bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Wildlife Vulnerability to Mercury Pollution From Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Madre de Dios, Peru
Authors: Markham K. E. , Sangermano F.
Published: September 2018

Illegal, artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) often occurs in remote highly biodiverse areas, such as the Madre de Dios region of Peru. Mercury used in gold mining bioaccumulates in the environment and poses developmental, hormonal, and neurological threats to wildlife. The impact of ASGM on biodiversity remains largely unknown. We used geographic information science to create a spatial model of pollution risk from mining sites, in order to predict locations and species assemblages at risk. Multicriteria evaluation was used to determine how flow accumulation, distance from mining areas, total suspended sediment load, and soil porosity influenced the vulnerability of regions to mercury pollution. Results suggest that there is considerable opportunity for protection of areas with high biodiversity and vulnerability north of the Madre de Dios River where much of the land is not protected. Our study highlights the need for future ASGM research to consider more than deforestation risk alone while protecting the areas’ unmatched biodiversity.
Pre-Treatment by Water Retting to Improve the Interfacial Bonding Strength of Sugar Palm Fibre Reinforced Epoxy Composite
Authors: Leman Z. , Sapuan S.M. , Ishak M.R. , Ahmad M.M.H.M.
Published: September 2018

Polymer composites using natural fibres as the reinforcing agents have found their use in many applications. However, they do suffer from a few limitations, due to the hydrophilicity of the natural fibres which results in low compatibility with the hydrophobic polymer matrices. This paper presents the alternative low-cost methods of sugar palm (Arenga pinnata) fibre surface treatments to improve the fibre-matrix interfacial adhesion. Fibre surface modifications were carried out by water retting process where the fibres were immersed in sea water, pond water and sewage water for the period of 30 days. The results showed that the tensile and flexural strengths of the treated fibre reinforced composites increased as the fibre treatment duration increased. This indicates that the treatments had significantly improved the fibre-matrix bonding strength.
Effect of Model Lignin Structures on the Oxidation of Unsaturated Fatty Acids
Authors: Alireza Salehi M. , Trey Stacy M. , Henriksson Gunnar , Johansson Mats
Published: September 2018

The aim of this study is to better understand vegetable oils as raw materials in the application of wood protection in order to obtain improved durability of exterior wood materials in an environmentally friendly way. This was done by studying the effect of lignin model compounds on the auto-oxidation rate of methyl linoleate. The auto-oxidation process of methyl linoleate was measured by itself and in combination with 1 wt% phenolic and non-phenolic lignin model compounds at 70°C. The effect of lignin compounds on the methyl linoleate auto-oxidation process was monitored by 1H-NMR, size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and real-time infrared spectroscopy (RT-IR). It was observed that phenolic groups and radical conjugation are the main contributors to an antioxidant effect of lignin compounds on the oxidation rate of the methyl linoleate. Ferulic acid, which is phenolic and contains a carboxylic group, has the largest antioxidant effect on methyl linoleate. It was also found that the antioxidant effect existed, despite the low solubility of ferulic acid in methyl linoleate. This research demonstrates that it is possible to follow the auto-oxidation process in real time to uncover the effects of wood constituents on the fatty acid auto-oxidation process. Additionally, this knowledge that drying rate of oil can be tuned with the addition of lignin compounds can be used to predict drying times when this oil is applied to different species of wood.
Evaluation of Surface Treatment Effects on the Tensile Strength of Piassava (Attalea Funifera) Fibers Using the Weibull Distribution
Authors: d'Almeida J.R.M. , d'Almeida A.L.F.S. , Calado V.
Published: September 2018

The effect of several surface treatments on the tensile strength of piassava fibers is discussed in terms of the Weibull statistical distribution. It is shown that the Weibull modulus can be used as an indicative parameter of the degree of surface structural modifications caused by the surface treatments, refining the results obtained by the LSD statistical test. SEM analysis was used to independently characterize the fiber surface structural changes caused by the treatments and corroborates the results inferred from the Weibull modulus.
Physical-Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene Filled with Wood Fibre, Rice-Husk, Bagasse
Authors: Oromiehie Abdulrasoul , Faghihi Jalal
Published: September 2018

The effects of various reinforcing fillers in polypropylene have been studied. Composites containing different amounts (40, 50, and 60) of rice-husk (RH), wood fibre (WF) and bagasse (BG) fibres as the reinforcing fillers with polypropylene were prepared using a co-rotating twin screw extruder. The physical and mechanical properties of the samples were characterized. In order to increase the interphase adhesion between the components, polypropylene grafted maleic anhydride was added as a coupling agent to all compositions. It was found that the PP/WF composites had higher tensile and flexural strength compared with other composites. Flexural strength and flexural modulus of composites for all reinforcing fillers were improved, and impact strength and tensile strain decreased with increased fibre content. Water absorption of the composites increased with increased fiber content. In this respect, PP/BG composites, among other composites, showed the highest level of water absorption. SEM observations showed that, up to 50 wt% of fibres, more voids were formed in the composites which led to weak adhesion between the polymer matrix and the fibres and as a result the products showed lower tensile strength. Thermal analysis of the composites filled with 50 wt% fiber showed that better thermal stability was attained for PP/WF and PP/RH composites compared to their PP/BG counterpart.
Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Latex Impregnated Jute Nonwoven Fabric-Composites: Biodegradation/Effect of Cyclic Humidity/Salt Water
Authors: Kumar M.N. Satheesh , Yaakob Z. , Siddaramaiah
Published: September 2018

A series of composites were fabricated by impregnating the jute nonwoven fabric in acrylonitrile-butadiene (NBR) latex. The effect of different weight ratio (dry to dry basis) of jute and NBR on the biodegradation of the jute-NBR composites have been evaluated. The effect of cyclic humidity on the moisture uptake behaviour of the composites have been studied as a function of NBR content. The effect of salt water immersion of jute-NBR composites at different temperatures (30, 50 and 70°C) on the mechanical properties such as tensile strength, stitch tear strength, burst strength and taber stiffness have been investigated. The biodegradation studies revealed that the percentage mass loss and percentage mass change increased with increasing the soil burial duration and reduced with increasing the NBR content in the composites.
Expanding the Range of Applications for the Plasma-Enhanced Deposition of Barrier Coatings
Authors: Michaeli Walter , Bahroun Karim , Fragstein Friederike v.
Published: September 2018

Having worked intensely on plasma-assisted barrier coating (plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, PECVD) of polymers, a technique already used commercially to enhance shelf-life performance of PET bottles, for the last two decades, it seemed to be obvious to investigate the transfer of this existing technique to novel beverage materials such as PLA and PP. As a result of their high oxygen and carbon dioxide permeability the market potential of PP and PLA is still restricted in the beverage packaging sector.

On the one hand, the use of plasma coatings to improve the barrier properties of these materials shows advantages. For example, these coatings are less likely to interfere with PLA-bottle biodegradability. On the other hand, materials such as PP and PLA put higher demands on plasma coating processes due to their different surface properties that make it much more difficult to establish an adequate adhesion between coating and bulk material and their increased sensitivity to high temperature.

By using a pre-treatment specific to the materials, we succeeded in applying effective barrier coatings by plasma polymerization using both hydrocarbons as well as silicon organic monomers. For PLA the pre-treatment process can be integrated directly into the plasma polymerization process, whereas for PP it was necessary to use a LF-plasma in an external facility to enable a good coating adhesion.

The barrier properties against oxygen could be increased by a factor of about 12 for PP and 4 for PLA. Hydrocarbon-based coatings proved to be more effective compared to HMDSO-based coatings. These first evaluations show that it is possible to raise the barrier performance of PP and PLA bottles to match the levels obtained with uncoated monolayer PET types. Our current research concentrates on improving the processes in order to increase the barrier performance and the efficiency of the process.
Evaluation of the Morphological Transformations in Novel Graft Copolymers Obtained from Hibiscus Sabdariffa (Roselle) Stem Fibre
Authors: Chauhan Ashish , Kaith Balbir
Published: September 2018

In this paper, the morphological transformations in Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) stem fibre on graft copolymerisation with acrylonitrile (AN) as principal monomer and its binary mixture with 2–vinyl pyridine (2–VP), styrene (Sty), and butyl acrylate (BA), using a ceric ammonium nitrate–nitric acid initiator system, are reported. Different reaction parameters, such as temperature, time, initiator concentration, monomer concentration, and pH, have been optimised. The graft copolymers were characterised by FTIR, SEM, XRD, TGA, and DTA techniques. The percentage crystallinity and crystallinity index were found to decrease with increase in percentage grafting. The swelling behaviour of graft copolymers in methanol, n-butanol, water, and dimethylformamide was studied, and screening for dye uptake behaviour in 0.1% gentian violet dye over a 7 h was carried out. The graft copolymers were found to possess moisture, chemical, and thermal resistance. These graft copolymers could be utilised for various advanced applications.
Effect of Cobalt Stearate and Vegetable Oil on Uv and Biodegradation of Linear Low-Density Poly(Ethylene)-Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Blends
Authors: Vidya Francis , Raghul Subin S. , Bhat Sarita G , Thachil Eby Thomas
Published: September 2018

The main objective of this study was to enhance the rate of UV and biodegradation of polyethylene by incorporating biodegradable materials and prooxidants. Prooxidants such as transition metal complexes are capable of initiating photooxidation and polymer chain cleavage, rendering the product more susceptible to biodegradation. In this work, the effect of (1) a metallic photoinitiator, cobalt stearate, and (2) different combinations of cobalt stearate and vegetable oil on the photooxidative degradation of linear low-density poly(ethylene)-poly(vinyl alcohol) (LLDPE/PVA) blend films has been investigated. For this, film-grade LLDPE was blended with different proportions of PVA. PVA is widely used in the industrial field, and recently it has attracted increasing attention as a water-soluble biodegradable polymer. Cobalt stearate and vegetable oil were added to the blends as prooxidants. The blends were prepared by melt mixing in a Thermo HAAKE Polylab system. Thin films containing these additives were prepared by a subsequent compression moulding process. The effect of UV exposure on LLDPE/PVA films in the presence as well as absence of these additives was investigated. Tensile properties, FTIR spectra, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to investigate the degradation behaviour. It was found
Impact of Esterified Palm Oil Impregnation on Bacterial Cellulose Properties
Authors: Karina Myrtha , Indrarti Lucia , Yudianti Rike , Indriyati  , Syampurwadi Anung , Widodo Henry
Published: September 2018

The impact of esterified palm oil (EPO) on the morphological, physical, and mechanical properties of bacterial cellulose (BC) was evaluated. BC was impregnated with 0.5-2.5% (w/v) of EPO in acetone water. The scanning electron microscope exhibited that EPO filling up the cellulose fiber and covered the porous cellulose structure provided the thicker and smoother surface. Subjection of EPO into BC gave rise to inconsiderable change in crystallinity and resulted in reduced tensile strength and Young's modulus but increased the fracture work and elongation at break. A substantial reduction in tensile strength and Young's modulus as well as the increase in fracture work and elongation at break was reached at 2.5% EPO addition. The addition of EPO lead to a BC with less rigid, more ductile, and more toughness properties. EPO expelled water in BC which was indicated by the decline of water absorption capacity.
Technical Analysis of Euphorbia caducifolia Haines Latex of South-East Asian Origin - Part I
Authors: Bhattacharyya Sanjay K. , Kar Saptarshi , Chakraborty Sugata , Dasgupta Saikat , Mukhopadhyay Rabindra , Bandyopadhyay Abhijit
Published: September 2018

Identification and characterization of the latex from Euphorbia caducifolia Haines has been thoroughly described in this article. The average total solid content (TSC) of the latex was 27% and pH was found to vary between 6 to 7. About 70% by weight of the whole coagulum (Cog) was found soluble in toluene; rest was insoluble. Toluene soluble portion (TE) was mainly composed of terpenes and terpenoids of three different molecular weights; the lowest molecular weight fraction being the dominant (82%) one. Presence of about 8% natural rubber (NR, a polyterpene), mostly of cis configuration, was also identified from the composition analysis of that portion. Due to dominant low molecular weight mass, it was tackier as compared to Cog portion when manually felt. Thermal characterization showed a low temperature melting behavior (starting at 70°C for Cog and at 104°C for TE), ideal for a tackifier resin. Both Cog and TE portions were found to exhibit high thermal decomposition temperature ensuring high process safety. The ash was rich in magnesium oxide and has a great potential to be used as the cure retarder in certain rubber compounds. Absence of any deleterious metals like copper, manganese etc. was also a great positive point towards its application standpoint.
Characterisation and Properties of Fluorinated Acrylic Latex Prepared with Mixed Surfactants of Sds and Apg
Authors: Jiang Wei , Li Wen , Chen Lijun
Published: September 2018

The nonionic emulsifier of OP-10 is often used in preparing the latex. OP-10 belongs to a type of NPEOs. However, NPEOs are bioaccumulative and persistent in the environment while nonylphenol, the breakdown product of NPEs, is an endocrine disruptor. Therefore, the EU Commission has recommended implementing a risk reduction strategy, which foresees the ban of all applications leading to direct emissions to waste water and strict emission controls for all other technical processes using NPEOs as surfactants. The aim of the research is to study the possibility that OP-10 is replaced by APG to prepare the fluorinated acrylic latex. The fluorinated acrylic latex was prepared successfully via semicontinuous seeded emulsion polymerization of butyl acrylate (BA), methyl methacrylate (MMA) and hexafluorobutyl methacrylate(HFMA) in water phase initiated with potassium persulfate (KPS) and emulsified with the aid of mixed surfactants of sodium dodecyl sulfonate (SDS) and alkyl polyglucosides (APG). The structure of the resultant latex is confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrum. The influences of the amount of APG on the properties of the resultant latex and its film were investigated in detail. Results show that the particle size is decreased with the increase amount of APG. However, the calcium ion stability of the latex is increased with the increase of amount of APG.
Sustainable Polyurethane Adhesives Derived from Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Orgilέs-Calpena E. , Arán-Aís F. , Torró-Palau A.M. , Orgilέs-Barceló C.
Published: September 2018

The demand for fuels as raw materials is increasing disproportionally, thus producing huge environmental impacts, as is the case of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. Nowadays, society is facing several challenges, including the implementation of new technologies that are able to meet energy needs and promote sustainable development. Therefore, one of the most commonly produced and used polymers worldwide, polyurethane, which is currently completely dependent on fossil fuels, could be developed in an environmentally sustainable way. In this regard, CO2 may be used for the synthesis of new materials, such as for the production of polyols, essential components in the manufacture of polyurethane.

This work focused on the synthesis of polyurethane adhesives containing polyols from CO2. They were synthesised with 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) and 1,4-butanediol as a chain extender. The sustainable polyurethane adhesives derived from carbon dioxide were characterised by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric tests (TGA). Finally, the adhesion properties were measured from a T-peel test on leather/polyurethane adhesive/ SBR rubber joints, in order to establish the amount of CO2-based polyol that could be added to polyurethane adhesives satisfactorily to meet the quality requirements of footwear joints.
Studies on the Mechanical Properties and Uv-Accelerated Weathering of Ldpe with Benzophenone and Carboxy Methylated Starch
Authors: Arul Kumar K.P. , Soundararajan S.
Published: September 2018

LDPE of MFI 2 g/10 min was blended with carboxy methylated starch (CMS) at various proportions of 5–30% (wt.%), photo-degradable additive – benzophenone (3%) and glycerol (3%) as compatibilizer using a twin screw extruder. Tubular blown film was extruded using blown film extruder. LDPE with CMS was processable into sheets (>250 microns) in the temperature range 150 to 230°C. It was observed that higher the CMS content, lower the processing temperature range. All the formulations made using CMS were easy for processing though the MFI was decreased as the CMS starch content increased. The sheets obtained were of golden-yellow color with snakeskin appearance. The sheets obtained were tested for various mechanical tests like tensile strength, elongation at break and tear strength in both machine direction and transverse direction. The mechanical properties like tensile strength and elongation at break were lowered. Tear strength was lowered.

Also accelerated UV weathering and compost biodegradation tests were done on all the samples. Scanning Electron Microscope images were taken before and after UV weathering to determine the morphological changes on the samples. As the starch content increased, the photodegradation time also increased, but very less when compared to pure LDPE. The samples were highly photo/ biodegradable and hence will not pollute the environment.
Biomass Utilisation Strategies for Applications in Novel Polymer and Polymer Resin Production
Authors: Kosalka Justin J.S. , Sacripante Guerino G. , Lough Alan J. , Foucher Daniel A. , Gossage Robert A.
Published: September 2018

The synthesis and full characterisation, including in one case via single crystal X-ray diffraction, of two novel bio-derived aromatic monomers are reported. These materials, incorporating a Eugenol or Vanillin molecular skeleton are modified to incorporate diol chains obtained from reaction with glycerine carbonate. They are further characterised by the presence of other groups (e.g., allyl) which are also capable of engendering polymerisation. Facile heat induced self-polymerization is noted in one of the new monomers. The compounds are further tested in block co-polymer synthesis and found to form blocks with simple co-monomers such as succinic acid.
Native and Modified Gelatin Films Produced by Casting, Extrusion, and Blowing Extrusion Processes
Authors: Andreuccetti C. , Galicia-García T. , González-Nuñez R. , Martínez-Bustos F. , Grosso C.R.F.
Published: September 2018

Samples of native gelatin and gelatin modified by acylation and esterification were processed by casting and thermoplastic extrusion to produce laminated and tubular films. Extruded films containing sorbitol showed homogeneity and flexibility. Thinner films were obtained with the addition of sorbitol to the formulation. Tubular films prepared from gelatin modified with stearic acid were easily processed, had reduced friction, and were able to withstand bubble formation without fracturing after preparation. Films prepared by casting or thermoplastic techniques showed a decrease in tensile strength with the addition of plasticizer, and this also resulted in a substantial increase in their elongation ratio. The stearic acid modified gelatin-based films processed by blown extrusion showed higher tensile strength. Films fabricated by casting were, in general, less soluble than those prepared by extrusion except the films modified with stearic acid with or without the addition of plasticizer.
Effect of Curing on Hydrolytic Degradation of Montmorillonite Nanoclays Filled Biobased Polyesters
Authors: Islam M.R. , Isa N. , Yahaya A.N.
Published: September 2018

Palm oil based polyester (POPE) reinforced with montmorillonite nano clays (MNCs) were investigated for curing kinetics and hydrolytic degradation analysis. Alcoholises and esterification process were followed to produce POPE. The prepared resins were cured thermally by using methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP), styrene and cobalt-naphthenate at 120°C. The curing kinetics was analysed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The rate of reaction, activation energy and degree of conversion were measured by this analysis. The activation energy and reaction order were found to be decreased due to increase of heating rate of the curing process. Alkali solution was used for the hydrolytic degradation for different samples prepared at different curing conditions such as low period-high temperature (LPHT) and high period-low temperature (HPLT). The properties were affected due to the variation of curing process as confirmed by degradation behaviours in terms of tensile strength, melting point and surface morphology. The degradation of the composites were influential and faster at LPHT condition compared to HPLT condition.
Controlling Surface Hydrophobicity of Cellulose-Lignin Composite Coatings
Authors: Mbiada A. A. Younyia , Musa S. , Richter O. , Kneer A. , Barbe S.
Published: September 2018

In the first part of this study, lignin esters were prepared by acylating lignin with organic acid anhydrides containing short saturated chains of various lengths (C2 to C4). The prepared esters were then mixed at different ratios with cellulose acetate in order to produce hydrophilic cellulose-lignin composite coatings. The impact of the chain length and the ratio of lignin ester on the surface hydrophobicity of the coatings were determined by measuring contact angles with deionized water. The second part of this contribution was dedicated to the development of hydrophobic cellulose-lignin composite coatings with controlled surface hydrophobicity. For this purpose, cellulose oleate and lignin oleate were both prepared by acylating cellulose and lignin with oleyl chloride (C18:1). Contact angles up to 175° were measured at the surface of the prepared coatings and a technical approach for the control of surface hydrophobicity was presented. Finally, a process for the manufacture of hydrophobic cellulose-lignin composite coatings was designed. Polymers involved in this process are exclusively derived from renewable resources (Wood & High Oleic Sunflower Oil).
Starch Stabilized Polyvinyl Acetate Emulsion: Review
Authors: Gadhave Ravindra V. , Mahanwar Prakash A. , Gadekar Pradeep T.
Published: September 2018

The Increasing global energy crisis and scarcity of petroleum resources has shifted the focus of the hemical industries to look for alternative raw material resources. The main focus of raw materials in wood adhesives, such as petroleum and natural gas [1,2], would be gradually replaced by renewable bio-resource polymers. Starch is a relatively an inexpensive and renewable product from abundant plants, easy processing and it has been extensively used as paper binders, sizing materials, glues and pastes [3], but its bonding capacity is not strong enough to glue substrate like wood, paper. Conventionally available wood adhesive emulsions are colloid like polyvinyl alcohol stabilized. A new research on biodegradable, renewable, environmentally friendly starch stabilized polyvinyl acetate emulsion that was synthesized by the graft polymerization of vinyl acetate onto starch. In this paper, we reviewed starch as colloid for synthesis of polyvinyl acetate emulsion.
Chasing Animals With Split Attention: Are Animals Prioritized in Visual Tracking?
Authors: Hagen Thomas , Espeseth Thomas , Laeng Bruno
Published: September 2018

Some evolutionary psychologists have hypothesized that animals have priority in human attention. That is, they should be detected and selected more efficiently than other types of objects, especially man-made ones. Such a priority mechanism should automatically deploy more attentional resources and dynamic monitoring toward animal stimuli than nonanimals. Consequently, we postulated that variations of the multiple object or identity tracking and multiple event monitoring tasks should be particularly suitable paradigms for addressing the animate monitoring hypothesis, given their dynamic properties and dependency on divided attention. We used images of animals and artifacts and found neither a substantial sign of improvement in tracking the positions associated with animal stimuli nor a significant distracting effect of animals. We also failed to observe a significant prioritization in orders of response for positions associated with animals. While we observed an advantage for animals in event monitoring, this appeared to be dependent on properties of the task, as confirmed in further experiments. Moreover, we observed a small but inconclusive advantage for animals in identity accuracy. Thus, under certain conditions, some bias toward animals could be observed, but the evidence was weak and inconclusive. To conclude, effect sizes were generally small and not conclusively in favor of the expected attentional bias for animals. We found moderate to strong evidence that images of animals do not improve positional tracking, do not act as more effective distractors, are not selected prior to artifacts in the response phase, and are not easier to monitor for changes in size.
Exploring Korean parents’ meanings of digital play for young children
Authors: Dong Pool Ip
Published: September 2018

This study is about contemporary Korean parents’ social tensions and the cultural meanings around digital play. Through interviews with 13 middle-class Korean parents, they discussed their perspectives on digital play, including their views of popular culture, high-technology, and learning, which created inner conflicts and negotiations with their children in their everyday lives. Furthermore, Korean parents tended to employ digital play for their children with their own purposes and meanings, such as rewards, social competiveness, learning English, and finding effective ways to keep their children occupied. Thus, based on the hypercompetitiveness of formal education in Korean contexts, this study argues that digital play is not merely children’s play with digital technology, rather digital play reflects the social pressures, concerns, and anxieties that these middle-class Korean parents feel regarding their notion of parenting, their parental practices, and their children’s intense competition in education (and the job market) in global and neoliberal times.
Influence of age, body mass index and comorbidity on major outcomes in acute pancreatitis, a prospective nation‐wide multicentre study
Authors: Moran Robert A , García-Rayado Guillermo , de la Iglesia-García Daniel , Martínez-Moneo Emma , Fort-Martorell Esther , Lauret-Braña Eugenia , Concepción-Martín Mar , Ausania Fabio , Prieto-Martínez Carlos , González-de-Cabo Miguel , Quesada-Vázquez Noé , Marcaide-Ruiz-de-Apodaca M Asunción , Pajares-Díaz José A , Díaz Francia C , de Benito José L , Hinojosa-Guadix Jennifer , Marqués-García Pilar , Boadas Jaume , Bajador-Andreu Eduardo , Moreno Oswaldo , Argüelles-Arias Federico , Martín-Benítez Gregorio , Tafur-Sánchez Carla , Leal-Téllez Jesús , Romero-Mosquera Beatriz , Hernaez Ruben , Papachristou Georgios I , Singh Vikesh K , de Madaria Enrique
Published: September 2018

Background

There are few large prospective cohort studies evaluating predictors of outcomes in acute pancreatitis.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine the role of age and co‐morbid disease in predicting major outcomes in acute pancreatitis.

Methods

Data points were collected according to a predefined electronic data collection form. Acute pancreatitis and its complications were defined according to the revised Atlanta classification. Univariable and multivariable analyses were conducted using Cox proportional hazard regression and multiple logistic regression.

Results

From June 2013–February 2015, 1655 adult patients were recruited from 23 centres across Spain. Co‐morbid disease, obesity, open surgical necrosectomy within 30 days, and pancreatic necrosis were independently associated with both 30‐day mortality and persistent organ failure (p < 0.05 for all). Age was not associated with persistent organ failure, however the extreme of age (>85 years) was associated with mortality (p < 0.05). Co‐morbid disease and obesity were not independently associated with a prolonged length of stay or other markers of morbidity on adjusted analysis (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Comorbidity and obesity are important determinates of mortality and persistent organ failure in acute pancreatitis, but in the absence of organ failure they do not appear to independently contribute to morbidity. This has important implications for severity classification and predictive models of severity in acute pancreatitis.
Nothing to fear? Anxiety, numeracy, and demographic perceptions
Authors: Velez Yamil Ricardo , Borelli Gabriel , Carse Taeo , Chen Zhuo , Pezanoski-Cohen Anna , Dunphy Peter , Hutchinson Giovanni , Johnson Taryn , Prescott Samuel , Ravi Nila , Wallock Matt , Wilkerson Aimée , Wong Grace
Published: September 2018

Studies have found that Americans tend to overestimate the size of minority populations, a pattern that potentially increases antipathy toward racial and ethnic outgroups due to heightened perceptions of intergroup competition. Recent research, however, suggests that providing people with accurate information about racial and ethnic demographics has no discernible impact on intergroup attitudes. In this study, we consider whether anxiety is responsible for overestimates of racial and ethnic groups in the USA. We conduct an experiment where we manipulate anxiety before asking subjects to estimate the size of racial and ethnic groups at the local and national level. Contrary to our expectations, our findings suggest that there is no discernible link between emotions and estimates of minority group percentages, and in some cases, negative emotions reduce misperceptions.
Social Affect and Political Disagreement on Social Media
Authors: Barnidge Matthew
Published: September 2018

The perception of political disagreement is more prevalent on social media than it is in face-to-face communication, and it may be associated with negative affect toward others. This research investigates the relationship between interpersonal evaluations (i.e., perceived similarity, liking, and closeness) and perceived political disagreement in social media versus face-to-face settings. Relying on a representative survey of adult internet users in the United States ( N = 489), the study first examines the differences between social media and face-to-face settings in terms of interpersonal evaluations and relates them to parallel differences in perceived disagreement. Results are discussed in light of important, ongoing scholarly conversations about political disagreement, tolerance toward the other side in politics, and the “affective turn” in public communication about politics.
Progression of Emergency Medicine Resident Patient Experience Scores by Level of Training
Authors: Walker Laura E , Colletti James E , Bellolio M Fernanda , Nestler David M
Published: September 2018

Background:

Patient satisfaction surveys are vital to measuring a patient’s experience of care. How scores of patients managed by emergency medicine (EM) residents change as residents progress through training is not known.

Objectives:

To evaluate whether EM residents’ patient satisfaction scores improve as residency training progresses, similar to clinical skill improvement.

Methods:

A retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated the correlation of patient satisfaction scores with EM resident year of training from 2015 through 2017. We evaluated for a change in score over time for the 4 “physician questions” and the “overall” score.

Results:

We evaluated 1684 Press Ganey surveys linked to 40 EM resident physicians during the study period. The mean top box scores for the 4 physician questions (concern for comfort [ P = .72], courtesy [ P = .55], informative about treatment [ P = .46], and listening [ P = .91]) and overall assessment of emergency department care ( P = .51) were not significantly improved over the course of resident.

Conclusion:

We did not observe a difference in EM residents’ patient experience scores as their level of training progressed. Comprehensive patient experience training for residents might be needed.
Learning receptive awareness via neurofeedback in stressed healthcare providers: a prospective pilot investigation
Authors: Dunham C. Michael , Burger Amanda L. , Hileman Barbara M. , Chance Elisha A.
Published: September 2018

Objective

Because physicians and nurses are commonly stressed, Bispectral Index™ (BIS) neurofeedback, following trainer instructions, was used to learn to lower the electroencephalography-derived BIS value, indicating that a state of receptive awareness (relaxed alertness) had been achieved.

Results

Ten physicians/nurses participated in 21 learning days with 9 undergoing ≤ 3 days. The BIS-nadir for the 21 days was decreased (88.7) compared to baseline (97.0; p < 0.01). From 21 wellbeing surveys, moderately-to-extremely rated stress responses were a feeling of irritation 38.1%; nervousness 14.3%; over-reacting 28.6%; tension 66.7%; being overwhelmed 38.1%; being drained 38.1%; and people being too demanding 52.4% (57.1% had ≥ 2 stress indicators). Quite a bit-to-extremely rated positive-affect responses were restful sleep 28.6%; energetic 0%; and alert 47.6% (90.5% had ≥ 2 positive-affect responses rated as slightly-to-moderately). For 1 subject who underwent 4 learning days, mean BIS was lower on day 4 (95.1) than on day 1 (96.8; p < 0.01). The wellbeing score increased 23.3% on day 4 (37) compared to day 1 (30). Changes in BIS values provide evidence that brainwave self-regulation can be learned and may manifest with wellbeing. These findings suggest that stress and impairments in positive-affect are common in physicians/nurses.

Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03152331. Registered May 15, 2017
Antimicrobial engineered nanoparticles in the built cultural heritage context and their ecotoxicological impact on animals and plants: a brief review
Authors: Reyes-Estebanez Manuela , Ortega-Morales Benjamín Otto , Chan-Bacab Manuel , Granados-Echegoyen Carlos , Camacho-Chab Juan Carlos , Pereañez-Sacarias Juan Enrique , Gaylarde Christine
Published: September 2018

Nanoparticles (NPs) of metal oxides, sometimes referred to as engineered nanoparticles have been used to protect building surfaces against biofilm formation for many years, but their history in the Cultural Heritage world is rather short. Their first reported use was in 2010. Thereafter, a wealth of reports can be found in the literature, with Ti, Ag and Zn oxides being the major protagonists. As with all surface treatments, NPs can be leached into the surrounding environment, leading to potential ecotoxicity in soil and water and associated biota. Dissolution into metal ions is usually stated to be the main mode of toxic action and the toxic effects, when determined in the marine environment, decrease in the order Au > Zn > Ag > Cu > Ti > C60, but direct action of NPs cannot be ruled out. Although ecotoxicity has been assessed by a variety of techniques, it is important that a suitable standard test be developed and the European Unions’s Biocidal Product Registration group is working on this, as well as a standard test for antimicrobial efficacy to determine their impact on ecological processes of surrounding non-target organisms and their transformation products under realistic scenarios.
Estimating source signatures from source-over-spread marine seismic data
Authors: Svarva Helgebostad Kristian , Landrø Martin , Vinje Vetle , Nilsen Carl-Inge
Published: September 2018

Recent developments in marine seismic acquisition include deploying a source vessel above a towed-streamer spread. We have developed an inversion algorithm to estimate source signatures for such acquisition configurations, by minimizing the difference between the recorded and a modeled direct wave. The forward modeling is based upon a physical modeling of the air bubble created by each air gun in the source array, and a damped Gauss-Newton approach is used for the optimization. Typical inversion parameters are empirical damping factors for the bubble oscillations and firing time delays for each air gun. Variations in streamer depth are taken into account, and a constant sea-surface reflection coefficient is also estimated as a by-product of the inversion. For data acquired in shallow waters, we have developed an extension of the forward modeling to include reflections from the water bottom to stabilize the inversion. The algorithm is tested on synthetic- and field-data examples, and the estimated source signature for the field-data example is used in a designature processing flow.
Source-receiver Marchenko redatuming on field data using an adaptive double-focusing method
Authors: Staring Myrna , Pereira Roberto , Douma Huub , van der Neut Joost , Wapenaar Kees
Published: September 2018

We have developed an adaptive double-focusing method that is specifically designed for the field-data application of source-receiver Marchenko redatuming. Typically, the single-focusing Marchenko method is combined with a multidimensional deconvolution (MDD) to achieve redatuming. Our method replaces the MDD step by a second focusing step that naturally complements the single-focusing Marchenko method. Instead of performing the MDD method with the directionally decomposed Green’s functions that result from single-focusing, we now use the retrieved upgoing Green’s function and the retrieved downgoing focusing function to obtain a redatumed reflection response in the physical medium. Consequently, we only remove the strongest overburden effects instead of removing all of the overburden effects. However, the gain is a robust method that is less sensitive to imperfections in the data and a sparse acquisition geometry than the MDD method. In addition, it is computationally much cheaper, more straightforward to implement, and it can be parallelized over pairs of focal points, which makes it suitable for application to large data volumes. We evaluate the successful application of our method to 2D field data of the Santos Basin.
Nonstationary acoustic-impedance inversion algorithm via a novel equivalent Q-value estimation scheme and sparse regularizations
Authors: Hao Yaju , Huang Handong , Luo Yaneng , Gao Jun , Yuan Shujin
Published: September 2018

Nonstationary seismograms can be mathematically expressed by the nonstationary convolution model (NSCM), which integrates the equivalent [Formula: see text]-value [Formula: see text], source wavelet, and acoustic impedance AI into a single formula. Performing nonstationary AI inversion based on NSCM requires subsurface [Formula: see text] field distribution and a source wavelet, which are all challenging to perform. The constant [Formula: see text] field and the extracted wavelet obtained from the early part of the seismograms are commonly used as alternatives; consequently, inaccurate AI inversion results will be easily yielded. To deal with this problem, we decompose nonstationary seismic inversion into three subproblems. First, [Formula: see text] curves are estimated at well locations using a novel scheme. Because the Gabor transform can induce approximate factorization of NSCM, the time-varying wavelet amplitude spectrum (TVWAS) can be obtained by dividing the time-frequency amplitude spectrum (TFAS) of the seismic signal by the TFAS of the reflection coefficient. Stable [Formula: see text] curves at well locations then can be estimated by the compensation-based [Formula: see text]-analysis method, whose input data are TVWAS. Second, having an estimation of [Formula: see text] and AI logging information at well locations, the source-wavelet inversion objective function with wavelet transform-domain sparse constraint is proposed based on the time-domain NSCM. This inverse problem is solved efficiently using projected fast iterative soft-thresholding algorithm. We have developed the AI inversion objective function with the low-frequency constraint and isotropic total variation transform-domain sparse constraint based on frequency-domain NSCM and the split Bregman method for minimizing this objective function. Benchmark model synthetic tests and field-data application indicate the effectiveness of our nonstationary AI inversion algorithm by demonstrating the improved accuracy and resolution of the AI inversion results.
Antimicrobial Prophylaxis for Adult Patients With Cancer-Related Immunosuppression: ASCO and IDSA Clinical Practice Guideline Update
Authors: Taplitz Randy A. , Kennedy Erin B. , Bow Eric J. , Crews Jennie , Gleason Charise , Hawley Douglas K. , Langston Amelia A. , Nastoupil Loretta J. , Rajotte Michelle , Rolston Kenneth V. , Strasfeld Lynne , Flowers Christopher R.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

To provide an updated joint ASCO/Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) guideline on antimicrobial prophylaxis for adult patients with immunosuppression associated with cancer and its treatment.

Methods

ASCO and IDSA convened an update Expert Panel and conducted a systematic review of relevant studies from May 2011 to November 2016. The guideline recommendations were based on the review of evidence by the Expert Panel.

Results

Six new or updated meta-analyses and six new primary studies were added to the updated systematic review.

Recommendations

Antibacterial and antifungal prophylaxis is recommended for patients who are at high risk of infection, including patients who are expected to have profound, protracted neutropenia, which is defined as < 100 neutrophils/µL for > 7 days or other risk factors. Herpes simplex virus–seropositive patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation or leukemia induction therapy should receive nucleoside analog-based antiviral prophylaxis, such as acyclovir. Pneumocystis jirovecii prophylaxis is recommended for patients receiving chemotherapy regimens that are associated with a > 3.5% risk for pneumonia as a result of this organism (eg, those with ≥ 20 mg prednisone equivalents daily for ≥ 1 month or on the basis of purine analog usage). Treatment with a nucleoside reverse transcription inhibitor (eg, entecavir or tenofovir) is recommended for patients at high risk of hepatitis B virus reactivation. Recommendations for vaccination and avoidance of prolonged contact with environments that have high concentrations of airborne fungal spores are also provided within the updated guideline. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/supportive-care-guidelines .
Transparência governamental nos estados e grandes municípios brasileiros: uma “dança dos sete véus” incompleta?
Authors: Coelho Taiane Ritta , Silva Thomaz Anderson Barbosa da , Cunha Maria Alexandra , Teixeira Marco Antonio Carvalho
Published: September 2018

Este artigo visa a examinar a transparência do Poder Executivo nos Estados e grandes municípios brasileiros, com o objetivo de mostrar um panorama desse aspecto nos portais governamentais. Partimos do pressuposto de que a transparência não é completa e seria desigual entre governos, o que se confirmou na análise dos resultados. Para a coleta dos dados, foi desenvolvido o modelo de investigação com base em pesquisas anteriores, códigos de boas práticas de agências e ONGs nacionais e internacionais e na legislação brasileira. Os achados apontam para transparência incompleta, tanto na esfera municipal quanto na estadual, e voltada principalmente para o atendimento das exigências legais. Os resultados também apontam desigualdade na transparência dos governos observados.
Antimicrobial activity of Terminalia catappa brown leaf extracts against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853
Authors: Allyn Ovin Qonita , Kusumawati Eko , Nugroho Rudy Agung
Published: September 2018

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of various concentration ofTerminalia catappabrown leaves extract which can inhibit the growth ofStaphylococcus aureusATCC 25923 andPseudomonas aeruginosaATCC 27853. The crushed-brown leaves ofTerminalia catappawas extracted using 95% ethanol, filtered, and evaporated. The driedT. catappaextract was used to identify phytochemical content qualitatively. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also measured quantitatively from dried extract. The dried extracts were also dissolved in sterile aquadest and serial dilutions were prepared to final concentration of 30, 60 and 90%. A disc diffusion method was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity of various concentrations of ethanol extract of brown leaves ofT. catappa. Inhibition zone diameter was measured to determine antibacterial activity. Gentamycin sulfate and distilled water were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. Dried ethanolic extract of brownT. catappaleaves contained flavonoid, quinon, phenolic, triterpenoid, and tannin. A total of 208.722 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract of total phenolic and 35.7671 mg quercetin equivalent/g extract of total flavonoid were also found in the dried extract. The inhibition zone diameters of ethanolic extracts ranged from 1.73 to 9.06 mm (S. aureus) and from 1.83 to 6.5 mm (P. aeruginosa). The higher concentration of extract, the wider the inhibition zone diameters for both bacteria.P. aeruginosawas more resistant to high concentrations of extract (90%) thanS. aureus. Ethanolic extracts of the brown leaves ofT. catappahad different antibacterial effects againstS. aureusandP. aeruginosa. The higher the concentration of extract, the wider the inhibition zone diameter for both bacteria.P. aeruginosawas more resistant to high concentrations of ethanolic extracts of the brown leaves ofT. catappa.