bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Challenge of Tuberculosis Heterogeneity
Authors: Nemes Elisa , Meermeier Erin , Scriba Thomas , Walzl Gerhard , Malherbe Stephanus , Lewinsohn David
Published: August 2018

For the ICU physician, the failure to consider, diagnose, and treat tuberculosis (TB) results in increased morbidity and mortality, and poses risks to both patients and health care providers. At present, the diagnosis of TB depends on the detection of either mycobacteria or mycobacterial products from clinical specimens. Given the risks posed to both the patient and health care providers by undiagnosed and/or untreated TB, the ability to diagnose TB rapidly in the ICU cannot be understated. In this regard, nucleic acid amplification tests provide relatively quick information about the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) DNA. If available, a blood-based test that would accurately identify persons with TB would be of use in the ICU. Currently available tests such as the T-Spot.TB or QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube can discern infection with Mtb, but are not recommended for the ICU as they cannot rule out TB. In this review, we will discuss the increasing literature that would suggest that a blood-based diagnostic that reflects the host response to TB could be used to diagnose TB in the ICU.
Updates in the Treatment of Active and Latent Tuberculosis
Authors: Belknap Robert , Haas Michelle
Published: August 2018

First-line therapy for active tuberculosis (TB) has remained unchanged for nearly 40 years. Isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol for the initial two-month phase followed by isoniazid and rifampin for 4 to 7 months is standard treatment for people at low risk for drug-resistant disease. Directly-observed therapy (DOT) remains the standard of care for pulmonary TB. Virtual treatment monitoring using digital technologies is becoming more common as a way to provide a more patient-centered approach to care. Attempts to shorten treatment duration have been unsuccessful based on recent clinical trials evaluating the role of fluoroquinolones. Treatment-shortening trials using higher doses of rifamycins are currently underway. Recently approved medications for TB treatment are recommended only for drug-resistant disease, but novel agents in varying stages of development are being evaluated. Rifamycin-based regimens for latent TB infection (LTBI) have been successful in preventing progression to TB disease. Once-weekly isoniazid and rifapentine for 12 weeks by DOT was shown to be safe and effective compared with 9 months of isoniazid. The same regimen was shown to have acceptable treatment completion when given self-administered. Newer studies are investigating even shorter LTBI treatment with durations of less than 2 months. Treatment of LTBI in people likely infected with multidrug resistant TB is very limited, but one observational study found that fluoroquinolones appear to be effective. The first randomized trials for treating LTBI in contacts to MDR-TB are currently enrolling.
FXa-α2-Macroglobulin Complex Neutralizes Direct Oral Anticoagulants Targeting FXa In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Jourdi Georges , Gouin-Thibault Isabelle , Siguret Virginie , Gandrille Sophie , Gaussem Pascale , Le Bonniec Bernard
Published: August 2018

Increasing number of patients are treated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC). An antidote for dabigatran inhibiting thrombin (idarucizumab) is available but no antidote is yet approved for the factor Xa (FXa) inhibitors (xabans). We hypothesized that a complex between Gla-domainless FXa and α2-macroglobulin (GDFXa-α2M) may neutralize the xabans without interfering with normal blood coagulation.

Purified α2M was incubated with GDFXa to form GDFXa-α2M. Affinity of apixaban and rivaroxaban for GDFXa-α2M was only slightly decreased compared to FXa. Efficacy and harmlessness of GDFXa-α2M were tested in vitro and in vivo. Stoichiometric excess of GDFXa-α2M neutralized rivaroxaban and apixaban as attested by clot waveform assay and rotational thromboelastometry, whereas GDFXa-α2M alone had no effect on these assays. Efficacy and pro-thrombotic potential of GDFXa-α2M were also assessed in vivo. Half-life of GDFXa-α2M in C57BL6 mice was 4.9 ± 1.1 minutes, but a 0.5 mg/mouse dose resulted in uptake saturation such that 50% persistence was still observed after 170 minutes. Single administration of GDFXa-α2M significantly decreased the rivaroxaban-induced bleeding time (p < 0.001) and blood loss (p < 0.01). GDFXa-α2M did not increase D-dimer or thrombin–antithrombin complex formation, suggesting a lack of pro-thrombotic potential.

GDFXa-α2M is therefore an attractive candidate for xaban neutralization neither pro- nor anticoagulant in vitro as well as in vivo.
A resistive switching memory device with a negative differential resistance at room temperature
Authors: Kadhim Mayameen S. , Yang Feng , Sun Bai , Wang Yushu , Guo Tao , Jia Yongfang , Yuan Ling , Yu Yanmei , Zhao Yong
Published: August 2018

In this study, large-area ZnO nanorod arrays covering a Zn foil substrate were produced by a low-cost and low temperature approach. In this approach, oxidation of zinc metal was achieved in a formamide/water mixture. Taking advantage of the product, a sandwiched structure, Ag/ZnO/Zn, was fabricated in which Ag acts as the top electrode, ZnO as the active layer and Zn foil as the bottom electrode. Resistive switching memory behavior (with an HRS/LRS resistance ratio of ∼10) along with a negative differential resistance effect (the largest slope being −3.85) was synchronously observed for this device at room temperature. This device opens up possibilities for multifunctional components in future electronic applications.
Investigating the greenhouse gas emissions of grass-fed beef relative to other greenhouse gas abatement strategies
Authors: Gagelman Lance , Norwood Bailey
Published: August 2018

Beef is often identified as one of the foods with the largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, causing climate-conscious persons to seek changes in their diets. This study evaluated the ability of a household to reduce its GHG emissions by replacing conventional US beef with grass-fed beef and compared its effectiveness to three other strategies: replacing beef with chicken, becoming a vegetarian, and purchasing carbon offsets. These potential GHG-reducing strategies were considered within a model of a typical US household, using a framework that accounts for all household expenditures and carbon emissions. Replacing beef with chicken and adopting vegetarianism reduced the household’s GHG emissions by 1% and 3%, respectively. Grass-fed beef only reduced emissions if the GHG sequestration rate for pastureland and/or the price of grass-fed beef was high. It is shown that persons paying higher prices for grass-fed beef with the goal of smaller GHG emissions might want to consider buying conventional beef instead and using the savings to purchase carbon offsets. Also, although vegetarianism is often touted as a climate-friendly diet, the model shows that meat-eaters can achieve the same GHG reduction by spending only US$19 per year on carbon offsets. These results assume that additional land for grazing is acquired from recently abandoned cropland, which gives grass-fed beef its best chance at being climate-friendly. Alternative land-use assumptions would only reinforce the result that grass-fed beef does not emit less GHG emissions than conventional beef.
Scientific instrument curators in Britain
Authors: Alberti Samuel J M M
Published: August 2018

From the mid-1960s a new breed of scientific instrument curators emerged in the United Kingdom. This small community of practice developed in parallel to but distinctly from the expanding generation of university historians of science and other cognate museum sub-professions. Presenting the trajectories, experiences and practices of personnel in British scientific instrument collections, especially the Royal Scottish Museum in Edinburgh, this article explores how networks of interest around collections shaped the museum sector in later twentieth-century Britain. With particular objects – especially eighteenth-century instruments – the ‘brass brigade’ built a discipline.
Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score in Children: A Validity Study
Authors: Dawkins Ross L , Miller Joseph H , Menacho Sarah T , Ramadan Omar I , Lysek Michael C , Kuhn Elizabeth N , Tubbs R Shane , Walker Marion L , Walters Beverly C , Agee Bonita S , Rozzelle Curtis J
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

The Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score (TLICS) has been shown to be a valid tool for assessing the need for surgical intervention in adult patients. There is limited insight into its usefulness in children.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the validity of the TLICS system in pediatric patients.

METHODS

The medical records for pediatric patients with acute, traumatic thoracolumbar fractures at two Level 1 trauma centers were reviewed retrospectively. A TLICS score was calculated for each patient using computed tomography and magnetic resonance images, along with the neurological examination recorded in the patient's medical record. TLICS scores were compared with the type of treatment received. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was employed to quantify the validity of the TLICS scoring system.

RESULTS

TLICS calculations were completed for 165 patients. The mean TLICS score was 2.9 (standard deviation ± 2.7). Surgery was the treatment of choice for 23% of patients. There was statistically significant agreement between the TLICS suggested treatment and the actual treatment received (P < 0.001). The ROC curve calculated using multivariate logistic regression analysis of the TLICS system's parameters as a tool for predicting treatment demonstrated excellent discriminative ability, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.96, which was also statistically significant (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The TLICS system demonstrates good validity for selecting appropriate thoracolumbar fracture treatment in pediatric patients.
Mitochondrial electron transport chain complex III sustains hepatitis E virus replication and represents an antiviral target
Authors: Qu Changbo , Zhang Shaoshi , Wang Wenshi , Li Meng , Wang Yijin , van der Heijde-Mulder Marieke , Shokrollahi Ehsan , Hakim Mohamad S. , Raat Nicolaas J. H. , Peppelenbosch Maikel P. , Pan Qiuwei
Published: August 2018

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection has emerged as a global health problem. However, no approved medication is available, and the infection biology remains largely elusive. Electron transport chain (ETC), a key component of the mitochondria, is the main site that produces ATP and reactive oxygen species (ROS). By profiling the role of the different complexes of the mitochondrial ETC, we found that pharmacological inhibition of complex III, a well‐defined drug target for the treatment of malaria and Pneumocystis pneumonia, potently restricts HEV replication. This effect demonstrated in our HEV models is equivalent to the anti‐HEV potency of ribavirin, a widely used off‐label treatment for patients with chronic HEV. Mechanistically, we found that this effect is independent of ATP production, ROS level, and pyridine depletion. By using pharmacological inhibitors and genetic approaches, we found that mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP), a newly identified component of ETC, provides basal defense against HEV infection. HEV interferes with the opening of the MPTP. Furthermore, inhibition of the MPTP attenuated the anti‐HEV effect of complex III inhibitors, suggesting that the MPTP mediates the antiviral effects of these inhibitors. These findings reveal new insights on HEV–host interactions and provide viable anti‐HEV targets for therapeutic development.—Qu, C., Zhang, S., Wang, W., Li, M., Wang, Y., van der Heijde‐Mulder, M., Shokrollahi, E., Hakim, M. S., Raat, N. J. H., Peppelenbosch, M. P., Pan, Q. Mitochondrial electron transport chain complex III sustains hepatitis E virus replication and represents an antiviral target. FASEB J. 33, 1008–1019 (2019). www.fasebj.org
Influence of Dose and Antiepileptic Comedication on Lacosamide Serum Concentrations in Patients With Epilepsy of Different Ages
Authors: May Theodor W. , Helmer Renate , Bien Christian G. , Brandt Christian
Published: August 2018

Background:

Lacosamide (LCM) is a new antiepileptic drug (AED). The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of LCM dose, body weight, height, sex, age, and concomitant AEDs on LCM trough serum concentrations (at a steady state) in patients with epilepsy.

Methods:

A total number of 3154 blood samples of 973 consecutive patients of the Mara Hospital (Bethel Epilepsy Centre) were evaluated. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used for statistical analyses.

Results:

GEE analyses showed that LCM trough serum concentrations were significantly correlated with the body weight–normalized LCM dose (range: 0.44–25.7 mg/kg; 45–1050 mg) and significantly dependent on comedication and age. Compared with adults (18–60 years), the LCM trough serum concentrations of children aged 6–12 years and children younger than 6 years were significantly lower (−21% to −38%, respectively) and those of elderly patients (>60 years) were significantly higher (+20%). Sex had no significant influence. Carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone, phenobarbital, and methsuximide decreased LCM trough serum concentrations significantly by 30%, 32%, 34%, 39%, and 41%, respectively, whereas other AEDs (eg, oxcarbazepine, eslicarbazepine acetate, valproate) had no significant or only a minor impact (zonisamide) on LCM trough concentrations. In children, the effect of enzyme-inducing AEDs was more marked. Of note, the number of blood samples (n = 151) of patients younger than 12 (n = 78) was comparatively low. Alternative GEE models confirmed the effect of comedication, whereas the effect of age, especially in children, depended on adjustment of LCM dosage to body weight, body surface area, or approximated volume of distribution.

Conclusions:

In accordance with previous therapeutic drug monitoring studies, our results confirmed that enzyme inducers reduce the LCM trough serum concentrations by 30%–40%. In children, the effects of comedication are more pronounced but should be confirmed by further studies.
Choosing outcomes for clinical trials: a pragmatic perspective
Authors: Iwashyna Theodore J. , McPeake Joanne
Published: August 2018

Purpose of review

The turn to evidence-based medicine in critical care has lead to a dramatic increase in the number of randomized clinical trials. Yet many of these trials are not showing differences on an appropriately prespecified primary outcome. In light of this, there have been some heated arguments as to what sorts of clinical trials should be conducted. We synthesize pragmatic recommendations from two governing bases: rigorous statistical practice and a commitment to insuring trials provide information that should help guide patient-centered decision-making.

Recent findings

We suggest six principles for the selection of an randomized clinical trial primary outcome: (1) your intervention should plausibly change your primary outcome. (2) The primary outcome should be cared about by your audience. (3) The primary outcome should be relevant to patients. (4) The primary outcome should be measured efficiently. (5) The primary outcome should be measured reliably. (6) When possible, use a well understood continuous scale. In addition, principles for selecting secondary outcomes are described.

It may be of value, when proposing a trial, to present preliminary evidence documenting the extent to which a proposed primary outcome actually accords each of these principles.
A Tale of 2 Constituencies
Authors: Goytia Crispin N. , Kastenbaum Isaac , Shelley Donna , Horowitz Carol R. , Kaushal Rainu
Published: August 2018

Background:

Patient and clinician stakeholders are inadequately engaged in key aspects of research, particularly regarding use of Big Data to study and improve patient-centered outcomes. Little is known about the attitudes, interests, and concerns of stakeholders regarding such data.

Research Design:

The New York City Clinical Data Research Network (NYC-CDRN), a collaboration of research, clinical, and community leaders built a deidentified dataset containing electronic health records from millions of New Yorkers. Guided by a patient-clinician advisory board, we developed a question guide to explore patient and clinician experiences and ideas about research using large datasets. Trained facilitators led discussions during preexisting patient, community, and clinician group meetings. The research team coded meeting notes and identified themes.

Results:

Fully 272 individuals participated in 19 listening sessions (139 patients/advocates, 133 clinicians) at 6 medical centers with diverse NYC communities: 76% were female and 63% were nonwhite. Clinicians and patients agreed on all major themes including the central role of clinicians in introducing patients to research and the need for public campaigns to inform stakeholders about Big Data. Stakeholders were interested in using granular data to compare the care and clinical outcomes of their neighborhoods with others across NYC, but were also concerned that data could not truly be deidentified.

Conclusions:

Clinicians and patients agree on potential benefits of stakeholder-engaged Big Data research and provided suggestions for further research and building stakeholder research capacity. This evaluation demonstrated the potential of brief meetings with existing patient and clinical groups to explore barriers and facilitators to patient and clinician engagement.
JAK2 is highly expressed by cyst-lining cells and regulates cystogenesis
Authors: Patera Foteini , Cudzich-Mardy Alex , Huang Zhi , Fragiadaki Maria
Published: August 2018

Dysregulated JAK/STAT signalling is implicated in polycystic kidney disease, which is a common genetic disease leading to renal failure. However, the mechanisms underlying JAK/STAT-mediated cystogenesis arepoorlyunderstood.TheroleofJAK2wasinvestigated immunohistochemically in a murine model of cystic disease (Pkd1nl/nl). In the normal kidney, JAK2 is restricted to tubular epithelial and vascular cells with lesser staining in bowman’s capsule and is undetectable in the interstitium. By contrast, in the diseased kidney JAK2 appears stronger in cyst-lining cells when compared to normal tubules and appears mislocalised in the interstitium. Given that JAK2 is a major tyrosine kinase activating JAK/STAT, we considered whether its inhibition can attenuate cystic growth in vitro. To assess this we used curcumin, a natural phytochemical, which significantly reduced JAK2 levels and STAT3 activity. Consistently, reduced JAK2/STAT3 activity was correlated with reduced cystic growth of cystic cells in three-dimensional cyst assays. Taken together, our results suggest that JAK2 is a key signalling molecule that functions to inhibit cystic growth in cystic tubular epithelial cells, thus providing the foundation for its development as a novel therapeutic in polycystic kidney disease.
Structural studies of the unusual metal-ion site of the GH124 endoglucanase fromRuminiclostridium thermocellum
Authors: Urresti Saioa , Cartmell Alan , Liu Feng , Walton Paul H. , Davies Gideon J.
Published: August 2018

The recent discovery of `lytic' polysaccharide monooxygenases, copper-dependent enzymes for biomass degradation, has provided new impetus for the analysis of unusual metal-ion sites in carbohydrate-active enzymes. In this context, the CAZY family GH124 endoglucanase fromRuminiclostridium thermocellumcontains an unusual metal-ion site, which was originally modelled as a Ca2+site but features aspartic acid, asparagine and two histidine imidazoles as coordinating residues, which are more consistent with a transition-metal binding environment. It was sought to analyse whether the GH124 metal-ion site might accommodate other metals. It is demonstrated through thermal unfolding experiments that this metal-ion site can accommodate a range of transition metals (Fe2+, Cu2+, Mn2+and Ni2+), whilst the three-dimensional structure and mass spectrometry show that one of the histidines is partially covalently modified and is present as a 2-oxohistidine residue; a feature that is rarely observed but that is believed to be involved in an `off-switch' to transition-metal binding. Atomic resolution (<1.1 Å) complexes define the metal-ion site and also reveal the binding of an unusual fructosylated oligosaccharide, which was presumably present as a contaminant in the cellohexaose used for crystallization. Although it has not been possible to detect a biological role for the unusual metal-ion site, this work highlights the need to study some of the many metal-ion sites in carbohydrate-active enzymes that have long been overlooked or previously mis-assigned.
Simulation of dynamic stall using direct-forcing immersed boundary method at low Reynolds number
Authors: Vaziri Nima , Chern Ming-Jyh , Horng Tzyy-Leng
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is simulation of dynamic stall behavior around the Eppler 387 airfoil in the low Reynolds number flow with a direct-forcing immersed boundary (DFIB) numerical model.

Design/methodology/approach

A ray-casting method is used to define the airfoil geometry. The governing continuity and Navier–Stokes momentum equations and boundary conditions are solved using the DFIB method.

Findings

The purposed method is validated against numerical results from alternative schemes and experimental data on static and oscillating airfoil. A base flow regime and different vortices patterns are observed, in accordance with other previously published investigations. Also, the effects of the reduced frequency, the pitch oscillation amplitude and the Reynolds number are studied. The results show that the reduced frequency has a major effect on the flow field and the force coefficients of the airfoil. On the other hand, the Reynolds number of the flow has a little effect on the dynamic stall characteristics of the airfoil at least in the laminar range.

Practical implications

It is demonstrated that the DFIB model provides an accurate representation of dynamic stall phenomenon.

Originality/value

The results show that the dynamic stall behavior around the Eppler 387 is different than the general dynamic stall behavior understanding in the shedding phase.
Analysis of the viscosity dependent parameters of couple stress fluid in porous parallel plates
Authors: Madalli V.S. , Patil Siddharama , Hiremath Ayyappa , Kudenatti Ramesh
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to present a detailed analysis to explore the various properties of non-Newtonian couple stress lubricants between parallel porous plates.

Design/methodology/approach

With reference to the theories based on micro-continuum analysis, a non-linear, non-Newtonian Reynolds type equation is arrived. The closed form solutions obtained clearly indicate the changes in pressure, load bearing capacity and response time because of variation in viscosity of couple stress fluid.

Findings

It is observed that the viscosity variation factor greatly influences the change in pressure, load carrying capacity and squeezing time.

Originality/value

It is observed that the nature of lubricants with suitable additives greatly helps in overcoming the adverse effect because of porous surface. Reynolds type equation is analysed using appropriate boundary conditions. The expression for pressure distribution arrived at in turn leads to the analysis of load bearing capacity and response time.
Post-materialistic values and entrepreneurial intention – the case of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alammari Khalid , Newbery Robert , Haddoud Mohamed Yacine , Beaumont Emily
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how cultural values influence the entrepreneurial process. It conceptualises the relationship between post-materialistic values and entrepreneurial intention to explain low entrepreneurial activity.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted in Saudi Arabia with non-entrepreneurs. An online survey returned 405 valid questionnaires, representing a 27 per cent response rate. The data were analysed using partial least structural equation modelling.

Findings

The paper identifies key factors that explain the influence of changing cultural values on entrepreneurial activity. The results show that post-materialistic values influence entrepreneurial intention by decreasing desirability and entrepreneurial self-efficacy.

Research limitations/implications

The study conceptualises the interplay between cultural values and entrepreneurial intention in Saudi Arabia. Further insights can be developed by comparing Saudi Arabia with other countries. The study was conducted as a “snapshot” of the current situation of entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia with a cross-sectional survey design.

Practical implications

The paper holds important implications for entrepreneurship educators when addressing unsupportive cultures for entrepreneurial activity. Cultural and motivational approaches are suggested. While the former focuses on aspects that encourage the desire and confidence to start a business, the latter involves encouraging setting venture creation as a goal.

Originality/value

Previous studies indicated that post-materialistic values negatively influence entrepreneurship; this paper contributes further by exploring how this relationship manifests by exploring the intervening factors between post-materialistic values and entrepreneurial intention. It advances entrepreneurship research by investigating deep assumptions underlying the formulation of entrepreneurial intentions. It also responds to the need to understand the difference in the levels of entrepreneurial activity across countries.
Emancipatory education and the preparation of future teachers
Authors: Winarti Eny
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the possibilities and impact of emancipatory education in the preparation of future elementary school teachers.

Design/methodology/approach

To serve the purpose of the study, emancipatory education was introduced to the student teachers of an elementary school teacher education program in the Curriculum and Learning Development course. The researcher then observed them during their learning activities and analyzed their portfolios providing feedback during their poster presentations. A classroom experiential model was applied.

Findings

The results of the students’ activities indicated that most of the students were able to develop the twenty-first century skills needed to conduct the activities and avoid the tendency to follow directions from someone in authority. After the implementation of this study, the student teachers revealed higher-order thinking skills and were also able to develop learning materials and assessments that were appropriate to elementary school pupils. Still, the “old tendencies” (e.g. not thinking out of the box and waiting for direct instructions) sometimes emerged.

Research limitations/implications

The study was applied to a single course in one out of five parallel classes in a university in a particular area in Indonesia, a developing Asian country with a collectivist culture.

Originality/value

This paper exemplifies how learning and teaching activities in a higher education institution in a developing country can be designed to help future teachers prepare themselves to function and teach in a globalized society.
Islam in and out of politics: The Indonesian case
Authors: WATSON C.W.
Published: August 2018

Accounts of the relationship between Islam and politics in Indonesia often fail to appreciate the contribution that an anthropological perspective can make towards understanding the heterogeneity of Muslim communities in the country. Looking at recent events that have political dimensions in the country, this article shows how paying close attention to the popularity of celebrity preachers can complement a political science approach.
Comparison of plant–soil feedback experimental approaches for testing soil biotic interactions among ecosystems
Authors: Gundale Michael J. , Wardle David A. , Kardol Paul , Nilsson Marie‐Charlotte
Published: August 2018

The study of interactions and feedbacks between plants and soils is a rapidly expanding research area, and a primary tool used in this field is to perform glasshouse experiments where soil biota are manipulated. Recently, there has been vigorous debate regarding the correctness of methods for carrying out these types of experiment, and specifically whether it is legitimate to mix soils from different sites or plots (mixed soil sampling, MSS) or not (independent soil sampling, ISS) to create either soil inoculum treatments or subjects.

We performed the first empirical comparison of MSS vs ISS approaches by comparing growth of two boreal tree species (Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris) in soils originating from 10 sites near the boreal forest limit in northern Sweden, and 10 sites in the subarctic region where boreal forests may potentially expand as a result of climate change.

We found no consistent differences in the conclusions that we reached whether we used MSS or ISS approaches.

We propose that researchers should not choose a soil handling method based on arguments that one method is inherently more correct than the other, but rather that method choice should be based on correct alignment with specific research questions and goals.
OPTIMIZATION OF NOODLE FORMULATION USING COMMERCIALIZED EMPTY FRUIT BUNCH PALM OIL CARBOXYLMETHYL CELLULOSE (CMC) AND FLOURS WITH DIFFERENT PROTEIN CONTENT
Authors: Nasruddin Nur Izzatun Nasriah , Md Jamil Mohd Suzeren , Zakaria Ikhwan , Zubairi Saiful Irwan
Published: August 2018

Carboxylmethyl cellulose (CMC) is extracted from empty fruit bunches of oil palm, which usually comes from industrial waste. The focus of this research is to recycle cellulose from the oil palm tree to produce a food product which is noodles. In this research, the noodles were produced from commercialized CMC (0 – 2%) by using 15 different formulations with different types of flour such as high protein flour, wheat flour and low protein flour which provides an added factor to improve texture. Proximate, physicochemical analysis and sensory test were conducted in order to determine the noodle’s nutrient content, colour, texture and acceptance level among the consumer panels. Based on the proximate analysis, high protein flour produced noodles that were similar to the positive control product which was a commercialized yellow noodles (Mi Kuning Rakyat). Fat, crude fiber, moisture and ash content did not show a significant difference among the formulation tested (p>0.05) because the CMC used and different types of flour with different protein content used did not affect them. The compression test that was used to analyze texture in the physicochemical analysis revealed that Formulation 3 (F3), which was made up from high protein flour and 1% (w/w) CMC, had highest hardness with a mean score of 3.13 ± 0.06N and was significantly different (p<0.05) in comparison with other 14 formulations. This indicates that the use of high protein flour helps in the formation of gluten network in the noodles while an optimum amount of CMC (1.0%) gives a good texture to the noodles. For hedonic test, Formulation 4 (F4), which was made up of 1.5% (w/w) CMC and high protein flour which contain 11.5-13.5% of protein, has a highest acceptance level for consumer due to a good taste and a better texture. Therefore, the integration of high fibrous flour from an empty fruit bunch of oil palm in the form of commerciallized CMC with flours with different protein content into noodle formulation can produce an improved noodles' quality that have higher acceptance level among the consumers.
DAMAGE ASSESSMENT BASED ON MODAL ANALYSIS OF PIPE STRUCTURE
Authors: Abdul Kudus Sakhiah , Suzuki Yasuo , Matsumura Masahide , Sugiura Kunitomo
Published: August 2018

The degradation of steel pipe structures, especially thickness reduction due to corrosion is a common problem found in marine structures. This calls for an evaluation of the thin structure’s structural health condition to ensure its safety and reliability. This study investigates the effect of reduction in pipe wall thickness on the pipe structure’s dynamic behaviour using the fundamental modal parameter as the indicator for its health condition. A finite element analysis utilising Abaqus software has been adapted to model the problem. The corrosion problem was simulated by thickness reduction on six damage cases. The influence of the severity and position of damage on the observed mode upon the percentage of natural frequencies’ reduction and localisation of mode shape of the pipe structure are subsequently displayed. Four mode shapes and its corresponding natural frequency were extracted from baseline model to further evaluate the sensitivity of the selected mode towards the presence of damage. The study found that severe damage in pipe structure leads to significant reduction of natural frequency and localisation of mode shape in the vicinity of damaged region. The vibration results summarised in this paper may serve as a benchmark for researchers and as a reference for design engineers.
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES, PARTICLE SHAPE, AND SIZE OF FERMENTED LOCAL WHITE CORN FLOUR OF ANOMAN FS VARIETY
Authors: Rahmawati Rahmawati , Maulani Rijanti Rahaju , Saputra Dede
Published: August 2018

This research aims to study the chemical characteristics, the shape and size of the particles from local white corn flour fermented with indigenous yeast and mold. The fermentation processes studied are 1) fermentation with the addition of complete yeast and mold at 0 hour of fermentation and addition of amylolitic cultures at 16 hours of fermentation (AC1); 2) fermentation with the addition of complete yeast and mold at 0 hour, amylolitic cultures at 16 hours and 32 hours (AC2); and 3) fermentation with the addition of non-toxic culture at 0 hour, amylolitic cultures at 16 hours and 32 hours (NTS). Observations are conducted at 36, 48, 60, and 72 hours of fermentation. The results show that the addition of AC1, AC2, and NTS starters during fermentation generally lowers the moisture, ash, protein, fat, and amylose and pH value of the corn flour. Lowered chemical contents of local white corn flour due to the fermentation process is beneficial, both in terms of nutritional contents and functional properties. Another advantage is that the flour does not smell sour. All of the flours have the same granule shape as the control has, but addition of the starter AC1, AC2, and NTS makes smaller corn flours than the control.
ON THE PERFORMANCE OF STEEL WIRE ROPE AS THE EXTERNAL STRENGTHENING OF RC BEAMS WITH DIFFERENT END-ANCHOR TYPES
Authors: Haryanto Yanuar , Gan Buntara Sthenly , Widyaningrum Arnie , Wariyatno Nanang Gunawan , Fadli Ari
Published: August 2018

This work investigated the performance of steel wire rope as an external strengthening for reinforced concrete beams with different end-anchor types. A study is conducted on reinforced concrete beams with the size of 100 mm x 150 mm x 1000 mm, consisting of 1 beam without strengthening (BTP); 1 beam strengthened with 2 steel wire ropes of diameter 6 mm with end-anchor type 1 (BPA1); and 1 beam strengthened with 2 steel wire ropes of diameter 6 mm with end-anchor type 2 (BPA2). It is found that the external strengthening of reinforced concrete beams using steel wire rope has the advantage of better serviceability due to its higher ductility than the beam without strengthening. The load-carrying capacity of reinforced concrete beams, which are externally strengthened with steel wire ropes, shows a significant increase of up to 60%. All specimens meet the minimum ductility requirements; in this case, the strengthening beams have other advantages, i.e. improved performance in preventing brittle failure. In this study, the increased stiffness is associated proportionately with the increased strength. This is supported by previous findings which suggest that the stiffness cannot be completely separated and independent of the strength. The failure in all specimens appeared in the same phases and all specimens experienced flexural failure. The ratios of end-anchor type 1 to end-anchor type 2 were close to 1 for all the parameters studied, which means that both types of end-anchor make an equally good contribution to the performance of steel wire rope.
CARBON MONOXIDE INTOXICATION FROM DOMESTIC FUEL-BURNING FURNCACES AND APPLIANCES
Authors: Dahari Nadhira , Hassim Mimi Haryani , Tuan Abdullah Tuan Amran
Published: August 2018

The aim of this research paper is to determine if dwellers of rural areas who cook using fuel-burning furnaces and appliances such as woods, charcoal and natural gas are exposed to carbon monoxide (CO) intoxication and to measure the extent of CO intoxication on dwellers resulting from their cooking activities. The data on CO concentration and health problems for this research study were gathered through the means of observation and interview. Samplings were also carried out to measure the CO level at the selected areas, which were identified based on the criteria of the research. These two steps were done concurrently. The measurements of CO in the houses at Kampong Orang Asli Simpang Arang, Gelang Patah residential were taken outside of the houses, inside the kitchen areas before switching the stove on, after the stove was switched on, during the cooking process and after the cooking was completed. The study shows that the dwellers of rural areas who cook using woods as cooking fuels are found to be exposed to CO intoxication and the factors that influence the health risks are duration of cooking activities per meal, frequency of cooking activities, the absence of proper ventilation as well as the amount of CO concentration released during cooking activities. The measured CO concentration from woods during the experiment was in the range of 150 to 500 ppm. Through CO samplings of charcoal and natural gas as control experiments, it is also found that both sources did not contribute to any serious health effects to the people using them as cooking fuels. Meanwhile, the average CO toxicant produced from burning woods was the highest and this indicates that the CO level from woods is the most risky one among the other domestic fuels commonly used.
La interacción en el ámbito hospitalario según el cuidador familiar de pacientes con enfermedad crónica
Authors: Cardozo garcia Yadira , Escobar Ciro Carmen Liliana
Published: August 2018

Objetivo: describir las interacciones percibidas por el cuidador familiar en el ámbito hospitalario entre los miembros del equipo de este y el binomio paciente/cuidador. Metodología: cualitativa con enfoque etnográfico. Se realizaron catorce entrevistas a cuidadores familiares en dos instituciones de la ciudad de Medellín (Colombia). El análisis se hizo a partir de la lectura de los relatos, las observaciones y las notas de campo. Resultados: los cuidadores familiares identifican en la interacción que se establece en el ámbito hospitalario dos tipos: una que se da dentro del mismo equipo de salud, la cual se caracteriza por ser una relación vertical y jerárquica, y la que se da entre el equipo de enfermería con el binomio paciente/cuidador familiar, la cual tiene unos factores que pueden facilitar u obstaculizar el acercamiento. Conclusiones: las interacciones percibidas por el cuidador familiar que se dan en el ámbito hospitalario están mediadas por asuntos de tipo jerárquico y por la comunicación que se establece para lograr el cuidado.
Naturaleza jurídica del seguro de vida grupo deudores
Authors: Tabares Cortés Felipe
Published: August 2018

El seguro de vida grupo deudores protege la entidad bancaria asegurada contra el riesgo de pérdida que puede causar el deceso o incapacidad del deudor, asegurando entonces el reembolso de la deuda. En este esquema, el tomador es el banco que al mismo tiempo tiene la calidad de beneficiario. Esta particularidad del contrato de seguro vida grupo deudores dificulta el entendimiento que tradicionalmente se tiene de la noción de parte en el contrato

de seguro colectivo. Más aun, la interpretación que al respecto ha hecho la jurisprudencia no ha servido para aclarar el derecho que tienen los deudores respecto del asegurador o el banco en este tipo de contratos. Después de describir la interpretación de la Corte Suprema de Justicia de Colombia sobre las principales reglas del contrato de seguro de vida grupo y de su comparación con las de las cortes de Francia y de Singapur, el autor describe la nueva teoría del banco-tomador como un intermediario en la distribución del seguro de vida grupo deudores, buscando con ello simplificar los problemas que actualmente presenta este contrato en nuestro país.
Seguros para riscos ambientais e o problema da delimitação da infortunística ambiental em um cenário de riscos difusos e complexos: aspectos jurídicos no Brasil
Authors: Saraiva Neto Pery
Published: August 2018

Partindo-se de noção de crise ambiental e da constatação de que o Estado, a sociedade e as empresas vêm criando mecanismos para propiciar o desenvolvimento sustentável, pondera-se que no âmbito jurídico aparecem como importante solução os instrumentos econômicos de proteção ambiental, dentre os quais sobressai-se o Seguro Ambiental. Demonstra-se que, embora de forma ainda tênue, o seguro ambiental vem progredindo no Brasil, fruto não de uma obrigatoriedade legal, mas isto sim de uma evolução gradual e adequada às exigências do mercado. Diante deste contexto, preocupando-se com a inserção e consolidação do seguro ambiental de forma apropriada, rentável e duradoura, ressalta-se que o seguro ambiental deve estar devidamente ajustado às modernas construções legais, jurisprudenciais e doutrinárias sobre responsabilidade civil ambiental. Discorre-se sobre as peculiaridades relacionadas aos riscos e danos ambientais, analisando destacadamente a forma como a jurisprudencia do Superior Tribunal de Justiça vem enfrentando as questões de litigiosidade em matéria ambiental. Conclui-se que o Direito Ambiental que vem sendo implementado pelos Tribunais vem empregando significativas inovações em matéria de responsabilidade civil ambiental, tanto do direito material quanto processual, o que é um cenário de incertezas, fator que dificulta a implementação das técnicas securitárias. São apresentados os principais elementos relacionados à técnica securitária, ressaltando-se a necessidade de os seguros atuarem em cenários jurídicos estáveis e previsíveis. Tais pressupostos, se demonstra, não estão presentes no Direito brasileiro. O modelo legal europeu de asseguração de riscos ambientais é analisado, destacando-se a previsibilidade e segurança possíveis, a partir de marcos legais claros sobre responsabilidades ambientais. Por fim demonstram-se as potencialidades e os benefícios da inserção do seguro ambiental no sistema de tutela do meio ambiente, notadamente como instrumento com vantagens preventivas e reparatórias.
Fascial tissue research in sports medicine: from molecules to tissue adaptation, injury and diagnostics: consensus statement
Authors: Zügel Martina , Maganaris Constantinos N , Wilke Jan , Jurkat-Rott Karin , Klingler Werner , Wearing Scott C , Findley Thomas , Barbe Mary F , Steinacker Jürgen Michael , Vleeming Andry , Bloch Wilhelm , Schleip Robert , Hodges Paul William
Published: August 2018

The fascial system builds a three-dimensional continuum of soft, collagen-containing, loose and dense fibrous connective tissue that permeates the body and enables all body systems to operate in an integrated manner. Injuries to the fascial system cause a significant loss of performance in recreational exercise as well as high-performance sports, and could have a potential role in the development and perpetuation of musculoskeletal disorders, including lower back pain. Fascial tissues deserve more detailed attention in the field of sports medicine. A better understanding of their adaptation dynamics to mechanical loading as well as to biochemical conditions promises valuable improvements in terms of injury prevention, athletic performance and sports-related rehabilitation. This consensus statement reflects the state of knowledge regarding the role of fascial tissues in the discipline of sports medicine. It aims to (1) provide an overview of the contemporary state of knowledge regarding the fascial system from themicrolevel(molecular and cellular responses) to themacrolevel(mechanical properties), (2) summarise the responses of the fascial system to altered loading (physical exercise), to injury and other physiological challenges including ageing, (3) outline the methods available to study the fascial system, and (4) highlight the contemporary view of interventions that target fascial tissue in sport and exercise medicine. Advancing this field will require a coordinated effort of researchers and clinicians combining mechanobiology, exercise physiology and improved assessment technologies.
Dried blood spot and mini-tube blood sample collection kits for postal HIV testing services: a comparative review of successes in a real-world setting
Authors: Page Matthew , Atabani Sowsan F , Wood Martyn , Smit Erasmus , Wilson Steven , Atherton Carol , Davenport Clare F , Hartland Daniel , Simpson Mark , Taylor Stephen
Published: August 2018

Objectives

This is a comparative review between using dried blood spot (DBS) and mini-tube (MT) HIV sampling kits as part of an online sexually transmitted infection (STI) postal testing service. England has recently seen increases in internet-based and postal (eHealth) STI services. Expanding accessibility and testing for patients, cost implications and narrowing the HIV undiagnosed margin are drivers for this.

Methods

In 2017, data were reviewed from an online postal STI kit requesting service at a time of transitioning from MT to DBS. We compared the STI postal kit and HIV blood sample return rates, and the successful processing/analysis rates of the DBS and MT kits. Descriptive statistics were applied to participant characteristics, with Pearson’s χ
2
or Fisher exact test used to demonstrate statistical differences. We also describe and calculate a ‘request-to-result ratio’ (RRR) for both kit types. The RRR is defined as the number of online kit requests required to produce one successfully analysed result.

Results

550 STI postal kit requests from a North-West of England region were reviewed from 13 June 2017 to 22 September 2017 (275 MT, 275 DBS). Baseline characteristics between the two groups were comparable (63% woman, 90% white British and 86% heterosexual with a median age of 26 years). The successful processing rate for the DBS was 98.8% c.f. 55.7% for the MT (p<0.001). The RRR for MT was 2.96, c.f. 1.70 for DBS. There was a 5.4% false positive HIV rate in the MT c.f. none in the DBS.

Conclusions

This comparative analysis suggests that in this community setting, the use of postal HIV DBS kits resulted in a significantly improved RRR compared with MT. The biggest factor was the large number of MT samples not analysed due to inadequate blood volumes. The unexpected level of false positive results in the MT samples needs confirming in larger studies.