bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel suprachoroidal microinvasive glaucoma implant: in vivo biocompatibility and biointegration
Authors: Grierson Ian , Minckler Don , Rippy Marian K. , Marshall Andrew J. , Collignon Nathalie , Bianco Jessica , Detry Benoit , Johnstone Murray A.
Published: October 2020

Background

A major challenge for any glaucoma implant is their ability to provide long-term intraocular pressure lowering efficacy. The formation of a low-permeability fibrous capsule around the device often leads to obstructed drainage channels, which may impair the drainage function of devices. These foreign body-related limitations point to the need to develop biologically inert biomaterials to improve performance in reaching long-term intraocular pressure reduction. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vivo (in rabbits) the ocular biocompatibility and tissue integration of a novel suprachoroidal microinvasive glaucoma implant, MINIject™ (iSTAR Medical, Wavre, Belgium).

Results

In two rabbit studies, no biocompatibility issue was induced by the suprachoroidal, ab-externo implantation of the MINIject™ device. Clinical evaluation throughout the 6 post-operative months between the sham and test groups were similar, suggesting most reactions were related to the ab-externo surgical technique used for rabbits, rather than the implant material itself. Histological analysis of ocular tissues at post-operative months 1, 3 and 6 revealed that the implant was well-tolerated and induced only minimal fibroplasia and thus minimal encapsulation around the implant. The microporous structure of the device became rapidly colonized by cells, mostly by macrophages through cell migration, which do not, by their nature, impede the flow of aqueous humor through the device. Time-course analysis showed that once established, pore colonization was stable over time. No fibrosis nor dense connective tissue development were observed within any implant at any time point. The presence of pore colonization may be the process by which encapsulation around the implant is minimized, thus preserving the permeability of the surrounding tissues. No degradation nor structural changes of the implant occurred during the course of both studies.

Conclusions

The novel MINIject™ microinvasive glaucoma implant was well-tolerated in ocular tissues of rabbits, with observance of biointegration, and no biocompatibility issues. Minimal fibrous encapsulation and stable cellular pore colonization provided evidence of preserved drainage properties over time, suggesting that the implant may produce a long-term ability to enhance aqueous outflow.
Bugs and drugs: a systems biology approach to characterising the effect of moxidectin on the horse’s faecal microbiome
Authors: Daniels S. P. , Leng J. , Swann J. R. , Proudman C. J.
Published: October 2020

Background

Anthelmintic treatment is a risk factor for intestinal disease in the horse, known as colic. However the mechanisms involved in the onset of disease post anthelmintic treatment are unknown. The interaction between anthelmintic drugs and the gut microbiota may be associated with this observed increase in risk of colic. Little is known about the interaction between gut microbiota and anthelmintics and how treatment may alter microbiome function. The objectives of this study were: To characterise (1) faecal microbiota, (2) feed fermentation kinetics in vitro and (3) metabolic profiles following moxidectin administration to horses with very low (0 epg) adult strongyle burdens. Hypothesis: Moxidectin will not alter (1) faecal microbiota, (2) feed fermentation in vitro, or, (3) host metabolome.

Results

Moxidectin increased the relative abundance ofDeferribacterspp. andSpirochaetesspp.observed after 160 h in moxidectin treated horses. Reduced in vitro fibre fermentation was observed 16 h following moxidectin administration in vivo (P = 0.001), along with lower pH in the in vitro fermentations from the moxidectin treated group. Metabolic profiles from urine samples did not differ between the treatment groups. However metabolic profiles from in vitro fermentations differed between moxidectin and control groups 16 h after treatment (R2 = 0.69, Q2Y = 0.48), and within the moxidectin group between 16 h and 160 h post moxidectin treatment (R2 = 0.79, Q2Y = 0.77). Metabolic profiles from in vitro fermentations and fermentation kinetics both indicated altered carbohydrate metabolism following in vivo treatment with moxidectin.

Conclusions

These data suggest that in horses with low parasite burdens moxidectin had a small but measurable effect on both the community structure and the function of the gut microbiome.
Understanding how city networks are leveraging climate action: experimentation through C40
Authors: Nguyen Thi Minh Phuong , Davidson Kathryn , Coenen Lars
Published: October 2020

Climate change is one of the most challenging environmental and social problems for contemporary urban planning. In response to this phenomenon, city networks have emerged as new configurations of urban climate governance that encourage the implementation of experiments such as testing new solutions regarding sustainable transport. While city networks are gaining momentum and influence as effective platforms to transform and scale up pilot experiments into city-wide schemes, little is known regarding their role in conditioning and leveraging such urban experiments Our paper investigates the underexplored nature of urban experiments within city networks and provides a better understanding of how these networks condition urban experiments. To this end an analytical model has been developed and applied to the case of the C40 Climate Leadership Group (C40) and itsClimate Positive Development Good Practice Guide.Our findings suggest that the C40 encourages variation in local climate experiments and the generation of new and innovative climate solutions in member cities. In particular they reveal that the implementation of climate positive experiments has passed the ‘variation’ stage, is currently in the ‘selection’ stage, and likely to move towards the ‘retention’ stage in the near future. Potential experimentation outputs of the case are identified as built environment change, new citizen practices, policy change, infrastructural change and new technology. Noticeably, we consider that the C40 plays an important role in providing fundamental institutional support to implement and leverage climate projects within its member cities.
Evaluating the CYP-IAPT transformation of child and adolescent mental health services in Cambridgeshire, UK: a qualitative implementation study
Authors: Burn Anne-Marie , Vainre Maris , Humphrey Ayla , Howarth Emma
Published: October 2020

Background

The Children and Young People’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (CYP-IAPT) programme was introduced to transform Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) across England. The programme comprised a set of principles that local CAMHS partnerships were expected to operationalise and embed with the aim of increasing access to services and improving the quality of care. This study explored how the implementation of the CYP-IAPT programme was executed and experienced by CAMHS professionals in the county of Cambridgeshire (UK), and the extent to which the CYP-IAPT principles were perceived to be successfully embedded into everyday practice.

Methods

We analysed 275 documents relating to the CYP-IAPT programme issued between 2011 and 2015. We also conducted a thematic analysis of 20 qualitative interviews, undertaken at two time points, with professionals from three CAMHS teams in Cambridgeshire. Analysis was informed by implementation science frameworks.

Results

Document analysis suggested that the CYP-IAPT programme was initially not clearly defined and lacked guidance on how to operationalise key programme principles and apply them in everyday practice. There was also a degree of programme evolution over time, which made it difficult for local stakeholders to understand the scope and aims of CYP-IAPT. Interviews with staff showed low coherent understanding of the programme, variable levels of investment among stakeholders and difficulties in collaborative working. Barriers and facilitators to programme implementation were identified at individual, service and strategic levels. These in turn impacted the local implementation efforts and sustainability of the programme in Cambridgeshire.

Conclusions

We identified factors relating to programme design and national and local implementation planning, as well as features of inner and outer context, which impacted on the delivery and sustainability of the programme. These findings can be drawn upon to inform the development and delivery of other local and national quality improvement (QI) initiatives relating to children and young people’s mental health.
Inversion and magnetization homogeneity testing for 2D magnetic sources
Authors: Soares William Pareschi , Mendonça Carlos Alberto
Published: October 2020

Many approaches to magnetic data inversion are based on assumptions that source magnetization is homogeneous in direction and intensity. Such assumptions rarely can be verified with independent geologic information and are usually incorporated without further inquiry in the next steps of data interpretation. The use of magnetization direction invariants, such as the gradient intensity of the total field anomaly (equivalent to the amplitude of the analytical signal [ASA]) and the intensity of the anomalous vector field (IAVF), is effective for modeling sources with strong remanent magnetization, usually with unknown direction. Even in such cases, however, the assumption of uniform magnetization is understood but unchecked when seeking smooth or compact solutions from data inversion. We have developed a procedure to test the assumption of uniform magnetization for 2D sources. For true 2D homogeneous sources, the ratio of ASA to IAVF can be modeled with a binary solution (0 and 1) regardless of the real value of the magnetization. A procedure to provide convergence was applied, and its output solution was submitted to a binary test to verify the uniformity hypothesis. This technique was illustrated with numerical simulations and then used to reinterpret a ground magnetic profile across an intrusive diabase body in sediments of the Paraná Basin, Brazil, revealing the existence of two adjacent bodies that are homogeneous with different magnetization intensities.
Seismic data interpolation based on U-net with texture loss
Authors: Fang Wenqian , Fu Lihua , Zhang Meng , Li Zhiming
Published: October 2020

Seismic data interpolation is an effective way of recovering missing traces and obtaining enough information for subsequent processing. Unlike traditional methods, deep neural network (DNN)-based methods do not need to make assumptions because they can self-learn the relationship between sampled data and complete data using large training data sets and complete the interpolation with a small computational burden. However, current DNN-based approaches only focus on reducing the difference between the recovered and original data during training, which helps to improve the quality of the reconstructed seismic data as a whole, while ignoring the characteristics of the local structure. We have developed a novel seismic U-net interpolator (SUIT) algorithm based on the framework of the U-net DNN in combination with a texture loss, rather than only optimizing for reconstruction loss. Texture loss is proposed to ensure the accuracy of local structural information, which is calculated by a pretrained texture extraction neural network. Furthermore, we use a trade-off parameter to balance the reconstruction error and texture loss, and a practical technique for selecting the associated weighting parameter. The feasibility of our method is assessed via synthetic and field data examples. Numerical tests show that SUIT is robust in noisy environments and that the trained network can reconstruct irregularly or regularly sampled seismic data. Our proposed algorithm performed better than DNN-based approaches that only use reconstruction loss and the traditional low-rank matrix fitting method.
Intelligent random noise modeling by the improved variational autoencoding method and its application to data augmentation
Authors: Feng Qiankun , Li Yue , Wang Hongzhou
Published: October 2020

Deep-learning methods facilitate the development of seismic data processing methods; however, they also offer some challenges. The primary challenges are the lack of labeled samples for training, due to heterogeneity in seismic data, expensive acquisition apparatus, and data confidentiality. These problems limit the acquisition of high-quality training data. To solve this problem, we have developed variational autoencoding (VAE) to generate synthetic noise for data augmentation; however, the simplified Kullback-Leibler (KL) distance definition and parameter learning result in the outputs of the original VAE being blurry. To optimize VAE for simulating random desert noise and improve its simulation capability, here we have developed an improved VAE based on KL redefinition and learning parameter replacement. Specifically, we (1) build a training set containing desert random noise samples, (2) redefine the KL distance calculated between two Gaussian mixture densities (rather than two simple Gaussians) because the KL distance plays an important role in the learning accuracy of VAE, and (3) use [Formula: see text] rather than [Formula: see text] to improve the learning efficiency. Statistical analysis indicates that the simulated random noise is statistically indistinguishable from real noise, indicating that our improved VAE is suitable for noise modeling. We also trained a denoising convolutional neural network (DnCNN) using the simulated noise. Data augmentation conducted using the simulated noise improved the effect of DnCNN, proving that our method contributes to data augmentation.
3D multinary inversion of controlled-source electromagnetic data based on the finite-element method with unstructured mesh
Authors: Cai Hongzhu , Long Zhidan , Lin Wei , Li Jianhui , Lin Pinrong , Hu Xiangyun
Published: October 2020

In controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) inversion with conventional regularization, the reconstructed conductivity image is usually blurry and only has limited resolution. To effectively obtain more compact conductivity models, we apply the concept of multinary transformation to CSEM inversion based on the finite-element method with an unstructured tetrahedral mesh. Within the framework of multinary inversion, the model conductivities are allowed to be clustered only within the designed values, which are usually obtained from other a priori information or from conventional inversion. Synthetic studies show that multinary inversion produces conductivity images with clearer model boundaries compared to the maximum smoothness inversion and the focusing inversion for realistic geoelectric models. We further apply the developed method to a land CSEM survey for mineral exploration. The multinary inversion results are closer to the ground truth compared to the conventional maximum smoothness inversion and the focusing inversion. The developed method and the numerical algorithm provide a new approach and workflow for CSEM inversion when the models need to have clear boundaries and clustering model values. Such geoelectric models could be very useful for geologic interpretation in oil and mineral exploration when a priori information (such as the estimated conductivity values) of the exploration targets is known.
Stress-path-dependent effective medium model for granular media — Comparison with experimental data
Authors: Torset Sondre , Holt Rune M.
Published: October 2020

Modeling velocity changes in response to stress changes plays an important part in understanding seismic responses from the subsurface. One branch of such modeling consists of treating an assemblage of grains as an effective medium and using established grain contact theories to determine the elastic moduli. Such models are commonly limited to hydrostatic or uniaxial strain scenarios, not capable of capturing the anisotropy induced by a general triaxial stress state. A new set of expressions is developed by extending an existing effective medium theory to a general stress state in which the radial (horizontal) stress is different from the axial (vertical) stress. The theory is valid at the limits of slip and no slip. Novel functions to combine the no-slip and slip limits are implemented to match the model to observed laboratory data on glass beads and sand grain assemblages loaded along different stress paths. The new expressions provide a good agreement between the modeled and measured stress and stress path dependence of the compressional wave (P-wave) and shear wave velocities and associated P-wave anisotropy. This stress dependence is of particular interest in rock-physics modeling workflows evaluating time-lapse feasibility for shallow or unconsolidated sand reservoirs or for characterizing burial history.
Sequential distribution of gas reservoirs in the Hangjinqi area, Ordos Basin, North China: Application of continuous and discontinuous hydrocarbon accumulation mode
Authors: Nie Haikuan , Wei Xiaoliang , Zhang Jinchuan , Chen Qian , Liu Guangxiang , Zhang Guangrong
Published: October 2020

The gas accumulation mode can be divided into two types based on the migration and accumulation characteristics: discontinuous accumulation into the reservoir rocks and continuous accumulation within or adjacent to the source rocks. Correspondingly, there are three different gas reservoirs including conventional, unconventional, and those in a transitional state. To demonstrate the differences in the formation mechanisms and distribution features of the two accumulation types, we have scrutinized the continuous accumulation and discontinuous accumulation in the Hangjinqi area of the Ordos Basin in North China. Continuous gas accumulation (basin-centered gas and water-soluble gas, as well as potential coalbed methane and shale gas) and discontinuous accumulation (various conventional gas traps) are, respectively, distributed in the southern and northern regions of the Hangjinqi area, which may change with the source-rock quality, migration force, reservoir capacity, and trapping condition. We identified that the essential factors influencing the formation and current distribution of gas reservoirs are the hydrocarbon generation ability, porosity, and cap rock-trap combinations in the study area. An ideal complete gas reservoir sequence develops coalbed methane, shale gas, basin central gas, water soluble gas, and conventional gas reservoirs from the center to the edge of the basin. Understanding the distribution characteristics of continuous accumulation and discontinuous accumulation allows better prediction of the potential gas reservoir types with the knowledge of discovered reservoirs. We recommend exploring anticline gas reservoirs in areas north of the Boerjianghaizi fault and basin-centered gas reservoirs in areas south of the Boerjianghaizi fault. We also suggest performing further research on shale source rocks because the maturity and the burial depth of the marine-continental organic-rich shale in the Shanxi-Taiyuan Formations are recognized to be favorable for shale gas generation and preservation.
Genesis of hydrogen sulfide in natural gas reservoirs in the Western Qaidam Basin
Authors: Tian Jixian , Li Jian , Kong Hua , Zeng Xu , Wang Xiaobo , Dong Li , Guo Zeqing
Published: October 2020

In recent years, gas reservoirs containing high levels of hydrogen sulfide have been found in salinized lacustrine carbonate rocks in the upper member of the Lower Ganchaigou Formation (E32) in the Yingxiongling area of the western Qaidam Basin. This poses great safety risks to drilling and development. To clarify the genetic mechanisms of hydrogen sulfide, we have analyzed the geochemical characteristics and sulfur isotopes of natural gas and predicted the distribution of hydrogen sulfide. The results show that (1) natural gas in the Yingxiongling area is dominated by wet gas, with relatively high nonhydrocarbon content. The gas is E32oil-type gas in a mature stage. (2) Hydrogen sulfide in natural gas reservoirs is less likely to originate from biological and volcanic geneses, and it is primarily a product of thermochemical sulfate reduction. The high-quality Oligocene source rocks distributed across a large area, the saline-deposit formations widely distributed in the western Qaidam Basin, and the high geothermal gradients and large numbers of developed pore-type reservoirs, all combine to provide favorable conditions for the formation of hydrogen sulfide reservoirs. (3) During the E32 deposition period, rock salt developed in the center of the lake basin, the sealing conditions for oil and gas were favorable, and the formation temperature was high during the reservoir formation period. Development of subsalt porous reservoirs is conducive to enrichment of hydrogen sulfide, and comprehensive prediction indicates that the subsalt formation in the Central Yingxiongling-Ganchaigou area is an enrichment zone for hydrogen sulfide. The research results are of considerable significance for the exploration and deployment, and the production safety, of hydrogen sulfide-containing reservoirs.
Developing a Community for Patients With Cancer Through Longer-Term Art Therapy
Authors: Brondfield Sam , Bochatay Naike , Perlis Cynthia
Published: October 2020

PURPOSE:

Art therapy (AT) improves quality of life and symptoms in patients with cancer. However, previous studies that have demonstrated these effects focused on time-limited interventions. The benefits of longer-term AT interventions for patients with cancer remain unexplored. We aimed to delineate the benefits of one such intervention for patients with cancer.

METHODS:

The Art for Recovery open art studio (OAS) is a weekly experience that provides patients the opportunity to express themselves through art and discussion. In April 2019, we sent a cross-sectional survey with closed- and open-ended components to all patients attending the OAS. We analyzed the closed-ended results using descriptive statistics and the open-ended results using directed content analysis through the theoretical framework of community-based development (CBD).

RESULTS:

The response rate was 82% (18 of 22 patients). The median duration of OAS attendance was 2 years, and the median frequency of attendance was three times per month. All respondents found the OAS very helpful, and 17 (94%) of 18 believed that the friendships they had made were very valuable. Directed content analysis revealed three themes: togetherness, active engagement, and familiar surroundings. These themes and our closed-ended results aligned well with the CBD framework.

CONCLUSION:

Longer-term AT experiences may provide benefits, such as community development, that briefer interventions lack. Medical centers should consider providing longer-term AT experiences for patients with cancer to give them access to these benefits.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass vs Sleeve Gastrectomy for Remission of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Castellana Marco , Procino Filippo , Biacchi Elisa , Zupo Roberta , Lampignano Luisa , Castellana Fabio , Sardone Rodolfo , Palermo Andrea , Cesareo Roberto , Trimboli Pierpaolo , Giannelli Gianluigi
Published: October 2020

Context

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) are the bariatric procedures most commonly used for the management of obesity. Whether one or the other is associated with a higher chance of remission of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is unclear.

Objective

This work aims to compare the efficacy of RYGB and SG for T2D remission at 1, 3, and 5 years after surgery.

Data Sources

Four databases were searched until January 2020.

Study Selection

Randomized controlled studies with at least 12 months of follow-up of patients with T2D allocated to RYGB or SG were selected.

Data Extraction

To ensure uniformity, broad and narrow criteria for T2D remission were defined. The number of patients achieving remission of T2D at each assessment was extracted. Data were pooled using a random-effects model.

Data Synthesis

Ten studies were included, evaluating 778 patients. The overall prevalence of achievement of broad and narrow criteria for T2D remission was 73% and 53% at the 1-year, 60% and 48% at the 3-year, and 51% and 43% at the 5-year assessment. Compared to SG, RYGB was associated with a higher chance of achieving broad and narrow criteria for remission at 1 year after surgery (risk ratio [RR] = 1.34 vs RR = 1.22) and broad criteria for remission at 5 years (RR = 1.18). No other differences were found.

Conclusions

The present meta-analysis suggests a more favorable effect of RYGB than SG on achieving T2D remission in the short-term only, although the evidence currently available does not clarify whether differences in this outcome are confirmed long term or fade thereafter.
Time-of-day and Meal Size Effects on Clinical Lipid Markers
Authors: Grant Leilah K , Czeisler Charles A , Lockley Steven W , Rahman Shadab A
Published: October 2020

Context

Dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease are common in shift workers and eating at night may contribute to this pathophysiology.

Objective

To examine the effects of eating at different times of day on lipid profiles.

Design

Two 24-hour baseline days with 8 hours of sleep, 3 meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and a snack, followed by a 40-hour constant routine (CR) with hourly isocaloric meals.

Setting

Intensive Physiological Monitoring Unit, Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Participants

Twenty-one healthy adults [23.4 ± 2.7 years, 5F]

Intervention

Forty-hour CR.

Main Outcome Measures

A standard clinical lipid panel, consisting of total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), was assayed in blood samples collected 4-hourly across ~4 days.

Results

When participants ate at night, levels of TG were similar to eating during the day, however, these levels at night were reached with consuming approximately half the calories. Additionally, 24-hour levels of TG were 10% higher when meals were consumed hourly across 24 hours compared to consuming a typical 3-meal schedule while awake during the day and sleeping at night. The endogenous circadian rhythms of TG, which peaked at night, were shifted earlier by ~10 hours under baseline conditions, whereas the rhythms in total cholesterol, HDL-C, and LDL-C remained unchanged and peaked in the afternoon.

Conclusions

The time-of-day dependency on postprandial lipid metabolism, which leads to hypersensitivity in TG responses when eating at night, may underlie the dyslipidemia and elevated cardiovascular disease risk observed in shift workers.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Among US Children and Adolescents With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Authors: Harasymiw Lauren A , Grosse Scott D , Sarafoglou Kyriakie
Published: October 2020

Background

Little is known regarding risk for co-occurring mental health conditions among pediatric patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). The objective of the current study was to investigate the prevalence of medically managed attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in 2 large administrative samples of insured children and adolescents with and without CAH in the United States.

Methods

We assessed the prevalence of CAH and of medically managed ADHD using algorithms defined from diagnosis codes and filled prescriptions data using the IBM MarketScan Commercial and Multi-State Medicaid claims databases. We evaluated subjects who were continuously enrolled for ≥ 12 months with a first claim during October 2015 through December 2017 when they were 5 to 18 years old.

Results

The administrative prevalence of CAH in the Commercial (N = 3 685 127) and Medicaid (N = 3 434 472) samples was 10.1 per 100 000 (n = 372) and 7.2 per 100 000 (n = 247), respectively. The prevalence of medically managed ADHD in the non-CAH population was 8.4% in the Commercial sample and 15.1% in the Medicaid sample. Among children with CAH, there was no increased prevalence of ADHD in the Commercial (9.2%, prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.82-1.54; P = 0.48) or Medicaid (13.8%; PR = 0.91; 95% CI, 0.67–1.24; P = 0.55) samples compared with the general population.

Conclusions

Using 2 large samples of insured children and adolescents in the United States, we found similar prevalence of medically managed ADHD among those with CAH and the general population. Future research to assess the validity of our claims algorithm for identifying pediatric CAH cases is warranted.
10th World Conference on Sampling and Blending (WCSB10)
Authors: Staff Editorial
Published: October 2020

The WCSB10 conference will cover the latest research and application of the Theory of Sampling (TOS) and Blending in many important technology and industry sectors: mining, exploration, minerals processing, metals refinement, cement, food & feed, agri & aqua culture, pharmaceutical production etc. WCSB10 specifically has a broader societal, industrial and environmental emphasis with a special focus on sustainable science, technology and industry. This article provides an update on WCSB10 with information on all aspects of the conference.
Ian Devereux and the story of Rocklabs
Authors: anon anon
Published: October 2020

Scott Technology, who acquired Ian Devereux’s lifetime achievement company Rocklabs in 2008, have prepared an obituary over Ian’s remarkable life, together with a thorough scientific, technological and business history.
Introduction to the Theory and Practice of Sampling
Authors: Esbensen Kim
Published: October 2020

The first of three new textbooks in the field of Theory and Practice of Sampling.
TOS reflections: is there a third way? (to promote the Theory of Sampling)
Authors: Esbensen Kim
Published: October 2020

A standing discussion topic within the sampling community is: “What is the best way to promote the TOS—not only as a theory, but also as a tool to help customers?” The latter objective casts the question into a rather more direct format: “How to sell TOS-compliant equipment, sampling system solutions, consulting and audit services to customers with only little or no familiarity with the need for proper sampling?” These reflections address the two most dominant answers: i) the economic argument “You’ll lose a lot of money if you don’t…”; or ii) the technical argument: “You need to understand these critical aspects of the TOS, or else…”. However, this is usually but a futile debate; obviously one should be able to wield a flexible tactics which best matches a specific marketing or application need with one, or both, of these approaches. But a recent event has tickled the imagination—is there possibly also a third way?
Material intrinsic heterogeneity: statistical derivation
Authors: Lyman Geoff
Published: October 2020

The value of a fully statistical sampling theory is that it is possible to quantify a measure of material intrinsic heterogeneity and, on this basis, provide the entire distribution of the analyte content of potential samples to be extracted from the lot. The analyte content of a sample of a given mass is a random quantity as samples of nominally equal masses taken from a lot in a given state of comminution will not have exactly the sample analyte content. The analyte content of a sample is correctly described as a random variable and to characterise a random variable completely it is necessary to know either the probability density function or distribution function for the random variable, or all of the moments of the random variable (mean, variance and all the higher moments). The following discussion derives the fundamental sampling variance from a purely mathematical statistics basis, relying on the assumption that the number of particles of any one type (size and analyte content) that fall into a sample taken in a mechanically correct manner (following the principle of equiprobable sampling) follows a Poisson distribution. In addition, the Poisson distributions of particle numbers are statistically independent. A more fully argued substantiation of this fundamental assumption, partial experimental evidence and standard statistical introduction to the definition and properties of the Poisson distribution, and reasons for its use, can be found at the end of this article. © Materials Sampling & Consulting 2020
Συσχέτιση της αυτονομίας των φοιτητών με την αναβλητικότητα και την ικανοποίηση που λαμβάνουν από τις σπουδές τους. Μελέτη περίπτωσης σε μεταπτυχιακούς φοιτητές του ΕΑΠ
Authors: Foutzopoulou Maria , Μαυροειδής Ηλίας
Published: October 2020

Η παρούσα εργασία διερευνά την αυτονομία, την αναβλητικότητα και την ικανοποίηση των μεταπτυχιακών φοιτητών του Ελληνικού Ανοικτού Πανεπιστημίου (ΕΑΠ) κατά τη διάρκεια των σπουδών τους. Πρόκειται για έννοιες που, όπως αναδεικνύει η βιβλιογραφία,  απασχολούν έντονα τους ερευνητές του χώρου της εξ αποστάσεως εκπαίδευσης (εξΑΕ). Η έρευνα διεξήχθη τον Φεβρουάριο του 2017 και το δείγμα αποτελείται από 120 μεταπτυχιακούς φοιτητές του ΕΑΠ. Για την καλύτερη στάθμιση των ερευνητικών ερωτημάτων επιλέχθηκε ο συνδυασμός της ποσοτικής προσέγγισης με ερωτήσεις ανοιχτού τύπου. Καταρχάς, ο βαθμός της αυτονομίας των φοιτητών είναι αρκετά υψηλός, ενώ προκύπτει επίσης ότι οι φοιτητές είναι μέτρια αναβλητικοί. Δεν βρέθηκαν συσχετίσεις μεταξύ των εννοιών της αυτονομίας, της αναβλητικότητας και της ικανοποίησης. Προέκυψαν, ωστόσο, συσχετίσεις των δεικτών αυτών με δημογραφικά στοιχεία. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, διαπιστώνεται ότι η συσχέτιση μεταξύ των δεικτών αυτονομίας και ικανοποίησης είναι μικρή αρνητική για τις γυναίκες, οι οποίες παρουσιάζονται λιγότερο αναβλητικές από τους άνδρες. Επιπλέον, φαίνεται ότι όσοι διαθέτουν προηγούμενη εμπειρία στην εξ αποστάσεως εκπαίδευση, παρουσιάζουν μικρότερη ακαδημαϊκή και συνολική αναβλητικότητα. Περαιτέρω, όσοι έχουν σκεφτεί να εγκαταλείψουν τις σπουδές τους αισθάνονται λιγότερη ικανοποίηση από αυτές και παρουσιάζουν μικρή προς μέτρια θετική συσχέτιση μεταξύ αναβλητικότητας και ικανοποίησης, σε αντίθεση με όσους δεν έχουν σκεφτεί την εγκατάλειψη των σπουδών τους, στους οποίους η συσχέτιση είναι μικρή αρνητική. Τέλος, διαπιστώνεται ότι όσοι έχουν βιώσει αποτυχία σε θεματική ενότητα (ΘΕ) έχουν υψηλότερη αναβλητικότητα.
Τα MOOCs ως Πολύπλοκο Σύστημα: Πρόταση Ενός Υβριδικού Μοντέλου Στηριζόμενο στην Αρχή της Διαθεματικότητας / ΜΟΟCs as a Complex System: Α proposal of a Hybrid Model Based on the Principle of Interdisciplinarity
Authors: Κουβαρά Θεοδώρα , Καραχρήστος Χριστόφορος , Ορφανουδάκης Θεοφάνης , Σταυρόπουλος Ηλίας
Published: October 2020

Τα πρώτα Μαζικά Ανοικτά Διαδικτυακά Μαθήματα (Massive Open Online Courses -  MOOCs) ήταν εδραιωμένα στη θεωρία του Κονεκτιβισμού. Στόχος ήταν η μάθηση να παρέχεται μέσα από μια διαδικασία αλλεπάλληλης δικτύωσης και αλληλεπίδρασης των συμμετεχόντων σε διαφορετικά σημεία στο διαδίκτυο. Ωστόσο, αν και ο παιδαγωγικός σχεδιασμός των πρώτων MOOCs κρίνεται έως σήμερα από πολλούς ερευνητές καταλληλότερος, στην πορεία, παρατηρήθηκε στροφή προς την υιοθέτηση MOOCs βάσει πιο παραδοσιακών μεθόδων. Ο λόγος είναι πως η ανοιχτότερη και πιο ελεύθερη φύση των πρώτων MOOCs δημιουργούσε εμπόδια στην εφαρμογή της αξιολόγησης. Σκοπός της παρούσας μελέτης είναι μια ανασκόπηση των υβριδικών μοντέλων MOOC και η εισήγηση ενός νέου υβριδικού μοντέλου MOOC το οποίο θα συνδυάζει την υψηλή ποιότητα αξιολόγησης με τις βασικές παιδαγωγικές ιδιότητες των πρώτων MOOCs. Πρόκειται για μία εναλλακτική θεώρηση του Κονεκτιβισμού, εδραιωμένη στην Θεωρία του Χάους από την οποία και γεννήθηκε το συγκεκριμένο ρεύμα. Το προτεινόμενο μοντέλο προβάλλει το MOOC ως πολύπλοκο σύστημα, εισάγοντας τη διαθεματικότητα ως στοιχείο που προωθεί τη διάδραση, την αυτονομία, τη διασύνδεση και την ανοιχτότητα, συμβάλλοντας τοιουτοτρόπως στην ανάδυση ιδεών και στην παραγωγή της γνώσης μέσα από μη γραμμικές ακολουθίες. Στόχος είναι να χαράξει πολλά και διαφορετικά μονοπάτια μάθησης, παρέχοντας τη δυνατότητα στον κάθε συμμετέχοντα να πραγματοποιεί και να θέτει διαφορετικούς στόχους και κίνητρα, χωρίς να υποβαθμίζεται η διαδικασία της αξιολόγησης.The first Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) were premised upon the theory of Connectivism. The aim was to provide learning through a process of successive networking and interaction of participants at different points on the internet. However, although the pedagogical design of the first MOOCs is still considered by many researchers to be more appropriate, over time, there has been a shift towards adopting MOOCs based on more traditional methods. The reason is that the more open and free nature of the first MOOCs created obstacles in the implementation of the evaluation. The purpose of this study is to review the MOOC hybrid models and to propose a new MOOC hybrid model that will combine the high quality of evaluation with the basic pedagogical properties of the first MOOCs. It is an alternative view of Connectivism, based on Chaos Theory from which this current model was born. The proposed model promotes MOOC as a complex system, introducing interdisciplinarity as an element that promotes interaction, autonomy, interconnection, and openness, thus contributing to the emergence of ideas and the production of knowledge through non-linear sequences. The goal is to chart many different learning paths, enabling each participant to achieve and set different goals and motives without degrading the assessment process.
Editorial
Authors: Λιοναράκης Αντώνης , Μανούσου Ευαγγελία , Χαρτοφύλακα Αντωνία-Μαρία , Παπαδημητρίου Σοφία , Ιωακειμίδου Βασιλική
Published: October 2020

Editorial Ιούλιος 2020
Toolkit of methodological resources to conduct systematic reviews
Authors: Roqué Marta , Martínez-García Laura , Solà Ivan , Alonso-Coello Pablo , Bonfill Xavier , Zamora Javier
Published: October 2020

Background: Systematic reviews (SR) can be classified by type depending on the research question they are based on. This work identifies and describes the most relevant methodological resources to conduct high-quality reviews that answer health care questions regarding prevalence, prognosis, diagnostic accuracy and effects of interventions.

Methods: Methodological resources have been identified from literature searches and consulting guidelines from institutions that develop SRs. The selected resources are organized by type of SR, and stage of development of the review (formulation of the research question, development of the protocol, literature search, risk of bias assessment, synthesis of findings, assessment of the quality of evidence, and report of SR results and conclusions).

Results: Although the different types of SRs are developed following the same steps, each SR type requires specific methods, differing in characteristics and complexity. The extent of methodological development varies by type of SR, with more solid guidelines available for diagnostic accuracy and effects of interventions SRs.

This methodological toolkit describes the most up-to-date risk of bias instruments: Quality in Prognostic Studies (QUIPS) tool and Prediction model study Risk Of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST) for prognostic SRs, Quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies tool (QUADAS-2) for diagnostic accuracy SRs, Cochrane risk of bias tool (ROB-2) and Risk of bias in non-randomised studies of interventions studies tool (ROBINS-I) for effects of interventions SRs, as well as the latest developments on the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system.

Conclusions: This structured compilation of the best methodological resources for each type of SR may prove to be a very useful tool for those researchers that wish to develop SRs or conduct methodological research works on SRs
Perceived stress and generalized anxiety in the Indian population due to lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wakode Naina , Wakode Santosh , Santoshi John
Published: October 2020

Background: Research on the psychosocial toll of the COVID-19 pandemic is being conducted in various countries. This study aimed to examine stress levels and causal stressors for perceived stress and generalized anxiety in the Indian population related to the lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A total of 300 adults were invited to participate in the online study via snowball and virtual snowball sampling. They were requested to complete electronic survey forms for assessing perceived stress and anxiety, and questions related to psychosocial stressors. Frequency and percentage were used for categorical variables. One-way ANOVA test was applied to compare responses based on gender, level of education, employment, and place of residence. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Result: In total, 257 out of the 300 invited, responded and completed the survey. Men accounted for 58% (n=149) of the respondents. Overall, 84% (n=217) of participants had moderate to severe levels of perceived stress and 88% (n=228) had moderate to severe levels of anxiety. Women, as well as those not employed, reported significantly higher perceived stress and anxiety, urban residents reported higher perceived stress, while level of education had no difference in terms of perceived stress as well as anxiety. Fear of contracting COVID-19 was the highest stressor followed by difficulties in executing a routine exercise schedule and worry about the future.

Conclusion: The psychosocial impact of the nationwide lockdown on the Indian population has been high. Vulnerable groups for increased stress and anxiety include women, younger ages, and the unemployed. The stressors recognized include fear of contracting COVID-19, inability to execute a routine exercise schedule and worry about the future.
Combined vitrectomy, near-confluent panretinal endolaser, bevacizumab and cyclophotocoagulation for neovascular glaucoma — a retrospective interventional case series
Authors: Strzalkowski Piotr , Strzalkowska Alicja , Göbel Winfried , Loewen Nils A. , Hillenkamp Jost
Published: October 2020

Background: Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is a severe, potentially blinding disease and a therapeutic challenge. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of an integrative surgical approach to neovascular glaucoma.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of a one-year follow-up of a consecutive interventional case series of NVG. Eyes underwent transscleral cyclophotocoagulation, pars plana vitrectomy, near-confluent panretinal photocoagulation, and intravitreal bevacizumab. Phakic eyes underwent concomitant cataract surgery. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA, logMAR), intraocular pressure (IOP, mmHg), number of glaucoma medication, visual analog pain scale (VAPS, 0-10) were recorded at baseline, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Blind eyes were excluded.

Results: Seventy-seven eyes of 77 patients (45 male, 32 female, mean age 73.6±12.2 years) were included. NVG underlying conditions included retinal vein occlusion (41.6%), proliferative diabetic retinopathy (35.1%), central retinal artery occlusion (19.5%), and ocular ischemic syndrome (3.9%). Mean IOP decreased postoperatively from 46.3±10.1 mmHg to 14.5±7.9 mmHg (p<0.001), glaucoma medication from 4.7±1.3 to 1.8±1.8 (p<0.001), and VAPS from 6.0±1.8 to 0. BCVA remained unchanged. Postoperative intraocular inflammation had resolved in all eyes at the one-month follow-up. 71.4% (55/77) eyes did not require additional major interventions during follow-up.

Conclusions: A single, comprehensive surgery session lowered IOP significantly, reduced GMS, and controlled pain.
Predicting TB treatment outcomes using baseline risk and treatment response markers: developing the PredictTB early treatment completion criteria
Authors: Chen Ray Y. , Wang Jing , Liang Lili , Xie Yingda L. , Malherbe Stephanus T. , Winter Jill , Via Laura E. , Yu Xiang , Vincent Joel , Armstrong Derek , Walzl Gerhard , Alland David , Barry rd Clifton E. , Dodd Lori E.
Published: October 2020

Standard treatment of drug-sensitive pulmonary tuberculosis requires six months of treatment. Several randomized clinical trials have attempted to shorten treatment to four months using various strategies but thus far all have failed. The PredictTB trial is an ongoing international randomized clinical trial testing a treatment shortening strategy whereby only drug-sensitive pulmonary TB patients who meet the study early treatment completion criteria are randomized to four vs. six months of treatment. The PredictTB early treatment completion criteria were developed based on a cohort of 92 pulmonary tuberculosis patients treated programmatically through the local tuberculosis treatment program in Cape Town, South Africa, with FDG-PET/CT scans also performed at baseline and week 4 of treatment. Patients were followed for one year after the end of therapy for programmatic treatment outcomes. This methodology paper describes how the PET/CT scans and GeneXpert cycle threshold data of this cohort were analyzed to develop the early treatment completion algorithm currently being used in the PredictTB trial.
Global development of children’s palliative care: An international survey of in-nation expert perceptions in 2017
Authors: Clelland David , van Steijn Danny , Macdonald Mary Ellen , Connor Stephen , Centeno Carlos , Clark David
Published: October 2020

Background: The growing interest in tracking the global development of palliative care provision is not matched by research on the development of palliative care services specifically for children. Yet it is estimated that worldwide, 21 million children annually could benefit from the provision of palliative care. We report on a global study of children’s palliative care development and offer suggestions for further improvement in design and method.

Methods: Primary data on the level of children’s palliative care development in 2017 was collected from in-country experts through a specific question in an online questionnaire that sought to measure the overall level of palliative care provision globally. Countries were assigned to one of six categories on the basis of the responses obtained. Conflicting responses from the same country were resolved with reference to a hierarchy of preferred respondents.

Results: Our data allowed the categorisation of 113 countries, accounting for 65% of the global population aged under 20. Number of countries (% of global child population) in each category were as follows: 1) no known activity, 21 (4%); 2) capacity-building, 16 (24%); 3a) isolated provision, 55 (30%); 3b) generalized provision, 5 (1%); 4a) preliminary integration into mainstream provision, 14 (8%); 4b) advanced integration, 7 (2%).

Conclusions: Children’s palliative care at the highest level of provision is available in just 21 countries, accounting for fewer than 10% of the global population aged under 20. It is concentrated in high income settings, whilst the majority of the global need for such care is in low- and middle-income countries. Our study is a useful tool for global advocacy relating to children’s palliative care and a stimulus for the creation of improved indicators to measure it at the country level.