bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facial First Impressions Across Culture: Data-Driven Modeling of Chinese and British Perceivers’ Unconstrained Facial Impressions
Authors: Sutherland Clare A. M. , Liu Xizi , Zhang Lingshan , Chu Yingtung , Oldmeadow Julian A. , Young Andrew W.
Published: December 2017

People form first impressions from facial appearance rapidly, and these impressions can have considerable social and economic consequences. Three dimensions can explain Western perceivers’ impressions of Caucasian faces: approachability, youthful-attractiveness, and dominance. Impressions along these dimensions are theorized to be based on adaptive cues to threat detection or sexual selection, making it likely that they are universal. We tested whether the same dimensions of facial impressions emerge across culture by building data-driven models of first impressions of Asian and Caucasian faces derived from Chinese and British perceivers’ unconstrained judgments. We then cross-validated the dimensions with computer-generated average images. We found strong evidence for common approachability and youthful-attractiveness dimensions across perceiver and face race, with some evidence of a third dimension akin to capability. The models explained ~75% of the variance in facial impressions. In general, the findings demonstrate substantial cross-cultural agreement in facial impressions, especially on the most salient dimensions.
Caliban and the Rhetoric of Sincerity: Postcolonialism, Performance, and the Self
Authors: Held Joshua R.
Published: December 2017

Building on scholarship regarding sincerity and regarding Caliban in Shakespeare’s Tempest, I explore how rhetoric inflects the potential sincerity of the character’s final statement—“I’ll be wise hereafter, / And seek for grace”—which has generated widespread scholarly disagreement. Although Caliban may appear more sincere (his act 2 soliloquy) or insincere (his volte-face responses to Prospero in act 1) in some portions of the play than in others, his development highlights not a reified sincerity or insincerity but the mercurial potential of the self—through varied inner forces such as reason and the passions—to use the notion of sincerity as a cover for selfish ends.
I like that you feel my pain, but I love that you feel my joy: Empathy for a partner’s negative versus positive emotions independently affect relationship quality
Authors: Andreychik Michael R.
Published: December 2017

Given the myriad ways in which close relationships impact human well-being, it is important to understand the factors that contribute to healthy relationship functioning. One such factor is the extent to which partners empathize with each other’s emotional experiences. To date however, research examining empathy’s relevance for social relationships has focused overwhelmingly on empathy for others’ specifically negative emotions. Building on recent scholarship demonstrating the separability of empathy for others’ negative versus positive emotions, the present work argues that both of these empathic capacities contribute to relationship quality and that they do so via different pathways. A first study showed that whereas perceptions of a partner’s negative empathy and positive empathy were each independently associated with relationship quality, this association was substantially stronger for positive empathy. A second, experimental study demonstrated independent causal effects of negative empathy and positive empathy and showed that these effects were mediated by different mechanisms. These results suggest that although having a partner who empathizes with one’s negative emotions is good for relationships, having a partner who (also) empathizes with one’s positive emotions may carry even greater benefits.
Modelling the factors affecting the implementation of knowledge networks
Authors: Rezaeian Ali , Bagheri Rouhollah
Published: December 2017

Knowledge networks are an organizational form with which to support knowledge sharing and creation. Few studies have been undertaken to understand the interaction among these variables and to develop a hierarchy of knowledge network variables model. The main purpose of this article is to identify a set of variables to implement a knowledge network and then to analyse and to rank them using the approach Interpretive Structural Modelling. Variables are identified through the literature review. To analyse the contextual relationships among the suggested variables, experts from academia and industry were consulted. The research shows that there exist two groups of variables, one having high driving power and low dependency requiring maximum attention and of strategic importance (such as organization environment factors, managerial processes and IT infrastructure) and the other having high dependence and low driving power and are resultant effects (such as knowledge, culture, organizational structures and communication processes).
Using ontology to improve access to information
Authors: Vernau Judi
Published: December 2017

Different ways of looking for information require different semantic tools. An ontology can be a key tool to support findability but can also provide other enterprise benefits such as support for interoperability between systems and between organizations. The New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) commissioned an ontology to support findability in an enterprise content management system, and this initiative sparked considerable interest from other government agencies. This article describes the development of the ontology for DOC and reflects on its potential use in other areas of business.
Percutaneous intervention to correct central venous port catheter malposition
Authors: Wang Yen-Hsiang , Su Chieh-Shou , Chang Keng-Hao , Went Chi-Jen , Lee Wen-Lieng , Lai Chih-Hung
Published: December 2017

The use of central venous port access is increasing due to the requirements of multimodal intravenous therapy.1 However, catheter malposition in smaller veins can lead to vein thrombosis, phlebitis and pain. Herein, we report our experience with the use of percutaneous interventions to correct migrated port catheter malposition. Minimally invasive percutaneous interventional correction of malposition could be an alternative to extraction and re-implantation of malpositioned port catheters.
“Men Are in Front at Eating Time, but Not When It Comes to Rearing the Chicken”: Unpacking the Gendered Benefits and Costs of Livestock Ownership in Kenya
Authors: Dumas Sarah E. , Maranga Abena , Mbullo Patrick , Collins Shalean , Wekesa Pauline , Onono Maricianah , Young Sera L.
Published: December 2017

Background:

Livestock can promote resilience in low-income communities through a number of pathways. Livestock development programs seek to amplify these benefits but often fail to consider the costs to intended beneficiaries or the effect of prevailing gender norms.

Objective:

To explore perceptions of livestock ownership among female smallholder livestock keepers in Nyanza Region, Kenya, and unpack how the distribution of livestock benefits and investments varies by gender within households.

Methods:

We used multiple ethnographic techniques, including Photovoice, a photo-elicitation interview method, focus group discussions, and pile sorts, with female smallholder livestock owners (n = 18) participating in an ongoing cohort study. Transcripts were coded using a combination of a priori constructs and grounded theory.

Results:

We found that livestock benefited households by providing financial security, food security, social benefits, and human time and labor savings. However, these benefits largely promoted long-term household resilience rather than immediate gains. Livestock ownership also had major costs to household time and labor, which were overwhelmingly borne by women and children. Despite this investment, women had limited livestock ownership rights, decision-making power, control over income, or access to meat.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that livestock ownership requires significant investments of household time and labor, which disproportionately burden women. Prevailing gender inequalities may therefore constrain the net benefit of livestock ownership for many women and their households in some contexts. Livestock development programs must assess both program benefits and costs at multiple levels to ensure that women’s participation in livestock production leads to improved individual and household outcomes.
Using Facebook for Academic Purposes: Current Literature and Directions for Future Research
Authors: Niu Lian
Published: December 2017

This study reviews the international literature on using Facebook for academic purposes to examine whether and how this popular social networking site contributes to teaching and learning in formal education. A review of 57 empirical studies on this topic suggest that (a) the majority of studies report positive effects or feedback of using Facebook for academic purposes, and recommend its integration into teaching and learning; (b) Facebook is shown to be effective as a platform for academic communication and effective in promoting student-centered learning; (c) the effects of Facebook used as Learning Management System are mixed and under-studied; (d) the quality of Facebook-related learning process and learning outcomes is under-studied; (e) Facebook may not be suitable for teaching in all disciplines; and (f) studies heavily rely on preexperimental design and self-reported data, which raises the issue of response bias. It is recommended that future research should (a) focus more on in-depth examination of the process and quality of learning using Facebook, (b) adopt quasi- or true experimental design to control for confounding factors, (c) properly address potential response bias by minimizing the relationship between researcher and students, and (d) more frequently adopt content analysis to reduce reliance on self-reported data.
The reproductive and developmental toxicity of nanoparticles: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Wang Zengjin , Zhang Tongchao , Huang Fengyan , Wang Zhiping
Published: December 2017

Because of the advantages of nanoparticles (NPs) in a variety of industrial, biomedical, and consumer applications, they are intentionally (such as in medicine) or unintentionally (environment exposure) introduced into the human body. However, to date, the detrimental effects of NPs are still unclear, especially in reproductive and developmental toxicity. In this study, we researched 266 articles related to the reproductive and developmental toxicity of NPs from 2006 to December 2016 based on the database of the Web of Science. According to the bibliometric analysis, we found that China and the United States were the leading countries in this field and the major research trends might focus on the pathogenesis of NPs, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage. By this analysis, we provide new insights into the research trends and characteristics of the field.
Simultaneous Fixation of Wrinkle-Free Finish and Reactive Dye on Cotton Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Abid Sharjeel , Hussain Tanveer , Nazir Ahsan , Raza Zulfiqar Ali , Siddique Amna , Azeem Abdul , Riaz Shagufta
Published: December 2017

In printing and resin finishing of cotton fabrics, the curing step is involved twice, firstly for fixation of reactive dye and secondly for the fixation of resin for proper cross-linking. In developing country like Pakistan, where cotton is a major portion of textile exports, the elimination of one fixation stage is economical and advantageous. This study dealt with the simultaneous fixation of wrinkle-free finish (resin) and reactive dye printing for cost effectiveness. The processed route of treatment imparted a maximum dry crease recovery angle of 230° and color strength up to 89.89%. The produced fabrics were characterized using crocking fastness (dry and wet), color strength sum %, color fastness to laundry, crease recovery angle, and wrinkle recovery by appearance method. Response surface optimizer gave good composite desirability value (0.08300) with color strength % of up to 73.73 and dry crease recovery angle up to 218°.
Introducing the Content Acquisition Podcast Professional Development Process: Supporting Vocabulary Instruction for Inclusive Middle School Science Teachers
Authors: Kennedy Michael J. , Rodgers Wendy J. , Romig John Elwood , Mathews Hannah Morris , Peeples Katherine N.
Published: December 2017

Improving inclusive middle school science teachers’ vocabulary instruction is a critical step toward helping those professionals support the learning needs of all students. In this Institute of Education Sciences (IES)–funded project, inclusive science teachers received professional development using elements of a multimedia-based approach called the Content Acquisition Podcast Professional Development (CAP-PD) intervention process. In this article, the authors discuss the three iterative pilot studies conducted as a part of this project and how each contributed to its development. Drawing on a theoretical framework that considers the characteristics of effective professional development, CAP-PD has three elements: (a) use of instructional videos that highlight the steps of practices and embed modeling videos to demonstrate practice, (b) preproduced instructional materials that support the implementation of evidence-based practices, and (c) feedback for teachers using data outputs from a classroom observation tool developed as a part of this project. Across studies, teachers who engaged in the CAP-PD process made important gains in terms of how much time they spent delivering evidence-based vocabulary instruction and the number of different practices implemented with fidelity. Future research should address questions of the lasting impact of this process on student learning and how to adapt the CAP-PD to help teachers do more than improve their vocabulary instruction.
Organizing the Precariat: The Fight to Build and Sustain Fast Food Worker Power
Authors: Franco Lucas A.
Published: December 2017

The structure of work is undergoing a fundamental transformation in the United States as employers have pushed for more flexible forms of employment including subcontracting, independent contracting, and franchising. These employment structures shift responsibility for working conditions from lead employers onto subsidiary firms or independently contracted workers leading to a fissuring of employment relations. These changes make state regulation of work more difficult, while simultaneously creating new barriers to worker organizing. The goal of this article is to understand how workplace fissuring shapes the strategic repertories available to worker justice organizations (e.g. unions and worker centers) in their efforts to improve conditions for workers. To do this, I develop an in-depth case study of fast food worker organizing in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I use case evidence to demonstrate the challenges worker justice organizations encounter deploying workplace-centered organizing strategies aimed at unionizing fast food workers. Then I explain how worker justice organizers in Minneapolis have instead utilized a community-centered strategy to legislate pay and benefit improvements for fast food workers. Finally, I use case evidence to explore the prospects of sustaining fast food worker organizing in Minneapolis and across the country.
Vaccination Rates in Patients With Medical Indications for the Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine in a Family Medicine Clinic
Authors: Trovato Anthony , Gunning Karen , Pippitt Karly
Published: December 2017

Background:

Pneumococcal vaccination rates among high-risk patients (eg, diabetes, asthma, smoking) seen in 2 family medicine clinics are unknown.

Objectives:

To assess differences in pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination rates and reasons for nonvaccination among patients with diabetes and asthma and patients who smoke.

Methods:

A chart review at 2 family medicine residency training clinics showed 425 patients with a medical indication for PPSV23 were seen between April 1, 2015, and April 30, 2015. One reviewer searched the electronic health records to assess reasons for nonvaccination.

Results:

Rates of nonvaccination were 29.8% in patients with diabetes, 58.7% in patients with asthma, and 62.5% in patients who smoke cigarettes. Patients were classified into 3 groups based on the reasons for nonvaccination: documented patient refusal, not being addressed by a provider, and being documented as low risk despite the presence of a medical indication.

Conclusion:

The 3 reasons for nonvaccination were vaccination not being addressed, misclassification of high-risk patients as low-risk patients for infection, and documented patient refusal. Providers overlooked vaccination more often in patients with asthma and cigarette use than in patients with diabetes. Patients seeing pharmacists were most likely to be vaccinated, whereas patients seeing physician assistants were least likely to be vaccinated. Pharmacists see patients to provide medication management and preventive care, whereas other providers treat more urgent conditions. Because indications are often overlooked and not addressed, pharmacists can play a larger role in identifying and vaccinating high-risk patients.
The Development and Validation of the Motives to Donate Scale
Authors: Konrath Sara , Handy Femida
Published: December 2017

In this article, we develop and validate a comprehensive self-report scale of why people make charitable donations, relying on a theoretical model of private versus public benefits to donors. In Study 1, we administered an initial pool of 54 items to a general adult sample online. An exploratory factor analysis supported six final factors in the Motives to Donate scale: Trust, Altruism, Social, Tax benefits, Egoism, and Constraints. We then verified this factor structure in a confirmatory factor analysis. Study 1 also examined the final 18-item scale’s demographic correlates and construct validity using the same sample. We found that the scale correlated in predictable ways with personality traits and motives to volunteer. In Study 2, we also found test–retest correlations between .67 and .80 after 2 weeks. Taken together, we provide initial evidence for the scale’s internal reliability, test–retest reliability, and validity, and we suggest future directions for research.
Limiting vertical acceleration for ride comfort in active suspension systems
Authors: León-Vargas Fabian , Garelli Fabricio , Zapateiro Mauricio
Published: December 2017

This article proposes a new adaptive control algorithm for active suspension systems of passenger cars. It combines a proportional–integral–derivative controller for suspension deflection together with a sliding mode reference conditioning outer loop that uses the vertical acceleration of the car body as a complementary source of control. The proposed approach is software-based and allows setting up limit values to critical variables, such as the vertical acceleration, which can be directly tuned by the system designer to range from the original proportional–integral–derivative response to other ones with tighter control on the constrained variable. A longitudinal half-car system subject to irregular excitation from a road surface is used for assessment. The proposed proportional–integral–derivative with sliding mode reference conditioning is compared to the same proportional–integral–derivative controller without the outer conditioning loop, as well as with a passive suspension system. International standards on overall vibration magnitudes are used to quantify the differences obtained in this assessment. Results obtained from the proposed control system show better performance and handle trade-offs, improving the ride comfort without adversely affecting the road holding of the car.
Timing of the Indian Summer Monsoon onset during the early Holocene: Evidence from a sediment core at Linggo Co, central Tibetan Plateau
Authors: He Yue , Hou Juzhi , Brown Erik T , Xie Shuyun , Bao Zhengyu
Published: December 2017

The spatial and temporal variability, effects, and mechanisms of the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) have been investigated intensively during the past few decades. The pattern of a relatively strong ISM during the early to middle Holocene, and a relatively weak ISM in the late Holocene, has been widely demonstrated in both marine and continental records. However, the timing of the ISM onset during the early Holocene remains controversial. Here, we present oxygen isotope record from ostracods and hydrogen isotope record from sedimentary leaf waxes from a sediment core at Linggo Co, a glacier-fed lake on the central Tibetan Plateau, in order to investigate the onset of the ISM. The ostracod δ18O record indicates an early ISM onset at ~11.7 ka, whereas the leaf wax δD record indicates a later ISM onset at ~10 ka. This apparent two-step development of the ISM revealed by aquatic and terrestrial records is confirmed by principal component analysis of nine marine records from the ISM domain. The comparison between isotope records from Linggo Co and the marine records implies that the early ISM onset was likely linked to elevated temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere, while the later ISM onset may be related to intensified precipitation.
Genotoxicity in Brazilian coal miners and its associated factors
Authors: da Silva Júnior FMR , Tavella RA , Fernandes CLF , Soares MCF , de Almeida KA , Garcia EM , da Silva Pinto EA , Baisch ALM
Published: December 2017

The present study aims to evaluate the potential genotoxic and associated factors among coal miners, divided by degree of exposure. Blood and buccal smears were collected from 158 workers, who actively participate in different activities in coal mining, and 48 individuals living in the same city but do not have participation in coal mining activities (control group). The workers were divided into three different groups, according to the level of contact with coal extraction. A questionnaire intended to identify factors associated with DNA damage was performed in participants. The results regarding oral mucosa micronucleus test showed a significant difference ( p < 0.001) of the worker groups 1 and 2 in relation to the control group, where the group 1 has a higher degree of exposure to coal than group 2. For the lymphocyte micronucleus test and comet assay, there was no significant difference between the exposed groups and control group. There is an association between the outcome and the fact of living in the municipality of the mining company and the exposure to radiation in the last 12 months. Besides, the multivariate analysis showed an association of the tail moment with radiation exposure in the last 12 months. Thus, the findings of this study reveal genotoxicity in oral mucosa cells of workers exposed to coal and that workers with higher degree of contact with coal have a more pronounced response.
Memantine induces apoptosis and inhibits cell cycle progression in LNCaP prostate cancer cells
Authors: Albayrak G , Konac E , Dikmen AU , Bilen CY
Published: December 2017

Deregulated cancer cell metabolism plays an important role in cancer progression. Cancer cell metabolism has been in the centre of attention in therapeutical cancer cell targeting. Repurposed chemical agents, such as metformin and aspirin, have been studied extensively as preventive and therapeutic agents. Metformin is Food and Drug administration (FDA)-approved antidiabetic drug cheaper than other chemotherapeutic agents that were shown to have anticancer effects. Memantine is an FDA-approved Alzheimer’s drug. Drug repositioning studies offer wide range of benefits, such as reduced time, cost and risk over de novo drug discovery. Therefore, we aimed to target glucose and glutamine metabolism in androgen-dependent LNCaP cells by using metformin and memantine and investigate these agents’ effects on prostate cancer cell proliferation in vitro. We evaluated the effects of metformin and memantine on the protein expression levels of genes that play significant roles in apoptosis and cell cycle progression (Casp3, Casp9, Bcl-2, Survivin, Bax, c-Myc, HIF1A, CCND1, CDK4 and GAPDH) by Western blotting. Alzheimer’s drug memantine exerted cytotoxic effects at 0.25 mM and metformin at 2.5 mM. We identified for the first time that memantine exerts antineoplastic activity (0.25 mM) by triggering Bax-dependent pathway of apoptosis. In addition to that both molecules have shown similar patterns on pro- and anti-apoptotic protein expression levels, such as Bcl-2, Casp3, Survivin and Bax. Our preclinic results indicate that memantine might be used as a new repositioned drug in cancer treatment. Beyond targeting glucose metabolism, glutamine metabolism also holds great promise for a potential treatment option.
Non-destructive safety assessment of agricultural products using Vis/NIR spectroscopy
Authors: Jamshidi Bahareh
Published: December 2017

Visible/near-infrared (Vis/NIR) spectroscopy can be used for fast and non-destructive safety assessment of agricultural products in terms of contamination by pesticide residues. This paper reports the development method and evaluation of a user-friendly portable system for the safety control of intact cucumbers by the absence/presence of pesticide residue based on Vis/NIR spectroscopy. The system’s software can also be generalized for the detection and monitoring of pesticide residues in other agricultural products if developing their appropriate models is feasible.
Assessing pre-harvest sprouting in cereals using near-infrared spectroscopy-based metabolomics
Authors: Jones Oliver A.H.
Published: December 2017

This paper presents some preliminary work assessing the potential for near-infrared-based metabolomics to provide an accurate test for detecting the early germination/pre-harvest sprouting of grains, particularly barley and wheat. Our results indicate that near-infrared spectroscopy is not only able to determine if the grain has germinated (or started germinating) or not germinated well before shoots appear but can also provide an indication of how long the germination process has been occurring for. Since near-infrared-based methods are already well established in the grain industry, this technique has the potential to form the basis of a simple, fast test that could be used on the farm as well as during storage and transport to detect early germination and allow segregation of sound and mildly sprouted grain; this could have significant economic benefits for the grain industry.
Bayesian proportional hazards model with latent variables
Authors: Pan Deng , Kang Kai , Wang Chunjie , Song Xinyuan
Published: December 2017

We consider a joint modeling approach that incorporates latent variables into a proportional hazards model to examine the observed and latent risk factors of the failure time of interest. An exploratory factor analysis model is used to characterize the latent risk factors through multiple observed variables. In commonly used confirmatory factor analysis, the number of latent variables and their observed indicators are specified prior to analysis. By contrast, the exploratory factor analysis model allows such information to be fully determined by the data. A Bayesian approach coupled with efficient sampling methods is developed to conduct statistical inference, and the performance of the proposed methodology is confirmed through simulations. The model is applied to a study on the risk factors of chronic kidney disease for patients with type 2 diabetes.
Collaborative-controlled LASSO for constructing propensity score-based estimators in high-dimensional data
Authors: Ju Cheng , Wyss Richard , Franklin Jessica M , Schneeweiss Sebastian , Häggström Jenny , van der Laan Mark J
Published: December 2017

Propensity score-based estimators are increasingly used for causal inference in observational studies. However, model selection for propensity score estimation in high-dimensional data has received little attention. In these settings, propensity score models have traditionally been selected based on the goodness-of-fit for the treatment mechanism itself, without consideration of the causal parameter of interest. Collaborative minimum loss-based estimation is a novel methodology for causal inference that takes into account information on the causal parameter of interest when selecting a propensity score model. This “collaborative learning” considers variable associations with both treatment and outcome when selecting a propensity score model in order to minimize a bias-variance tradeoff in the estimated treatment effect. In this study, we introduce a novel approach for collaborative model selection when using the LASSO estimator for propensity score estimation in high-dimensional covariate settings. To demonstrate the importance of selecting the propensity score model collaboratively, we designed quasi-experiments based on a real electronic healthcare database, where only the potential outcomes were manually generated, and the treatment and baseline covariates remained unchanged. Results showed that the collaborative minimum loss-based estimation algorithm outperformed other competing estimators for both point estimation and confidence interval coverage. In addition, the propensity score model selected by collaborative minimum loss-based estimation could be applied to other propensity score-based estimators, which also resulted in substantive improvement for both point estimation and confidence interval coverage. We illustrate the discussed concepts through an empirical example comparing the effects of non-selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with selective COX-2 inhibitors on gastrointestinal complications in a population of Medicare beneficiaries.
Useful near infrared spectroscopy model calibrations on solid wood samples of Pterocarpus erinaceus (Poir.) for physical, mechanical and colour properties
Authors: Segla Kossi Novinyo , Rabiou Habou , Adjonou Kossi , Guibal Daniel , Bationo André Babou , Mahamane Ali , Kokou Kouami , Langbour Patrick , Kokutse Adzo Dzifa , CHaix Gilles
Published: December 2017

Pterocarpus erinaceus (Poir.) (local name: Toti, Tem) is a species endemic to the Guinea-Sudan and Sudan-Sahel zones. It is over-exploited for its wood, which is sold in international trade to China and Indian markets. The selection of high performance wood based on wood properties and their vegetative reproduction represents the best option for the establishment of plantations with the aim of promoting the restoration of degraded natural resources. However, measurements of these characters are lengthy, time consuming and destructive, and difficult to perform in Togo because of the lack of equipment. An alternative to those methods is near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. The aim of this study was to assess the efficiency and feasibility of near infrared spectroscopy for predicting the physical and mechanical properties and the colour parameters of P. erinaceus wood from Burkina Faso, Niger and Togo. The properties were determined by conventional method and correlated with near infrared spectra using partial least square regression. The partial least square regression models were tested by cross-validation and by external validation. The results of this study showed the possible use of near infrared spectroscopy to estimate the physical and mechanical properties and the colour parameters of P. erinaceus wood. In fact, when validating prediction models for radial and tangential shrinkage, the fibre saturation point (FSP) showed R2 values of 0.70, 0.71, and 0.92, respectively, with ratio performance deviation values of 1.84, 1.87 and 3.57. For the colour parameters L*, a* and b*, the R2 values were 0.83, 0.74 and 0.67, respectively, with ratio performance deviation values of 2.40, 2 and 1.70. The results showed that the basic density and fibre saturation point models were classed as good to very good, respectively. Near infrared spectroscopy can therefore be used to predict efficiently the properties of P. erinaceus wood for a large number of samples, enabling the incorporation of those traits in breeding criteria.
Discrimination of lactic acid bacteria Enterococcus and Lactococcus by infrared spectroscopy and multivariate techniques
Authors: Levasseur-Garcia Cecile , Couderc Christel , Tormo Helene
Published: December 2017

Raw milk is often described as a major source of lactic acid bacteria for indigenous lactic starter. These indigenous starters contribute to the sensorial quality of cheese. Raw milk, rich in Lactoccocus lactis may therefore be very interesting for the cheese making. Currently, the most commonly used methods to differentiate lactic acid bacteria, and particularly the closely related phenotypes Lactococcus and Enterococcus, are based on DNA sequencing, but the cost and time required for these analytical methods hinder their use for rapid screening of raw material. The present study therefore proposes a simple alternative method to identify and discriminate against Lactococcus and Enterococcus, at the genus, but also at the species level, that is based on collecting near infrared spectra directly from bacterial colonies in Petri dishes. The infrared spectra of 280 strains of Lactococcus and Enterococcus cultured on solid media were collected by using a spectrometer with a wavelength range of 908 to 1684 nm and a remote probe. The best Classification And Regression Trees models for genus and species discrimination gave an excellent classification rate of 87% on an external validation set (30 strains). Loading line plots, with prominent bands at 900–960 and 1270–1390 nm, confirmed that the source of variation was due to changes in the polysaccharides.
Comparison of hand-held near infrared spectrophotometers for fruit dry matter assessment
Authors: Kaur Harpreet , Künnemeyer Rainer , McGlone Andrew
Published: December 2017

Comparisons are reported for developing predictive models for dry matter across a wide variety of fruits with near infrared spectroscopy instrumentation, using a number of commercially available hand-held portable instruments (NIRVANA by Integrated Spectronics, F-750 by Felix Instruments, H-100C by Sunforest and SCiO by Consumer Physics) and an in-house laboratory based instrument (Benchtop). Three intrinsic (same fruit type) and combined (all fruit types) data sets were created from two separate batches of fruit populations. The first batch (Lot I) consisted of 205 ripe fruits from three different main fruit types (apples, kiwifruit and summerfruit) and 12 distinct fruit sub-categories. The second batch (Lot II) consisted of 91 ripe fruits from two different fruit types (apples and kiwifruit) and seven distinct fruit sub-categories. The laboratory based Benchtop instrument performed the best overall with typically higher prediction r2 values (>0.92). The hand-held instruments delivered moderate to high r2 values between 0.8 and 0.95. Results obtained with the intrinsic data sets revealed typically lower root mean square errors of prediction for apples and kiwifruit (0.32% to 0.73%) and larger prediction errors for summerfruit (0.53% to 0.82%). Some large performance variations between instruments of the same type were observed suggesting caution in evaluating the relative performance of different instrument types or formats on the basis of data generated with just a single instrument and/or data set. However, performance differences between the different hand-held portable instruments, on the same data sets, were often not statistically significant ( p < 0.05). Instrument choice for any particular application will likely come down to matters not considered here, such as, for example, ease and accuracy during in-field operation and overall reliability.
A predictive artificial neural network model as a simulator of the extra virgin olive oil elaboration process
Authors: Funes Estrella , Allouche Yosra , Beltrán Gabriel , Aguliera M Paz , Jiménez Antonio
Published: December 2017

Nine neural models were created to predict the characteristics of the extra virgin olive oil developed as a quality objective and by-products. These models are designed with the help of data of process variables from physical sensors such as temperature, flows, current intensity, etc. and physicochemical ones like the near infrared spectrum of the olive mass. The results obtained for the extractability of the process (fatty content and moisture) were highly significant correlations (r2≥0.90) and with similar prediction errors (root mean of squared error of prediction) relative to other analysis techniques which measure the by-product directly. For prediction the models gave correlations above 0.94, with the exception of ultraviolet absorption coefficients (0.72–0.84), with small prediction errors and the quality indicator relative error range with values above the optimal 10. The set of developed artificial neural networks models constitute the basis of the global ‘simulator’ tool of the extra virgin olive oil process. This simulator can perform a predictive optimization of the process to pre-adjust the process variables according to the goals marked in productivity or quality, from an near infrared spectral database or by real-time scanning. This simulator could be integrated into a control system that performs the function of a ‘virtual plant’ that allows the said system to adjust in real time the appropriate variables to meet the objectives.
“Waking us from this Endless Slumber”: The Ottoman–Italian War and North Africa in the Ottoman Twentieth Century
Authors: Hock Stefan
Published: December 2017

The Ottoman–Italian War of 1911–1912, often overlooked as little more than a prelude to much greater calamities, produced a vibrant discourse in Ottoman-language newspapers that called attention to issues including the efficacy of international law, Ottoman sovereignty, and the place of North Africa in the Ottoman imperial imagination. This article explores the coverage of the war in the Ottoman-language press and argues that the outbreak of the Ottoman–Italian War produced similar claims on the need to protect the Ottoman nation – and Ottoman imperial ambitions – to those following the Balkan Wars to which historiography ascribes much more importance.
‘To bring the American Army under strict Discipline’: British Army Foraging Policy in the South, 1780–81
Authors: Urwin Gregory J.W.
Published: December 2017

Many British soldiers charged with suppressing the American Revolution embarked on their mission animated by anger. They expressed their fury most frequently through indiscriminate looting. Marauding undermined the discipline of the king’s troops and their commanders’ strategy by making enemies out of American moderates who had not yet rebelled, alienating Loyalists, and renewing Rebel resolve to continue fighting. In either 1778 or 1779, General Sir Henry Clinton, the British commander-in-chief in North America, commissioned two aides-de-camp, Major Patrick Ferguson and Captain John André, to formulate independent plans to enable British armies to operate in the interior without alienating hearts and minds. This article explores how Clinton, Lieutenant General Lord Charles Cornwallis, and other British commanders attempted to implement the André/Ferguson plan in the American South in 1780 and 1781.
A Three‐Year Review of Complaints in Emergency Department
Authors: Tam AYB , Lau FL
Published: December 2017

A three‐year retrospective analysis of complaints in an emergency department (ED) in Hong Kong was performed as part of a risk management and quality assurance program for improving patient care and reducing future complaints. The incidence, validity, causes, pattern, legal risk and settlement time of all complaints were studied. From June 1995 to May 1998, there were 71 complaints out of a total of 728040 ED attendance. They were classified into urgent and non‐urgent patient groups, yielding a frequency of 0.1 complaint per 1,000 patient visits. Among the 71 complaints, 42 (59%) complaints were judged valid, corresponding to a total of 47 (47%) dissatisfactions. About two third of the complaints had only one dissatisfaction. The frequent dissatisfaction categories were insufficient communication, misdiagnosis and inadequate patient management. Four complaints were potential legal cases but none had subsequent action or claim. More than 51 (70%) complaints were settled within 3 weeks. Regular assessment of complaint is helpful to improve the ED service as well as patient satisfaction.
Risk Management in Emergency Department
Authors: Chiu HS , Chung CH
Published: December 2017

Risk Management includes risk identification, assessment, prevention, control and event handling when they occur. With the change of social culture and public expectation, the need for more emphasis on risk management in clinical practice has become increasingly obvious. It is especially applicable to the practice of Emergency Medicine, which by its nature has intrinsic weaknesses vulnerable to mistakes and dissatisfaction. The newer trend recognises that the patient is the only one who is at real risk. In order to protect the patient and to lower litigation rate, the function of modern risk management is to ensure that every patient is handled in a correct, humane manner and to everybody's satisfaction.

There are a few important concepts in modern risk management and risk classification. Many different methods are available for identifying high‐risk areas in relation to the practice of Emergency Medicine. Strategies in preventing or minimising unsatisfactory outcomes vary, but are essentially linked to the commitment for the provision of quality care and clinical audit. Non‐clinical events and medical insurance also have their share in risk management. In essence, careful planning, adequate preparation and continuous monitoring are required to ensure that potential problems can be dealt with quickly and effectively should they occur.
Self-Instruction versus Traditional Training on Cast Application Technique
Authors: Cheung Lcc , Law Kl , Tsoi Lch , Chung Ch
Published: December 2017

Objective

To test the null hypothesis that for nurses working in emergency department, there is no difference between self-instruction and traditional method of training cast application technique, with respect to cost-effectiveness.

Method

This was a prospective, single-blind, randomised, controlled trial carried out at the Accident & Emergency Department of North District Hospital from 11 November 1998 to 16 May 2000. Thirty-three full-time emergency department nurses (9 nursing officers, 20 registered nurses and 4 enrolled nurses) were randomly assigned into two groups. Sixteen were given the self-instruction training program (intervention group) and 17 were instructed by traditional training program (control group). The primary outcome measure was cost-effectiveness analysis. The predetermined relative cost ratio was compared with the relative success ratio of the two methods. The secondary outcome measures were individual skill performance, knowledge scores and attitude ranks.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between self-instruction and traditional method of training. The relative cost ratio of self-instruction to traditional method was 0.80. The relative success ratio of self-instruction to traditional method was 0.82. All nurses showed improvement in their knowledge (mean knowledge score, 38 versus 89). Trainees in the traditional method had more confidence performing cast application. Subgroup analysis showed that trainee characteristics and attitude did not predict the outcome.

Conclusion

Self-instruction method and traditional method may be equally cost-effective for training cast application technique. Both methods resulted in significant improvement in knowledge of cast application. Nurses trained with the traditional method had more confidence than those trained with self-instruction method.
Rapid Sequence Induction and Intubation
Authors: So Hy
Published: December 2017

The modern version of RSI starts with preoxygenation. General anaesthesia is then induced using a rapid acting intravenous anaesthetic and a rapid acing muscle relaxant. Cricoid pressure is applied by an experienced assistant during induction, which should then be maintained until the trachea of the patient is intubated, correct positioning of the tracheal tube confirmed and the cuff inflated. The patient is conventionally not ventilated during this phase but critically ill patients are exceptions. The patient's tracheal should be intubated when adequately paralysed and its position verified. The assistant can then relieve the cricoid pressure and the tracheal tube fixed.
Brugada Syndrome: An Intriguing Phenomenon
Authors: Lateef F , Anantharaman V
Published: December 2017

Brugada Syndrome has a unique electrocardiographic pattern of downsloping ST-segment elevation in the right praecordial leads (V1 to V3), right bundle branch block pattern and a normal QT-interval. Intermittent and concealed forms do exist. It is important for emergency physicians to recognise this ECG marker of sudden cardiac death. We report the case of a young man who presented to the Emergency Department with chest pain, and whose ECG was diagnostic of Brugada Syndrome. This is followed by a discussion on its recognition, postulated mechanisms and current mode of management.
Substance Abuse Patient Characteristics: A Scene from an Emergency Department near the Hong Kong – Shenzhen Border
Authors: Yuen WC , Tang WF , Chung CH
Published: December 2017

Objective

Drug abuse is an escalating problem in Hong Kong, especially among teenagers and young adults. A study was conducted in order to obtain the characteristics of drug abusers presenting to the Accident & Emergency department of North District Hospital, which is located in the New Territories near the Hong Kong – Shenzhen border.

Design

Prospective study.

Setting

Accident and Emergency department of a public general hospital.

Patients

Drug abusers presenting to the Accident and Emergency department in a six-month period.

Main outcome measures

Epidemiological data including demographic data, types of drug taken, place of drug abuse and magnitude of cross-border drug abuse were collected and analyzed.

Results

The sex distribution was male 59 and female 13 (ratio=4.5:1). The mean age was 29.2 (range 14 to 67 years). Of interest, 29.2% abused drugs at home; 29.2% abused drugs in parties such as karaoke, rave and disco; 68% abused drugs in Hong Kong; 32% abused drugs in China and 6.9% claimed themselves first-time drug abusers. The commonest drug taken was ecstasy (40.3%) – the majority (55%) in China and the rest (45%) in Hong Kong. For organic solvent abusers, 57.1% were below 18 years of age. One patient died, resulting in a mortality rate of 1.4%.

Conclusion

Ecstasy was the commonest drug abused on both sides of the “border”. The majority of substance abusers were teenagers or young adult males. This study confirmed the significant magnitude of psychotropic substance abuse problem among the young population in the North District, indicating the urgent need for clinical and social intervention.
Overdose of Dologesic with a Fatal Outcome: A Case Report
Authors: Man CY
Published: December 2017

Dologesic is a commonly prescribed analgesic in accident and emergency department. Yet report of overdose with this drug is not common. We report a case in which the patient developed cardiac arrest within an hour of ingestion. Dextropropoxyphene, a component of the drug Dologesic, used to be a common cause of fatalities after drug overdose in the seventies. It is highly toxic in overdose and therefore caution should be exercised when prescribing this drug.