Hidden Threat Research Articles

FOCUS: The hidden threat to the world's oil exporters

FOCUS: The hidden threat to the world's oil exporters

Comparative risk assessment for new cow-level Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis infections between 3 dairy production types: Organic, conventional, and conventional-grazing systems.

Johne's disease, a granulomatous enteritis of ruminant animals, is a hidden threat on dairy farms, adversely affecting animal welfare as well as herd productivity. Control programs in the United States advocate for specific management practices to temper the spread of the causal organism (Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis, MAP), such as improving calving area hygiene and limiting introduction of replacement stock with unknown infection status. A need remains for direct exploration of Johne's disease prevention strategies in the United States with respect to production type. Alongside the growing demand for organic products, the safety of organic dairy practices with respect to MAP control is warranted. Further, conventional herds for which organic practices such as pasture grazing are used should be situated within the risk spectrum. We developed a risk assessment model using the US Voluntary Bovine Johne's Disease Control Program as a framework, with the goal of evaluating the risk of new cow-level MAP infections. A total of 292 organic and conventional farms in 3 states were surveyed on management practices, and an overall analysis was conducted in which each farm was first scored on individual practices using a range of "no risk" to "high risk," according to the literature. The sum of all risk factors was then analyzed to quantify and compare the risk burden for each production type. Organic herds received higher overall risk scores compared with both conventional grazing and nongrazing subtypes. To identify which factors contributed to the overall increased risk for organic herds, the management practices were categorized and evaluated by logistic regression. We determined that the increased risk incurred by organic herds was predominantly due to decisions made in the calving area and preweaned calf group. However, although certain individual risk factors related to calf management are commonly involved in prevention strategies (e.g., cow/calf separation) and were thus included in the overall risk assessment, empirical evidence linking them to the spread of MAP is lacking. Instead, these factors are problematic when executed with other management decisions, leading to a hypothesized synergism of transmission risk. To this end, we developed a set of compound risk factors, which were also evaluated as outcomes in logistic regression models, with production type serving as the predictor of interest. Organic farms in our study were more susceptible to risks associated with the synergism of study variables. Notably, organic producers were most likely to allow calves to spend extended time with the dam, while also lacking a dedicated calving area. Additionally, calves in organic herds were more often permitted to nurse even with poor udder hygiene on farm. A heightened vigilance toward calving area hygiene is therefore indicated for these herds.

The Impacts of Technical Employees' Departure on Historic Buildings Organizations' Performance

Historic buildings (HBs) regarded as a national heritage for the countries and should therefore be maintained. Most governments have established institutions to conserve HBs. The Management of Historical Cities Bureau (MHCB) is a governmental non-profit institution has established since 1986 in Tripoli - Libya. This institution suffers from departure of senior technical staff. The objectives of this paper are to explore the rate of technical employees' movement and its impacts on the performance of MHCB and the reasons that make them leave. Also, it shed light on knowledge management (KM) efforts for recovering intellectual capital in the MHCB. Multi-methods were used for collecting data: analysing organisational documents, interviews, and observations that included taking notes and pictures. The findings presented that a high rate of technical staff left the MHCB between 1990 and 2010. This situation impacted the performance of the MHCB in terms of repetition of mistakes in repairing HBs due to a knowledge gap in the MHCB. This also, caused non-continuity of knowledge transfer and damage to accumulated knowledge, in addition to the cost of the time and money for rehabilitating technical staff. The significant hidden threat to Libyan HBs is most of departing staff will not use their knowledge in the field of HBs conservation. The chance for departing technical staff to get a job in the same field in other organization is very few. Also, the leaving of technical staff is irreplaceable because this institution is unique in Tripoli. The opportunity of specialist transition from other organization to MHCB is very few. The main reasons why employees leave the institution are: administrative changes, disagreement between employees and their heads and limited motivations combined with unhealthy and dangerous workplaces in old buildings. Finally, the paper shed light on knowledge management (KM) efforts that can recover some intellectual capital in the MHCB.

Neofusicoccum arbuti: a hidden threat to Arbutus menziesii characterized by widespread latent infections and a broad host range

The iconic tree species, Arbutus menziesii (Pacific madrona, madrone arbutus), has been in decline in the Pacific Northwest of North America for the past 40 years. It is thought that the fungal pathogen Neofusicoccum arbuti has contributed to the decline of this tree species. In recent years, there have been reports of declining arbutus in the coastal region of southern British Columbia, Canada. We conducted intensive sampling in a park with severely affected arbutus trees to determine the cause and prevalence of decline. The majority of arbutus trees sampled in this study had cankers associated with N. arbuti infection. We also sought to determine if N. arbuti has additional hosts that could act as a reservoir for this pathogen. Six new hosts of N. arbuti were identified, and a seventh was confirmed; these hosts spanned four taxonomic orders and included Amelanchier alnifolia, Cytisus scoparius (confirmed), Gaultheria shallon, Ilex aquifolium, Rosa sp., Sorbus sitchensis and Spiraea douglasii. Recovery of Neofusicoccum arbuti from both symptomatic and asymptomatic plant tissues of these hosts indicates that it potentially has a broad host range. It remains to be established if N. arbuti is also pathogenic to these hosts. These results highlight the importance of monitoring for this pathogen and assessing the extent of its geographic distribution and its ability to colonize various hosts.

Laboratory Detection and Clinical Implication of Oxacillinase-48 like Carbapenemase: The Hidden Threat.

Carbapenemase producing Gram-negative pathogen is of great concern for physician. The challenging aspects are treatment option and infection control. Monitoring of respective carbapenemase resistance mechanism is necessary to prevent the outbreaks. Currently, the rapid emergence of oxacillinase (OXA-48) like is alarming. Increasing frequency of OXA-48 is seen than the classical carbapenemase (KPC, NDM, IMP, and VIM) across the world. The blaOXA-48 gene is commonly identified in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The transferrable plasmid of OXA-48 is associated with rapid spread and inter-species dissemination. In general, OXA-48-like enzymes weakly hydrolyzes both carbapenem and broad spectrum cephalosporins. Except OXA-163, which effectively hydrolyze cephalosporin. This poor hydrolytic profile obscures the detection of OXA-48-like. It may go undetected in routine diagnosis and complicates the treatment option. Co-production of OXA-48-like with CTX-M-15 and other carbapenemase (NDM, VIM) leads to the emergence of multidrug resistant strains.

Molecular dynamics study on the dissociation of methane hydrate via inorganic salts

ABSTRACTHydrate plugging is a hidden threat to the safe exploitation of oil and gas. Inorganic salts are widely used as thermodynamic inhibitors to effectively prevent the hydrate formation. This study uses a molecular dynamics method to explore the mechanism of the hydrate dissociation via inorganic salts on the micro-scale. We simulated the dissociating process of methane hydrate under different concentration series of NaCl, KCl and CaCl2 solutions at 273 K, and analysed the changes of ionic structure, transport parameters and kinetic energy in the system of inorganic salt/hydrate. The simulation results successfully revealed the step-by-step dissociation of hydrate, and the differences in dissociation rates among the different inhibitors. The energy needed for hydrate dissociation alters for different inorganic solutions; the energy reaches maximum when KCl is the inhibitor, and lowest when the concentration of CaCl2 exceeds 30% w/w. We calculated the coordination numbers of all components, including oxygen atoms, cations and anions, and also their diffusion coefficients; analysed the effects of the three inorganic salts on the simulated hydrate structure and its transport; in addition, investigated the mechanism of hydrate dissociation via inorganic salts.

Research on Network Security Issues and Security Model

Network security issues came from traditional network, wireless network and cloud computing environment. Large-scale cloud computing, versatility and virtualization features of network security had become a hidden threat source. This paper analyzed the sources of network security threats, and established a network security model which encompasses all types of currently known network security factors; it could provide countermeasures to ensure network security. The security model had capabilities of real-time detection, rapid response, immediate recovery, and interaction between various independent modules. The security model used such security technologies as firewall, intrusion detection, intrusion deception, security scanning and PKI.

Fear of Fever and the Limits of the Enlightenment

ABSTRACTHistorians have exaggerated considerably the part played by enlightenment ideas in the birth of the modern prison in England. Analysis of ground-level reform activity in late eighteenth-century England shows that enlightenment penal theory failed to convince local officials that penal reforms should be adopted. Responding to the economic, political and cultural context in which they operated, reform-minded officials were required to abandon enlightenment discourse and adopt instead actively anti-enlightenment arguments and language. Only once reform was strategically repackaged as a solution to the lurking, hidden threat that was the ‘fever’ were recognisably modern prisons constructed in England.

Lung congestion as a hidden threat in end-stage kidney disease: a call to action

Lung congestion as a hidden threat in end-stage kidney disease: a call to action

The hidden threat that could prevent Polio’s global eradication

The hidden threat that could prevent Polio’s global eradication

Book Review: The Silent Epidemic: Coal and the Hidden Threat to Health, by Alan H. Lockwood

Book Review: <i>The Silent Epidemic: Coal and the Hidden Threat to Health</i>, by Alan H. Lockwood

Hepatitis B virus reactivation in hepatitis B virus surface antigen negative patients receiving immunosuppression: A hidden threat

To present the characteristics and the course of a series of anti-hepatitis B virus core antibody (HBc) antibody positive patients, who experienced hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation after immunosuppression. We retrospectively evaluated in our tertiary centers the medical records of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) negative patients who suffered from HBV reactivation after chemotherapy or immunosuppression during a 3-year period (2009-2011). Accordingly, the clinical, laboratory and virological characteristics of 10 anti-HBc (+) anti-HBs (-)/HBsAg (-) and 4 anti-HBc (+)/antiHBs (+)/HBsAg (-) patients, who developed HBV reactivation after the initiation of chemotherapy or immunosuppressive treatment were analyzed. Quantitative determination of HBV DNA during reactivation was performed in all cases by a quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction kit (COBAS Taqman HBV Test; cut-off of detection: 6 IU/mL). Twelve out of 14 patients were males; median age 74.5 years. In 71.4% of them the primary diagnosis was hematologic malignancy; 78.6% had received rituximab (R) as part of the immunosuppressive regimen. The median time from last chemotherapy schedule till HBV reactivation for 10 out of 11 patients who received R was 3 (range 2-17) mo. Three patients (21.4%) deteriorated, manifesting ascites and hepatic encephalopathy and 2 (14.3%) of them died due to liver failure. HBsAg-negative anti-HBc antibody positive patients can develop HBV reactivation even 2 years after stopping immunosuppression, whereas prompt antiviral treatment on diagnosis of reactivation can be lifesaving.

19 Sept ONTOLOGY POLOP The hidden threat of West Nile virus

19 Sept ONTOLOGY POLOP The hidden threat of West Nile virus

Screening of symptomatic women for ovarian cancer

e137 www.thelancet.com/oncology Vol 13 April 2012 where the tubes and ovaries are minimally involved, as described by Gilbert and colleagues. First, the potential usefulness of preemptive salpingectomy needs to be determined, as this practice is being widely considered as an alternative to a risk-reducing complete salpingooophorectomy. Second, we need by exclusion to identify the percentage of tumours that cannot be traced to either the tube or the ovary. Both these questions are important to thousands of women who for various reasons will choose salpingectomy but who might have a hidden threat from a remote malignant source in the pelvis. By application of this simple protocol to every fallopian-tube sample, we will be able to answer these questions and have an appropriately archived tissue source to interrogate further if malignant disease emerges after a normal salpingectomy.

Anti-TNF- therapy may not improve arterial stiffness in patients with AS: a 24-week follow-up

The availability of new-generation drugs has provided significant success reflected by disease activity markers and clinical status in AS, but controversial reports necessitate further assessment of associated increased risk of cardiovascular burden that might persist. Hence this prospective clinical study evaluated the effectiveness of a 24-week anti-TNF-α therapy on vascular stiffness [pulse wave velocity (PWV)] in AS. A total of 28 active AS patients (21 males, 7 females) were enrolled before the start of biologic therapy. Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. Arterial stiffness was assessed using PWV. Patients were evaluated before and 24 weeks after anti-TNF-α therapy. The mean disease duration was 8.4 (4.9) years. After 24 weeks of anti-TNF-α therapy, despite significant improvements in patients' symptoms and clinical activity parameters, including BASDAI score [4.9 (0.9) vs 1.9 (0.5), P = 0.0001], ESR [35.5 (23.1) vs 13.8 (9.2) mm/h, P = 0.0001) and CRP level [2.1 (1.6) vs 0.4 (0.3) ng/dl, P = 0.0001], no significant change was seen in arterial stiffness parameters [7.9 (1.3) vs 7.7 (1.3) m/s, P = 0.412]. Significant correlation was determined between arterial stiffness and age, systolic blood pressure and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Despite significant improvement in markers of disease activity, anti-TNF-α therapy does not seem to improve arterial stiffness, a significant AS-associated cardiovascular burden. Thus, when treating AS, significant end-points other than DASs should also be considered, and any hidden threat like arterial stiffness should be addressed further.

Aberrant Obturator Artery: A Hidden Threat after Pelvic Fracture

Aberrant Obturator Artery: A Hidden Threat after Pelvic Fracture

Religious Coping, Job Insecurity and Job Stress among Javanese Academic Staff: a Moderated Regression Analysis

Work is a demand for an adult, because through working, person can actualize their skill and achieve their aspiration. Beside that through working, person can meets their basic needs of life. Yet, working also has a hidden threat that can be suddenly attack and eradicate the well being of person. Those hidden threat is called as a strain and stress. The present study purposes to examine relationship between job insecurity, and the role of religious coping as moderator variables with job stress among Javanese academic staff. Contextual factor should be considered to achieve more in depth comprehension about dynamic relationship of job stress, especially this study take Javanese culture account for understanding of contextualizing theory of job stress. Moderated multiple regression was conducted to examine this issue. The result of study confirmed that there is a significant relationship between job insecurity with job stress, and religious coping moderate the relationship between job insecurity with job stress. The mechanism of relationship among exogenous and endogenous variables was discussed in a paper below.

Applications of a New Approach in Pipeline Leak Detection

This article, written by Assistant Technology Editor Karen Bybee, contains highlights of paper SPE 118070, "Seeking the Hidden Threat: Applications of a New Approach in Pipeline Leak Detection," by Jack Elliott, Richard Fletcher, and Mike Wrigglesworth, Pure Technologies Limited, originally prepared for the 2008 Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference, Abu Dhabi, UAE, 3-6 November. The paper has not been peer reviewed. Prompt leak detection is an essential element of the integrity-management process for any hazardous-materials pipeline. If leaks are not detected at an early stage, they will result in progressively worse damage. Ultimately, they can grow into a far more serious failure of the pipeline if not repaired in a timely manner. Therefore, a variety of leak-detection and/or leak-prevention systems are used. Many require installation and maintenance of substantial levels of costly equipment on the pipeline. For this reason, the industry is interested in the advancement of alternative approaches in leak detection. Introduction The need for an effective method of quickly detecting leaks in hazardous-materials pipelines is clear. The economic losses resulting from undetected spills can be high: from lost product, cleanup costs, repair costs, and possible litigation. In addition to monetary considerations, the costs to the environment and local population also must be considered. In many jurisdictions, there is a legal requirement on the pipeline operator to have some form of leak-detection system in place. In the US alone during the period 2003–07, average damages from pipeline spills exceeded USD 430 million/yr. The earlier a leak is detected, the better the opportunity to limit the damage caused. Many leak-detection systems are available; however, an economical system for the detection and location of all leaks at an early stage has been elusive. Commonly used technologies are limited by the minimum leak size they can detect, inconsistencies in performance (i.e., a high rate of false alarms or missed leaks), inability to locate the leak accurately, the cost or impracticality of implementation, or a combination of these factors. A need was perceived for an easily implemented system capable of detecting small leaks before they grew to more-serious proportions, which could be incorporated into a typical pipeline-integrity-management program without the need for infrastructure changes. The full-length paper describes the development of an in-line, acoustic leak-detection system and summarizes the field work completed to date. The benefits of the new technology to the oil- and gas-pipeline industry are described. Status of Existing Leak-Detection Methods for Oil and Gas Pipelines There are a variety of methods that can detect leaks in natural-gas and petroleum-product pipelines, ranging from manual inspection to advanced satellite-based hyperspectral imaging. The various methods can be classified into internal and external systems. No single system is accepted universally as the preferred method because all have strengths and weaknesses, though some are far more commonly used than others.

The Hidden Threat to Sustainable Energy - Siloxanes: Composition, Removal, and Fate

The Hidden Threat to Sustainable Energy - Siloxanes: Composition, Removal, and Fate

Impact on the Brain

Mild traumatic brain injury represents a silent but brutal plague among combat veterans and a hidden threat to the health of civilians