bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Articular Cartilage Surface Roughness Using Gray-Level Co-Occurrence Matrix of Laser Speckle Image
Authors: Youssef Doaa , El-Ghandoor Hatem , Kandel Hamed , El-Azab Jala , Hassab-Elnaby Salah
Published: June 2017

The application of He-Ne laser technologies for description of articular cartilage degeneration, one of the most common diseases worldwide, is an innovative usage of these technologies used primarily in material engineering. Plain radiography and magnetic resonance imaging are insufficient to allow the early assessment of the disease. As surface roughness of articular cartilage is an important indicator of articular cartilage degeneration progress, a safe and noncontact technique based on laser speckle image to estimate the surface roughness is provided. This speckle image from the articular cartilage surface, when illuminated by laser beam, gives very important information about the physical properties of the surface. An experimental setup using a low power He-Ne laser and a high-resolution digital camera was implemented to obtain speckle images of ten bovine articular cartilage specimens prepared for different average roughness values. Texture analysis method based on gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) analyzed on the captured speckle images is used to characterize the surface roughness of the specimens depending on the computation of Haralick’s texture features. In conclusion, this promising method can accurately estimate the surface roughness of articular cartilage even for early signs of degeneration. The method is effective for estimation of average surface roughness values ranging from 0.09 µm to 2.51 µm with an accuracy of 0.03 µm.
Design and Production of Continuously Gradient Macro/Microporous Calcium Phosphate (CaP) Scaffolds Using Ceramic/Camphene-Based 3D Extrusion
Authors: Ahn Min-Kyung , Moon Young-Wook , Maeng Woo-Youl , Koh Young-Hag , Kim Hyoun-Ee
Published: June 2017

This study proposes a new type of calcium phosphate (CaP) scaffolds with a continuously gradient macro/microporous structure using the ceramic/camphene-based 3D extrusion process. Green filaments with a continuously gradient core/shell structure were successfully produced by extruding a bilayered feedrod comprised of a CaP/camphene mixture lower part and a pure camphene upper part. The extruded filaments were then deposited in a controlled manner to construct triangular prisms, followed by the assembly process for the production of CaP scaffolds with a gradient core/shell structure. In addition, a gradient microporous structure was created by heat-treating the green body at 43 °C to induce the overgrowth of camphene dendrites in the CaP/camphene walls. The produced CaP scaffold showed a highly macroporous structure within its inner core, where the size of macrochannels increased gradually with an increase in the distance from the outer shell, while relatively larger micropores were created in the outer shell.
Labradorins with Antibacterial Activity Produced by Pseudomonas sp.
Authors: Broberg Anders , Bjerketorp Joakim , Andersson Pierre , Sahlberg Christer , Levenfors Jolanta
Published: June 2017

The urgent need for new antibacterial drugs has led to renewed interest in microorganisms, which historically have been the main source of previously discovered antibiotics. The present study describes the discovery of two new antibacterial oxazolylindole type alkaloids, labradorins 5 (1) and 6 (2), which were isolated and characterized from two isolates of Pseudomonas sp., along with four previously known tryptophane derived alkaloids. The structures of 1 and 2 were determined by NMR spectroscopy and MS, and confirmed by synthesis. During bioassay-guided isolation using several human bacterial pathogens, 1 and 2 displayed activity towards Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of compounds 1 and 2 against S. aureus were 12 μg·mL−1 and 50 μg·mL−1, respectively, whereas the MICs against A. baumannii were >50 μg·mL−1. The CC50 values of compound 1 towards a liver cell line (HEP-G2) and a T-cell line (MT4) were 30 μg·mL−1 and 20 μg·mL−1, respectively, and for compound 2 were >100 μg·mL−1 and 20 μg·mL−1, respectively. Due to the limited potency of compounds 1 and 2, along with their toxicity, the compounds do not warrant further development towards new antibiotics.
Estimation of FAPAR over Croplands Using MISR Data and the Earth Observation Land Data Assimilation System (EO-LDAS)
Authors: Chernetskiy Maxim , Gómez-Dans Jose , Gobron Nadine , Morgan Olivier , Lewis Philip , Truckenbrodt Sina , Schmullius Christiane
Published: June 2017

The Fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetically-Active Radiation (FAPAR) is an important parameter in climate and carbon cycle studies. In this paper, we use the Earth Observation Land Data Assimilation System (EO-LDAS) framework to retrieve FAPAR from observations of directional surface reflectance measurements from the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer(MISR) instrument. The procedure works by interpreting the reflectance data via the semi-discrete Radiative Transfer (RT) model, supported by a prior parameter distribution and a dynamic regularisation model and resulting in an inference of land surface parameters, such as effective Leaf Area Index (LAI), leaf chlorophyll concentration and fraction of senescent leaves, with full uncertainty quantification. The method is demonstrated over three agricultural FLUXNET sites, and the EO-LDAS results are compared with eight years of in situ measurements of FAPAR and LAI, resulting in a total of 24 site years. We additionally compare three other widely-used EO FAPAR products, namely the MEdium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) Full Resolution, the MISR High Resolution (HR) Joint Research Centre Two-stream Inversion Package (JRC-TIP) and MODIS MCD15 FAPAR products. The EO-LDAS MISR FAPAR retrievals show a high correlation with the ground measurements ( r 2 > 0.8), as well as the lowest average R M S E (0.14), in line with the MODIS product. As the EO-LDAS solution is effectively interpolated, if only measurements that are coincident with MISR observations are considered, the correlation increases ( r 2 > 0.85); the R M S E is lower by 4–5%; and the bias is 2% and 7%. The EO-LDAS MISR LAI estimates show a strong correlation with ground-based LAI (average r 2 = 0.76), but an underestimate of LAI for optically-thick canopies due to saturation (average R M S E = 2.23). These results suggest that the EO-LDAS approach is successful in retrieving both FAPAR and other land surface parameters. A large part of this success is based on the use of a dynamic regularisation model that counteracts the poor temporal sampling from the MISR instrument.
Nonlinear Classification of Multispectral Imagery Using Representation-Based Classifiers
Authors: Xu Yan , Du Qian , Li Wei , Chen Chen , Younan Nicolas
Published: June 2017

This paper investigates representation-based classification for multispectral imagery. Due to small spectral dimension, the performance of classification may be limited, and, in general, it is difficult to discriminate different classes with multispectral imagery. Nonlinear band generation method with explicit functions is proposed to use which can provide additional spectral information for multispectral image classification. Specifically, we propose the simple band ratio function, which can yield better performance than the nonlinear kernel method with implicit mapping function. Two representation-based classifiers—i.e., sparse representation classifier (SRC) and nearest regularized subspace (NRS) method—are evaluated on the nonlinearly generated datasets. Experimental results demonstrate that this dimensionality-expansion approach can outperform the traditional kernel method in terms of high classification accuracy and low computational cost when classifying multispectral imagery.
Nanoporous Gold Nanocomposites as a Versatile Platform for Plasmonic Engineering and Sensing
Authors: Zhao Fusheng , Zeng Jianbo , Shih Wei-Chuan
Published: June 2017

Plasmonic metal nanostructures have shown great potential in sensing applications. Among various materials and structures, monolithic nanoporous gold disks (NPGD) have several unique features such as three-dimensional (3D) porous network, large surface area, tunable plasmonic resonance, high-density hot-spots, and excellent architectural integrity and environmental stability. They exhibit a great potential in surface-enhanced spectroscopy, photothermal conversion, and plasmonic sensing. In this work, interactions between smaller colloidal gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and individual NPGDs are studied. Specifically, colloidal gold nanoparticles with different sizes are loaded onto NPGD substrates to form NPG hybrid nanocomposites with tunable plasmonic resonance peaks in the near-infrared spectral range. Newly formed plasmonic hot-spots due to the coupling between individual nanoparticles and NPG disk have been identified in the nanocomposites, which have been experimentally studied using extinction and surface-enhanced Raman scattering. Numerical modeling and simulations have been employed to further unravel various coupling scenarios between AuNP and NPGDs.
Review of Portable and Low-Cost Sensors for the Ambient Air Monitoring of Benzene and Other Volatile Organic Compounds
Authors: Spinelle Laurent , Gerboles Michel , Kok Gertjan , Persijn Stefan , Sauerwald Tilman
Published: June 2017

This article presents a literature review of sensors for the monitoring of benzene in ambient air and other volatile organic compounds. Combined with information provided by stakeholders, manufacturers and literature, the review considers commercially available sensors, including PID-based sensors, semiconductor (resistive gas sensors) and portable on-line measuring devices as for example sensor arrays. The bibliographic collection includes the following topics: sensor description, field of application at fixed sites, indoor and ambient air monitoring, range of concentration levels and limit of detection in air, model descriptions of the phenomena involved in the sensor detection process, gaseous interference selectivity of sensors in complex VOC matrix, validation data in lab experiments and under field conditions.
The Effect of Interior Design Elements and Lighting Layouts on Prospective Occupants’ Perceptions of Amenity and Efficiency in Living Rooms
Authors: Lee Sangwon , Alzoubi Hussain , Kim Sooyoung
Published: June 2017

This study examines the effect of interior design elements on prospective occupants’ perceptions of amenity and efficiency in a residential space. Thirty-one prospective occupants participated in a survey using virtual reality environments that consist of various combinations of interior design elements. In this study, occupants’ perceptions were discussed in terms of affordance and satisfaction, and the relationship between them is interpreted statistically. The spatial factors affecting overall satisfaction at a detailed level were discussed. The causal relationship between the interior design elements and space were determined under the elaboration of perception processing. Multiple linear relationships between a limited number of spatial factors and virtually created space were analyzed. The perceived affordance of interior design elements was influenced by priming and concrete behaviors in a space. The materials, surfaces, and colors were weak contributors to clear perceptions about space. The occupants’ evaluative perception processing elaborations were not effectively activated in the assessment of spatial design adequacy (SDA) in terms of materials, surfaces, and colors in a space.
Evaluation of Power Ultrasonic Effects on Algae Cells at a Small Pilot Scale
Authors: Wu Xiaoge , Mason Timothy
Published: June 2017

It has been recognized for several years that power ultrasound can effectively inactivate algae cells at a laboratory scale. However, although ultrasonic inactivation shows great potential, there are few reports of its use when applied on a large scale. In this study, we have investigated the uses of two types of ultrasonic equipment at a small and medium laboratory scale for the control of algae blooms which are commercially available in similar configurations for industrial scale operation. The following equipment was tested using cultured algae suspension: (a) Dual Frequency Reactor (DFR) operating on 1 L in batch mode and 3.5 L in recirculating mode with two resonating plates at different frequencies of 16 and 20 kHz (Advanced Sonic Processing Systems, USA); (b) Sonolator operating in a flow mode treating 5 L using hydrodynamic cavitation (Sonic Corporation, Stanford, CA, USA). The most effective inactivation was obtained using the DFR in batch mode at 60% power setting for 10 min which resulted in a reduction of 60% of the original concentration (measured using optical density OD). In a recirculating loop mode, the treatment of 3.5 L algae suspension with a DFR for 15 min resulted in a reduction of 46% (OD). Ultrasonic treatment of 5 L suspension in a recirculating loop using the Sonolator over 5 h resulted in a reduction of 30% (OD). This study is the first to explore the use of two commercially available ultrasonic systems (DFR and Sonolator) both capable of direct scale-up to industrial levels for the control of algae. It demonstrates that sonication in a recirculating process has the potential to be effective in the treatment of algal cells on a large scale.
Palliative Care as a Public Health Issue: Understanding Disparities in Access to Palliative Care for the Homeless Population Living in Toronto, Based on a Policy Analysis
Authors: Henry Blair , Dosani N. , Huynh L. , Amirault N.
Published: June 2017

Even in a developed country such as Canada, there are disparities in just access to adequate health care—and, more specifically, palliative care. That inequality is most notable in an underserved group such as the homeless population. Even the word "homeless" has become both a negative descriptor and a stereotype in our society. We posit that the provision of hospice palliative care is structured on several problematic assumptions: an expectation that patients will have an informal support network (family and friends), a stable and secure residence, a predictive terminal illness trajectory, and reasonable access to health care. Those assumptions create structural inequality within the system. Homeless individuals have considerable experience with death and dying, and qualitative research has shown them to hold the expectation that their death will be both sudden and violent. Here, we look at the current data concerning known disparities in access to good palliative care services experienced by the homeless population, based on a stakeholder analysis of the available literature. That information, coupled with the use of a public health ethics decision-making tool, such as the Good Decision Making in Real Time framework, is used to explore the common ethics challenges that can arise in public health interventions aimed at the provision of end-of-life care to homeless adults. A broad exploration of the system that underlies our care is critical to the proper and appropriate provision of care for homeless individuals.
Multidisciplinary Retroperitoneal and Pelvic Soft-Tissue Sarcoma Case Conferences: The Added Value that Radiologists Can Provide
Authors: Lim Robert S. , Kielar A. Z. , El-Maraghi R. H. , Fraser M. A. , Nessim C. , Thipphavong S.
Published: June 2017

Clinical Vignette: A 50-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with increasing abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomography imaging reveals an expanded inferior vena cava–filling defect that is suspicious for a retroperitoneal sarcoma, possibly a primary leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava. The surgery team discusses the case with the radiologist, and all agree that there are multiple challenges with obtaining a tissue diagnosis and determining resectability. Thus, it is decided that this patient should be discussed at a multidisciplinary case conference. In the present article, we feature a case-based scenario focusing on the role of the radiologist in this type of multidisciplinary team.
Quality of Life for Patients Surviving Cancer: Are We Moving Ahead?
Authors: Chasen Martin , Hollingshead S. , Conter H. , Bhargava R.
Published: June 2017

Much has changed in the United States and worldwide since Richard Nixon signed the U.S. National Cancer Act of 1971. [...]
The MUSCLES Treasury Survey. IV. Scaling Relations for Ultraviolet, Ca ii K, and Energetic Particle Fluxes from M Dwarfs
Authors: Youngblood Allison , France Kevin , Loyd R. O. Parke , Brown Alexander , Mason James P. , Schneider P. Christian , Tilley Matt A. , Berta-Thompson Zachory K. , Buccino Andrea , Froning Cynthia S. , Hawley Suzanne L. , Linsky Jeffrey , Mauas Pablo J. D. , Redfield Seth , Kowalski Adam , Miguel Yamila , Newton Elisabeth R. , Rugheimer Sarah , Segura Antígona , Roberge Aki , Vieytes Mariela
Published: June 2017

Characterizing the UV spectral energy distribution (SED) of an exoplanet host star is critically important for assessing its planet’s potential habitability, particularly for M dwarfs, as they are prime targets for current and near-term exoplanet characterization efforts and atmospheric models predict that their UV radiation can produce photochemistry on habitable zone planets different from that on Earth. To derive ground-based proxies for UV emission for use when Hubble Space Telescope (HST) observations are unavailable, we have assembled a sample of 15 early to mid-M dwarfs observed by HST and compared their nonsimultaneous UV and optical spectra. We find that the equivalent width of the chromospheric Ca ii K line at 3933 Å, when corrected for spectral type, can be used to estimate the stellar surface flux in ultraviolet emission lines, including H i Lyα. In addition, we address another potential driver of habitability: energetic particle fluxes associated with flares. We present a new technique for estimating soft X-ray and >10 MeV proton flux during far-UV emission line flares (Si iv and He ii) by assuming solar-like energy partitions. We analyze several flares from the M4 dwarf GJ 876 observed with HST and Chandra as part of the MUSCLES Treasury Survey and find that habitable zone planets orbiting GJ 876 are impacted by large Carrington-like flares with peak soft X-ray fluxes ≥10−3 W m−2 and possible proton fluxes ∼102–103 pfu, approximately four orders of magnitude more frequently than modern-day Earth.
Le plaisir comme rêve d’intensité
Authors: Nahoum-Grappe Véronique
Published: June 2017

La violente urgence du désir, puis son effacement dans le cadre de la vie conjugale, doivent être interprétés selon la construction sociale des distinctions de genre et des discours savants sur la sexualité. La volonté de jouir « toujours plus », désormais signe de l’intensité de la vie et non plus condamnée, fait pourtant coïncider la sexualité et la cruauté dans la possession (du corps) de l’autre.
Un embarras alimentaire
Authors: Chabert Martin
Published: June 2017

Que peut apporter un cas ethnographique au problème de la pathologisation des pratiques alimentaires ? En analysant les transformations de la relation d’enquête avec Neila, jeune femme issue de l’immigration algérienne, ayant grandi en banlieue et devenue « anorexique » dans une classe préparatoire d’élite, nous proposons de rompre avec l’illusion médicale qui homogénéise le sens des pratiques de jeûne et de vomissement, en montrant comment la relation d’enquête crée un mystère embarrassant qu’il s’agit, pour l’enquêteur comme pour l’enquêtée, d’expliquer sans le dissiper.
Recommendations for Promoting Quality and Safety in Health Care Systems
Authors: Stalter Ann M. , Mota Altagracia
Published: June 2017

Are you a nurse leader or professional development practitioner in a health care facility? This article provides recommendations to promote quality and safety education with a focus on systems thinking awareness among direct care nurses. A key point is error prevention, which requires a shared effort among all nurses.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2017;48(7):295–297.
Collaborative Testing
Authors: Billings Diane M.
Published: June 2017

Collaborative testing is an assessment or evaluation strategy in which two or more learners, during discussion and negotiation, determine the correct answer to a test question. This strategy promotes collaboration, team skills, and clinical decision making. Implementation involves developing questions that require clinical judgment, determining groups, and allocating adequate time for collaboration.

J Contin Nurs Educ.
2017;48(7):302–303.
Learning to Use Motivational Interviewing Effectively: Modules
Authors: Widder Ruth
Published: June 2017

Motivational interviewing (MI) is used by a variety of professionals to help clients to develop motivation for lifestyle changes and has been shown to be an effective way to induce health-promoting activities. Education of health professionals in MI communication techniques can be done many ways, including attending a seminar and completing online classes. In a review of the literature, support was found for a variety of methods. Miller and Moyers described eight steps to MI education that were used to formulate two modules for nurses and exercise physiologists in a cardiac rehabilitation department, as described in this article. The strategies used in the current article included PowerPoint presentations with audio linkage, participant practice with MI techniques via response to prompts, and self-evaluation of performance.

J Contin Educ Nurs.2017;48(7):312–319.
A POPULATION-BASED STUDY ON MYELODYSPLASTIC SYNDROMES IN THE LAZIO REGION (ITALY), MEDICAL MISCODING AND 11-YEAR MORTALITY FOLLOW-UP: THE GRUPPO ROMANO-LAZIALE MIELODISPLASIE EXPERIENCE OF RETROSPECTIVE MULTICENTRIC REGISTRY
Authors: Mayer Flavia , Faglioni Laura , Agabiti Nera , Fenu Susanna , Buccisano Francesco , Latagliata Roberto , Ricci Roberto , Aloe Spiriti Maria Antonietta , Tatarelli Caterina , Breccia Massimo , Cimino Giuseppe , Fianchi Luana , Gumenyuk Svitlana , Mancini Stefano , Maurillo Luca , Nobile Carolina , Niscola Pasquale , Piccioni Anna Lina , Tafuri Agostino , Trapè Giulio , Andriani Alessandro , De Fabritis Paolo , Voso Maria Teresa , Davoli Marina , Zini Gina
Published: June 2017

Results on myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) from population-based studies are rare and these data are infrequently collected by cancer registries because diagnostic difficulties and under-reported data.Our is the first regional Lazio study about medical coding, diagnosis, classification and mortality of MDS patients. This study is aimed at evaluating MDS medical miscoding and conducting a mortality follow-up in a cohort of 644 MDS patients enrolled in the Gruppo Romano-Laziale Mielodisplasie (GROM-L) registry from 2002 to 2010.We linked the MDS cohort with 2 regional health information systems: the Hospital Information System (HIS) and the regional Mortality Information System (MIS).About the first objective 92% of the patients had at most 12 hospitalization, but 28.5% of them had no hospitalization with the 238.7 ICD-9-CM. About the second objective we observed 45.5% of death during the follow-up, Myelodysplastic Syndrome was the second cause of death, other frequent causes of death were myeloid leukemia and aplastic anemia.This study highlights for the first time in Lazio that a disease like MDS, involving many resources for care assistance, tends to be under-documented in the HIS archive. This may be due to the evolution of the disease over the time, the inappropriate use of existing ICD-9-CM and the limitations of current ICD-9-CM classification. Moreover, the most frequent causes of death other than MDS might suggest a miscoding of MDS in the death causes too.In conclusion our registry could be a useful investigational tool to make a continued surveillance on medical miscoding and collect epidemiological data.
Uterine Lipoleiomyoma: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Nazir Haji Mohammed , Mehta Sankesh , Seena CR , Kulasekaran N
Published: June 2017

We report two cases of uterine lipoleiomyoma in postmenopausal women of ages 52 and 55 years, who presented with complaints of leukorrhea and lower abdominal pain, respectively. Lipoleiomyoma is a rare benign variant of leiomyoma, having an incidence of 0.03%–0.2%. These are benign pelvic tumors which are usually asymptomatic and commonly occur in obese postmenopausal women. However, they can occasionally present with typical leiomyoma symptoms. Imaging plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of benign pelvic tumors. Ultrasonography is the first imaging modality for diagnosis of pelvic tumors in females. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are specific in demonstrating the uterine origin and fat component.
Improving Communication With Surrogate Decision-Makers: A Pilot Initiative
Authors: Meltzer Ellen C. , Shi Zhenzhen , Suppes Alexandra , Hersh Jennifer E. , Orlander Jay D. , Calhoun Aaron W. , Tung Judy , Logio Lia , Manna Ruth , Bialer Philip A. , Acres Cathleen A. , Fins Joseph J.
Published: June 2017

Background 

Difficult conversations in medical care often occur between physicians and patients' surrogates, individuals entrusted with medical decisions for patients who lack the capacity to make them. Poor communication between patients' surrogates and physicians may exacerbate anxiety and guilt for surrogates, and may contribute to physician stress and burnout.

Objective 

This pilot study assesses the effectiveness of an experiential learning workshop that was conducted in a clinical setting, and aimed at improving resident physician communication skills with a focus on surrogate decision-making.

Methods 

From April through June 2016, we assessed internal medicine residents' baseline communication skills through an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) with actors representing standardized surrogates. After an intensive, 6-hour communication skills workshop, residents were reassessed via an OSCE on the same day. A faculty facilitator and the surrogate evaluated participants' communication skills via the expanded Gap Kalamazoo Consensus Statement Assessment Form. Wilcoxon signed rank tests (α of .05) compared mean pre- and postworkshop scores.

Results 

Of 44 residents, 33 (75%) participated. Participants' average preworkshop OSCE scores (M = 3.3, SD = 0.9) were significantly lower than postworkshop scores (M = 4.3; SD = 0.8; Z = 4.193; P < .001; effect size r = 0.52). After the workshop, the majority of participants self-reported feeling “more confident.”

Conclusions 

Residents' communication skills specific to surrogate decision-making benefit from focused interventions. Our pilot assessment of a workshop showed promise, and additionally demonstrated the feasibility of bringing OSCEs and simulated encounters into a busy clinical practice.
Seven Cases of Sigmoid Volvulus in Parkinson'S Disease
Authors: Blackley S , Maguire C , Daniels T
Published: June 2017

Non-motor features of Parkinson's disease are receiving greater recognition. Constipation affects up to 50% of patients with Parkinson's disease and sigmoid volvulus remains an under recognised complication with mortality rates up to 50%. The incidence of sigmoid volvulus in the general population is 1.7/100,000/year. The specific incidence in Parkinson's disease is not known; however, this case series suggests that it is noticeably more than in the general population at 100/100,000/year. This paper highlights the importance of early recognition and treatment of constipation to prevent volvulus developing and the various treatments currently available.
An Unusual Cause of Falls in a Young Woman
Authors: Sleeman I , Wiblin L , Burn D
Published: June 2017

Nitrous oxide is commonly used as an analgesic and anaesthetic agent. Nitrous oxide is also in use in industry as an aerosol propellant and is now recognised as a recreational drug whose use is growing, especially among the young. Nitrous oxide from whipped cream canisters is inhaled to produce a dissociative, intoxicated state. Nitrous oxide is known to inactivate vitamin B12 via oxidation, which can precipitate a demyelinating myelopathy akin to the classical B12 deficiency syndrome, subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord. This case describes a young woman with chronic pain and a poor nutritional state who took regular nitrous oxide as an opiate-sparing agent. She developed a progressive subacute myelopathy with a sensory level, profoundly impaired joint position sense, extensor plantars and required a wheelchair. Once diagnosed, she responded well to a regime of nitrous oxide withdrawal, high-dose B12 replacement and physiotherapy. The case illustrates the need for clinical teams to be able to identify a nitrous oxide-precipitated myelopathy as its use as a drug of abuse increases; particularly in the case of malnourished patients who receive nitrous oxide surgically or obstetrically.
A History of Edinburgh'S Medical Museums
Authors: Alberti SJMM
Published: June 2017

Edinburgh has a wealth of medical collections, thanks not only to its role in the Enlightenment and the diaspora of graduates from the large medical school, but also to recent developments in medical heritage. Concentrating on the collections of the University of Edinburgh's Anatomy Department and Surgeons’ Hall Museums at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, this paper charts the complex and connected histories of the material culture of anatomy, pathology and surgery in the city. What roles did museums play, from their 18th century origins to their 21st century resurgence, and who used them?
Dengue Fever with Compartment Syndrome of the Right Arm
Authors: Khoo CS , Chu GSE , Rosaida MS , Chidambaram SK
Published: June 2017

A 44-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with dengue fever. She developed a haematoma in the right arm at the site of a previous arterial line insertion. Due to coexisting thrombocytopenia, the bleeding was severe enough to cause compartment syndrome. An emergency fasciotomy was performed and her limb salvaged. The case illustrates one important potential complication of this common infectious disease.
A Qualitative Study of Determinants of Patient Behaviour Leading to An Infection Related Hospital Admission
Authors: Tonna AP , Weidmann AE , Laing RBS , Tonna I , Macartney GM , Paudyal V , Stewart D
Published: June 2017

Objectives

To describe and understand the determinants of patients’ behaviours surrounding admission to hospital for an acute infective episode

Method

Patients admitted to the infection or acute medicine admission units of a major Scottish teaching hospital and commenced on antibiotic therapy after admission were included. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted using a pre-piloted interview schedule guide that focused on gathering information about patient behaviours and experiences prior to admission to hospital with an acute infection. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the Framework Approach. Emerging themes were matched to the Theoretical Domains Framework of behavioural determinants.

Results

Twenty-one patients consented to participate and 18 transcripts were suitable for analysis. The most common infections were those of the skin, soft tissue and respiratory tract. From the patients’ perspectives, behavioural determinants that appeared to impact their admission to hospital were principally their knowledge, beliefs of consequences, the environmental context and resources (mainly out-of-hours services), social influences and their own emotions. Determinants such as knowledge of the signs and symptoms, beliefs of consequences and environmental context were facilitators of health seeking behaviours. The main barriers were a lack of awareness of consequences of infection potentially leading to delayed admission impacting infection severity, stay in secondary care and resource utilisation.

Conclusions

This study has shown that any initial patient-centred intervention that is proposed to change patient behaviour needs to be based on behavioural determinants emerging in this research. The intervention may include aspects such as patient education on resources available out-of-hours and ways to access the healthcare system, education on recognising signs of infection leading to prompter treatment and positive reinforcement for patients who present with recurrences of infection.
From The House with the Green Shutters to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour: the Portrayal of Alcohol in the Modern Scottish Novel
Authors: Beveridge AW
Published: June 2017

In modern Scottish literature alcohol is a recurrent subject; this paper examines the different ways it is portrayed with particular emphasis on the novel. It has been seen as the resort of the weak-minded and the cause of personal degradation. It has been portrayed as a response to and a symptom of social disintegration. It has been depicted as leading to delirium and psychosis. On a positive note it has been hailed as a source of inspiration and as a means of celebration. It has helped some troubled characters find the road to redemption. Along the way we encounter various literary stereotypes of the drinker, while the pub forms the backdrop to much of the action.
Measurement of scattering and absorption properties of dust aerosol in a Gobi farmland region of northwestern China – a potential anthropogenic influence
Authors: Bi Jianrong , Huang Jianping , Shi Jinsen , Hu Zhiyuan , Zhou Tian , Zhang Guolong , Huang Zhongwei , Wang Xin , Jin Hongchun
Published: June 2017

Abstract. We conducted a comprehensive field campaign to explore the optical characteristics of mineral dust in Dunhuang farmland near the Gobi Desert of northwest China during spring of 2012. The day-to-day and diurnal variations of dust aerosol showed prominent features throughout the experiment, primarily attributable to frequent dust events and local anthropogenic emissions. The overall average mass concentrations of the particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 10 µm (PM10), light scattering coefficient (σsp, 670), absorption coefficient (σap, 670), and single-scattering albedo (SSA670) were 113 ± 169 µg m−3, 53.3 ± 74.8 Mm−1, 3.2 ± 2.4 Mm−1, and 0.913 ± 0.05, respectively, which were comparable to the background levels in the southern United States but smaller than those in the eastern and other northwestern Chinese cities. The anthropogenic dust produced by agricultural cultivations (e.g., land planning, plowing, and disking) exerted a significant superimposed effect on high dust concentrations in Dunhuang farmland prior to the growing season (i.e., from 1 April to 10 May). Strong south valley wind and vertical mixing in daytime scavenged the pollution, and the weak northeast mountain wind and stable inversion layer at night favorably accumulated the air pollutants near the surface. In the afternoon (13:00–18:00 LT, local time), mean SSA670 was 0.945 ± 0.04 predominantly from dust particles, whereas finer particles and lower SSA670 values ( ∼  0.90–0.92) were measured at night, suggesting the potential influence by the mixed dust pollutants. During a typical biomass burning event on 4 April 2012, σap, 670 increased from  ∼  2.0 to 4.75 Mm−1 and SSA670 changed from  ∼  0.90 to  ∼  0.83, implying remarkable modification of aerosol absorptive properties induced by human activities. The findings of this study would help to advance an in-depth understanding of the interaction among dust aerosol, atmospheric chemistry, and climate change in a desert source region.
Exploiting LSPIV to assess debris flow velocities in the field
Authors: Theule Joshua I. , Crema Stefano , Marchi Lorenzo , Cavalli Marco , Comiti Francesco
Published: June 2017

Abstract. The assessment of flow velocity has a central role in quantitative analysis of debris flows, both for the characterization of the phenomenology of these processes, and for the assessment of related hazards. Large scale particle image velocimetry (LSPIV) can contribute to the assessment of surface velocity of debris flows, provided that the specific features of these processes (e.g. fast stage variations and particles up to boulder size on the flow surface) are taken into account. Three debris flow events, each of them consisting of several surges featuring different sediment concentration, flow stage and velocity, have been analyzed at the inlet of a sediment trap in a stream of the eastern Italian Alps (Gadria Creek). Free softwares have been employed for preliminary treatment (ortho-rectification and format conversion) of video-recorded images as well as for LSPIV application. Results show that LSPIV velocities are consistent with manual measurements on the ortho-rectified imagery and with front velocity measured from the hydrographs in a channel reach approximately 70 m upstream of the sediment trap. Horizontal turbulence, computed as the standard deviation of the flow directions at a given cross-section for a given surge, proved to be correlated with surface velocity and with visually estimated sediment concentration. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of LSPIV in the assessment of surface velocity of debris flows, and permit to identify the most crucial aspects for improving the accuracy of debris flows velocity measurements.
The Impact of ERP System's Usability on Enterprise Resource Planning Project Implementation Success via the Mediating Role of User Satisfaction
Authors: Yassien Eman , Masa'deh Raja'a , Mufleh Monira , Alrowwad Ala'aldin , Masa'deh Ra'ed
Published: June 2017

Organizations in the current environment need to create and sustain their competitive advantages. ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) solutions are considered a strong tool that helps organizations to succeed and arise. But ERP projects’ implementation has relatively low success rates in which it may affect and shake the whole organizational performance. This study searches the power of software usability to achieve ERP Project Implementation Success (ERP-PIS) considering the mediating role of user information satisfaction (UIS). A set of research's hypotheses have been constructed. This study adapts a positivism view, using the survey strategy. The questionnaires were filled by 106 managers who use ERP systems or affected by ERP systems in different organizations. The findings of the research ensure the fitness of the model, and that mediation role of user information satisfaction (UIS) in Jordan is highly visible. Also, the research shows up the strong power of usability to achieve ERP-PIS. Based on the findings, development of ERP applications would be improved by software organizations in terms of usability, and organizations need to acquire ERP applications would also improve their decisions in choosing an ERP solution.
Conhecimento, frequência e indicações de uso do Tratamento Restaurador Atraumático por cirurgiões-dentistas da rede municipal de saúde de Passo Fundo, RS, Brasil
Authors: Pinheiro Sthefani , Corralo Daniela Jorge , Funk Paulo Do Prado
Published: June 2017

O Tratamento Restaurador Atraumático (TRA) possibilita o tratamento de cárie com o auxílio de instrumentos manuais (curetas odontológicas) e posteriormente a restauração da cavidade com cimento de ionômero
de vidro (CIV). Na maioria dos casos, a anestesia e o isolamento absoluto são dispensados. Tal tratamento é realizado em locais onde o acesso a consultórios é impossibilitado ou quando o paciente não tem condições de receber o tratamento convencional. Objetivo: este
estudo propôs verificar o conhecimento de Cirurgiões-Dentistas que trabalham na rede municipal de saúde de Passo Fundo, RS sobre o Tratamento Restaurador Atraumático (TRA), suas indicações e frequência de uso na rotina de trabalho clínico. Sujeitos e método: a
amostra foi composta por 29 Cirurgiões-Dentistas que estavam trabalhando nas unidades de saúde durante o período da coleta dos dados e responderam a um questionário sobre o TRA. Resultados: verificou-se que a maior parte dos profissionais que já ouviram falar sobre a técnica do TRA (93%), conhecem suas indicações e tem conhecimento principalmente no que se refere aos materiais utilizados (85%), no entanto, confundem o TRA com adequação do meio bucal. Um total de 21 CDs (77,8%) relatam usar a técnica ou já terem utilizado
no passado. Conclusão: conclui-se que os CDs conhecem as indicações do TRA, porém necessitam de maior conhecimento no que se refere aos aspectos que diferem o TRA da adequação do meio bucal e tratamento restaurador definitivo. A técnica é utilizada pelos profissionais principalmente no serviço público, com resultados satisfatórios, considerando-a eficaz para ser utilizada na rede de saúde.
Avaliação do acesso nas Unidades de Saúde da Família gerenciadas pela Organização Social e pelo município
Authors: Volpato Luciana Fernandes , Martins Luiz Cândido , Meneghim Marcelo De Castro , Hebling Eduardo
Published: June 2017

Objetivo: o objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar o acesso nas Unidades de Saúde da Família (USF) gerenciadas pelo município de Piracicaba/SP e por uma organização social (OS), localizada na cidade de São Paulo/SP.
Sujeitos e Método: para avaliar a qualidade do acesso nas USF foi utilizada a ferramenta Desdobramento da Função Qualidade (QFD) A amostra constituiu-se de 480 voluntários, ou seja, 400 usuários dos serviços e 80 profissionais. Resultados: após as entrevistas com os
usuários e profissionais dos serviços de saúde, os resultados mostraram que a maior necessidade dos usuários das USF gerenciadas pelo município e pela OS, foi o agendamento de consultas na USF e o agendamento de consultas no serviço especializado. Conclusão: a
pesquisa constatou que as USF gerenciadas pela OS, mesmo tendo maior autonomia administrativa e financeira, não obtiveram melhores resultados no acesso. Portanto, o acesso constitui um desafio na construção do cuidado integral e ações e políticas para a reversão
dessa realidade devem ser implantadas para a melhoria dos serviços de saúde no país.
Avaliação do grau de conhecimento do cirurgião-dentista a respeito das manchas de sangue no contexto forense
Authors: Gamba Karla Rodrigues , Da Rosa Gabriela Cauduro , Baldasso Rosane Pérez , Vieira Cristina Saft Matos , Fernandes Mário Marques , Oliveira Rogério Nogueira
Published: June 2017

Objetivo: o presente trabalho buscou verificar o grau de conhecimento do cirurgião-dentista sobre aspectos relacionados ao efeito forense do sangue cenográfico em diferentes superfícies, bem como confirmar a
reprodutibilidade de modelos de manchas propostos por Simonin¹ (1966), variando ângulos de incidência e superfícies. Métodos: a amostra foi constituída por cirurgiões-dentistas dos cursos de atualização e especialização da Escola de Aperfeiçoamento Profissional da Associação Brasileira de Odontologia, Porto Alegre, RS. Para a realização da pesquisa, foram criados quatro tipos de manchas de sangue teatral com morfologias diferentes (“esfregaço”, “poça” ou “contato”, “escorrimento”
e “espargimento”) em superfícies de papel (folha A4) e outras seis manchas variando a angulação (45º e 90º) em três superfícies distintas (jeans, pano e papel). Após, os componentes da amostra avaliaram
as imagens. As respostas foram tabuladas e analisadas estatisticamente. Resultados: sobre a composição das manchas, 53,2% (n=33) dos pesquisados acertaram a questão. Em relação à classificação das manchas, o tipo esfregaço obteve um escore de acertos de 82,3%
(n=51) e a angulagem que mais atingiu respostas corretas foi de 90 graus, com 69,3% (n= 43). Conclusão: foi possível concluir que, embora a maioria dos pesquisados tivessem conhecimentos parciais em relação ao tema proposto, desconhecem que a perícia em vestígios como manchas ou líquidos oriundos da cavidade bucal ou nela presentes é uma das áreas de competência para atuação do especialista em Odontologia Legal.
Analysis of imbalanced data set problem: The case of churn prediction for telecommunication
Authors: Gui Chun
Published: June 2017

Class-imbalanced datasets are common in the field of mobile Internet industry. We tested three kinds of feature selection techniques-Random Forest (RF), Relative Weight (RW) and Standardized Regression Coefficients (SRC); three kinds of balance methods-over-sampling (OS), under-sampling (US) and synthetic minority over-sampling (SMOTE); a widely used classification method-RF. The combined models are composed of feature selection techniques, balancing techniques and classification method. The original dataset which has 45 thousand records and 22 features were used to evaluate the performances of both feature selection and balancing techniques. The experimental results revealed that SRC combined with SMOTE technique attained the minimum value of Cost = 1085. Through the calculation of the Cost on all models, the most important features for minimum cost of telecommunication were identified. The application of these combined models will have the possibility to maximize the profit with the minimum expenditure for customer retention and help reduce customer churn rates.
Out of School Learning Environments in Social Studies Education: A Phenomenological Research with Teacher Candidates
Authors: TOPCU Ersin
Published: June 2017

In this study, it was aimed to determine the remarks of teacher candidates on the place and importance of out of school learning environments in Social Studies education. Phenomenological method, which is one of the qualitative research designs, was used in this study. The work group of the study consists of 73 teacher candidates who conduct out of school activities (43 of them are Social Studies teacher candidates and 31 of them are Classroom teacher candidates). Semi structured interview form was used as data collection tool. Activity phase of the study was conducted in museums, Islamic-Ottoman social complexes, castles and historic mosques in Kastamonu, Sakarya, Kars and Eregli (a district of Zonguldak). Gathered data of the study was examined by using content analysis method, and it was presented with cause and effect relation. When results of the study were evaluated, it was concluded that teacher candidates believe that out of school learning activities embody the knowledge and increase memorability by integrating learning into living. Besides, according to teacher candidates, there are many obstacles ahead of out of school activities particularly economic reasons and reluctance of teachers and the structure/content of Social Studies lesson is very suitable for such activities.
Decentralization of Education in Indonesia—A Study on Education Development Gaps in the Provincial Areas
Authors: Winardi Winardi
Published: June 2017

Decentralization is acknowledged as the handover of government from central government to local government, including giving broader authority to local governments to manage education. This study aims to discovering education development gap between regions in Indonesia as a result of decentralization. This research method uses descriptive analysis that is supported by a combination of time series data and cross section data. Time series data used is the year 2014-2015, and the cross section data of 34 provinces in Indonesia. Gaps were revealed on the resources (including budgets, school facilities, and teachers), school participation, and the population that is illiterate in the area. The results showed that the persistence of the education development gap between regions. Gaps school facilities and number of teachers between regions still exists. The number of existing school facilities in some areas did not meet to accommodate all students. The ratio of the number of schools with teachers is still not meet. School participation rates in the provincial area still tend to be low, especially for the age group 16-18 and 19-24 years. There is gap between regions to reduce the population is illiterate, there are areas have a number of illiterates is still high despite the provincial area having income that is quite large. The study also found that, overall, the decentralization of education in Indonesia increase in the number of school participation and decrease the number of illiterate population in the provincial area.