bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catching Chances: The Movement to Be on the Ground and Research Ready before an Outbreak
Authors: Brett-Major David , Lawler James
Published: August 2018

After more than 28,000 Ebola virus disease cases and at least 11,000 deaths in West Africa during the 2014–2016 epidemic, the world remains without a licensed vaccine or therapeutic broadly available and demonstrated to alleviate suffering. This deficiency has been felt acutely in the two, short, following years with two Ebola virus outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and a Marburg virus outbreak in Uganda. Despite billions of U.S. dollars invested in developing medical countermeasures for filoviruses in the antecedent decades, resulting in an array of preventative, diagnostic, and therapeutic products, none are available on commercial shelves. This paper explores why just-in-time research efforts in the field during the West Africa epidemic failed, as well as some recent initiatives to prevent similarly lost opportunities.
Is the Virus Important? And Some Other Questions
Authors: Sandaa Ruth-Anne , Bratbak Gunnar
Published: August 2018

The motivation for focusing on a specific virus is often its importance in terms of impact on human interests. The chlorella viruses are a notable exception and 40 years of research has made them the undisputed model system for large icosahedral dsDNA viruses infecting eukaryotes. Their status has changed from inconspicuous and rather odd with no ecological relevance to being the Phycodnaviridae type strain possibly affecting humans and human cognitive functioning in ways that remain to be understood. The Van Etten legacy is the backbone for research on Phycodnaviridae. After highlighting some of the peculiarities of chlorella viruses, we point to some issues and questions related to the viruses we choose for our research, our prejudices, what we are still missing, and what we should be looking for.
Further Investigation of Changes in Cometary Rotation
Authors: Mueller Beatrice E. A. , Samarasinha Nalin H.
Published: August 2018

Samarasinha & Mueller related changes of cometary rotation to other physical parameters for four Jupiter-family comets defining a parameter X, which is approximately constant within a factor of two irrespective of the active fraction of a comet. In this paper two additional comets are added to the original sample, and the claim of a nearly constant parameter X for these six comets is confirmed, albeit with a larger scatter. Taking the geometric mean of X for all of the comets above excluding 2P/Encke (as X for each comet was determined with respect to that of 2P/Encke), the expected changes in the rotation periods for a sample of 24 periodic comets are derived. From this sample we identify the comets that are most likely to show observationally detectable changes in their rotation periods. Using these 24 comets and including the six comets used to determine X, we find a correlation between the parameter ζ (i.e., the total water production per unit surface area per orbit approximated by that inside of 4 au) and the perihelion distance q; specifically, we derive ζ ∝ q
−0.8 and provide a theoretical basis for this in the Appendix. This relationship between ζ and q enables ready comparisons of activity due to insolation between comets. Additionally, a relationship between the nuclear radius R and the rotation period P is found. We find that on average smaller nuclei have smaller rotation periods compared to the rotation periods of larger nuclei. This is consistent with expectations for the rotational evolution and spin-up of comet nuclei, providing strong observational evidence for sublimation-driven rotational changes in comets.
CorrLAB: Correlation and Period Analysis Software
Authors: Merc Jaroslav , Gális Rudolf
Published: August 2018

The application CorrLAB, a user-friendly software environment for period and correlation analysis, is presented in this paper. Theoretical principles of various correlation methods for investigation of similarities and for period determination are discussed in brief. The main text of the paper describes how to install and use CorrLAB. The user interface, features, and capabilities of the application are also presented in detail. CorrLAB is freely available at https://github.com/jaroslavmerc/corrlab.
UVIT Imaging of WLM: Demographics of Star-forming Regions in the Nearby Dwarf Irregular Galaxy
Authors: Mondal Chayan , Subramaniam Annapurni , George Koshy
Published: August 2018

We present a study of star-forming regions and their demographics in the nearby dwarf irregular galaxy WLM using Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UVIT) multiband observations in three filters, F148W, N245M, and N263M. We find that the UV emission is extended at least up to 1.7 kpc, with the NUV emission more extended than the FUV. We create UV color maps ((F148W − N245M) and (F148W − N263M)) to study the temperature morphology of young stellar complexes with the help of theoretical models. We identify several complexes with temperature T > 17,500 K, which are likely to be OB associations present in the galaxy. These complexes show good spatial correlation with the Hα-emitting regions, H i distribution, and HST-detected hot stars. The hot star-forming regions are found to be clumpy in nature and show a hierarchical structure, with sizes in the range of 4–50 pc, with a large number with sizes <10 pc. The southwestern part of the galaxy shows many hot star-forming regions, high levels of Hα emission, and low column density of H i, which altogether denote vigorous recent star formation. WLM is likely to have a large fraction of low-mass compact star-forming regions with mass M < 103
M
⊙, in agreement with the size and mass of the CO clouds. We estimate the star formation rate of WLM to be ∼0.008 M
⊙ yr−1, which is similar to the average value measured for nearby dwarf irregular galaxies.
RELICS: Strong Lensing Analysis of the Galaxy Clusters Abell S295, Abell 697, MACS J0025.4-1222, and MACS J0159.8-0849
Authors: Cibirka Nathália , Acebron Ana , Zitrin Adi , Coe Dan , Agulli Irene , Andrade-Santos Felipe , Bradač Maruša , Frye Brenda , Livermore Rachael C. , Mahler Guillaume , Salmon Brett , Sharon Keren , Trenti Michele , Umetsu Keiichi , Avila Roberto , Bradley Larry , Carrasco Daniela , Cerny Catherine , Czakon Nicole G. , Dawson William A. , Hoag Austin T. , Huang Kuang-Han , Johnson Traci L. , Jones Christine , Kikuchihara Shotaro , Lam Daniel , Lovisari Lorenzo , Mainali Ramesh , Oesch Pascal A. , Ogaz Sara , Ouchi Masami , Past Matthew , Paterno-Mahler Rachel , Peterson Avery , Ryan Russell E. , Sendra-Server Irene , Stark Daniel P. , Strait Victoria , Toft Sune , Vulcani Benedetta
Published: August 2018

We present a strong lensing analysis of four massive galaxy clusters imaged with the Hubble Space Telescope in the Reionization Lensing Cluster Survey. We use a light-traces-mass technique to uncover sets of multiple images and constrain the mass distribution of the clusters. These mass models are the first published for Abell S295 and MACS J0159.8-0849 and are improvements over previous models for Abell 697 and MACS J0025.4-1222. Our analysis for MACS J0025.4-1222 and Abell S295 shows a bimodal mass distribution supporting the merger scenarios proposed for these clusters. The updated model for MACS J0025.4-1222 suggests a substantially smaller critical area than previously estimated. For MACS J0159.8-0849 and Abell 697, we find a single peak and relatively regular morphology revealing fairly relaxed clusters. Despite being less prominent lenses, three of these clusters seem to have lensing strengths, i.e., cumulative area above certain magnification, similar to those of the Hubble Frontier Fields clusters (e.g., A(μ > 5) ∼ 1–3 arcmin2, A(μ > 10) ∼ 0.5–1.5 arcmin2), which in part can be attributed to their merging configurations. We make our lens models publicly available through the Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes. Finally, using Gemini-N/GMOS spectroscopic observations, we detect a single emission line from a high-redshift J
125 ≃ 25.7 galaxy candidate lensed by Abell 697. While we cannot rule out a lower-redshift solution, we interpret the line as Lyα at z = 5.800 ± 0.001, in agreement with its photometric redshift and dropout nature. Within this scenario, we measure a Lyα rest-frame equivalent width of 52 ± 22 Å and an observed Gaussian width of 117 ± 15 km s−1.
Parallelized Solution Method of the Three-dimensional Gravitational Potential on the Yin–Yang Grid
Authors: Almanstötter Marius , Melson Tobias , Janka Hans-Thomas , Müller Ewald
Published: August 2018

We present a new method for solving the 3D gravitational potential of a density field on the Yin–Yang grid. Our algorithm is based on a multipole decomposition and is completely symmetric with respect to the two Yin–Yang grid patches. It is particularly efficient on distributed-memory machines with a large number of compute tasks, because the amount of data being explicitly communicated is minimized. All operations are performed on the original grid without the need for interpolating data onto an auxiliary spherical mesh.
Evaluation of the increase in invasive device associated infections in cardiovascular surgical intensive care unit
Authors: Kaya Kılıç Esra , Bulut Cemal , Çeliköz Muzaffer , Tuncer Ertem Günay , Ataman Hatipoğlu Çiğdem , Sönmezer Meliha Çağla , Kınıklı Sami , Katırcıoğlu Salih Fehmi
Published: August 2018

Introduction: Infections related to the use of invasive instruments leads to the risk of treatment difficulties, prolonged hospitalization, increased health care costs, and increased mortality and morbidity rates. The present study examines the results of an infection surveillance study that showed an increased incidence of infections related to the use of invasive instruments in the cardiovascular surgery intensive care unit of the Ankara Training and Research Hospital and mitigating measures were taken following the surveillance program.

Methodology: Compared with previous surveillance data, an increase was observed in the incidence of infections related to the use of invasive instruments in cardiovascular surgery intensive care unit (CVS-ICU) during the first six months of 2014. A research team was formed comprising one infectious diseases and microbiology specialist, one cardiovascular surgeon, and two infection-control nurses. Patient data was collected. The compliance of the surgeons, nurses, and other health care professionals to the infection control measures was evaluated.

Results: The rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia was 8.20% and the rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infection was 4.47% in the CVS-ICU. There were missing or inadvertent practices regarding antibiotic prophylaxis, asepsis and antisepsis and isolation measures in patient preparation and patient care before and after the operations. The rate of inappropriate antibiotic as prolonged use was 72%.

Conclusions: It is one of the basic tasks to take appropriate measures to prevent outbreaks of hospital infections. It is possible to prevent an outbreak of hospital infections only by the accurate analysis of data and establishing strict infection control procedures.
IgM Anti PGL-1 Antibody Level in Patients with Leprosy: A Comparative Study between Ear Lobes Capillary and Median Cubital Vein Blood Samples
Authors: Nasution Khairina , Nadeak Kristina , Lubis Syahril Rahmat
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND: To establish the diagnosis of leprosy accurately, additional examination such as serologic examination with ELISA is required. There are considerations about taking a blood sample from the earlobe region.AIM: To determine the differences in IgM anti-PGL-1 antibody levels from earlobe capillary and median cubital vein blood sample in leprosy patients.METHODS: An observational analytic study using a cross-sectional study involving 30 patients with leprosy. ELISA examination of earlobe blood samples with filter paper, and the median cubital vein blood samples with filter paper and conventional methods were performed to determine IgM anti-PGL-1 antibody levels.RESULTS: The mean value of IgM anti PGL-1 antibody levels from earlobe blood samples with filter paper (1476.62 μ/ml) was relatively similar with median cubital vein blood samples with conventional method (1476.77 μ/ml), but the mean value of IgM anti PGL-1 antibody levels from median cubital vein blood samples with filter paper (1210.37 μ/ml) was lower from other methods. However, there was no statistically significant difference between them.CONCLUSION: There are no significant differences between the mean levels of IgM anti-PGL-1 antibody from earlobe and the median cubital vein blood samples.
Tribological Characterization of Polyacrylamide-Alginate Hybrid Hydrogels as a Potential Candidate for Cartilage Replacement
Authors: Arjmandi Mohammadreza , Ramezani Maziar , Nand Ashveen , Neitzert Thomas Rainer
Published: August 2018

Various hydrogels such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) were assessed as articular cartilage replacement in the past. In the current study, the biphasic, biocompatible, and mechanically tunable Polyacrylamide-Alginate (PAAm-Alg) hybrid hydrogel was evaluated with different parameters such as load, speed and lubrication to study friction and wear performance of the material. Dried mass loss of hydrogel with lubrication was in the range of 2-9 wt %. The average friction coefficient of hydrogel under bovine serum lubrication was measured as 0.03, which is fairly close to native cartilage tissue. SEM studies revealed adhesion as the dominant wear mechanism due to excessive plastic deformation, independent of load and speed condition while fatigue wear mechanism was more noticeable under 1.3MPa applied pressure. However, the lubrication has dramatically decreased the wear rate and as a result, it was difficult to distinguish the worn surface of hydrogel samples from the unworn surface and just a light depression was observed on the samples, which is promising for load-bearing applications such as cartilage replacement.
Mechanical Properties and Phase Morphology of Poly(Lactic Acid)/Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Rubber/Organoclay Nanocomposites Prepared by Melt Blending
Authors: Wacharawichanant Sirirat , Chomphunoi Kasana , Wisuttrakarn Chawisa , Phankokkruad Manop
Published: August 2018

This work investigated the mechanical properties and phase morphology of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) blends and nanocomposites, which prepared by melt blending in an internal mixer. The contents of NBR were 5, 10, 15 and 20 wt% and the content of organoclay was 3 phr. The impact test showed that the impact strength of PLA/NBR blends increased with an increase of NBR content and the impact strength of the blends was more than eight times by adding NBR 10 wt% when compared with neat PLA. The tensile test showed that Young’s modulus and tensile strength of PLA/NBR blends and nanocomposites decreased after adding NBR and organoclay. While the strain at break of the NBR blends increased with increasing NBR content. This result is attributed to the rubber phase in NBR in a cause the increment of elongation and elasticity in PLA/NBR blends. The morphology of PLA/NBR blends observed the fractured surface was rougher than that of pure PLA. This observation indicates that the addition of NBR in PLA can change the brittle fracture of PLA to ductile fracture, which has an effect to the strain at break or elongation of PLA. However, the morphology of the PLA/NBR blends were also observed the phase separation of the dispersed NBR phase and PLA matrix phase, and appeared the voids in a polymer matrix. The addition of organoclay had an effect slightly on the morphology of the blends. From X-ray diffraction, results found that PLA/organoclay and PLA/NBR/organoclay nanocomposites showed the intercalated structure, which PLA chains were inserted into the interlayer of clay due to the increase of d-spacing.
Investigation of the Electrical, Optical, and Mechanical Properties of Ag Nanowire Conducting Electrode
Authors: Sanchez Dominic C. , Balela Mary Donnabelle L.
Published: August 2018

Silver (Ag) nanowire having mean diameter and length of about 170.42 nm and 20.01 µm were prepared by the polyol process in ethylene glycol. Ag nanowires transparent conducting electrodes were then fabricated by depositing the Ag nanowires in ethanol and ink formulation on polymer substrates using a Meyer rod. The Ag nanowire electrodes exhibit an optical transmittance of about 68 % due to the large diameters of the as synthesized Ag nanowires. On the other hand, the sheet resistance was measured to be about 148 ohms/sq. When expose in air for 10 weeks, the sheet resistance increase to about 13 kohms/sq. Localized Joule heating during application of electrical stress of about 2 V for 7 days has resulted in the Ag nanowire degradation.
New Variable Stiffness Damper with Magnetorheological-Based Accumulator Control
Authors: Hong Lim Jian , Imaduddin Fitrian , Mazlan Saiful Amri , Idris Muhammad Hafiz , Bahiuddin Irfan
Published: August 2018

This paper introduces a new design of variable stiffness damper using controlled accumulator filled with Magnetorheological (MR) fluids. The originality of the new design is in its capability to offer less consumption of MR fluids than the conventional design of MR damper. The new design does not fill the whole cylinder with MR fluids but only use the accumulator space as the volume compensation control zone with MR fluids. The MR fluids control the compressive movement of the accumulator piston which alter the flow of the hydraulic oil to the accumulator chamber. As a result, the regulated flow of oil to the accumulator chamber will only have a direct effect to the compression stiffness of the damper. The experimental results show that the proposed design is capable to adjust the compression force while maintaining the rebound force of the damper.
Design and Implementation of Microbial Fuel Cell Using Carbon Paste Electrode
Authors: Luna Adriel Phillip , Manalo Franz Kevin B. , Florido Emmanuel A.
Published: August 2018

This study was conducted to design and implement microbial fuel cells (MFC) using graphite and carbon paste electrode to harness electricity from sewage water. The effect of the number of anodic graphite electrodes and concentration of zinc acetate on the voltage output was investigated. One-way ANOVA at 5% level of significance showed that there is no significant difference between the number of graphite electrodes and the voltage output of the MFC. The zinc acetate concentrations used were 0.005M, 0.01N, 0.02M, and 0.04M. Result showed that there was no significant difference using the 0.005M, 0.01M, and 0.04M zinc acetate concentration. The Tukey simultaneous comparison revealed that 0.02M MFC exhibited a significant difference in the voltage output compared to the other concentrations. The study showed that carbon paste electrodes can be utilized in MFC as an alternative to other electrodes that are commonly used.
Recovery of Zinc and Manganese from Spent Zn-Mn Batteries Using Solvent Extraction
Authors: Chen Wei Sheng , Liao Chin Ting , Chang Chen Hsi
Published: August 2018

For several decades, zinc-manganese batteries have been created to serve many forms of electronic products. However, every creative act has its destructive consequence. Plenty of waste element inside has caused the irreversible contamination to our environment.This study will focus on dealing with zinc-manganese batteries using environmental technology and hydrometallurgy methods, such as physical pretreatment, acid leaching and solvent extraction. The goal of this research will concentrate on the recovery of zinc and manganese from zinc-manganese batteries. The pretreatment processes include crushing, sieving and magnetic separation to separate the waste plastic, scraps of paper and impurity from waste zinc-manganese batteries. Before the process of the solvent extraction zinc-manganese batteries will be leached by specific acid first. In next step, the solvent extraction will be carried out and investigated. The parameters such as extractant concentration, extraction time, equilibrium pH value and organic-aqueous ratio (O/A) are analyzed in detail. Finally, the products of Zn and Mn are obtained in high-purity level and the recovery rates are about 92% for Zn and 95% for Mn.
Fabrication and Stabilization of Poly(Acrylonitrile-сo-Methyl Acrylate) Nanofibers
Authors: Singcharoen Krittiya , Sirimongkol Wansika , Khuntong Soontree , Rangkupan Ratthapol
Published: August 2018

In present study, poly (acrylonitrile-co-methyl acrylate) nanofibers were fabricated via electrospinning method and stabilized at elevated temperature in air. Electrospinning processing parameters i.e. solution concentration, solution flow rate and applied voltage were optimized. Fiber morphology and polydispersity index of fiber size was assessed from scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. Selected nanofiber was then used to study effect of stabilization time and stabilization temperature on fiber morphology, change in chemical structure and aromatization index (AI) using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. SEM images showed drastic morphological change of stabilized fibers compared to the as spun precursor. AI value increased as stabilization time and temperature increased and reaching maximum value of 98%. This indicated high cyclization of the aromatic ring in fiber structure. Current finding is critical for carbonization process and preparation of carbon nanofibers from PAN copolymer in the future.
Shrinkage Characteristics and Modeling of Cement Stabilized Road Pavement Bases: A Compaction Delay Investigation
Authors: Nanthavisit Patcharapan , Jitsangiam Peerapong , Nikraz Hamid , Pichayapan Preda
Published: August 2018

One of the main failure modes of a cement-stabilized road pavement base is the shrinkage cracking which could lead to negative consequences up to the failure of road pavements. The compaction time delay and cement content inherently affect to the shrinkage characteristics of the cement stabilized base course. This research aims to investigate the shrinkage characteristics with respect to the compaction time delay of a cement-stabilized base material through laboratory experiments. A series of shrinkage tests were performed on cement stabilized base samples with varying 3%, 4% and 5% of cement contents under controlled compaction delay periods varied from 0.5 hours to 1 day. The results of this study showed that shrinkage values of the study cement stabilized base increase with longer compaction time delay periods and cement contents. In addition, during an early stage (1-14 days) of shrinkage tests, shrinkage sharply increases before reaching the stage of a relatively constant rate after 14 days of testing. It would also be further notice that around 80% of the maximum shrinkage values from all tests gains in a test period between 14-21 days out of 42 days of a total shrinkage measurement period. Finally, the mathematic shrinkage model was formulated based on the test results of the study. In the model, the main factors of compaction delay time, cement content, and curing periods were used as the model variables. Shrinkage values can be predicted with a reliability of the R2 value of 0.6755.
Effect of Rice Husk Ash Silica as Cement Replacement for Making Construction Mortar
Authors: Boontawee Kantapong , Pansuk Withit , Tachai Luangvaranunt , Kondoh Katsuyoshi
Published: August 2018

Rice husk ash (RHA) is used as a replacement to cement to produce mortar. The effect of 5, 10, and 15wt% addition to the density and compressive strength of mortar is investigated. It was found that with the increasing addition of RHA causes the decrease of compressive strength and density of mortars. Compressive strength of mortar drops with addition of RHA, from a value of 42 MPa of no RHA addition, to 24 MPa of 15wt% RHA addition. Reduction in compression strength may be due to the decrease in density, which arises from porous RHA. This is more dominant in mortar made from addition of RHA without prior acid treated. Carbon residue and impurity in RHA further reduce the compressive strength of mortar. In addition, this research validate the use of a more environmentally friendly citric acid for partially removal of oxide impurities prior to burning the rice husk.
Influence from Fraction of Coverage to the Damping Capacity of Partial Constrained Layer Damping Structure
Authors: Huang Wei Bo , Zhang Zhi Chao , Lyu Ping , Wan Fei
Published: August 2018

In this paper, the influence from fraction of coverage to the damping capacity of partial constrained layer damping structure was studied by single point hammer test with two sides simply supported constraints and finite element simulation based on the theory of modal strain energy. Combining with time domain and vibration acceleration with the composite loss factors from finite element analysis, vibration reduction effect was remarkable with the fraction of coverage from 40% to 80%. The combined result showed that partial constrained layer damping structure with 80% damping layer coverage had better damping capacity.
Differential Influence on Regulatory B Cells by TH2 Cytokines Affects Protection in Allergic Airway Disease
Authors: Taitano Sophina H. , van der Vlugt Luciën E. P. M. , Shea Molly M. , Yang Jennifer , Lukacs Nicholas W. , Lundy Steven K.
Published: August 2018

The role of regulatory B cells (Bregs) in modulating immune responses and maintaining tolerance are well established. However, how cytokines present during immune responses affect Breg growth and function are not as well defined. Previously, our laboratory reported IL-5– and mCD40L-expressing fibroblast (mCD40L-Fb) stimulation induced IL-10 production from murine B cells. The current study investigated the phenotype and functional relevance of IL-10– producing B cells from this culture. We found IL-5/mCD40L-Fb stimulation induced IL-10 production exclusively from CD5+ splenic B cells of naive mice. After stimulation, the resulting IL-10+ B cells displayed markers of multiple reported Breg phenotypes. Interestingly, when investigating effects of IL-4 (a critical TH2 cytokine) on IL-5/mCD40L-Fb–induced IL-10 production, we found IL-4 inhibited IL-10 production in a STAT6-dependent manner. Upon adoptive transfer, CD5+ B cells previously stimulated with IL-5/mCD40L-Fb were able to reduce development of OVA-induced allergic airway disease in mice. Using B cells from IL-10 mutant mice differentiated by IL-5/mCD40L-Fb, we found protection from allergic airway disease development was dependent on the IL-10 production from the transferred B cells. Bregs have been shown to play crucial roles in the immune tolerance network, and understanding stimuli that modulate their growth and function may be key in development of future treatments for diseases of immune dysregulation.
The effect of body position on intraocular pressure in calves
Authors: Kurt Başak , Çağatay Halil H. , Aksoy Özgür
Published: August 2018

Tonometry is one of the basic diagnostic tests used for the diagnosis of glaucoma and uveitis in veterinary ophthalmology. The Icare® Rebound Tonometer which is a new tonometric device has been shown to be useful in a wide range of species. Eyes (n = 48) of 24 Simmental and Montafon calves with a mean age of 7.5 weeks (2–16 weeks), male and female, were subjected to intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement using the Icare® Rebound Tonometer with calves standing and in lateral recumbency. The mean IOP was measured as 9.02 ± 2.38 mmHg in the right eye and 9.08 ± 2.55 mmHg in the left eye. No age-related change was found in intraocular pressure of the calves between 2 and 16 weeks of age. No difference in IOP values was observed between Simmental and Montafon calves. Body position had no effect on IOP in calves. The Icare® Rebound Tonometer was shown to be a suitable diagnostic device for IOP measurement in calves.
Avaliação de habilidades sociais em pacientes com anomalias da diferenciação sexual
Authors: Sardinha Ana Paula de Andrade , Ferreira Eleonora Arnaud Pereira
Published: August 2018

Anomalias da diferenciação sexual (ADS) correspondem a um conjunto de malformações congênitas na genitália. É frequente indivíduos com ADS apresentarem dificuldades em interações sociais; entretanto, há poucos estudos sobre este tema. O termo Habilidades Sociais (HS) se refere a repertórios comportamentais que se caracterizam por interações sociais satisfatórias. Objetivo: Neste trabalho, fez-se a avaliação de comportamentos relacionados a HS em indivíduos com ADS atendidos em ambulatório especializado. Método: Participaram nove adultos com idade entre 21 a 35 anos. Utilizou-se: Protocolo para análise de prontuário, Roteiro de entrevista semi-estruturada e o Inventário de Habilidades Sociais (IHS). Comparou-se a média e o desvio padrão dos participantes da amostra, classificada segundo a identidade de gênero, com a média e o desvio padrão da amostra normativa masculina e feminina do IHS. Resultados: Os resultados indicaram déficit de HS em todos os participantes nos cinco fatores do IHS. Considerações finais: Discute-se sobre a importância de se intervir precocemente com indivíduos com ADS visando à prevenção de déficits em HS além do tratamento médico convencional.
Modelling studies of HOMs and their contributions to new particle formation and growth: comparison of boreal forest in Finland and a polluted environment in China
Authors: Qi Ximeng , Ding Aijun , Roldin Pontus , Xu Zhengning , Zhou Putian , Sarnela Nina , Nie Wei , Huang Xin , Rusanen Anton , Ehn Mikael , Rissanen Matti P. , Petäjä Tuukka , Kulmala Markku , Boy Michael
Published: August 2018

Abstract. Highly oxygenated multifunctional compounds (HOMs) play a key
role in new particle formation (NPF), but their quantitative roles in
different environments of the globe have not been well studied yet. Frequent
NPF events were observed at two “flagship” stations under different
environmental conditions, i.e. a remote boreal forest site (SMEAR II) in
Finland and a suburban site (SORPES) in polluted eastern China. The
averaged formation rate of 6 nm particles and the growth rate of 6–30 nm
particles were 0.3 cm−3 s−1 and 4.5 nm h−1 at SMEAR II
compared to 2.3 cm−3 s−1 and 8.7 nm h−1 at SORPES,
respectively. To explore the differences of NPF at the two stations, the HOM
concentrations and NPF events at two sites were simulated with the MALTE-BOX
model, and their roles in NPF and particle growth in the two distinctly
different environments are discussed. The model provides an acceptable
agreement between the simulated and measured concentrations of sulfuric acid
and HOMs at SMEAR II. The sulfuric acid and HOM organonitrate concentrations
are significantly higher but other HOM monomers and dimers from monoterpene
oxidation are lower at SORPES compared to SMEAR II. The model simulates the
NPF events at SMEAR II with a good agreement but underestimates the growth of
new particles at SORPES, indicating a dominant role of anthropogenic
processes in the polluted environment. HOMs from monoterpene oxidation
dominate the growth of ultrafine particles at SMEAR II while sulfuric acid
and HOMs from aromatics oxidation play a more important role in particle growth.
This study highlights the distinct roles of sulfuric acid and HOMs in NPF and
particle growth in different environmental conditions and suggests the need
for molecular-scale measurements in improving the understanding of NPF
mechanisms in polluted areas like eastern China.
Implementing microscopic charcoal particles into a global aerosol–climate model
Authors: Gilgen Anina , Adolf Carole , Brugger Sandra O. , Ickes Luisa , Schwikowski Margit , van Leeuwen Jacqueline F. N. , Tinner Willy , Lohmann Ulrike
Published: August 2018

Abstract. Microscopic charcoal particles are fire-specific tracers, which are
ubiquitous in natural archives such as lake sediments or ice cores. Thus,
charcoal records from lake sediments have become the primary source for
reconstructing past fire activity. Microscopic charcoal particles are
generated during forest and grassland fires and can be transported over large
distances before being deposited into natural archives. In this paper, we
implement microscopic charcoal particles into a global aerosol–climate model
to better understand the transport of charcoal on a large scale.
Atmospheric transport and interactions with other aerosol particles,
clouds, and radiation are explicitly simulated. To estimate the emissions of the microscopic charcoal particles, we use
recent European charcoal observations from lake sediments as a calibration
data set. We found that scaling black carbon fire emissions from the Global
Fire Assimilation System (a satellite-based emission inventory) by
approximately 2 orders of magnitude matches the calibration data set best.
The charcoal validation data set, for which we collected charcoal observations
from all over the globe, generally supports this scaling factor. In the
validation data set, we included charcoal particles from lake sediments,
peats, and ice cores. While only the Spearman rank correlation coefficient is
significant for the calibration data set (0.67), both the Pearson and the
Spearman rank correlation coefficients are positive and significantly
different from zero for the validation data set (0.59 and 0.48, respectively).
Overall, the model captures a significant portion of the spatial variability,
but it fails to reproduce the extreme spatial variability observed in the
charcoal data. This can mainly be explained by the coarse spatial resolution
of the model and uncertainties concerning fire emissions. Furthermore,
charcoal fluxes derived from ice core sites are much lower than the simulated
fluxes, which can be explained by the location properties (high altitude and
steep topography, which are not well represented in the model) of most of the
investigated ice cores. Global modelling of charcoal can improve our understanding of the
representativeness of this fire proxy. Furthermore, it might allow past fire
emissions provided by fire models to be quantitatively validated. This
might deepen our understanding of the processes driving global fire activity.
The radiative impact of out-of-cloud aerosol hygroscopic growth during the summer monsoon in southernWest Africa
Authors: Haslett Sophie L. , Taylor Jonathan W. , Deetz Konrad , Vogel Bernhard , Babić Karmen , Kalthoff Norbert , Wieser Andreas , Dione Cheikh , Lohou Fabienne , Brito Joel , Dupuy Regis , Schwarzenboeck Alfons , Coe Hugh
Published: August 2018

Abstract. Water in the atmosphere exists as both vapour and liquid water contained in particles. At high humidities, more water vapour condenses onto particles and causes them to swell, sometimes up to several times their original size. This significant change in size and chemical composition is termed hygroscopic growth and alters a particle's optical properties. Even in unsaturated conditions, this can change the aerosol direct effect, for example by increasing the extinction of incoming sunlight. This can have an impact on a region's energy balance and affect visibility. Here, aerosol and relative humidity measurements collected from aircraft and radiosondes during the Dynamics-Aerosol-Chemistry-Cloud Interactions in West Africa (DACCIWA) campaign were used to estimate the effect of highly humid layers of air on aerosol optical properties during the monsoon season in southern West Africa. The effects of hygroscopic growth in this region are of particular interest due to the regular occurrence of high humidity and the high levels of pollution in the region. The Zdanovskii, Stokes and Robinson (ZSR) mixing rule is used to estimate the hygroscopic growth of particles under different conditions based on chemical composition. These results are used to estimate the aerosol optical depth (AOD) for 63 relative humidity profiles. A static aerosol profile was assumed. Therefore, these results show the extent of the AOD frequency distribution that can be explained by humidity alone, rather than predicting actual AOD values. The median AOD in the region from these calculations was 0.46, which compares to a median of 0.36 measured by sun photometers. The shape of the AOD frequency distribution was largely comparable to that of the sun photometer measurements, demonstrating that relative humidity is able to account for a large part of the region's AOD variability. Humid layers are found to have the most significant impact on AOD when they reach relative humidities greater than 98 %, which can result in a wet AOD up to seven times larger than the dry AOD. Unsaturated humid layers were found to reach these high levels of relative humidity in 37 % of observed cases. Aerosol concentrations in southern West Africa are projected to increase substantially in the coming years; results presented here show that the presence of highly humid layers in the region is likely to enhance the consequent effect on AOD significantly.
Field Trip A (23 September 2018): geology and geomorphology of Giessen and its surrounding areas
Authors: Volker Frank , Menges Stefanie
Published: August 2018

Abstract. This field trip is intended to present an introduction to the
geological and geomorphological evolution of Giessen and its surrounding areas
(Fig. 1). The conference location of Giessen is located at the intersection of
three major geological and morphological units: the Rheinisches Schiefergebirge (Rhenish Massif) to the west, the
Hessische Senke (Hessian Depression) to the north and south and the Vogelsberg volcanic field to the east (Fig. 2). The rocks of the Rheinisches Schiefergebirge (Rhenish Massif) were formed during Paleozoic times, in the
context of the Variscan orogeny. Dominant rock types include graywacke,
slate, quartzite, and limestone, as well as mafic and felsic volcanics and
their related pyroclastics. The area north and south of Giessen is dominated
by the Hessische Senke (Hessian Depression), a north–south-trending subsidence area with several
individual deposit segments. Due to Cenozoic tectonic activity, the Hessian
Depression can be regarded as a connecting segment between the prominent
Upper Rhine Graben and the smaller graben structures of northern Germany,
and this is also documented by less consolidated Tertiary and Quaternary
sediments. Long-lasting subsidence of the Hessian Depression, however, is
indicated by the presence of Permian and Mesozoic sedimentary rocks.
Rotliegend rocks are present towards the southwest rim of the Vogelsberg volcanic
field and the Hanau-Seligenstädter Senke. Minor occurrences of Zechstein
rocks are exposed along the Lahn valley between Giessen and Marburg.
Mesozoic strata are dominated by Buntsandstein and are widespread in the
Marburg area, with Muschelkalk and Keuper rocks being restricted to small
erosional remnants in tectonic graben structures. The area to the east of
Giessen is dominated by the Miocene Vogelsberg volcanic field, where an
estimated area of 2500 km2 is covered by volcanic rocks of varying
thickness, the Vogelsberg thus being the largest volcanic field of central
Europe. The field trip provides an introduction to the geology, earth
history and geomorphological characteristics of Giessen and its surrounding areas. We
will therefore encounter rocks that formed in distinct geodynamic environments
and within a timespan of roughly 400 Ma (Devonian to present).
Seasonal drought prediction for semiarid northeast Brazil: About the added value of a process-based hydrological model
Authors: Pilz Tobias , Delgado José Miguel , Voß Sebastian , Vormoor Klaus , Francke Till , Costa Alexandre Cunha , Martins Eduardo , Bronstert Axel
Published: August 2018

Abstract. The semiarid northeast of Brazil is one of the most densely populated dryland regions in the world and recurrently affected by severe droughts. Thus, reliable seasonal forecasts of streamflow and reservoir storage are of high value for water managers. Such forecasts can be generated by applying either hydrological models representing underlying processes or statistical relationships exploiting correlations among meteorological and hydrological variables. This work evaluates and compares the performances of seasonal reservoir storage forecasts derived by a process-based hydrological model and a statistical approach. Driven by observations, both models achieve similar simulation accuracies. In a hindcast experiment, however, the accuracy of estimating regional reservoir storages was considerably lower using the process-based hydrological model, whereas the resolution and reliability of drought event predictions were similar by both approaches. Further investigations regarding the deficiencies of the process-based model revealed a significant influence of antecedent wetness conditions and a higher sensitivity of model prediction performance towards rainfall forecast quality. Based on the findings of this study, we recommend using a statistical approach for merely predicting reservoir level and drought events at regionally and monthly aggregated scales. However, for forecasts at finer scales of space and time or for the investigation of underlying processes, the costly initialisation and application of a process-based model is worthwhile. Furthermore, the application of innovative data products, such as remote sensing data, and operational model correction methods, like data assimilation, may allow for an enhanced exploitation of the advanced capabilities of process-based hydrological models.
Perioperative booklet for orthognathic patients: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Sousa Cristina Silva , Poveda Vanessa de Brito , Turrini Ruth Natalia Teresa
Published: August 2018

Objective: This study compared the effectiveness of an informational booklet on postoperative self-care, knowledge, anxiety and symptoms related to orthognathic surgery.Methods: This study is a randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial. This study was carried out from August 2013 to August 2015 and included 40 participants (20/group). The intervention group had routine postoperative surgeon guidance, and received a self-care booklet. Booklet information was explained by a nurse. The control group received only routine surgeon guidance. Knowledge and anxiety were compared pre- and postoperatively. Postoperative outcomes included self-care (oral hygiene, mobility and sensitivity, hydration of the lips, edema, and sleeping and breathing conditions), nutrition (eating ability and change in bodyweight), and pain (treatment required and a visual analog scale). Data were analyzed by general linear mixed models and mixed-effects models.Results: Knowledge was higher in intervention group compared to control group (p < .001). Anxiety assessment displayed no difference between groups. The intervention group had more halitosis (p = .003) and greater bodyweight loss (p = .002).Conclusions: The booklet increased knowledge of postoperative self-care, but did not lower anxiety. Halitosis and weight loss were higher in the intervention group, however, most outcomes were similar between groups.
Combining Simulation-based Training and Flipped Classroom in Project Management Learning
Authors: Strygacz Ivan , Sthub Avraham
Published: August 2018

Every year, countless projects are finished late, go over budget or end up being cancelled, often because their project managers and project teams lack the necessary tools and techniques to support their decision-making. Students of project management courses around the world have difficulty integrating the different knowledge areas of project management, after studying each knowledge area separately. Students then struggle and even fail when it comes to applying these concepts in a real-life project. Simulation-based training contributes to the solution of these problems by linking the concepts learned during a project management course and providing the experience of managing a simulated project that serves as preparation for real life. The objective of this research is to study the impact of simulation-based training and flipped classroom methodology on students learning project management. The contribution of this research is twofold. First, from a theoretical perspective, simulation-based training and flipped classroom methodology literature is enriched and broadened by applying both teaching tools. Second, from a practical perspective, an improvement in results, satisfaction and lessons learned was found when using simulation-based training under flipped classroom methodology compared to simulation-based training in a traditional classroom.
Incorporating clinical factors into medical procedures costing
Authors: Cygańska Małgorzata , Kludacz-Alessandri Magdalena
Published: August 2018

The aim of the study is to assess the effect of selected methods of allocating indirect costs to operating room medical procedures. When allocating indirect costs of operating room medical procedures, the following factors were taken into consideration: total direct costs, time of providing treatments and points reflecting, among others, procedure complexity and treatment intensity. For this purpose, the concept of quantitative description of patients' characteristics and hospitalization process was used based on the identified cost-generating factors of medical procedures. The conducted analysis included direct costs of 428 surgical procedures, grouped into 17 categories according to ICD-9, and indirect costs of operating blocks for the period from January 2017 to June 2017. The obtained results indicate that indirect costs allocated to patients proportionally to direct costs differ in a statistically significant way from other methods for all considered ICD groups. The differences in allocated indirect costs when using treatment duration and clinical cost-generating factors are statistically significant in the vast majority of the ICD-9 groups. This justifies the abandonment of the traditional, simplified methods of indirect costs allocation and incur-ring additional expenses related to the ongoing monitoring of patients' parameters and the course of hospi-talization. The results of the conducted study may be used to develop standards related to the recommended methods of calculation of costs of specific medical services for the purpose of making decisions in hospitals and financing medical services at the central level.
Optimization of multistage artificial aging
parameters on Al-Cu alloy mechanical
properties
Authors: Tsamroh D.I. , Puspitasari P. , Andoko A. , Permanasari A.A. , Setyawan P.E.
Published: August 2018

Purpose: This research is aimed to describe heat treatment process by using multistage
artificial aging for Al-Cu alloy with Taguchi method in Minitab 16 to optimize the heat
treatment parameters. This research conducted due to the applied of aluminium alloy in
automotive industrial and aircraft industrial that has good properties for fabrication.
Design/methodology/approach: Methodology that use in this paper is experimental
design with statistical approach. Three controllable parameters were selected, they were
temperature aging, holding time of aging, and the number of stages. The hardness value
and impact value after multistage artificial aging were chosen as quality characteristics. The
experiment was performed using orthogonal arrays of L9 (33).
Findings: The finding that resulted in this research are the most significant parameters that
affected hardness and toughness value of Al-Cu alloy against multistage artificial aging.
The optimal hardness and toughness for Al-Cu alloy were obtained with heat treatment at
temperature 200ºC, holding time for 6 hours, with two stages artificial aging.
Research limitations/implications: The limitation that found in this research is even
optimal level had been determined, it is unable to determine the true optimal value of each
design parameters.
Practical implications: This optimization process can be applied in manufacture process
in industrial without spend expensive cost and time.
Originality/value: According to research result, can be understood that by conducting
these experiments, the impact value and the hardness value of Al-Cu alloy increase with
multistage artificial aging treatment.