bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Synergy-Based Motor Control Framework for the Fast Feedback Control of Musculoskeletal Systems
Authors: Sharif Razavian Reza , Ghannadi Borna , McPhee John
Published: December 2018

This paper presents a computational framework for the fast feedback control of musculoskeletal systems using muscle synergies. The proposed motor control framework has a hierarchical structure. A feedback controller at the higher level of hierarchy handles the trajectory planning and error compensation in the task space. This high-level task space controller only deals with the task-related kinematic variables, and thus is computationally efficient. The output of the task space controller is a force vector in the task space, which is fed to the low-level controller to be translated into muscle activity commands. Muscle synergies are employed to make this force-to-activation (F2A) mapping computationally efficient. The explicit relationship between the muscle synergies and task space forces allows for the fast estimation of muscle activations that result in the reference force. The synergy-enabled F2A mapping replaces a computationally heavy nonlinear optimization process by a vector decomposition problem that is solvable in real time. The estimation performance of the F2A mapping is evaluated by comparing the F2A-estimated muscle activities against the measured electromyography (EMG) data. The results show that the F2A algorithm can estimate the muscle activations using only the task-related kinematics/dynamics information with ∼70% accuracy. An example predictive simulation is also presented, and the results show that this feedback motor control framework can control arbitrary movements of a three-dimensional (3D) musculoskeletal arm model quickly and near optimally. It is two orders-of-magnitude faster than the optimal controller, with only 12% increase in muscle activities compared to the optimal. The developed motor control model can be used for real-time near-optimal predictive control of musculoskeletal system dynamics.
Subchannel Analysis of Thermal-Hydraulics in a Fuel Assembly With Inner Duct Structure of a Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactor
Authors: Kikuchi Norihiro , Imai Yasutomo , Yoshikawa Ryuji , Doda Norihiro , Tanaka Masaaki , Ohshima Hiroyuki
Published: December 2018

In the design study of advanced loop-type sodium-cooled fast reactor in Japan, a specific fuel assembly (FA) called FA with inner duct structure (FAIDUS) is expected to enhance reactor safety during a core-disruptive accident. Evaluating the thermal-hydraulics in FAIDUS under various operating conditions is required for its design. This study is the first step toward confirming the design feasibility of FAIDUS; the thermal-hydraulics in FAIDUS are investigated with an in-house subchannel analysis code called asymmetrical flow in reactor elements (ASFRE), which can be applied to a wire-wrapped fuel pin bundle in conjunction with the distributed resistance model (DRM) and the turbulence-mixing model of the Todreas–Turi correlation model (TTM). Before simulating the thermal-hydraulics in FAIDUS, a few validations of DRM and TTM are conducted by comparing the numerical results of the pressure drop coefficients or temperature distribution obtained using ASFRE with the experimental data obtained using an apparatus with water or sodium for simulated FAs. After these validations, thermal-hydraulic analyses of FAIDUS and a typical FA are conducted for comparison. The numerical results indicate that, at a high flow rate simulating rated operation condition, no significant asymmetric temperature and velocity distribution occur in FAIDUS compared to the distribution in the typical FA. In addition, at a low flow rate simulating natural circulation condition in decay heat removal, the temperature distribution in FAIDUS is similar to that in the typical FA. This is because the local flow acceleration and the flow redistribution due to buoyancy force may occur in FAIDUS and the typical FA.
Current Status and Future Developments in Nuclear-Power Industry of the World
Authors: Pioro I. , Duffey R. B. , Kirillov P. L. , Pioro R. , Zvorykin A. , Machrafi R.
Published: December 2018

It is well known that electrical-power generation plays the key role in advances in industry, agriculture, technology, and standard of living. Also, strong power industry with diverse energy sources is very important for a country's independence. In general, electrical energy can be mainly generated from: (1) nonrenewable energy sources (75.5% of the total electricity generation) such as coal (38.3%), natural gas (23.1%), oil (3.7%), and nuclear (10.4%); and (2) renewable energy sources (24.5%) such as hydro, biomass, wind, geothermal, solar, and marine power. Today, the main sources for electrical-energy generation are: (1) thermal power (61.4%)—primarily using coal and secondarily using natural gas; (2) “large” hydro-electric plants (16.6%); and (3) nuclear power (10.4%). The balance of the energy sources (11.6%) is from using oil, biomass, wind, geothermal, and solar, and has visible impact just in a few countries. This paper presents the current status of electricity generation in the world, various sources of industrial electricity generation and role of nuclear power with a comparison of nuclear-energy systems to other energy systems. A comparison of the latest data on electricity generation with those several years old shows that world usage of coal, gas, nuclear, and oil has decreased by 1–2%, but usage of renewables has increased by 1% for hydro and 2% for other renewable sources. Unfortunately, within last years, electricity generation with nuclear power has decreased from 14% before the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) severe accident in March 2011 to about 10%. Therefore, it is important to evaluate current status of nuclear-power industry and to make projections on near (5–10 yr) and far away (10–25 yr and beyond) future trends.
Binaural ambiguity amplifies visual bias in sound source localization
Authors: Zhou Yi , Balderas Leslie , Venskytis Emily Jo
Published: December 2018

Auditory spatial perception relies on more than one spatial cue. This study investigated the effects of cue congruence on auditory localization and the extent of visual bias between two binaural cues—interaural time differences (ITDs) and interaural level differences (ILDs). Interactions between these binaural cues were manipulated by stereophonic techniques. The results show that incoherent binaural information increased auditory response noise and amplified visual bias. The analysis further suggests that although ILD is not the dominant cue for low-frequency localization, it may strengthen the position estimate by combining with the dominant ITD information to minimize estimation noise.
Regulated proteolysis of p62/SQSTM1 enables differential control of autophagy and nutrient sensing
Authors: Sanchez-Garrido Julia , Sancho-Shimizu Vanessa , Shenoy Avinash R.
Published: December 2018

A p62 fragment generated by caspase-8 regulates responses to nutrient availability, rather than autophagy.
Complete Genome Sequence of WM99c, an Antibiotic-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Global Clone 2 (GC2) Strain Representing an Australian GC2 Lineage
Authors: Nigro Steven J. , Wick Ryan , Holt Kathryn E. , Hall Ruth M.
Published: December 2018

The extensively antibiotic-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
isolate WM99c recovered in Sydney, Australia, in 1999 is an early representative of a distinct lineage of global clone 2 (GC2) seen on the east coast of Australia. We present the complete 4.121-Mbp genome sequence (chromosome plus 2 plasmids), generated via long-read sequencing (PacBio).
Draft Genome Sequence of NRRL 5109, an Ex-Type Isolate of
Aspergillus neoellipticus
Authors: Li Licui , Hsiang Tom , Li Qili , Wang Long , Yu Zhihe
Published: December 2018

We report here a draft genome sequence of an ex-type strain of
Aspergillus neoellipticus
, NRRL 5109, which was isolated from pus of a case of chronic emphysema. The final assembly consists of 160 scaffolds totaling 27.55 Mbp (G+C content, 49.96%) and 8,858 predicted genes.
Complete Genome Sequences of Six Novel Macaca mulatta Papillomavirus Types Isolated from Genital Sites of Rhesus Monkeys in Hong Kong SAR, China
Authors: Long Teng , Wong Po Yee , Ho Wendy C. S. , Burk Robert D. , Chan Paul K. S. , Chen Zigui
Published: December 2018

The complete genomes of six
Macaca mulatta
papillomavirus types isolated from genital sites of rhesus monkeys were characterized, and less than 72% identity with the complete L1 genes of known papillomaviruses was found.
Macaca mulatta
papillomavirus type 2 (MmPV2), MmPV3, and MmPV6 cluster into the genus
Alphapapillomavirus
, and MmPV4, MmPV5, and MmPV7 cluster into the genus
Gammapapillomavirus
.
Distribution and extent of electronic medical record utilisation in eye units across the United Kingdom: a cross-sectional study of the current landscape
Authors: Lim Shin Bin , Shahid Humma
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Ophthalmology units across the UK vary widely in their adoption of electronic medical records (EMR). There is a lack of evidence to show the extent and progress of EMR adoption. The aim of this study was to capture a snapshot of the current landscape of EMR use, as a baseline for comparison in future studies.

Setting

An electronic survey questionnaire was sent to all NHS ophthalmology Units in the UK.

Participants

A total of 104 National Health Service (NHS) ophthalmology units participated in the survey, which was carried out over 6 months from December 2013 to June 2014.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Respondents were asked about technology usage pertaining to specific processes in the clinic workflow. This allowed us to determine the extent of EMR usage and details about current use or planned implementation by each unit.

Results

77.6% (n=104) of NHS ophthalmology units responded. 45.3% (n=48) of units were currently using an EMR and a further 26.4% (n=28) of units plan to implement EMR within 2 years. 70.8% of units with a current EMR system use Medisoft. EMR is used by all clinicians in 37.5% and by all subspecialties offered at the unit in 27.0%. In 56.3%, new clinical notes are entered into EMR only by clinicians. All imaging devices are networked to EMR in 28.3%. In 46.7%, EMR is accessible by other specialties within the same hospital. 71.1% would recommend EMR to a colleague.

Conclusions

EMR has the potential to address current limitations of patient information transfer and sharing in ophthalmology. It is pleasing to see a significant proportion of units already engaging with EMR or having plans to do so in the near future. However, differing EMR systems and lack of remote access mean further optimisation of these record systems are needed to allow data transfer between units.
Cohort profile: internal migration in sub-Saharan Africa—The Migration and Health in Malawi (MHM) study
Authors: Anglewicz Philip , VanLandingham Mark , Manda-Taylor Lucinda , Kohler Hans-Peter
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The Migration and Health in Malawi (MHM) study focuses on a key challenge in migration research: although it has long been established that migration and health are closely linked, identifying the effect of migration on various health outcomes is complicated by methodological challenges. The MHM study uses a longitudinal panel premigration and postmigration study design (with a non-migrant comparison group) to measure and/or control for important characteristics that affect both migration and health outcomes.

Participants

Data are available for two waves. The MHM interviewed 398 of 715 migrants in 2007 (55.7%) and 722 of 1013 in 2013 (71.3%); as well as 604 of 751 (80.4%) for a non-migrant reference group in 2013. The total interviewed sample size for the MHM in both waves is 1809. These data include extensive information on lifetime migration, socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, sexual behaviours, marriage, household/family structure, social networks and social capital, HIV/AIDS biomarkers and other dimensions of health.

Findings to date

Our result for the relationship between migration and health differs by health measure and analytic approach. Migrants in Malawi have a significantly higher HIV prevalence than non-migrants, which is primarily due to the selection of HIV-positive individuals into migration. We find evidence for health selection; physically healthier men and women are more likely to move, partly because migration selects younger individuals. However, we do not find differences in physical or mental health between migrants and non-migrants after moving.

Future plans

We are preparing a third round of data collection for these (and any new) migrants, which will take place in 2018. This cohort will be used to examine the effect of migration on various health measures and behaviours, including general mental and physical health, smoking and alcohol use, access to and use of health services and use of antiretroviral therapy.
Are healthcare aides underused in long-term care? A cross-sectional study on continuing care facilities in Canada
Authors: Arain Mubashir A , Deutschlander Siegrid , Charland Paola
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Over the last 10 years, appropriate workforce utilisation has been an important discussion among healthcare practitioners and policy-makers. The role of healthcare aides (HCAs) has also expanded to improve their utilisation. This evolving role of HCAs in Canada has prompted calls for standardised training, education and scope of practice for HCAs. The purpose of this research was to examine the differences in HCAs training and utilisation in continuing care facilities.

Design

From June 2014 to July 2015, we conducted a mixed-method study on HCA utilisation in continuing care. This paper presents findings gathered solely from the prospective cross-sectional survey of continuing care facilities (long-term care (LTC) and supportive living (SL)) on HCA utilisation.

Setting and participants

We conducted this study in a Western Canadian province. The managers of the continuing care facilities (SL and LTC) were eligible to participate in the survey.

Primary outcome measures

The pattern of HCAs involvement in medication assistance and other care activities in SL and LTC facilities.

Results

We received 130 completed surveys (LTC=64 and SL=52). Our findings showed that approximately 81% of HCAs were fully certified. We found variations in how HCAs were used in SL and LTC facilities. Overall, HCAs in SL were more likely to be involved in medication management such as assisting with inhaled medication and oral medication delivery. A significantly larger proportion of survey respondents from SL facilities reported that medication assistance training was mandatory for their HCAs (86%) compared with the LTC facilities (50%) (p value <0.01).

Conclusion

The utilisation of HCAs varies widely between SL and LTC facilities. HCAs in SL facilities may be considered better used according to their required educational training and competencies. Expanding the role of HCAs in LTC facilities may lead to a cost-effective and more efficient utilisation of workforce in continuing care facilities.
The burden of cancer attributable to modifiable risk factors: the Australian cancer-PAF cohort consortium
Authors: Arriaga Maria E , Vajdic Claire M , Canfell Karen , MacInnis Robert , Hull Peter , Magliano Dianna J , Banks Emily , Giles Graham G , Cumming Robert G , Byles Julie E , Taylor Anne W , Shaw Jonathan E , Price Kay , Hirani Vasant , Mitchell Paul , Adelstein Barbara-Ann , Laaksonen Maarit A
Published: December 2018

Purpose

To estimate the Australian cancer burden attributable to lifestyle-related risk factors and their combinations using a novel population attributable fraction (PAF) method that accounts for competing risk of death, risk factor interdependence and statistical uncertainty.

Participants

365 173 adults from seven Australian cohort studies. We linked pooled harmonised individual participant cohort data with population-based cancer and death registries to estimate exposure-cancer and exposure-death associations. Current Australian exposure prevalence was estimated from representative external sources. To illustrate the utility of the new PAF method, we calculated fractions of cancers causally related to body fatness or both tobacco and alcohol consumption avoidable in the next 10 years by risk factor modifications, comparing them with fractions produced by traditional PAF methods.

Findings to date

Over 10 years of follow-up, we observed 27 483 incident cancers and 22 078 deaths. Of cancers related to body fatness (n=9258), 13% (95% CI 11% to 16%) could be avoided if those currently overweight or obese had body mass index of 18.5–24.9 kg/m2. Of cancers causally related to both tobacco and alcohol (n=4283), current or former smoking explains 13% (11% to 16%) and consuming more than two alcoholic drinks per day explains 6% (5% to 8%). The two factors combined explain 16% (13% to 19%): 26% (21% to 30%) in men and 8% (4% to 11%) in women. Corresponding estimates using the traditional PAF method were 20%, 31% and 10%. Our PAF estimates translate to 74 000 avoidable body fatness-related cancers and 40 000 avoidable tobacco- and alcohol-related cancers in Australia over the next 10 years (2017–2026). Traditional PAF methods not accounting for competing risk of death and interdependence of risk factors may overestimate PAFs and avoidable cancers.

Future plans

We will rank the most important causal factors and their combinations for a spectrum of cancers and inform cancer control activities.
Can process mining automatically describe care pathways of patients with long-term conditions in UK primary care? A study protocol
Authors: Litchfield Ian , Hoye Ciaron , Shukla David , Backman Ruth , Turner Alice , Lee Mark , Weber Phil
Published: December 2018

Introduction

In the UK, primary care is seen as the optimal context for delivering care to an ageing population with a growing number of long-term conditions. However, if it is to meet these demands effectively and efficiently, a more precise understanding of existing care processes is required to ensure their configuration is based on robust evidence. This need to understand and optimise organisational performance is not unique to healthcare, and in industries such as telecommunications or finance, a methodology known as ‘process mining’ has become an established and successful method to identify how an organisation can best deploy resources to meet the needs of its clients and customers. Here and for the first time in the UK, we will apply it to primary care settings to gain a greater understanding of how patients with two of the most common chronic conditions are managed.

Methods and analysis

The study will be conducted in three phases; first, we will apply process mining algorithms to the data held on the clinical management system of four practices of varying characteristics in the West Midlands to determine how each interacts with patients with hypertension or type 2 diabetes. Second, we will use traditional process mapping exercises at each practice to manually produce maps of care processes for the selected condition. Third, with the aid of staff and patients at each practice, we will compare and contrast the process models produced by process mining with the process maps produced via manual techniques, review differences and similarities between them and the relative importance of each. The first pilot study will be on hypertension and the second for patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been provided by East Midlands–Leicester South Regional Ethics Committee (REC reference 18/EM/0284). Having refined the automated production of maps of care processes, we can explore pinch points and bottlenecks, process variants and unexpected behaviour, and make informed recommendations to improve the quality and efficiency of care. The results of this study will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Pregnancy-associated cancers and birth outcomes in children: a Danish and Swedish population-based register study
Authors: Momen Natalie C , Arendt Linn Håkonsen , Ernst Andreas , Olsen Jørn , Li Jiong , Gissler Mika , Ramlau-Hansen Cecilia H
Published: December 2018

Objectives

This study aims to estimate the association between pregnancy-associated maternal cancers, diagnosed both prenatally and postnatally, and birth outcomes.

Design

Population-based register study.

Setting

National registers of Denmark and Sweden.

Participants

A total of 5 523 365 children born in Denmark (1977–2008) and Sweden (1973–2006).

Primary and secondary outcome measures: gestational age, birth weight, size for gestational age, Apgar score, caesarean section and sex were the outcomes of interest. ORs and relative risk ratios (RRR) with 95% CIs were estimated using logistic regression and multinomial logistic regression, respectively.

Results

In this study, 2% of children were born to mothers with a diagnosis of cancer. Children whose mothers received a prenatal cancer diagnosis had higher risk of being born preterm (RRR: 1.77, 95% CI 1.64 to 1.90); low birth weight (RRR 1.84, 95% CI 1.69 to 2.01); low Apgar score (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.56); and by caesarean section (OR: 1.69, 95% CI 1.59 to 1.80). Associations moved towards the null for analyses using postnatal diagnoses, but preterm birth (RRR: 1.13, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.17) and low birth weight (RRR: 1.14, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.18) remained statistically significant, while risk of caesarean section became so (OR: 0.95, 95% CI 0.91 to 0.98). Additionally, statistical significance was reached for large for gestational age (RRR: 1.06, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.11), high birth weight (RRR: 1.04, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.06) and caesarean section (OR: 0.95, 95% CI 0.91 to 0.98).

Conclusions

Results suggest an association between pregnancy-associated cancers and adverse birth outcomes in the offspring. While this is strongest for prenatally diagnosed cancers, some smaller associations exist for postnatally diagnosed cancers, indicating that cancer itself could affect fetal development, or that cancer and adverse birth outcomes share risk factors. Future studies on maternal cancer during pregnancy should consider including some postnatal years in their exposure window.
Establishment of trauma treatment teams within a regional severe trauma treatment system in China: study protocol for a national cluster-randomised trial
Authors: Wang Yu , Liu Hui-Xin , Wang Yan-Hua , Zhang Ya-Jun , Zhang Jin-Jun , Huang Wei , Jiang Bao-Guo , Wang Tian-Bing
Published: December 2018

Introduction

The implementation of first aid processes for patients with trauma in China faces significant challenges. These challenges include long response times of prehospital first aid services, lack of information exchange between prehospital first aid services and in-hospital emergency services, lack of a professional rescue team in the majority of hospitals, and lack of standardised training for prehospital and in-hospital emergency personnel. The purpose of the trial is to guide the establishment of an urban trauma treatment system in China, highlight the construction of a trauma treatment system tailored to the Chinese context and improve levels of medical treatment by selecting approximately 100 counties across China as pilots to establish a regional trauma treatment system.

Methods and analysis

A cluster-randomised controlled trial will be performed in 98 county-level research institutes. Included research institutes will be randomised into an experimental group and a control group. Patients in both experimental and control groups will receive basic treatments. A trauma treatment team will be established in the experimental group. The primary outcome measure is in-hospital mortality rate of patients. The secondary outcome measures include mortality rate of patients within 30 days after trauma attack and within 30 days after discharge, the time between arrival in the institution and receiving consultation, and the time from admission to the start of surgery. The effects of establishment of trauma treatment teams on the treatment of severe trauma will be evaluated in all counties.

Ethics and dissemination

The procedures have been approved by The Medical Ethics Committee of Peking University People’s Hospital (No.2017PHB098-01) and conform to the Declaration of Helsinki. Data will be collected and analysed in accordance with participant privacy laws and regulations. Results will be disseminated through policy briefs, workshops, peer-reviewed publications and conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT03363880; Pre-results.
How common are neurocognitive disorders in patients with chronic kidney disease and diabetes? Results from a cross-sectional study in a community cohort of patients in North Wales, UK
Authors: Hobson Peter , Lewis Aled , Nair Hari , Wong Stephen , Kumwenda Mick
Published: December 2018

Objective

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects nearly 9% of global populations and is strongly associated with older age. Neurocognitive disorders (NCDs), which include mild cognitive impairment and dementia, are rising as a result of ageing populations throughout the world. This investigation’s aim is to report the frequency of mild to major NCD in a clinical cohort of adults with mild to moderate CKD and diabetes.

Setting

Glan Clwyd District general Hospital, North Wales, UK.

Participants

We enrolled 178 patients with CKD and diabetes, aged 55 years and over with an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 >15 mL/min/1.73 m2, attending a specialist renal and diabetic outpatient clinic.

Outcome measures

Frequency of mild and major NCD and the association with the stage of CKD was assessed in all patients attending the specialist clinic. The diagnosis of NCD was based on patient and informant interview, case note review, neuropsychological assessment and application of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders version 5.

Results

This investigation found 86/178 (48%) of the cohort with an NCD ranging from mild (n=49) to major symptoms (n=37). No association was found with NCD and the stage of CKD. Mild and major NCD was associated poorer outcomes in several cognitive domains, including, language, executive, memory, fluency and attention function (p<0.05).

Conclusions

This is the first UK investigation to report that cognitive changes occur in a significant number of older adults with CKD and diabetes. The unexpected finding was that prior to cognitive assessment, not any of the cohort had a pre-existing diagnosis of cognitive impairment, suggesting that the current prevalence and incidence rates of NCD in the general population are possibly significantly underestimated. Our findings also suggest that the cognitive function of patients with CKD should be screened and monitored routinely as part of their overall care management.
Non-standard treatment for uncomplicatedChlamydia trachomatisurogenital infections: a systematic review
Authors: Krahn Jessica , Louette Aaron , Caine Vera , Ha Shalane , Wong Tom , Lau Tim T Y , Singh Ameeta E
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To review the literature for non-standard treatment options for uncomplicatedChlamydia trachomatis(CT) infections in adolescents and adults.

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

Ovid MEDLINE/PubMed, Ovid EMBASE, Cochrane Trials & Systematic Review Databases, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, ClinicalTrials.gov and Health Canada Trials Database were searched for studies in English or French from 1 January 2006 to 6 August 2017. Keywords included CT, anti-infective or anti-bacterial agents, therapy/pharmacotherapy/management.

Review methods

Included were primary research studies. Outcome measures included clinical or microbiological cure, treatment failure and adverse events. We followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies were assessed for risk of bias using the Revised Cochrane Risk of Bias V.2.0 tool for randomised and the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale for non-randomised studies.

Funding source

Public Health Agency of Canada.

Results

Of the 6899 records identified through the database search, 11 studies were included. One randomised controlled trial reported that delayed release doxycycline was non-inferior to azithromycin. Two studies examined higher doses of azithromycin but reported no additional benefit. One study looked at a 5-day azithromycin treatment regimen and reported a high cure rate. Two studies reported efficacy of sitafloxacin, and a single study supports the use of levofloxacin. Two phase 2 studies reported efficacy of single-dose rifalazil in both men and women. Only one retrospective study was identified that examined treatment in pregnant women and reported that efficacy with single-dose azithromycin exceeded that of amoxicillin and erythromycin. A single study examining the efficacy of a beta-lactam antibiotic was stopped early due to high treatment failures.

Conclusions

The paucity of existing data highlights the need for further adequately powered studies to evaluate rifalazil, delayed release doxycycline, levofloxacin and other agents for the treatment of uncomplicated CT infections.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017073096.
Neighbourhoods, networks and pre-exposure prophylaxis awareness: a multilevel analysis of a sample of young black men who have sex with men
Authors: Chen Yen-Tyng , Kolak Marynia , Duncan Dustin T , Schumm Phil , Michaels Stuart , Fujimoto Kayo , Schneider John A
Published: December 2018

Objective

Young black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) in the USA represent a subgroup that has the highest HIV incidence among the overall population. In the USA, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective prevention intervention to prevent HIV acquisition when taken regularly. Neighbourhood and network factors may relate to PrEP awareness, but have not been studied in YBMSM. This study aimed to examine the relationship of neighbourhood and network characteristics with PrEP awareness among YBMSM.

Methods

We used data collected from a sample of 618 YBMSM in Chicago (2013–2014). Home addresses were collected for participants and enumerated network members. Administrative data (eg, 2014 American Community Survey, Chicago Department of Public Health) were used to describe residence characteristics. Network member characteristics were also collected (eg, sexual partners’ sex-drug use, confidant network members who were also MSM). Multilevel analysis was performed to examine the relationships of neighbourhood and network characteristics to PrEP awareness.

Results

Higher neighbourhood-level educational attainment (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.02, p=0.03) and greater primary care density (aOR 1.38, p=0.01) were associated with greater PrEP awareness; greater neighbourhood alcohol outlet density (aOR 0.52, p=0.004) was associated with less PrEP awareness. Sexual network members residing in the same neighbourhood as the participants (aOR 2.58, p=0.03) and discussions around avoiding HIV acquisition with confidants (aOR 2.26, p=0.04) were associated with greater PrEP awareness.

Conclusions

The results suggest that neighbourhood and network characteristics can influence PrEP awareness in YBMSM. Additional studies are needed to understand the influences of neighbourhood (eg, MSM serving venues) and network (eg, peer to peer communication) characteristics on dissemination of PrEP information, uptake and adherence and the related mechanisms behind the associations.
An optimization strategy for evaluating modified Cam clay parameters using self-boring pressuremeter test data
Authors: Gaone F.M. , Doherty J.P. , Gourvenec S.
Published: December 2018

This paper presents an efficient, practical, and automated strategy for deriving modified Cam clay parameters from undrained self-boring pressuremeter (SBPM) data. A mixed approach involving a parametric sweep and numerical optimization is used, with a focus on parameter groups that dominate the modified Cam clay response in undrained cavity expansion. The proposed technique is illustrated using data from SBPM tests carried out in soft estuarine clay. The resulting parameters are used to back-analyse large-scale foundation load tests and are shown to provide an excellent match to the measured foundation response.
An updated normative data set from the autonomic reflex screen representative of Southwestern Ontario
Authors: Baker Jacquie , Kimpinski Kurt
Published: December 2018

In evaluating autonomic dysfunction, the autonomic reflex screen (ARS) is an established set of standardized tests to evaluate the presence and severity of autonomic dysfunction. Our laboratory previously reported normative data on 121 healthy individuals; however, the sample size in older individuals was reduced compared with other age groups. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to provide updated normative values representative of young, middle-aged, and older individuals from Southwestern Ontario. Two hundred and fifty-two healthy individuals completed quantitative sudomotor axon reflex testing, heart rate responses to deep breathing (HRDB), and Valsalva maneuver using standard protocols of the ARS. All 4 sweat sites demonstrated a significant effect of sex (p < 0.001). In addition, the proximal leg, distal leg, and foot were all significantly affected by age (p < 0.001). Cardiovagal parameters, measured via HRDB and Valsalva ratio revealed a significant regression with age (p < 0.001). These results show similar trends with previously reported normative data sets. All normative data as a function of age and sex, where appropriate, are expressed as percentiles (2.5th, 5th, 95th, 97.5th). The current study provides updated normative data describing autonomic functioning in healthy individuals obtained from the sudomotor and cardiovagal components of the ARS.
Integrative assessment of sediment quality in acidification scenarios associated with carbon capture and storage operations
Authors: DelValls Ángel , Souza Lorena da Silva , de Seabra Alessandra Aloise , Seabra Pereira Camilo Dias , Bonnail Estefanía , Riba Inmaculada
Published: December 2018

Efforts to stem global change include the application of new technological developments that aim to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) through the carbon capture and storage (CCS) of this greenhouse gas in stable geological structures. In this paper, we assess the potential risks related to the application of CCS technology and the acidification of aquatic ecosystems through CO2 enrichment. We use the multiple lines of evidence approach (LOEs) to characterize the effects of the acidification with contamination in aquatic sediments. We highlight and discuss the effects of acidification on the LOEs including contamination and mobility of contaminants in sediments, toxicity, macrobenthic community structure, in situ effects, and bioaccumulation–biomagnification processes. We further assess the results of acidification on the toxicity of organic contaminants such as antibiotics or illicit drugs like the freebase form of cocaine (crack). The main goal of using the LOE approach is to distinguish between adverse effects that are associated with contaminants and those related to acidification by enrichment of CO2 as a result of CCS technology. Previous assessments were not designed or conducted to incorporate an integrative point of view, nor did they employ a weight of evidence approach (WOE) in risk characterization and management of CCS operations and other situations related to acidification by enrichment of CO2 in the aquatic ecosystem. Based on the findings of this review, the WOE can identify the effects of the acidification on the different LOEs used for sediment quality: contaminant mobility, the adverse effects in organism under laboratory and field conditions, and the bioaccumulation–biomagnification of contaminants. The main strength in using the WOE is the ability of this method to discriminate between LOE responses associated with contamination by different organic and inorganic substances from those related to CO2 acidification itself. The WOE will significantly improve the risk assessment in areas affected by potential leakages of CO2 during CCS operations.
Vegetation monitoring using multispectral sensors — best practices and lessons learned from high latitudes
Authors: Assmann Jakob J. , Kerby Jeffrey T. , Cunliffe Andrew M. , Myers-Smith Isla H.
Published: December 2018

Rapid technological advances have dramatically increased affordability and accessibility of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and associated sensors. Compact multispectral drone sensors capture high-resolution imagery in visible and near-infrared parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, allowing for the calculation of vegetation indices, such as the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) for productivity estimates and vegetation classification. Despite the technological advances, challenges remain in capturing high-quality data, highlighting the need for standardized workflows. Here, we discuss challenges, technical aspects, and practical considerations of vegetation monitoring using multispectral drone sensors and propose a workflow based on remote sensing principles and our field experience in high-latitude environments, using the Parrot Sequoia (Pairs, France) sensor as an example. We focus on the key error sources associated with solar angle, weather conditions, geolocation, and radiometric calibration and estimate their relative contributions that can lead to uncertainty of more than ±10% in peak season NDVI estimates of our tundra field site. Our findings show that these errors can be accounted for by improved flight planning, metadata collection, ground control point deployment, use of reflectance targets, and quality control. With standardized best practice, multispectral sensors can provide meaningful spatial data that is reproducible and comparable across space and time.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON BREATHING CRACK DETECTION AND EVALUATION UNDER RANDOM LOADING WITH ENTROPY
Authors: Wimarshana Buddhi , Goes Felliphe , Wu* Nan , Wu Christine
Published: December 2018

Breathing crack detection and evaluation on a beam under random loading is experimentally studied and realized using entropy measures. During testing, the beam is subjected to random excitations which is the most evident excitation type experienced by most of the engineering structures. Frequency response function is employed to erase the random frequency components due to the excitation from the response of the structure to pick up the vibration characteristics of the beam structure itself with/without the breathing crack. Based on experimental results, the proposed methodology can clearly discriminate a crack with 25% depth of the total thickness of the beam from the healthy case. It is also capable of distinguishing a 50% crack depth from a 25% crack depth with distinct entropy values.
DEVELOPMENT OF MAGNETIC GEAR MECHANISMS
Authors: Wu Yi-Chang , Chan Chin-Tsung
Published: December 2018

The purpose of this study is to develop novel magnetic gear mechanisms by using creative mechanism design methodology. First, the flowchart of creative mechanism design methodology is introduced. The schematic diagram and graph representation of a magnetic gear device based on its topological structure are presented. Next, the characteristics of the topological structure of an existing 4-link magnetic gear device are analyzed. Feasible specialized chains are then enumerated, subject to design requirements and constraints. The direction of magnetization in permanent magnets is defined and applied to magnetic gear mechanisms. Finally, 12 novel magnetic gear mechanisms with 5 links are synthesized. The magnetic field, transmitted torque and speed ratio of a novel design are analyzed by 2-D FEA.
Possibility of hadronic dark matter
Authors: Beylin Vitaly , Kuksa Vladimir
Published: December 2018

We consider main properties of hadronic Dark Matter (DM) candidate consisting of new heavy stable quark and the light ordinary one. This additional quark arises in chiral-symmetric extension of the Standard Model and has standard electromagnetic and strong interactions. Neutral and charged pseudoscalar low-lying states are interpreted as the DM carrier and its nearest charged partner. Their masses and lifetime of the charged state are evaluated; we also describe asymptotics of low-energy potential of the particles interactions with nucleons and each other. Annihilation cross-section is calculated and some peculiarities of Sommerfeld enhancement are analyzed.
Models of hypercolor based on symplectic gauge group with three heavy vectorlike hyperquarks
Authors: Volchanskiy Nikolay , Kuksa Vladimir , Beylin Vitaly
Published: December 2018

We study possibilities to extend the Standard Model (SM) by three flavors of vectorlike heavy quarks in pseudoreal representation of symplectic hypercolor gauge group. This extension of SM predicts a rich spectra of heavy composite hypermesons and hyperbaryons (all of them carry integer spins) including 14 pseudo-Nambu–Goldstone states emerging in dynamical breaking of the global symmetry group of the H-quarks, [Formula: see text], to its Sp(6) subgroup. The properties of the lightest states depend strongly on the choice of heavy-quark hypercharges. Our focus is placed on the variants of the model with partially composite Higgs boson, i.e. the experimentally observed boson comprised the elementary SM Higgs and a mixture of H-hadrons.
Analysis of Fuzzy Beta Coefficients. Evidence from the Mexican Stock Market
Authors: Barberà-Mariné M. Glòria , Laumann Yanina , Fabregat-Aibar Laura
Published: December 2018

This paper represents a contribution to the empirical literature on systematic risk at a sectoral level in an emerging market, the Mexican Stock Market, incorporating all the available information of the different asset quoted prices for the beta calculation. We estimate the fuzzy beta coefficients for individual stocks as well as for sectoral indices comparing the results with OLS beta coefficients. Then, we contrast if the fuzzy estimations verify two hypothesis of the traditional portfolio theory, specifically those related to the influence of the number of stocks and the length of estimation period over beta stability. The methodology used to calculate the fuzzy beta coefficients is the fuzzy linear regression. The results suggest that, in the Mexican Stock Market, hypotheses of the portfolio theory are also verified when the return of the portfolio is considered as an uncertain data.
Analysis of 3D Printed Trapezoidal Interfaces by Means of a Novel Cohesive-Based Analytical Approach
Authors: García-Guzmán L. , Távara L. , Reinoso J. , Justo J. , París F.
Published: December 2018

The advances in manufacturing techniques allow the generation of new geometric conceptions and open a new paradigm in adhesive joints design. Structured interfaces constitute an excellent method to improve the resistance properties of these kinds of joining systems, Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM or 3D printing) being an appropriate procedure to perform these designs.

In this study, double-cantilever beam (DCB) tests with different trapezoidal patterns are investigated in terms of fracture resistance from experimental and analytical points of view in order to analyze the influence of the geometry in the energy release rate of the structure. The main goal of the current investigation is to examine the system response under the variation of the analytical approach parameters (based on a cohesive-zone model (CZM) technique). Particularly, a wider range of mixed-mode fracture conditions can be integrated by means of establishing different penalty stiffnesses in normal and shear directions, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. Finally, a correlation between the experimental and analytical results for the proposed trapezoidal interfaces with different aspect ratios [Formula: see text] (where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] identify the amplitude and wavelength of the interface profile, respectively) is shown. A satisfactory agreement between the predicted and the experimental data is achieved, emphasizing that the relation [Formula: see text] has a significant influence on the results obtained and, therefore, a correct characterization of the joint is needed.
Measuring Perceived Service Innovation Typologies in Retail Industry
Authors: Manohar Sridhar , Kapur Geeta
Published: December 2018

Purpose: The study is undertaken with two objectives, first to develop a scale that can measure service innovation from customer perspective in retail industry, and second to find out how the developed service innovation measurement scale has an effect on predicting customer’s Word-of-Mouth (WOM), followed by testing the mediation effect of corporate reputation between service innovation and WOM.

Methodology: The study followed the Integrated Design Approach that included qualitative studies and quantitative studies in exploring and validating the measurement items for service innovation typologies. The codes that represent the typologies of service innovation were elicited through group discussions with selected customers and validated through in-depth interviews with decision maker/managers of retail industry in different parts of South India. The approved codes were validated through two expert opinion surveys and further authenticated through quantitative approaches such as: Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis with two different sets of samples. Finally, the nomological validity of the developed scale was tested on estimating its effect on Corporate Reputation and WOM.

Findings: The developed service innovation scale can be adopted by both researchers and managers in measuring service innovation in retail industry. The path analysis results concluded that service innovation has positive impact on corporate reputation and WOM, where the decision makers/managers can note that if service innovations are brought in frequently, it would make the firm reputed in the market and ultimately results in positive WOM from the customers. The mediation analysis result also gives an insight that even if the service innovation is by a non-reputed retailer, it still gets positive WOM.

Originality/Value: The study contributes by providing a unique scale to measure service innovation from customer perspective in retail industry, overcoming the existing Goods-Dominant logic. Further, by empirically testing nomological validity, the effect on non-financial performance is estimated to understand how innovation in services would build corporate reputation that ultimately results in customers’ positive WOM which is wanting in literature on service innovation.