bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Web-Based Convergent Hospital Billing System
Authors: Erna Permanasari Adhistya , Fauziati Silmi , Kartika Candri Argi
Published: December 2018

Given the large volume of data generated in hospitals, the usage of hospital information system (HIS) that may ease the hospital’s workload on managing patient bills is critical. Thus, this paper presents the development of a web based hospital billing system which allows the staffs to manage and store patient bills in such a way that it can integrate bills from various departments. In addition to that, the system has additional features to allow down payments, automatically generate accounting reports, as well as integrate some features of the registration and the pharmacy system. The system design followed the Waterfall approach and was done using the use case diagram, activity diagram, sequence diagram, and entity relationship diagram. The data processed was actual data from the hospital and dummy data for the pharmacy system. The system’s functionality was tested using the black-box method and then evaluated by the hospital staffs using the SUS (System Usability Scale) method. From there, we obtained a score of 77.5 out of 100 from the SUS evaluation and 100% success rate from 102 features tested with the black-box testing method. Therefore, we can conclude that the new system works well and has good usability.
Smart Clothline System Based on Internet of Thing (IoT)
Authors: Yusoff Zakiah Mohd , Muhammad Zuraida , Abidin Amar Faiz Zainal , Dalila KA Nur , Razali Noor Fadzilah , Majid Masmaria Abdul , Hasan KK.
Published: December 2018

Along with the growth of economic and infrastructure development, the level of invention or technologies is increasing steadily. These modern technology or invention is very useful to help people ease their daily life. Nowadays, there are many new inventions that have been developed due to the people demands. This is supported by the development of new technologies. This is because people nowadays are busy with their household management or have long working hours that makes they do not have enough time to do all home works such as pick up their clothes at their cloth line. To handle this problem, an Internet of Thing (IoT) Smart Cloth Line is one of the solutions. In this project, a smart cloth line is used to avoid the clothes from moistened with rainwater. When rain falls, the mechanical parts of cloth line will compress and expand when rains stop. The cloth line consists of Arduino UNO microcontroller, rain sensor, LDR, temperature and humidity sensor, servo motor and LCD display. During rainy day, the rain sensor will detect the present of water and servo motor will compress the mechanical parts of the cloth line. This is also an IoT based project so when anything happens when it is raining, it will automatically send notification to the user smartphone. The users also can get notification of temperature, humidity and intensity of light around their cloth line. Obviously, this project can help people in their daily life.
Gender Influence on the Household Electrical Energy Consumption Behavior
Authors: Senjawati Maria Isfus , Susanti Lusi , Zadry Hilma Raimona , Fithri Prima
Published: December 2018

Increased energy consumption can lead to depletion of fossil energy reserves that can pose a threat to energy supply in Indonesia. One way to increase the intensity of energy savings is to make changes in consumer behavior. The development of gender roles, abilities, and attention led most researchers to argue that women are more consistent in attention to environmental change than men. Women are more concerned with environmental quality and participate in environmental activities. Thus, this research tries to determine the influence of psychological factors on the behavior of household electrical energy consumption in term of gender differences. This study used questionnaires distributed using Google Docs to household electrical respondents several in Indonesia. Referring to ABC (Antecedents-Behaviour-Consequences) model of consumer behavior, the total of 808, questionnaires from 526 male respondents and 282 female respondents were successfully collected. The data were processed by the Partial Least Square Equation Modeling Model (SEM-PLS) using Smart-PLS software. The study concluded that,if given the consequences, women have higher influence to the behavior of electrical energy consumption than men. Overall psychological factors have a positive and significant influence on the behavior of electric energy consumption in Indonesia.
The Valuation of Geothermal Power Projects in Indonesia Using Real Options Valuation
Authors: Bilqist Reza A. , Dachyar M. , Farizal
Published: December 2018

Geothermal power project should be carefully evaluated, because not only the project is large-scale and high-risk, but also huge investments are needed to make the project profitable. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and analyze the present value of the geothermal power plant projects in Indonesia using net present value and real options valuation approach to obtain better project value that indicates profitable investments. Project value determined based on Net Present Value (NPV). The Monte Carlo Simulation calculated NPV based on discount rate, production volume, and operation and maintenance (O&M) cost. The risk of the project defined with 3 scenarios to obtain NPV and calculate Expected Net Present Value (ENPV). The result of this study showed Real Options Valuation obtained the highest project value indicating a higher return of the project that was previously undervalued using NPV and ENPV. Real Options Valuation approach improved the project value by incorporating scenario analysis and strategic option in the valuation process.
Analysis of Outpatient Service Queue of Public Hospital in Jakarta
Authors: Dachyar M. , Farizal  , Yafi M. Mansur
Published: December 2018

In recent years Public hospital services are becoming a burden in many large cities. Many patients are needed to be served, but it was constrained by the number of doctors. Even though the resources are limited, the efficiency of public hospital services is important. The patient’s queues can be shortened by service quality enhancement of outpatient. This study has applied Business Process Reengineering (BPR) method to improve the efficiency of public hospital services. Igrafx software is used to visualize the improvement design. The result has suggested a solution to accelerate the outpatient health services of a public hospital in Jakarta.
Determining Criteria for Food SME’s Supplier Selection Using DEMATEL-Based ANP Method
Authors: Ramadhani Yasmin , Dachyar M. , Farizal
Published: December 2018

SMEs’ contribution to Indonesia’s national GDP is quite high. However ineffective supply chain management causes the competitiveness of food SMEs company is low. The purpose of this research is to determine the appropriate criteria for supplier selection to improve the competitiveness of food SMEs company. This research method using a combination of DEMATEL and ANP called DEMATEL-Based ANP. This method is used to generate supplier selection criteria and their weight, which are obtained from the judgment of seven experts. This research resulted in the 20 criteria considered important from the results of the expert judgment. Criteria with the greatest weight is the communication openness with the weight value of 14%.
Scheduling of Aircraft Design Project: A Comparison of Critical Path Method, Design Structure Matrix and Genetic Algorithm Approaches
Authors: Amalia Ariani , Dachyar M. , Farizal
Published: December 2018

The purpose of this study to minimize the overall duration of aircraft design project in Indonesia. This study proposes a combination method of Design Structure Matrix (DSM) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) for scheduling aircraft design project activities. DSM is used to identify the information flow between project activities. GA use reworks data, which was the result output of DSM, and activity duration to optimize the task sequence by considering the human resource constraints. A comparative analysis was conducted between the schedule based on DSM and GA and schedule based on Critical Path Method. Combination of DSM and GA obtained 63 days shorter project durations compared to CPM. This research is convenient for design projects scheduling with limited resources that can be obtained by using alternative methods other than traditional methods.
Antecedents of Intention to Use E-Learning
Authors: Khairudin  , Herawati Susi , Ilona Desi , Zaitul
Published: December 2018

This study investigates the effect of Attitude toward e-learning, Facility condition, and Personalization on intention to use e-learning. theory of plan behaviour is used to understand the antecedents of intention to use e-learning. Using academic staffs as a research object and SEM-PLS, we conclude that Attitude toward e-learning and Personalization have a positive relationship with intention to use e-learning. However, Facility condition has a negative effect on intention to use e-learning. This study partially contributes to theory of plan behaviour. This finding also could be used by university to formulate e-learning concept by considering the significant antecedents in this study.
Material Properties and Shrinkage of 3D Printing Parts using Ultrafuse Stainless Steel 316LX Filament
Authors: Gong Haijun , Crater Cameron , Ordonez Ana , Ward Craig , Waller Madison , Ginn Charles
Published: December 2018

As a novel manufacturing methodology, 3D printing or additive manufacturing (AM) attracts much more attentions for complex structure fabrication, especially for manufacturing metal parts. A number of metal AM processes have been studied and commercialized. However, most of them are costly and less accessible. This paper introduces a material extrusion based 3D printing process for making austenitic stainless steel 316L part using a metal-polymer composite filament (Ultrafuse 316LX). The stainless steel 316L metal specimens are printed by a commonly used 3D printer loaded with Ultrafuse filament, followed by an industry standard debinding and sintering process. Tests are performed to understand the material properties, such as hardness, tensile strength, and microstructural characteristics, of the stainless steel 316L material. In addition, an artifact model is designed to estimate the part shrinkage after the debinding and sintering process. It is found that the stainless steel 316L part exhibits apparent shrinkage after sintering. But using the Ultrafuse filament for 3D printing could be an alternative way of making metal AM parts.
Mechanical and Dynamic Characterization of Sustainable Composites Based on Food Packaging Waste
Authors: Nassef M G , El-Galy I , Hassanin A
Published: December 2018

Composites made from food packaging waste are recently introduced to the industry as promising materials that aim to reduce the environmental waste and to develop cost effective products. They possess good physical properties, which makes them potential competitors to wood based composite structures such as commercial particleboard (PB), and medium density fiberboard (MDF). Despite the expected advantages, the mechanical and dynamic behaviour of this genuine structure still needs to be studied and tested to evaluate its suitability for light weight structure applications. Experimental modal analysis is conducted on specimens made of food packaging waste, sandwich structured packaging waste with woven glass-fiber skin, MDF and PB. The dynamic testing results show superior damping ratio for the food packaging waste composites compared to the wood-based specimens. Natural frequencies exhibit comparable dynamic stiffness with respect to MDF, and PB. Further investigation has been made to evaluate both the modulus of rapture and the static stiffness of the material by conducting flexural tests on all specimens. Sandwich structure produced from food packaging waste and veneered with woven glass-fiber fabric exhibit excellent magnitudes for the modulus of rupture in addition the highest damping ratio.
Improvement of Biological Properties of Natural Hemostatic Agent by Plasma Technology
Authors: Wattanutchariya Wassanai , Boonyawan Dheerawan , Jaifu Jureeporn
Published: December 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of non-thermal plasma treatment on the biological properties of a natural hemostatic agent. The results show that plasma treatment can enhance the biodegradability property of the hemostatic agent by increasing the degradation rate of the specimen up to 94.26% within 7 days. Furthermore, the plasma-treated specimen also exhibited good biocompatibility based on the cell viability test of the fibroblast cells. The cell growth and cell proliferation on this sample were found to be helpful for the wound healing process. With appropriate degradable and biocompatible properties, this modified agent could be beneficial for better control over bleeding during surgery. Research on the physical and mechanical properties are on to develop novel hemostatic products to match the requirements as far as biomedical applications are concerned.
A Mathematical Model of the Strain and Stress Kinetics during Welding of Thin-Walled Products
Authors: Gubeladze Gocha , Geradze Paata
Published: December 2018

The paper dwells on the mathematical model of the strain and stress of the elements of the thin-walled systems. A version of the sophisticated theory of shells with the use of several base surfaces has been developed at the Kutaisi Technical University [3,8]. The theory is based on a kinematic hypothesis thereby facilitating the construction of a three-dimensional field of deformation of shell by deformation of two or more surfaces. The use of several base surfaces allows not only for accounting the transverse shears and crimping, but also, with account for the shell thickness, for modeling the mechanical and thermal phenomena on the front surfaces of the layers. In doing so, the geometrical and mechanistic interpretation of generalized displacements and generalized internal forces is clear enough, and the basic equations are simple. The model is based on a geometrically linear version of the theory of shells with the use of several base surfaces and the theory of non-isothermal plastic flow [4]. The developed mathematical model of the strain and stress kinetics allows for evaluating the temperature and strain-stress states of thin-walled products during welding.
Stress Relaxation of a Sport Utility Vehicle Chassis Using a Dynamic Force Counteracting Approach
Authors: Wang Wenlin , Hou Zhichao , Zhou Zirong , Cheng Siyuan
Published: December 2018

Structural failures in a Chinese sport utility vehicle (SUV) Land-wind X6 chassis were reported in recent years, thus, it is meaningful to conduct trouble-shooting and effective optimization to improve the chassis. Stress relaxation of the Land-wind X6 chassis using a novel dynamic force counteracting approach was carried out in this study. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) model of the chassis was firstly established and theoretical modal analysis was performed using the FEA model, experimental modal analysis was followed to validate the theoretical modal analysis and the FEA model. Further static and local stress analyses demonstrate that irrational designs between the longitudinal beams and the suspension components lead to inadequate stiffness and excessive stress concentrations which would cause fatigue and structural failure when the SUV chassis is subject to complex and severe excitations. A novel dynamic forces counteracting approach was introduced to optimize the chassis structure, FEA results show that excessive stress concentrations were obviously eliminated and the chassis stiffness, especially the torsional stiffness was greatly improved after optimization, followed industrial implementation also verifies that the FEA-based study and product optimization performed in this work are successful and significant.
Design and Analysis of a Novel Variable Stiffness Joint for Robot
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Capehart Twan , Moore Carl A.
Published: December 2018

As people pay more attention to the safety of human-robotic interaction, the flexibility of machine joints is becoming more and more important. To address the needs of future robotic applications, many kinds of variable stiffness mechanisms have been designed by scientists. But most of the structures are complex. By studying and comparing many different mechanism designs of variable stiffness joint, we recognize the need to miniaturization and reduce weight of variable stiffness joints with high frequency operation. To address this, need a continuously Variable Compliant Joint (CVCJ) was designed. The core of the joint is based on the structure of the spherical continuously variable transmission (SCVT) which is the catalyst to change the stiffness continuously and smoothly. In this paper, we present a compact variable stiffness joint structure to meet the volume and weight requirements of the future robotic systems. We show the connection between the joint stiffness coefficient and the structure parameters by making mathematical analysis, modelling and simulation for the system to verify the ability to satisfy the base application requirements of the compliant joint.
Science, vérité et croyances
Authors: Bikfalvi Andreas
Published: December 2018

Cet article se propose de discuter certains aspects de la relation entre la science, la vérité et les croyances, en se concentrant principalement sur l’activité scientifique des sciences biologiques et médicales, et sur la façon dont elle se rapporte aux notions de vérité et de croyance. La relation avec les religions ne sera donc pas abordée. La science utilise des méthodes spécifiques pour acquérir le savoir, et les philosophes ont analysé comment cette connaissance scientifique était acquise, en tentant d’en préciser les démarches et d’établir quelques règles générales. Certains théoriciens radicaux ont ainsi contesté la valeur de la méthode scientifique, malgré le succès indiscutable de la science. Si elle est rationnelle, la science n’est cependant pas exempte de croyance, ce qui peut avoir un impact positif ou négatif sur l’acquisition des connaissances scientifiques et sur l’idée de la nature humaine.
« Médecine 4.0 »
Authors: Wolf Bernhard , Scholze Christian
Published: December 2018

Les progrès électroniques des cent dernières années ont apporté d’énormes contributions à la recherche médicale et au développement de nouveaux procédés thérapeutiques. Au cours des dernières années notamment, il a été démontré que les capteurs intelligents, avec des interfaces radio appropriées, permettront bientôt de relier entre eux les processus diagnostiques et thérapeutiques en médecine - il sera ainsi possible de développer de toutes nouvelles formes de traitements [1]. Cette nouvelle « médecine 4.0 » a fait l’objet d’un premier article de la série, dans lequel étaient présentés les progrès acquis grâce à la fusion de la technologie des micro-capteurs, de la microélectronique et des technologies de l’information et de la communication, en détaillant particulièrement le cas de la chimiothérapie personnalisée. L’objet de ce nouvel article est de présenter davantage d’applications pratiques de ces nouvelles méthodes thérapeutiques.
Promoting Global Citizenship through an Information-Based Focus on United Nations International Events
Authors: Del Carmen Allen V. , Bartolome Joevel A.
Published: December 2018

Rapid advances in technology, information, and transportation have made true what was once just an idea. This was popularized by communication scholar Marshall McLuhan into a reality. These advances have consequently helped develop global citizenship education. With this development comes the realization that young people need not go out of their country to embrace global citizenship. What Journalism and Print Media students at the University of St. La Salle did to heighten their global citizenship education was to use mass and social media to promote selected international events of the United Nations under the project, ―Connecting… Informing… We Are Citizens of the World‖. The feedback of the students show that such approach is an effective tool in making young people aware and be involved in the discussion and action for social justice and peace, which are requisites of global citizenship. This paper hopes to share with other S-L advocates, especially those in Communication programs that they can be vital channels in promoting global citizenship among their students as well as strategies they can use, and consequently, contribute to efforts toward the attainment of international peace, unity amid diversity and development.
The Impact of Service Learning at Kebontunggul Village for The Students of Heat Transfer Class
Authors: Handoyo Ekadewi Anggraini
Published: December 2018

Service learning is new for engineering students in PCU. When heat transfer class was adopting service learning methode last year, a small survey was done to know the students’ respond for this new methode. The survey was done via reflection they wrote in the end of the process. The students learn not only heat transfer itself, but they also learn how to apply it to an oven needed by a community in Kebontunggul, a small village in Mojokerto. The students in three groups visited the village, discussed with the villagers, and designed the oven used to dry crackers’ paste made from corn, cassava, and rice flour. Once the design was ready, the students went to workshop to manufacture the ovens. The oven was tested before sent to the village. They learned that it was difficult to make those cheap crackers. They learned a lot from the villagers in social interpersonal, social intrapersonal, emotional, and cognitive process. They are thankful to God for their being and grateful for this Service Learning class. A student even wrote, “I had changed motivation from just pursuing grade to seriously helping villagers”.
Service-learning: New Dimensions to Usual Practice
Authors: McCarthy Florence
Published: December 2018

“Educating the heart” has long been a theme in service-learning indicating the importance of developing awareness, understanding and respect for people unlike oneself. Particularly at the tertiary level, however, changing conditions and pressures on universities and colleges to produce “employment ready” students, manage with reduced funding and adjust to changing academic priorities can pose real challenges to service-learning programs. This article explores situations which may deflect the ability of service-learning programs to fully develop aspects of educating the heart. Additionally, the article suggests alternatives that can promote reinvigorated service-learning programs featuring intercultural understanding, strong multi-cultural ties and viable social relationships among students and with social organizations, community groups, and local people.
Integrating Speaking Class Activities and Service Learning: Arousing Students Awareness Towards Their Environment
Authors: Kusciati Karunia , Fatkhiyati Nurrahma
Published: December 2018

This paper explores not only the attempt of integrating Speaking class activities and service learning but also its effects to the students. Under the topic of survey and interview with its environmental issues the students of third semester of English Department, Faculty of Cultural Studies, Universitas Sebelas Maret Surakarta were asked to see closely the problems in their surroundings. By conducting a survey they examined the problems in their surroundings. Next, the result of the survey was shown to the experts and local officers by interviewing them in English. The students then were asked to find some solutions toward the problems. The last step was making a report by presenting their activities. Focus Group Discussion in reflection section was conducted to see whether or not the students were affected by the service learning activities. It shows that the activities contributed to the speaking skills ability and at the same time gave the awareness toward the problems found in their surroundings.
Growing Together: Advancing Networks for Service-learning Actors in Asia
Authors: Wong Wai Ching Angela
Published: December 2018

This paper traces the history of United Board‘s engagement with service-learning through higher education in Asia and reflects on the recent discussion about the relevancy of service-learning activities to today‘s higher education system. Through a close review of the experience shared in recent projects sponsored and organized by United Board in the last five years, service learners from colleges and universities around Asia all testified an process that deepens both cognitive and affective learning, generating in service-learning actors-faculty, students and community members-a connection that could inspire and sustain their vision and passion for life. Despite the seemingly still marginalized status of service learning programs and faculty in most higher education institutions, educators believing in whole person education only find service-learning ever more important in the face of higher education that has been increasingly trapped by the ranking race.
Mesoscopic superconductivity above 10 K in silicon point contacts
Authors: Sirohi Anshu , Gayen Sirshendu , Aslam Mohammad , Sheet Goutam
Published: December 2018

Silicon, perhaps the most ubiquitously used material in the digital age of today, has also been a material of choice for testing the fundamental differences between various electronic ground states, e.g., metals and insulators. This is mainly because ultimate control has been achieved in growing extremely pure silicon crystals and doping them with varying concentrations of charge carriers and their mobility. Here, we show that by forming mesoscopic point contacts with non-superconducting metals on insulating (doped) silicon, it is possible to obtain a superconducting phase with a remarkably high critical temperature above 10 K and an average superconducting energy gap of 2 meV. Apart from its importance in advancing the understanding of nanoscale superconductivity, this discovery is also expected to boost the efforts to realize silicon based superconducting devices with far reaching application potential.
Mesophotic corals on the subtropical shelves of Lord Howe Island and Balls Pyramid, south-western Pacific Ocean
Authors: Linklater Michelle , Jordan Alan R. , Carroll Andrew G. , Neilson Joseph , Gudge Sallyann , Brooke Brendan P. , Nichol Scott L. , Hamylton Sarah M. , Woodroffe Colin D.
Published: December 2018

Subtropical reefs are predicted to be dynamic areas of change under increased warming of global sea-surface temperature. A critical knowledge gap exists for deeper, mesophotic corals in these higher-latitude settings, where little is known about their spatial and depth distributions. At the latitudinal limits of coral-reef growth in the Pacific Ocean, abundant mesophotic corals were revealed on the shelf surrounding the subtropical, mid-ocean island of Balls Pyramid, which is a World Heritage-listed and marine park-protected area. Our study extended these findings to the nearby Lord Howe Island shelf to assess mesophotic coral cover and explore spatial patterns in mesophotic benthic communities. Underwater towed-video data collected around Lord Howe Island (24 sites) were combined with existing benthic data from the Balls Pyramid shelf. Results showed that similar habitats occur across both shelves, with communities varying among inner-, mid- and outer-shelf zones. Corals were most prevalent on the Balls Pyramid mid-shelf, with selected locations around the Lord Howe Island mid-shelf reporting similar cover (maximum site-average cover of 24%). The benthic data presented in this study provide important baseline information for monitoring coral cover and detecting potential shifts in community composition under ongoing climate change.
Justification of method of continuous measurements of position of sides of surface mine
Authors: Ilyukhin D A , Ivanik S A , Pevnev A S
Published: December 2018

As a result of full-scale surveys of parameters of open mining facilities, a set of discrete values is basically obtained. The geomechanical state of the ledges of the sides of the pit and dumps can not be fully represented without obtaining objective information about the dynamics of the deformation regime of the observed object. This information is necessary throughout the life of the quarry, in order to ensure its trouble-free operation. Thus, effective monitoring of the ledges of the sides of quarries and dumps is a necessary part of the mining safety system for the enterprise, and also allows checking the correctness of the previously adopted design solutions for setting the sides and ledges of the quarry to a stationary position. This paper presents a measurement technique that allows obtaining continuous data in real time to ensure the safety of work.
Equilibrium states in dynamical systems via geometric measure theory
Authors: Climenhaga Vaughn , Pesin Yakov , Zelerowicz Agnieszka
Published: December 2018

Given a dynamical system with a uniformly hyperbolic (chaotic) attractor, the physically relevant Sinaĭ–Ruelle–Bowen (SRB) measure can be obtained as the limit of the dynamical evolution of the leaf volume along local unstable manifolds. We extend this geometric construction to the substantially broader class of equilibrium states corresponding to Hölder continuous potentials; these states arise naturally in statistical physics and play a crucial role in studying stochastic behavior of dynamical systems. The key step in our construction is to replace leaf volume with a reference measure that is obtained from a Carathéodory dimension structure via an analogue of the construction of Hausdorff measure. In particular, we give a new proof of existence and uniqueness of equilibrium states that does not use standard techniques based on Markov partitions or the specification property; our approach can be applied to systems that do not have Markov partitions and do not satisfy the specification property.
A Preliminary Clinical Trial Comparing Split Treatments to the Face and Hand With Autologous Fat Grafting and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): A 3D, IRB-Approved Study
Authors: Sasaki Gordon H
Published: December 2018

Background

Numerous methodologies have been suggested to enhance fat graft survival, but few long-term studies are available.

Objectives

The authors of this institutional review board-approved study investigated the safety and efficacy of utilizing platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

Methods

Each of 10 patients received equal volumes of syringe-harvested, centrifuged fat to opposing midfaces with a lateral submuscular aponeurotic system-plication or no face lift and hands that were combined with equal volumes of either concentrated PRP or normal saline. Comparable assessments of fat retention/baseline values by 3D Vectra Analysis, VISIA, and Cortex facial skin analyses were performed. Clinical results were judged on a visual analogue scale.

Results

The average percent change in mean volume assessments at the fat/PRP sites from baseline values, as profiled by 3D Vectra Analysis, demonstrated a higher, but statistically nonsignificant value over 1 year than the percent value changes at the fat/normal saline sites in the opposing face or hand. Three independent evaluators were able to assess volume restorations to the malar fat pad, naso-jugal groove, and nasolabial fold as well as to intermetacarpal hollowness with reduction of visible veins and tendons in the anterior midface and hands with both treatments. No adverse events were observed over the year-long study. Perioperative edema, erythema, bruising, and tenderness lasted up to 1 to 2 weeks at most.

Conclusions

Autologous fat grafting continues to be a safe and effective adjunct in facial and hand aesthetic surgery. This study will require more patients and longer follow-up periods to determine whether PRP has a potential role to increase fat graft retention in aesthetic patients.

Level of Evidence: 3
Implementation of a Stirling number estimator enables direct calculation of population genetics tests for large sequence datasets
Authors: Chen Swaine L
Published: December 2018

Motivation

Stirling numbers enter into the calculation of several population genetics statistics, including Fu’s Fs. However, as alignments become large (≥50 sequences), the Stirling numbers required rapidly exceed the standard floating point range. Another recursive method for calculating Fu’s Fs suffers from floating point underflow issues.

Results

I implemented an estimator for Stirling numbers that has the advantage of being uniformly applicable to the full parameter range for Stirling numbers. I used this to create a hybrid Fu’s Fs calculator that accounts for floating point underflow. My new algorithm is hundreds of times faster than the recursive method. This algorithm now enables accurate calculation of statistics such as Fu’s Fs for very large alignments.

Availability and implementation

An R implementation is available at http://github.com/swainechen/hfufs.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
CASMAP: detection of statistically significant combinations of SNPs in association mapping
Authors: Llinares-López Felipe , Papaxanthos Laetitia , Roqueiro Damian , Bodenham Dean , Borgwardt Karsten
Published: December 2018

Combinatorial association mapping aims to assess the statistical association of higher-order interactions of genetic markers with a phenotype of interest. This article presents combinatorial association mapping (CASMAP), a software package that leverages recent advances in significant pattern mining to overcome the statistical and computational challenges that have hindered combinatorial association mapping. CASMAP can be used to perform region-based association studies and to detect higher-order epistatic interactions of genetic variants. Most importantly, unlike other existing significant pattern mining-based tools, CASMAP allows for the correction of categorical covariates such as age or gender, making it suitable for genome-wide association studies.

Availability and implementation

The R and Python packages can be downloaded from our GitHub repository http://github.com/BorgwardtLab/CASMAP. The R package is also available on CRAN.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Comparative Immunogenicity and Safety Trial of 2 Different Schedules of Single-visit Intradermal Rabies Postexposure Vaccination
Authors: Soentjens Patrick , De Koninck Katrien , Tsoumanis Achilleas , Herssens Natacha , Van Den Bossche Dorien , Terryn Sanne , Van Gucht Steven , Van Damme Pierre , Van Herrewege Yven , Bottieau Emmanuel
Published: December 2018

Background

Effective and safe single-visit rabies vaccination for pre- and postexposure prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP) could substantially simplify rabies prevention and therefore increase compliance.

Methods

In a comparative trial, 303 healthy adults received a primary vaccination that consisted of 2 intradermal (ID) doses of 0.1 mL of the purified chicken embryo cell vaccine (PCEV) during a single visit. One year later, participants were randomly assigned to receive either 4 or 2 ID PEP booster doses of 0.1 mL PCEV during a single visit. The primary endpoint for immunogenicity was the percentage of participants with an adequate antibody level (>0.5 IU/mL) 7 days after the booster doses. The safety endpoint was the proportion of participants who developed adverse events (AEs) following primary and/or booster vaccination.

Results

All participants, except 1 (99.3%) in each study group, had a rabies antibody titer >0.5 IU/mL on day 7 following the booster schedules. Participants exposed to the 4-dose PEP schedule had a geometric mean titer of 20 IU/mL vs 14 IU/mL for the 2-dose PEP schedule (P = .0228). Local reactions at the injection site following PrEP and PEP were mild and transient and only seen in 14.9% and 49.6%–53% of the participants, respectively. No serious AEs were reported.

Conclusions

In healthy adults, a 2-dose (2 × 0.1 mL) single-visit ID PEP schedule was as immunologically adequate and safe as a 4-dose (4 × 0.1 mL) single-visit PEP schedule 7 to 28 months following a 2-dose (2 × 0.1 mL) single-visit ID PREP.

Clinical Trials Registration

EudraCT 2014-00183612.
The inclination to shun healthy behaviours that generate only transient benefits: the role of future clarity
Authors: Moss Simon A , Skinner Timothy C , Irons Melanie , Alexi Nektarios
Published: December 2018

Research has not definitively ascertained the circumstances that motivate people to live a healthier lifestyle. To redress this shortfall, we report two overlapping studies that examined whether people are more inclined to value health benefits that seem enduring and fundamental rather than transient or superficial—even after controlling effort and cost. In these studies, 242 participants indicated the degree to which they implement 17 health behaviours—as well as the extent to which they perceive the benefits of these behaviours as enduring and fundamental. Furthermore, participants completed a measure that gauges future clarity. Finally, they chose which of two drugs—drugs that differ only on the longevity of effects—they prefer. Participants were more inclined to implement health behaviours that seemed to generate enduring and fundamental benefits. This effect was more pronounced in people who perceive their future as vivid and certain. Furthermore, participants tended to choose the drug that was touted as generating more enduring benefits, even after controlling cost and effort. As these results imply, to encourage healthy behaviour, health practitioners should help people clarify their future goals and then advocate behaviours that generate lasting benefits.
Regulators of Elliptic Curves
Authors: Autissier Pascal , Hindry Marc , Pazuki Fabien
Published: December 2018

We study the regulator of the Mordell–Weil group of elliptic curves over number fields, functions fields of characteristic 0 or function fields of characteristic $p>0$. We prove a new Northcott property for the regulator of elliptic curves of rank at least 4 defined over a number field. In the function field case, we obtain that non-trivial families of elliptic curves with bounded regulators and bounded ranks are limited families. We conclude by asking new questions.
Can laypeople identify a drug-induced QT interval prolongation? A psychophysical and eye-tracking experiment examining the ability of nonexperts to interpret an ECG
Authors: Alahmadi Alaa , Davies Alan , Vigo Markel , Jay Caroline
Published: December 2018

Objective

The study sought to quantify a layperson’s ability to detect drug-induced QT interval prolongation on an electrocardiogram (ECG) and determine whether the presentation of the trace affects such detection.

Materials and Methods

Thirty layperson participants took part in a psychophysical and eye-tracking experiment. Following training, participants completed 21 experimental trials, in which each trial consisted of 2 ECGs (a baseline and a comparison stimulus, both with a heart rate of 60 beats/min). The experiment used a 1 alternative forced-choice paradigm, in which participants indicated whether or not they perceived a difference in the QT interval length between the 2 ECGs. The ECG trace was presented in 3 ways: a single complex with the signals aligned by the R wave, a single complex without alignment, and a 10-second rhythm strip. Performance was analyzed using the psychometric function to estimate the just noticeable difference threshold, along with eye-tracking metrics.

Results

The just noticeable difference 50% and 75% thresholds were 30 and 88 ms, respectively, showing that the majority of laypeople were able to detect a clinically significant QT-prolongation at a low normal heart rate. Eye movement data indicated that people were more likely to appraise the rhythm strip stimulus systematically and accurately.

Conclusions

People can quickly be trained to self-monitor, which may help with more rapid identification of drug-induced long QT syndrome and prevent the development of life-threatening complications. The rhythm strip is a better form of presentation than a single complex, as it is less likely to be misinterpreted due to artifacts in the signal.
Changing South Africa's Competition Law Regime: A Populist Departure from International Best Practices†
Authors: Oxenham John , Currie Michael-James , Stargard Andreas
Published: December 2018

Key Points:

The Amendment Bill alters key provisions of the South African Competition Act focusing specifically on the redistribution of wealth and transformation of ownership in lieu of pursuing traditional antitrust goals.

The Bill provides for greater ministerial intervention at the initial stage of a merger (based on national security), during the merger investigation (based on public-interest grounds) and broadens the right of appeals to parties outside the merger control review.

The Bill lowers the standard that the South African Competition Commission must meet to prosecute cases and foreshadows a risk of increased third-party interventionism more generally.

The departure from a traditional substantial lessening of competition (SLC) test to an adverse effects-based test, which takes public interests considerations into account, is likely to result in the injection of greater subjectivity into the decision-making process and parties’ increased difficulty in self-assessment of conduct particularly in relation to dominant firms.
The warrior collector
Authors: Amendola Adriano
Published: December 2018

The essay focuses on the military commander Giovanni Battista Castaldo (1493–1563), aiming to reconstruct this figure as a collector and patron. The author analyses the reasons that led Castaldo to found the monastery of Santa Maria ad Montem in Nocera de’ Pagani, where can still be found his portrait bust, here attributed to Annibale Fontana. In the monastery was exhibited the Madonna d’Alba by Raphael, here identified for the first time as the source of a work by Dirk Hendricsz, the presence of Raphael’s canvas in Nocera clarifies the pivotal role played by the painting for the artists working in the Spanish Viceregno.
Anterolateral Approach for a Cervical Nerve Root Compression Syndrome Due to an Ectatic Vertebral Artery
Authors: Venteicher Andrew S , Quddusi Ayesha , Coumans Jean V
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE

Nerve root compression by an ectatic vertebral artery is a known but easily overlooked cause of cervical radiculopathy. Management options include nonoperative conservative therapies or surgical approaches designed to relieve the compression via anterior or posterior cervical approaches.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 72-yr-old female presented with a 6-mo history of sharp, shooting pain in her right arm and shoulder and deltoid weakness. Imaging demonstrated a vertebral artery loop compressing the proximal right C5 nerve root. She previously underwent both nonoperative measures as well as posterior foraminotomy at this level with limited improvement in her pain. Therefore, we performed an anterolateral approach for vascular decompression of the C5 nerve root from the vertebral artery loop. Patient has been pain-free at 1 yr with full recovery of her deltoid weakness.

CONCLUSION

Vertebral artery loop formation is an uncommon cause of cervical radiculopathy, which can be readily treated by vascular decompression of the nerve root-vertebral artery loop complex. Although anomalous vertebral artery compression of a cervical nerve root is rare, it is increasingly being recognized as a readily treatable entity that can lead to lasting and full neurological recovery. We also include an operative video to illustrate the vascular decompression of an ectatic vertebral artery causing severe cervical radiculopathy.
Obedience and Authority among Muslim Couples: Negotiating Gendered Religious Scripts in Contemporary Indonesia
Authors: Rinaldo Rachel
Published: December 2018

This study of Muslim married couples in Indonesia shows that religiously justified scripts about wives’ obedience and husbands’ household authority are ways of accomplishing gender as well as achieving status as good Muslims. Such scripts are amplified by a context in which a version of Islamic family law that envisions women as primarily domestic and men as household authorities and breadwinners has been institutionalized. However, this vision is also being challenged by women’s increasing educational attainment as well as competing egalitarian discourses of gender in Islam. The gendered religious scripts used by Muslim couples compensate for social changes that threaten to reshape both domestic and public life. I propose that how Muslim men and women talk about their marriages and households has become a key mechanism for accomplishing modern Muslim gender identities in a context where men’s authority is at risk. These dynamics may be especially prevalent in Muslim contexts where Islamic law is becoming more institutionalized in state bureaucracies and everyday life.
HDL modification: recent developments and their relevance to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Authors: Wilkins John T. , Seckler Henrique S.
Published: December 2018

Purpose of review

In the last 2 years, significant advances in the understanding of HDL particle structure and the associations between particle structure, function, and atherosclerosis have been made. We will review and provide clinical and epidemiological context to these recent advances.

Recent findings

Several recent studies have analyzed the associations between HDL particle size distribution, number, and particle function and specific environmental, behavioral, and pharmacologic exposures. Detailed phenotyping of HDL-associated protein complements, particularly apolipoproteins, strongly suggests structural subspecies of HDL exist with differential associations with HDL function and ASCVD risk.

The recent data on biological and structural variation in HDL suggests the existence of relatively discrete particle species, which share a similar structure and function. We propose that the classical taxonomy that clusters HDL particles by cholesterol content is incomplete. Detailed phenotyping of HDL subspecies in clinical and epidemiological research may yield insights into new risk markers and biochemical pathways that could provide targets for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) therapy and prevention in the future.
Sexually transmitted infections and travel
Authors: Rogstad Karen E.
Published: December 2018

Purpose of review

The present review considers recent evidence on travel-associated sexual intercourse and sexually transmitted infection (STI) risks and travel with regards to risk behavior and implications of travel on communities. It highlights the lack of research in this area and topics for consideration.

Recent findings

A population-based study, and others, shows significant levels of sex abroad and risk behavior with inconsistent condom use despite increasing travel advice about risks. There is an increasing association of STIs in military personnel from local rather than deployment-associated sex contacts shown in United States and French studies, probably related to deployment of women. Innovative studies are showing the effect of female sex-tourism on the communities involved, and the sexual interaction and risk for tourism employees from tourists. New social networking apps require evaluation as to both their potential to increase and decrease risks. Travel sex continues to be a vector for the global spread of multidrug resistant gonorrhoeae.

New research challenges previous perspectives with changes to risk behavior in the military, female sex tourism, the change in social networks and ongoing risk behavior research and evidence of increased cross-country partnerships. The lack of high-quality studies evaluating travel advice to reduce risk is a key area for future work.