bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of a professional development training program in increasing knowledge of mental health clinicians specializing in early psychosis
Authors: Macneil Craig , Foster Frances , Nicoll Amanda , Monfries Richard , Coulson Lucas , Osman Helen , Grainger Michelle , Cotton Sue
Published: January 2019

Aim

For early psychosis services to be effective, it is essential to have staff that are trained in evidence‐based interventions in this area. In this paper, we report on research undertaken by The Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre's Statewide Services (ESW) team. The focus was on assessing knowledge acquisition in early psychosis clinicians that had attended ESW's specialist training.

Methods

Between October 2012 and October 2017, data were collected from a large cohort of clinicians that had attended 46 ESW workshops covering topics identified in international guidelines as key components of early psychosis service provision. Participants were asked to complete between 3 and 11 pre‐ and post‐workshop short answer and/or multiple choice questions that related to learning outcomes for the workshop. The percentage of correct responses before and after the workshop was compared for each participant, with a cumulative measure taken to provide information regarding knowledge acquisition across each workshop.

Results

Participant compliance was high (89.7%) with 962 completed questionnaires being collected from 1073 attendees across the workshops. Results showed that the ESW training led to a statistically significant increase in clinician knowledge from pre‐training scores of 47.2% correct, to 83.5% correct answers at the conclusion of training (pre M = 47.2%, SD = 28.8; post M = 83.5%, SD = 23.7; t[890] = −35.66, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Training that utilized adult learning principles had a strong focus on evidence‐based interventions, and used clinical examples to embed core principles, led to a statistically significant increase in early intervention clinician knowledge.
Effects of microwave and water bath heating on the interactions between myofibrillar protein from beef and ketone flavour compounds
Authors: Han Zhong , Cai Meng‐jie , Cheng Jun‐Hu , Sun Da‐Wen
Published: January 2019

This paper presents the effects of microwave on the structure changes of myofibrillar protein compared with traditional water bath heating method. Under microwave or water bath heating conditions, α‐helix conformation of myofibrillar protein was converted into β‐turn, β‐sheet and randomly coiled structures gradually. T he fluorescence intensity of myofibrillar protein exhibited a marked red shift of the maximum absorption wavelength after microwave or water bath treatment. Total sulfhydryls groups and surface hydrophobicity contents were increased with progressing microwave or water bath treatment time. Results indicated that the thermal effects of microwave dominated the structure changes of myofibrillar protein, and microwaving also had an apparent influence on myofibrillar protein structure compared with water bath heating due to its nonthermal effects, and thus affecting the retention and release of ketone flavour compounds.
The relationship between work‐related musculoskeletal disorders, chronic occupational fatigue, and work organization: A multi‐hospital cross‐sectional study
Authors: Younan Lina , Clinton Michael , Fares Souha , Jardali Fadi El , Samaha Helen
Published: January 2019

Aims

To identify the prevalence of work‐related musculoskeletal disorders, levels of chronic occupational fatigue, and how they vary with individual and work organization factors.

Design

A multi‐hospital cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

Nurses from 39 hospitals completed self‐reported questionnaires from June to September 2015. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize hospitals and nurses’ characteristics, fatigue levels and prevalence, and type of musculoskeletal disorders. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to identify correlational factors.

Results

The results revealed that 71.3% of participants reported a work‐related musculoskeletal disorder in the previous 12 months, mainly back pain. The reported musculoskeletal disorders were significantly correlated with years of experience, nurse to patient ratios, and chronic occupational fatigue. Higher chronic occupational fatigue levels were associated with education, age, years of experience, nurse to patient ratio, and model of care.

Conclusion

Preventive work organization strategies are needed to ensure healthier occupational environment for nurses.
Structure and content of diaries written by close relatives for intensive care unit patients: A narrative approach (DRIP study)
Authors: Nielsen Anne Højager , Angel Sanne , Hansen Torben Bæk , Egerod Ingrid
Published: January 2019

Aim

To investigate structure and content of a nurse prompted diary written by relatives for intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

Design

A narrative analysis of ICU diaries.

Methods

From September 2015‐August 2016, 12 diaries authored by 12 relatives for 12 ICU patients were sampled at 3–4 months post‐ICU discharge. We used Ricoeur's hermeneutical phenomenology as a framework for a narrative analysis of the diaries. The first step was naïve reading, followed by structural analysis exploring the internal relations of the text. The structural analysis was broadened by exploring narrative structures. The last step was critical interpretation of the findings.

Findings

The diaries had a clear narrative structure; the diary‐timeline consisted of: Pre‐ICU phase, Early ICU phase, Culmination, Recovery and Post‐ICU reflection. Three themes described the content of the diary: Struggling to get the story right for the patient; striving to understand what was happening and longing to re‐establish a connection with the patient. Keeping a diary was perceived by the relatives as a challenging but rewarding task.

Conclusion

The diary had the potential for reflection and a deeper understanding of the ICU stay. The diary served as a locus for patient and relatives to connect or re‐connect, but some diaries might be too personal and emotional to share with the patient. Future research needs to explore advantages and disadvantages of ICU diaries authored by relatives.
The relations of quality of life in patients with lupus erythematosus: Regression models versus qualitative comparative analysis
Authors: Castellano Rioja Elena , Valero‐Moreno Selene , del Carmen Giménez‐Espert María , Prado‐Gascó Vicente
Published: January 2019

Background

Lupus erythematosus (LE) is an autoimmune disease that can have negative repercussions on the quality of life (QL) of those who suffer from it. The QL can be influenced by socio‐demographic factors are related to the disease itself.

Aims

To analyse the associative power of socio‐demographic (age and sex) and medical variables (type of lupus, diagnostic time and symptomatically associated with lupus) on the QL in patients with lupus by comparing linear relations models and models based on comparative qualitative fuzzy analysis.

Design

This is a retrospective cross‐sectional design.

Participants

The sample consisted of 161 patients (88.4% female) diagnosed with LE between the ages of 18–66 years.

Methods

Data were collected between 2015 ‐ 2017 using the Lupus Erythematosus Quality of Life Questionnaire. Two different statistical methodologies were used: traditional regression models and qualitative comparative analysis models of fuzzy sets.

Results

The results of the regression model suggest that none of the variables considered could explain the QL of these patients. On the other hand, the results of the fuzzy models suggest that being female, young and a shorter time to diagnosis explain higher levels of QL in these types of patients.

Conclusions

Since nurses are the people who interact most with patients, detecting risk groups of patients with lupus respect to their QL. This can help develop intervention programs from a nursing perspective.
Groundwater management: Waiting for a drought*
Authors: Amundsen Eirik S. , Jensen Frank
Published: January 2019

In this article we present a stylized model for optimal management of an unconfined groundwater resource when the threat of drought exists. The drought is modeled as a stochastic event that hits at an uncertain date and two benchmark management policies are investigated: (a) A policy of optimal dynamic management ignoring the threat of drought; and (b) an economically optimal policy that accounts for the threat of a drought. We show that the optimal predrought steady‐state equilibrium stock size of groundwater under policy b is larger than that under policy (a) Furthermore, we show that an increase in the probability of a drought gives rise to two counteracting effects: One in the direction of a larger predrought steady‐state equilibrium stock size (a recovery effect) and one in the direction of a lower predrought steady‐state equilibrium stock (an extinction effect). We find that the recovery effect dominates the extinction effect.

Recommendations for Resource Managers:

We analyze two groundwater extraction policies that can be used when a threat of drought exists: (a) Dynamic optimal management ignoring the threat of drought; and (b) dynamic optimal management taking the threat of drought into account. We show that the predrought steady‐state equilibrium stock size of water should be larger under the policy (b) than under policy (a). This conclusion has three implications for resource managers:

Current groundwater management should take future extraction possibilities into account.

A resource manager ought to take the threat of drought into account in groundwater management.

A buffer stock of water should be built‐up before the drought to be drawn upon during the event.
Variations and factors associated with psychotropic use in cognitively impaired elderly residing in long‐term care facilities in East Asia: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Terada Saya , Yamakawa Miyae , Kang Younhee , Kobayashi Sayuri , Liao Xiao‐yan , Panuthai Sirirat , Sung Huei‐chuan , Suzuki Mizue , Makimoto Kiyoko
Published: January 2019

Background

The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to compare patterns of psychotropic prescription drug use among cognitively impaired residents in long‐term care facilities in East Asia and to explore factors associated with these patterns.

Methods

This study included elderly participants with cognitive impairments residing in long‐term care facilities with and without dementia care units in Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, and Thailand. The Mini‐Mental State Examination, the Clinical Dementia Rating, and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory, Nursing Home version were used to assess cognitive status, examine dementia severity, and evaluate behavioural psychological symptoms of dementia, respectively. The rate of psychotropic drug use and the relationship between the number of psychotropic drugs and clinical factors were examined.

Results

In total, 662 people were analyzed. Facilities with dementia care units had a higher rate of anti‐dementia drug use than regular elderly care sites. Among the three dementia care sites, a Japanese hospital and a Korean site had a high rate of antipsychotic use and use of other types of psychotropics, whereas these drugs were used at a low rate in a Chinese nursing home. Patterns of psychotropic drug use may be partially associated with local regulations and facility type. Poly‐pharmacy was identified as a common problem at all study sites.

Conclusions

Our findings will be beneficial for health‐care professionals and policymakers when developing practice guidelines and strategies to regulate overuse of psychotropics and poly‐pharmacy. Prospective studies are needed to examine patterns of psychotropic prescriptions and to promote evidence‐based practice.
Outcomes and prognostic variables associated with primary abdominal visceral soft tissue sarcomas in dogs: A Veterinary Society of Surgical Oncology retrospective study
Authors: Linden Dan , Liptak Julius M. , Vinayak Arathi , Grimes Janet A. , Sandey Maninder , Smiley Whitney , Matz Brad M.
Published: January 2019

Primary abdominal visceral soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) are rare tumours in dogs with little information available on outcomes. The goal of this retrospective, multi‐institutional study was to describe the common tumour types, location and prognostic factors associated with primary abdominal visceral STSs. Medical records were searched for dogs with primary abdominal visceral STSs at six institutions and were retrospectively reviewed. Tumours were graded using the previously described grading scheme for STSs of the skin and subcutis when information in the histopathology report contained adequate details. Forty‐two dogs were included in the study. Five dogs had grade I tumours, 11 had grade II and 15 had grade III tumours. The most common tumour type was leiomyosarcoma (38.1%). The most common tumour locations were the spleen (47.6%) and small intestine (23.8%). The local recurrence rate was low (4.7%). Metastasis was present at the time of surgery in 23.8%, and the overall metastatic rate was 40.4%. Mitotic index of ≥9 was associated with significantly shorter survival time (MST 269 days) compared with a mitotic index of <9 (MST not reached). The MST for grade I STSs was not reached, was 589 days for grade II and 158 days for grade III. Dogs with grade III tumours were more likely to develop metastatic disease. Neither location of the primary tumour nor the histologic subtype was associated with survival time. Histologic grading of abdominal visceral STSs using the previously described scheme is prognostic and should be provided on histopathology reports.
Surgical treatment of epiploic foramen entrapment in 142 horses (2008–2016)
Authors: van Bergen Thomas , Haspeslagh Maarten , Wiemer Peter , Swagemakers Michaël , van Loon Gunther , Martens Ann
Published: January 2019

Objective

To report the clinical features, outcomes, and prognostic factors associated with the surgical treatment of epiploic foramen entrapment (EFE).

Study design

Retrospective study at a single referral hospital.

Animals

Horses (n = 142) undergoing surgery (n = 145) for EFE.

Methods

Preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative data of surgeries on horses that underwent exploratory laparotomy for EFE were obtained. The postoperative outcome was assessed by follow‐up telephone calls with the owners/caregivers. Factors associated with postoperative reflux (POR), relaparotomy, hospital discharge, colic after hospital discharge, and survival after discharge were assessed.

Results

In total, 145 surgeries were performed on 142 horses (recurrence rate, 3%). Warmblood horses represented 85% of the horses that underwent surgery. Windsucking/crib‐biting was confirmed in 60% of these surgery cases. Left‐to‐right entrapment was diagnosed in all horses. Ileal involvement was recorded in 74% of the cases. Uncontrollable intraoperative hemorrhage was encountered in 6% of the surgeries. One hundred seven (74%) horses recovered from surgery, and 65% of those survived to discharge. The rate of survival to discharge of all surgeries was 48%. The median survival of the cases that were discharged exceeded 3193 days. Horses requiring intestinal resection were predisposed to POR, and those undergoing jejunoileostomy were more prone to POR than those undergoing jejunojejunostomy. Horses with POR were less likely to be discharged than those without POR, and those that underwent resection had shorter life expectancy after hospital discharge than those that did not undergo resection.

Conclusion

Surgical treatment of EFE was associated with high morbidity and mortality, with recurrence in at least 3% of surviving horses.

Clinical significance

Owners of horses with EFE should be informed of the guarded prognosis associated with current surgical treatment.
Estimating direct healthcare costs attributable to laboratory‐confirmed Lyme disease in Ontario, Canada: A population‐based matched cohort study using health administrative data
Authors: Shing Emily , Wang John , Khoo Edwin , Evans Gerald A. , Moore Stephen , Nelder Mark P. , Patel Samir N. , Russell Curtis , Sider Doug , Sander Beate
Published: January 2019

The objective of this study was to determine healthcare costs attributable to laboratory‐confirmed Lyme disease (LD) from the healthcare payer perspective in Ontario, Canada. A cost‐of‐illness study was conducted for incident LD subjects from 1 January 2006 through 31 December 2013 ascertained from provincial laboratory and reportable disease databases, linked to health administrative data. All LD subjects included were laboratory‐confirmed, according to provincial case definitions. Incident LD subjects were propensity‐score matched to uninfected subjects on age, sex, comorbidities and urban/rural status. We used phase‐of‐care methods to calculate attributable costs for two phases of illness: initial care (≤30 days following “index date”) and continuing care (>30 days after index date to the end of the follow‐up period). A total of 663 incident, confirmed LD subjects were identified from 2006 through 2013. Mean age was 44.2 ± 20.1 years; 339 (51.1%) were female; and 31 (4.7%) were hospitalized ≤30 days after index date. Six hundred fifty‐eight (99.2%) LD subjects were matched to uninfected subjects; mean follow‐up time was 3.3 years. Mean attributable costs per case during the initial care phase and continuing care were $277 (95% CI: $197, $357) and −$5 (−$27, $17), respectively. Attributable costs per LD subject aged 5–14 years were $440 ($132, $747), greater than the costs observed for other age strata. Expected 1‐year attributable costs were $832, given continuing care costs were negligible. Limitations to our study include estimating costs using a cohort of only laboratory‐confirmed LD cases, introducing selection bias for diagnosed and treated patients who may have a lower risk of developing sequelae. In conclusion, the initial care phase of LD is associated with increased healthcare costs, but without significant costs attributable to LD infection after 30 days. Estimates of costs attributable to LD are important for healthcare resource prioritization and the evaluation of novel interventions.
COMBUSTION AND EMISSIONS CHARACTERISTICS OF A COMPRESSION IGNITION ENGINE FUELLED WITH N-BUTANOL BLENDS
Authors: Yusri I. M. , Akasyah M. K. , Mamat R. , Ali O. M.
Published: January 2019

The use of biomass based renewable fuel, n-butanol blends for compression ignition (CI) engine has attracted wide attention due to its superior properties such as better miscibility, higher energy content, and cetane number as compared to other alternatives fuel. In this present study the use of n-butanol 10% blends (Bu10) with diesel fuel has been tested using multi-cylinder, 4-stroke engine with common rail direct injection system to investigate the combustion and emissions of the blended fuels. Based on the tested engine at BMEP=3.5Bar. Based on the results Bu10 fuel indicates lower first and second peak pressure by 5.4% and 2.4% for engine speed 1000rpm and 4.4% and 2.1% for engine speed 2500rpm compared to diesel fuel respectively. Percentage reduction relative to diesel fuel at engine speeds 1000rpm and 2500rpm for Bu10: Exhaust temperature was 7.5% and 5.2% respectively; Nitrogen oxides (NOx) 73.4% and 11.3% respectively.
A NUMERICAL STUDY OF HEAT TRANSFER TO TURBULENT SEPARATION NANOFLUID FLOW IN AN ANNULAR PASSAGE
Authors: A. Alawi Omer , Che Sidik Nor Azwadi , Yen Tey Wah
Published: January 2019

The separation and the reattachment of nanofluid flow through a sudden expansion in an annular passage have been studied. ANSYS FLUENT was deployed to simulate the effect of separation of nanofluid flow on the local and average convection heat transfer in an annular passage. The outer tube was made of aluminium with internal diameter of 83 mm and horizontal length of 600 mm, subjected to a constant wall heat flux. The investigation was performed with varying Reynolds number ranging from 5000 to 25000, heat flux from 719 W/m2 to 2098 W/m2, and the enhancement of step heights expanding from 0 mm (d/D=1) to 18.5 mm (d/D=1.8). The increase of flow velocity results in the sudden drop of the surface temperature in proximity to the pipe entrance, followed by gradual increment of surface temperature along the pipe. The minimum surface temperature could be obtained at flow reattachment point. The position of the minimum temperature point is independent on the inlet flow velocity. In general, the average Nusselt number increases with the increase of Reynolds number.
Wage Growth Puzzle and Capacity Utilization
Authors: Kovanen Arto
Published: January 2019

Wage growth and consumer price inflation in the United States remain weak, despite robust labor market and a healthy economy. This has been a conundrum for policymakers and economists alike, albeit it is not without parallels. In this paper, we analyze recent trends in the labor market. We point out that a number of indicators are providing mixed signals about the tight labor market, including wage growth that has remained muted, vacancy duration rates that have stayed remarkable stable in certain sectors, and the rate of capacity utilization, which is cyclically low and out of sync with other measures of resource utilization (e.g., output gap and unemployment rate). This leads us to conclude that there could be other forces that explain these phenomena. In this paper, we focus on capacity utilization and contend that low capacity utilization rates are the outcome of strategic decision-making by corporations, rather than inefficient demand, which permits firms to manage their resources more effectively. It seems to be particularly important when economic and policy uncertainties are elevated, such as in the post-financial crisis environment. More flexible use of capacity has implications not only for the labor market, but also for investments. Understanding capacity utilization would contribute to monetary policy formulation when the signal coming from the rate of capacity utilization is not consistent with those coming from the labor market and the output gap. This points to the need to continue monitor a broad range of indicators to avoid potential policy errors.
Time-domain oversampled orthogonal signal-division multiplexing underwater acoustic communications
Authors: Han Jing , Wang Yujie , Zhang Lingling , Leus Geert
Published: January 2019

Orthogonal signal-division multiplexing (OSDM) is a recently emerging modulation scheme which, compared to conventional orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing, can effectively lower the peak-to-average power ratio and introduce intra-vector frequency diversity. In this paper, a time-domain oversampled OSDM system for underwater acoustic (UWA) communications is designed, where each OSDM vector is equivalently transmitted over multiple virtual channels, and thus an enhanced frequency diversity gain can be achieved. Moreover, at the receiver, zero vectors and frequency-shifted Chu sequences are used for Doppler compensation and channel estimation, respectively, while low-complexity per-vector equalization is performed based on the composite channel matrix factorization. Finally, the performance of the proposed OSDM system is evaluated through both numerical simulations and a short-range field experiment, and its effectiveness over time-varying UWA channels is confirmed.
Phase-shift derivation of expansions for material and frequency dependence of progressive-wave radiation forces and backscattering by spheres
Authors: Marston Philip L.
Published: January 2019

When considering the scattering of sound and radiation forces for spheres, it has historically been helpful to understand situations lacking dissipation. In that case the scattering is characterized by real partial-wave phase shifts. At low frequencies expansions show the dependence of each phase shift on material properties and on frequency. Those expansions are used here to describe the frequency and material dependence of scattering and radiation forces beyond the usual Rayleigh-scattering approximation. Results for radiation forces on spheres in standing waves are extended to plane progressive waves. The expansion coefficients use algebraic functions. Results for movable and fixed rigid spheres are shown.
Extracellular Electron Transfer May Be an Overlooked Contribution to Pelagic Respiration in Humic-Rich Freshwater Lakes
Authors: He Shaomei , Lau Maximilian P. , Linz Alexandra M. , Roden Eric E. , McMahon Katherine D.
Published: January 2019

Humic lakes and ponds receive large amounts of terrestrial carbon and are important components of the global carbon cycle, yet how their redox cycling influences the carbon budget is not fully understood. Here we compared metagenomes obtained from a humic bog and a clear-water eutrophic lake and found a much larger number of genes that might be involved in extracellular electron transfer (EET) for iron redox reactions and humic substance (HS) reduction in the bog than in the clear-water lake, consistent with the much higher iron and HS levels in the bog.
The relationship between interviewer-respondent familiarity and family planning outcomes in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a repeat cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Anglewicz Philip , Akilimali Pierre , Eitmann Linnea Perry , Hernandez Julie , Kayembe Patrick
Published: January 2019

Objectives

The typical approach of survey data collection is to use interviewers who are not from the study site and do not know the participants, yet the implications of this approach on data quality have seldom been investigated. We examine the relationship between interviewer–respondent familiarity and selected family planning outcomes, and whether this relationship changes over time between 2015 and 2016.

Setting

We use data from the Performance Monitoring and Accountability 2020 Project in Kongo Central Province, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Participants

Participants include representative samples of women of reproductive ages (15 to 49), 1565 interviewed in 2015 and 1668 in 2016. The study used a two-stage cluster design: first randomly selecting enumeration areas (EAs), then randomly selecting households within each EA.

Design

We first identify individual characteristics associated with familiarity between RE and respondent. Next, we examine the relationship between RE–respondent acquaintance and family planning outcomes. Finally, we use two waves of data to examine whether this relationship changes over time between 2015 and 2016.

Results

In multivariate analysis, interviewer–respondent acquaintance is significantly associated with last birth unintended (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.17 to 3.13) and reported infertility in 2015 (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.03 to 4.95); and any contraceptive use (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.28), traditional contraceptive use (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.89), reported infidelity (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.02 to 3.49) and age at first sex (coefficient −0.48, 95% CI −0.96 to −0.01) in 2016. The impact of acquaintance on survey responses changed over time for any contraceptive use (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.33 to 3.30).

Conclusions

The standard in many large-scale surveys is to use interviewers from outside the community. Our results show that interviewer–respondent acquaintance is associated with a range of family planning outcomes; therefore, we recommend that the approach to hiring interviewers be examined and reconsidered in survey data collection efforts.
Prevalence of restless legs syndrome in functional movement disorders: a case–control study from the Czech Republic
Authors: Serranová Tereza , Slovák Matěj , Kemlink David , Šonka Karel , Hallett Mark , Růžička Evžen
Published: January 2019

Objectives

The prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in functional movement disorders (FMD) is not known. Patients with FMD often present with multiple motor and sensory symptoms. Some of these symptoms might be due to comorbid RLS. Therefore, our objective was to evaluate possible association between FMD and RLS.

Design

Case–control study.

Setting

Movement Disorders Center, 1st Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic.

Participants

96 consecutive patients with clinically established FMD (80 females, mean age (SD) 45.0 (13) years), and 76 matched controls.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome measure was prevalence of RLS based on updated International RLS Study Group criteria. Secondary outcome measures included prevalence of periodic limb movements (PLM) using actigraphy; pain, motor and sensory symptoms in lower limbs; organic comorbidities and medication affecting RLS.

Results

RLS criteria were fulfilled in 43.8% of patients (95% CI 34 to 54) and in 7.9% of controls (95% CI 3 to 17, p<0.00001). Both RLS and PLM indices (PLMi) ≥22.5/hour were found in 21.2% of patients with FMD and 2.6% of controls. Patients with FMD with RLS had a higher mean PLMi (p<0.001) and a higher proportion of PLMi ≥22.5/hour (p<0.01) than RLS-negative patients. Patients with RLS had higher prevalence of pain and sensory symptoms in lower limbs, no difference was found in medication and prevalence of organic comorbidities in patients with FMD with and without RLS.

Conclusions

We found an increased prevalence of RLS in patients with FMD. Clinical diagnosis of RLS was supported by actigraphic measurement of clinically relevant PLM in a significant proportion of patients with FMD. Although functional motor and sensory symptoms may mimic RLS, RLS may be unrecognised in patients with FMD. This finding may have clinical implications in management of FMD, and it raises the possibility of common pathophysiological mechanisms of FMD and RLS/PLM.
Evaluating the predictive capabilities of haematoma expansion scores in patients with acute intracerebral haemorrhage: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Yogendrakumar Vignan , Moores Margaret , Sikora Lindsey , Ramsay Tim , Fergusson Dean A , Dowlatshahi Dar
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Patients presenting with acute intracerebral haemorrhage are at a high risk of exhibiting haematoma expansion, a phenomenon that can significantly worsen long-term functioning. Numerous clinical and radiological factors are associated with expansion. In a bid to better select patients at increased risk of expanding, these factors have been collated together into clinical scores. Several clinical scores have been developed, but comparisons of diagnostic potential between these scores are limited and the frequency of use in clinical trial enrolment is unknown.

Objective

To perform a scoping review of haematoma expansion scores and explore numerous factors such as the methodology of development and diagnostic capabilities.

Methods and analysis

MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL and ClinicalTrials.gov will be searched with assistance from an experienced information specialist. Eligible studies will involve adults presenting with spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage who received baseline assessments, follow-up imaging and risk stratification through a haematoma expansion score. Reviewers will independently extract data from the included studies and will collect data on patient demographics and medical history, details on score development, diagnostic capabilities and usage proportions. Analysis of extracted data will focus on comparing the predictive capability of each score and similarities/differences in score development. The exact analysis technique will be dictated on the type of data extracted.

Ethics and dissemination

Formal ethics is not required as primary data will not be collected. The findings of this study will be disseminated through conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications.
Gross and microscopic changes of liver neoplasms and background hepatic structures following neoadjuvant therapy
Authors: Hodgson Anjelica , Almansouri Zuhoor , Adeyi Oyedele , Fischer Sandra E
Published: January 2019

Liver transplantation is a surgical option with curative intent used in the management of some cases of hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma (hilar, rarely intrahepatic). A number of different therapeutic modalities including ablative techniques, arterially directed therapies, radiation and chemotherapy are used in the neoadjuvant setting prior to liver transplantation with the goals of preventing tumour progression, decreasing post-transplant recurrence and possibly downstaging patients with tumour burden beyond what is acceptable by current transplant criteria. Pathologists evaluating hepatic explants must be aware of these neoadjuvant therapies and the alterations induced by them in both tumourous and non-tumourous tissue. In this review, we discuss common neoadjuvant therapies used in in this setting, as well as the gross and microscopic changes induced by these presurgical treatments within hepatic neoplasms as well as the background hepatic parenchyma and nearby structures. Select secondary tumours involving the liver which are pretreated will also be discussed. Finally, proper reporting of these changes will be mentioned.
Neoadjuvant therapy in gynaecological malignancies: What pathologists need to know
Authors: McCarthy Aoife J , Rouzbahman Marjan , Thiryayi Sakinah A , Chapman William B , Clarke Blaise A
Published: January 2019

In recent times, there has been a growing tendency to treat advanced gynaecological malignancies with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), with the goal of reducing tumour volume and enhancing operability resulting in optimal cytoreduction. This approach is used in particular for patients with advanced high-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary, fallopian tube or peritoneum. Pathology plays a crucial role in the management of these patients, both before and after NACT. Prior to initiation of NACT, a biopsy should be performed, usually of the omental cake, to confirm that a malignancy is present, to identify the site of origin of the tumour and to type and grade the tumour. Histopathologists must be aware of the resultant morphological effects of NACT when examining specimens following interval cytoreduction surgery. Tumour typing and grading, and even the identification of residual neoplasia, are particular challenges. Immunohistochemistry, when used judiciously, can be a useful adjunct in certain scenarios. A pathological assessment of the response to chemotherapy, and the pathological stage should be provided in the pathology report, as these may inform prognosis and subsequent management. We present a comprehensive overview of the relevant clinical and pathological aspects pertaining to NACT for gynaecological malignancies for the practicing surgical pathologist.
Transradial versus transfemoral access for anterior circulation mechanical thrombectomy: comparison of technical and clinical outcomes
Authors: Chen Stephanie H , Snelling Brian M , Sur Samir , Shah Sumedh Subodh , McCarthy David J , Luther Evan , Yavagal Dileep R , Peterson Eric C , Starke Robert M
Published: January 2019

Background

A transradial approach (TRA) is associated with fewer access site complications than a transfemoral technique (TFA).However, there is concern that performing mechanical thrombectomy (MT) via TRA may lead to longer revascularization times and thus worse outcomes. Nonetheless, TRA may confer added benefits in MT since navigation of challenging aortic arch and carotid anatomy is often facilitated by a right radial artery trajectory.

Objective

To compare outcomes in patients who underwent MT via TRA versus TFA.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of our institutional database to identify 51 patients with challenging vascular anatomy who underwent MT for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion between February 2015 and February 2018. Patient characteristics, procedural techniques, and outcomes were recorded. TFA and TRA cohorts were compared.

Results

Of the 51 patients, 18 (35%) underwent MT via TRA. There were no significant cohort differences in patient characteristics, clot location, or aortic arch type and presence of carotid tortuosity. There were no significant differences in outcomes between the two cohorts, including single-pass recanalization rate (54.5% vs 55.6%, p=0.949) and average number of passes (1.9 vs 1.7, p=0.453). Mean access-to-reperfusion time (61.9 vs 61.1 min, p=0.920), successful revascularization rates (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score ≥2b 87.9% vs 88.9%, p=1.0) and functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score≤2, 39.4% vs 33.3%, p=0.669) were similar between TFA and TRA cohorts, respectively.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate equivalence in efficacy and efficiency between TRA and TFA for MT of anterior circulation large vessel occlusion in patients with challenging vascular anatomy. TRA may be better than TFA in well-selected patients undergoing MT.
Transradial approach for flow diversion treatment of cerebral aneurysms: a multicenter study
Authors: Chen Stephanie H , Snelling Brian M , Shah Sumedh Subodh , Sur Samir , Brunet Marie Christine , Starke Robert M , Yavagal Dileep R , Osbun Joshua W , Peterson Eric C
Published: January 2019

Background

The transradial approach (TRA) to endovascular procedures decreases access site morbidity and mortality in comparison with the traditional transfemoral technique (TFA). Despite its improved safety profile, there is a concern that TRA is less favorable for neurointerventional procedures that require large coaxial systems to manage the small tortuous cerebral vessels.

Objective

To report our experience with TRA for flow diverter placement for treatment of unruptured cerebral aneurysms.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of prospective institutional databases at two high-volume centers to identify 49 patients who underwent flow diversion for aneurysm treatment via primary TRA between November 2016 and November 2018. Patient demographics, procedural techniques, and clinical data were recorded.

Results

Of the 49 patients, 39 underwent successful flow diversion placement by TRA. Ten patients were converted to TFA after attempted TRA. There were no procedural complications. Reasons for failure included tortuosity in eight patients and severe radial artery spasm in two.

Conclusions

In the largest reported series to date of flow diverter deployment via TRA for aneurysm treatment, we demonstrate the technical feasibility and safety of the method. The most common reason for failure of TRA was an acute angle of left common carotid artery origin or left internal carotid artery tortuosity. Overall, our data suggest that increasing adoption of TRA is merited given its apparent equivalence to the current TFA technique and its documented reduction in access site complications.
A new analytical model for dip modified velocity distribution in fully developed turbulent open channel flow
Authors: Mahananda Minakshee , Hanmaiahgari Prashanth Reddy , Ojha Chandra Shekhar Prasad , Balachandar Ram
Published: January 2019

This paper presents a new analytical model to predict the streamwise time-averaged velocity profile affected by the dip phenomenon in open channel flows. The novel approach of the present study is that the Finley wake law has been used instead of Coles’ wake law for the outer layer. To validate the new analytical model, six high quality experiments were conducted in a hydraulically rough bed open channel flow by considering variations of aspect ratio, defined as the ratio of the width of the channel to the depth of flow, from 2 to 4. In these controlled experiments, the time-averaged velocities were measured using a Nortek Vectrino-plus acoustic Doppler velocimeter. In addition, 14 sets of available experimental data, including five field experiments conducted across the globe were also used to test the performance of the proposed model. The proposed model, the Finley-dip-modified-log-wake law (FDMLWL), was used to develop a semiempirical equation to compute the dip position as a function of the dip correction factor and the wake parameter. In addition, using the experimental data and FDMLWL, an empirical equation was developed to compute the dip correction factor for hydraulically smooth open channel flows. The comparison of the FDMLWL model with the experimental data belonging to hydraulically smooth, transition, and rough regimes has consistently indicated better representation of the velocity dip phenomenon. The FDMLWL model has also been compared with other analytical models available in the literature and the superior performance of the proposed model is further observed. Finally, based on the satisfactory validation between experimental data and FDMLWL, it is inferred that the proposed model is better suited for modeling zero velocity gradient at the boundary layer edge, as in open channel flows with dip phenomenon.
Multiple electrical phase transitions in nanocrystalline aluminium-substituted cobalt ferrite
Authors: Supriya Sweety , Kumar Sunil , Pradhan Lagen Kumar , Pandey Rabichandra , Kar Manoranjan
Published: January 2019

Electrical properties of a series of nanocrystalline aluminium-substituted cobalt ferrite CoAl[Formula: see text]Fe[Formula: see text]O4 (CAFO) with x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 have been explored. The electrical parameters have been measured by employing impedance and techniques. The impedance has measured as a function of frequency and temperature for all the samples. The impedance increases with the increase in Al concentration in CAFO. Cobalt ferrite is yet to be verified as a ferroelectric material. However, the electrical properties reported here are similar to conventional ferroelectric materials. Multiple (two) electrical phase transitions have been observed, the two transition temperatures are identified as T[Formula: see text] and T[Formula: see text] i.e., one is dipole relaxation transition (T[Formula: see text]) and other one is electrical phase transition temperature. Both AC and DC measurements indicate the transition temperatures.
Seeing relativity-II: Revisiting and visualizing the Reissner–Nordström metric
Authors: Riazuelo Alain
Published: January 2019

In this paper we study some features of the Reissner–Nordström metric both from an analytic and a visual point of view. We perform an accurate ray tracing and study of null geodesics in various situations. Among the issues we focus on are (i) the comparison with the Schwarzschild case, (ii) the naked singularity case, where, if the electric charge is not too large, some dark shell appears on images despite there is no horizon in the metric, and (iii) the wormhole crossing case, i.e. a visual exploration of the maximal analytic extension of the metric.
Eigenvalue bounds of mixed Steklov problems
Authors: Hassannezhad Asma , Laptev Ari
Published: January 2019

We study bounds on the Riesz means of the mixed Steklov–Neumann and Steklov–Dirichlet eigenvalue problem on a bounded domain [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text]. The Steklov–Neumann eigenvalue problem is also called the sloshing problem. We obtain two-term asymptotically sharp lower bounds on the Riesz means of the sloshing problem and also provide an asymptotically sharp upper bound for the Riesz means of mixed Steklov–Dirichlet problem. The proof of our results for the sloshing problem uses the average variational principle and monotonicity of sloshing eigenvalues. In the case of Steklov–Dirichlet eigenvalue problem, the proof is based on a well-known bound on the Riesz means of the Dirichlet fractional Laplacian, and an inequality between the Dirichlet and Navier fractional Laplacian. The two-term asymptotic results for the Riesz means of mixed Steklov eigenvalue problems are discussed in the Appendix which in particular show the asymptotic sharpness of the bounds we obtain.
Data Analytics Tools: A User Perspective
Authors: Town Paul , Thabtah Fadi
Published: January 2019

Business Intelligence Tools (BI Tools) can be an intelligent way for individuals to undertake data analysis and reporting for guiding decision-making processes. There are many different BI Tools available in the market today, as well as information to assist organisations in evaluating their effectiveness. This paper focusses on two commercially available BI Tools: Tableau and Microsoft Power BI. It aims to determine which BI Tool is better for data analysis and reporting from an end user’s point of view. This paper undertakes an evaluation of both tools and compares which is more suitable for students using interface (navigation), cost, presence in the market, and available training and help as the evaluative criteria. Results produced in this paper found that overall, Tableau was more highly ranked than Power BI based on the evaluative criteria for end users for data analysis and reporting at least among the samples of the study. Tableau ranked higher than Power BI with its presence in the market, and available training and help. Power BI was rated more highly on its interface and both BI Tools were ranked the same in terms of cost to end users. This research is exploratory and may assist in formulating future research on BI Tools for specific user groups.
A Location Analytics Method for the Utilisation of Geotagged Photos in Travel Marketing Decision-Making
Authors: Miah Shah Jahan , Vu Huy Quan , Gammack John G.
Published: January 2019

Location analytics offers statistical analysis of any geo- or spatial data concerning user location. Such analytics can produce useful insights into the attractions of interest to travellers or visitation patterns of a demographic group. Based on these insights, strategic decision-making by travel marketing agents, such as travel package design, may be improved. In this paper, we develop and evaluate an original method of location analytics to analyse travellers’ social media data for improving managerial decision support. The method proposes an architectural framework that combines emerging pattern data mining techniques with image processing to identify and process appropriate data content. The design artefact is evaluated through a focus group and a detailed case study of Australian outbound travellers. The proposed method is generic, and can be applied to other specific locations or demographics to provide analytical outcomes useful for strategic decision support.
Improving the Shilling Attack Detection in Recommender Systems Using an SVM Gaussian Mixture Model
Authors: Alostad Jasem M.
Published: January 2019

With recent advances in e-commerce platforms, the information overload has grown due to increasing number of users, rapid generation of data and items in the recommender system. This tends to create serious problems in such recommender systems. The increasing features in recommender systems pose some new challenges due to poor resilience to mitigate against vulnerable attacks. In particular, the recommender systems are more prone to be attacked by shilling attacks, which creates more vulnerability. A recommender system with poor detection of attacks leads to a reduced detection rate. The performance of the recommender system is thus affected with poor detection ability. Hence, in this paper, we improve the resilience against shilling attacks using a modified Support Vector Machine (SVM) and a machine learning algorithm. The Gaussian Mixture Model is used as a machine learning algorithm to increase the detection rate and it further reduces the dimensionality of data in recommender systems. The proposed method is evaluated against several result metrics, such as the recall rate, precision rate and false positive rate between different attacks. The results of the proposed system are evaluated against probabilistic recommender approaches to demonstrate the efficacy of machine learning language in recommender systems.