bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acoustic and morphological identification of the sympatric cricket frogs Acris crepitans and A. gryllus and the disappearance of A. gryllus near the edge of its range
Authors: MICANCIN JONATHAN P. , METTE JEFF T.
Published: July 2019

Although the Northern Cricket Frog, Acris crepitans, and Blanchard’s Cricket Frog, A. c blanchardi or A. blanchardi, have declined in areas near the northern margins of their ranges in the eastern and central United States, no such declines have been reported for the Southern Cricket Frog, A. gryllus, at the northern margin of its range in the Southeast. However, the status of A. gryllus is obscured by its sympatry with A. crepitans and the difficulty of identifying the two species. To address these difficulties, we studied A. crepitans and A. gryllus from North Carolina in the field and in a large museum collection. We quantified distinct differences in the click components of the vocalizations of A. crepitans and A. gryllus and used these differences to identify calling males from field recordings. Based on field recording and collection, we developed a discriminant function to identify preserved specimens by the extent of hind-foot webbing and the diameter of anal tubercles. During surveys from 2004 to 2007, we found that Acris crepitans was more widespread than expected from published reports, as it was frequently found in the Coastal Plain. Acris gryllus was less widespread than expected, as we could not find it in the northern part of the upper Coastal Plain, where published reports indicated it should occur. By applying our discriminant function to Acris collected in 1962 and 1963, we confirmed that A. gryllus once occurred in this area. In 2008, we resurveyed sites where A. gryllus had once occurred alone or in syntopy with A. crepitans and confirmed that A. gryllus is now missing from three major river basins in the upper Coastal Plain of North Carolina. We conclude that while the range of A. crepitans is stable in North Carolina, A. gryllus has disappeared from a large area near the northern edge of its range.
An evaluation of the genus Kincaidiana Altman, 1936, with the designation of Altmanella n. gen. (Annelida, Clitellata, Lumbriculidae)
Authors: FEND STEVEN V.
Published: July 2019

A review of morphological characters for the western Nearctic genus Kincaidiana indicated that the two described species should be assigned to separate genera. Kincaidiana freidris Cook was transferred to a new genus, Altmanella. New material resembling A. freidris was obtained from many sites throughout western North America. Morphology of the male reproductive structures varied among populations, and the most distinctive morphological differences were accounted for by splitting the taxon into two species, which roughly corresponded to large scale regional patterns. Typical A. freidris occurred in several Pacific Coast drainages. Altmanella idahoensis n. sp., mostly associated with the Snake River drainage, was distinguished from A. freidris by shorter and less muscular atria and penial structures. A second new lumbriculid species with the same basic arrangement of reproductive organs was collected in southeastern North America, and was provisionally assigned to Altmanella. However, in contrast to the petiolate atria and large penial structures of A. freidris and A. idahoensis, Altmanella lenati n. sp. has tubular atria and simple male porophores.
Two new Parastenocarididae (Copepoda, Harpacticoida) from India: Parastenocaris muvattupuzha n. sp. from a river and P. kotumsarensis n. sp. from a cave
Authors: REDDY YENUMULA RANGA , DEFAYE DANIELLE
Published: July 2019

To date, 11 harpacticoid species from the family Parastenocarididae are known to occur on the Indian subcontinent. Of these, ten species belong to the genus Parastenocaris Kessler, 1913, and one to the genus Kinnecaris Jakobi, 1972. Two new species of the genus Parastenocaris, viz. P. muvattupuzha n. sp. and P. kotumsarensis n. sp., are described and illustrated herein from India and their taxonomic position within the genus Parastenocaris discussed. Parastenocaris muvattupuzha n. sp. was found in the hyporheic zone of the River Muvattupuzha in the State of Kerala, southwestern India. Having a unique set of morphological characters, this new species does not perfectly fit into any of the known Parastenocaris species-groups; it is treated as Parastenocaris s. l. It stands out in the genus, inter alia, by the presence of a distinct unguiform process at the inner distal corner of each caudal ramus in both sexes and a club-shaped, distally spinulose leg 4 endopod in the male. Parastenocaris kotumsarensis n. sp. is described based on specimens collected from Kotumsar Cave in the State of Chhattisgarh, central India. This species shares features with the brevipes-group of Parastenocaris (i.e. similar endopodal complex of the male leg 4) and the recently redefined genus Kinnecaris (i.e. presence of the triangular platelike fifth legs, which are similar in both sexes, and paired ventrolateral integumental windows on the antepenultimate and penultimate urosomites). Hence, for the time being, this species, like the preceding one, is also treated as Parastenocaris s. l. Parastenocaris kotumsarensis n. sp. is the first cavernicolous parastenocaridid from India and, on a broader geographical scale, from southern Asia.
A review of the genus Aponema Jensen, 1978 (Nematoda: Microlaimidae) with description of three new species
Authors: KOVALYEV SHOTA V. , MILJUTINA MARIA A.
Published: July 2019

The taxonomy of the genus Aponema Jensen, 1978 is discussed. An emended diagnosis and identification keys at species level are provided. Two Aponema species – A. decramerae and A. mnazi are transferred from the genus Aponema to Microlaimus because of the presence of two testes. One known Microlaimus species, Microlaimus nanus Blome, 1982, is transferred from the genus Microlaimus to Aponema because of the presence of a single testis in males. Three new Aponema species are described. A. bathyalis sp. n. is characterized by a small body, smooth or slightly transversely striated cuticle, amphids with rod-like protruding corpus gelatum, almost round pharyngeal bulb and presence of three papilliform precloacal supplements in males. A. bathyalis is similar to A. nympha and A. nanum but differs from the former by the position of amphidial fovea (at about 1.5 head diameters from anterior end vs less than 0.7 head diameters from anterior in A. nympha) and from the latter by the presence of a gubernaculum, a protruding corpus gelatum from the amphidial fovea and by the shorter tail (c = 8.2–11.3 vs c = 5.8–7.8). A. minutissima sp. n. is characterized by a very small slender body, transversely striated cuticle, roundish amphidial fovea, spherical pharyngeal bulb, presence of short somatic setae, large spermatozoa, and a weakly developed copulatory apparatus without gubernaculum. It differs from the other Aponema species by the small body size (0.20–0.43 mm). It mostly resembles A. bathyalis sp. n. but differs by smaller size, slightly striated cuticle and absence of a gubernaculum. A. westindicum sp. n. is characterized by a larger body, annulated cuticle, discernible dorsal tooth, pyriform pharyngeal bulb and conical tail. It differs from A. nanum (Blome, 1982) by longer body size and structure of buccal cavity. All Aponema species described in this paper are characterized by monorchic males without gubernacular apophyses, females with two outstretched ovaries and a conical tail.
First record of Microscydmus Saulcy & Croissandeau, 1893 from China, with descriptions of two new species (Coleoptera: Scydmaenidae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: July 2019

The genus Microscydmus Saulcy & Croissandeau, 1893 is reported for the first time to occur in China, and two new species are described: M. (s. str.) bicavatus sp. n. and M. (s. str.) nasutus sp. n. Both newly described species are distributed in Yunnan Province. Diagnostic characters, including the aedeagi, are illustrated.
Two new species of Sciadicleithrum (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae), gill parasites of Geophagus proximus (Castelnau) (Teleostei: Cichlidae), from the upper Paraná River floodplain, Brazil
Authors: BELLAY SYBELLE , TAKEMOTO RICARDO MASSATO , YAMADA FÁBIO HIDEKI , PAVANELL GILBERTO CEZAR
Published: July 2019

Sciadicleithrum kritskyi n. sp. and Sciadicleithrum paranaensis n. sp. are described from the gills of the acará tinga, Geophagus proximus (Cichlidae), from the upper Paraná River floodplain, Brazil. The most distinctive feature of Sciadicleithrum kritskyi n. sp. that distinguishes it from other members of Sciadicleithrum is the presence of the dorsal bar with a delicate anteromedial projection. Sciadicleithrum paranaensis n. sp. differs from other congeners by having the accessory piece composed of a variable sheath with a ring in the medial portion enclosing the distal shaft of the male copulatory organ. Sciadicleithrum paranaensis n. sp. can be differentiated easily from S. kritskyi n. sp. by having a vaginal aperture on the ventral body surface, and anchors that are similar in size.
New genera and species of leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) from China and South Korea
Authors: LOPATIN I. K. , KONSTANTINOV A. S.
Published: July 2019

Two new genera from China (Taumaceroides Lopatin and Yunnaniata Lopatin) and 11 new species (Smaragdina quadrimaculata Lopatin, S. oblongum Lopatin, Hyphaenia volkovitshi Lopatin, Arthrotus daliensis Lopatin, Taumaceroides sinicus Lopatin, Yunnaniata konstantinovi Lopatin, Calomicrus yunnanus Lopatin, C. minutissimus Lopatin, Hermaeophaga belkadavi Konstantinov, H. dali Konstantinov from China, and H. korotyaevi Konstantinov from South Korea) are described and illustrated. A key to Hermaeophaga species of Eurasia is presented. Since Hermaeophaga dali was collected feeding on Paederia foetida L. (Rubiaceae), which is an invasive noxious weed in the United States, this species has potential as a biological control agent of this weed.
A review of Chinese species of the subgenus Paederus s. str. (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Paederinae) with description of a new species
Authors: LI XIAO-YAN , ZHOU HONG-ZHANG
Published: July 2019

Chinese species of the subgenus Paederus s. str. (genus Paederus Fabricius, 1775) are reviewed. Paederus (s. str.) xinjiangensis Li & Zhou, n. sp. is described from Xinjiang, Northwest China. Male genitalia and other critical characters are illustrated for five other Chinese species of the subgenus Paederus s. str., namely P. (s. str.) socius Bernhauer, 1916, P. (s. str.) coxalis Fauvel, 1895, P. (s. str.) parallelus Weise, 1877, P. pilifer (s. str.) Motschulsky, 1860 and P. (s. str.) sondaicus Fauvel, 1895. A key to the six Chinese species of Paederus s. str.. is presented and their geographical distribution in China is mapped.
Review of world Parapanteles Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Microgastrinae), with description of fourteen new Neotropical species and the first description of the final instar larvae
Authors: VALERIO A. A. , WHITFIELD J. B. , JANZEN D. H.
Published: July 2019

Currently only two Neotropical species are known for Parapanteles Ashmead (1900): Parapanteles aletiae (Riley), described from the U.S., Cuba and Puerto Rico, and P. paradoxus (Muesebeck), described from Costa Rica. In the present paper we describe 14 new species from the New World (Parapanteles complexus n.sp., P. continua n.sp., P. em n.sp., P. lincolnii n.sp., P. mariae n.sp., P. nephos n.sp., P. noae n.sp., P. polus n.sp., P. rarus n.sp., P.scotti n.sp., P. sicpolus n.sp., P. tessares n.sp., P. thrix n.sp., P. tlinea n.sp.) and provide an illustrated key for the world species. In addition, we present a synopsis of the ecology of species in the genus using new rearing records and previously published host records. Eighteen species in 11 lepidopteran families are known to be hosts for Parapanteles species, and these hosts feed on plants from 21 families totaling at least 43 species.
A new species of Ptycholoma (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) from South China
Authors: CHEN LIUSHENG , JINBO UTSUGI , WANG MIN
Published: July 2019

The genus Ptycholoma Stephens, 1829 is a small Archipini genus comprised of four species distributed in the Palaearctic and Oriental Regions (Brown, 2005; Baixeras et al., 2008). Three species have been recorded from China: P. lecheana (Linneaus), P. imitator (Walsingham), and P. micantana (Kennel). Liu (2002) recorded P. plumbeolana (Bremer), but it subsequently was transferred to Clepsis. During field work in South China we discovered an undescribed species in this genus. The purpose of this paper is describe the new species and provide a comparison between it and its closest relative, P. lecheana. A key and the distribution map of Ptycholoma from China are provided.
Vulgarogamasus sphecophilus (Cooreman) comb. nov. (Acari: Mesostigmata: Parasitidae): a redescription and new hymenopteran association
Authors: BAKER ANNE S. , FOSTER KEVIN R.
Published: July 2019

Eugamasus sphecophilus Cooreman is transferred to the genus Vulgarogamasus, redescribed (female, male and deutonymph), and proposed as a senior synonym of Poecilochirus britannicus Hyatt. The male and female deutonymph of the species are distinguished for the first time. Vulgarogamasus sphecophilus comb. nov. is recorded in association with the social wasp Dolichovespula saxonica for the first time, where it was observed causing significant egg mortality. As the result of the new synonymy, the geographical range of V. sphecophilus now includes the British Isles.
Tourists and Air Pollution: How and Why Air Pollution Magnifies Tourists’ Suspicion of Service Providers
Authors: Zhang Ke , Hou Yuansi , Li Gang , Huang Yunhui
Published: July 2019

Air pollution is becoming a serious socio-environmental problem in many modern societies and poses significant economic threats to popular tourism destinations. Despite the documented consequences of air pollution on tourism demand, studies have seldom examined its impact on individuals’ psychological states, especially in the tourism context. Through a correlational study and two experiments, our findings indicate that tourists are more likely to be suspicious of local service providers when travelers perceive a destination as having heavy air pollution (vs. one without such pollution). This relationship presumably exists because tourists experience greater pessimism in an environment with high air pollution, which in turn influences their evaluations of service providers. Following this logic, we show that the effect diminishes when tourists are cognizant of (and thus rely less on) their pessimistic feelings when evaluating service providers. Finally, we offer theoretical and practical implications of this effect in tourism.
Community and caregiver perceptions of giving care to seniors
Authors: Waniger Anne , Gale Kathy , DeNomie Melissa , Nelson David
Published: July 2019

Background

Family caregivers of seniors and disabled adults frequently bear the responsibility of aiding in instrumental activities of daily living and locating resources, often while raising their own families. As the demand for care rises, caregivers may experience declining physical health and increased social and emotional stress compared to their noncaregiving counterparts. This study aims to better understand the journey of unpaid family caregivers and identify opportunities for improvement across organizations, policies, systems, and teams. Research design and methods: A purposive sample of 28 current and former unpaid caregivers of seniors or people with disabilities (26 females and 2 males) participated in four separate focus groups. Recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using open coding.

Results

Six major themes surrounding the experience of caregiving emerged from the coding process: Ambivalence, “Boiling Point,” Coping, Acknowledgment and Acceptance, Family Dynamics, and Interaction with the System. Focus groups indicated an urgent need to identify and support unpaid caregivers earlier in their trajectory of caring for a senior and to provide consistent, right-time resources over the trajectory of the senior’s lifespan. Discussion and implications: The rational, emotional, and relational components of caregiving represent distinct but overlapping themes within the experience of giving care. Each theme influences another, creating an experience that is complex, fluid, and sensitive to change. The system surrounding caregivers must proactively identify caregivers as equal members of the care team for a senior or disabled adult early in the patient’s disease trajectory.
A Case Series on Natural Conceptions Resulting in Ongoing Pregnancies in Menopausal and Prematurely Menopausal Women Following Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment
Authors: Pantos Konstantinos , Simopoulou Mara , Pantou Agni , Rapani Anna , Tsioulou Petroula , Nitsos Nikolaos , Syrkos Stephen , Pappas Athanasios , Koutsilieris Michael , Sfakianoudis Konstantinos
Published: July 2019

Since the introduction of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in medical practice, various studies have documented that implementing PRP can enhance healing and the anti-aging process, employing angiogenesis regeneration due to the multiple growth factors and cytokines involved. Numerous reports have shown promising results with the use of PRP in ovarian treatment, regarding ovarian regeneration and reactivation of folliculogenesis. This case series reports on two women with premature ovarian failure (POF) aged 40 and 27 years, respectively, and one menopausal woman aged 46 years. All patients presented with lack of menstrual cycle for over a year. The women reported previous failed in vitro fertilization (IVF) attempts, and, after rejecting the option of oocyte donation, they opted for the approach of autologous ovarian PRP treatment. Following PRP treatment, the three patients were invited to conceive naturally. The primary outcome was the restoration of menstruation following autologous ovarian PRP treatment, as well as an improvement in hormonal profile, a decrease in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, and a concurrent increase in anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels. Further to that, our patients achieved pregnancy through natural conception within 2–6 months following PRP treatment, resulting in currently ongoing complication-free clinical pregnancies – a first report in the literature for menopausal and POF patients. Implementation of PRP should be further investigated through randomized controlled trials (RCTs), as it may hold the key to successful treatment for a certain cohort of patients exploring reproductive treatment options following menopause.
Platform Capitalism ‘Made in China’? Intelligent Manufacturing, Taobao Villages and the Restructuring of Work
Authors: Lüthje Boy
Published: July 2019

The article examines the development of advanced digital manufacturing (as outlined in the ‘Made-in-China 2025’ government plan) from the perspective of the changing socio-technical paradigms of production. The analysis focuses on the transformations of value chains and work, based on theories of social shaping of technology, regulation theory and regimes of production. Analytically, the author proposes to distinguish between ‘production-driven’ and ‘distribution-driven’ pathways of manufacturing digitalisation. The transformation of semi-rural industrial areas (‘Taobao villages’, named after China’s largest e-commerce platform Taobao) into mass production clusters for e-commerce is depicted as a paradigmatic model of distribution-driven transformation and as a characteristic Chinese strategy in this field. The article examines the impact on industry supply chains and work, leading to ever-more precarious conditions of employment. Policy recommendations focus on local strategies to stabilise supply chain structures and working conditions, as an alternative to the present top-down approaches to manufacturing modernisation in China.
The witness of the patient's relatives increases the anxiety of the physician, but decreases the anxiety of the relatives of the patient
Authors: Celik Caner , Celik Gulden Sinem , Buyukcam Fatih
Published: July 2019

Background:

We generally keep relatives out of the area while a critical intervention so they cannot observe the management. Recent studies recommend witnessing of the resuscitation by arguing that it supports the patient's relatives’ beliefs that everything that could be done had been done.

Objective:

We investigated the influence of family witness on the anxiety of patients’ relatives and on the healthcare team.

Methods:

This study was planned as a prospective observational study. The critical patients who were managed in the resuscitation room with or without intubation were included in the study. The State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory survey form was given to patients’ relatives. Healthcare providers were given a survey, including a visual analog scale of anxiety.

Results:

The mean visual analog scale score of healthcare providers was 4.37 ± 2.5. The mean visual analog scale score of allied health personnel was similar to resident doctors but lower than consultant doctors. The anxiety of healthcare providers was higher during witnessed management. In the witnessed management group, the anxiety of healthcare providers was higher in patients who received cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The mean State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory anxiety score of patients’ relatives was 50.2 ± 10.3. In witnessed management, the mean anxiety score was 49.5 ± 11.3; in non‐witnessed management, the score was 51.0 ± 9.3. The anxiety of patients’ relatives was not higher, but rather slightly lower during witnessed management of patients.

Conclusion:

In our study, the anxiety of healthcare providers was higher in family‐witnessed management. It was argued that consultant physicians were more anxious because they have more responsibility about the patients. With witnessed management, the anxiety of patients’ relatives could be reduced, but it is more ominous for healthcare professionals.
Evaluation of Care Processes and Health Care Utilization in Newly Implemented Medical Homes in Italy: A Population-Based Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Alcusky Matthew , Singer David , Keith Scott W. , Hegarty Sarah E. , Lombardi Marco , Saccenti Elena , Maio Vittorio
Published: July 2019

In the Local Health Authority (LHA) of Parma, Emilia Romagna, Italy, 16 medical homes were established between 2011 and 2014. The authors implemented a 1-year (January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2015) cross-sectional population-based design to compare utilization and processes of care between medical homes and comparison practices using the Parma LHA administrative health care database. Residents (n = 372 396) attributed to a primary care physician practicing in a medical home as of January 1, 2015, were considered exposed to medical homes. Adjusted rates of emergency department (ED) use (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.82-0.90), potentially avoidable ED use (IRR = 0.78; 95% CI = 0.72-0.84), and hospitalization for chronic ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs; IRR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.78-0.97) were lower among patients in medical homes. Performance on process of care measures favored the medical home group; however, associations were generally weak. Receipt of care in medical homes in Parma LHA was associated with lower rates of avoidable ED visits and hospitalizations for chronic ACSCs.
Study and control of thermoelastic damping of in-plane vibration of the functionally graded nano-plate
Authors: Rahimi Zaher , Sumelka Wojciech , Ahmadi Samrand Rash , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: July 2019

The phenomenon of thermoelastic damping (TED) is a well-known mechanism of structural damping in which a vibrating thermoelastic structure obeys energy dissipation caused by the irreversible heat conduction in its volume. TED can be listed as common intrinsic losses and it cannot be controlled as easily as extrinsic losses thus this subject appears to be a very attractive research field. In this study TED of in-plane vibration of a functionally graded material (FGM) nano-plate has been studied based on the Eringen nonlocal theory. The effects of main parameters such as ambient temperature, length, and width of the nano-plate, the nonlocal parameter and the material gradient on the quality factor (Q) have been investigated. Also, the effect of different combinations of ceramic and metal in an FGM plate on increasing Q and subsequently reduction of the dissipated energy due to thermal effects has been illustrated.
Queue-munity engagement: Collaborative Event Ethnography at the Antiques Roadshow in Kent
Authors: Weston Gavin , Liber Elena , Urdea Alexandra , Cornish Helen
Published: July 2019

Using Collaborative Event Ethnography as a research method, a team of 21 researchers conducted fieldwork at the Antiques Roadshow in Ightham Mote, Kent. This article reflects on the experience of queuing at the event and how it was experienced and discussed by researchers and participants. Drawing upon Mol, the article approaches the practice of queuing as involving an inherent multiplicity of often contradictory experiences through which idealised, Second World War-related understandings of British queuing practice are simultaneously confirmed and challenged. Through multiple participants viewing the queue from within and outside we were able to capture the processes of community-building, curation, management, rule-maintenance and rule-bending within the social life of the queue. In demonstrating this multiplicity Collaborative Event Ethnography is shown to be an excellent research tool for capturing short-term, large-scale events while also highlighting the simultaneous simplicity and complexity of social interactions and social norms within queues.
Cardiovascular risk behaviour is an emerging health issue in developing countries: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Negesa Lemma B , Magarey Judy , Rasmussen Philippa , Hendriks Jeroen ML
Published: July 2019

Background:

Low and middle-income countries are facing a high burden of cardiovascular disease while there is limited availability of resources and evidence to educate and modify lifestyle behaviours in the population as well as to guide policy making.

Aim:

The goal of the present study was to quantify the prevalence of different cardiovascular risk behaviours among patients with known cardiovascular conditions in a developing country.

Methods:

A hospital-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in two referral hospitals in eastern Ethiopia. Outpatients who had a confirmed diagnosis of cardiovascular disease were recruited for the study. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with patients using validated tools.

Results:

A total of 287 cardiovascular disease patients was recruited, of which 56.4% were women and 90.2% were urban residents. Most patients had inadequate consumption of fruit and vegetables, 51.6% were physically inactive, 20% were current khat chewers, 19% were current alcohol drinkers and only 1% were current smokers. Approximately one-third (30%) of the patients had one of these risk behaviours, more than half (51.9%) had two, 15% had three and 3.1% had four risk behaviours. The majority (70%) of the patients had multiple (more than two) risk behaviours. The prevalence of multiple risk behaviours did not significantly vary with sex, residence and educational level differences ( P>0.05).

Conclusion:

Cardiovascular disease patients continue to follow unhealthy lifestyles although they attend follow-up care with a specific focus on risk management. The findings of this study provide evidence for policy makers that health services reform is required to promote healthy lifestyle behaviours for the patients.
Predictive geographic multicast routing protocol in flying ad hoc networks
Authors: Hussen Hassen Redwan , Choi Sung-Chan , Park Jong-Hong , Kim Jaeho
Published: July 2019

In the past decades, the unmanned aerial systems have been utilized only for military operations. However, recently, the potential uses and applicability of unmanned aerial vehicles (commonly known as drones) in civilian application domains are becoming a fast-growing phenomenon. A flying ad hoc network is a wireless ad hoc network specifically designed for the communication of unmanned aerial vehicles. Multicast routing is one of the vital aspects in wireless ad hoc networks. Using multicast transmission approaches, flying ad hoc network applications may need to send the same message to a specific group of flying nodes. The multicast communication approaches can benefit flying ad hoc network applications in conserving the scarce resources of flying nodes. Research works have been proposed to tackle the challenges in multicast routing with multi-hop communication in ad hoc network environments. Nevertheless, the conventional multicast routing mechanisms incur excessive control message overhead when a large number of nodes experience frequent topological changes. A scalable geographic multicast routing mechanism, which specially require localized operation and reduced control packet overhead, is necessary. Multicast routing in flying ad hoc networks is extremely challenging because of the dynamic topology changes and network disconnection resulted from frequent mobility of nodes. In this article, we present and implement a scalable and predictive geographic multicast routing mechanism in flying ad hoc networks. In uniform and random deployment scenarios, the MATLAB-based evaluation result has revealed that when the communication range increases, the probability of finding one-hop predicted forwarders to reach multicast destinations also increases. The implementation of scalable and predictive geographic multicast routing mechanism in flying ad hoc network is done using Optimizing Network Engineering Tools Modeler 16.0. We have added the scalable and predictive geographic multicast routing mechanism in flying ad hoc network as a new routing scheme in the Mobile Ad hoc Network routing protocol groups of the Optimizing Network Engineering Tools Modeler. Then, the performance of scalable and predictive geographic multicast routing mechanism in flying ad hoc network is compared with two of the existing Mobile Ad hoc Network routing protocols (Geographic Routing Protocol and Dynamic Source Routing). Eventually, we present two instance scenarios regarding the integration of scalable and predictive geographic multicast routing mechanism in flying ad hoc network scheme in the Internet of Things platform.
Current status of first- and second-line Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy in the metropolitan area: a multicenter study with a large number of patients
Authors: Mori Hideki , Suzuki Hidekazu , Omata Fumio , Masaoka Tatsuhiro , Asaoka Daisuke , Kawakami Kohei , Mizuno Shigeaki , Kurihara Naoto , Nagahara Akihito , Sakaki Nobuhiro , Ito Masayoshi , Kawamura Yo , Suzuki Masayuki , Shimada Yuji , Sasaki Hitoshi , Matsuhisa Takeshi , Torii Akira , Nishizawa Toshihiro , Mine Tetsuya , Ohkusa Toshifumi , Kawai Takashi , Tokunaga Kengo , Takahashi Shin’ichi
Published: July 2019

Background:

The environment surrounding Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment is dramatically changing. Recently, vonoprazan, a first-in-class potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB), was introduced onto the market in 2015. The aging of Japan’s demographic structure is becoming pronounced. In this study, we examined the trend of the eradication rate of H. pylori in the metropolitan area and examined factors concerning successful eradication.

Methods:

We collected data from 20 hospitals in the Tokyo metropolitan area on patients who received first-line eradication therapy with a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI)/P-CAB, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin for 1 week and second-line eradication therapy with a PPI/P-CAB, amoxicillin, and metronidazole for 1 week from 2013 to 2018. The annual eradication rate and associated factors for successful eradication were analyzed.

Results:

We collected data of 4097 and 3572 patients in the first- and second-line eradication therapies, respectively. The eradication rate decreased from 2013 to 2014 and increased again from 2015 to 2018 with the first-line therapy [the eradication rates in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 were 71.8%, 63.7%, 78.5%, 84.6%, 89.7 and 90.1%, respectively, in the per protocol (PP)]. The second-line eradication rates were 90.0%, 82.6%, 88.8%, 87.5%, 91.8% and 90.1% in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively, in PP. Vonoprazan was an independent factor for successful eradication in not only first-line, but also second-line eradication. Age over 75 years was an independent factor for eradication failure in both first- and second-line eradication therapies.

Conclusion:

The eradication rate improved from 2015 to 2018 with the first-line therapy because of the introduction of vonoprazan in the market. The eradication rates with first- and second-line regimens in elderly patients were lower than those in younger patients.
Predictors of permanent pacemaker requirement after cardiac surgery for infective endocarditis
Authors: Hill Terence E , Kiehl Erich L , Shrestha Nabin K , Gordon Steven M , Pettersson Gosta B , Mohan Chaitra , Hussein Ayman , Hussain Syed , Wazni Oussama , Wilkoff Bruce L , Menon Venu , Tarakji Khaldoun G
Published: July 2019

Background

Infectious endocarditis is often complicated by conduction abnormalities at the time of presentation. Cardiac surgery is the treatment of choice for many infectious endocarditis patients, but carries an additional risk of persistent postoperative conduction abnormality. We sought to define the incidence and clinical predictors of significant postoperative conduction abnormalities necessitating permanent pacemaker implantation after cardiac surgery for infectious endocarditis.

Methods

All consecutive patients with infectious endocarditis who were surgically treated at Cleveland Clinic from 2007 to 2013 were identified using the Cleveland Clinic Infective Endocarditis Registry and the Cardiovascular Information Registry. Patients with a pre-existing cardiac implantable electronic device were excluded. The primary outcome was the need for permanent pacemaker placement postoperatively for atrioventricular block. Regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for permanent pacemaker requirement.

Results

Among 444 infectious endocarditis patients who underwent cardiac surgery for infectious endocarditis, 57 (13%) required postoperative permanent pacemaker for atrioventricular block. Multivariable analysis identified that prolongation in preoperative PR and QRS intervals, Staphylococcus aureus as the infectious endocarditis organism, the presence of intracardiac abscess, tricuspid valve involvement, and prior valvular surgery independently predicted postoperative permanent pacemaker placement. The developed model exhibited excellent predictive ability (c-statistic 0.88) and calibration.

Conclusion

Infectious endocarditis cardiac surgery patients often require a postoperative permanent pacemaker. Preoperative conduction abnormality, S. aureus infection, abscess, tricuspid valve involvement, and prior valvular surgery are strong predictors of postoperative permanent pacemaker placement.
Risk factors and treatment of relapses in autoimmune pancreatitis: Rituximab is safe and effective
Authors: Soliman Heithem , Vullierme Marie-Pierre , Maire Frédérique , Hentic Olivia , Ruszniewski Philippe , Lévy Philippe , Rebours Vinciane
Published: July 2019

Background and aims

Steroid therapy is the first‐line treatment for autoimmune pancreatitis but relapses are frequent. The aims were to assess the efficacy and the safety of immunomodulator treatments for relapsing autoimmune pancreatitis and rituximab in particular and to identify relapsing risk factors.

Methods

Patients followed for autoimmune pancreatitis from 2000 to 2016 were included. Data were retrospectively analysed regarding autoimmune pancreatitis treatment.

Results

In total, 162 patients with autoimmune pancreatitis type 1 (n = 92) and type 2 (n = 70) were included (median follow‐up: 3 years (0.5–14). Relapse occurred in 46.5% of patients with autoimmune pancreatitis type 1 (vs 19.3% in autoimmune pancreatitis 2; p < 0.001). Risk factors of relapse were cholangitis, initial use of steroids, other organ involvement and chronic pancreatitis in autoimmune pancreatitis type 1 and initial use of steroids, tobacco consumption and chronic pancreatitis for autoimmune pancreatitis type 2. Overall, 21 patients were treated with immunomodulators (azathioprine, n = 19, or methotrexate, n = 2) for relapses. The efficiency rate was 67%. A total of 17 patients were treated with rituximab, with two perfusions at 15 days apart. The efficacy was 94% (16/17), significantly better than immunomodulator drugs (p = 0.03), with a median follow‐up of 20 months (11–44). Only two patients needed two supplementary perfusions.

Conclusion

In relapsing autoimmune pancreatitis, rituximab is more efficient than immunomodulator drugs and shows better tolerance.
Flipping Online Learning in Public Health Graduate Education
Authors: Galway Lindsay P. , Cameron Erin
Published: July 2019

The flipped classroom approach, used for many years in the humanities and the basic sciences, is becoming increasingly popular in public health education. This article describes the implementation and evaluation of a master’s-level Environmental and Occupational Health course, a required course in a Master of Public Health program at a mid-sized Canadian university. The course was designed using a flipped classroom approach and delivered online using a learning management system and interactive web-conferencing technology. Using a pre- and postsurvey design, we assessed improvements in student’s self-reported knowledge and skills, student learning experiences in the course, and the impact of specific course components on critical thinking and student engagement. Our results suggest that this approach enabled the achievement of course learning outcomes and provided positive learning experiences overall. Additionally, we find that the course promoted critical thinking and enabled student engagement in the context of online education for this small group of graduate-level public health students. We conclude by discussing key lessons learned for providing optimal learning experiences and outcomes in online graduate-level public health education.
Hepatic vein variations in 500 patients: surgical and radiological significance
Authors: Sureka Binit , Sharma Neelmani , Khera Pushpinder Singh , Garg Pawan Kumar , Yadav Taruna
Published: July 2019

Objectives:

The purpose of the study was to assess the incidence of hepatic vein variations on multidetector CT (MDCT) for abdominal examinations.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of 534 MDCT scans was performed in patients sent for various abdominal pathologies between January 2017 and April 2019. After excluding 34 patients, finally total of 500 patients (N = 500) were included in the study. For simplification, we classified the hepatic vein variations as classified by Soyer et al, Fang et al and Cheng et al.

Results:

Single right hepatic vein was seen in 458 (91.6%) out of 500 patients in our study. Two right hepatic veins were seen in 36 patients out of which 27 had common trunk and nine had independent drainage into the inferior vena cava (IVC). Common trunk of middle hepatic vein (MHV) and left hepatic vein (LHV) was seen in 405 (81%) and independent drainage of MHV and LHV into the IVC was seen in 95 (19%) of patients in our study. Amongst the segmental hepatic vein variations, most common drainage of segment IV vein was into LHV (333,66.6%) followed by MHV (148,29.6%) and IVC (19,3.8%).

Conclusion:

Hepatic vein variations are commonly seen similar to variations in hepatic artery, portal vein and biliary anatomy. Knowledge of these variations is extremely important for transplant surgeons and intervention radiologists.

Advances in knowledge:

Awareness of the hepatic vein variations is essential for intervention radiologists and surgeons to reduce iatrogenic complications.
Extending the concept of research impact literacy: levels of literacy, institutional role and ethical considerations
Authors: Bayley Julie , Phipps David
Published: July 2019

Building on the concept of ‘impact literacy’ established in a previous paper from Bayley and Phipps, here we extend the principles of impact literacy in light of further insights into sector practice. More specifically, we focus on three additions needed in response to the sector-wide growth of impact: (1) differential levels of impact literacy; (2) institutional impact literacy and environment for impact; and (3) issues of ethics and values in research impact. This paper invites the sector to consider the relevance of all dimensions in establishing, maintaining and strengthening impact within the research landscape. We explore implications for individual professional development, institutional capacity building and ethical collaboration to maximise societal benefit.
Group versus individual antenatal and first year postpartum care: Study protocol for a multi-country cluster randomized controlled trial in Kenya and Nigeria
Authors: Kabue Mark M. , Grenier Lindsay , Suhowatsky Stephanie , Oyetunji Jaiyeola , Ugwa Emmanuel , Onguti Brenda , Omanga Eunice , Gichangi Anthony , Wambua Jonesmus , Waka Charles , Enne Joseph , Don-Aki Jennyfer , Ali Mairo , Buba Maryam , Ang’aha Jenipher , Iya Daniel , Washika Elizabeth , Mohan Diwakar , Smith Jeffrey M.
Published: July 2019

Background: Antenatal care (ANC) in many low- and middle-income countries is under-utilized and of sub-optimal quality. Group ANC (G-ANC) is an intervention designed to improve the experience and provision of ANC for groups of women (cohorts) at similar stages of pregnancy.

Methods: A two-arm, two-phase, cluster randomized controlled trial (cRCT) (non-blinded) is being conducted in Kenya and Nigeria. Public health facilities were matched and randomized to either standard individual ANC (control) or G-ANC (intervention) prior to enrollment. Participants include pregnant women attending first ANC at gestational age <24 weeks, health care providers, and sub-national health managers. Enrollment ended in June 2017 for both countries. In the intervention arm, pregnant women are assigned to cohorts at first ANC visit and receive subsequent care together during five meetings facilitated by a health care provider (Phase 1). After birth, the same cohorts meet four times over 12 months with their babies (Phase 2). Data collection was performed through surveys, clinical data extraction, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews. Phase 1 data collection ended in January 2018 and Phase 2 concludes in November 2018. Intention-to-treat analysis will be used to evaluate primary outcomes for Phases 1 and 2: health facility delivery and use of a modern method of family planning at 12 months postpartum, respectively. Data analysis and reporting of results will be consistent with norms for cRCTs. General estimating equation models that account for clustering will be employed for primary outcome analyzes.

Results: Overall 1,075 and 1,013 pregnant women were enrolled in Nigeria and Kenya, respectively. Final study results will be available in February 2019.

Conclusions: This is the first cRCT on G-ANC in Africa. It is among the first to examine the effects of continuing group care through the first year postpartum.

Registration: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry PACTR201706002254227 May 02, 2017
The Level of Trust in the Organization As the Factor of Increase of Efficiency of Introduction of New Technologies Management
Authors: Свистунов Василий , Svistunov Vasiliy , Кузина Г. , Kuzina G. , Лобачев Виталий , Lobachyev Vitaliy
Published: July 2019

Improving the competitiveness of Russian enterprises is impossible without the introduction of advanced production and management technologies. The article attempts to study the practice of introducing new management technologies in a number of domestic enterprises, to establish the level of eff ectiveness of this process and to formulate the main problems that prevent companies to implement this process as effi ciently as possible. One of the important problems of eff ective implementation of these technologies is the low level of organizational trust of the company’s employees to its management. This state of aff airs signifi cantly aff ects the eff ectiveness of both implementation procedures and the practice of using new management technologies in the daily activities of domestic enterprises. The early elimination of contradictions between the company’s management and its employees is the way to solve the problem of increasing the level of organizational trust. The article presents the results of a study of the level of trust in one of the major Russian companies. The use of the method of assessing the level of trust allowed to identify the causes of the difficulties encountered in the organization and to develop ways to increase the level of trust in the organization.
Assessment of the Engagement of Future HR Managers As a Factor Successful Professional Development
Authors: Черняк Т. , Chernyak T.
Published: July 2019

The article is devoted to the currently relevant topic of involvement in activities, but not the organization’s personnel, but future HR-managers in their learning process. The article presents various theoretical approaches to the defi nition of the concept of «involvement», «involvement of students», «student engagement», and also analyzes the factors infl uencing the degree of involvement of students in the learning process. A brief review of the literature on the study of the problem of involvement is given, the purpose of which is to form a general idea of the relevance and diffi culties in assessing involvement. The author off ers the experience of assessing the level of involvement of future specialists in the fi eld of personnel management in the process of their study at the university as an important factor in their successful development in a future profession. The author presents the results of a comparative analysis of changes in the level of involvement of students in the situation of using diff erent teaching methods in different years of study. The article focuses on the problem of the formation of professional competence of future HR-managers in the process of their training, and the connection of training success with involvement as a factor of motivation and increased interest in future professional activities. The article has a practical orientation, since studying the involvement of students in training will make it possible to adjust both the content and methods of training future HR managers taking into account not only the requirements of the Federal State Educational Standards of Higher Education, the professional standard of a personnel management specialist, the requirements of employers, but also the needs of the students themselves.
Research of the Labour Market and the Peculiarities of the Personnel Policy of Organizations at the Present Stage
Authors: Захаров Д. , Zaharov D.
Published: July 2019

This article discusses the current state, operating conditions and forecasts for the development of the Russian labour market after the election of the President of the Russian Federation in 2018. It was revealed that at the end of the elections, the organizations resumed the necessary recruitment of personnel for key positions, without which the full-fl edged business development would be impossible. It is noted that applicants have ceased to pay much attention to the “white” design for work under the Labour Code. There was a process of reducing the increased demand for blockchain projects and blockchain specialists. Regarding wages, it was revealed that employers increased and indexed the wages of their employees, especially this trend can be traced in large cities of the Russian Federation. It is noted that the results of the reforms of the Government of the Russian Federation have led to an increase in the prestige of working professions and specialties. Trends in the development of the labor market in 2019, as well as over the next 5-10 years, are considered.