. The degree to which such changes have been positively welcomed has varied across television shows and networks. Nevertheless, such shifting relationships show no signs of dissipating in the near future. This article analyzes how Syfy's Wynonna Earp (2016–) has thus far successfully cultivated a positive connection with its fandom, built largely on concerted effort and emotional awareness.
Must tweet TV: ABC's #TGIT and the cultural work of programming social television
Authors: Patterson Eleanor
Published: March 2018

US television network ABC developed their "Thank God It's Thursday" (TGIT) programming block in 2014 as a prime-time schedule composed of three back-to-back dramas produced by well-known TV showrunner Shonda Rhimes. From its initial development, ABC intended TGIT to be a three-hour live viewing event, encouraged by a multipronged #TGIT Twitter campaign. I consider the industrial and cultural significance of marketing the TGIT block of programming together as a cohesive block of social TV in order to encourage and structure audience participation in live television viewing. #TGIT's form of social television developed as a result of the rise of multicultural market research. The reemergence of serialized melodrama on network television functions culturally to commodify Black femininity in order to appeal to a transracial upscale female audience.
Facebook, Twitter, and the pivot to original content: From social TV to TV on social
Authors: Barker Cory
Published: March 2018

The next stage of social TV is here. Drawing on promotional discourses, I argue that Facebook and Twitter's shift from distributors of television network programming to their own original content is a natural extension of industry practice, but not a particularly meaningful development for fan participation and engagement.
Fan reactions to "The Leftovers" and "Twin Peaks: The Return"
Authors: Pitre Jake
Published: March 2018

Certain TV series, such as The Leftovers (2014–17) and Twin Peaks: The Return (2017), encourage their fandoms to solve puzzles, search for clues, and comb the internet for answers to questions. As a result of this work, fans can consider their readings of the series legitimate, even canonical, regardless of the producers' intent. Just as queer readings can be as valid as mainstream interpretations, these fan viewers use the language and strategies of alternative viewers to legitimize their own readings.
"Please Like Me" and global TV flows
Authors: Kohnen Melanie E. S.
Published: March 2018

This case study examines the formal and informal distribution of Australian dramedy Please Like Me (2013–17) via the now-defunct American digital cable channel Pivot and via fan culture on Tumblr. The contrast between Pivot's failure to secure an audience and fans' success in circulating the show offers an insight into the continued shift in TV consumption and the complex relationship between distributors and viewers.