bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk management within the cannabis industry: Building a framework for the cannabis industry
Authors: Parker Karen A. , Di Mattia Attilio , Shaik Fatima , Cerón Ortega Juan Carlos , Whittle Robert
Published: January 2019

Thirty states and the District of Columbia have legalized the use of cannabis for medicinal and/or recreational use by either formally or informally de‐criminalizing its use. However, cannabis remains a Schedule 1 drug under the Federal Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. Sections 801 through 812), leaving federal law in conflict with the laws of over half of the states. As a result, market participants in legal cannabis businesses face risks due to the industry's unique legal status within the United States. We examine the risks and challenges deemed by the cannabis industry as the top risks facing the industry's continued future growth and its sustainability. In addition to general risks inherent in a nascent industry, a legal cannabis business faces additional risks, such as risks in its banking and finance activity, placement of insurance, payment of taxes, and managing its supply chain. These legal businesses also face true legal risk from the possibility of being shut down by the federal government and seizure of assets and product under the CSA. This paper also examines whether the cannabis industry would benefit from a futures market to mitigate price risk.
Hierarchy theory reveals multiscale predictors of Arkansas darter (Etheostoma cragini) abundance in a Great Plains riverscape
Authors: Wellemeyer Juju C. , Perkin Joshuah S. , Jameson Mary Liz , Costigan Katie H. , Waters Ryan
Published: January 2019

Landscape ecology and its emphasis on relationships between spatial heterogeneity, scale, and ecological processes can be applied to manage stream ecosystems as riverscapes. Hierarchy theory, a central tenet of riverscape ecology, allows for investigating ecological relationships between aquatic organisms and habitat by exploring the nested interactions inherent in reaches, segments, and basins. Arkansas darter Etheostoma cragini is a Great Plains fish endemic to the Arkansas River basin and is listed as in need of conservation in all five states within its range in North America. The aim of this study was to develop empirical models describing relationships between Arkansas darter abundance and local habitats, and identify the appropriate scale(s) for assessing and managing populations.

We used Arkansas darter abundance data collected from stream sample units as a fixed grain size (102 m) and compiled datasets at three hierarchical spatial extents, including reach (103 m), nested within segment (104 m), nested within basin (105 m) in southcentral Kansas. We fit generalised linear mixed models (GLMMs) to assess scale‐specific relationships between Arkansas darter abundance and local habitat dimensions (stream depth and width) and heterogeneity (canopy cover, overhanging vegetation, and woody structure).

Habitat parameters included in best‐supported GLMMs differed among extents. Variation in Arkansas darter abundance was explained by canopy cover and channel depth at the reach (54% explained) and segment (56%) extents, and stream width and depth at the basin extent (37%). Partial dependence plots from multiple regression GLMMs revealed that Arkansas darter abundance was negatively correlated with increasing channel depth across all extents, increasing canopy cover at reach and segment extents, and increasing channel width at the basin extent.

Our results highlight scale‐specific relationships between Arkansas darter abundance and local habitats across multiple spatial extents. These findings provide direction for assessing stream fish ecology pattern‐process relationships at the appropriate spatial scales and benefit native fish conservation by highlighting the application of hierarchy theory to address management challenges.
Efficacy of local anaesthetic solutions on the success of inferior alveolar nerve block in patients with irreversible pulpitis: a systematic review and network meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Nagendrababu V. , Pulikkotil S. J. , Suresh A. , Veettil S. K. , Bhatia S. , Setzer F. C.
Published: January 2019

The management of pain during root canal treatment is important. The aim of this systematic review and network meta‐analysis was to identify the anaesthetic solution that would provide the best pulpal anaesthesia for inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANB) treating mandibular teeth with irreversible pulpitis. Two electronic databases (PubMed and Scopus) were searched to identify studies up to October 2018. Randomized clinical trials comparing at least two anaesthetic solutions (lidocaine (lignocaine), articaine, bupivacaine, prilocaine or mepivacaine) used for IANB for treatment of irreversible pulpitis were included. The revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Pairwise meta‐analysis, network meta‐analysis using a random‐effects model, and SUCRA ranking were performed. The network meta‐analysis estimated the probability of each treatment performing best. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations approach. In total, 11 studies (n = 750) were included in the meta‐analysis. The network meta‐analysis revealed that only mepivacaine significantly increased the success rate of IANB compared to lidocaine (RR, 1.42 [95% CI 1.04–1.95]). However, no significant differences in the success rate of IANB were observed between mepivacaine and other anaesthetic agents (articaine and bupivacaine). Of all anaesthetic agents, mepivacaine (SUCRA = 0.81) ranked first in increasing the success rate of IANB, followed by prilocaine (SUCRA = 0.62), articaine (SUCRA = 0.54), bupivacaine (SUCRA = 0.41) and lidocaine (SUCRA = 0.13). The overall quality of evidence was very low to moderate. In conclusion, based on the evidence from the randomized clinical trials included in this review, mepivacaine with epinephrine demonstrated the highest probability of providing effective pulpal anaesthesia using IANB for teeth with irreversible pulpitis compared to prilocaine, articaine, bupivacaine and lidocaine. Further, high‐quality clinical trials are needed to support the conclusion of this review.
Burden of medically attended influenza in Norway 2008‐2017
Authors: Hauge Siri Helene , Bakken Inger Johanne , de Blasio Birgitte F. , Håberg Siri E.
Published: January 2019

Background

The burden of influenza in Norway remains uncertain, and data on seasonal variations and differences by age groups are needed.

Objective

To describe number of patients diagnosed with influenza in Norway each season and the number treated in primary or specialist health care by age. Further, to compare the burden of seasonal influenza with the 2009‐2010 pandemic outbreak.

Methods

We used Norwegian national health registries and identified all patients diagnosed with influenza from 2008 to 2017. We calculated seasonal rates, compared hospitalized patients with patients in primary care and compared seasonal influenza with the 2009‐2010 pandemic outbreak.

Results

Each season, on average 1.7% of the population were diagnosed with influenza in primary care, the average rate of hospitalization was 48 per 100 000 population while the average number of hospitalized patients each season was nearly 2500. The number of hospitalized influenza patients ranged from 579 in 2008‐2009 to 4973 in 2016‐2017. Rates in primary care were highest among young adults while hospitalization rates were highest in patients 80 years and older and in children below 5 years. The majority of in‐hospital deaths were in patients 70 years and older. Fewer patients were hospitalized during the 2009‐2010 pandemic than in seasonal outbreaks, but during the pandemic, more people in the younger age groups were hospitalized and fatal cases were younger.

Conclusion

Influenza causes a substantial burden in primary care and hospitals. In non‐pandemic seasons, people above 80 years have the highest risk of influenza hospitalization and death.
Damage evolution in a self‐healing air plasma sprayed thermal barrier coating containing self‐shielding MoSi2 particles
Authors: Chen Ying , Zhang Xun , van der Zwaag Sybrand , Sloof Willem G. , Xiao Ping
Published: January 2019

A self‐healing thermal barrier coating (TBC) system is manufactured by air plasma spraying (APS) and tested by thermal cycling. The ceramic topcoat in the self‐healing APS TBC system consists of an yttria stabilised zirconia (YSZ) matrix and contains self‐shielding aluminium containing MoSi2 healing particles dispersed close to the topcoat/bond coat interface. After spraying the healing particles the material was annealed to promote the formation of an oxygen impermeable Al2O3 shell at the MoSi2‐TBC interfaces by selective oxidation of the aluminium fraction. The samples were subsequently thermally cycled between room temperature and 1100°C. The study focussed on the spontaneous formation of the Al2O3 shell as well as the subsequent damage evolution in the APS produced TBC during thermal cycling. Experimental evidence showing characteristic signs of crack healing in the topcoat is identified and analysed. The study shows that while the concept of the self‐healing APS TBCs containing self‐shielding MoSi2 particles is promising, future study is needed to improve the protectiveness of the Al2O3 shells by further tailoring the aluminium content in the MoSi2 and the particle shape to avoid the premature oxidation of the healing particles and maximise crack healing efficiency.
Is disability really an obstacle to success? Impact of a disability simulation on motivation and performance
Authors: Cohen J. , Schiffler F. , Rohmer O. , Louvet E. , Mollaret P.
Published: January 2019

In Western societies, statistics on the integration of people with disabilities into the labor market consistently indicate that this category of workers faces serious discrimination. Research has evidenced negative perceptions about their occupational skills, despite positive beliefs about their personal qualities. The main purpose of this study was to show how these subjective beliefs about disability can shape performance (speed and accuracy, Studies 1, 3, and 4) and self‐reported motivation (Studies 2, 3, and 4) of able‐bodied persons simulating a disability. Participants were 281 French students without disabilities who carried out a task either with or without a simulated disability. This simulated disability constituted an actual handicap to perform the task (Studies 1 and 2) or not (Studies 3 and 4). The first three studies were focused on cognitive abilities, whereas Study 4 introduced a job interview component. Results consistently showed that participants in the simulated disability situation completed the task more accurately than controls, but took more time to do so. Higher degrees of motivation and perseverance are found for participants in the simulated disability situation, except in a job interview setting. These results are important for understanding how subjective beliefs about persons with disabilities can constitute objective barriers to social participation, and more specifically, to access to the labor market.
Using Z and age‐equivalent scores to address WISC‐IV floor effects for children with intellectual disability
Authors: Toffalini E. , Buono S. , Zagaria T. , Calcagnì A. , Cornoldi C.
Published: January 2019

Background

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fourth Edition often produces floor effects in individuals with intellectual disability. Calculating respondents' Z or age‐equivalent scores has been claimed to remedy this problem.

Method

The present study applied these methods to the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fourth Edition scores of 198 individuals diagnosed with intellectual disability. Confirmatory factor analysis and profile analysis were conducted using a Bayesian approach.

Results

The intelligence structure in intellectual disability resembled the one previously reported for typical development, suggesting configural but not metric invariance. When Z or age‐equivalent scores (but not traditional scaled scores) were used, the average profile resembled the one previously reported for other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Conclusions

Both methods avoided any floor effects, generating similar but not identical profiles. Despite some practical and conceptual limitations, age‐equivalent scores may be easier to interpret. This was true even for a subgroup of individuals with more severe disabilities (mean IQ < 43).
Semiautomated Assessment of the Anterior Cingulate Cortex in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Jung Flora , Kazemifar Samaneh , Bartha Robert , Rajakumar Nagalingam
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is involved in several cognitive processes including executive function. Degenerative changes of ACC are consistently seen in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, volumetric changes specific to the ACC in AD are not clear because of the difficulty in segmenting this region. The objectives of the current study were to develop a precise and high‐throughput approach for measuring ACC volumes and to correlate the relationship between ACC volume and cognitive function in AD.

METHODS

Structural T1‐weighted magnetic resonance images of AD patients (n = 47) and age‐matched controls (n = 47) at baseline and at 24 months were obtained from the Alzheimer's disease neuroimaging initiative (ADNI) database and studied using a custom‐designed semiautomated segmentation protocol.

RESULTS

ACC volumes obtained using the semiautomated protocol were highly correlated to values obtained from manual segmentation (r = .98) and the semiautomated protocol was considerably faster. When comparing AD and control subjects, no significant differences were observed in baseline ACC volumes or in change in ACC volumes over 24 months using the two segmentation methods. However, a change in ACC volume over 24 months did not correlate with a change in mini‐mental state examination scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that the proposed semiautomated segmentation protocol is reliable for determining ACC volume in neurodegenerative conditions including AD.
Downregulated miR‐27b promotes keratinocyte proliferation by targeting PLK2 in oral lichen planus
Authors: Chen Junjun , Du Guanhuan , Chang Yuzhou , Wang Yufeng , Shi Linjun , Mi Jun , Tang Guoyao
Published: January 2019

Background

MicroRNA‐27b (miR‐27b) was recently found to be significantly downregulated in oral lichen planus (OLP). However, evidence of the function of miR‐27b in OLP remains limited.

Methods

Initially, miR‐27b expression in OLP was verified using the quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Functionally, gain‐/loss‐of‐function studies were then conducted using miR‐27b mimics/inhibitor to investigate cell growth in human oral keratinocytes (HOKs). Mechanistically, subsequent miRNA target analyses including a starBase database analysis and a luciferase reporter assay were performed to predict and validate the direct target, respectively. In addition, overexpression/knockdown assays of target(s) of miR‐27b were performed to investigate its functional significance and qRT‐PCR and western blotting were used to evaluate the target(s) of miR‐27b mRNA and protein levels, respectively.

Results

MicroRNA‐27b was significantly downregulated in OLP tissues when compared with healthy control tissues. Bioinformatics predicted that Polo Like Kinase 2 (PLK2) might be a potential target of miR‐27b, while the luciferase reporter assay results showed the direct inhibition of the plk2‐3′untranslated region by miR‐27b. Moreover, functional analysis indicated that downregulated miR‐27b caused an increase in cell growth in HOKs, and correspondingly, overexpression of PLK2 promoted HOK proliferation.

Conclusions

There were aberrant expressions of miR‐27b and PLK2 in OLP tissues. Decreased miR‐27b may have induced cell proliferation by increasing the levels of PLK2 in HOKs, which provides a new perspective into the potential mechanisms underlying OLP development.
Color Stability of CAD/CAM Ceramics Prepared with Different Surface Finishing Procedures
Authors: Kanat‐Ertürk Burcu
Published: January 2019

Purpose

To investigate the color stability of zirconia‐reinforced lithium silicate glass‐ceramic and lithium disilicate reinforced glass‐ceramic, which were prepared with various surface finishing procedures, following 1‐week, 2‐week, 1‐month, and 2‐month storage in various beverages, and after the application of polishing paste.

Materials and Methods

Lithium disilicate glass‐ceramic (IPS e.max CAD HT) and zirconia‐reinforced lithium silicate ceramic (Vita Suprinity HT) CAD/CAM blocks were sectioned with a diamond saw (Metkon) under water cooling into 1.5 × 7 × 12 mm dimensions (N = 120). All specimens were polished with silicon carbide paper (600‐, 800‐, and 1200‐grit) under water for 120 seconds. The specimens were prepared using 3 surface finishing procedures: glaze, mechanical polishing, and external staining and glaze in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions. Then, each group was divided into 2 storage subgroups, black tea and coffee (n = 10/group). Color values were measured in CIELAB color space with dental spectrophotometer (VITA Easyshade) at the initial stage, and following 1‐week, 2‐week, 1‐month, 2‐month storage, and after fine‐grit polishing paste application (Proxyt). Color changes (ΔE) were calculated and statistically analyzed using ANOVA followed by Bonferroni corrected post‐hoc tests using Number Cruncher Statistical System 2007 (α < 0.05).

Results

For lithium disilicate glass‐ceramic, glaze procedure showed statistically lower color change values than mechanical polishing and external staining and glaze surface finishing groups (p < 0.05) following storage in both beverages, whereas for zirconia‐reinforced lithium silicate ceramic, glaze procedure showed statistically lower color change values than mechanical polishing, but statistically insignificant values with respect to external staining and glaze group, following storage in both beverages. Lithium disilicate glass‐ceramic groups showed statistically lower or statistically insignificant color change values with respect to zirconia‐reinforced lithium silicate ceramic groups, except for the external staining and glaze surface finishing group in coffee. Significantly lower discoloration values were obtained following polishing paste application, with respect to 2‐month storage in beverages (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Glazing alone led to more color stability with respect to mechanical polishing and external staining and glaze for zirconia‐reinforced lithium silicate and lithium disilicate glass‐ceramic. Lithium disilicate glass‐ceramic showed higher color stability compared to zirconia‐reinforced lithium silicate ceramic. Polishing paste resulted in a decrease in discoloration to clinically acceptable values.
Association of Education Outside the Classroom and Pupils' Psychosocial Well‐Being: Results From a School Year Implementation
Authors: Bølling Mads , Niclasen Janni , Bentsen Peter , Nielsen Glen
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Education Outside the Classroom (EOtC) is a teaching method that is gaining traction, aiming to promote learning and well‐being. However, research on the association between EOtC and well‐being is limited.

METHODS

This quasi‐experimental trial involved pupils (9–13 years) from 16 Danish public schools which implemented EOtC in some classes. Pupils (N = 511) from 27 classes were regularly exposed to EOtC (2–7 hours per week), and pupils (N = 120) from 7 parallel comparison classes were much less exposed (less than 2 hours per week). The pupils' psychosocial well‐being was measured at the beginning and end of the school year using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. The results were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

Pupils regularly exposed to EOtC showed the greatest improvement in prosocial behavior. Negative associations were seen between EOtC and hyperactivity‐inattention and peer problems in pupils of low socioeconomic status (SES). The observed improvements were smaller when the EOtC was spread over a larger number of sessions. Results were independent of sex.

CONCLUSIONS

Regular exposure to EOtC was found to promote social well‐being, especially for pupils of low SES, and was most beneficial when concentrated in fewer, longer sessions.
The semantics of question‐embedding predicates
Authors: Uegaki Wataru
Published: January 2019

The complementation pattern of certain question‐embedding predicates, such asknowandagree, presents a puzzle for the compositional semantics of clausal complementation, as the predicates seem to be able to combine with two distinct types of semantic objects: propositions and questions. The traditional approach to the semantics of these predicates, where embedded questions arereducedto propositions, faces two problems. First, it cannot account for the observation thatknow‐whsentences require the subject not to believe any false answer to the embedded question. Second, it makes a problematic prediction concerning the interpretation of Predicates of Relevance, such ascareandmatter. We review three alternative approaches to the semantics of question‐embedding predicates, i.e., theproposition‐to‐questionreduction, theuniformapproach and theambiguityapproach, and argue that only the Proposition‐to‐Question reduction and the uniform approach can deal with the interpretation of the Predicates of Relevance. The paper concludes with a remark on how lexical denotations of question‐embedding predicates are constrained in general.
Critical care nurses' self‐assessed patient observation skills: a cross‐sectional survey study
Authors: Alastalo Mika , Salminen Leena , Jeon Yunsuk , Vahlberg Tero , Leino‐Kilpi Helena
Published: January 2019

Background

Observing a patient's clinical condition is an important responsibility of critical care nurses and an essential component of their competence. Critical care nurses' patient observation skills contribute to patient safety and quality of care. These observation skills have not been assessed or measured previously.

Aim

The aim of this study was to measure the self‐assessed level of critical care nurses' patient observation skills and to explore the factors associated with these skills.

Study design

This was a multicentre cross‐sectional survey conducted in Finland.

Methods

The sample consisted of critical care nurses working at Finnish university hospitals. The data were collected between September 2017 and January 2018 using an instrument developed for the study – Patient Observation Skills in Critical Care Nursing (visual analogue scale 0–100). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data.

Results

A total of 372 critical care nurses (49%) responded. Finnish critical care nurses assessed their patient observation skills overall as excellent. The bio‐physiological foundation was assessed as good, whereas skills in using observation methods and skills in recognizing changing clinical condition were assessed as excellent. Education for special tasks in intensive care units, information searching in scientific journals, working experience in critical care nursing and critical care nurses' perception of critical care as a preferred field of nursing were factors promoting patient observation skills.

Conclusions and relevance to clinical practice

The study provided a novel instrument for measuring critical care nurses' patient observation skills. The instrument may be used as an assessment tool in clinical practice and education. Developing orientation and on‐the‐job training in intensive care units are essential in assuring critical care nurses' adequate patient observation skills. Patient observation skills could be developed during nursing education by providing students with opportunities for clinical training and applying patient cases in virtual learning environments.
URBAN AND RURAL DIMENSIONS OF THE ROLE OF EDUCATION IN INCOME INEQUALITY IN BANGLADESH
Authors: Mahmud Shaikh Shahriar , Akita Takahiro
Published: January 2019

Using the 2005 and 2010 National Household Income and Expenditure Surveys, this study examines the urban and rural dimensions of the role of education in income inequality in Bangladesh. The government needs to expand the access to and the quality of primary education because a large proportion of citizens are uneducated. This would reduce not only the urban–rural educational gap but also the educational inequalities within urban and rural areas. As the income disparity between urban–rural and educational groups is small and more than 90% of overall income inequality is the result of inequalities within educational groups, the government needs to introduce policies that could reduce inequalities within such groups. In urban areas, policies to help reduce skill mismatches in the labor market are required, while non‐agricultural employment may need to be promoted to mitigate rural income inequality.
Participatory research approaches to integrating scientific and farmer knowledge of soil to meet multiple objectives in the English East Midlands
Authors: Stoate Chris , Jones Stephen , Crotty Felicity , Morris Carol , Seymour Susanne
Published: January 2019

Soil management influences food production, economic performance of farm businesses, and a range of public benefits such as water quality, flood control and aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity. The aim of this paper is to explore the role of participatory research in combining scientific and farmer knowledge of soils to meet these multiple objectives. We use five separate research studies involving communication, consultation and co‐production, carried out in the English East Midlands between 2014 and 2018. We compare the participatory processes for knowledge exchange and their material outcomes and assess them retrospectively against specified criteria for successful application of participatory research. We conclude that, depending on context and scalar fit, multiple approaches to participatory research can be complementary, strengthen engagement and build trust within a farming community, resulting in a greater shared understanding of how to address the soil management objectives of farmers and wider society.
A Unifying Computational Framework for Teaching and Active Learning
Authors: Yang Scott Cheng‐Hsin , Vong Wai Keen , Yu Yue , Shafto Patrick
Published: January 2019

Traditionally, learning has been modeled as passively obtaining information or actively exploring the environment. Recent research has introduced models of learning from teachers that involve reasoning about why they have selected particular evidence. We introduce a computational framework that takes a critical step toward unifying active learning and teaching by recognizing that meta‐reasoning underlying reasoning about others can be applied to reasoning about oneself. The resulting Self‐Teaching model captures much of the behavior of information‐gain‐based active learning with elements of hypothesis‐testing‐based active learning and can thus be considered as a formalization of active learning within the broader teaching framework. We present simulation experiments that characterize the behavior of the model within three simple and well‐investigated learning problems. We conclude by discussing such theory‐of‐mind‐based learning in the context of core cognition and cognitive development.
Doxorubicin area under the curve is an important predictor of neutropenia in dogs with naturally occurring cancers
Authors: Wittenburg Luke A. , Weishaar Kristen , Ramirez Dominique , Gustafson Daniel L.
Published: January 2019

Doxorubicin (DOX) area‐under‐the‐curve (AUC) was calculated for 40 dogs with spontaneously occurring cancers using a previously validated limited‐sampling approach. All dogs were administered a dose of 30 mg/m2by intravenous infusion and serum samples were collected at 5, 45 and 60 minutes post‐infusion. DOX and its major metabolite, doxorubicinol (doxol), were quantified in serum samples using high‐performance liquid chromatography tandem‐mass spectrometry. Wide interpatient variability was observed in the predicted DOX AUC with a coefficient of variation of 34%. A significant relationship was found between DOX AUC and absolute white blood cell count (P = 0.003), absolute neutrophil count (ANC;P = 0.002) and surviving fraction of neutrophils (P = 0.03) approximately 1 week after dosing (nadir). No changes in other hematologic parameters (red blood cells, platelets, lymphocytes, haemoglobin) were found to correlate with DOX AUC. The absolute dose (mg) and the dose per unit body weight (mg/kg) were not significantly correlated with nadir ANC. No relationships were found between maximum serum doxol concentration and myelosuppression. Baseline ANC was also significantly correlated to nadir ANC and a model was constructed using baseline ANC and DOX AUC that significantly described the nadir ANC. These findings demonstrate the important relationship between systemic DOX exposure and degree of neutropenia in dogs, and suggest a potential for individualized, pharmacokinetically‐guided DOX dosing in dogs.
Survey of clinician and student impressions of a synthetic canine model for gastrointestinal surgery training
Authors: Au Yong Jo Anne , Kim Stanley E. , Case J. Brad
Published: January 2019

Objective

To evaluate the perceived efficacy of a high‐fidelity synthetic canine model for simulating common gastrointestinal surgical procedures.

Study design

Survey of students and experienced clinicians.

Sample population

Twelve clinicians with >2 years of postgraduate experience in the field of small animal surgery and 102 senior year veterinary students.

Methods

The model was subjectively evaluated by 12 clinicians with >2 years of postgraduate experience in the field of small animal surgery. Senior year veterinary students (n = 102) were asked to complete questionnaires before and after a laboratory on common gastrointestinal surgical procedures that included rating of perceived proficiency, anatomical knowledge, and the use of synthetic models compared with live animals.

Results

Clinicians assessed most aspects of the model as moderately realistic and unanimously agreed that it would be helpful for students to train on this model prior to live surgery. Student survey response rates were 91% and 99% before and after the laboratory, respectively. The proportion of students that felt moderately‐to‐highly proficient with the procedures increased from 8% prior to the laboratories to 59% after the laboratories (P < .001). The proportion of students that felt that they had superior‐to‐excellent knowledge of abdominal surgical anatomy increased from 16% prior to the laboratories to 44% after the laboratories (P < .001). The proportion of students that were satisfied with synthetic models instead of live animals increased from 52% prior to the laboratories to 74% after the laboratories (P = .014).

Conclusion

Experienced clinicians considered the model to have moderate realism. A positive shift in the students' self‐perceived proficiency with gastrointestinal surgery was evident after the use of the model.

Clinical impact

This synthetic model should be considered for training of veterinary gastrointestinal surgery. However, comparison studies are recommended to ascertain the relative educational value of this model.
Automation of concrete usage index (CUI) assessment using computational BIM
Authors: Seghier Taki Eddine , Ahmad Mohd Hamdan , Lim Yaik-Wah
Published: January 2019

Concrete Usage Index (CUI) is one of the very used sustainability criteria related to building materials available in the Malaysian and Singaporean building standards. Often, CUI assessment is achieved either by manual calculation or semi-automated methods based on Material Take-off functionalities provided by the BIM tools. Both of these methods are relatively time-consuming, error-prone, and require much human intervention. The purpose of this paper is to develop a computational BIM-based tool for the automation of Concrete Usage Index (CUI) assessment and rating. This developed tool takes advantage of the data embedded in the BIM model and the automated CUI compliance-checking which is developed using a Visual Programing Language (Dynamo for Revit). For validation purpose, this tool has been tested on a BIM model of an existing building and the results were compared with Revit Material Take-off method. Thus, Auto-CUI tool automates the process of data collection, calculation and the generation of the CUI report. In addition to that, the generated results are as accurate as the material take-off method. Auto-CUI will support design decision-making during the design stage by providing an interactive feedback of CUI actual score and rating. Thus, the project team will be able to compare different design options according to concrete usage. Furthermore, it will allow designers to avoid CUI’s cumbersome calculations and inaccurate outputs. Even though, the usage of this tool does not require programming skills, developing this tool further as a plug-in for Revit would be helpful in reducing computation time as well as enhancing the generation of CUI report.
Abduction for Creative Design
Authors: Tomiyama Tetsuo , Takeda Hideaki , Yoshioka Masaharu , Shimomura Yoshiki
Published: January 2019

While abduction is considered crucial for design in general, this paper focuses on the role of abduction to integrate knowledge assuming that creative design can come from innovative combination of existing knowledge. Based on Schurz’s classification of abductive reasoning, the paper identifies that abduction for integrating theories can be performed by a special type of abduction called second order existential abduction. The paper then analyzes refrigerator design cases to understand how knowledge is used and shows that abduction is indeed central to design. It also discusses that knowledge structure is a key concept in abduction for integration.
Representation and Interpretation of Sketches in Mechanical Design: Experimental and Theoretical Approaches
Authors: Zeng Y. , Pardasani A. , Antunes H. , Li Z. , Dickinson J. , Gupta V. , Baulier D.
Published: January 2019

This paper aims to establish a theoretical foundation for representing and interpreting free-hand design sketches throughout the conceptual design process. Both experimental and theoretical approaches are used. In using the experimental approach, one case study from a book and one case study from an automobile assembly system manufacturer are used to illustrate the characteristics of design sketches. These characteristics provide the requirements for models of sketch representation and interpretation. In using the theoretical approach, a mathematical structure of design sketches is established. This mathematical structure can naturally and logically model the evolving sketches generated in the design process, through integrating the strengths of set theory and mereology. Based on the results of these two approaches, a design sketch language is developed to be a formal foundation of sketch representation and interpretation.
Enumerating the Component Space: First Steps Toward a Design Naming Convention for Mechanical Parts
Authors: Greer James L. , Stock Michael E. , Stone Robert B. , Wood Kristin L.
Published: January 2019

A standard naming convention for mechanical parts is proposed in this paper. We refer to this naming convention as the component basis. The component basis is a first step at classifying an exhaustive list of human-made mechanical transmission artifacts as functional forms, geometric shapes, simple machines, and natural forms. The proposed component basis provides a framework for the development of a suite of computational conceptual design tools. This suite of design tools includes a function-based computational concept generator and a product evolution methodology.
An Application of Constructal Theory in the Multi-Objective Design of Product Platforms
Authors: Carone Michael J. , Williams Christopher B. , Allen Janet K. , Mistree Farrokh
Published: January 2019

Designers develop product platforms when they wish to offer variety to the customer and simultaneously keep costs down to a reasonable level. It has been shown that it is feasible and useful to design hierarchic product platforms for customizable products as a problem of optimization of access in a geometric space, allowing the designer to thoroughly explore a product family’s market space. However, the presence of risk, uncertainty, and tradeoffs, which are inevitable aspects of a real-world design problem, are not considered in this method. We have addressed these limitations through the infusion of utility theory into the multi-stage decision-making process. The proposed approach is illustrated with an example: the design of a product platform for a line of customizable pressure vessels.
On Validating Design Decision Methodologies
Authors: Olewnik Andrew T. , Lewis Kemper E.
Published: January 2019

In this paper an argument for validation of design decision methods is presented. In the process of justifying the need for validation, the elements of what a valid design methodology is are derived and a formal definition is presented. Under this definition, critical evaluation of two popular decision support methods, the House of Quality and Suh’s Axiomatic Design, is presented using a simple design problem and both are shown to be flawed under the proposed definition of validity. This does not imply that the methods are ineffective. In fact, under the appropriate assumptions, they are quite useful. However, in this paper, an investigation of the validity of these assumptions is conducted, including a more general definition of validity with respect to decision support methods in design.
Intelligent Agents in Design
Authors: Skolicki Zbigniew , Arciszewski Tomasz
Published: January 2019

In this paper we argue that learning or adaptation ability should be included in the basic set of features characterizing an intelligent agent in design. We propose a collection of attributes describing agents, which are grouped into several categories. Next, we present the results of a detailed study of all agents for design, which were discussed during the First International Workshop on Agents in Design at MIT in August of 2002. A statistical analysis of their attributes has been conducted and its results are reported to suggest future evolution of agents in design. Finally, we briefly overview the topic of Directed Evolution and use its paradigms to predict further development of agents in design. The paper also provides our initial conclusions and suggests further research.
Concept Generation and Sketching: Correlations With Design Outcome
Authors: Yang Maria C.
Published: January 2019

Design outcome is influenced by many hard-to-measure factors in the design process. This paper examines four of these factors to understand their possible correlation with design success. First, is the quantity of design concepts linked to design outcome? Second, is the timing of concept generation associated with design outcome? In both of these cases, the sketches created by designers were taken as evidence of concept generation. Third, is the type of sketch linked to design outcome? And finally, what is the role of a novice designer’s prior experience in design outcome? Statistically significant correlations were found between dimensioned drawings generated at the early stages of design and design outcome, and also between a novice designer’s prior fabrication and building experience and design outcome. Ultimately, the goal of this research is to develop paradigms for appropriate graphics and text-based information tools for design.
Process Modeling Procedure for Validation, Verification and Testing (VVT) Planning
Authors: Le´va´rdy Viktor , Hoppe Markus , Wenzel Stefan , Vollerthun Andreas
Published: January 2019

Verification, validation, and testing (VVT) are the primary means of risk reduction in the product development process. Through systematic and early VVT strategy planning and continuous monitoring of the product development activities rework can be avoided and significant product lifecycle cost reductions can be achieved. In this paper a VVT process modeling procedure is described, which offers an effective method for reducing programmatic and technical risk through providing valuable assistance in the VVT strategy planning process. Programmatic risk reduction in the VVT process modeling procedure can be achieved by the elimination of redundant VVT activities, optimization of test schedule and restructuring of VVT activities into clusters based on the input needs of the tests and the deliveries of the product development activities. Through iterations in the VVT process during VVT strategy planning, the most effective combination of VVT activities can be found for the VVT goals and objectives. Iterations in the VVT process modeling procedure can be made based on the different durations, costs and effects on quality of the different VVT activities and methods applied at different points in the product lifecycle. Since the VVT strategy planning is an iterative process, the VVT process modeling procedure can be used to update the VVT process after every critical decision and milestone in the product development. The modeling concept for verification, validation and testing processes introduced in this paper, is currently being developed in a European research project, called SysTest (more information on the SysTest project can be found under: http://www.secoe.org/0105.htm).
Enhancing Discrete Choice Demand Modeling for Decision-Based Design
Authors: Wassenaar Henk Jan , Chen Wei , Cheng Jie , Sudjianto Agus
Published: January 2019

Our research is motivated by the need for developing a rigorous Decision-Based Design framework and the need for developing an approach to demand modeling that is critical for assessing the profit a product can bring. Even though demand modeling techniques exist in market research, little work exists on product demand modeling that addresses the specific needs of engineering design in particular that facilitates engineering decision-making. Building upon our earlier work on using the discrete choice analysis approach to demand modeling, in this work, we provide detailed guidelines for implementing the discrete choice demand modeling approach in product design. The modeling of a hierarchy of product attributes is introduced to cascade customer desires to specific key customer attributes that can be represented using engineering language. To improve the predictive capability of demand models, we propose to use the Kano method for providing the econometric justification when selecting the shape of the customer utility function. A real (passenger) vehicle engine case study, developed in collaboration with the market research firm J.D. Power & Associates and Ford Motor Company, demonstrates the proposed approaches. The example focuses on demand analysis and does not reach beyond the key customer attribute level. The obtained demand model is shown to be satisfactory through cross validation.
Risk Based Strategy for the Development of an Emergency Pipeline Repair System (EPRS)
Authors: Alani Ali , Goodfellow Graham D. , Keen Dennis
Published: January 2019

This paper presents an overview of the various components of an emergency pipeline repair system which should be in place in order to act effectively and efficiently during an emergency pipeline repair scenario.

The condition of pipelines during operation is typically monitored by means of external and internal inspections. These inspections allow for planned intervention when a pipeline is found to be deteriorating. A failure to inspect adequately for time dependent threats, or randomly occurring events such as third party interaction, could result in a pipeline failure, leading to a requirement to rapidly return to operation and thus the need for an emergency repair. An Emergency Pipeline Repair System (EPRS) is therefore an essential part of a pipeline integrity management system.

The primary purpose of the EPRS is to ensure that pipeline operators have the necessary level of readiness to allow an emergency repair to be carried out, thus minimising the economic consequences of having a pipeline out of service, whilst optimising the cost of purchasing and maintaining equipment and spares.

In general, pipeline operators will have some emergency repair procedures to cater for unplanned or unexpected incidents. However, to complete an emergency repair efficiently and effectively, the availability of adequate spare materials and timely access to the damage location is required. For a large pipeline network, satisfying these requirements can be challenging.

This paper discusses some basic elements of an EPRS and describes a case study of the development of a risk based EPRS strategy for an offshore pipeline operator. This approach involves the identification of credible hazards that can lead to damage requiring an emergency repair, and identification of repair options. The relative importance of the individual pipelines, in terms of their availability requirement, and the expected time required to complete an emergency repair are then taken into account. This enables the pipelines to be ranked based on the consequence of failure. Pipelines with consequence rankings that are considered unacceptable are therefore highlighted, and EPRS readiness related to those pipelines can subsequently be optimised.

Recommendations for the development of an EPRS for an onshore or offshore pipeline network are also made.
Utilizing Modern Data and Technologies for Pipeline Risk Assessment
Authors: Mangold David , Huntley Ryan
Published: January 2019

Risk management of gas and hazardous liquid pipeline systems is a core element of US integrity management regulations (49 CFR part 192, subpart O; 49 CFR 195.452) and a challenging responsibility facing operators worldwide. The importance of health, safety, and environmental protection demands a continuous evolution of industry expectations, practices, and regulations, with regulators and operators invariably seeking ways to advance risk modeling methodologies for pipeline risk assessment. The evolution to more advanced risk modeling methodologies marks a transitional trend from simple, relative risk models to robust, quantitative risk models. A common challenge when implementing a more advanced risk model is supplying sufficient supporting data. This challenge highlights a necessary, parallel progression; the expansion of data availability and improvement of data quality to support risk management.

Many data resources have become available to aid this progression through advancements in spatial processing, computational technologies, and data collection and availability across industries. Powerful analysis tools are now available to supply pressure loss, overland flow, liquid trace, and gas dispersion information to enhance risk modeling, along with a vast and increasing amount of publicly available data and statistics. Proper integration of this information can greatly reduce the challenges associated with the implementation of quantitative risk assessment and better support risk-based decision making. This paper details the availability and utilization of modem data and technologies for pipeline risk assessment. Examples are provided which illustrate the integration of data and technology resources to support a robust, quantitative risk model.