bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Evaluation of a New Method to Detect Mixing Layer Heights Using Lidar Observations
Authors: Hicks Micheal , Sakai Ricardo , Joseph Everette 
Published: June 2015

AbstractA new automatic mixing layer height detection method for lidar observations of aerosol backscatter profiles is presented and evaluated for robustness. The new detection method incorporates the strengths of Steyn et al.’s error function–ideal profile (ERF) method and Davis et al.’s wavelet covariance transform (WCT) method. These two methods are critical components of the new method, and their robustness is also evaluated and then contrasted to the new method. The new method is applied to aerosol backscatter observations in two ways: 1) by looking for the most realistic mixing height throughout the entire profile and 2) by searching for mixing height below significant elevated obscurations (e.g., clouds or aerosol layers). The first approach is referred to as the hybrid method and the second as the hybrid-lowest method. Coincident radiosounding observations of mixing heights are used to independently reference the lidar-based estimates.There were 4030 cases examined over a 5-yr period for mixing heights. The efficacy of the lidar-based methods was determined based on diurnal, seasonal, stability, and sky obscuration conditions. Of these conditions, the hybrid method performed best for unstable and cloudy situations. It determined mixing heights reliably (less than ±0.30-km bias) for close to 70% of those cases. The hybrid-lowest method performed best in stable and clear-sky conditions; it determined mixing heights reliably for over 70% of those cases. The WCT method performed the best overall.
Performance Demands in Softball Pitching
Authors: Corben Jeffrey S. , Cerrone Sara A. , Soviero Julie E. , Kwiecien Susan Y. , Nicholas Stephen J. , McHugh Malachy P. 
Published: June 2015

Background: Monitoring pitch count is standard practice in minor league baseball but not in softball because of the perception that fast-pitch softball pitching is a less stressful motion. Purpose: To examine muscle fatigue after fast-pitch softball performances to provide an assessment of performance demand. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Bilateral strength measurements (handheld dynamometer) were made on 19 female softball pitchers (mean age [±SD], 15.2 ± 1.2 years) before and after pitching a game (mean number of pitches, 99 ± 21; mean innings pitched, 5 ± 1). A total of 20 tests were performed on the dominant and nondominant sides: forearm (grip, wrist flexion/extension, pronation/supination, elbow flexion/extension), shoulder (flexion, abduction/adduction, external/internal rotation, empty can test), scapula (middle/lower trapezius, rhomboid), and hip (hip flexion/extension, abduction/adduction). Fatigue (percentage strength loss) was categorized based on bilateral versus unilateral presentation using paired t tests: bilateral symmetric (significant on dominant and nondominant and not different between sides), bilateral asymmetric (significant on dominant and nondominant but significantly greater on dominant), unilateral asymmetric (significant on dominant only and significantly greater than nondominant), or unilateral equivocal (significant on dominant only but not different from nondominant). Results: Bilateral symmetric fatigue was evident for all hip (dominant, 19.3%; nondominant, 15.2%) and scapular tests (dominant, 19.2%; nondominant, 19.3%). In general, shoulder tests exhibited bilateral asymmetric fatigue (dominant, 16.9%; nondominant, 11.6%). Forearm tests were more variable, with bilateral symmetric fatigue in the elbow flexors (dominant, 22.5%; nondominant, 19.2%), and wrist flexors (dominant, 21.6%; nondominant, 19.0%), bilateral asymmetric fatigue in the supinators (dominant, 21.8%; nondominant, 15.5%), unilateral asymmetric fatigue in the elbow extensors (dominant, 22.1%; nondominant, 11.3%), and unilateral equivocal fatigue in the pronators (dominant, 18.8%; nondominant, 15.2%) and grip (dominant, 11.4%; nondominant, 6.6%). The mean (±SD) pitch velocity was 49 ± 4 mph, with a small loss of velocity from the first to last inning pitched (3.4% ± 5.0%, P < .01). Conclusion: Fast-pitch softball pitching resulted in profound bilateral fatigue in the hip and scapular muscles, with more selective fatigue in the shoulder and arm muscles. Clinical Relevance: These findings emphasize the importance of strength in the proximal musculature to provide a stable platform for the arm to propel the ball.
Interpretation of Serum Retinol Data From Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Cediel Gustavo , Olivares Manuel , Brito Alex , Romaña Daniel López de , Cori Héctor , Frano Michael R. La 
Published: June 2015

Background: In recent decades, the general socioeconomic situation in Latin America and the Caribbean countries has improved, and many vitamin A programs have been implemented in an attempt to reduce vitamin A deficiency in the region. Objective: To examine vitamin A status in Latin America and the Caribbean based on serum retinol concentrations and to contrast available data published before and after 1998. Methods: A systematic review was performed. National surveys or representative studies that reported vitamin A status were selected. Results: Ten national surveys and six representative studies were identified. Data for children under 6 years of age indicate that Guatemala and Nicaragua have practically eradicated vitamin A deficiency (less than 2% prevalence of serum retinol < 20 µg/dL). In Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, and Panama, the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency ranged from 2.8% to 9.4%. In Peru, Honduras, Argentina, Ecuador, and Brazil, vitamin A deficiency is a moderate public health problem (prevalence from 14.0% to 17.4%), while in Colombia, Mexico, and Haiti it is a severe public health problem (prevalence from 24.3% to 32.0%). Disadvantaged groups (indigenous people and those of Afro-Colombian descent) have the highest rates of deficiency. The prevalence of vitamin A deficiency is under 20% in schoolchildren and adult women. When data published before and after 1998 for children under 6 years of age were compared, most Central American countries had a reduction in the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency (   p < .05), whereas in South American countries, the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency increased over time (   p < .05). Conclusions: The prevalence of vitamin A deficiency in children under 6 years of age has decreased in many Central American countries, but vitamin A deficiency still remains a public health problem in numerous Latin America and Caribbean countries, especially among disadvantaged and vulnerable groups. Because of issues with the accuracy of the serum retinol biomarker reflecting body stores, these results must be interpreted with caution.
Folate and Vitamin B12 Status in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Brito Alex , Mujica-Coopman Maria F. , Olivares Manuel , López de Romaña Daniel , Cori Héctor , Allen Lindsay H. 
Published: June 2015

Background: The current magnitude of folate and vitamin B12 deficiency in Latin America and the Caribbean is uncertain. Objective: To summarize data on plasma or serum vitamin B12 and folate concentrations in Latin America and the Caribbean reported since 1990, a period that covers the era before and after the introduction of folic acid fortification. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in 2012 and updated in 2014. Studies and surveys using biochemical biomarkers and conducted in apparently healthy individuals were identified. Results: Folate deficiency in Latin America and the Caribbean appears not to be a public health problem (prevalence < 5%) after the introduction of folic acid fortification. However, there is some indication that high rates of low or marginal vitamin B12 status remain in most locations and across population groups. Conclusions: Adding vitamin B12 as a fortificant with folic acid may be the best strategy in areas where vitamin B12 deficiency is an established concern.
Prevalence of Anemia in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Mujica-Coopman María F. , Brito Alex , López de Romaña Daniel , Ríos-Castillo Israel , Cori Héctor , Olivares Manuel 
Published: June 2015

Background: In Latin America and the Caribbean, anemia has been a public health problem that affects mainly women of childbearing age and children under 6 years of age. However, the current prevalence of anemia in this region is unknown. Objective: To examine the latest available prevalence data on anemia in Latin America and the Caribbean. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in 2011 and updated in 2014. Studies determining the prevalence of anemia conducted in apparently healthy populations with national or regional representativeness were included in the review. Results: The lowest prevalence rates of anemia among children under 6 years of age were found in Chile (4.0%), Costa Rica (4.0%), Argentina (7.6%), and Mexico (19.9%). In Nicaragua, Brazil, Ecuador, El Panama, and Honduras, anemia was a moderate public health problem, with prevalence ranging Salvador, Cuba, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Peru, from 20.1% to 37.3%. Anemia was a severe public health problem in Guatemala, Haiti, and Bolivia. The prevalence of anemia among women of childbearing age was lowest in Chile (5.1%). In Colombia, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Honduras, and Argentina, anemia was a mild public health problem, with prevalence ranging from 7.6% to 18.7%. In Guatemala, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Bolivia, anemia was a moderate public health problem, with prevalence ranging from 21.4% to 38.3%. Panama and Haiti had the highest reported prevalence rates (40.0% and 45.5%, respectively), and anemia was considered a severe public health problem in those countries. Conclusions: Anemia remains a public health problem in children under 6 years of age and women of childbearing age in most Latin America and Caribbean countries for which data are available.
Zinc Deficiency in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Cediel Gustavo , Olivares Manuel , Brito Alex , Cori Héctor , López de Romaña Daniel 
Published: June 2015

Background: Zinc deficiency affects multiple vital functions in the life cycle, especially growth. Limited information is available on the magnitude of zinc deficiency in Latin America and the Caribbean. Objective: To examine the latest available information on both the prevalence of zinc deficiency and the risk of zinc deficiency in Latin America and the Caribbean. Methods: The prevalence of zinc deficiency was identified through a systematic review looking for the latest available data on serum zinc concentrations from surveys or studies with national representativeness conducted in Latin America and the Caribbean. The risk of zinc deficiency in Latin America and the Caribbean was estimated based on dietary zinc inadequacy (according to the 2011 National Food Balance Sheets) and stunting in children under 5 years of age. Results: Only four countries had available national biochemical data. Mexican, Colombian, Ecuadorian, and Guatemalan children under 6 years of age and women 12 to 49 years of age had a high prevalence of zinc deficiency (19.1% to 56.3%). The countries with the highest risk of zinc deficiency (estimated prevalence of inadequate zinc intake >25% plus prevalence of stunting >20%) were Belize, Bolivia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Zinc dietary inadequacy was directly correlated with stunting ( r = 0.64, p < .001). Conclusions: Prevalence data from the four available Latin America and Caribbean national surveys indicate a high prevalence of zinc deficiency in children under 6 years of age and women 12 to 49 years of age. High rates of both estimated zinc dietary inadequacy and stunting were also reported in most Latin America and Caribbean countries.
Integration of Nutrition Into Extension and Advisory Services
Authors: Fanzo Jessica , Marshall Quinn , Dobermann Darja , Wong Joyce , Merchan Rafael I. , Jaber Mona I. , Souza Alejandro , Verjee Neelam , Davis Kristin 
Published: June 2015

Background: The need for nutrition-sensitive agriculture is well recognized and of growing interest to global development players. Extension and advisory services (EAS), with their established infrastructure, provide a unique opportunity for nutrition interventions to be implemented at scale with significant reach. Objective: To assess current integration of nutrition in EAS, document training provided to EAS agents, and identify challenges and opportunities for the integration of nutrition. Methods: A mixed methodology was used, which included a systematic literature review covering the following databases: PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Agris, Google Scholar, Econlit, and IBSS. In addition, online surveys and semistructured key informant interviews with stakeholders were performed. Data were collected between December 2012 and June 2013. Results: Based on this study, the most common integration of nutrition into EAS is through efforts to increase the availability of nutritious food. The nutrition training of extension agents is often inadequate, particularly in the realm beyond technical agricultural skill. Additionally, a lack of career opportunities discourages EAS agents form engaging with nutrition integration. The major challenges to integrating nutrition into EAS centered on lack of training for agents, unclear organizational mandates, lack of female inclusion, lack of mobility, and systemic challenges between agriculture and nutrition sectors. Key opportunities for integration efforts are engaging communities, creating a demand for nutrition, and use of innovative communications. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a large degree of variability across programs in the integration and implementation of nutrition activities into EAS, providing differing opinions on the feasibility of integration. Although the need for nutrition-sensitive agriculture is known, and there is agreement that EAS would provide a positive framework, there are still challenges impeding a simple integration of nutrition into EAS as a delivery platform.
Identifying the Sociocultural Barriers and Facilitating Factors to Nutrition-related Behavior Change
Authors: Kodish Stephen , Aburto Nancy , Hambayi Mutinta Nseluke , Kennedy Caitlin , Gittelsohn Joel 
Published: June 2015

Background: As the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) movement gains momentum globally, more attention and resources are being given to integrated nutrition interventions. In 2013, the Government of Malawi, with support from the World Food Programme and partners, initiated such an intervention in Ntchisi District. Aimed to reduce the prevalence of stunting, the intervention has several components, including the provision of a small-quantity, lipid-based nutrient supplement (SQ-LNS) for children aged 6 to 23 months. Objective: This paper describes formative research findings derived from a Rapid Assessment Procedures (RAP) approach to inform the integrated nutrition intervention. Methods: With a three-phase, emergent research design, this study utilized ethnographic methods including in-depth interviews, direct meal observations, and full-day child observations. Free lists and pile sorts were conducted to define food and illness domains through cultural domain analysis. Participants included community leaders, caregivers, health surveillance assistants, and children aged 6 to 23 months. Results: Community members felt that nutrition-related illnesses were less salient and threatening than other illnesses, and food quality was less important than food quantity. Household food allocation occurred in predictable patterns and varied by type of household member and season. Considered an energy-giving food, the SQ-LNS was accepted, but health education and communications tailored to local understanding of nutrition and health are necessary to ensure its appropriate utilization. Conclusions: Tailoring a communications strategy to Ntchisi, Malawi could only be done through formative research to understand the sociocultural factors influencing nutrition-related behaviors. A RAP approach allowed for a comprehensive understanding of this local environment.
Landscape Analysis of Nutrition-sensitive Agriculture Policy Development in Senegal
Authors: Lachat Carl , Nago Eunice , Ka Abdoulaye , Vermeylen Harm , Fanzo Jessica , Mahy Lina , Wüstefeld Marzella , Kolsteren Patrick 
Published: June 2015

Background: Unlocking the agricultural potential of Africa offers a genuine opportunity to address malnutrition and drive development of the continent. Objective: Using Senegal as a case study, to identify gaps and opportunities to strengthen agricultural policies with nutrition-sensitive approaches. Methods: We carried out a systematic analysis of 13 policy documents that related to food production, agriculture, food security, or nutrition. Next, we collected data during a participatory analysis with 32 national stakeholders and in-depth interviews with 15 national experts of technical directorates of the different ministries that deal with agriculture and food production. Results: The current agricultural context has various elements that are considered to enhance its nutrition sensitivity. On average, 8.3 of the 17 Food and Agriculture Organization guiding principles for agriculture programming for nutrition were included in the policies reviewed. Ensuring food security and increasing dietary diversity were considered to be the principal objectives of agricultural policies. Although there was considerable agreement that agriculture can contribute to nutrition, current agricultural programs generally do not target communities on the basis of their nutritional vulnerability. Agricultural programs were reported to have specific components to target female beneficiaries but were generally not used as delivery platforms for nutritional interventions. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate the need for a coherent policy environment across the food system that aligns recommendations at the national level with local action on the ground. In addition, specific activities are needed to develop a shared understanding of nutrition and public health nutrition within the agricultural community in Senegal.
Acceptability of Two Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods by HIV-Positive Patients in Vietnam
Authors: Brown Matthew , Nga Tran Thuy , Hoang Mai-Anh , Maalouf-Manasseh Zeina , Hammond Wendy , Thuc Thi My Luu , Minh Thi Hong Nguyen , Hop Thi Le , Berger Jacques , Wieringa Frank T. 
Published: June 2015

Background: Ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) has been found effective in treating severe acute malnutrition. Vietnam’s National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), and UNICEF collaborated to formulate a local RUTF called High-Energy Bar for Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (HEBI). RUTF might be useful to address malnutrition in HIV patients. Objective: To compare the acceptability of the local RUTF and an imported RUTF among malnourished people with HIV in Vietnam Methods: The acceptability of HEBI and Plumpy’Nut was studied among 80 HIV-positive children and 80 HIV-positive adults. In a crossover design, participants were randomly assigned to receive either Plumpy’Nut or HEBI for 2 weeks and were switched to the other product for the subsequent 2 weeks. A third (control) group of about 40 HIV-positive participants in each study was randomly assigned to receive no RUTF. Nurses took anthropometric measurements weekly, and the subjects or their caregivers monitored daily RUTF intake. Results: Children consumed 69% of HEBI and 65% of Plumpy’Nut ( p = .13). Adults consumed 91% of HEBI and 81% of Plumpy’Nut ( p = .059). Both children ( p = .058) and adults ( p ≤ .0001) preferred HEBI. Significant gains were observed in percent weight ( p = .035), weight-for-age ( p = .014), and body mass index (BMI)-for-age ( p = .036) in children who received RUTF and in percent weight ( p = .017) and BMI ( p = .0048) in adults who received RUTF compared with the control groups. Conclusions: In this study in Vietnam, both HEBI and Plumpy’Nut were found acceptable by people with HIV.
Deforestation and Transboundary Haze in Indonesia
Authors: Atkinson Christopher L. 
Published: June 2015

Indonesia is the world’s third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, primarily due to its timber and forest activities. Timber-related fires are common in Indonesian peat forests, resulting in a noxious haze that has been the cause of periodic economic and public health crises. In this article, the phenomenon of transboundary haze is examined in the light of path dependence, historical institutionalism and elite theory. An evaluation of Indonesia’s policy process with environmental legislation and enforcement, prospects for future policy development and discussion of the inability of Indonesia to deal effectively with haze and other environmental problems are addressed in the light of theory. The article concludes that the haze problem has historically been a microcosm of what is wrong with environmental policy in Indonesia, and that new incentive programmes like Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) aside, no significant change from the historical path may be reasonably expected unless Indonesia can seek to end or at least reduce the influence of crony relationships on regulatory structures and administration, and implement an independent programme of its own with appropriate oversight and resources for addressing environmental degradation and enforcement of regulations. 印尼是世界上第三大温室气体排放国，主要是来源于其木材和森林方面的活动。木材相关的火灾在印尼泥炭林中十分常见，这导致了有害雾霾始终是周期性经济和公共健康危机的原因。在本文中，通过路径依赖、历史制度主义和精英理论研究了跨境雾霾现象。本文从理论上探讨了印尼环境立法和执法的评价，未来政策发展的展望，并认为印尼没有能力有效应对雾霾和其他环境问题。本文的结论是，雾霾问题历来是印尼的环境政策出现问题的一个缩影，除了像REDD+（通过减少森林砍伐、遏制森林退化来降低排放）这样的新激励计划以外，从历史路径中没有显著的变化可以进行合理预测，除非印尼可以结束或者至少降低裙带关系对监管体系和管理的影响，并且形成一个独立的程序，通过适当的监督和方法解决环境退化和规定实施的问题。
Efficacy of Bilateral Simultaneous Hallux Valgus Correction Compared to Unilateral
Authors: Boychenko Anton Viktorovich , Solomin Leonid Nikolaevich , Parfeyev Sergey Gennadievich , Obukhov Ilya Esatovich , Belokrylova Maria Sergeevna , Davidov Denis Vladimirovich 
Published: June 2015

Background: Hallux valgus affects up to 29% of adults and can be bilateral in 84% of cases. Contemporary surgical techniques provide the possibility of simultaneous bilateral correction, but still there is no consensus on whether staged or simultaneous correction should be performed if both feet are involved. The aim of the present study was to report our experience of treatment of patients with hallux valgus and to perform comparative analysis of results obtained from unilateral and simultaneous bilateral surgical correction. Methods: Data on 60 feet (40 patients) with hallux valgus that underwent surgery between 2010 and 2013 using scarf osteotomy and lateral soft tissue release were analyzed. Unilateral correction was performed in 30 feet (25 patients) and bilateral correction in 30 feet (15 patients). The patients from both groups were admitted to hospital for 7 days. Functional assessment (American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society [AOFAS] score) and radiographic examination (intermetatarsal and hallux valgus angles) were performed preoperatively and at 6, 12, and 24 months after the procedure. Comparative analysis between groups with bilateral and unilateral correction was carried out. Results: At 24 months after surgery in the bilateral and unilateral groups, the mean AOFAS score was 86 ± 6.2 and 86 ± 6.9 ( P > .05), the mean intermetatarsal angle was 8.4 ± 0.5 and 8.8 ± 0.8 degrees ( P > .05), and the mean metatarsophalangeal angle was 13.0 ± 1.2 and 13.0 ± 0.9 degrees ( P > .05), respectively. Conclusion: According to the data obtained, simultaneous bilateral correction had the same functional and radiographic results as unilateral surgery. Level of Evidence: Level III, case series.