bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drug Monographs: Ixazomib and Necitumumab
Authors: Lawson Fern E. , Waddell J. Aubrey , Solimando Dominic A.
Published: May 2016

The complexity of cancer chemotherapy requires pharmacists be familiar with the complicated regimens and highly toxic agents used. This column reviews various issues related to preparation, dispensing, and administration of antineoplastic therapy, and the agents, both commercially available and investigational, used to treat malignant diseases.
Taking the backward step
Authors: Hess Sally
Published: May 2016

Dogen Zenji’s thirteenth-century foundational text ‘Fukan zazengi/Universally Recommended Instructions for Zazen’, provides the departure point for this article and its moving centre. In it, Dogen enjoins us to ‘[…] learn to take the backward step that
turns the light and shines it inward’. Through an exploration of the function of practice in zazen (seated meditation), dancing and writing, I ask how is it that practice (sitting, stepping, scribbling) can focus, clarify and release such joy? The dance vocabulary is ballroom and the
process of writing seeks to partner the reader as witness to the exchange between movement and stillness. Over the course of two back-to-back dance lessons, drawing on dream images and the lives of my Berlin grandparents, three alternating voices: the Zen student, the dancer and the narrator,
follow the relationship between zazen, dance and writing and examine the interweaving of intention, intensity and intimacy.
Making ‘Maximum Fun’ for fans: Examining podcast listener participation online
Authors: Wrather Kyle
Published: May 2016

This article analyses how three podcasts from the independent podcast network Maximum Fun use online spaces to cultivate audience engagement and listener interest. While some of these listener engagement techniques are not unique to podcasting, they offer examples of how podcasters have built strong audience connections by expanding interaction beyond their episodes and into the online spaces young, tech-savvy listeners often frequent. Specifically, this article compares how three podcast shows on the Maximum Fun network promote and use different online spaces (forums, social networks and blogs) to engage listeners and cultivate community.
Negotiating the Boundaries of Power: Abdoulaye Wade, the Muridiyya, and State Politics in Senegal, 2000–2012
Authors: Babou Cheikh Anta
Published: May 2016

Research on the state and governance in Senegal emphasizes the political role of Muslim orders (brotherhoods). These orders, and especially the Muridiyya, are at the center of the so-called “Senegalese social contract,” which, according to many observers, is the reason for the remarkable political stability of the postcolonial state. This contract, which has been thoroughly discussed by scholars, functions as a system for the exchange of services in which the state and the Sufi orders, even though apparently situated in different sociopolitical spaces, collaborate in preserving peace and stability. Along with other scholars, I have criticized the notion of “social contract,” especially the underlying assumption that shaykhs have total control over disciples, who are prepared to follow the path laid out by their spiritual guides without concern for their own interests. In this article, I explore the impact that the momentous political change in the year 2000 had on the relations between temporal and spiritual power in Senegal. I suggest that President Wade’s attempt to turn the Muridiyya into a political base is best understood as an experiment in caesaropapism and his failure portends a return to the apparent political neutrality and behind-the- scenes political transactions that have marked the history of the relations between the state and Sufi orders.
Rights, Equality and Procreation
Authors: Casal Paula , Williams Andrew
Published: May 2016

Individual decisions about how to exercise the legal right to procreative liberty may generate either positive or negative externalities. From within a resource egalitarian perspective, such as that of Ronald Dworkin, it can be argued that procreative justice is asymmetric in the following respect. Justice need not require that parents be subsidised if they produce a public good, yet its ideal achievement may require their activities be taxed if they threaten to produce a public bad.
Human Altruism – Proximate Patterns and Evolutionary Origins
Authors: Fehr Ernst , Fischbacher Urs
Published: May 2016

Are people selfish or altruistic? Throughout history this question has been answered on the basis of much introspection and little evidence. It has been at the heart of many controversial debates in politics, science, and philosophy. Some of the most fundamental questions concerning our evolutionary origins, our social relations, and the organization of society are centered around issues of altruism and selfishness. Experimental evidence indicates that human altruism is a powerful force and unique in the animal world. However, there is much individual heterogeneity and the interaction between altruists and selfish individuals is key for understanding the evolutionary dynamics as well as the proximate patterns of human cooperation. Depending on the environment, a minority of altruists can force a majority of selfish individuals to cooperate or, conversely, a few egoists can induce a large number of altruists to defect. Current gene-based evolutionary theories cannot explain important patterns of human altruism pointing towards the need for theories of cultural evolution and gene-culture coevolution.
Reconsidering Relational Autonomy. Personal Autonomy for Socially Embedded and Temporally Extended Selves
Authors: Baumann Holger
Published: May 2016

Most recent accounts of personal autonomy acknowledge that the social environment a person lives in, and the personal relationships she entertains, have some impact on her autonomy. Two kinds of conceptualizing social conditions are traditionally distinguished in this regard: Causally relational accounts hold that certain relationships and social environments play a causal role for the development and on-going exercise of autonomy. Constitutively relational accounts, by contrast, claim that autonomy is at least partly constituted by a person’s social environment or standing. The central aim of this paper is to raise the question how causally and constitutively relational approaches relate to the fact that we exercise our autonomy over time. I argue that once the temporal scope of autonomy is opened up, we need not only to think differently about the social dimension of autonomy. We also need to reconsider the very distinction between causally and constitutively relational accounts, because it is itself a synchronic (and not a diachronic) distinction.
Medical Imaging Informatics: Towards a Personalized Computational Patient
Authors: Ayache N.
Published: May 2016

Medical Imaging Informatics has become a fast evolving discipline at the crossing of Informatics, Computational Sciences, and Medicine that is profoundly changing medical practices, for the patients’ benefit.
The Renewed Promise of Medical Informatics
Authors: van Bemmel J. H. , McCray A. T.
Published: May 2016

The promise of the field of Medical Informatics has been great and its impact has been significant. In 1999, the Yearbook editors of the International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA) - also the authors of the present paper - sought to assess this impact by selecting a number of seminal papers in the field, and asking experts to comment on these articles. In particular, it was requested whether and how the expectations, represented by these papers, had been fulfilled since their publication several decades earlier. Each expert was also invited to comment on what might be expected in the future. In the present paper, these areas are briefly reviewed again. Where did these early papers have an impact and where were they not as successful as originally expected? It should be noted that the extraordinary developments in computer technology observed in the last two decades could not have been foreseen by these early researchers. In closing, some of the possibilities and limitations of research in medical informatics are outlined in the context of a framework that considers six levels of computer applications in medicine and health care. For each level, some predictions are made for the future, concluded with thoughts on fruitful areas for ongoing research in the field.
Silver Anniversary: 25 Editions of the IMIA Yearbook
Authors: Lehmann Christoph , Jaulent Marie-Christine , Séroussi Brigitte
Published: May 2016

Objectives: To provide an editorial introduction into the special 25th anniversary edition of the IMIA Yearbook of Medical Informatics with discussion of the significance of the Yearbook, past and current editorial teams, and a look into the future. Methods: A brief overview of the 2016 anniversary edition of the Yearbook allows for a discussion of the significance and value of the Yearbook to the Biomedical Informatics community as well as a review of changes in Yearbook team and format over time. Results: The IMIA Yearbook celebrates its 25th edition bearing witness to the quality of the IMIA brand, the Yearbook content, as well as to the dedication of and the inordinate amount of labor from the authors and editors of the Yearbook. Editorial teams are to be applauded for their hard work and for their foresight in steering the Yearbook from a paperback to an open access online publication. The special edition provides reviews of past editorials with the knowledge of today.

Conclusions: The IMIA Yearbook celebrates a remarkable milestone providing a testament to the maturity of the Biomedical Informatics field. Informaticians across the world are encouraged to thank past editorial teams and celebrate with IMIA.
Mortality in acromegaly: a 20-year follow-up study
Authors: Ritvonen Elina , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Jaatinen Pia , Ebeling Tapani , Moilanen Leena , Nuutila Pirjo , Kauppinen-Mäkelin Ritva , Schalin-Jäntti Camilla
Published: May 2016

Objective

It is unclear whether mortality still is increased in acromegaly and whether there are gender-related differences. We dynamically assessed outcome during long-term follow-up in our nationwide cohort.

Patients and methods

We studied standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) relative to the general population and causes of death in acromegaly (n=333) compared with age- and gender-matched controls (n=4995).

Results

During 20 (0–33) years follow-up, 113 (34%) patients (n=333, 52% women) and 1334 (27%) controls (n=4995) died (P=0.004). SMR (1.9, 95% CI: 1.53–2.34, P<0.001) and all-cause mortality (OR 1.6, 95% CI: 1.2–2.2, P<0.001) were increased in acromegaly. Overall distribution of causes of death (P<0.001) differed between patients and controls but not cardiovascular (34% vs 33%) or cancer deaths (27% vs 27%). In acromegaly, but not in controls, causes of deaths shifted from 44% cardiovascular and 28% cancer deaths during the first decade, to 23% cardiovascular and 35% cancer deaths during the next two decades. In acromegaly, cancer deaths were mostly attributed to pancreatic adenocarcinoma (n=5), breast (n=4), lung (n=3) and colon (n=3) carcinoma. In acromegaly, men were younger than women at diagnosis (median 44.5 vs 50 years, P<0.001) and death (67 vs 76 years, P=0.0015). Compared with controls, women (36% vs 25%, P<0.01), but not men (31% vs 28%, P=0.44), had increased mortality.

Conclusions

In acromegaly, men are younger at diagnosis and death than women. Compared with controls, mortality is increased during 20 years of follow-up, especially in women. Causes of deaths shift from predominantly cardiovascular to cancer deaths.
Zika Virus: How Much Do We Know About This Bug?
Authors: Murphy Allen E. , Long Garbsen
Published: May 2016

An epidemic disease called Zika virus has been reported to have gone viral in the Caribbean and also central and South America in the year 2015. One of the most disturbing concerns which comes along with this infection is that it is now more apparent that there is increased incidence of microcephaly in fetuses of mothers who are infected with Zika virus. The biggest Zika virus outbreak was reported in the month of October 2013 which lasted till March 2014 in French Polynesia, and numerous people whom presented the symptoms of acute phase Zika virus were tested negative. The Zika virus is basically transmitted to individuals when one is bitten by a contaminated mosquito generally found in tropical areas. The virus is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The virus has a place with the same family as Chikungunya, Dengue, Yellow fever, and West Nile. Be that as it may, not at all like a percentage of the previously stated viruses, there is as of now no antibody that can be utilized to forestall or even treat the contamination. As of not long ago, Zika virus was to a great extent a dark virus kept to Asia and Equatorial Africa. In the month of November 2015, preliminary evidence shows that with upsurge in neurological complications in adults and microcephaly in neonates of mothers infected during pregnancy. Strategies are recommended for preventing the infection by this notorious virus under different conditions.
Future of Christian health services – an economic perspective
Authors: Flessa Steffen
Published: May 2016

Although Christian Health Services have a proud history of healing and compassion especially in developing countries, their future is affected by secular changes in the financing and provision of health care services. However, the nature of life as it is evolving in modern society promises a need for the capacity to deal with increasing dynamics, complexity and uncertainty. In these circumstances the potential capacity of Christians in their institutions and churches to provide Unconditional Reliability suggests a new opportunity. The components of Unconditional Reliability and how they affect the portfolio of Christian Health Services is explained. Effective Christian Health Services will require appropriate analysis of their portfolios.
Theological foundations for an effective Christian response to the global disease burden in resource-constrained regions
Authors: O’Neill Daniel W.
Published: May 2016

Given the global disease burden and resource disparity that exists in the world and the globalization of Christianity, Christians are in a critical position to effect radical change in individuals, communities and systems for human flourishing. This paper describes the theological basis of seven key elements that the Church can contribute to sustainable development, global health equity, and universal access as an expanding movement: defining health, speaking truth, providing care, making peace, cooperating, setting priorities, and mobilizing resources for maximum stewardship in low resource settings.
A preliminary investigation of the barriers to clean water access in the urban slums of Kolkata, India
Authors: Beistline Holly Anne
Published: May 2016

Introduction: Safe drinking water is scarce in Kolkata. Inadequate knowledge and poor practices of storing and cleaning drinking water can cause severe effects on the health of the population. There is a need to understand the current trend of attitudes and practices of individuals living in urban slums to reduce water-borne diseases and mortality. This limited convenience sample study attempted to explore and identify areas for further study regarding the barriers of clean water access in urban slums of Kolkata, India.
Methods: This pilot cross-sectional study was conducted in Kolkata, India during July 2014. Five urban slums were selected based on proximity and cooperation from the community. A sample of 50 women was taken, representing the five slums, with a sample of 10 women taken from each slum.
Results: The majority (80%) of the participants said they regularly have enough water available to meet the needs of their household. Fifty-two percent of subjects received their water for drinking from a tap, hand pump, or time pump. Thirty percent had water pumped into their homes, and 18% purchased their water from a water truck. Fourteen percent said they did not treat their water because it was too time consuming, 40% said it was too much work, and 34% said it was not needed. Ninety percent said they felt it was important to clean their water, almost half (48%) thought their water was not clean, but only 42% used some method to clean their water. Many subjects (68%) stated they knew how to clean their water, but 66% were unaware that visible dirt is not an indicator of illness-causing bacteria in water.
Conclusions: More focus should be directed towards improving awareness and knowledge and changing attitudes, motivation, and perceived susceptibility to disease from water within slum communities in Kolkata, India.
Effect of gold nanoparticle size and surface coating on human red blood cells
Authors: Purohit Rahul , Vallabani NV Srikanth , Shukla Ritesh K. , Kumar Ashutosh , Singh Sanjay
Published: May 2016

This paper reports the impact of bovine serum albumin (BSA) coating on gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs) with sizes of 15, 30, 50 and 70 nm on cellular uptake and haemolysis of human red blood cells (RBCs). BSA coating on gold NPs imparts extra stability in high-glutathione-containing medium, which is a major prerequisite for NPs being developed for delivery applications. BSA coating on gold NPs was characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, whereas cellular uptake was estimated by ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry and flow cytometry. The cellular uptake results show that the internalisation of bare gold NPs is size dependent; however, upon BSA conjugation, uptake becomes independent of particle size. Cytocompatibility of bare and BSA-coated gold NPs was assessed by MTT assay, a common method to evaluate the biocompatibility of nanomaterials, and found non-toxic. However, when bare gold NPs were exposed to human RBCs, the NPs exerted significant haemolysis, which suggests that bare gold NPs which are considered as non-toxic to mammalian cells, can be harmful to RBCs. Interestingly, BSA-coated gold NPs showed significantly lower haemolysis at similar concentrations, suggesting that BSA-coated gold NPs could be of great importance in biomedical applications.
LCZ696, an Angiotensin–neprilysin Inhibitor Versus Enalapril in Heart Failure – Summary of PARADIGM-HF Results
Authors: Cardoso José Silva ,   CINTESIS - Center for Health Technology and Services Research, Porto, Portugal; Department of cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal; São João Medical Center, Porto, Portugal
Published: May 2016

This editorial summarises important findings from the PARADIGM-HF study. PARADIGM-HF indicated that the angiotensin receptorneprilysin inhibitor, LCZ696, is superior to enalapril in reducing the risks of cardiovascular death and of hospitalisation for heart failure in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction.
Orogenias: das margens continentais ao interior remoto das placas, uma revisão no tema
Authors: Neves Benjamim Bley de Brito
Published: May 2016

Esta síntese do conceito de orogenias abrange desde a Tectônica de Placas dos anos 1970, adendos e modelos "alternativos", que buscam explicar orogenias distantes das zonas de interação de placas. A análise crítica dos modelos originais resultou em adendos que incluem domínios proterozoicos e paleozoicos e observações sobre reologia e história termo-tectônica da litosfera. Os modelos alternativos explicam a orogênese por subdução local de litosfera continental, sem envolver litosfera oceânica. Nos anos 1990, houve notável avanço no estudo das causas da subsidência (tectônica formadora de bacias) e estudos que contestam a rigidez das placas e propõem modelos de enfraquecimento devido à ação termal. Orogenias intracontinentais, entendidas como caso extremo da inversão de bacias, ocorrem em praticamente todos os continentes. Esforços gerados em zonas de interação de placas podem ser transmitidas continente adentro por milhares de quilômetros e gerar tectônica deformadora longe de suturas. Embora esteja ainda em estágio de fluxo, o conceito de orogenias intracontinentais ("telessuturais") vem se consolidando, embora não tenha sido incorporado a livros-texto. O histórico e o reexame do tema possibilitam classificar os orógenos segundo três variáveis principais: posição em relação às zonas de sutura, organização geométrico-geológica (em planta) e nível de exumação.
Editorial
Authors: Carneiro Celso Dal Ré
Published: May 2016

Há doze anos, ao lançar Terræ Didatica no cenário das revistas científicas, o Instituto de Geociências da Unicamp engendrou um veículo potente para difundir resultados de pesquisas e ampliar o intercâmbio de ideias inovadoras, materiais didáticos, recursos educativos, notícias e outras informações. Publicada em papel e em formato eletrônico, a revista interessa às comunidades de Geologia, Geografia e Educação, do Brasil e de outros países, particularmente a comunidade íbero-latino-americana. Houve firme investimento no sentido de se explorar criativamente as possibilidades oferecidas pelos meios eletrônicos para aumentar a comunicação e a capacidade de transmitir idéias e conceitos
Indian Tourism its potential avenues and challenges for growth: Riding on the service sector
Authors: Joseph Dr. Sebastian .T. , Frederick Abhishek Janvier
Published: May 2016

Given the countless activities and avenues for growth under the umbrella of services and the resilience that the service sector has acquired post 1991 reform period in India, it is not difficult to acknowledge that India’s service sector has finally arrived! The post recession survival of the Indian economy has largely been possible due to the contribution of the services sector to India’s GDP. This sector has been recognized as one posing innumerable opportunities, attracting FDI boosting employment and propelling exports. So much so for the opportunities; the challenges are also many.

The real challenge lies not only in maintaining standards in areas where India has established universal benchmarks such as IT and ITEs but a larger challenge lies in probing and developing traditional areas such as tourism and shipping where other countries of the world have far surpassed Indian standards, nevertheless, they present manifold opportunities for India. The number of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India during 2010 increased to 5.78 million as compared to 5.17 million in 2009. Registering a growth rate of 11.8% during 2010 over 2009. This growth rate of 11.8% in 2010 for India was better than UNWTO’s projected growth rate of 5% to 6% for the world in 2010. Tourism continues to play an important role as a foreign exchange earner for the country. In 2010, foreign exchange earnings (FEE) from tourism were US$ 14.19 billion as compared to US$ 11.39 billion in 2009, registering a growth of 24.6%.Through this paper we attempt to understand and probe a traditional service area ; tourism as a service industry, its contribution to India’s economy, recent developments, opportunities and challenges.
On the perturbed restricted three-body problem
Authors: Abouelmagd Elbaz I. , Guirao Juan L.G.
Published: May 2016

In this survey paper we offer an analytical study regarding the perturbed planar restricted three-body problem in the case that the three involved bodies are oblate. The existence of libration points and their linear stability are explored under the effects of the perturbations in Coriolis and centrifugal forces. The periodic orbits around these points are also studied under these effects. Moreover, the elements of periodic orbits around these points are determined.
Minimum Ages of Legal Access for Tobacco in the United States From 1863 to 2015
Authors: Apollonio Dorie E. , Glantz Stanton A.
Published: May 2016

In the United States, state laws establish a minimum age of legal access (MLA) for most tobacco products at 18 years. We reviewed the history of these laws with internal tobacco industry documents and newspaper archives from 1860 to 2014.

The laws appeared in the 1880s; by 1920, half of states had set MLAs of at least 21 years. After 1920, tobacco industry lobbying eroded them to between 16 and 18 years. By the 1980s, the tobacco industry viewed restoration of higher MLAs as a critical business threat. The industry’s political advocacy reflects its assessment that recruiting youth smokers is critical to its survival.

The increasing evidence on tobacco addiction suggests that restoring MLAs to 21 years would reduce smoking initiation and prevalence, particularly among those younger than 18 years.
Impact of Food Assistance Programs on Obesity in Mothers and Children: A Prospective Cohort Study in Peru
Authors: Carrillo-Larco Rodrigo M. , Miranda J. Jaime , Bernabé-Ortiz Antonio
Published: May 2016

Objectives. To assess obesity risk among mothers participating in Community Kitchens and children participating in Glass of Milk (Peru food assistance programs).

Methods. We analyzed prospective data from the Young Lives study. The exposure consisted in varying degrees of benefit from any of the programs (no participation in any of the programs, program participation for some months, or program participation nearly every month) at baseline (2006–2007). The outcome was overweight and obesity in mothers and children at follow-up (2009–2010).

Results. Prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity was 15.5% and 5.1%, respectively; the corresponding figures for mothers were 40.5% and 14.6%. Children exposed nearly every month to the Glass of Milk program had a 65% lower risk of becoming obese compared with children not participating in the program (relative risk [RR] = 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.18, 0.66). Mothers participating frequently in the Community Kitchens program had almost twice the risk of becoming obese compared with those who did not participate (RR = 1.93; 95% CI = 1.18, 3.15).

Conclusions. Participating in food assistance programs in Peru was associated with a lower risk of obesity in children and greater risk of obesity in mothers.
Formative Work and Community Engagement Approaches for Implementing an HIV Intervention in Botswana Schools
Authors: Miller Kim S. , Cham Haddi J. , Taylor Eboni M. , Berrier Faith L. , Duffy Meghan , Vig Jessica , Chipazi Lily , Chakalisa Chawada , Sidibe Sekou , Swart Kenau , Tau Nontobeko Sylvia , Clark Leslie F.
Published: May 2016

Providing adolescents with evidence-based sexual risk reduction interventions is critical to addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. Project AIM (Adult Identity Mentoring) is an innovative, evidence-based, youth development intervention that is being evaluated for the first time in Botswana through a 3-year (2015–2017), 50-school cluster randomized controlled trial, including testing for herpes simplex virus type 2 as a sexual activity biomarker. Conducting a trial of this magnitude requires the support and collaboration of government and community stakeholders. All school staff, including teachers, must be well informed about the study; dedicated staff placed at each school can help to improve school and community familiarity with the study, improve the information flow, and relieve some of the burden study activities places on schools.
Subsurface Drip Irrigation and Fertigation of Broccoli
Authors: Thompson Thomas L. , Doerge Thomas A. , Godin Ronald E.
Published: May 2016

Production of broccoli (Brassica olearaceaL.Italica) in the southwestern USA is highly dependent on inputs of water and N fertilizer to achieve optimum yields and quality. The water and N‐response characteristics of subsurface drip‐irrigated broccoli have not previously been reported. Field experiments were conducted in southern Arizona during 1993 through 1996. The objectives were to determine: (i) subsurface drip‐irrigated broccoli response to a range of soil water tension (SWT), (ii) effects and interactions of water and N fertilizer inputs on crop yield and quality, and (iii) seasonal and daily N uptake. Experiments consisted of factorial combinations of three irrigation regimes (low, medium, and high) and four N rates (60–500 kg N ha−1). Irrigation was applied daily to maintain target SWT, and all N was applied by fertigation. With respect to marketable yield, the optimum SWT was ∼10 kPa in this sandy loam soil, as indicated by response surface models. Marketable yields across all treatments ranged from <3 to >18 Mg ha−1Marketable yield was significantly affected by N rate during all three seasons, and by SWT during two of three seasons. There were no significant SWT × N interactions for marketable yield. Quality parameters (head weight and diameter) were much more responsive to N rate than to SWT, and there were few significant SWT × N interactions for broccoli quality. Broccoli accumulated up to 320 kg N ha−1in the aboveground biomass, and N uptake fluxes were as high as 5 kg N ha−1d−1at the first bud growth stage (825–1000 heat units after planting [HUAP]).
An architectural design for cloud of things
Authors: Khanna Abhirup
Published: May 2016

In recent times the world has seen an exponential rise in the number of
devices connected to the internet. This widespread expansion of the internet
and growth in the number of interconnected devices has lead to the rise of
many new age technologies. Internet of Things (IoT) being one of them allows
devices to communicate with one another that are connected through the
internet. It provides a new way of looking towards pervasive computing
wherein "things" be it sensors, embedded devices, actuators or humans
interact with one another. But currently IoT is facing a number of challenges
related to scalability, interoperability, storage capacity, processing power
and security which all act as a deterrent for its practical implementation.
Cloud computing, the buzzword of the IT industry, suits best to handle all
these challenges, thus leading towards the integration of cloud and IoT. In
this paper, we present a layered architecture for Cloud of Things, i.e. the
amalgamation of cloud computing and internet of things. The architecture
provides a scalable approach for IoT as it allows dynamic addition of
n-number of "things". Moreover, the architecture allows the end users to host
their applications onto the cloud and access IoT systems remotely. Towards
the end, the paper discusses a use case that proves the correctness of the
proposed architecture.
The impact of silicone hydrogel contact lenses on the measurement of intraocular pressure using non-contact tonometry
Authors: Pesic Snezana , Jovanovic Svetlana , Mitrasevic Milos , Vuletic Biljana , Jovanovic Milena , Jovanovic Zorica
Published: May 2016

Background/Aim. Measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) over therapeutic silicone hydrogel soft contact lenses by a non-contact method of tonometry could be applied in opthalmologic practice but the results obtained are still controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of spherically designed silicone hydrogel soft contact lenses and their power on values of IOP measured by using a noncontact tonometry method. Methods. We measured IOP with and without spherical silicone hydrogel soft contact lenses on 143 eyes of 80 subjects who did not have any ocular or systemic diseases. Results. The Wilcoxon statistical analysis test for ranking average values of IOP measured on 143 eyes over a spherical silicone hydrogel soft contact lenses showed significantly higher values compared to those measured with no contact lenses (15.81 ? 3.46 mm Hg vs 14.54 ? 3.19 mm Hg; respectively; Z = -5.224, p = 0.001). Refractive power analysis of the contact lenses of -9.00D to +6.00 D showed a significant difference of IOP in the range from 0.00D to -6.00D. Conclusion. Non-contact tonometry is not an accurate method of IOP measuring over spherical silicone hydrogel soft contact lenses which belong to therapeutic contact lenses.
Understanding the Relationship Between Physical Therapist Participation in Interdisciplinary Rounds and Hospital Readmission Rates: Preliminary Study
Authors: Kadivar Zahra , English Alexis , Marx Brian D.
Published: May 2016

Background

Providing patients with optimal discharge disposition and follow-up services could prevent unplanned readmissions. Despite their qualifications, physical therapists are rarely represented on the interdisciplinary team.

Objective

This study aimed to determine the relationship between the participation of physical therapists in interdisciplinary discharge rounds and readmission rates.

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, patients discharged by 2 interdisciplinary teams with or without a physical therapist's participation were followed for 5 months. Adherence to the physical therapist's recommendations for follow-up services and unplanned 30-day readmissions were tracked. Multiple logistic regression and random forest models were used to determine factors contributing to 30-day readmission rates.

Results

The odds of 30-day readmissions were 3.78 times greater when a physical therapist was absent from the interdisciplinary team compared with the odds of 30-day readmissions when a physical therapist participated in the interdisciplinary team. In addition, the odds of 30-day readmission for patients discharged to their home were 2.47 times greater than those who were not discharged to their home. An increased lack of postdischarge services was noted when a physical therapist was not included in the interdisciplinary team.

Limitations

The nonrandom selection of patients into groups, the small sample size, and the inability to adjust risk for unknown factors (eg, medical diagnoses, comorbidities, funding, and functional measures) limited interpretation of the results.

Conclusion

Significantly higher readmission rates were noted for patients whose interdisciplinary team did not have a physical therapist and for those patients who were discharged to their home. These preliminary findings suggest that discharge from the acute care setting is an elaborate process and should be designed carefully. In order to identify the optimal discharge process, future research should account for patient complexities in addition to the composition of the interdisciplinary discharge team.
Risk factors for unplanned readmission within 30 days after pediatric neurosurgery: a nationwide analysis of 9799 procedures from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program
Authors: Sherrod Brandon A. , Johnston James M. , Rocque Brandon G.
Published: May 2016

OBJECTIVE

Hospital readmission rate is increasingly used as a quality outcome measure after surgery. The purpose of this study was to establish, using a national database, the baseline readmission rates and risk factors for patient readmission after pediatric neurosurgical procedures.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program–Pediatric database was queried for pediatric patients treated by a neurosurgeon between 2012 and 2013. Procedures were categorized by current procedural terminology (CPT) code. Patient demographics, comorbidities, preoperative laboratory values, operative variables, and postoperative complications were analyzed via univariate and multivariate techniques to find associations with unplanned readmissions within 30 days of the primary procedure.

RESULTS

A total of 9799 cases met the inclusion criteria, 1098 (11.2%) of which had an unplanned readmission within 30 days. Readmission occurred 14.0 ± 7.7 days postoperatively (mean ± standard deviation). The 4 procedures with the highest unplanned readmission rates were CSF shunt revision (17.3%; CPT codes 62225 and 62230), repair of myelomeningocele > 5 cm in diameter (15.4%), CSF shunt creation (14.1%), and craniectomy for infratentorial tumor excision (13.9%). The lowest unplanned readmission rates were for spine (6.5%), craniotomy for craniosynostosis (2.1%), and skin lesion (1.0%) procedures. On multivariate regression analysis, the odds of readmission were greatest in patients experiencing postoperative surgical site infection (SSI; deep, organ/space, superficial SSI, and wound disruption: OR > 12 and p < 0.001 for each). Postoperative pneumonia (OR 4.294, p < 0.001), urinary tract infection (OR 4.262, p < 0.001), and sepsis (OR 2.616, p = 0.006) also independently increased the readmission risk. Independent patient risk factors for unplanned readmission included Native American race (OR 2.363, p = 0.019), steroid use > 10 days (OR 1.411, p = 0.010), oxygen supplementation (OR 1.645, p = 0.010), nutritional support (OR 1.403, p = 0.009), seizure disorder (OR 1.250, p = 0.021), and longer operative time (per hour increase, OR 1.059, p = 0.029).

CONCLUSIONS

This study may aid in identifying patients at risk for unplanned readmission following pediatric neurosurgery, potentially helping to focus efforts at lowering readmission rates, minimizing patient risk, and lowering costs for health care systems.
Identifying Pilots with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Clem Peter A. , Navathe Pooshan D. , Drane Michael A.
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND: In 2012 the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare produced a report titled ‘Dementia in Australia.’2 The report noted that the number of people with dementia in Australia would reach almost 400,000 by 2020. Australia is a jurisdiction which
does not impose a mandatory retirement age for pilots. With an aging population it was hypothesized that conditions such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) were likely to be seen more commonly by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). It was decided that this was an appropriate time to
retrospectively study the data held by CASA.METHODS: An interrogation of CASA databases was undertaken. Data was produced comparing percentage of Class 1 certificate holders over 60 yr of age against time. A cohort of pilots and controllers with PD was identified. The history of
the cases was reviewed.RESULTS: The study confirms that the pilot population is aging in line with population trends. Over a period from 1992 to 2012, 22 cases of pilots and controllers with PD were identified.DISCUSSION: The study confirmed that PD will be of increased
relevance over the next decade. Gaps between policy and practice managing past cases were identified. Updated guidelines have been published aiming to address the deficiencies identified in the study. Historically pilots and controllers have been able to maintain certification for an average
of 3.75 yr. This information should be of benefit to clinicians, pilots, and controllers when considering occupation and treatment options.Clem PA, Navathe PD, Drane MA. Identifying pilots with Parkinson’s disease. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2016; 87(6):545–549.
Subdural Hemorrhage in a Military Aviator
Authors: Cable Gordon G.
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of any intracranial bleeding is highly significant from an aeromedical risk perspective and potentially career-ending for a military aviator. Where it arises from head trauma, there is always concern regarding ongoing risk of post-traumatic epilepsy.CASE
REPORT: A 26-yr-old male military aviator with persistent headache was found to have small right frontal and parietal subacute subdural hematomas, most likely precipitated by minor head trauma and possibly exacerbated by other concurrent physiological stressors. The hematomas resolved
with conservative management and the aviator made a full recovery.DISCUSSION: The association between traumatic subdural hematomas and the occurrence of post-traumatic epilepsy is well documented, and this, together with the possibility of recurrent bleeding, must be considered
the significant aeromedical risks. However, this case presents an unusual situation of small subdural hematomas in isolation with no other features suggestive of significant traumatic brain injury. Relevant medical literature was found to be substantially lacking, and no other similar case
reports of aviators could be found. An aeromedical decision-making process is discussed in relation to returning the aviator to flying duties in a restricted capacity.Cable GG. Subdural hemorrhage in a military aviator. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2016; 87(6):575–579.
Specific Differential Entropy Rate Estimation for Continuous-Valued Time Series
Authors: Darmon David
Published: May 2016

We introduce a method for quantifying the inherent unpredictability of a continuous-valued time series via an extension of the differential Shannon entropy rate. Our extension, the specific entropy rate, quantifies the amount of predictive uncertainty associated with a specific state, rather than averaged over all states. We provide a data-driven approach for estimating the specific entropy rate of an observed time series. Finally, we consider three case studies of estimating the specific entropy rate from synthetic and physiological data relevant to the analysis of heart rate variability.
Analysis and Minimization of Output Current Ripple for Discontinuous Pulse-Width Modulation Techniques in Three-Phase Inverters
Authors: Grandi Gabriele , Loncarski Jelena , Srndovic Milan
Published: May 2016

This paper gives the complete analysis of the output current ripple in three-phase voltage source inverters considering the different discontinuous pulse-width modulation (DPWM) strategies. In particular, peak-to-peak current ripple amplitude is analytically evaluated over the fundamental period and compared among the most used DPWMs, including positive and negative clamped (DPWM+ and DPWM−), and the four possible combinations between them, usually named as DPWM0, DPWM1, DPWM2, and DPWM3. The maximum and the average values of peak-to-peak current ripple are estimated, and a simple method to correlate the ripple envelope with the ripple rms is proposed and verified. Furthermore, all the results obtained by DPWMs are compared to the centered pulse-width modulation (CPWM, equivalent to the space vector modulation) to identify the optimal pulse-width modulation (PWM) strategy as a function of the modulation index, taking into account the different average switching frequency. In this way, the PWM technique providing for the minimum output current ripple is identified over the whole modulation range. The analytical developments and the main results are experimentally verified by current ripple measurements with a three-phase PWM inverter prototype supplying an induction motor load.
Modelling, Testing and Analysis of a Regenerative Hydraulic Shock Absorber System
Authors: Wang Ruichen , Gu Fengshou , Cattley Robert , Ball Andrew
Published: May 2016

To improve vehicle fuel economy whilst enhancing road handling and ride comfort, power generating suspension systems have recently attracted increased attention in automotive engineering. This paper presents our study of a regenerative hydraulic shock absorber system which converts the oscillatory motion of a vehicle suspension into unidirectional rotary motion of a generator. Firstly a model which takes into account the influences of the dynamics of hydraulic flow, rotational motion and power regeneration is developed. Thereafter the model parameters of fluid bulk modulus, motor efficiencies, viscous friction torque, and voltage and torque constant coefficients are determined based on modelling and experimental studies of a prototype system. The model is then validated under different input excitations and load resistances, obtaining results which show good agreement between prediction and measurement. In particular, the system using piston-rod dimensions of 50–30 mm achieves recoverable power of 260 W with an efficiency of around 40% under sinusoidal excitation of 1 Hz frequency and 25 mm amplitude when the accumulator capacity is set to 0.32 L with the load resistance 20 Ω. It is then shown that the appropriate damping characteristics required from a shock absorber in a heavy-haulage vehicle can be met by using variable load resistances and accumulator capacities in a device akin to the prototype. The validated model paves the way for further system optimisation towards maximising the performance of regeneration, ride comfort and handling.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Substance Use and Misuse among Kosovar Adolescents; Cross Sectional Study of Scholastic, Familial-, and Sports-Related Factors of Influence
Authors: Tahiraj Enver , Cubela Mladen , Ostojic Ljerka , Rodek Jelena , Zenic Natasa , Sekulic Damir , Lesnik Blaz
Published: May 2016

Adolescence is considered to be the most important period for the prevention of substance use and misuse (SUM). The aim of this study was to investigate the problem of SUM and to establish potentially important factors associated with SUM in Kosovar adolescents. Multi-stage simple random sampling was used to select participants. At the end of their high school education, 980 adolescents (623 females) ages 17 to 19 years old were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of smoking, alcohol consumption (measured by Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test–AUDIT), and illegal drug use (dependent variables), as well as socio-demographic, scholastic, familial, and sports-related factors (independent variables), were assessed. Boys smoke cigarettes more often than girls with daily-smoking prevalence of 16% among boys and 9% among girls (OR = 1.85, 95% = CI 1.25–2.75). The prevalence of harmful drinking (i.e., AUDIT scores of >10) is found to be alarming (41% and 37% for boys and girls, respectively; OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 0.87–1.48), while 17% of boys and 9% of girls used illegal drugs (OR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.35–2.95). The behavioral grade (observed as: excellent–average-poor) is the factor that was most significantly correlated with SUM both in boys and girls, with lower behavioral grades among those adolescents who consume substances. In girls, lower maternal education levels were associated with a decreased likelihood of SUM, whereas sports achievement was negatively associated with risky drinking. In boys, sports achievement decreased the likelihood of daily smoking. Information on the factors associated with SUM should be disseminated among sports and school authorities.
Unequal Recovery? Federal Resource Distribution after a Midwest Flood Disaster
Authors: Muñoz Cristina , Tate Eric
Published: May 2016

Following severe flooding in 2008, three Iowa communities acquired over 1000 damaged properties to support disaster recovery and mitigation. This research applies a distributive justice framework to analyze the distribution of disaster recovery funds for property acquisition. Two research questions drive the analysis: (1) how does recovery vary by acquisition funding source; and (2) what is the relationship between recovery and vulnerable populations? Through spatial econometric modeling, relative recovery is compared between two federal programs that funded the acquisitions, and across socially vulnerable populations. The results indicate both distributive and temporal inequalities in the allocation of federal recovery funds. In particular, Latino and elderly populations were associated with lower recovery rates. Recommendations for future research in flood recovery and acquisitions are provided.