bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implementing a Postoperative Opioid-Prescribing Protocol Significantly Reduces the Total Morphine Milligram Equivalents Prescribed
Authors: Earp Brandon E. , Silver Jacob A. , Mora Ariana N. , Blazar Philip E. 
Published: October 2018

Background:
Opioid-prescribing patterns have been implicated as a contributing factor to the opioid epidemic, yet few evidence-based guidelines exist to assist health-care providers in assessing and possibly modifying their prescribing practices.

Methods:
Five orthopaedic hand surgeons at a level-I trauma center developed a postoperative prescribing guideline for 25 common hand and upper-extremity outpatient procedures, which were delineated into 5 tiers. Postoperative opioid prescriptions in a 3-month period after implementation of the protocol were compared with those from a 3-month period before implementation of the protocol.

Results:
There were 231 patients in the pre-implementation group and 287 patients in the post-implementation group. Each individual opioid protocol tier showed a significant decrease in the mean morphine milligram equivalents (MME) prescribed, ranging from a minimum decrease of 97.8% to a maximum decrease of 176.0%. After implementation, adherence to protocol was achieved in 55.1% of patients; the MME amounts prescribed were below protocol for 28.6% and above for 16.4%. The number of additional opioid prescriptions in the 1-month postoperative period was significantly less in the post-implementation group than in the pre-implementation group (p < 0.001). The total number of pills prescribed was reduced by a theoretical equivalent of over three thousand 5-mg oxycodone pills for the 287 patients in the 3-month period.

Conclusions:
By utilizing a simple consensus protocol, we have demonstrated success diminishing the number of opioids prescribed without leading to an increase in the number of secondary prescriptions written by our providers. These findings are encouraging and suggest that fewer opioids were left in the possession of patients, leaving fewer pills vulnerable to misuse, abuse, and diversion.
Osteosynthesis with Parallel Implants in the Treatment of Femoral Neck Fractures:
Authors: Nyholm Anne Marie , Palm Henrik , Sandholdt Håkon , Troelsen Anders , Gromov Kirill ,   the Danish Fracture Database Collaborators
Published: October 2018

Background:
The purpose of this study was to estimate the incidence of reoperation and the effect of implant position on the risk of reoperation within 12 months following osteosynthesis with use of parallel implants for femoral neck fractures.

Methods:
From cases registered in the Danish Fracture Database, 1,206 consecutive surgeries for a primary femoral neck fracture treated with use of parallel implants during the period of December 2011 to November 2015, and having available radiographs and follow-up data, were reviewed. Data included age, sex, time to surgery, fracture classification, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score. Fracture displacement, posterior tilt, the number of implants, posterior distance, calcar distance, tip-cartilage distance, and angulation of implants were measured on pre- and postoperative radiographs. Data on secondary surgeries were collected from the Danish Civil Registration System. The effects of the included variables on the risk of reoperation were evaluated using Cox regression analysis.

Results:
The median age was 73 years (range, 21 to 102 years); in 69% of the cases, the patient was female. Two implants were used in 997 cases and 3 implants were used in 209. In 157 cases, the patient underwent reoperation within 1 year; in 228 cases, the patient died within 1 year. The median time to reoperation was 116 days. Patients <70 years of age were more likely to undergo reoperation (18.0% compared with 9.8%) but less likely to die (7.4% compared with 26.3%) than were patients ≥70 years of age. Female sex, higher ASA score, and displaced fractures were associated with increased risk of reoperation. Time to surgery was associated with increased risk of reoperation for displaced fractures only. Of the variables pertaining to the osteosynthesis, only insufficient fracture reduction, placement of the implants with an angle to the shaft of ≤125°, and femoral head perforation significantly increased the risk of reoperation. We found no effect of the posterior distance, the calcar distance, the tip-caput distance, or whether or not the implants were parallel.

Conclusions:
Insufficient reduction, varus position of the implants, and perforation of the femoral head cartilage were the only surgical factors influencing the risk of reoperation. Sufficient fracture reduction is perhaps more important than focusing on an optimal position of the implants.

Level of Evidence:
Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The Effects of Timing of Inundation on Soil Physical Quality in the Water‐Level Fluctuation Zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, China
Authors: Cui Junfang , Tang Xiangyu , Zhang Wei , Liu Chuandong 
Published: October 2018

Core Ideas
The soil pore network was analyzed by micro‐CT images of intact soil core samples.
The VESS method using the mass fractal dimension was applied to evaluate soil structural quality.
Inundation decreases the number of soil pores and total porosity.
Drainable micropores shift to non‐drainable micropores after inundation in the reservoir zone.
With the completion of the Three Gorges Dam, soils between the elevations of 145 and 175 m are exposed or submerged seasonally. Soil hydrological and physical properties are changed. A detailed investigation was performed to examine the influence of the timing of inundation on soil physical quality. Samples were collected in the water level fluctuation (WLF) zone and non‐WLF zone in Zhongxian County, Chongqing. Soil samples were taken from depths of 0 to 10, 10 to 20, 20 to 30, and 30 to 40 cm. Soil structural quality was assessed by the visual evaluation of soil structure (VESS) method in situ; mean weight diameter (MWD) and mass fractal dimension (Dm) were measured to represent soil aggregate stability; and the soil water retention curve and computed microtomography (micro‐CT) images were used to show soil pore networks. Our findings show a deterioration of soil structure indicated by a high structural quality (Sq) score in VESS (the higher the Sq score, the worse the soil structural quality) and a decline in soil aggregate stability indicated by low MWD and low Dm in the WLF zone. The data from both the soil water retention curve and micro‐CT images demonstrate a deterioration of soil physical quality through decreased porosity and a shift of drainable micropores (0.1 < radii < 125 μm) to non‐drainable micropores (radii < 0.1 μm) in the WLF zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir. The potential of environmental hazards of soil in WLF zone was also investigated.
Development of dynamic system response curve method for estimating initial conditions of conceptual hydrological models
Authors: Sun Yiqun , Bao Weimin , Jiang Peng , Wang Xuying , He Chengmin , Zhang Qian , Wang Jian 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe dynamic system response curve (DSRC) has its origin in correcting model variables of hydrologic models to improve the accuracy of flood prediction. The DSRC method can lead to unstable performance since the least squares (LS) method, employed by DSRC to estimate the errors, often breaks down for ill-posed problems. A previous study has shown that under certain assumptions the DSRC method can be regarded as a specific form of the numerical solution of the Fredholm equation of the first kind, which is a typical ill-posed problem. This paper introduces the truncated singular value decomposition (TSVD) to propose an improved version of the DSRC method (TSVD-DSRC). The proposed method is extended to correct the initial conditions of a conceptual hydrological model. The usefulness of the proposed method is first demonstrated via a synthetic case study where both the perturbed initial conditions, the true initial conditions, and the corrected initial conditions are precisely known. Then the proposed method is used in two real basins. The results measured by two different criteria clearly demonstrate that correcting the initial conditions of hydrological models has significantly improved the model performance. Similar good results are obtained for the real case study.
The probabilistic drought prediction using the improved surface water supply index in the Korean peninsula
Authors: Jang Suk Hwan , Lee Jae-Kyoung , Oh Ji Hwan , Jo Jun Won , Cho Younghyun 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
This research proposes the Korean surface water supply index (KSWSI) which overcomes some limitations of the modified SWSI (MSWSI) applied in Korea and conducts probabilistic drought prediction using KSWSI. In this research, all hydrometeorological variables were investigated and four to six appropriate variables were selected for each sub-basin and probability distributions applicable for each variable were estimated. As a result of verifying KSWSI results, the accuracy of KSWSI showed better drought phenomenon in drought events than MSWSI. Moreover, the uncertainty quantification of KSWSI calculation procedure was also carried out using the maximum entropy (ME) theory. Estimating appropriate probability distributions for each drought component in the flood season is crucial because ME values and standard deviations of KSWSI are huge, implying that large uncertainty occurs in the flood season. It is confirmed that the accuracy of KSWSI may be affected by the hydrometerological variables selection, station data obtained, used data length, and probability distributions. Furthermore, monthly probabilistic drought predictions were calculated based on the ensemble technique using KSWSI. In 2006 and 2014 drought events, the accuracy of drought predictions using KSWSI was higher than those using MSWSI, demonstrating that KSWSI is able to enhance the accuracy of drought prediction.
Data mining based on wavelet and decision tree for rainfall-runoff simulation
Authors: Nourani Vahid , Tajbakhsh Ali Davanlou , Molajou Amir 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
This study introduced a new hybrid model (Wavelet-M5 model) which combines the wavelet transforms and M5 model tree for rainfall-runoff modeling. For this purpose, the main time series were decomposed to several sub-signals by the wavelet transform, at first. Then, the obtained sub-time series were imposed as input data to M5 model tree, and finally, the related linear regressions were presented by M5 model tree. This new technique was applied on the monthly time series of Sardrud catchment and the results were also compared with other models like WANN and sole M5 model tree. The results showed that the accuracy of the proposed model is better than the previous models and also indicated the effect of data pre-processing on the performance of M5 model tree. The determination coefficient of the training stage was 0.80 and improved 31% than the M5 model tree for Sardrud catchment which is recognized as a normal watershed with a regular four seasons' pattern.
Dewatering of septic tank sludge in alternative sludge drying bed
Authors: Manfio Denise Vazquez , Tonetti Adriano Luiz , Matta David 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
In dewatering of septic tank sludge, the sludge drying bed is one of the main techniques used, but it demands a great deal of area and time for the removal of sludge cake. Modification of this system using permeable pavements and polymer can minimize such problems, facilitating the management of sludge when decentralized sanitation is used. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the dewatering of septic tank sludge using conventional sludge drying bed (CSDB) and a sludge drying bed with permeable pavement (SDBPP). At the same time of dewatering, the volume drained by the SDBPP was 37.4 ± 4.6% higher than that obtained in the CSDB. Therefore, a lower drying bed could be used. It was found that the use of synthetic polymer allowed dewatering to occur in less time, but did not interfere in the solids content of the sludge cake. The reuse of the pavement was proven possible, but required large volumes of water and mechanical equipment.
Mapping sensitivity to desertification in Crete (Greece), the risk for agricultural areas
Authors: Morianou G. G. , Kourgialas N. N. , Psarras G. , Koubouris G. C. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe objective of this work was to classify and map the areas environmentally sensitive to desertification in the Mediterranean island of Crete. Sensitivity to desertification was estimated with a modification of the MEDALUS Environmentally Sensitive Area Index (ESAI) approach, using 15 quantitative parameters divided into four main quality indices: climate, vegetation, soils and management quality. The ESAI methodology was modified to include two additional parameters related to soil quality (water erosion and soil organic matter). According to the results, 37% of the island's area is characterized as critically sensitive to desertification. This percentage varies significantly across the island, with the western part having the least critically sensitive areas, and the eastern part the most critically sensitive. The results of this study also indicate that critically sensitive areas are found in the eastern side of the island mainly due to human-related factors and climatic conditions. It was concluded that the proposed methodology is a valuable tool for regional-scale assessment of areas environmentally sensitive to desertification in Mediterranean environments.
An introductory guide to gas exchange analysis of photosynthesis and its application to plant phenotyping and precision irrigation to enhance water use efficiency
Authors: Haworth Matthew , Marino Giovanni , Centritto Mauro 
Published: October 2018

AbstractLeaf gas exchange is central to the analysis of photosynthetic processes and the development of more productive, water efficient and stress tolerant crops. This has led to a rapid expansion in the use of commercial plant photosynthesis systems which combine infra-red gas analysis and chlorophyll fluorescence (Chl-Flr) capabilities. The present review provides an introduction to the principles, common sources of error, basic measurements and protocols when using these plant photosynthesis systems. We summarise techniques to characterise the physiology of light harvesting, photosynthetic capacity and rates of respiration in the light and dark. The underlying concepts and calculation of mesophyll conductance of CO2 from the intercellular air-space to the carboxylation site within chloroplasts using leaf gas exchange and Chl-Flr are introduced. The analysis of stomatal kinetic responses is also presented, and its significance in terms of stomatal physiological control of photosynthesis that determines plant carbon and water efficiency in response to short-term variations in environmental conditions. These techniques can be utilised in the identification of the irrigation technique most suited to a particular crop, scheduling of water application in precision irrigation, and phenotyping of crops for growth under conditions of drought, temperature extremes, elevated [CO2] or exposure to pollutants.
Climate change and its impacts on hydro-politics in transboundary basins: a case study of the Orange-Senqu River basin
Authors: Mgquba S. K. , Majozi S. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
In any basin or basin country, water security is of critical importance. The increase in populations and water demand are placing stress on the available water resources. This is likely to become more complicated within shared water-courses. Issues of equitable water allocation and distribution are important for all countries involved. Fostering cooperation and managing conflict hence become fundamental in transboundary water management. Climate change is likely to add new challenges to pre-existing dynamics in transboundary systems. According to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Climate Change Strategy and the SADC Shared Watercourses Protocol, there is a need to integrate climate change impacts and associated adaptation measures into water management plans to ensure water security for all countries involved in the future. The Orange-Senqu basin, which spans over Lesotho, South Africa, Namibia and Botswana, will be used as a case study to closely examine and reflect on some hydro-political challenges that may be brought about by climate change-associated impacts within the basin states. Although uncertain, climate projections largely indicate decline in rainfall and increase in temperature, especially within the South Africa part of the basin. This inherently is bound to affect water quantity and, therefore, availability within the riparian states below South Africa.
Seasonal control of spatial distribution of soil moisture on a steep hillslope
Authors: Dong Xiaoyi , Lee Eunhyung , Gwak Yongseok , Kim Sanghyun 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Spatio-temporal variation in soil moisture plays an important role in hydrological and ecological processes. In the present study, we investigated the effect of environmental factors on variation in soil moisture at a hillslope scale. The relationships among various environmental factors, including soil properties, topographic indices, and vegetation of a humid forest hillslope, and soil moisture distributions were evaluated based on soil moisture data collected at 18 sampling locations over three seasons (spring, rainy, and autumn) at depths of 10, 30, and 60 cm. In order to evaluate the multi-dimensional data sets without the interaction among factors, the principal component regression (PCR) model was applied to identify the factors controlling the spatio-temporal variation in soil moisture. The effects on soil texture and topography were significant in spring. In addition, clay and sand appeared as critical control factors for the study area in all seasons. The transitional control patterns in the soil moisture profile indicated that the control varied depending on features, such as total amount, intensity, and duration, of rainfall events in spring and during the rainy season. The transitional control pattern for autumn showed that vegetation and local slope controlled transitions in topography.
A new method to estimate the total drainage area of soil-water conservation projects on the upstream of Wangkuai watershed in Daqinghe River basin, China
Authors: Li Zhenquan , Li Qiaoyu , Wang Yimin 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
A new approach was presented to calculate the total drainage area (TDA) of many small hydraulic engineering projects on the upstream Wangkuai reservoir watershed considering flood scaling. By establishing the correlation of flood peak between Wangkuai and Fuping hydrological station, the event-based flood scaling in Wangkuai reservoir watershed was analyzed and the scaling exponent θ was 0.5688. Relations between flood peak and maximum 3 h rainfall amount were fitted for the undisturbed and disturbed periods to analyze the effect of small reservoirs on the flood peak. The average change ratio of flood peak was 15.05% and the TDA of small hydraulic structures was 939.88 km2.
An efficiency analysis for the production of chlorine dioxide by the electrolysis of brine in seawater desalination plants
Authors: Wu Chiung-Ta , Chang Chen-Yu , Li Yi-Ying , Kuan Yu-Lun , Lin Po-Hsiung 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
A previous study by the authors evaluated the efficiency of producing multi-oxidants using anodes coated in precious metal. This study showed that a titanium anode coated in ruthenium generates the largest amount of active chlorine (chlorine dioxide). The results from the efficiency evaluation also show that DuPont Nafion N-2030 ion film is the most efficient of the diaphragms that were tested. To increase the recovery rate for ClO2, this study optimizes the composition of the anode electrolyte. Sodium chlorite is added into the brine and an electrolysis reaction is performed at 40 °C and 12 V for batch operation. The principal product is ClO2 with a maximum concentration of 1,074 mg L−1. During continuous electrolysis, when the inflow rate for the anode electrolyte is increased to 120 mL min−1, ClO2 is produced at a constant concentration of 60 mg L−1 after 30 minutes. An analysis of the multi-oxidants generated from brine to detect disinfection byproducts shows very little trichloromethane is formed, much less than the standard for total trihalomethanes in drinking water in Taiwan (0.1 mg L−1). The disinfection efficiency of the multi-oxidant produced in this study is about three times greater than that of commercial hypochlorous acid. These results show that multi-oxidant products retrieved by recycling brine from desalination plants are commercially applicable and have economic value.
Prewhitened causality analysis for the chlorophyll-a concentration in the Yeongsan River system
Authors: Lee Eunhyung , Kim Sanghyun , Na Eunhye , Kim Kyunghyun 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBlooming of algae has been a primary issue of concern for heavily polluted aquatic ecosystems. The chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration depends on various hydrological, biochemical and anthropogenic components, which makes prediction of algal blooms complicated. A river regulation project in Yeongsan River, South Korea, involving the construction of a weir, had substantially altered the flow regime. A prewhitened time series analysis is a useful method for delineation of a causal relationship between two environmental variables. This study explores the impact of river regulation on algal blooming using both the prewhitened cross-correlation method and principal factor analysis. Both individual and comprehensive causality structures were configured for the variation in Chl-a concentration. A prewhitened cross-correlation analysis indicates that the water quality response patterns of the river system were changed to those of a reservoir after the river regulation project. A principal factor analysis of correlations indicates that the weir construction had a stronger impact on algal concentration than both the hydro-meteorological factor and difference in sampling location. Variation in stochastic structures from nutrients and water quality factors to algal bloom was substantially reduced by the construction of a weir, which can be explained by the relatively uniform flow pattern throughout the river regulation practice.
The use of waste SNCR catalysts to produce a nano-TiO2 photo-catalyst and to degrade wastewater from the dye making industry
Authors: Liu Yenchun , Tsai Chengyu , Liu Robert Lianhuey 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
This study recycles titanium dioxide (TiO2) that is contained in waste selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) catalysts using acid or alkali. The waste SNCR is then filtered, baked, ground and calcined to form a photo-catalytic powder. The nano-TiO2 photo-catalysts that are obtained using both processes are then tested and compared. The two TiO2 photo-catalysts that are produced from waste SNCR catalysts have a diameter of 30–40 nm. Energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) are used to determine the elemental composition of TiO2 and X-ray diffraction (XRD) is used to determine the crystalline phase. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are used to determine the surface morphology, the structure and the particle size. The effect of placing porous TiO2 in a suspension is also determined. This study demonstrates the production of a photo-catalyst from an SNCR catalyst and its effect in advanced oxidation processes (AOP). When everdirect supra turquoise blue (FBL) dye wastewater is degraded in the presence of ultraviolet (UV) /TiO2, more than 90% of the total oxidizable carbon (TOC) is removed.