bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors related to exclusive breastfeeding in Thai adolescent mothers: Concept mapping approach
Authors: Nuampa Sasitara , Tilokskulchai Fongcum , Patil Crystal L. , Sinsuksai Nittaya , Phahuwatanakorn Wanna
Published: October 2018

The advantages of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months are well‐known. Unfortunately, adolescent mothers have lower rates of breastfeeding exclusivity and shorter duration of breastfeeding. There is limited evidence regarding exclusive breastfeeding determinants in adolescent mothers. The purpose of this study was to obtain adolescent mother‐generated factors related to exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months. A mixed‐methods design was conducted through concept mapping. Thirty adolescent mothers aged 15–19 years who had wide range of exclusive breastfeeding experiences brainstormed about specific factors. They then sorted and rated the statements into key clusters. Finally, half of the participants were involved in the interpretation of the mapping results and the creation of pathway diagrams. Data were analysed by multivariate statistics in the Concept System Global MAX program. The results showed that the adolescent mothers brainstormed about 104 statements on the factors related to exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months. These factors can be categorized into the following six key clusters: (a) breastfeeding advantages; (b) facilitating factors and necessary skills; (c) promotion and support needed; (d) community and social influence; (e) internal and external barriers; and (f) key problems in families. The pattern matching provided understanding of how key clusters are important to successful breastfeeding through comparing three groups of exclusive breastfeeding durations. Finally, the relationships of the stated factors were drawn in pathway diagrams. Exclusive breastfeeding experiences among Thai adolescent mothers showed complexity involving multilevel influences of social systems. The promotion of optimal breastfeeding should recognize the influences of both personal and environmental factors.
Nitrous oxide effluxes from plants as a potentially important source to the atmosphere
Authors: Lenhart Katharina , Behrendt Thomas , Greiner Steffen , Steinkamp Jörg , Well Reinhard , Giesemann Anette , Keppler Frank
Published: October 2018

The global budget for nitrous oxide (N2O), an important greenhouse gas and probably dominant ozone‐depleting substance emitted in the 21st century, is far from being fully understood. Cycling of N2O in terrestrial ecosystems has traditionally exclusively focused on gas exchange between the soil surface (nitrification–denitrification processes) and the atmosphere. Terrestrial vegetation has not been considered in the global budget so far, even though plants are known to release N2O.

Here, we report the N2O emission rates of 32 plant species from 22 different families measured under controlled laboratory conditions. Furthermore, the first isotopocule values (δ15N, δ18O and δ15Nsp) of N2O emitted from plants were determined.

A robust relationship established between N2O emission and CO2 respiration rates, which did not alter significantly over a broad range of changing environmental conditions, was used to quantify plant‐derived emissions on an ecosystem scale. Stable isotope measurements (δ15N, δ18O and δ15Nsp) of N2O emitted by plants clearly show that the dual isotopocule fingerprint of plant‐derived N2O differs from that of currently known microbial or chemical processes.

Our work suggests that vegetation is a natural source of N2O in the environment with a large fraction released by a hitherto unrecognized process.
Eocene isopods on electric rays: tracking ancient biological interactions from a complex fossil record
Authors: Robin Ninon , Marramà Giuseppe , Vonk Ronald , Kriwet Jürgen , Carnevale Giorgio
Published: October 2018

Isopod crustaceans have developed a variety of feeding strategies, which impact on their various life habits over time. Apart from morphological adaptations and the typical secondary deformations that some parasitic isopods inflict on their host's exoskeleton, traces of feeding behaviours involving isopods on their victim/food are seldom fossilized. Many of these rare occurrences consist of cases for which the degree of association between the isopods and their potential food source is unclear, or the interaction only very briefly explained (recently analysed cases excepted). There are two limiting problems in identifying the biological nature of fossilized associations: (1) direct associations of organisms preserved as ‘imprint’ (as opposed to inclusions in cherts or amber) are shaped by several taphonomic events difficult to identify (such as the time of death, burial and fossilization of the organism); (2) even in modern nature, differences withinsyn vivointeractions (like parasitism and micropredation) are poorly understood in marine systems. We report the occurrence of isopods associated with ancient chondrichthyans which also represent rare cases of the preservation of several fossil isopods on larger organisms. These organisms are adult electric rays of the genus †TitanonarkeCarvalho from the late Ypresian (Eocene) of the Monte Postale site, Bolca Lagerstätte, Italy. By examining: (1) the involved lineages of rays and isopods; (2) the taphonomy of the association; (3) its environmental context; and (4) biological/adaptive features; we identify this association as a selective case, either of ancient scavenging or of micropredation on specific electric rays by isopods.
Effect on Morphine Requirement of Early Administration of Oral Acetaminophen vs. Acetaminophen/Tramadol Combination in Acute Pain
Authors: Bouida Wahid , Beltaief Kaouthar , Msolli Mohamed Amine , Ben Marzouk Maryem , Boubaker Hamdi , Grissa Mohamed Habib , Zorgati Asma , Methamem Mehdi , Boukef Riadh , Belguith Asma , Nouira Semir
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the effect on opioid requirement of pain treatment starting at triage, and to evaluate satisfaction in emergency department (ED) patients with acute pain.

Methods

This is a single‐blind, randomized, prospective study conducted in the ED. The included patients were randomly assigned to single oral doses of placebo, acetaminophen, or a tramadol/acetaminophen combination. Protocol treatment was given at triage. The primary outcome was the need for rescue morphine during ED stay. The secondary outcome included patient satisfaction, ED length of stay, and percentage of patients discharged from the ED with a VAS score of <30.

Results

We included 1,485 patients: 496 patients in the placebo group, 497 in the acetaminophen group, and 492 in the tramadol/acetaminophen combination group. The groups were similar regarding demographic and clinical characteristics and baseline VAS pain scores. Rescue morphine was significantly decreased in the tramadol/acetaminophen combination group compared to that in the placebo and acetaminophen groups (11.5%, 23.2%, and 18.9%, respectively; P = 0.03). Patient satisfaction was higher in the tramadol/acetaminophen combination group (77% vs. 69% in the acetaminophen group and 68% in the placebo group). A VAS score of <30 was observed in 84% of patients in the placebo group, 83% in the acetaminophen group, and 87% in the tramadol/acetaminophen combination group (P = 0.01 between the acetaminophen group and tramadol/acetaminophen combination group). The ED length of stay was 60 minutes for the acetaminophen group and tramadol/acetaminophen combination group and 71 minutes for the placebo group (P = 0.04).

Conclusion

Oral tramadol/acetaminophen combination administered early in triage was associated with a decrease in intravenous morphine requirement and increase in satisfaction among ED patients with acute pain when compared with patients taking acetaminophen. No significant increase in side effects was found. This intervention may be considered in EDs with an aim of similar benefits.
A comparison of international management guidelines for atopic dermatitis
Authors: LePoidevin Lindsey M. , Lee Dylan E. , Shi Vivian Y.
Published: October 2018

Background/Objectives

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic condition that is predominantly found in pediatric patients and commonly presents therapeutic challenges. The management ofADencompasses a variety of factors, and the pillars of optimal management revolve around skin barrier repair and antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, and antipruritic treatment.ADmanagement guidelines exist in various geographic regions globally. The purpose of this review was to compare international guidelines to highlight the similarities and variances among populations and skin types. Comparisons were made for recommendations regarding moisturization, bathing, wet wrap therapy, topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, antihistamines, antipruritics, antibiotics, systemic immunosuppressants, and biologics.

Methods

A literature search of the PubMed,EMBASE, andMEDLINEdatabases was performed for published guidelines in each geographic region. Inclusion criteria included publications available in English that were established by a dermatological association or group including dermatologists, pertained to the treatment ofADin humans, were the most recent guidelines available that were published between 2007 and 2018, and included comprehensive treatment recommendations.

Results

Publications from Europe, North America, Asia, the Asia‐Pacific region, Australia, and Africa were reviewed, encompassing 14 guidelines. Notable diversity exists across these guidelines regarding recommendations for moisturization and bathing, as well as topical and systemic therapies forAD.

Conclusions

Due to the heterogeneity of the disease and regional treatment accessibility, complete standardization ofADmanagement guidelines may be difficult. Nevertheless, more consensus on management guidelines is needed, and recommendations should be updated as new treatment modalities become available.
Predictors of health related‐quality of life among elderly with disabilities
Authors: Janjusevic Ana , Cirkovic Ivana , Lukic Iva , Janjusevic Vesna , Jevtic Ksenija , Grgurevic Anita
Published: October 2018

Aim

There have been no previous studies of health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) among adults aged 65 years and older with disabilities in Serbia. The aim of study was to identify predictors of HRQOL in the context of sociodemographic characteristics, disability aetiology, comorbid diseases, indices of comorbidities, realization of social rights, and domestic violence.

Methods

The cross‐sectional study involved 275 consecutive elderly outpatients with disabilities. They were recruited by general practitioners at Primary Health Centers in Belgrade, Serbia, from March to May 2015. Data were acquired through face‐to‐face interviews and general practitioners’ charts, while the generic 36‐item Short Form Health Survey was used to assess HRQOL. In statistical analysis, Student's t‐test, Z‐test, Spearman's correlation test, and both univariate and multivariate linear regression were performed.

Results

Multivariate analysis revealed that a higher Functional Comorbidity Index (β = −0.194, P < 0.01) and not asking for realization of right to assistance and care financial benefits (β = −0.142, P < 0.05) were predictors of a lower scores Mental Composite Score (F = 9.262; P < 0.001). Not asking for realization of right to assistance and care financial benefits (β = −0.187, P < 0.01), congestive heart failure (β = −0.123, P < 0.05), and stroke (β = −0.120, P < 0.05) were predictors of a lower Physical Composite Score (F = 7.169, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study provides valuable data for better understanding the underlying factors associated with the HRQOL of elderly persons with disabilities, and currently, these are the only available data of their kind in Serbia. National authorities could identify predictors of HRQOL as a basic starting point for improving the social welfare and health‐care systems. Better prevention and management of clinical factors, increased access to social services, and enhanced delivery of social services will improve the ageing process and HRQOL of this vulnerable population.
Restore and Renew: a genomics‐era framework for species provenance delimitation
Authors: Rossetto Maurizio , Bragg Jason , Kilian Andrzej , McPherson Hannah , van der Merwe Marlien , Wilson Peter D.
Published: October 2018

Here we present “Restore and Renew,” a replicable framework for gathering and interpreting evolutionary, ecological, and genomic data in support of restoration practices. In an era of rapid climatic change and continuous widespread clearing, revegetation projects need to focus on producing resilient and long‐term self‐sustaining populations. Restore and Renew expands current knowledge of genetic provenance via genome‐scan data, environmental niche modeling (ENM), and site‐specific climate information. The sampling strategy is to obtain leaf tissue representing the distributions of over 100 species commonly used in restoration. We apply generalized dissimilarity modeling to genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism datasets from hundreds of samples. Species‐specific local provenances are obtained using a model that represents observed patterns of genetic variation across the landscape. Climate modeling is implemented to interpret genetic provenance boundaries in the context of current and future climatic conditions at the specified site. Results are presented in an easy‐to‐use webtool (www.restore‐and‐renew.org.au), where the user simply selects their site of interest and a target species to obtain the size and distribution of local genetic provenance. Although Restore and Renew is not prescriptive, it allows restoration practitioners to make informed decisions on where to source material from, to fulfill their restoration scenario of choice. Two examples,Westringia fruticosaandAcacia suaveolens, are presented to demonstrate how the analytical pipeline responds to different ecological and evolutionary patterns. The webtool has multiple applications for biodiversity management and will continue to evolve with new species and analytical/interpretative outputs.
The apparel industry in the post‐Multifiber Arrangement environment: A review
Authors: Alam M. S. , Selvanathan E. A. , Selvanathan S. , Hossain M.
Published: October 2018

The apparel industry contributes significantly to the economic development of many developing countries. Between 1974 and 2004, the Multifiber Arrangement (MFA) heavily regulated this industry. Since the total abolition of the MFA in 2005, competition in apparel trade has increased many folds and some developing countries, such as Bangladesh and Vietnam, have been successful while some others, such as Mexico and the Philippines, are struggling to meet this challenge. This study presents a historical evolution of the apparel industry before and after the introduction of MFA and analyzes the factors that enhance apparel export performance during the post‐MFA period. The analysis reveals that cheap labor, firm size, product quality, foreign ownership, availability of local input materials, new product development, preferential market access and working conditions are the major factors that help gaining competitiveness in apparel exports during the post‐MFA period. These observations provide new insights to the policy makers and business managers to formulate and implement appropriate policies in order to become competitive in apparel exports.
Lexical Measures of Social Inequality: From Pigou‐Dalton to Hammond
Authors: Ou‐Yang Kui
Published: October 2018

A measure of social inequality is essentially a rational ordering over a space of social distributions. However, different measures, including the most popular ones, may provide very different rankings over the same set of typical distributions. We thus propose an axiomatic approach to inequality measurement mainly based on the Hammond principle, a natural generalization of the Pigou‐Dalton principle, attempting to clarify the true nature of social inequality: the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Under the standard assumptions of anonymity and scale independence, we show that a social inequality ordering is the leximinimax measure if and only if it satisfies the first Hammond principle, and it is the leximaximin measure if and only if it satisfies the second Hammond principle.
Impact of land use during winter on the balance of greenhouse gases
Authors: Posse G. , Lewczuk N. , Di Bella C. , Richter K. , Oricchio P. , Hilbert J.
Published: October 2018

The increase in atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs) can be mitigated by capturing CO2 from the atmosphere and/or by reducing their emissions. Replacing winter intercrop fallow by cover crops (CCs) can sequester carbon and improve nitrogen use efficiency under proper management. We monitored two cycles of a cash crop namely soybean (soy1) and double‐cropping soybean (soy2) and their respective post‐harvest periods. During the first period, a winter crop (wheat) was used as an alternative to CCs, and in the second period, a chemical fallow treatment (bare soil) was applied. Carbon dioxide and N2O exchange rates were estimated with turbulent flux measurements and N2O fluxes with complementary static chambers. During the soy1/wheat sequence, the soil gained 2800 kg C eq/ha, while during the soy2/bare fallow sequence the soil lost 5083 kg C eq/ha. Excluding the carbon exported by harvest, both sequences lost carbon, but the soy2/bare fallow cycle was fivefold higher. The replacement of bare fallow by a winter cover crop like wheat decreases N2O emissions considerably and converts carbon losses (by respiration) into gains (by fixation in photosynthesis). The replacement of traditional non‐harvested cover crops by winter wheat may provide not only similar advantages in terms of soil improvement, preservation, and reduction in nitrogen loss, but also an additional harvest. It will be necessary to adjust the fertilization of this cover crop to prevent excess nitrogen from accumulating in soils.
Trends, patterns and causes of respiratory disease mortality among inpatients in Tanzania, 2006–2015
Authors: Kishamawe Coleman , Rumisha Susan F. , Mremi Irene R. , Bwana Veneranda M. , Chiduo Mercy G. , Massawe Isolide S. , Mboera Leonard E. G.
Published: October 2018

Objective

To determine the causes, patterns and trends of respiratory diseases‐related deaths in hospitals of Tanzania 2006–2015.

Methods

Retrospective study involving 39 hospitals. Medical records of patients who died in hospital were retrieved, reviewed and analysed. Sources of data were hospital admission registers, death registers and International Classification of Diseases report forms. Information on demographic characteristics, date of death, the immediate underlying cause of death and co‐morbid conditions was collected.

Results

Of the 247 976 deaths reported during the 10‐year period, respiratory diseases accounted for 12.92% (n = 32 042). The majority of the respiratory mortality was reported among males (55.9%). Overall median age at death was 31 years with an interquartile range (IQR) of 1–47. Median age at death was significantly higher among males (35 years) than females (28 years) (P < 0.0001). Most deaths (37.8%) occurred in eastern Tanzania. About one‐third (31.3%) of all respiratory mortality was reported among under‐five children, being among girls than boys (34.3% vs. 28.9%, χ2 = 10.3, P < 0.0001). Adolescent and young adult females (15–29 years) had higher age‐standardised mortality rates per 100 000 due respiratory diseases than males. Pneumonia (n = 16 639; 51.9%) and pulmonary tuberculosis (n = 9687; 30.2%) accounted for the majority of deaths due to respiratory diseases. Significantly more females (n = 7665; 54.5%) than males died from pneumonia (n = 8878; 49.8%; χ2 = 8.5, P < 0.0001). By contrast, significantly more males (n = 6024; 34%) than females (n = 3596; 26%; χ2 = 15.5, P < 0.0001) died of tuberculosis. The proportion of death due to tuberculosis declined from 32.8% in 2006–2010 to 7.9% in 2011–2015. However, there was a significant increase in the proportion of death due to pneumonia from 49.6% in 2006–2010 to 53.4% in 2011–2015. Co‐morbid conditions contributed to 9.1% (2871/31 628) of all deaths due to respiratory diseases. The most common co‐morbid condition was HIV which accounted for 1735 (60.4%) deaths and was more common among males (60.8%; n = 957) than among females (59.7%; n = 764).

Conclusions

Respiratory diseases account for a substantial proportion of all causes of hospital death in Tanzania. Pneumonia and tuberculosis contribute to more than three quarters of all deaths due to respiratory diseases. Since most major respiratory illnesses are avoidable, it is important to strengthen the capacity of the health delivery system in managing cases of respiratory diseases.
Retrospective evaluation of 4 methods for outcome prediction in overt disseminated intravascular coagulation in dogs (2009–2014): 804 cases
Authors: Goggs Robert , Mastrocco Alicia , Brooks Marjory B.
Published: October 2018

Objective

The clinical diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in dogs is challenging. It was hypothesized that dogs with laboratory abnormalities consistent with overt DIC have increased mortality and hence survival could be used to evaluate the performance of DIC scoring systems. Four DIC scoring systems were compared in clinically ill dogs: The International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) score; a previously published veterinary DIC score; a system using in‐house reference intervals (RIs) for coagulation assays; and the published veterinary DIC score modified by use of in‐house RI values.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Eight hundred four client‐owned dogs with underlying disorders associated with DIC.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

Medical records were reviewed to identify dogs for which a coagulation panel consisting of coagulation times, D‐dimer concentration, antithrombin activity, fibrinogen concentration, and platelet count had been analyzed. Four methods for overt DIC scoring were then applied, and the ability of these scores to predict mortality was evaluated. Use of institution RIs for diagnosis of overt DIC provided the most accurate prognostic assessment. A score based on abnormalities in 3 of 6 parameters to identify overt DIC was 72.7% sensitive and 80.9% specific for mortality and was accurate in 78.4% of cases. The mortality rate of dogs diagnosed with overt DIC via this method was 62.5%, compared to 12.9% in the dogs not in overt DIC, a relative risk of nonsurvival of 4.84 (95% confidence interval 3.80–6.16).

Conclusions

In dogs at‐risk for DIC, an in‐house RI scoring system accurately predicted mortality. With further prospective validation, this system holds promise as a diagnostic tool for consistent characterization of overt DIC in clinical studies and clinical practice.
Emphysematous gastritis in a cat
Authors: Rhue Kathryn E. , Biddick Allison A. , Foltz Kelly M. , Cole Robert C. , Newton Joseph C. , Bacek Lenore A.
Published: October 2018

Objective

To describe the presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of a case of emphysematous gastritis (EG) in a cat.

Case Series Summary

A 15‐year‐old female neutered domestic short‐hair cat presented for a 4‐month history of weight loss and intermittent vomiting. Clinicopathologic and imaging findings suggested an underlying primary gastrointestinal (GI) disease, as well as possible hepatobiliary disease. Two days following exploratory laparotomy to obtain GI and liver biopsies, the patient became septic and intracellular bacteria were present on cytology of peritoneal effusion. On radiographs, the stomach was markedly distended with fluid and contained a thin gas opacity surrounding the stomach wall. The patient was taken back to surgery to identify a source of sepsis. At surgery, the patient's stomach was firm and emphysematous on palpation but grossly appeared normal. There were no signs of dehiscence of the previous biopsy sites. Stomach biopsy confirmed the presence of intralesional Gram‐positive rods, consistent with microbial EG, and a light growth of a Clostridium sp. was cultured from abdominal fluid, consistent with clostridial peritonitis. During a third surgery for suspected septic peritonitis, a jejunostomy tube was placed for postgastric enteral feeding. The patient ultimately survived to discharge and is clinically stable 10 months later.

New/Unique Information Provided

EG is a rare but potentially fatal clinical entity in the human and veterinary literature with only 1 other case reported in cats. Though clostridial organisms have been reported in EG in people, this is the first implication of EG secondary to a Clostridium sp. in the cat. This is also the first report to document the use of a jejunostomy tube for postgastric enteral nutrition to treat EG in the veterinary literature.
A preliminary investigation into the prognostic relevance of symmetric dimethylarginine in critically ill dogs
Authors: Köster Liza Sally , Peda Andrea , Fraites Trellor , Sithole Fortune
Published: October 2018

Objective

To determine if there is an association between the concentration of symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) in dogs measured at the time of admission with the severity of critical illness and short‐term mortality.

Design

This prospective observational study recruited critically ill dogs with heterogeneous diagnoses and then classified their disease severity using the acute patient physiologic and laboratory evaluation complete score as having either a good (<30) or poor (≥30) prognosis.

Setting

This study was conducted at Ross University Veterinary Clinic between January and November 2015.

Animals

After exclusion of dogs diagnosed with acute kidney injury, 22 critically ill dogs and 7 control dogs were included in the study.

Interventions

Each dog was assigned an acute patient physiologic and laboratory evaluation score calculated by the summation of individual scores allocated to selected clinical, focused assessment by sonography, hematological, and biochemistry results. Plasma SDMA concentrations were measured for all dogs at the time of admission.

Measurement and Main Results

There was no difference identified in SDMA concentrations between dogs with a severe category of disease as compared to mild to moderate category, or critically ill dogs compared to control dogs. There was also no difference identified in SDMA concentrations in survivors as compared to nonsurvivors. Similarly, SDMA concentration was not higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors (P = 0.968). In this population of dogs, SDMA was not a prognostic indicator.

Conclusion

Further work may be warranted in specific populations of animals but based upon this work SDMA is likely of little relevance.
Biomechanical properties of celiotomy wounds closed with tape and cyanoacrylate versus intradermal sutures
Authors: Kitshoff Adriaan M. , Louwagie Johanna , Or Matan , Devriendt Nausikaa , Dehuisser Virginie , Koenraadt Annika , Vandenabeele Sophie , Sys Stanislas U. , de Rooster Hilde
Published: October 2018

Objective

To compare cutaneous wound closure with mesh and 2‐octyl cyanoacrylate (MOC) vs an intradermal suture pattern (ISP) in terms of time of application and biomechanical properties.

Sample population

Experimental study with 12 female beagle dogs.

Methods

A skin incision was created from the xiphoid to the pubis as part of an ovariohysterectomy; the linea alba and subcutaneous tissue were closed routinely. Half of the skin incision was closed with MOC, and the other half was closed with an ISP. Tissue samples were collected from both sections at days 14 and 28 and tested for ultimate strength and stiffness.

Results

Closure with MOC (72.8 ± 14.0 s) was faster than with an ISP (398.4 ± 36.4 s; P = .001). The ultimate load and stiffness increased with time for MOC (P = .005 and P = .005, respectively) and ISP (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively). On day 14, ultimate load and stiffness were greater in wounds closed with MOC compared with ISP (P = .014 and P = .02, respectively). No difference between groups was detected at day 28.

Conclusion

Cutaneous wound closure with MOC was faster and resulted in superior strength at 14 days compared with closure with an ISP in this healthy population.

Clinical significance

Mesh and 2‐octyl cyanoacrylate offers an attractive alternative to ISP for skin closure after celiotomy in dogs, especially if surgical/anesthesia time is a concern.
AQUIFER DETECTION USING 2-D RESISTIVITY METHOD AND POROSITY CALCULATION
Authors: Anuar Umi Maslinda , Nordiana M. M.
Published: October 2018

2-D resistivity method has been widely used for aquifer detection, where aquifers are usually made of porous rocks. The aim of this study is to detect the aquifer using 2-D resistivity method and porosity calculation from Archie’s Law. The porosity of the subsurface materials can be known and the porous materials can be easily detected. This study was done at two different locations which are in Selangor and Kelantan. Two lines of 2-D resistivity survey were conducted at each location. The results were correlated with borehole records. Only one borehole was executed at each location near to the 2-D resistivity lines. The saturated zones (1-100 Ωm) that found from the 2-D resistivity results were suspected to be an aquifer, and the zones were validated by the borehole records. Lastly, the porosity was calculated for all 2-D resistivity lines and an imaging was created for each line. A productive sedimentary aquifer should have porosity percentage of >20% and the saturated zone at both study area have porosity percentage of >20% as expected.
EFFECTS OF BISPHENOL A ON NEONATAL CARDIOMYOCYTES BEATING RATE AND MORPHOLOGY
Authors: Rasdi Zatilfarihiah , Hanafi Noorul Izzati , Sheikh Abdul Kadir Siti Hamimah , Ab. Rahim Sharaniza , Siran Rosfaiizah , Othman Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan , Kamaludin Roziana , Abdul Hamid Hasani Narimah , Syed Ahmad Fuad Syed Baharom
Published: October 2018

Bisphenol A (BPA) has been utilised excessively at a global capacity of 2.9 billion kg/year. It is widely used in manufacturing polycarbonate polymers and epoxy resins. Hence, humans are potentially exposed to this chemical substance in their daily life. As a typical endocrine disruptor, BPA exhibits detectable hormone-like properties. Many studies have been linking BPA exposure in humans with the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, however the direct exposure of BPA on cardiomyocytes beating rates and morphology have not been entirely explored. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of BPA on cells structure and function of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes culture. Cardiomyocytes were isolated from 0 to 2 days old newborn rats and treated with 0.001 to 100 µM concentration of BPA. All cardiomyocytes were subjected to immunostaining, beating frequency assessment assay, MTS assay and Scanning Electron microscopy (SEM). In immunostaining, cardiomyocytes showed positive staining for F-actin. This staining allows identification of the cells thus differentiate cardiomyocytes from other cell types. Significance effects of BPA on cardiomyocytes were observed in MTS assay (p<0.05) and beating rates (p<0.01). Significant reduction (48%-64%, ± 1.5280) was observed in beating rate of cardiomyocytes exposed to 0.1 to 100 µM of BPA. Meanwhile in MTS assay, significant reduction (54%, 0.067 ± 0.0026) in cell viability was observed in cells exposed to 0.1 µM of BPA only. Interestingly, under SEM, cardiomyocytes showed altered cell surface homogeneity after BPA exposure. Exposure of 0.1 to 100 µM BPA lead to flatten of cardiomyocytes cell surface and blurring of the cell borders. This study offers an in vitro evidence of BPA effects on cardiomyocytes morphology and beating rates, thus suggest the potential adverse effect of BPA exposure. However, further investigation would be required to understand how BPA effects normal cells morphology and beating rates of heart cells.
Dynamics of Coherent Structures and Random Turbulence in Pressure Side Film Cooling on a First Stage Turbine Vane
Authors: Ravelli S. , Barigozzi G.
Published: October 2018

This paper collects the final results of a combined experimental and numerical investigation on pressure side (PS) film cooling in a high-pressure turbine vane, including two staggered rows of cylindrical holes and a trailing edge cutback, fed by one plenum. Having learned that the scale resolving simulation technique is essential to get reasonable predictions of adiabatic film cooling effectiveness, the stress-blended eddy simulation (SBES) model has been selected as the best among the available hybrid RANS–LES options. Mainstream conditions were limited to low speed and low turbulence intensity due to the need of high temporal and spatial resolution. The choice of one only coolant-to-mainstream mass flow ratio equal to MFR = 1.5% was dictated by the hole discharge: on the one side, mainstream injection into the cooling holes and, on the other side, jet liftoff were avoided to get an effective thermal coverage downstream of the holes. SBES potential was evaluated on the basis of qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the flow along the interface between coolant and mainstream because of their ultimate effect on vane surface temperature. The focus was set on shape and dynamics of coherent structures: SBES provided evidence of shear layer Kelvin–Helmholtz instability and hairpin vortices, downstream of cooling holes, with a Strouhal number (St) of 1.3 and 0.3–0.4, respectively. Simulated vortex shedding in the cutback region was characterized by St of 0.32 to be compared against the measured St value of 0.40.
Well-Placement Optimization in Heavy Oil Reservoirs Using a Novel Method of In Situ Steam Generation
Authors: Moussa Tamer , Mahmoud Mohamed , Mokheimer Esmail M. A. , Habib Mohamed A. , Elkatatny Salaheldin
Published: October 2018

Determination of optimal well locations plays an important role in the efficient recovery of hydrocarbon resources. However, it is a challenging and complex task. The objective of this paper is to determine the optimal well locations in a heavy oil reservoir under production using a novel recovery process in which steam is generated, in situ, using thermochemical reactions. Self-adaptive differential evolution (SaDE) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) methods are used as the global optimizer to find the optimal configuration of wells that will yield the highest net present value (NPV). This is the first known application, where SaDE and PSO methods are used to optimize well locations in a heavy oil reservoir that is recovered by injecting steam generated in situ using thermo-chemical reactions. Comparison analysis between the two proposed optimization techniques is introduced. On the other hand, laboratory experiments were performed to confirm the heavy oil production by thermochemical means. CMG STARS simulator is utilized to simulate reservoir models with different well configurations. The experimental results showed that thermochemicals, such as ammonium chloride along with sodium nitrate, can be used to generate in situ thermal energy, which efficiently reduces heavy-oil viscosity. Comparison of results is made between the NPV achieved by the well configuration proposed by the SaDE and PSO methods. The results showed that the optimization using SaDE resulted in 15% increase in the NPV compared to that of the PSO after 10 years of production under in situ steam injection process using thermochemical reactions.
Opto-Thermophoretic Tweezers and Assembly
Authors: Li Jingang , Lin Linhan , Inoue Yuji , Zheng Yuebing
Published: October 2018

Opto-thermophoretic manipulation is an emerging field, which exploits the thermophoretic migration of particles and colloidal species under a light-controlled temperature gradient field. The entropically favorable photon–phonon conversion and widely applicable heat-directed migration make it promising for low-power manipulation of variable particles in different fluidic environments. By exploiting an optothermal substrate, versatile opto-thermophoretic manipulation of colloidal particles and biological objects can be achieved via optical heating. In this paper, we summarize the working principles, concepts, and applications of the recently developed opto-thermophoretic techniques. Opto-thermophoretic trapping, tweezing, assembly, and printing of colloidal particles and biological objects are discussed thoroughly. With their low-power operation, simple optics, and diverse functionalities, opto-thermophoretic manipulation techniques will offer great opportunities in materials science, nanomanufacturing, life sciences, colloidal science, and nanomedicine.
Actuator Fault Estimation Based on Proportional Integral Observer for Discrete-Time Switched Systems
Authors: Benzaouia Abdellah , Telbissi Kenza
Published: October 2018

This paper presents a new approach of actuator fault estimation (FE) for discrete-time switched systems against unknown disturbance. The proposed FE approach uses a new switching observer methodology, which allows to obtain fast and exact fault information. Sufficient conditions are achieved by using multiple Lyapunov functional. These conditions are manipulated in a simple way in order to obtain a new linear matrix inequality (LMI) with slack variables and observer gains matrices. Finally, two illustrative examples are performed to prove the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Single Orifice Diesel Injector Flow Characterization and the Impact of Needle Lift Using Large Eddy Simulation and Proper Orthogonal Decomposition
Authors: Chouak Mohamed , Dufresne Louis , Seers Patrice
Published: October 2018

The flow in the injector's sac volume has been reported to influence diesel-injector nozzle flow, but few studies have characterized sac volume. Our study modeled flow in the sac volume using a large Eddy simulation (LES) approach to gain better insight into the complexity of the flow dynamics. It focused on the effect of fixed needle lifts on sac-volume internal flow of a single-hole injector with emphasis on large-scale unsteadiness; three-dimensional proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) was used to analyze the flow. The near-wall turbulence resolution of the elaborated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model has been validated with direct numerical simulation (DNS) results in the canonical case of fully developed channel flow. The main findings are: (1) an enlarging flow jet entering the sac volume with decreasing small scales of turbulence was observed as needle lift increased. (2) three-dimensional POD revealed that the mean flow energy was nearly constant at low needle lifts (6%, 8%, and 10%) and decreased twofold at the higher needle lift of 31%. (3) The analysis of fluctuating modes revealed that flow restructuring occurred with increasing needle lift as three different energy distributions were observed with the lowest (6%), intermediary (8%, 10%, and 16%), and highest needle lifts (31%). (4) Finally, the analysis of the POD-reduced-order model has shown that the lowest frequency of mode 1, which carries the highest fluctuating energy, is responsible for the oscillation of the main rotating structure within the sac volume that causes fuel-jet enlarging/narrowing with time. This oscillation of the main structure was found to decrease with increased needle lift.
Criticality Calculations and Basic Sensitivity/Uncertainty Investigation of LR-0 Benchmark Core
Authors: Czakoj Tomáš , Losa Evžen
Published: October 2018

Three-dimensional Monte Carlo code KENO-VI of SCALE-6.2.2 code system was applied for criticality calculation of the LR-0 reactor core. A central module placed in the center of the core was filled by graphite, lithium fluoride-beryllium fluoride (FLIBE), and lithium fluoride-sodium fluoride (FLINA) compounds. The multiplication factor was obtained for all cases using both ENDF/B-VII.0 and ENDF/B-VII.1 nuclear data libraries. Obtained results were compared with benchmark calculations in the MCNP6 using ENDF/B-VII.0 library. The results of KENO-VI calculations are found to be in good agreement with results obtained by the MCNP6. The discrepancies are typically within tens of pcm excluding the case with the FLINA filling. Sensitivities and uncertainties of the reference case with no filling were determined by a continuos-energy version of the TSUNAMI sequence of SCALE-6.2.2. The obtained uncertainty in multiplication factor due to the uncertainties in nuclear data is about 650 pcm with ENDF/B-VII.1.
Modeling Decision Support System for Optimal Disease Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebral Aneurysm
Authors: Abhulimen Kingsley E.
Published: October 2018

This paper presents a novel decision support system (DSS) to assist medics administer optimal clinical diagnosis and effective healthcare post-treatment solutions. The DSS model that evolved from the research work predicted treatment of cerebral aneurysm using fuzzy classifications and neural network algorithms specific to patient clinical case data. The Lyapunov stability implemented with Levenberg–Marquardt model was used to advance DSS learning functional paradigms and algorithms in disease diagnosis to mimic specific patient disease conditions and symptoms. Thus, the patients' disease conditions were assigned fuzzy class dummy data to validate the DSS as a functional system in conformity with core sector standards of International Electrotechnical Commission—IEC61508. The disease conditions and symptoms inputted in the DSS simulated synaptic weights assigned linguistic variables defined as likely, unlikely, and very unlikely to represent clinical conditions to specific patient disease states. Furthermore, DSS simulation results correlated with clinical data to predict quantitative coil embolization packing densities required to limit aneurismal inflow, pressure residence time, and flow rate critical to design treatments required. The profiles of blood flow, hazards risks, safety thresholds, and coiling density requirements to reduce aneurismal inflow significantly at lower parent vessel flow rates was predicted by DSS and relates to specific anatomical and physiological parameters for post-treatment of cerebral aneurysm disease.
Plastic Energy Dissipation in Lumbar Spine Implants: A Contact Mechanics Point of View
Authors: Hodaei M. , Bahari A. , Maghoul P. , Rabbani V.
Published: October 2018

In this study, an elastoplastic contact model is developed for L1–L5 lumbar spine implants. Roughness effect is included to estimate energy loss which is an indication of wear and subsequently the issue of metal debris in body. A Gaussian function is assumed for the distribution of asperities. The contact surfaces of the implants are assumed to be spherical caps. Subsequently, a least-square approach is applied to obtain an approximate expression for the contact force using the data from integration over contact zone. The energy loss is calculated, next, which is due to plastic deformations of asperities. The numerical results indicate that for a given loading–unloading condition, the amount of energy dissipation increases in L1–L4 lumbar spine implants, while it decreases from L4 to L5 implants. The implants geometrical specifications are chosen to cover a wide range of patients' age. Finally, a closed-form expression is obtained for the plastic energy dissipation per cycle in terms of plasticity index for the lumbar spine L4, as the worst-case scenario. Such a function can serve as a very useful tool for implant designers and manufacturers.
Sound Attenuation in a Flow Duct Periodically Loaded With Micro-Perforated Patches Backed by Helmholtz Resonators
Authors: Bravo T. , Maury C.
Published: October 2018

Mitigating the propagation of low frequency noise sources in ducted flows represents a challenging task since wall treatments have often a limited area and thickness. Loading the periphery of a duct with a periodic distribution of side-branch Helmholtz resonators broadens the bandwidth of the noise attenuated with respect to a single resonator and generates stop bands that inhibit wave propagation. However, significant flow pressure drop may occur along the duct axis that could be reduced using micro-perforated patches at the duct-neck junctions. In this study, a transfer matrix formulation is derived to determine the sound attenuation properties of a periodic distribution of MPPs backed by Helmholtz resonators along the walls of a duct in the plane wave regime. In the no-flow case, it is shown that an optimal choice of the MPP parameters and resonators separation distance lowers the frequencies of maximal attenuation while maintaining broad stopping bands. As observed in the no-flow and low-speed flow cases, these frequencies can be further decreased by coiling the acoustic path length in the resonators cavity, albeit at the expense of narrower bands of low pressure transmission. The achieved effective wall impedances are compared against Cremer optimal impedance at the first attenuation peak.
Direction-of-Arrival Dependency of Active Noise Cancellation Headphones
Authors: Liebich Stefan , Richter Jan-Gerrit , Fabry Johannes , Durand Christopher , Fels Janina , Jax Peter
Published: October 2018

The evolving field of ear-mounted hearing devices manifests in more people wearing headphones, hearing aids or hearables in daily life. One of their purposes is to reduce the increasing burden of ambient noise. Their passive attenuation of noise can be supplemented by using Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). It uses acoustic anti-phase compensation. The occurring ambient noises in daily life can have a highly time-variant nature, e.g. with varying direction of arrival. In this contribution, we investigate the direction-dependency of ANC systems based on acoustic device-specific head related transfer functions (DHRTF). The DHRTF were measured with a fast measurement system for HRTF. We focus on in-ear headphones as the acoustic front-end. The headphones comprise two microphones; an outer microphone for ambient sounds and an inner microphone, which faces the eardrum. The transfer function between these two microphones is called the primary path. For the ANC system, we investigate optimal time-invariant feedforward filtering that depends on the primary path. Therefore, changes in the primary path due to varying directions of arrival may degrade the performance. The DHRTF measurements reveal differences in magnitude and phase of the primary path. Evaluations show that the attenuation performance depends on the direction of arrival.
Sound Label for Household Appliances
Authors: Altinsoy M. E. , Atamer S.
Published: October 2018

Household appliances and their sound quality are important for our daily life quality. However the appropriate characterization of their sound is a difficult task. Not only product users but also manufacturers can profit from a sound label which characterize the perception of the customers. The purchase decision-making process according to acoustic criteria will be supported by such kind of label. In addition, a label and its components give orientation to the manufacturers during their product development process. Essential aspect for such kind of label is that it should represent the perception of the customers. Therefore psychoacoustical properties, e.g., loudness, sharpness, roughness, tonality, etc., are advantageous for characterization purposes. It would be beneficial to combine these psychoacoustical descriptors into a sound quality label, which is easy to understand. The authors have developed several sound labels for household appliances based on psychoacoustic properties. These sound labels are the result of the listening experiments which were conducted with potential customers. In this paper, various aspects of these investigations are summarized, extended and discussed.
Gravitational collapse of Mount Etna’s southeastern flank
Authors: Urlaub Morelia , Petersen Florian , Gross Felix , Bonforte Alessandro , Puglisi Giuseppe , Guglielmino Francesco , Krastel Sebastian , Lange Dietrich , Kopp Heidrun
Published: October 2018

Gravitational collapse of Mount Etna’s SE flank: New seafloor geodetic data capture active displacement of underwater volcanic flank.