Cause Of Mismatch Research Articles

Sources of Discrepancy between Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer and Bruch’s Membrane Opening-Minimum Rim Width Thickness in Eyes with Glaucoma

To compare the discrepancies between circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and Bruch's membrane opening-minimum rim width (BMO-MRW) thickness in glaucoma eyes. A cross-sectional observational study. One hundred eighty-six eyes (118 patients) with glaucoma. OCT optic nerve head volume scans of patients enrolled in the Advanced Glaucoma Progression Study at the final available visit were exported. The RNFL and BMO-MRW measurements were averaged into corresponding 7.5° sectors, and the nasal sector data were excluded from analyses. A 2-stage screening process was used to identify true mismatches between the RNFL and BMO-MRW measurements, in which either the RNFL or BMO-MRW value was in the less than first percentile range while its counterpart was in the greater than first percentile range on the temporal-superior-nasal-inferior-temporal curve. The prevalence of these mismatches was mapped, and corresponding images were reviewed to determine the underlying cause of these discrepancies. Proportion of mismatches between RNFL and BMO-MRW, location of mismatches between RNFL and BMO-MRW, anatomical causes of mismatches between RNFL and BMO-MRW. Mismatch analysis revealed true mismatches between RNFL and BMO-MRW in 7.7% of sectors. High BMO-MRW with low corresponding RNFL mismatches were most frequently located at the 45° and 322.5° sectors, whereas high RNFL with corresponding low BMO-MRW mismatches peaked at the 75° sector. Large blood vessels accounted for 90.9% of high RNFL with low BMO-MRW mismatches. Small to large blood vessels accounted for 62.9% of high BMO-MRW with low RNFL mismatches; the remaining mismatches could be attributed to retinoschisis or inclusion of outer retinal layers in BMO-MRW measurements. Although overall agreement between RNFL and BMO-MRW measurements is good in areas with advanced damage, blood vessels and other anatomical factors can cause discrepancies between the 2 types of structural measurements and need to be considered when evaluating the utility of such measurements for detection of change. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Research on Full-Field Dynamic Deflection Measurement of Beams Based on Dense Feature Matching and Mismatch Removal Method

To solve the problems of measurement errors led by mismatches of dense feature matching in machine vision structural deflection measurement, this paper proposes a dense feature extraction, matching, and dual-step mismatch-removal-based full-field structural dynamic deflection measurement method. First, the of dense feature detection and matching theory is introduced to extract the SIFT feature points on a structural surface in an image sequence and matched by FLANN to trace the structure movement, and the mechanisms and causes of mismatches are analyzed. Then, a dual-step mismatch removal method combining RANSAC and Structural Displacement Continuity Restriction (SDCR) is introduced to achieve full-field dynamic beam deflection measurement. The proposed method is validated through indoor cantilever beam experiments, and results show that the method can effectively eliminate a large number of SIFT feature mismatches (accounting for approximately 55% of the total matched feature points). The full-field dynamic displacement field of the beam can be measured with the correctly matched dense feature points by converting dense feature point displacements into continuous and uniform spatiotemporal deflections of the structure. A comparison with the GOM Correlate Professional DIC measurement system was conducted, and the maximum measurement error of the cantilever beam dynamic displacement of the proposed method is between 0.024 and 0.053 mm, the root mean squared error of displacement is approximately 0.01 mm, and the correlation coefficient between two deflection–time curves reaches 0.9964. The proposed algorithm is proven to be effective in full-field displacement measurement and has great potential in future structural health monitoring of bridges.

Mismatch between school furniture dimensions and anthropometric parameters is a risk for spinal deformities in secondary school students in Lagos, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundA mismatch between school furniture dimensions and anthropometric parameters has been well documented in adolescents, but there is a paucity of data on the impact of these mismatches on the students’ spinal health in Nigeria. This study therefore investigated the relationship of spinal deformities with selected anthropometric parameters and furniture dimensions of adolescents in secondary schools.MethodsThis study involved 540 apparently healthy students between the ages of 10 and 19 years from 9 public and private secondary schools in Lagos state, Nigeria. The furniture dimensions, anthropometric parameters, and spinal curvature disorders were evaluated using standard protocol. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 with a level of significance set at p < 0.05.ResultsTwo hundred two (37%) of the participants had abnormal spinal curvatures in varying types and degrees. There was a significant association at p ≤ 0.05 between the presence of spinal deformities and popliteal height to seat height mismatch (X2 = 175.67, p = 0.001), hip breadth to seat width mismatch (X2 = 293.14, p = 0.00), and shoulder height to backrest height mismatch (X2 = 788.16, p = 0.001).ConclusionAnthropometric parameters to furniture dimensions mismatch are significantly associated with the presence of spinal deformities among the students. The main cause of mismatch is using a homogeneous size of furniture for all students in addition to non-consideration of the students’ dimensions during furniture manufacturing.

Probability-based visual comfort assessment and optimization in national fitness halls under sports behavior uncertainty

Sports behavior uncertainty is a main cause of mismatch between simulated and actual visual comfort in sports spaces, which has not been properly addressed in existing studies. This study proposes a multi-phase and multi-objective optimization approach to improve visual comfort in national fitness halls by better considering sports behavior uncertainty. Specifically, a surrogate-based multi-objective optimization workflow is developed for fast optimization of visual comfort. Then, a probabilistic behavior model is created to predict player's occupancy probability in all possible view scenes during sports, and based on which the probabilistic visual comfort is introduced to assess player's realistic visual comfort taking account of the occupancy probability. The sport of tennis in a parametric national fitness hall is selected as the case study scenario. Results indicated that the proposed response surface model outperformed artificial neural network model in predicting visual comfort, while this approach saved 35.43% of total computational time versus the traditional simulation-based multi-objective optimization approach in this case study; 296 Pareto solutions out of 1758 design alternatives were quickly identified, among which the final optimum solution indicated an approximately 200% better visual comfort against the worst one; Sports behavior uncertainty was found to affect player's visual comfort assessment in tennis sports, presenting variances on different court locations under two court layouts. This study contributes new insights of probabilistic visual comfort assessment under sports scenarios and explores the potential of court location and layout arrangement for multi-purpose usage consideration in national fitness halls.

Humanitarian Assistance as Performance? Expectations and Mismatches Between Aid Agencies and Refugee Beneficiaries

ABSTRACT When relief organisations provide assistance for refugees, aid providers expect particular responses from their beneficiaries that align with the desired outcomes of a given intervention. Yet, in practice, refugees often do not ‘perform’ to the script prepared by the organisations. When refugees’ responses to aid interventions fall outside of expectations, some aid workers struggle to understand the causes of mismatches, leading to the creation of labels such as ‘refugee syndrome’. Drawing upon two case studies in refugee camps in East and West Africa, this article examines the roots of such disjuncture between refugees and relief agencies through a lens of performance. While shedding light on dramaturgical setting in refugee assistance, the article particularly explores the social and political dynamics between different actors in the humanitarian sector and offers a theoretical approach to describe why such gaps emerge and endure in implementation of aid programmes.

5 Why Analysis Implementation To Detect Root Cause Of Rejected Product (Study At Aerospace Industry)

Purpose this paper is to detect the root cause of rejected product at aerospace industry. The rejected product is a minor defect that find in machining process. We found 1.47% of rejected product and it is higher than acceptable level. 5 why analysis was used to detect the root cause of rejected product in order to provide effective solution for this problem. There are four type of problem that focused in this research i.e. Total Damage, Incorrect, Mismatch, and Undercut. Based on 5 why analysis we found the root cause of total damage is there was not standard adjustment of speed between new machine and real system and we propose corrective action is making standardization for adjustment of speed between new machine and real system, the root cause of incorrect is there was no discipline in doing job and we propose corrective action is training and supervision for programmer, the root cause of mismatch is there was no appropriate strategy to make clamping system in tolerance and we propose corrective action is training about strategic strategy, and last the root cause of undercut is there were not coordination and standardization and we propose corrective action is carrying out coordination between unit and make configuration standard.

Quantifying the Mismatch in Smart Water Meter Readings in Muscat Water Distribution Network (DIAM) – Case of Oman

Quantifying the Mismatch in Smart Water Meter Readings in Muscat Water Distribution Network (DIAM) – Case of Oman&#x0D; &#x0D; Ibrahim Nasser Khalifa Al-Mamari* &#x0D; *MBA, Middle East College&#x0D; Email: PG19S2034@mec.edu.com&#x0D; Dr. Maria Teresa Matriano&#x0D; Faculty/Assistant Professor, Department of Post-Graduate Studies, Middle East College, Oman&#x0D; Email: maria@mec.edu.om&#x0D; &#x0D; Abstract&#x0D; Purpose:- The study is intended to focus on quantifying the mismatch between the consumption data collected on the project site to the estimated reading generated by the system. The mismatch quantification process involves formulating a theoretical mathematical modelling using Bernoulli’s equation that will help in reducing the conflicts in mismatch of data between the actual and estimated water consumption readings. &#x0D; &#x0D; Design / methodology / approach:- The study revolves around basic survey of different journals and articles which relates closely to the topic.There’s application of qualitative method in which the results depend on the opinion of the focus group participants.&#x0D; Findings:- Based on survey results and flow calculations, the flow was compared with the actual discharge measured from the smart meters; mismatch was ensured in the actual discharge at transmission and the discharge at the distribution line at each consumer location. The opinion of the focus group suggests to upgrade the existing system in Diam.&#x0D; Research limitation / Implications:- A recognizable mismatch was made that influences Diam to create estimated charging. A viable computerized water spillage checking system was consolidated to recognize and annihilate the mismatch.The are recommendations to minimize the estimation system in billing at the water supplier end; and the inclusion of a new technology to quantify the mismatch in the existing system. A SCADA based system to localize the flaw point; and the inclusion of big data analysis in the bill generation software should be implemented.&#x0D; Originality / value:- There are no previous studies on mismatch quantification process in Oman, and this study would propose a system that would be helpful in finding the causes of mismatch and eradicating them.&#x0D; Keywords: Diam, Distribution Network, Smart Meters, Estimated Reading, Water Consumption Mismatch, Numerical Modeling

Appariement entre un registre régional de pratiques en cardiologie interventionnelle et la base médico-administrative d’hospitalisation française : développement et validation d’un algorithme d’appariement déterministe

BackgroundTo recreate the in-hospital healthcare pathway for patients treated with coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention, we linked the interventional cardiology registry (ACIRA) and the pseudonymized French hospital medical information system database (PMSI) in the Aquitaine region. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a deterministic merging algorithm between these exhaustive and complementary databases. MethodsAfter a pre-treatment phase of the databases to standardize the 11 identified linking variables, a deterministic linking algorithm was developed on ACIRA hospital stays between December 2011 and December 2014 in nine interventional cardiology centers as well as the data from the consolidated PMSI databases of the Aquitaine region from 2011 to 2014. Merging was carried out through 12 successive steps, the first consisting in strict linking of the 11 variables. The performance of the algorithm was analyzed in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV). Strategies complementary to the initial algorithm (change in the order of variables and base preprocessing) were tested. Comparative analysis of merged/unmerged patients explored potential causes of mismatch. ResultsThe algorithm found 97.2% of the 31,621 ACIRA stays to have sensitivity of 99.9% (95% CI [99.9; 99.9]), specificity of 97.9% (95% CI [97.7; 98.1]), PPV of 99.9% (95% CI [99.9; 99.9]) and NPV of 96.9% (95% CI [96.7; 97.1]). Complementary strategies did not yield better results. The unmerged patients were older, and hospitalized mostly in 2012 in two interventional cardiology centers. ConclusionThis study underscored the feasibility and validity of an indirect deterministic pairing to routinely link a registry of practices using hospital data to pseudonymized medico-administrative databases. This method, which can be extrapolated to other health events leading to hospitalization, renders it possible to effectively reconstruct patients’ hospital healthcare pathway.

Diagnostic capability of ultrasound in peritoneal catheter malfunction compared to videolaparoscopy.

The approach to peritoneal catheter malfunction consists usually in a diagnostic and therapeutic sequence of laxative prescription, abdominal radiography, brushing of the catheter, guide-wire manipulation or fluoroscopy and in the end of a videolaparoscopy (VLS) rescue intervention. Ultrasound (US) is able to find out major causes of peritoneal catheter malfunction, however without a clearly defined diagnostic value. The aim of the study was to validate the diagnostic capability of US in catheter malfunction compared to the diagnostic reference of VLS. US scans of the subcutaneous and intraperitoneal segment of the catheter were performed prior to a VLS intervention in 40 adult patients presenting persistent catheter malfunction within a prospective multicentre study. Laxative prescription and brushing of the catheter lumen were undertaken prior to US scan. US diagnosis was compared to the corresponding at VLS, kappa coefficient calculated and the causes of mismatch analysed. In US, causes of persistent malfunction were catheter dislocation combined with omental wrapping in 21 cases, omental wrapping without dislocation in 11 cases, dislocation only in 4 cases, adherences to non-omental structures in 3 cases and entrapment in the lateral inguinal fossa in 1 case. The US diagnosis corresponded to the respective at VLS in 36 of 40 cases, resulting in a kappa coefficient of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.78-1.00). The discrepancies were due to improper visualization of the catheter between omentum and intestinal loops, resulting in an erroneous US diagnosis of omental wrapping. This study suggests that US might have a pivotal role in the diagnostic approach to peritoneal catheter dysfunction.

P1147SEQUENTIAL ULTRASOUND BASED APPROACH IN PERITONEAL CATHETER MALFUNCTION: THE COMBINATION OF B-MODE AND DOPPLER ULTRASOUND

Abstract Background and Aims The clinical approach to peritoneal catheter malfunction consists usually in laxative prescription, abdominal radiography, brushing of the catheter lumen, guide-wire manipulation or catheter fluoroscopy. Only specialized centers apply videolaparoscopy for catheter rescue interventions. Up to now, limited experience is present regarding the evaluation of the intraperitoneal tract of the peritoneal catheter in adult patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic capability of B-mode ultrasound (US) followed by colour Doppler US (Doppler US) in persistent peritoneal catheter malfunction. Method US followed by Doppler US of the intraperitoneal part of the catheter was performed prior to videolaparoscopy intervention in 40 adult patients presenting persistent peritoneal catheter malfunction despite non-invasive therapy such as laxative prescription and brushing of the catheter lumen. US and Doppler US diagnosis were compared to the corresponding at videolaparoscopy intervention, and the causes of mismatch analyzed. In all patients US was performed after filling of the abdominal cavity with peritoneal dialysis solution of at least one liter. Doppler US along the intraperitoneal segment of the catheter was performed by flushing with dialysis fluid. Results In US, causes of persistent malfunction were catheter dislocation combined with omental wrapping in 21 cases, omental wrapping without dislocation in 11 cases, dislocation only in 4 cases, adherences to non-omental structures in 3 cases and entrapment in the lateral inguinal fossa in one case. The correspondence of US and videolaparoscopy diagnosis was 90%, respectively in 36 of 40 cases. The discrepancies were due to improper visualization of the catheter caused by constipation and embedding of the catheter between intestinal loops, resulting in an erroneous US diagnosis of omental wrapping, whereas videolaparoscopy showed encasement of the catheter between intestinal loops in three cases and presence of adherences to tubal structures in one case. Doppler US clarified the functional aspects of the catheter, thus increasing the correspondence to videolaparoscopy up to 39 out of 40 cases (97.5%) Conclusion US combined with Doppler US is helpful in making a correct pre-operative diagnosis of persistent peritoneal catheter malfunction and in planning of the videolaparoscopy rescue intervention.

Hydraulic control on the development of megaflood runup deposits

Runup deposits are veneers of alluvium that drape floodway valley side walls above the height of giant bars deposited during megafloods. Given sufficient sediment supply, the highest giant bars, deposited in re-entrants along the flood margins, tend to grow to close to the maximum time-averaged water level of the flood. However, considerable fluctuations in the water level, caused by sediment-charged floodwaters surging over shorter time-scales, are responsible for the higher runup deposits. Here, the theoretical calculations of the expected maximum runup heights are compared with surveyed heights of six runup deposits in the Chuja Valley, Altai, Siberia. The limitations and strengths of the theoretical approach are identified and modified parameters proposed that can be used to provide partial explanation for the differences between theory and observation. Conceptually, surging can be viewed as caused by four interrelated elements: (1) propagation of undular weir flow; (2) macroturbulence; (3) flow separation; and (4) standing, reflection and interference waves. The heights of the observed runup deposits primarily are related to the depth of the flood water above the bar tops and, to a lesser extent, the Froude number, but tend to lie below the maximum surge heights of the modelled flow. Changes in the effective geometry of the flow re-entrant, mediating flow patterns, as water depth increases is likely the cause of mismatch between theory and observation. Runup deposits may also lie at lower elevations than predicted because of sediment supply considerations and the return flow of surges ‘combing’ down deposits. Nonetheless, the difference between observed and predicted runup heights is often only a few tens of metres such that, for deep floods, runup deposits potentially are useful palaeostage indicators. The analysis also indicates that upper-stage plane beds do not dominate bar tops, rather bar top deposition was primarily to lower-stage plane beds, from dense suspensions.

Concerning Discordance of Teleological Mechanisms of the Market and State

The problem of overcoming a mismatch and discordance of the teleological mechanisms of the market and state has become pressing since the empirical “discovery” of a Pareto optimal correlation of these mechanisms. The complexity of the settlement of the constantly changing hypothesis of a theorem having only one proof for a given place and time further increases the problem. This article focuses on identification of the underlying causes of mismatch and discordance of teleological mechanisms of the market and state, and on identification of different factors (e.g., ideological, psychological, economical), as well as of required and sufficient resources to harmonize the specified mechanisms.

Development process of a mobile electronic medical record for nurses: a single case study

BackgroundWith the growing shortage of nurses, labor-saving technology has become more important. In health care practice, however, the fit with innovations is not easy. The aim of this study is to analyze the development of a mobile input device for electronic medical records (MEMR), a potentially labor-saving application supported by nurses, that failed to meet the needs of nurses after development.MethodIn a case study, we used an axiomatic design framework as an evaluation tool to visualize the mismatches between customer needs and the design parameters of the MEMR, and trace these mismatches back to (preliminary) decisions in the development process. We applied a mixed-method research design that consisted of analyzing of 118 external and internal files and working documents, 29 interviews and shorter inquiries, a user test, and an observation of use. By factoring and grouping the findings, we analyzed the relevant categories of mismatches.ResultsThe involvement of nurses during the development was extensive, but not all feedback was, or could not be, used effectively to improve the MEMR. The mismatches with the most impact were found to be: (1) suboptimal supportive technology, (2) limited functionality of the app and input device, and (3) disruption of nurses’ workflow. Most mismatches were known by the IT department when the MEMR was offered to the units as a product. Development of the MEMR came to a halt because of limited use.ConclusionChoices for design parameters, made during the development of labor-saving technology for nurses, may conflict with the customer needs of nurses. Even though the causes of mismatches were mentioned by the IT department, the nurse managers acquired the MEMR based on the idea behind the app. The effects of the chosen design parameters should not only be compared to the customer needs, but also be assessed with nurses and nurse managers for the expected effect on the workflow.

Compatibility of Lauge-Hansen Classification Between Plain Radiographs and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Ankle Fractures

We evaluated the accuracy of the predictive injury sequences of the Lauge-Hansen (L-H) classification using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with ankle fractures and determined the possible causes of mismatch. Sixty-five patients with ankle fractures who had a complete series of anteroposterior, lateral, and oblique radiographs and ankle MRI studies available were included. The fracture pattern was assigned by 2 senior orthopedic surgeons according to the L-H classification system. The syndesmotic ligaments, lateral collateral ligaments, and medial deltoid complex ligaments were evaluated on the preoperative MRI scans. Comparisons were performed between the predicted ankle ligamentous injury based on the radiographic L-H classification and preoperative MRI analysis. Of the 65 feet in 65 patients, 50 feet (76.9%) were classified as having a supination-external rotation (SER) fracture, 6 feet (9.2%) as having a pronation-external rotation fracture, 4 feet (6.2%) as having a supination adduction fracture, and 2 feet (3.1%) as having a pronation abduction fracture. The overall compatibility of the radiologic classification with the MRI classification was 66.1%. In the evaluation of 50 feet with the MRI SER designation, maximum compatibility was found for stage 4 (77.3%). The main cause for the discrepancy in the SER designation was missing the presence of deltoid ligament disruption on the plain radiographs, especially in the stage 2 and 3 SER fracture pattern. In the evaluation of deltoid complex injuries, all injuries were localized to the anterior part of the medial deltoid complex. The validity of the L-H classification system was low. A new classification system is needed to address the medial malleolus fracture or deltoid complex injuries without posterior injury. Also, stress radiographs could be added to standard radiographs for the classification to address deltoid complex injuries.

Physically Based Susceptibility Assessment of Rainfall-Induced Shallow Landslides Using a Fuzzy Point Estimate Method

The physically based model has been widely used in rainfall-induced shallow landslide susceptibility analysis because of its capacity to reproduce the physical processes governing landslide occurrence and a higher predictive capability. However, one of the difficulties in applying the physically based model is that uncertainties arising from spatial variability, measurement errors, and incomplete information apply to the input parameters and analysis procedure. Uncertainties have been recognized as an important cause of mismatch between predicted and observed distributions of landslide occurrence. Therefore, probabilistic analysis has been used to quantify the uncertainties. However, some uncertainties, because of incomplete information, cannot be managed satisfactorily using a probabilistic approach. Fuzzy set theory is applicable in this case. In this study, in order to handle uncertainty propagation through a physical model, fuzzy set theory, coupled with the vertex method and the point estimate method, was adopted for regional landslide susceptibility assessment. The proposed approach was used to evaluate susceptibility to rainfall-induced shallow landslides for a regional study area, and the analysis results were compared with landslide inventory to evaluate the performance of the proposed approach. The AUC values arising from the landslide susceptibility analyses using the proposed approach and probabilistic analysis were 0.734 and 0.736, respectively. However, when the COV values of the input parameters were reduced, the AUC values of the proposed approach and the probabilistic analysis were reduced to 0.722 and 0.688, respectively. It means that the performance of the fuzzy approach is similar to that of probabilistic analysis but is more robust against variation of input parameters. Thus, at catchment scale, the fuzzy approach can respond appropriately to the uncertainties inherent in physically based landslide susceptibility analysis, and is especially advantageous when the amount of quality data is very limited.

Online Fault-Tolerant Onboard Aeroengine Model Tuning Structure

Online onboard aeroengine models (OBEMs) have been widely used in health management, fault diagnostics, and fault-tolerant control. A mismatch between the OBEM and the actual engine may be caused by a variety of factors such as health degradation or sensor fault and may influence the effectiveness of the systems mentioned above. However, mismatch caused by unpredictable sensor fault is hardly distinguished from that caused by health degradation through the tuning process. A fault-tolerant OBEM tuning structure is provided to perform the online tuning function when health degradation and sensor fault coexist. This system includes three parts that include improved fault diagnostics and isolation (IFDI), a fault-tolerant OBEM tuning system (FTOTS), and a channel switching module. IFDI is used to distinguish the cause of mismatch and provide fault information, a FTOTS is used to complete an online tuning process based on information obtained from the IFDI, and the channel switching module is used to switch the working process from the IFDI to the FTOTS. Several simulation results show that this system is able to distinguish the causes of mismatch and complete online tuning in the case of sensor faults.

Interest of the Ergo-Kit® for the clinical practice of the occupational physician. A study of 149 patients recruited in a rehabilitation program

ObjectiveFunctional capacity evaluation is commonly used to assess the abilities of patients to perform some tasks. Ergo-Kit® is a validated tool assessing both functional capacities of patients and workplace demands. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relevance of the Ergo-Kit® data for occupational physicians during the return-to-work process. MethodsA retrospective and monocenter study was conducted on all patients included in a rehabilitation program and assessed with the Ergo-Kit® tool between 2005 and 2014. Workplace demands and patients’ functional capacities were evaluated and confronted. Self-beliefs and perceived disability were also assessed and compared to the functional capacity evaluation. ResultsOne hundred and forty-nine working-age patients (85 men, 64 women; 39±12 years) suffering from musculoskeletal disorders or other diseases were included. Main causes of mismatch between workplace demands and functional capacities were manual handling of loads, postures with arms away from the body and repetitive motions at work; sitting posture was correlated with a lesser physical workload; and Oswestry score was correlated with functional capacities evaluated by the Ergo-Kit®. ConclusionErgo-Kit® is a relevant tool to assess the multidimensional aspects of workplace demands and functional capacities. It could be very helpful for occupational physicians to manage return-to-work.

Molecular and morphological perspectives on the circumscription of Carex section Heleoglochin (Cyperaceae)

Vignea is the only monophyletic subgenus in the genus Carex (Cyperaceae), comprising nearly 300 members grouped into 19–28 sections. Molecular studies have demonstrated that most of these sections are polyphyletic. Here, we seek to clarify the relationships among species in section Heleoglochin based on phylogenetic and morphological analyses. We analyzed sequence data using nuclear ribosomal DNA internal and external transcriber spacer regions of 60 representative specimens of sect. Heleoglochin, representing the full geographic range of the section and of species that are themselves geographically widespread. We used maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference to estimate phylogeny and divergence times based on molecular data. We scored 17 vegetative and inflorescence characters on 303 specimens and 23 perigynium characters on 56 specimens to characterize morphological variation within and among species and clades. We undertook a comparative analysis of morphological, molecular, and biogeographic patterns to evaluate sectional limits and relationships. Our findings confirm that section Heleoglochin is polyphyletic, with three main lineages—Eurasiatic, North American, and Oceanic clades—supported by molecular, morphological, and biogeographic data. Morphological and molecular analyses support two disjunctures: the European species Carex appropinquata appears sister to the Oceanic lineage, and all the specimens of C. diandra distributed worldwide are grouped together in the North American clade. Concordance among morphological, molecular, and biogeographic data supports each of the lineages and highlights the potential of integrative studies to illuminate the causes of mismatches between phylogeny and traditional classifications. Such integrative studies are needed to make headway on the systematics of this thorny genus, in which non-monophyly of traditional sections is the rule rather than the exception.

Evaluation and improvement of a global land model against soil carbon data using a Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo method

AbstractLong‐term land carbon (C) cycle feedback to climate change is largely determined by dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC). However, most evaluation studies conducted so far indicate that global land models predict SOC poorly. This study was conducted to evaluate predictions of SOC by the Community Land Model with Carnegie‐Ames‐Stanford Approach biogeochemistry submodel (CLM‐CASA'), investigate underlying causes of mismatches between model predictions and observations, and calibrate model parameters to improve the prediction of SOC. We compared modeled SOC to the SOC pools from a globally gridded observation data product and found that CLM‐CASA' on average underestimated SOC pools by 65% (r2= 0.28). We applied data assimilation to CLM‐CASA' to estimate SOC residence times, C partitioning coefficients among the pools, and temperature sensitivity of C decomposition. The model with calibrated parameters explained 41% of the global variability in the observed SOC, which was substantial improvement from the initial 27%. The SOC and litter C feedback to changing climate differed between models with original and calibrated parameters: after 95 years of climate change (2006–2100), soils released 48 Pg C less in the calibrated than in the noncalibrated model and litter released 6.5 Pg C less in the calibrated than the noncalibrated model. Thus, assimilating estimated soil carbon data into the model improved model performance and reduced the amount of C released under changing climate. To further reduce the uncertainty in the soil carbon prediction, we need to explore alternative model structures, improve representation of ecosystems, and develop additional global datasets for constraining model parameters.

An improved multilevel cell programming technique for 4-bits/cell localized trapping SONOS memory devices

As the cell size scales down to 90nm node, the mismatch of spatial charge distribution dramatically aggravates the reliability degradation of localized trapping polysilicon–oxide–nitride–oxide–silicon (SONOS) memory, especially in multilevel cell and multi-bits/cell applications. The secondary electron injection (SEI) is thought to be the root cause of mismatch between injected electrons and holes. A channel hot electron injection (CHEI) programming technique with a positive substrate bias was proposed to effectively suppress SEI effect. In this work, a similar programming method is used in 90nm localized trapping SONOS devices for multilevel cell and multi-bits/cell storage. In contrast to the reported positive substrate biased CHEI programming, we apply a source bias of 1V instead of 0V to prevent the forward-biased source/substrate junction so that the programming power consumption is greatly reduced. It is experimentally found that a sharp electron profile near the junction edge is obtained. A better matched profile of the injected electrons and holes substantially improves the cycling endurance and data retention of 4-bits/cell memory at the four-level states.