bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing Quality-of-Experience for HTTP-based Adaptive Video Streaming
Authors: Ramakrishnan Sangeeta , Zhu Xiaoqing , Chan Frank , Kambhatla Kashyap Kodanda Ram , Lu Zheng , Chan Cindy , Krishnamurthy Bhanu
Published: October 2016

In this work, the authors present a novel bandwidth management solution for optimizing overall quality of experience (QoE) of multiple video streaming sessions. Instead of allocating bandwidth equally among competing flows, they propose to tailor the bandwidth allocation to both content complexity of requested video and playout buffer status of individual clients. The authors formulate the multi-client bandwidth allocation problem within the convex optimization framework, which is flexible enough to accommodate a wide variety of video quality metrics. Further, the authors present a practical architecture based on software defined networking (SDN) with two components: video quality monitoring and video quality optimization. Testbed-based experiments confirm that with quality-optimized allocation the network can support up to 75% more users at the same level of quality-of-experience (QoE) than conventional equal-rate allocations.
Quality and Process Management Systems in the UAE Maritime Industry
Authors: Glykas Michail , George Johnichan
Published: October 2016

The growing maritime industries in the global economy signify the need for applying the science of quality management systems to study the interdisciplinary nature of products and services offered by this sector. In particular, considering the strategic location and liberal trade policies, the maritime sector in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is considered a critical player and key enabler of international trade. To further strengthen and enhance the role of UAE's maritime sector in supporting the global maritime industry, it is highly desirable to identify the contributing factors that influence business processes and service efficiency and empirically verify the findings. This study builds on the significance of Quality Management Systems in Marine Industry with special focus on the UAE's maritime sector.
Stochastic Frontier Analysis and Measurement of Productivity and Technical Efficiency of Indian Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Kumar Manoj
Published: October 2016

It is generally believed the structural reforms that usher in competition and force companies to become more efficient were introduced later in India following the macroeconomic crisis in 1991. However, whether or not the post-1991 growth is an outcome of more efficient use of resources or greater use of factor inputs, especially capital, remains an open empirical question. In this article the author uses plant-level data from 1990 and 2015 to address this question. The results indicate that while there was an increase in the productivity of factor inputs during the 1990s, most of the growth in value added is explained by growth in the use of factor inputs. The author also finds that median technical efficiency declined in all but one of the industries between the two years, and change in technical efficiency explains a very small proportion in the change in gross value added.
Sanitation Development in Cambodia and India
Authors: Howard Paul
Published: October 2016

The focus of this paper is a comparative analysis of India and Cambodia's sanitation development and the relationship between that development and the evolving political narrative and political economy of the respective states. Despite the differences in size and scale of the two countries, both have had among the lowest levels of sanitation development in the world and both have great disparities in terms of sanitation access, particularly in rural-urban terms. Sanitation development became a major issue in India during the 2014 election that saw the BJP under Narendra Modi, sweep to power. In Cambodia, sanitation development has not seen such explicit public political focus and yet, Cambodia's levels of sanitation access have improved relatively rapidly over recent years. However, in the early 1990s, direct UN intervention in Cambodia's troubled political economy provided a fertile environment for civil society to flourish.
Assessing Individual Health Insurance Coverage and Utilization Before and After the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
Authors: Jefferson Theresa , Phillips-Wren Gloria , Sharkey Phoebe D.
Published: October 2016

The adoption of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) in 2010 with the intent to improve the U.S. health care delivery system by expanding health insurance coverage and controlling health care costs has generated intense debate regarding its implementation. Marketplaces known as insurance exchanges have been established to provide coverage for Americans who otherwise could not get affordable health care benefits. These exchanges have been plagued with financial losses and other challenges leading to several large insurance providers discontinuing participation in the program. There are many possible remedies under consideration to make the program work better. This research seeks to support program evaluation as well as potential modifications to the law by providing baseline data to compare access and costs in states with state-based exchanges compared to states with federal exchanges. The authors perform an analysis by state for the years 2012 and 2013 (pre-PPACA implementation) using data from the Current Population Survey (U.S. Census) as well as de-identified claims data from Inovalon, Inc.
Reinforcement Learning for Routing and Spectrum Management in Cognitive Wireless Mesh Network
Authors: Alsarhan Ayoub
Published: October 2016

Cognitive radio networks (CRNs) can provide a means for offering end-to-end Quality of Service (QoS) required by unlicensed users (secondary users. SUs). The authors consider the approach where licensed users (primary users, PUs) play the role of routers and lease spectrum with QoS guarantees for the SUs. Available spectrum is managed by the PU admission and routing policy. The main concern of the proposed policy is to provide end-to-end QoS connections to the SUs. Maximizing gain is the key objective for the PU. In this paper, the authors propose a novel resource management scheme where reinforcement learning (RL) is used to drive resource management scheme. The derived scheme helps PUs to adapt to the changes in the network conditions such as traffic load, spectrum cost, service reward, etc, so that PU's gain can continuously be optimized. The approach integrates spectrum adaptations with connection admission control and routing policies. Numerical analysis results show the ability of the proposed approach to attain the optimal gain under different conditions and constraints.
The Effects of Communication Patterns on the Success of Open Source Software Projects
Authors: Wu Jing , Goh Khim-Yong , Li He , Luo Chuan , Zheng Haichao
Published: October 2016

Drawing on the theoretical lens of communication patterns in organizational theory, this research analyzed the longitudinal success of open source software (OSS) projects by employing social network analysis method, based on extensive analyses of empirical data. This study is expected to provide an understanding on how communication patterns established in different roles and different levels. The authors not only measured OSS success from both developers and users' perspectives, but also extended the existing research by including the potential relationships among these success measures in the estimation model. Following the panel data econometric analysis methodology, they evaluated their research hypotheses using the Three-Stage Least Squares model, accounting for both time-period and project fixed effects. The authors' results indicated that according to the objectives of projects, a proper and planned control for the communication among team members is crucial for the success of OSS projects.
Impact of Online Review Grouping on Consumers' System Usage Behavior
Authors: Li Jia , Li Xinmiao , Yen David C. , Zhang Pengzhu
Published: October 2016

Information overload is one of the major challenges for online shoppers. One possible solution to this aforementioned problem is to take advantage of the interactive decision aids (IDAs). Prior studies on IDAs have mainly focused on information overload problems caused by the products (e.g., recommendation agents) and hence, have overlooked the information overload problems related to online reviews. However, online reviews are becoming more popular and turning into a major information source in consumer purchase decisions. To bridge this gap, this study investigates the effect of message grouping, an IDA approach supporting review browsing, onto the consumer's information processing and system usage intention. An experiment with a one-factor, three-level design was conducted to test the proposed research model. It is noted that grouping customer reviews into task-related categories significantly increases users' perceived usefulness, system satisfaction and intention to use the system next time. However, grouping customer reviews into task-distracting categories may significantly decrease users' perceived usefulness, system satisfaction and intention to use the system.
Review of the Panchaetothripinae (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) of China, with two new species descriptions
Authors: Mirab-balou Majid , Wang Zhaohong , Tong Xiaoli
Published: October 2016

The paper provides a review of the subfamily Panchaetothripinae (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in China, including descriptions of two new species: Helionothrips rugatus Mirab-balou and Tong new species and Panchaetothrips bifurcus Mirab-balou and Tong new species. Rhipiphorothrips concoloratus Zhang and Tong, originally described in Chinese, is re-described based on type specimens. Identification keys to 13 genera and 32 species of Chinese panchaetothripine are presented.
Advances in exercise rehabilitation for patients with Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Ambrosetti Marco
Published: October 2016

Patients with Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease (LEPAD) have been recently identified as target groups for structured Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation (CPR) programs, whose core components and intervention goals are now well recognized. Historically, exercise training (ET) programs have been employed for the treatment of LEPAD with typical intermittent claudication, and several meta-analysis documented improvements in walking distances of enrolled patients. Both in American and European guidelines, a frequency of at least 3 sessions per week and program duration of 12 weeks were judged as optimal, while recommended sessions lengths were 30-45 minutes and 30-60 minutes respectively. Among emerging aspects in the field of LEPAD rehabilitation, 1) the extended role of CPR programs in stages other than that of intermittent claudication, 2) an updated identification of predictors of poor outcome after ET, 3) the attributable effect of exercise on global cardio-respiratory fitness in LEPAD, 4) the combination of ET and invasive measures for advanced stages of LEPAD, and 5) the role of community walking programs have been discussed.
Cardiac rehabilitation in patients with pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators
Authors: Iliou Marie Christine , Blanchard Jean Christophe , Lamar-Tanguy AurÃ©lia , Cristofini Pascal , Ledru FranÃ§ois
Published: October 2016

Large subsets of patients admitted in cardiac rehabilitation centers are having a pacemaker, cardiac resynchronization (CRT) or implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD). Cardiac rehabilitation for patients, mostly with heart failure, with implanted electronic devices as pacemakers or ICD is a unique opportunity not only to optimize the medical treatment, to increase their exercise capacity and improves their clinical condition but also to supervise the correct functioning of the device. CRT reduces clinical symptoms and increases slightly the exercise capacity. But in these patients, the clinical improvements are likely to be explained by both the enhancement of cardiac function induced by the device and by the improved peripheral (muscular and vascular) and cardiac effects of exercise. The additional expected gain by exercise in this population is between 14 to 25%. In patients implanted with an ICD, exercise training is safe, without increasing shocks or anti-tachycardia pacing therapy. The comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation combining exercise training and a psycho-educational intervention improves exercise capacity, quality of life, general and mental health. Nevertheless, further large scale studies was needed to evaluate the most appropriate management and demonstrate definitively the role of cardiac rehabilitation in this particular group of patients.
IMMUNITY TO INFECTIONS AFTER HAPLOIDENTICAL HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION
Authors: Aversa Franco , Prezioso Lucia , Manfra Ilenia , Galaverna Federica , Spolzino Angelica , Monti Alessandro
Published: October 2016

The advantage of using a Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-mismatched related donor is that almost every patient who does not have a HLA-identical donor or who urgently needs hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has at least one family member with whom shares one haplotype (haploidentical) and who is promptly available as a donor. The major challenge of haplo-HSCT is intense bi-directional alloreactivity leading to high incidences of graft rejection and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Advances in graft processing and in pharmacologic prophylaxis of GVHD have reduced these risks and have made haplo-HSCT a viable alternative for patients lacking a matched donor. Indeed, the haplo-HSCT  has spread to centers worldwide even though some centers have preferred an approach based on T cell depletion of G-CSF-mobilized peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPCs), others have focused on new strategies for GvHD prevention, such as G-CSF priming of bone marrow and robust post-transplant immune suppression or post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCY). Today, the graft can be a megadose of T-cell depleted PBPCs or standard dose of unmanipulated bone marrow and/or PBPCs.  Although haplo-HSCT modalities are based mainly on high intensity conditioning regimens, recently introduced reduced intensity regimens (RIC)   showed promise in decreasing early transplant-related mortality (TRM), and extending the opportunity of HSCT to an elderly population with more comorbidities. Infections are still mostly responsible for toxicity and non-relapse mortality due to prolonged immunosuppression related, or not, to GVHD. Future challenges lie in determining the safest preparative conditioning regimen, minimizing GvHD and promoting rapid and more robust immune reconstitution.
THE ICET-A RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF DISTURBANCES OF GLUCOSE HOMEOSTASIS IN THALASSEMIA MAJOR PATIENTS
Authors: De Sanctis Vincenzo
Published: October 2016

Iron overload in patients with thalassemia major (TM) affects glucose regulation, and is mediated by several mechanisms. These include the oxidative damage inflicted by iron on the pancreatic ß -cells and liver cells leading to pancreatic and hepatic dysfunction and insulin resistance. These disturbances have been identified by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), euglycemic insulin clamp, homeostatic model assessment (HOMA), intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGT) and continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS). A group of endocrinologists, hematologists and paediatricians, members of the International Network of Clinicians for Endocrinopathies in Thalassemia and Adolescence Medicine (ICET-A) convened to formulate recommendations for the diagnosis and management of abnormalities of glucose homeostasis in thalassemia major patients on the basis of available evidence from clinical and laboratory data and consensus practice. The results of their work and discussions are described in this article.Key words: Thalassemia major; Glucose homeostasis; Diagnosis; Management; Guidelines
Gateway to the future … oopmaak van die hekke … Transformation in the Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria
Authors: Duncan Graham A.
Published: October 2016

The only constant in theological education is change, despite brave attempts to hold the tide back in some quarters. Yet, Western-based theological education remains the norm globally. The Faculty of Theology at the University of Pretoria exemplifies this norm despite its commitment to Africanisation. This article will consider transformation through the lens of the leadership of Prof. Johan Buitendag, who has led the transformation initiative from his own shared leadership perspective as dean since 2010. Change in the faculty will be analysed through analysis of the faculty plans, with particular reference to teaching, learning and research. Consideration will be given to a more radical proposal for future transformation under the initiative of Africanisation.
Looking at human development through the lens of Christian mission
Authors: Alawode Akinyemi O.
Published: October 2016

Approximately one billion people live in extreme poverty, with another two billion people surviving on less than $1 per day. Many of them, living in abject poverty, struggle with ill health, limited access to clean water, hygienic sanitation, poor quality housing, hunger, illiteracy and premature death. However, improving the lives of the poor is a complex undertaking with often little agreement as to how can this be best achieved. The intrinsic goal of development is to advance human dignity, freedom, social equity and self-determination. Moreover, there is no univocal definition of development. In this article my own understanding will be discussed more extensively. My conviction that development, in general in the context of Christian mission, finds its roots in Christian empathy with people in dire need will be stated.
Using ParaConc to extract bilingual terminology from parallel corpora: A case of English and Ndebele
Authors: Ndhlovu Ketiwe
Published: October 2016

The development of African languages into languages of science and technology is dependent on action being taken to promote the use of these languages in specialised fields such as technology, commerce, administration, media, law, science and education among others. One possible way of developing African languages is the compilation of specialised dictionaries (Chabata 2013). This article explores how parallel corpora can be interrogated using a bilingual concordancer (ParaConc) to extract bilingual terminology that can be used to create specialised bilingual dictionaries. An English–Ndebele Parallel Corpus was used as a resource and through ParaConc, an alphabetic list was compiled from which headwords and possible translations were sought. These translations provided possible terms for entry in a bilingual dictionary. The frequency feature and ‘hot words’ tool in ParaConc were used to determine the suitability of terms for inclusion in the dictionary and for identifying possible synonyms, respectively. Since parallel corpora are aligned and data are presented in context (Key Word in Context), it was possible to draw examples showing how headwords are used. Using this approach produced results quickly and accurately, whilst minimising the process of translating terms manually. It was noted that the quality of the dictionary is dependent on the quality of the corpus, hence the need for creating a representative and clean corpus needs to be emphasised. Although technology has multiple benefits in dictionary making, the research underscores the importance of collaboration between lexicographers, translators, subject experts and target communities so that representative dictionaries are created.
Cultural and social uses of orality and functional literacy: A narrative approach
Authors: Johnson Lineo R.
Published: October 2016

Lesotho’s educational system and development are largely influenced by missionaries and colonisers who taught the three ‘Rs’ (reading, writing and numeracy skills) to the Basotho. Most of those enlightened Basotho were to carry on the duties of either educating others or as missionary workers. Some became clerks, interpreters, police officers, nurses and Sunday school teachers. This article is an account of a functionally literate Mosotho male adult learner who was herding livestock and taught himself reading and writing skills. In his narrative, Hlalefang (not his real name) compares literacy to money and a watch or a clock. He further expresses how people like him have managed to muster some basic and restructure the cognitive and oral history and archival memories, through intuitiveness. The story is based on the work of Paulo Freire where culture influences the discourse of literacy. A qualitative narrative story-telling approach was used to relate Hlalefang’s lived-experiences as he navigated his ways and challenges using orality acquired through various life encounters. This inspirational cultural narrative demonstrates that culture and social uses are imperatives in functional literacy. The article challenges those in adult education, literacy, development practitioners and policy-makers to consider some aspects of culture and to be innovative in their approaches to multi-literacies.
Exploring writing apprehension amongst Afrikaans-speaking first-year students
Authors: Olivier Louise , Olivier Jako
Published: October 2016

Writing apprehension relates to a reluctance to write or even fear of writing and little research has been done on this phenomenon in the South African context, especially in terms of compulsory academic literacy and academic linguistic modules. This article aimed at determining the nature of writing apprehension in these two modules in terms of the Daly and Miller’s Writing Apprehension Test (DM-WAT), essay marks and gender at a South African university. The DM-WAT was conducted with two groups of first-year students. An exploratory factor analysis was administered and this led to the identification of four distinct factors which are also associated with related aspects in the literature: positivity towards writing, negativity towards writing, evaluation apprehension and selfefficacy and writing. It is evident that in the context of this study, the chosen instrument could not be used to measure writing apprehension, rather the four identified factors. No linear relationships between essay marks and the identified constructs were clear. Also a practical significant difference between genders was found in terms of the identified constructs. Significantly, students in the compulsory academic literacy module showed a greater tendency towards apprehension in terms of the four identified factors than students from the linguistics module. The chosen instrument could be used to gauge the identified factors. Writing in compulsory academic literacy modules should be taught through individualised student-centred methods, affective support and reflective instruction, positive personal feedback, with additional support through counselling as well as effective modelled writing behaviour from lecturers.
Avaliação integrada da qualidade química e da genotoxicidade da água do arroio Luiz Rau, no trecho inferior da Bacia do Rio dos Sinos, no Sul do Brasil
Authors: Petry Camila Tamires , Costa Gustavo Marques da , Benvenuti Tatiane , Rodrigues Marco Antônio Siqueira , Droste Annette
Published: October 2016

A qualidade química e a genotoxicidade da água do arroio Luiz Rau em Novo Hamburgo (Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil) e a relação entre os danos genéticos observados em Tradescantia pallida var. purpurea e parâmetros químicos foram analisados. Amostras de água foram coletadas bimestralmente, entre setembro de 2012 e março de 2013 em dois sítios: próximo à nascente (S1) e próximo à foz (S2) do arroio. Ramos com botões florais foram expostos à água dos sítios e à água destilada (controle negativo). Frequências de micronúcleos (MCN) foram determinadas em células-mãe de pólen. Os seguintes parâmetros químicos: pH, sólidos dissolvidos totais, demanda bioquímica de oxigênio (DBO5), oxigênio dissolvido, fósforo total (PT) e os elementos-traço cádmio, chumbo, cobre, cromo total e zinco foram analisados. Em todas as amostragens, as frequências de MCN observadas nos botões florais expostos à água dos dois sítios foram significantemente superiores (S1: 2,48 a 3,38, S2: 3,24 a 5,19) às observadas nos respectivos controles negativos (1,33 a 1,62). O PT esteve acima do limite legal ao longo de todo o período monitorado e a DBO5 apresentou concentrações maiores àquelas estabelecidas pela legislação em dois meses no S1 e em três meses no S2. A análise de componentes principais mostrou relação entre a frequência de MCN, a DBO5 e o PT, indicando a influência negativa de poluentes presentes na água sobre a espécie bioindicadora e reforçando a importância de se considerar os fatores ambientais de forma integrada em programas de monitoramento de corpos hídricos.
Gestão do uso de água na bacia do Rio Paraíba, PB, Brasil com base em modelos de outorga e cobrança
Authors: Almeida Márcia Araújo de , Curi Wilson Fadlo
Published: October 2016

O avanço nos mecanismos de alocação de água é um dos desafios no gerenciamento dos recursos hídricos para que se possam compatibilizar as disponibilidades hídricas de uma bacia aos usos da água em seus diversos setores econômicos. A presente pesquisa visa avaliar o uso conjunto de um modelo de otimização de outorga com outro proposto para a cobrança, para auxiliar os tomadores de decisão na alocação de água do reservatório Acauã, localizado na bacia hidrográfica do Rio Paraíba, PB, Brasil. O modelo de outorga permitiu otimizar a garantia do atendimento às demandas adequando-as às disponibilidades da água, segundo prioridades de seu uso definidas em quatro cenários. Ficou demonstrado que esse modelo pode ser utilizado nos processos decisórios de inserção e avaliação de novos pedidos de outorga para bacias controladas por reservatórios. O modelo de cobrança proposto incorporou diversos perfis de usuários de água, por meio de vários coeficientes que possibilitaram definir o valor cobrado, de forma que o modelo possa incentivar o uso racional da água, e não tenha apenas uma finalidade arrecadatória.
Reviewers of Volume 11, 2016 of Revista Ambiente & Água
Authors: Batista Getulio Teixeira
Published: October 2016

The following list (Table 1) includes the names and affiliations of all reviewers that evaluated the submissions processed for Volume 11, 2016 of Revista Ambiente & Água, including manuscripts that were accepted and published in one of the four annual issues and also manuscripts submitted and rejected in 2016 up to October 10, 2016. It may therefore include the names of reviewers that completed their evaluations between September, 2015 and October, 2016. We are deeply indebted to all of them that voluntarily and anonymously spent their precious time to support the journal, and contributed immensely to the quality of the published articles. We gratefully acknowledge their professional work and outstanding product.
RETRACTION: Water footprint of individuals with different diet patterns
Authors: Batista Getulio Teixeira
Published: October 2016

After analysis, the Editorial Board of Revista Ambiente & Água – an Interdisciplinary Journal of Applied Science, ISSN 1980-993X, have decided to retract the following manuscript:SILVA, V. P. R.; MARACAJÁ, K. F. B.; ARAÚJO, L. E.; DANTAS NETO, J.; ALEIXO, D. O.;. CAMPOS, J. H. B. C. Pegada hídrica de indivíduos com diferentes hábitos alimentares. Revista Ambient. Água, Taubaté, v. 8, n. 1, p. 250-262, 2013. (http://dx.doi.org/10.4136/ambi-agua.967)This is a copy (except for small portions) of another article - MARACAJÁ, K. F. B.; SILVA, V. P. R.; DANTAS NETO, J. Pegada hídrica dos consumidores vegetarianos e não vegetarianos. Qualit@s Revista Eletrônica ISSN 1677 4280 Vol.14. No 1(2013). We regret any misunderstanding caused to our readers. Prof. Dr. Getulio Teixeira BatistaEditor-in-Chief
Fatores ambientais relacionados à ocorrência de cianobactérias potencialmente tóxicas no reservatório de Guarapiranga, SP, Brasil
Authors: Machado Leila Dos Santos , Santos Larissa Gonçalves , Lopez Doval Julio Cesar , Martins Pompêo Marcelo Luiz , Moschini-Carlos Viviane
Published: October 2016

Este estudo objetivou investigar quais variáveis ambientais estão relacionadas à ocorrência e a dominância de gêneros potencialmente tóxicos no reservatório de Guarapiranga, na região metropolitana de São Paulo/SP - Brasil. Para isso, foram coletadas amostras de água do reservatório no período chuvoso e seco na região montante, intermediária e barragem. Em laboratório, foram analisadas as características físico-químicas, identificação taxonômica e contagem em microscópio óptico dos organismos, os quais tiveram suas dimensões aferidas para o cálculo da biomassa. Os resultados indicaram que as características ambientais de cada região do reservatório são distintas, e a biomassa, assim como a ocorrência dos gêneros de cianobactérias potencialmente tóxicas, varia em função destas características. Por meio da análise de correspondência canônica verificou-se correlação entre o alto teor de amônio, baixa zona eufótica e pH neutro-alcalino, com a biomassa de Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii, no período chuvoso e com a Planktolyngbya limnetica no período de seca, na região intermediária do reservatório (região de Parelheiros). Provavelmente, a alta biomassa de cianobactérias e a deterioração da qualidade da água no reservatório na estação seca foram influenciadas pela ativação da transposição da água do reservatório Billings durante um período prolongado do ano, devido à seca intensa que ocorreu no ano de 2014.
Anaerobic biodigestion of sugarcane vinasse under mesophilic conditions using manure as inoculum
Authors: Silva Carlos Eduardo De Farias , Abud Ana Karla De Souza
Published: October 2016

Sugarcane vinasse is one of the most polluting residues produced by Brazilian ethanol industries, mainly because of its harmful effects on the environmental, such as high organic matter load and acidity. Anaerobic digestion is a highly efficient wastewater treatment method that could potentially be used to treat sugarcane vinasse. This study examined the anaerobic biodigestion of sugarcane vinasse in mesophilic conditions (30 - 45°C) by varying the inoculum concentration (0.5 to 5.5%) and pH (6 - 8). Changes of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), total solids content, and yield and composition of biogas after the biodigestion of the vinasse were assessed. The vinasse was efficiently digested under mesophilic anaerobic conditions over a 23-day Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT) and a 5-day acidogenic phase with a consequent reduction of COD (54 - 83%) and total solids (52 - 87%). Statistical analyses at a confidence level of 95% suggested that temperature, pH and inoculum concentration did not influence on the anaerobic biodigestion of the vinasse. The optimal operating parameters were found to be temperatures of 30 - 35°C, inoculum concentration of 0.5% and pH of 6 - 7. The results emphasize the promising use of the treated sugarcane vinasse as a biofertilizer for agriculture, indicating that the anaerobic digestion process is an excellent alternative for Brazilian ethanol industries.
Análise hidroambiental da microbacia do Pirajibu-Mirim, Sorocaba, SP, Brasil
Authors: Pensa Corrêa Carina Júlia , Tonello Kelly Cristina , Franco Fernando Silveira
Published: October 2016

A microbacia hidrográfica do rio Pirajibu-Mirim, localizada em Sorocaba-SP, contribui para produção e o abastecimento de água do município, além de estar inserida em uma região prioritária para implantação de um programa de Pagamentos por Serviços Ambientais (PSA). Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a conservação de suas nascentes e a adequação ambiental de suas Áreas de Preservação Permanente (APPs). Para tanto, foi realizado em campo um diagnóstico macroscópico das nascentes, para sua posterior classificação. A avaliação da adequação ambiental nas APPs foi realizada com o auxílio de imagens do satélite RapidEye (2014) e do programa Quantum GIS 1.6. Os resultados apontam que a qualidade da água destaca-se positivamente, enquanto o uso e ocupação do solo e a área das nascentes apresentam resultados negativos. Nenhuma nascente está localizada em área protegida e apenas uma está em propriedade rural agrícola, além de não possuírem placas indicativas. A maioria apresenta sinais de perturbação antrópica, como a degradação da vegetação e depósito de lixo. A avaliação da adequação ambiental mostrou que 30,7% das APPs da microbacia estão sem vegetação e, assim, deveriam sofrer intervenções visando à recuperação das áreas degradadas. A análise do perfil das propriedades que possuem nascentes indicou a predominância de terrenos ociosos e chácaras. Os dados encontrados evidenciam algumas características ambientais e socioeconômicas da microbacia que, se consideradas na implementação do programa de PSA, podem contribuir para a sustentabilidade de uma política pública de conservação dos recursos hídricos na região.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches to Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Understanding the Barcelona Clínic Liver Cancer Protocol
Authors: Soldera Jonathan , Balbinot Silvana Sartori , Balbinot Raul Angelo , Cavalcanti Andreza Gautério
Published: October 2016

Each year, hepatocellular carcinoma is diagnosed in more than half a million people worldwide and it is the fifth most common cancer in men and the seventh most common cancer in women. This article reviews the Barcelona-Clínic Liver Cancer protocol for the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of this disease, and four cases are presented for the discussion of the therapeutic approach. Understanding the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to this disease is essential, especially if we keep in mind the quintessential basics of prevention and early detection.
Tryptophan Metabolism and Its Relationship with Depression and Cognitive Impairment among HIV-infected Individuals
Authors: Keegan Michael R. , Chittiprol Seetharamaiah , Letendre Scott L. , Winston Alan , Fuchs Dietmar , Boasso Adriano , Iudicello Jennifer , Ellis Ronald J.
Published: October 2016

Objective

Cognitive impairment (CI) and major depressive disorder (MDD) remain prevalent in treated HIV-1 disease; however, the pathogenesis remains elusive. A possible contributing mechanism is immune-mediated degradation of tryptophan (TRP) via the kynurenine (KYN) pathway, resulting in decreased production of serotonin and accumulation of TRP degradation products. We explored the association of these biochemical pathways and their relationship with CI and MDD in HIV-positive (HIV+) individuals.

Methods

In a cross-sectional analysis, concentrations of neopterin (NEO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha, TRP, KYN, KYN/TRP ratio, phenylalanine (PHE), tyrosine (TYR), PHE/TYR ratio, and nitrite were assessed in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma of HIV+( n = 91) and HIV-negative (HIV-) individuals ( n = 66). CI and MDD were assessed via a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery. A Global Deficit Score ≥0.5 was defined as CI. Nonparametric statistical analyses included Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests, and multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Following Bonferroni correction, NEO concentrations were found to be greater in CSF and TRP concentration was found to be lower in the plasma of HIV+ versus HIV– individuals, including a subgroup of aviremic (defined as HIV-1 RNA <50 cps/mL) HIV+ participants receiving antiretroviral therapy ( n = 44). There was a nonsignificant trend toward higher KYN/TRP ratios in plasma in the HIV+ group ( P = 0.027; Bonferroni corrected α = 0.0027). In a logistic regression model, lower KYN/TRP ratios in plasma were associated with CI and MDD in the overall HIV+ group ( P = 0.038 and P = 0.063, respectively) and the aviremic subgroup ( P = 0.066 and P = 0.027, respectively), though this observation was not statistically significant following Bonferroni correction (Bonferroni corrected α = 0.0031).

Conclusions

We observed a trend toward lower KYN/TRP ratios in aviremic HIV+ patients with CI and MDD.
How Physician Perspectives on E-Prescribing Evolve over Time
Authors: Patel Vaishali , Pfoh Elizabeth , Kaushal Rainu , Abramson Erika
Published: October 2016

Background Physicians are expending tremendous resources transitioning to new electronic health records (EHRs), with electronic prescribing as a key functionality of most systems. Physician dissatisfaction post-transition can be quite marked, especially initially. However, little is known about how physicians’ experiences using new EHRs for e-prescribing evolve over time. We previously published a qualitative case study about the early physician experience transitioning from an older to a newer, more robust EHR, in the outpatient setting, focusing on their perceptions of the electronic prescribing functionality.

Objective Our current objective was to examine how perceptions about using the new HER evolved over time, again with a focus on electronic prescribing.

Methods We interviewed thirteen internists at an academic medical center-affiliated ambulatory care clinic who transitioned to the new EHR two years prior. We used a grounded theory approach to analyze semi-structured interviews and generate key themes.

Results We identified five themes: efficiency and usability, effects on safety, ongoing training requirements, customization, and competing priorities for the EHR. We found that for even experienced e-prescribers, achieving prior levels of perceived prescribing efficiency took nearly two years. Despite the fact that speed in performing prescribing-related tasks was highly important, most were still not utilizing system short cuts or customization features designed to maximize efficiency. Alert fatigue remained common. However, direct transmission of prescriptions to pharmacies was highly valued and its benefits generally outweighed the other features considered poorly designed for physician workflow.

Conclusions Ensuring that physicians are able to do key prescribing tasks efficiently is critical to the perceived value of e-prescribing applications. However, successful transitions may take longer than expected and e-prescribing system features that do not support workflow or require constant upgrades may further prolong the process. Additionally, as system features continually evolve, physicians may need ongoing training and support to maintain efficiency.

Citation: Abramson EL, Patel V, Pfoh RE, Kaushal R. How physician perspectives on E-prescribing evolve over time: A case study following the transition between EHRs in an outpatient clinic.
A conceptual model of psychological contracts in construction projects
Authors: Ke Yongjian , Davis Peter , Jefferies Marcus
Published: October 2016

The strategic importance of relationship style contracting is recognised in the construction industry. Both public and private sector clients are stipulating more integrated and collaborative forms of procurement. Despite relationship and integrated contractual arrangement being available for some time, it is clear that construction firms have been slow to adopt them. Hence it is timely to examine how social exchanges, via unwritten agreement and behaviours, are being nurtured in construction projects. This paper adopted the concept of Psychological Contracts (PC) to describe unwritten agreement and behaviours. A conceptual model of the PC is developed and validated using the results from a questionnaire survey administered to construction professionals in Australia. The results uncovered the relationships that existed amongst relational conditions and relational benefits, the PC and the partners’ satisfaction. The results show that all the hypotheses in the conceptual model of the PC are supported, suggesting the PC model is important and may have an effect on project performance and relationship quality among contracting parties. A validated model of the PC in construction was then developed based on the correlations among each component. The managerial implications are that past relationships and relationship characteristics should be taken into account in the selection of procurement partners and the promise of future resources, support and tangible relational outcomes are also vital. It is important for contracting parties to pay attention to unwritten agreements (the PC) and behaviours when managing construction projects.
Construction insolvency in Australia: reining in the beast
Authors: Coggins Jeremy , Teng Bianca , Rameezdeen Raufdeen
Published: October 2016

Insolvency has become endemic in the Australian construction industry. The scale of the problem has reached such proportions that both the NSW Parliament and the Senate have, in recent times, commissioned inquiries into construction insolvency. This paper aims to identify the reasons as to why the construction industry is so susceptible to insolvency, evaluate the effectiveness of any existing insolvency protection measures available to construction firms, and to identify proposed future measures to address the factors causing construction insolvency. The results of a questionnaire survey designed to discover the extent of the construction insolvency problem, as well as building contractors’ views with respect to the causes and regulation of construction insolvency, in South Australia are presented. The research found that there is an appetite amongst building contractors for the introduction of further regulation to address construction insolvency. Further, although the research found underbidding to be the biggest contributory factor towards construction insolvency, it appears to be the most difficult factor to address through regulation which explains the paucity of recommendations which directly address underbidding emanating from the Senate inquiry in 2015.
Monsoon-facilitated characteristics and transport of atmospheric
mercury at a high-altitude background site in southwestern China
Authors: Zhang Hui , Fu Xuewu , Lin Che-Jen , Shang Lihai , Zhang Yiping , Feng Xinbin , Lin Cynthia
Published: October 2016

Abstract. To better understand the influence of monsoonal climate and transport of atmospheric mercury (Hg) in southwestern China, measurements of total gaseous mercury (TGM, defined as the sum of gaseous elemental mercury, GEM, and gaseous oxidized mercury, GOM), particulate bound mercury (PBM) and GOM were carried out at Ailaoshan Station (ALS, 2450 m a.s.l.) in southwestern China from May 2011 to May 2012. The mean concentrations (± SD) for TGM, GOM and PBM were 2.09 ± 0.63, 2.2 ± 2.3 and 31.3 ± 28.4 pg m−3, respectively. TGM showed a monsoonal distribution pattern with relatively higher concentrations (2.22 ± 0.58 ng m−3, p  =  0.021) during the Indian summer monsoon (ISM, from May to September) and the east Asia summer monsoon (EASM, from May to September) periods than that (1.99 ± 0.66 ng m−3) in the non-ISM period. Similarly, GOM and PBM concentrations were higher during the ISM period than during the non-ISM period. This study suggests that the ISM and the EASM have a strong impact on long-range and transboundary transport of Hg between southwestern China and south and southeast Asia. Several high TGM events were accompanied by the occurrence of northern wind during the ISM period, indicating anthropogenic Hg emissions from inland China could rapidly increase TGM levels at ALS due to strengthening of the EASM. Most of the TGM and PBM events occurred at ALS during the non-ISM period. Meanwhile, high CO concentrations were also observed at ALS, indicating that a strong south tributary of westerlies could have transported Hg from south and southeast Asia to southwestern China during the non-ISM period. The biomass burning in southeast Asia and anthropogenic Hg emissions from south Asia are thought to be the source of atmospheric Hg in remote areas of southwestern China during the non-ISM period.
Impact of vertical wind shear on roll structure in idealized hurricane boundary
layers
Authors: Wang Shouping , Jiang Qingfang
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Quasi two-dimensional roll vortices are frequently observed in hurricane boundary layers. It is believed that this highly coherent structure, likely caused by the inflection point instability, plays an important role in organizing turbulent transport. Large-eddy simulations are conducted to investigate the impact of wind shear characteristics such as the shear strength and inflection-point level on the roll structure in terms of its spectral characteristics and turbulence organization. A mean wind profile nudging approach is used in the simulations to maintain the specified mean wind shear without directly affecting turbulent motions. Enhancing the radial wind shear expands the roll horizontal scale and strengthens the roll's kinetic energy. Increasing the inflection-point level tends to produce a narrow and sharp peak in the power spectrum at the wavelength consistent with the roll spacing indicated by the instantaneous turbulent fields. The spectral tangential momentum flux, in particular, reaches a strong peak value at the roll wavelength. In contrast, the spectral radial momentum flux obtains its maximum at the wavelength that is usually shorter than the roll's, suggesting that the roll radial momentum transport is less efficient than the tangential. The most robust rolls are produced in a simulation with the highest inflection-point level and relatively strong radial wind shear. Based on the spectral analysis, the roll-scale contribution to the turbulent momentum flux can reach 40 % in the middle of the boundary layer.
Stratospheric Variability at a glance – Analysis of the
intra decadal timescale and the QBO
Authors: Cai Duy , Dameris Martin , Garny Hella , Bunzel Felix , Jöckel Patrick , Graf Phoebe
Published: October 2016

Abstract. In this study the stratospheric variability is analysed from decadal to seasonal timescales. Relevant processes for the decadal timescale are identified by means of power spectral analysis. The inspection of the ERA-Interim reanalysis data set shows considerably high variability at the 12 and 6 months period. But also in the extra tropical region at intra-annual to seasonal timescales clear peaks in the power spectrum arise. In addition to that, the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) obviously contributes to the stratospheric variability at decadal timescales. Regarding the power spectrum of EMAC 2.52 model simulations, only a model configuration with a vertical resolution smaller than 1 km in the stratosphere is capable to capture the relevant features of the spectrum. In particular, the model with a coarser distribution of vertical levels cannot reproduce the QBO signal. The analysis of the corresponding wave spectra reveals that, if the vertical resolution is insufficient, primarily the Mixed-Rossby-Gravity waves cannot be adequately reproduced. Estimates made by linear wave theory show that for reanalysis data the Mixed-Rossby-Gravity waves with equivalent depths between 50 m to 250 m are relevant for the QBO. In order to resolve these relevant waves, model simulations need to consider a vertical resolution of at least 1 km.