bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ЛІКУВАТИСЯ З ПРИВОДУ ТУБЕРКУЛЬОЗУ ЛЕГЕНЬ У СТАЦІОНАРІ ЧИ АМБУЛАТОРНО – ЩО ДУМАЮТЬ ПАЦІЄНТИ?
Authors: Savula M. M. , Lopushanska N. M.
Published: February 2019

Мета роботи – з’ясувати ставлення пацієнтів, хворих на туберкульоз легень, до стаціонарного і амбулаторного лікування.

За складеною анкетою проведено опитування 105 хворих на туберкульоз легень. Аналізували склад хворих, їх ставлення до стаціонарного чи амбулаторного лікування, частоту і причини переривання хіміотерапії.

73,3 % опитаних хворих висловилися за доцільність стаціонарного лікування до поліпшення стану здоров’я і знебацилення, мотивуючи це небажанням заражати своїх близьких (таку думку висловили 96,0 % хворих 4-ї категорії) і кращими умовами та більшою, на їх думку, ефективністю стаціонарного лікування. Тільки амбулаторне лікування підтримують 8,6 % опитаних. Перериви в прийманні туберкулостатиків у стаціонарі в 79,2 % випадків були зумовлені їх побічною дією, на амбулаторному етапі в 65,0 % випадків байдужістю хворих за відсутності належного контролю лікування. Аналіз відповідей окремих груп хворих залежно від місця проживання, супровідних захворювань, шкідливих звичок, хіміорезистентності збудника дозволив виділити особливості ставлення цих хворих до лікування, які можуть бути враховані при виборі моделі лікування.

Висновки. При незаперечній необхідності оптимізації ліжкового фонду, повна відмова від початкового стаціонарного лікування до знебацилення і поліпшення стану здоров’я хворого передчасна. Його доцільність зумовлена епідеміологічними, соціальними чинниками, необхідністю встановлення переносності хіміотерапії та її корекції, а також складністю організації амбулаторного контрольованого лікування, особливо в сільській місцевості.
ПОРІВНЯННЯ ЕФЕКТИВНОСТІ ЗАСОБІВ ЗБОРУ КЛІЩІВ ЗАЛЕЖНО ВІД КОНСТРУКЦІЇ ПРАПОРА
Authors: Panychev V. O. , Sverstiuk A. S. , Avsiukevych O. Ye. , Velychko S. V. , Savchuk I. M.
Published: February 2019

Мета роботи – порівняти ефективність засобів збору кліщів залежно від конструкції прапора (кількість зібраних за допомогою прапора екземплярів кліщів на 1 км маршруту).

Матеріали і методи. Порівняння ефективності засобів збору проводилося на території 5 урочищ Тернопільської області. Умови порівняння: застосування засобів збору одночасно в одному місці, що означає однакові погодні умови, однаковий рельєф, рослинність, одну годину, однакову відстань та однакову тривалість в часі. Використовувалися засоби збору кліщів: традиційний прапор (вафельна тканина розміром 100×100 см, на дерев’яному тримачу), прапор на Г-подібному тримачу (ворсиста фланель розміром 100×100 см на металевому Г-подібному телескопічному тримачу з пружинним затискачем), прапор з паралельними металевими стержнями (ворсиста фланель розміром 100×100 см з двома металевими стержнями на протилежних паралельних краях).

Результати і обговорення. На традиційний прапор середня кількість екземплярів з розрахунку на прапоро-кілометр склала 3,9 екз., на прапор на Г-подібному тримачу – 12,7 екз., на прапор з двома металевими стержнями на протилежних паралельних краях – 13,4 екз. За умови дотримання всіх вимог, більш ефективно спрацював прапор з двома металевими стержнями на протилежних паралельних краях. Переважна ефективність обумовлена щільнішим приляганням до поверхні всієї площі тканини, тобто збільшенням площі прапора, що працює. Це підтверджується тим, що кліщі чіпляються по всій площі, тоді як до прапора на дерев’яному тримачу тільки в місцях нижніх 1/3-1/2 частин.

Отримані результати аргументовано відповідною автоматизованою математичною програмою Statis­tica 6.0 із застосуванням критерію Краскела-Уолліса.

 Висновки. Прапор з двома металевими стержнями на протилежних паралельних краях має суттєві переваги перед традиційним прапором збору кліщів і дозволяє ефективніше їх збирати у природних біотопах.
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ПЕРЕБІГУ ГЕПАТИТУ С У ВІЛ-ІНФІКОВАНИХ ОСІБ ТА ЇХ ЛІКУВАННЯ
Authors: Moskaliuk V. D. , Rudan I. V.
Published: February 2019

Мета роботи – на підставі аналізу літературних відомостей виділити особливості перебігу гепатиту С у ВІЛ-інфікованих осіб, а також основні принципи лікування таких пацієнтів і використовувані препарати у світі й в Україні.

ВІЛ-інфекцію і парентеральні вірусні гепатити відносять до соціально значущих захворювань, які можуть суттєво впливати на демографічну ситуацію в країні. Крім спільності шляхів і факторів передачі вірусів, домінуючим чинником, що ускладнює епідеміологічну ситуацію стосовно ВІЛ-інфекції і парентеральних вірусних гепатитів на території України, є залучення до епідемічного процесу підлітків і людей молодого віку. Віковий чинник обумовлений явищами поточної епідемії наркоманії.

З опублікованих даних ряду досліджень відомо про взаємний вплив ВІЛ і HСV на перебіг як ВІЛ-інфекції, так і хронічного гепатиту С (ХГС). Частота розвитку СНІДу і летального висліду, обумовленого СНІД-асоційованими захворюваннями, істотно вища в осіб з поєднаною HСV-/ВІЛ-інфекцією, яка нині є глобальною проблемою суспільної охорони здоров’я.

Основні принципи лікування хворих на ХГС у ВІЛ-інфікованих відповідають таким у пацієнтів, не заражених ВІЛ. Для лікування HCV-інфекції теперішні настанови AASLD більше не рекомендують схеми, засновані на інтерфероні. Натомість на сьогодні терапією першої лінії вважаються пероральні противірусні засоби прямої дії. Разом з тим, в Україні все ще використовуються інтерферонвмісні схеми лікування.

Згідно з опублікованими результатами ряду досліджень, термінальна стадія хвороби печінки є частою причиною госпіталізації та смерті хворих на поєднану HСV-/ВІЛ-інфекцію. Та досі залишаються дискусійними схеми терапії осіб з поєднаною ВІЛ-інфекцією та парентеральними вірусними гепатитами. Тому вибір оптимальної тактики ведення таких хворих і своєчасне призначення їм адекватного лікування залишається актуальним.
ДОЦІЛЬНІСТЬ ПРОТИЕПІДЕМІЧНИХ ЗАХОДІВ ПРИ ХВОРОБІ ЗІКА І НЕБЕЗПЕКА ЇХ НЕОБҐРУНТОВАНОЇ КРИТИКИ
Authors: Krushelnytsky O. D. , Ohorodniychuk I. V. , Ivanko O. M.
Published: February 2019

Мета роботи – дослідити та визначити помилковість заперечень своєчасності протиепідемічних заходів при хворобі Зіка в засобах масової інформації.

Стисло викладені міркування щодо заперечень в засобах масової інформації протиепідемічних заходів при хворобі Зіка. Нагадується про чинність саморегуляції епідемічного процесу при цьому захворюванні. Розглянуті деякі аспекти реклами та її можливий вплив на епідемічні аспекти біологічної безпеки.

Висновок. Маніпуляції зі свідомістю людей, коли в засобах масової інформації оприлюднюються сумніви обґрунтованості протиепідемічних заходів щодо тієї чи іншої інфекційної хвороби, спонукають до акцентування уваги на епідемічних аспектах біологічної безпеки.
ФОРУМ ІНФЕКЦІОНІСТІВ У ЧЕРНІВЦЯХ
Authors: Moskaliuk V. D. , Ivakhiv O. L. , Vozna Kh. I.
Published: February 2019

Описаний хід щорічної осінньої Всеукраїнської науково-практичної конференції і пленуму ГО «Всеукраїнська асоціація інфекціоністів» на тему: «Сучасні діагностичні, лікувальні і профілактичні технології у практиці інфекціоніста», яка відбулася 4-5 жовтня 2018 р. в с. Бояни Чернівецької області. Опубліковано рішення форуму.
Frailty profile in Brazilian older adults
Authors: Andrade Juliana Mara , Duarte Yeda Aparecida De Oliveira , Alves Luciana Correia , Andrade Flávia Cristina Drumond , Souza Junior Paulo Roberto De , Lima-Costa Maria Fernanda , Andrade Fabíola Bof de
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of frailty and to evaluate the associated factors in the non-institutionalized Brazilian population aged 50 years or older. METHODS: The analyses were conducted in 8,556 participants of the baseline survey of the Longitudinal Study of Health of the Brazilian Elderly (ELSI-Brazil) conducted in 2015 and 2016. Frailty was defined based on five characteristics: weight loss, weakness, slowness, exhaustion and low level of physical activity. Participants with three or more characteristics were classified as frail. A Poisson regression model was used to examine the association between frailty and sociodemographic and health factors. RESULTS: The prevalence of frailty was 9.0% (95%CI 8.0–10.1) among participants aged 50 years or over. Among the older adults aged 60 or over, the prevalence was 13.5% (95%CI 11.9–15.3) and 16.2% (95%CI 14.3–18.3) among those 65 aged years or over. Factors associated with higher prevalence of frailty were low schooling, residence without a partner, health conditions (poor self-rated health and two or more chronic diseases) and limitation to perform basic activities of daily living. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of frailty among Brazilians aged 65 years or older is similar to their European counterparts. Poor health conditions, functional limitation and low schooling emerge as the factors most strongly associated with the frailty in this population.
Inequalities in basic activities of daily living among older adults
Authors: Andrade Fabíola Bof de , Duarte Yeda Aparecida De Oliveira , Souza Junior Paulo Roberto Borges de , Torres Juliana Lustosa , Lima-Costa Maria Fernanda , Andrade Flavia Cristina Drumond
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the magnitude of wealth-related inequalities in basic activities of daily living among community-dwelling Brazilian older adults and to determine the contribution of demographic, socioeconomic, and health conditions to the inequality. METHODS: We used data from the 2015 Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil) with a nationally representative sample of adults aged 50 years or older. We assessed wealthrelated inequalities in basic activities of daily living by the concentration index. Concentration index was decomposed to determine the contribution of demographic, health, and socioeconomic factors to wealth-related inequalities in basic activities of daily living. RESULTS: The prevalence of disability in the sample was 15.7% (95%CI 14.9–17.6). The concentration index was -0.145 (95%CI -0.194– -0.097), which indicates that disability is concentrated in the poorest individuals in Brazil. Inequalities in basic activities of daily living disability are primarily explained by socioeconomic status (wealth and own education) not by demographic or health factors. CONCLUSIONS: There are avoidable wealth-related inequities for those with a disability in Brazil. The strong contribution of the socioeconomic status highlights the need for new public health policies that promote equity, universality, and integrality, in addition to the expansion of home nursing public services.
Cognitive function among older adults
Authors: Castro-Costa Erico , Lima-Costa Maria Fernanda , Andrade Fabíola Bof de , Souza Junior Paulo Roberto Borges de , Ferri Cleusa Pinheiro
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVE: To investigate macroregional variations in cognitive function in a national sample representative of the Brazilian population aged 50 years and older. METHODS: Data from the baseline of the Longitudinal Study of Brazilian Elderly (ELSI-Brazil), collected between 2015 and 2016, were used. Memory was measured by means of a 10-word list and executive function, by semantic verbal fluency, based on the naming of animals. Gender, age, education, and rural or urban residence were potentially confounding RESULTS: Among the 9,412 ELSI-Brazil participants, 9,085 were included in the analysis; 53.9% were women and the average age was 63.0 (0.42) years. After adjusting for potential confounding variables, average scores for memory and verbal fluency were lower in the Northeast region and higher in the Midwest and Southeast, respectively. In the South region, higher scores were found for immediate and combined memory. In all regions, older participants and those with lower schooling had worse scores for memory and verbal fluency. CONCLUSIONS: There are differences in cognitive function among older adults in the different macroregions, independent of age, gender, schooling, and rural or urban residence.
Adequate control of hypertension among older adults
Authors: Firmo Josélia Oliveira Araújo , Mambrini Juliana Vaz de Melo , Peixoto Sérgio Viana , Loyola Filho Antônio Ignácio De , Souza Junior Paulo Roberto Borges de , Andrade Fabíola Bof de , Lima-Costa Maria Fernanda
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of adequate control of hypertension among older adults and to examine its association with predisposing and enabling factors and the need to use health services. METHODS: The analysis was carried out with 4,148 participants (≥ 50 years) from the baseline of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil), who reported being hypertensive and using antihypertensive medication. Adequate control of hypertension was defined as systolic and diastolic blood pressure below 140 mmHg and 90 mmHg, respectively. The following exploratory variables were included: age, sex, health behaviors, and body mass index (predisposing factors); region of residence, rural or urban residence, education level, socioeconomic status of the household, and coverage by private health plan (enabling factors); and medical diagnosis of diabetes (need). The multivariate analysis was performed using Poisson regression and binary logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of adequate control of hypertension was equal to 51.1% (95%CI 48.5–53.6). After adjusting for potential confounders, we observed statistically significant associations (p < 0.05) for education level > 4 years [prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.12 in relation to the lowest level], highest quintile of the socioeconomic status (PR = 1.22 in relation to the lowest quintile), coverage by private health plan (PR = 1.13), residence in the South (PR = 1.19) and Midwest regions (PR = 1.20) in relation to the Southeast region, and obesity (PR = 1.10). CONCLUSIONS: Half of the population studied had adequate control of hypertension. The improvement of this control is an important challenge, which should consider overcoming social and regional inequalities associated with it.
Factors associated with the receipt of pensions among older adults
Authors: Andrade Eli Iola Gurgel , Cherchiglia Mariângela Leal , Souza Junior Paulo Roberto Borges de , Andrade Fabíola Bof de , Mambrini Juliana Vaz de Melo , Lima-Costa Maria Fernanda
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of receipt of pensions and associated factors in a nationally representative sample of the Brazilian population aged 50 years and over. METHODS: We used data from 9,130 participants from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil) baseline survey. The outcome variable was receipt of pensions from any source. The exploratory variables were age, gender, residence by region and by urban/rural area, household arrangements, schooling, household assets, perception of income sufficiency, age when started working, number of chronic diseases, and functional limitation. The analyses were based on the Poisson and binary logistic regressions. RESULTS: The prevalence of the receipt of pension was 54.3%. In the multivariate analysis, the following factors showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) associations with the outcome: age [Prevalence Ratio (PR) = 2.59 and 3.24 for 60–69 and 70 years], rural residence (PR = 1.23 ), residence in the Northeast, South and Southeast compared to the North (PR ranging from 1.18 to 1.23), living arrangements (PR = 1.07 and 1.15 for living with one person and living alone), perception of income sufficiency (PR = 1.08 and 1.15 for sometimes and always), functional limitation (PR = 1.13) and having 1 and ≥ 2 chronic diseases (PR = 1,09 and 1,17). Negative association was observed for 5-8 years of education. No association between age when the individual started working and the outcome was observed. Younger participants (50–59 years old) with ≥ 2 diseases or functional limitation were 31% and 63% more likely to receive pensions, respectively; the strength of these associations declined with age. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that health conditions are important determinants of early retirement. Discussions to increase age to the retirement cannot be separated from those on improvements in the health conditions of the Brazilian population.
Results From DEFUSE 3
Authors: de Havenon Adam , Mlynash Michael , Kim-Tenser May A. , Lansberg Maarten G. , Leslie-Mazwi Thalabe , Christensen Soren , McTaggart Ryan A. , Alexander Matthew , Albers Gregory , Broderick Joseph , Marks Michael P. , Heit Jeremy J. ,   on behalf of the DEFUSE 3 Investigators
Published: February 2019

Background and Purpose—

The effect of leptomeningeal collaterals for acute ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusion in the late window (>6 hours from last known normal) remains unknown. We sought to determine if collateral status on baseline computed tomography angiography impacted neurological outcome, ischemic core growth, and moderated the effect of endovascular thrombectomy in the late window.

Methods—

This is a prespecified analysis of DEFUSE 3 (Endovascular Therapy Following Imaging Evaluation for Ischemic Stroke). We included patients with computed tomography angiography as their baseline imaging and rated collateral status using the validated scales described by Tan and Maas. The primary outcome is functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score of ≤2). Additional outcomes include the full range of the modified Rankin Scale, baseline ischemic core volume, change from baseline in the ischemic core volume at 24 hours, and death at 90 days.

Results—

Of the 130 patients in our cohort, 33 (25%) had poor collaterals and 97 (75%) had good collaterals. There was no difference in the rate of functional independence with good versus poor collaterals in unadjusted analysis (30% versus 39%;
P
=0.3) or after adjustment for treatment arm (odds ratio [95% CI], 0.61 [0.26–1.45]). Good collaterals were associated with significantly smaller ischemic core volume and less ischemic core growth. The difference in the treatment effect of endovascular thrombectomy was not significant (
P
=0.8). Collateral status also did not affect the rate of stroke-related death (n [%], good versus poor collaterals, 18/97 [19%] versus 8/33 [24%],
P
=0.5].

Conclusions—

In DEFUSE 3 patients, good leptomeningeal collaterals on single phase computed tomography angiography were not predictive of functional independence or death and did not impact the treatment effect of endovascular thrombectomy. These unexpected findings require further study to confirm their validity and to better understand the role of collaterals for stroke patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion in the late therapeutic window.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02586415.
Review of the Japanese species of Paramerina (Diptera: Chironomidae: Tanypodinae), with a key to the known males
Authors: NIITSUMA HIROMI , SUZUKI RISA , KATO HIDEAKI
Published: February 2019

The Japanese species of the genus Paramerina Fittkau, 1962 are reviewed based on studies of the type material and the specimens collected recently. Three species, P. kurobekogata Sasa et Okazawa, P. tokararesea Sasa et Suzuki and Krenopelopia amaminova Sasa, are treated as synonyms, and four species, P. yunouresia (Sasa), P. okigenga (Sasa), P. okimaculata Sasa and P. togavicea (Sasa et Okazawa), are recognized as valid. The adults, males and females, of the first two and the last species, and the pupa of the last species are redescribed. The pupae and larvae of the first two species, and the larva of the last species are described for the first time in this paper. Based on the examination of the holotype, the morphological features of P. okimaculata are discussed. The generic diagnosis for the larva is emended. A key to males of the known Japanese species is provided.
Sensitivity of Numerical Simulations of Near-Surface Atmospheric Conditions to Snow Depth and Surface Albedo during an Ice Fog Event over Heber Valley
Authors: Zhang Feimin , Pu Zhaoxia
Published: February 2019

This study examines the sensitivity of numerical simulations of near-surface atmospheric conditions to the initial surface albedo and snow depth during an observed ice fog event in the Heber Valley of northern Utah. Numerical simulation results from the mesoscale community Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model are compared with observations from the Mountain Terrain Atmospheric Modeling and Observations (MATERHORN) Program fog field program. It is found that near-surface cooling during the nighttime is significantly underestimated by the WRF Model, resulting in the failure of the model to reproduce the observed fog episode. Meanwhile, the model also overestimates the temperature during the daytime. Nevertheless, these errors could be reduced by increasing the initial surface albedo and snow depth, which act to cool the near-surface atmosphere by increasing the reflection of downward shortwave radiation and decreasing the heating effects from the soil layer. Overall results indicate the important effects of snow representation on the simulation of near-surface atmospheric conditions and highlight the need for snow measurements in the cold season for improved model physics parameterizations.
Time-use Profiles, Chronic Role Overload, and Women’s Body Weight Trajectories from Middle to Later Life in the Philippines
Authors: Chen Feinian , Lin Zhiyong , Bao Luoman , Zimmer Zachary , Gultiano Socorro , B. Borja Judith
Published: February 2019

Although chronic life strain is often found to be associated with adverse health outcomes, empirical research is lacking on the health implications of persistent role overload that many women around the world are subject to, the so-called double burden of work and family responsibilities. Using data from the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey (1994–2012), we examined the linkage between time-use profiles and body mass index (BMI) trajectories for Filipino women over an 18-year span. Out of the four classes of women with differential levels of a combination of work and family duties, the group with the heaviest double burden has the highest average BMI. In addition, those who have remained in this class for three or more waves of data not only have higher BMI on average but also have experienced the steepest rate of increase in BMI upon transition from midlife to old age.
Communication Needs of Science Graduate Students
Authors: Kathpalia Sujata S. , Ong Kenneth K.W. , Leong Alvin P.
Published: February 2019

Graduate programmes in most universities are typically oriented towards training students to master their disciplinary studies and communication skills courses are often offered as add-on courses that rarely take into consideration students’ needs. The needs of graduate students can vary depending on their educational backgrounds and English language proficiency and as such, it is important to conduct a needs analysis to ensure that these courses cater to the needs of both proficient and less-proficient speakers of English. Using focus-group interviews, this study was conducted to examine the communication needs of local and international graduate students at a university in Singapore. More specifically, the objectives were to investigate the communication tasks prioritized by science graduate students, their communication needs and difficulties, as well as the help they would need through communication skills courses at the university. The findings suggest that the needs of the students vary depending on their proficiency in English. Those with higher proficiency aspire to master a repertoire of academic genres and higher-order language skills whereas those with lower proficiency require more help with lower-order language skills as well as more peer and professor support.
Rapunzel syndrome in adult with mysterious presentation: a rare case report with literature review
Authors: Kumar Navin , Huda Farhanul , Gupta Rohit , Payal YS , Kumar Utkarsh , Mallik Dhiraj
Published: February 2019

Bezoars are indigestible foreign material in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). A phytobezoar is a mass of plant material, while a trichobezoar consists of matted hair. This is found most commonly in the stomach in children who chew their long hair. When a gastric trichobezoar extends to the duodenum or jejunum, this is known as Rapunzel syndrome (RS), after a famous Brothers’ Grimm fairy tale. Our patient presented with haematemesis, localised peritonitis, a palpable epigastric mass, coagulopathy, severe anaemia and deranged liver function tests. An abdominal computed tomography scan was suggestive of a bezoar; gastroduodenoscopy confirmed the diagnosis. Treatment of trichobezoars normally involve endoscopic removal or gastrotomy and psychiatric intervention. They may also cause haematemesis, gastric outlet obstruction, gastric ulceration and perforation, multiple jejuno-jejunal intussusception, acute pancreatitis and cholestatic jaundice. Trichobezoar was first reported in the 18th century by Baudamant in a 16-year-old boy. RS was first described in 1968.
Research on dual-arm coordination motion control strategy for power cable mobile robot
Authors: Jiang Wei , Yan Yu , Yu Lianqing , Peng Menghuai , Li Hongjun , Chen Wei
Published: February 2019

Regarding the typical operation tasks in high-voltage transmission line environment, in order to effectively eliminate or reduce the disadvantageous effects on the robot operation reliability caused by the close chain internal forces. According to the motion status of manipulator operation, the dual-arm coordination control of the mobile operation robot can be divided into three different modes, which are dual-arm independent operation mode, dual-arm fully constrained mode and dual-arm partially constrained mode. The dynamic model between dual-arm and operation objects for the three different models are established, respectively. The manipulator position and force are set as the control targets, a unified dual-arm coordination controller is designed for the three operation modes. Through the mutual compensation of force error and position error, the close chain internal force can be dynamically allocated in each joints, so that the robot joints force can be balanced during the operation, and the internal force in the close chain can be minimized during the operation process so as to ensure the operation reliability and safety. Finally, the validity and engineering practicability is verified by MATLAB simulation experiment and 220 kV living damper replacement and drainage plate bolt tightening operation experiment, respectively.
A robust performance enhancement of primary H∞ controller based on auto-selection of adjustable fractional weights: Application on a permanent magnet synchronous motor
Authors: Guessoum Hanni , Feraga Chams-Eddine , Mehennaoui Lamine , Sedraoui Moussa , Lachouri Abderrazek
Published: February 2019

This paper proposes a new robustification strategy of a primary H∞ controller based on a systematic selection of adequate fractional weights. Its robust performance (RP) margin is well enhanced with respect to unstructured multiplicative uncertainties presented in linear feedback systems. The proposed robustification strategy provides a robustified H∞ controller when following proposed hierarchical control is well respected. First, the primary [Formula: see text] controller is synthesized from solving a weighted-mixed sensitivity H∞ problem using initial integer weights. Thus, an initial RP margin is obtained. Second, an automatic selection of adjustable fractional weights is performed by the particle swarm optimization algorithm, in which some proposed tuning rules are accordingly well satisfied. Third, frequency response data of these weights are computed and then fitted by corresponding approximated integer weights using a frequency identification technique. Finally, these weights reformulate a new weighted-mixed sensitivity problem. The optimal solution to this problem updates the previous initial RP margin. These last three steps are repeated as the updated RP margin is diminished. Otherwise, the proposed hierarchical control is achieved by selecting the best adjustable fractional weights, providing, therefore, the best approximated integer weights and leading, therefore, to the robustified H∞ controller. In order to confirm the effectiveness of our proposed hierarchical control, primary and robustified H∞ controllers are applied on a permanent magnet synchronous motor where its actual behavior is modeled by an unstructured multiplicative uncertain model. The results obtained are compared in frequency domains using the singular value plots of their sensitivity functions. Otherwise, the same results are compared in time domains using the Powersim® software.
Reports from Parents about Medical and Low Vision Services for Their Children with Albinism: An Analysis
Authors: Corn Anne L. , Lusk Kelly E.
Published: February 2019

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to gain information from parents in the United States about their children with albinism. The article focuses on information and services related to medical care and low vision care.

Methods

An online questionnaire was used to collect data, and parents had opportunities to submit additional information. One hundred ninety-two families, representing 223 children with albinism from 40 U.S. states, completed surveys.

Results

A snapshot of the data indicates that for 8.6 out of 10 families, there were no known relatives with the condition; 55.8% of the children had visual acuities that met the criteria for legal blindness in the United States; and 48% of the children using optical devices had received clinical low vision evaluations by optometrists or ophthalmologists who specialized in low vision.

Implications for practitioners

The data gathered suggest recommendations for medical service providers, including clinical low vision specialists who perform evaluations for improving the functional use of vision.
Usability Evaluation of Tactile Map Symbols across Three Production Technologies
Authors: Brittell Megen E. , Lobben Amy K. , Lawrence Megan M.
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Technological advances have introduced three-dimensional (3-D) printing as an option for creating tactile maps for people with visual impairments (that is, those who are blind or have low vision), diversifying the types of map products that are available. At the same time, it presents a challenge to map makers to implement designs across multiple production methods. We evaluated map symbols to determine their discriminability across three different materials: microcapsule paper, 3-D printer plastic, and embossed paper.

Methods

In a single session lasting less than 90 minutes, participants completed a matching task and provided informal feedback regarding their preferences. We measured speed and accuracy to establish discriminability of map symbols on each of the materials. Eighteen participants were recruited from a referred sample among attendees at the American Council of the Blind annual convention in 2013.

Results

Response times were significantly different across the three materials (p < 0.001). Without sacrificing accuracy, response times were faster for the 3-D printed graphics than for either the microcapsule paper (p < 0.001) or the embossed paper (p < 0.001). User preference was divided across the three materials. Some people disliked the “sharp” corners of the 3-D printed symbols, while others preferred their “crisp” edges.

Discussion

Our results demonstrate faster discriminability of a set of tactile symbols produced on a 3-D printer compared to those same symbols printed on microcapsule paper, the material for which the symbols were originally designed. Participant feedback reflected preferences both in favor of and against reading symbols produced on the 3-D printer.

Implications for practitioners

This article discusses the functional equivalence of tactile symbols produced across multiple production technologies. It addresses two considerations when using 3-D printing to make tactile maps: preparing digital files for printing and the printing work flow. Digital files ready for printing on each of the three materials are available for download (Brittell, Lobben, & Lawrence 2016).
Inference for Income Mobility Measures in the Presence of Spatial Dependence
Authors: Kang Wei , Rey Sergio J.
Published: February 2019

Income mobility measures provide convenient and concise ways to reveal the dynamic nature of regional income distributions. Statistical inference about these measures is important especially when it comes to a comparison of two regional income systems. Although the analytical sampling distributions of relevant estimators and test statistics have been asymptotically derived, their properties in small sample settings and in the presence of contemporaneous spatial dependence within a regional income system are underexplored. We approach these issues via a series of Monte Carlo experiments that require the proposal of a novel data generating process capable of generating spatially dependent time series given a transition probability matrix and a specified level of spatial dependence. Results suggest that when sample size is small, the mobility estimator is biased while spatial dependence inflates its asymptotic variance, raising the Type I error rate for a one-sample test. For the two-sample test of the difference in mobility between two regional economic systems, the size tends to become increasingly upward biased with stronger spatial dependence in either income system, which indicates that conclusions about differences in mobility between two different regional systems need to be drawn with caution as the presence of spatial dependence can lead to false positives. In light of this, we suggest adjustments for the critical values of relevant test statistics.
Vitamin D intake, calcium intake and physical activity among children with wrist and ankle injuries and the association with fracture risk
Authors: Alshamrani Hassan A , Alloub Hana , Burke Derek , Offiah Amaka C
Published: February 2019

Background:

Several studies have revealed a substantial increase in the incidence of fractures in children in the past few decades.

Aim:

To assess the strength of the association between suggested risk factors and fracture prevalence in children.

Method:

A cross sectional observational study. Children aged 6–15 years and their guardians presenting to the Emergency Department of a single tertiary paediatric hospital were recruited. Self-reported data on vitamin D intake, calcium intake and physical activity were collected. All participants had a radiograph of their injured limb reported by a consultant radiologist, on the basis of which they were classified into fracture or no fracture groups. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression.

Results:

Of the 130 patients recruited, 53 (41%) had sustained a fracture. The overwhelming majority of children (98%) did not consume the recommended daily dietary amount of vitamin D (400 IU/day). Low calcium intake and low levels of physical activity were also ascertained. However, there were no significant differences between fracture and no fracture groups for vitamin D intake, calcium intake or physical activity. Both site of injury (wrist) and sex (male) were associated with increased fracture risk ( p = 0.001 and p = 0.05, respectively). Logistic regression showed a statistically significant relationship between calcium intake and fracture risk (every additional unit of calcium consumption (mg/day) decreased the likelihood of fracture by 0.002, 95% confidence interval, 0.001–0.003).

Conclusions:

Low dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D and low levels of physical activity were evident. Fracture risk was significantly associated with reduced calcium intake but showed no association with vitamin D intake or physical activity.
Adsorption of methylene blue from aqueous solution onto viscose-based activated carbon fiber felts: Kinetics and equilibrium studies
Authors: Liu Qi-Xia , Zhou Yi-Ru , Wang Mei , Zhang Qian , Ji Tao , Chen Tian-Ye , Yu De-Cheng
Published: February 2019

Two viscose-based activated carbon fiber felts (VACFF-1300 and VACFF-1600) with different specific surface areas and pore structures were prepared via two-step carbonization and steam activation and characterized by SEM observation, N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms, Fourier-transform infrared, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. They were used as adsorbents for the removal of methylene blue dye from aqueous solution, and the adsorption equilibrium and kinetics were studied via batch adsorption experiments and the adsorption mechanisms were investigated. Results showed that the equilibrium data for methylene blue adsorption onto VACFF-1300 and VACFF-1600 fitted well to the Langmuir isotherm model, with maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 256.1 mg/g and 325.8 mg/g, respectively. Besides, the adsorption kinetics study showed that the adsorption of methylene blue onto the two VACFF samples could be best described by the pseudo second-order model. Moreover, the intraparticle diffusion modelling showed that intraparticle diffusion is rate-controlling for both VACFF-1300 and VACFF-1600, and external diffusion is also a rate-controlling step for the latter.
Investigating Relational Ontologies in Macromarketing: Toward a Relational Approach and Research Agenda
Authors: Lucarelli Andrea , Giovanardi Massimo
Published: February 2019

The present paper assesses the usage of relational ontologies in the realm of macromarketing made available by consumer culture theorists. Our paper advances this movement by exploring the potential of relational ontologies to propel a more thorough methodological discussion and operationalization of relationality in macromarketing. To fulfill this task, the paper first identifies and discusses four perspectives that have provided stimuli for relational thought: the new mobilities paradigm, non-representational theories, practice theories and assemblage theories. Subsequently, the paper offers an organizing framework made of four steps (i.e., approaching, setting up, emplacing, and staging) in which the role of different relational perspectives is examined. Lastly, the paper sketches a hypothetical relational-inspired macromarketing study on the reputational capital of places as a way to encourage an applied discussion of this relational framework. By so doing, the paper seeks to better clarify the expected contribution of the different relational perspectives brought forward by CCT scholars to the realm of macromarketing, with a particular focus on methodological aspects.
Geography and indigeneity III: Co-articulation of colonialism and capitalism in indigeneity’s economies
Authors: Radcliffe Sarah A.
Published: February 2019

In this final report of three, I examine Indigenous peoples’ dynamic co-constitution with contemporary political economy in its manifestations of neoliberalism, resource extractivism, reordering production and labour relations. Indigenous subjects and spaces are not reducible to the status of capitalism’s side-effects, necessitating analytical attention to the co-articulation of colonialism and capitalism in particular, variegated ways. Debates around extractivism, neoliberalism and economic want are hence recent manifestations of 500-year-old disputes over monetary and normative values, resources and livelihoods. Whether as corporations, labourers, welfare recipients, or ambassadors for culturally distinctive forms of livelihoods-exchange, Indigenous peoples occupy complex, relational positions across economic spheres. The paradox of indigeneity’s economies is that Indigenous populations have been constituted as Other to homo oeconomicus, yet their embeddedness within the economic flows, labour processes and forms of accumulation that make the modern world belie any separation. The report ends by raising questions about decolonising accounts of indigeneity’s economies.
Schema-Based Instruction for Mathematical Word Problem Solving: An Evidence-Based Review for Students With Learning Disabilities
Authors: Cook Sara Cothren , Collins Lauren W. , Morin Lisa L. , Riccomini Paul J.
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this review is to determine the evidence base classification of schema-based instruction (SBI) as an intervention to improve word problem-solving outcomes in mathematics for students with learning or mathematics disabilities in Grades K–12. Using the Council for Exceptional Children’s quality indicators (QIs) and standards, we reviewed both single-case and group design studies to classify the evidence of SBI. Results of this review indicate that SBI is a potentially evidence-based practice (EBP) for students with learning disabilities. Implications and directions for research and practice are presented.
Broadening the Scope of Spatial Planning: Making a Case for Informality in the Netherlands
Authors: Meijer Marlies , Ernste Huib
Published: February 2019

Informality originated in the field of urban planning studies related to the global South. As this particular debate is aimed at making a contribution to planning theory in general, the concept has gradually traveled beyond the global South. This article explores how informality can be used to analyze community-led planning practices in Western countries, by reflecting on its usability in a country that has a strongly formalized planning context, namely, the Netherlands. By expanding what is currently described as spatial planning, informality makes planning theories and practices more inclusive in cases where unregulated planning activities are performed by nongovernmental actors.
Diagnostic determination of Norovirus infection as one of the major causes of infectious diarrhea in HIV patients using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay
Authors: Yang Siyuan , Li Min , Cheng Jingwei , Wan Gang , Zhou Yunao , Jia Hongyu , Wei Hongshan , Song Rui , Sheng Linjun , Wang Huizhu , Wang Linghang , Hua Wenhao
Published: February 2019

Although infectious diarrhea is one of the most common complications in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients, robust diagnostic methods for determining potential pathogens are still limited in the clinic. Norovirus, a type of calicivirus, has been shown to be the most common cause of gastroenteritis. Here, we used multiplex polymerase chain reaction as a diagnostic tool to verify Norovirus as the diarrhea-related pathogen in HIV-infected patients with unknown etiological information. Stool specimens obtained from 81 HIV-infected patients with diarrhea were analyzed by BioFire FilmArray Gastrointestinal (GI) panel. Among 26 HIV-infected patients with unknown etiological information, we detected Norovirus in 14 stool specimens of these patients with 100% sensitivity and specificity as confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and one specimen showed both Norovirus and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infection. Among the remaining 55 patients with verified Clostridium difficile infection, nine patients also detected positive for Norovirus infection. In conclusion, using FilmArray GI panel and RT-PCR, we determined that Norovirus infection as one of the main pathogens responsible for diarrhea in HIV patients.
A case of late presentation of darunavir-related cholestatic hepatitis
Authors: Yancheva Nina , Tzonev Radin
Published: February 2019

We report a case of darunavir-induced cholestatic hepatitis in a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patient in the third year of his combined antiretroviral therapy. During the patient’s monthly follow-up with regard to his HIV infection, elevated transaminase levels were detected. The patient was subsequently hospitalised at the AIDS and gastroenterology departments. All tested viral hepatitis markers were negative. A diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis was also ruled out. The liver biopsy revealed cholestatic hepatitis. Darunavir withdrawal resulted in a progressive decrease in liver enzyme levels. We highlight the importance of recognising late development of liver injury secondary to the use of darunavir, and the importance of monitoring liver function in patients undergoing prolonged treatment involving darunavir.
Samba, sun and social issues: How the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Rio Olympics changed perceptions of Germans about Brazil
Authors: Schallhorn Christiana
Published: February 2019

The host countries for mega-sporting events aim to become more visible and to be perceived positively by the global audience because of the media coverage around the event. The media’s influence on people’s perceptions is expected to be particularly high if the audience has no direct experience and little prior knowledge of the hosting nation, and thus depends on the media for information. Using a panel survey ( N = 76) with three rounds of data collection, this longitudinal study explores how television viewers’ perceptions of Brazil changed from before the 2014 FIFA World Cup to after this event, and after the 2016 Olympic Games hosted by Brazil. The results indicate that perceptions about topics related to Brazil (e.g. crime risk, standard of living, economic situation) have generally become more negative over time. Further, although associations with Brazil were very positive before the FIFA World Cup, respondents tended to associate more negative ideas with Brazil over time. Surprisingly, the intention to travel to Brazil increased after Brazil hosted the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics. Broader international significance of the findings for both host countries of mega-sporting events and broadcasting countries are discussed.
Evaluating the Effect of a Patient Decision Aid for Atrial Fibrillation Stroke Prevention Therapy
Authors: Loewen Peter S. , Bansback Nick , Hicklin James , Andrade Jason G. , Kapanen Anita I. , Kwan Leanne , Lynd Larry D. , McClean Alison , MacGillivray Jenny , Salmasi Shahrzad
Published: February 2019

Background: Stroke prevention therapy decisions for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are complex and require trade-offs, but few validated patient decision aids (PDAs) are available to facilitate shared decision making. Objective: To evaluate the effects of a novel PDA on decision-making parameters for AF patients choosing stroke prevention therapy. Methods: We developed an evidence-based individualized online AF PDA for stroke prevention therapy and evaluated it in a prospective observational pilot study. The primary outcome was decisional conflict. Secondary outcomes were knowledge, usability/acceptability, patient preferences, effects on therapy choices, and participant feedback. Results: 37 participants completed the PDA. The PDA could be completed independently and was well accepted. It significantly decreased the mean decisional conflict score ( P < 0.001) and all its subscales and increased participant AF knowledge ( P = 0.02). 76% of participants indicated that their individualized therapy attribute ranking was congruent with their values. The PDA-generated best-match therapy was chosen by 70% of participants in decision 1 (no therapy, aspirin, or oral anticoagulant), and 17% for decision 2 (choice of anticoagulant). Among AF patients, 60% chose a different drug than that currently prescribed to them. Conclusion and Relevance: Our PDA was effective for reducing decisional conflict, increasing patient knowledge, eliciting patients’ values, and presenting therapy options that aligned with patients’ values and preferences. Using the PDA revealed that many patients have therapy preferences different from their currently prescribed treatment. The PDA is a practical and potentially valuable tool to facilitate decision making about stroke prevention therapy for AF.