bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depression, Acculturative Stress, and Social Connectedness among International University Students in Japan: A Statistical Investigation
Authors: Nguyen Minh Hoang , Le Tam Tri , Meirmanov Serik
Published: February 2019

(1) This study aims to examine the prevalence of depression and its correlation with Acculturative Stress and Social Connectedness among domestic and international students in an international university in Japan. (2) Methods: A Web-based survey was distributed among several classes of students of the university, which yielded 268 responses. On the survey, a nine-item tool from the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Social Connectedness Scale (SCS) and Acculturative Stress Scale for International Students (ASSIS) were used together with socio-demographic data. (3) Results: The prevalence of depression was higher among international than domestic students (37.81% and 29.85%, respectively). English language proficiency and student age (20 years old) showed a significant correlation with depression among domestic students (β = −1.63, p = 0.038 and β = 2.24, p = 0.048). Stay length (third year) also displayed a significant correlation with depression among international students (β = 1.08, p = 0.032). Among international and domestic students, a statistically significant positive correlation between depression and acculturative stress, and negative associations of social connectedness with depression and acculturative stress were also found. (4) Conclusions: The high prevalence of depression, and its association with Acculturation stress and Social Connectedness, among the students in this study highlight the importance of implementing support programs which consider the role of Acculturation and Social Connectedness.
Evolution of Secondary Deformations Captured by Satellite Radar Interferometry: Case Study of an Abandoned Coal Basin in SW Poland
Authors: Blachowski Jan , Kopeć Anna , Milczarek Wojciech , Owczarz Karolina
Published: February 2019

The issue of monitoring surface motions in post-mining areas in Europe is important due to the fact that a significant number of post-mining areas lie in highly-urbanized and densely-populated regions. Examples can be found in: Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom, as well as the subject of this study, the Polish Walbrzych Hard Coal Basin. Studies of abandoned coal fields show that surface deformations in post-mining areas occur even several dozen years after the end of underground coal extraction, posing a threat to new development of these areas. In the case of the Walbrzych area, fragmentary, geodetic measurements indicate activity of the surface in the post-mining period (from 1995 onward). In this work, we aimed at determining the evolution of surface deformations in time during the first 15 years after the end of mining, i.e., the 1995–2010 period using ERS 1/2 and Envisat satellite radar data. Satellite radar data from European Space Agency missions are the only source of information on historical surface movements and provide spatial coverage of the entirety of the coal fields. In addition, we attempted to analyze the relationship of the ground deformations with hydrogeological changes and geological and mining data. Three distinct stages of ground movements were identified in the study. The ground motions (LOS (Line Of Sight)) determined with the PSInSAR (Persistent Scatterer Interferometry) method indicate uplift of the surface of up to +8 mm/a in the first period (until 2002). The extent and rate of this motion was congruent with the process of underground water table restoration in separate water basins associated with three neighboring coal fields. In the second period, after the stabilization of the underground water table, the surface remained active, as indicated by local subsidence (up to −5 mm/a) and uplift (up to +5 mm/a) zones. We hypothesize that this surface activity is the result of ground reaction disturbed by long-term shallow and deep mining. The third stage is characterized by gradual stabilization and decreasing deformations of the surface. The results accentuate the complexity of ground motion processes in post-mining areas, the advantages of the satellite radar technique for historical studies, and provide information for authorities responsible for new development of such areas, e.g., regarding potential flood zones caused by restoration of groundwater table in subsided areas.
Does a Firm’s Corporate Governance Enhance the Beneficial Effect of IFRS Adoption?
Authors: Chu Jaeyon , Heo Kyongsun , Pae Jinhan
Published: February 2019

Prior literature suggests that the effect of adopting the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) could vary by country-specific or firm-specific factors. In particular, we focus on the effect of the strength of corporate governance of a firm, a firm-specific characteristic, prior to the adoption of IFRS. Specifically, we use the Korea Corporate Governance Stock Price Index, a metric for the corporate governance structure in Korea, to examine whether the corporate governance structure influences the effect of IFRS adoption on the analyst’s earnings forecasts in Korea. We find that the beneficial effect of IFRS adoption on analyst forecast errors is observed for firms with moderate corporate governance prior to IFRS adoption, but not for firms with superior or inferior corporate governance. We interpret our findings such that firms with strong or weak corporate governance do not benefit from IFRS adoption, because firms with strong corporate governance already had transparent information system prior to IFRS adoption and firms with weak corporate governance failed to implement IFRS properly.
Relativistic Neutron Stars: Rheological Type Extensions of the Equations of State
Authors: Balakin Alexander , Ilin Alexei , Kotanjyan Anna , Grigoryan Levon
Published: February 2019

Based on the Rheological Paradigm, we extend the equations of state for relativistic spherically symmetric static neutron stars, taking into consideration the derivative of the matter pressure along the so-called director four-vector. The modified equations of state are applied to the model of a zero-temperature neutron condensate. This model includes one new parameter with the dimensionality of length, which describes the rheological type screening inside the neutron star. As an illustration of the new approach, we consider the rheological type generalization of the non-relativistic Lane–Emden theory and find numerically the profiles of the pressure for a number of values of the new guiding parameter. We have found that the rheological type self-interaction makes the neutron star more compact, since the radius of the star, related to the first null of the pressure profile, decreases when the modulus of the rheological type guiding parameter grows.
Assessing Lateral Interaction in the Synesthetic Visual Brain
Authors: Jimena Arias Diana , Hosein Anthony , Saint-Amour Dave
Published: February 2019

In grapheme-color synesthesia, letters and numbers evoke abnormal colored perceptions. Although the underlying mechanisms are not known, it is largely thought that the synesthetic brain is characterized by atypical connectivity throughout various brain regions, including the visual areas. To study the putative impact of synesthesia on the visual brain, we assessed lateral interactions (i.e., local functional connectivity between neighboring neurons in the visual cortex) by recording steady-state visual evoked potentials (ssVEPs) over the occipital region in color-grapheme synesthetes (n = 6) and controls (n = 21) using the windmill/dartboard paradigm. Discrete Fourier Transform analysis was conducted to extract the fundamental frequency and the second harmonics of ssVEP responses from contrast-reversing stimuli presented at 4.27 Hz. Lateral interactions were assessed using two amplitude-based indices: Short-range and long-range lateral interactions. Results indicated that synesthetes had a statistically weaker signal coherence of the fundamental frequency component compared to the controls, but no group differences were observed on lateral interaction indices. However, a significant correlation was found between long-range lateral interactions and the type of synesthesia experience (projector versus associator). We conclude that the occipital activity related to lateral interactions in synesthetes does not substantially differ from that observed in controls. Further investigation is needed to understand the impact of synesthesia on visual processing, specifically in relation to subjective experiences of synesthete individuals.
Evaluation of Sanitation Strategies and Initiatives Implemented in Mexico from Community Capitals Point of View
Authors: Turrén-Cruz Thalía , García-Rodríguez Juan , López Zavala Miguel
Published: February 2019

Sanitation is fundamental to human development and well-being. For developing countries, such as Mexico, one of the greatest long-term challenges is to treat all the wastewater generated. Several projects have been implemented to achieve this goal, but, due to the idiosyncrasies of local people, they have failed. This study aims to analyze both, previous and current sanitation strategies and initiatives that are implemented in Mexico. Through the analysis of data reported by the literature, using the Community Capitals Framework (CCF) and focusing on human factors, the data was analyzed to identify whether communities are being considered to guarantee the success of the technologies and resources implemented. Besides the lack of information, it was understood that, despite the governance efforts to provide sanitation, the task remains incomplete; some top priority drivers, such as population growth and water supply, seem to define the progress or decline in providing quality basic sanitation services. Using the CCF, it was observed that financial, political, and built (infrastructural) are being prioritized over the human, social, cultural, and natural capitals. Therefore, it is important to highlight the communities’ point of view on the development and decision making of projects and public policies, not just for sanitation but also for common well-being.
The Association of Functional Status with Mortality and Dialysis Modality Change: Results from the Peritoneal Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (PDOPPS)
Authors: Tennankore Karthik , Zhao Junhui , Karaboyas Angelo , Bieber Brian A. , Robinson Bruce M. , Morgenstern Hal , Jassal S. Vanita , Finkelstein Fredric O. , Kanjanabuch Talerngsak , Cheawchanwattana Areewan , Pisoni Ronald L. , Sloand James A. , Perl Jeffrey
Published: February 2019

Background

Little is known about the prevalence of functional impairment in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, its variation by country, and its association with mortality or transfer to hemodialysis.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted in PD patients from 7 countries in the Peritoneal Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (PDOPPS) (2014 – 2017). Functional status (FS) was assessed by combining self-reports of 8 instrumental and 5 basic activities of daily living, using the Lawton-Brody and the Katz questionnaires. Summary FS scores, ranging from 1.25 (most dependent) to 13 (independent), were based on the patient's ability to perform each activity with or without assistance. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR; 95% confidence interval [CI]) of a FS score < 11 comparing each country with the United States (US). Cox regression was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR; 95% CI) for the effect of a low FS score on mortality and transfer to hemodialysis, adjusting for case mix.

Results

Of 2,593 patients with complete data on FS, 48% were fully independent (FS = 13), 32% had a FS score 11 to < 13, 14% had a FS score 8 to < 11, and 6% had a FS score < 8. Relative to the US, low FS scores (< 11; more dependent) were more frequent in Thailand (OR = 10.48, 5.90 – 18.60) and the United Kingdom (UK) (OR = 3.29, 1.77 – 6.08), but similar in other PDOPPS countries. The FS score was inversely and monotonically associated with mortality but not with transfer to hemodialysis; the HR, comparing a FS score < 8 vs 13, was 4.01 (2.44 – 6.61) for mortality and 0.91 (0.58 – 1.43) for transfer to hemodialysis.

Conclusion

Regional differences in FS scores observed across PDOPPS countries may have been partly due to differences in regional patient selection for PD. Functional impairment was associated with mortality but not with permanent transfer to hemodialysis.
METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO STRATEGIC PLANNING OF PUBLIC SECTOR INSTITUTIONS
Authors: Bivainis Juozas , Tunčikiene Živile
Published: February 2019

In order to implement strategic planning institutions confront with a great number of problems the basic of which is the choice of methodological approach. In this article particularity of strategic management approaches within institutions is revealed. Special literature does not provide clear methodological recommendations for strategic planning of institutions. Opinions of strategic management commentators are more polemic than recommendations. In the literature two essential approaches to strategic planning are provided, i.e. prescriptive and emergent. Fulfilled researches create preconditions to specify and systematize essential characteristics of approaches. Prescriptive strategic planning can be defined by sufficient foresight of future, systemic complexity, necessary definition, large possibilities of formalization, one‐sided adaptation of strategic decisions with organizational structure, petty stimulation of initiative, stable consistency of planning steps. Emergent strategic planning can be defined by petty foresight of future, fragmentary complexity, weak definition, limited formalization, double‐sided adaptation of strategic decisions with organizational structure, large creativity, unstable sequence of planning steps. This characteristics are being handled as assumptions. According to the prescriptive approach they are favorable for preparing decisions, which are oriented to increase opportunities of institution strategic accordance with its environment demands. According to the emergent approach ‐ they are favorable for preparing decisions which are oriented to emerge institution potential for opportunities used. With regard to inside and external environment factors of institution which predetermine the choice of methodology, the regularities of coherency of factors and methodologies which are suggested to apply for integral combination of approaches in specific institutions situation are defined.
WATERPROOF LUMINAIRE MADE OF SYNTHETIC MATERIAL WITH HIGH PERFORMANCE REFLECTORS AND IGNITION SYSTEM FOR TRI‐PHOSPORUS LAMPS USED AT VERY LOW TEMPERATURES
Authors: Pracht Friedhelm
Published: February 2019

Efficient lighting is very important in the entire building industry. At extremely low temperatures there is a considerable loss of light if the tri‐phosporus fluorescent lamp is not protected. Furthermore bad ignition of the lamp is the disadvantage which considerably reduces its durability.

The article deals with the question of how to solve these problems with intelligent engineering construction which also regards the product responsibility.
PECULIARITIES OF PRIVATE HOUSES VALUATION BY SALES COMPARISON APPROACH
Authors: Raslanas Saulius , Tupenaite Laura
Published: February 2019

Sales comparison approach is the most often used approach in private houses valuation practice. This article discusses cases of sales comparison approach method application; its methodology as well as key factors to be considered in objective private houses valuation. Furthermore problem of not sufficient comparative sales prices in neighborhood is discussed emphasizing on its influence to appraised object value reliability. In order to avoid incorrect valuation basing on experience of the USA and other foreign countries some proposals for Lithuanian valuation methodology were given: to establish an exact number of comparative objects, to distinguish the key factors to be considered in every special private houses valuation case and to establish variance limits between appraised object value and comparative sales prices. In order to guarantee real estate market transparency professional appraisals organizations must be established to be responsible for real estate market research as well as analysis data and sales prices official announcements and other information spread tasks.
EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVES APPLYING TOPSIS METHOD IN A FUZZY ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Antuchevičiene Jurgita
Published: February 2019

The paper analyses the problem of multiple attribute decision‐making (MADM) under fuzzy environment. In some cases the crisp value is inadequate to model real‐life situations. For this reason some fuzzy MADM methods have been developed. The extended TOPSIS (Technique for the Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) to fuzzy environment is presented in the current paper. Weights and ratings of each criterion are described in triangular fuzzy numbers. The relative closeness to the ideal solution of each alternative is calculated applying different approaches that were presented in different scientific papers. A computational experiment is presented to compare the results of a multiple attribute analysis that uses three modifications of fuzzy TOPSIS method in a particular situation.
RESEARCH INTO ADVERTISING IN CONSTRUCTION: ANALYSIS OF LITHUANIAN AND SWEDISH EXPERIENCE
Authors: Banaitis Audrius , Banaitiene Nerija
Published: February 2019

Construction, as an object of marketing, has special features: the construction environment is complex and changing, clients’ requirements and expectations are increasing. Construction companies must realize that good marketing, as well as advertising activities have a great impact on sales of construction products and services in today's competitive market. This paper reports on a qualitative study of the Lithuanian and Swedish construction companies about advertising campaign, budget and means of advertising. The effectiveness of advertising means is also analyzed. The first problem identified in the study is that most Lithuanian construction companies provide self‐advertising policy. The lack of experience and knowledge of advertising leads organizations to inadequate decisions. The observations also detected that advertising campaign in the Lithuanian construction companies is underfinanced and the advertising budget is closely linked with used means. The paper concludes with the assessment of the study results and directions for further research.
UPON SCHEDULING PROJECTS IN A DESIGN OFFICE
Authors: Golenko-Ginzburg Dimitri , Baron Anna , Ben-Yair Avner , Greenberg Doron
Published: February 2019

Several projects under random disturbances have to be realized in a project office within the planning horizon. The office comprises a number of different divisions, each of which carries out a certain stage of a project. Each project has its individual technological route and the chance contrraint to meet the due date on time. The problem is to determine starting time moments for each project to be passed on each division.
Gas Jet Morphology and the Very Rapidly Increasing Rotation Period of Comet 41P/Tuttle–Giacobini–Kresák
Authors: Schleicher David G. , Knight Matthew M. , Eisner Nora L. , Thirouin Audrey
Published: February 2019

We present results from our 47 night imaging campaign of Comet 41P/Tuttle–Giacobini–Kresák conducted from Lowell Observatory between 2017 February 16 and July 2. Coma morphology revealed gas jets, whose appearance and motion as a function of time yielded the rotation period and other properties. All narrowband CN images exhibited either one or two jets; one jet appeared as a partial face-on spiral with clockwise rotation, while the second jet evolved from a side-on corkscrew, through face-on, to corkscrew again, with only a slow evolution throughout the apparition due to progressive viewing geometry changes. A total of 78 period determinations were made over a 7 week interval, yielding a smooth and accelerating rotation period starting at 24 hr (March 21 and 22) and passing 48 hr on April 28. While this is by far the fastest rate of change ever measured for a comet nucleus, the torque required is readily within what can exist given likely properties of the nucleus. If the torque remained constant, we estimate that the nucleus could have stopped rotating and/or begun to tumble as soon as only 2 months following perihelion and will certainly reach this stage by early in the next apparition. Working backward in time, Tuttle–Giacobini–Kresák would have been rotating near its rotational breakup velocity three to four orbits earlier, suggesting that its extreme 7 mag outburst observed in 2001 might have been caused by a partial fragmentation at that time, as might the pair of 1973 8 mag outbursts if there had been an earlier spin-down and spin-up cycle.
Hubble Space Telescope Far-UV Spectroscopy of the Short Orbital Period Recurrent Nova CI Aql: Implications for White Dwarf Mass Evolution
Authors: Sion Edward M. , Wilson R. E. , Godon Patrick , Starrfield Sumner , Williams Robert E. , Darnley M. J.
Published: February 2019

An Hubble Space Telescope Cosmic Object Spectrograph Far UV spectrum (1170 Å to 1800 Å) was obtained for the short orbital period recurrent novae (T Pyxidis subclass), CI Aquilae. CI Aql is the only classical Cataclysmic variable (CV) known to have two eclipses of a sensible depth per orbit cycle and also to have pre- and post-outburst light curves that are steady enough to allow estimates of mass and orbital period changes. Our far-ultraviolet (FUV) spectral analysis with model accretion disks and non-LTE high-gravity photospheres, together with the Gaia parallax, reveal that CI Aql's FUV light is dominated by an optically thick accretion disk with an accretion rate of the order of 4 × 10−8
M
☉ yr−1. Its database of light curves, radial velocity curves, and eclipse timings is among the best for any CV. Its orbit period (P), dP/dt, and reference time are rederived via a simultaneous analysis of the three data types, giving a dimensionless post-outburst dP/dt of (−2.49 ± 0.95) × 10−10. The lack of information on the loss of orbital to rotational angular momentum leads to some uncertainty in the translation of dP/dt to the white dwarf (WD) mass change rate, dM1/dt, but within the modest range of

to +7.8 × 10−8

. The estimated WD mass change through outburst for CI Aql, based on simple differencing of its pre- and post-outburst orbit period, is unchanged from the previously published

. At the WD's estimated mass increase rate, it will terminate as a Type Ia supernova within 10 million years.
Measurement of the Oxidation State of Fe in the ISM Using X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Westphal Andrew J. , Butterworth Anna L. , Tomsick John A. , Gainsforth Zack
Published: February 2019

The relative fractions of Fe in metal, sulfide, or oxide—the Fe oxidation state—in the interstellar medium (ISM) can provide constraints on the processes that operated on material in the protosolar disk. We used synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectra of three mineral standards and two kinds of primitive extraterrestrial materials to constrain the oxidation state and mineralogy of the host phase of ISM Fe as measured by X-ray observations of Fe-L ISM absorption from the Chandra X-ray Observatory. Oxidation of cometary material appears to have taken place in the nebula, before incorporation into cometary nuclei, although the mechanism is unknown. We also test the hypothesis of Ishii et al. that ISM solids consist largely of Glass with Embedded Metals and Sulfides (GEMS), enigmatic components of primitive interplanetary dust particles. The hypothesis is not consistent with observations. Using Fe L-edge absorption spectra of comet 81P/Wild 2 samples returned by the Stardust mission, we also find that Chandra observations are inconsistent with the hypothesis the cometary fine-grained material consists of unaltered interstellar dust.
Physical Properties of Galactic RV Tauri Stars from Gaia DR2 Data
Authors: Bódi A. , Kiss L. L.
Published: February 2019

We present the first period–luminosity and period–radius relation of Galactic RV Tauri variable stars. We have surveyed the literature for all variable stars belonging to this class and compiled the full set of their photometric and spectroscopic measurements. We crossmatched the final list of stars with the Gaia Data Release 2 database and took the parallaxes, G-band magnitudes, and effective temperatures to calculate the distances, luminosities, and radii using a probabilistic approach. As it turned out, the sample was very contaminated, and thus we restricted our study to those objects for which the RV Tau nature was securely confirmed. We found that several stars are located outside the red edge of the classical instability strip, which implies a wider pulsational region for RV Tau stars. The period–luminosity relation of galactic RV Tauri stars is steeper than that of the shorter-period Type II Cepheids, in agreement with previous results obtained for the Magellanic Clouds and globular clusters. The median masses of RVa and RVb stars were calculated to be 0.45–0.52 M
⊙ and 0.83 M
⊙, respectively.
Patient Satisfaction and Visual Symptoms After Wavefront-guided and Wavefrontoptimized LASIK With the WaveLight Platform
Authors: Yu Jing , Chen Hui , Wang Fang
Published: February 2019

Purpose

To investigate patient satisfaction and visual symptoms after wavefront-guided LASIK.

Methods

A prospective, randomized, double-masked, controlled study comprised 200 eyes of 100 young patients who underwent LASIK for myopia and astigmatism. Patients were randomly divided into two different treatment groups: standard ablation using wavefront-optimized profiles (wavefront-optimized group) and aberration customized aspheric treatment ablation (customized group) using the WaveLight ALLEGRETTO platform. Patients were asked to complete questionnaires regarding reasons for surgery, satisfaction, and visual symptoms. Patients were followed for 6 months.

Results

The most frequent motivating factor for surgery was to improve uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) in the wavefront-optimized and customized groups (both 100%), followed by freedom from spectacles (86.9% vs 96.3%). At 6 months postoperatively, over 95% of patients in both groups reported their UCVA was as good as anticipated and they were satisfied with the surgery and would recommend the operation to a friend or family member. Satisfaction was not correlated with age, attempted refractive error, residual refractive error, postoperative UCVA, or root-mean-square higher order aberration. The rate of postoperative overall visual symptoms was reduced and the mean analog scores of the symptoms in both groups did not change significantly postoperatively (
P
<.05). The rate of visual symptoms such as glare (8.7% vs 7.4%), halo (0% vs 7.4%), and night driving difficulty (8.7% vs 3.7%) decreased after LASIK at 6 months postoperatively in the wavefront-optimized and customized groups, respectively.

Conclusions

Patient satisfaction was achieved in young myopic patients who underwent wavefront-guided and standard (“wavefront-optimized”) LASIK. The rate of visual symptoms such as glare, halo, and night driving difficulty decreased postoperatively after both treatment protocols. [
J Refract Surg.
2008;24:477–486.]
Wavefront-guided Custom Ablation for Myopia Using the NIDEK NAVEX Laser System
Authors: Venter Jan
Published: February 2019

Purpose

To determine the predictability, efficacy, safety, and stability of LASIK using custom ablation with the NIDEK Advanced Vision Excimer Laser System (NAVEX).

Methods

One hundred twenty eyes underwent LASIK for myopia using the OPDCAT algorithm. Refractive outcomes and the change in higher order aberrations, coma, and spherical aberrations were analyzed. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 6 to 18 months.

Results

Mean postoperative spherical equivalent refraction was −0.05 diopters (D) (range: −0.92 to +0.88 D). Uncorrected visual acuity was 1 or better in 109 (91%) eyes and 1.2 or better in 47 (39%) eyes. Postoperative spherical equivalent refraction was within ±0.50 D of intended correction in 110 (92%) eyes. Fifty-two (43%) eyes gained 1 or more lines of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), and no eyes lost more than 1 line of BSCVA. Higher order aberrations root-mean-square increased by 0.053 µm postoperatively. Patients with preoperative higher order aberrations ⩾0.3 µm were less likely to have induced higher order aberrations.

Conclusions

Wavefront-guided OPDCAT treatments with the NIDEK NAVEX system for myopia are safe and effective with excellent visual acuity and refractive outcomes. Eyes with ⩾0.3 µm of higher order aberrations preoperatively will benefit more from OPDCAT treatment than eyes with a smaller amount of higher order aberrations. [
J Refract Surg.
2008;24:487–493.]
Correction of Presbyopia in Hyperopia With a Center-distance, Paracentral-near Technique Using the Technolas 217z Platform
Authors: Pinelli Roberto , Ortiz Dolores , Simonetto Anna , Bacchi Cristian , Sala Esperanza , Alió Jorge L.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

To analyze the results of hyperopic patients treated with a peripheral presbyLASIK algorithm for the correction of presbyopia.

Methods

The study included 44 eyes of 22 hyperopic patients treated with a peripheral presbyLASIK technique using a Technolas 217z excimer laser. Mean patient age was 56 years (range: 47 to 72 years), mean preoperative spherical equivalent refraction was +1.21±0.77 diopters (D) (range: +0.50 to +4.00 D), and mean spectacle near addition was +1.76±0.42 D (range: +1.00 to +2.75 D). The Peripheral Multifocal LASIK (PML) ablation pattern creates a multifocal corneal profile over a 6.5-mm diameter, performing the distance correction first in a 6-mm optical zone and then near correction in a 6.5-mm zone. Main outcome measures were uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) for near and distance, spherical equivalent refraction, contrast sensitivity, and corneal aberrations.

Results

Six months postoperatively, mean binocular UCVA was 1.06±0.13 for distance and 0.84±0.14 for near. Mean postoperative spherical equivalent refraction was −0.42 D (range: −1.12 to +0.87 D). Two (4.5%) eyes lost 1 line of BSCVA for distance and near vision, and 20 (45%) eyes gained 1 line of distance BSCVA. Contrast sensitivity decreased for 3, 6, 12, and 18 cycles/degree. Corneal aberration analysis showed a slight increase in coma and decrease in spherical aberration.

Conclusions

The peripheral presbyLASIK technique used in this study is a safe and efficient treatment that may improve functional near vision in presbyopic patients with low and moderate hyperopia (from +0.50 to +3.00 D). [
J Refract Surg.
2008;24:494–500.]
Comparison Between LASEK With Mitomycin C and LASIK for the Correction of Myopia of −7.00 to −13.75 D
Authors: de Benito-Llopis Laura , Teus Miguel A. , Sánchez-Pina Jose M.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

To compare laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) and LASIK for the correction of high myopia.

Methods

A prospective, single-masked study was conducted. Patients treated with LASEK to correct myopia ⩾−7.00 diopters (D) (spherical equivalent manifest refraction) with a cylinder ⩽−3.50 D (LASEK group) were compared to patients treated with LASIK (LASIK group) using the same excimer laser (Technolas 217C). Mitomycin C (MMC) 0.02% was applied for 1 minute in all LASEK-treated eyes.

Results

A total of 228 consecutive eyes were included in the study (114 in each group, matched for preoperative refraction). The mean preoperative spherical equivalent manifest refraction was −8.72±1.20 D in the LASEK group and −8.74±1.20 D in the LASIK group (range: −7.00 to −13.75 D) (
P
=.9). Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was significantly lower in LASEK eyes 1, 7, and 30 days postoperatively (
P
=.0001 for each comparison). No significant differences were found at 3 months postoperatively in UCVA (
P
=.3), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) (
P
=.2), or in the safety (
P
=.6) and efficacy (
P
=.8) indices. Uncorrected visual acuity was 1.0 or better in 34.2% of LASEK eyes and 44.7% of LASIK eyes. Spherical refraction was +0.25±0.6 D after LASEK and −0.06±0.5 D after LASIK (
P
=.0001). Sixty-eight percent of LASEK eyes and 79% of LASIK eyes were within ±0.50 D of intended refraction. No LASEK eye versus 7 LASIK eyes lost 2 lines of BSCVA. Eight LASEK eyes gained 2 or more lines of BSCVA versus 1 LASIK eye.

Conclusions

Visual improvement after LASEK with intraoperative MMC was significantly slower than after LASIK. Visual outcomes (UCVA, BSCVA, and safety and efficacy indices) 3 months after surgery were similar with both techniques for the correction of high myopia. Ten percent more eyes after LASIK were within ±0.50 D of intended refraction. [
J Refract Surg.
2008;24:516–523.]
Long-term Endothelial Cell Loss After Traumatic Dislocation and Repositioning of Artisan Phakic IOL
Authors: de Sanctis Ugo , Mutani Bernardo , Grignolo Federico M.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

To evaluate long-term endothelial cell loss after traumatic dislocation and repositioning of an Artisan phakic intraocular lens (PIOL).

Methods

Traumatic PIOL dislocation occurred in the patient's left eye 4 months after uneventful implantation for unilateral congenital myopia. Using the Konan semi-automated analysis method, endothelial cell density was measured preoperatively, before Artisan repositioning, and 1, 2, and 4 years after primary implantation.

Results

Endothelial cell density was 2770 cells/mm
2
preoperatively and 2634 cells/mm
2
before Artisan repositioning. After successful repositioning, endothelial cell density progressively decreased—1, 2, and 4 years from primary implantation, endothelial cell density was 2582, 2524, and 2538 cells/mm
2
, respectively, corresponding to losses of 6.8%, 8.9%, and 8.4%, respectively.

Conclusions

Progressive and long-term endothelial loss after traumatic dislocation and repositioning of the Artisan PIOL may be comparable to that reported after uneventful implantation. [
J Refract Surg.
2008;24:546–548.]
Primary Topography-Guided LASIK: Refractive, Visual, and Subjective Quality of Vision Outcomes for Astigmatism ⩾2.00 Diopters
Authors: Wallerstein Avi , Caron-Cantin Marilou , Gauvin Mathieu , Adiguzel Eser , Cohen Mark
Published: February 2019

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the outcomes of primary topography-guided laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in eyes with subjective refractive astigmatism of 2.00 diopters (D) or greater.

METHODS:

This was a prospective study in consecutive eyes with cylinder of 2.00 D or greater that had LASIK using the Alcon WaveLight EX500 excimer laser and T-CAT/Contoura software (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX). The accuracy, efficacy, safety, cylinder vector analysis, higher order aberrations, and patients' subjective quality of vision were assessed. Eyes with naturally occurring topographic irregular astigmatism were not excluded.

RESULTS:

The mean cylinder was −2.55 D preoperatively and −0.34 D postoperatively; 81% and 95% of eyes were within ±0.50 and ±0.75 D of intended cylinder after LASIK, respectively. The correction index and index of success were 1.00 and 0.13, respectively. The efficacy and safety indexes were 0.98 and 1.04, respectively. The preoperative corneal topography irregularity index, anterior corneal higher order aberrations, and refractive astigmatism magnitude were mildly correlated to postoperative residual astigmatism. Mean ocular and corneal coma were not increased postoperatively. Patients had significant improvements after LASIK in both subjective uncorrected quality of vision and night vision disturbances compared to spectacle- and contact lens–corrected vision before LASIK.

CONCLUSIONS:

Topography-guided ablation using the Alcon WaveLight EX500 excimer laser and T-CAT/Contoura software results in excellent accuracy, efficacy, and safety, with improved postoperative subjective quality of vision and reduced night vision disturbances in virgin eyes with refractive astigmatism of 2.00 D or greater, including eyes with topographic naturally occurring irregular astigmatism.

[
J Refract Surg.
2019;35(2):78–86.]
Microdistortions in Bowman's Layer 3 Years After SMILE for Myopia
Authors: Zhao Jing , Gao Yang , Han Tian , Zeng Li , Miao Huamao , Yang Dong , Zhou Qizhi , Zhou Xingtao
Published: February 2019

PURPOSE:

To investigate the characteristics and changes in microdistortions in Bowman's layer 3 years after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE).

METHODS:

In this non-randomized, prospective study, 50 eyes of 28 patients who received SMILE with a mean spherical equivalent of −6.72 ± 1.41 diopters (D) were divided into a thin lenticule group (lenticule thickness ⩽ 135 µm) and a thick lenticule group (lenticule thickness > 135 µm). Examinations were performed preoperatively and 1 day, 1 month, and 3 years after SMILE. Microdistortions in Bowman's layer determined via optical coherence tomography were analyzed digitally.

RESULTS:

All patients completed the follow-up with no complications. Three years after SMILE, no eyes exhibited loss of corrected distance visual acuity. The safety index was 1.20 ± 0.15 and the efficacy index was 1.01 ± 0.10. The respective mean lengths of microdistortions at 1 day, 1 month, and 3 years after SMILE were 2,397.47 ± 1,777.22, 3,444.87 ± 2,145.82, and 1,283.81 ± 1,184.43 μm. The respective mean microdistortion lengths at each time-point were 1,781.29 ± 17,78.15, 2,617.78 ± 1,949.67, and 1,112.95 ± 1,245.88 μm in the thin lenticule group and 2,692.10 ± 1,825.20, 3,739.20 ± 2,072.60, and 1,332.44 ± 1,137.33 μm in the thick lenticule group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Microdistortions in Bowman's layer can remain 3 years after SMILE, but their lengths decrease over time. Thicker lenticules were associated with the early occurrence of microdistortions, but this effect decreased in the long term.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2019;35(2):96–101.]
Effect of Crystalline Lens Aberrations on Adaptive Optics Simulation of Intraocular Lenses
Authors: Villegas Eloy A. , Manzanera Silvestre , Lago Carmen M. , Hervella Lucía , Sawides Lucie , Artal Pablo
Published: February 2019

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the impact of the lens aberrations on the adaptive optics visual simulation of pseudophakic intraocular lens (IOL) profiles.

METHODS:

In 20 right phakic eyes, lens higher order aberrations (HOAs) were calculated as the whole eye minus the corneal aberrations. Visual simulation using low and high contrast corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) testing was carried out with the VAO instrument (Voptica, SL, Murcia, Spain), considering three optical conditions of the lens: removing HOA (no lens-HOA), removing spherical aberration (no lens-SA), and with lens HOA (natural condition). In addition, a through-focus visual simulation of a trifocal diffractive IOL profile with high contrast CDVA was also measured in two conditions: no lens-HOA and natural condition. Three different pupil sizes (3, 4.5, and 6 mm) were tested for all conditions.

RESULTS:

There were no significant intersubject differences between the three optical conditions and in the IOL simulation for all pupil sizes (
P
> .05). For 4.5- and 6-mm pupils, mean VA values of the no-lens SA and no lens-HOA conditions were similar and slightly worse than those of the natural condition. Individual differences between the no lens-HOA condition and the other two optical conditions, estimated as 95% limits of agreement, were acceptable for 3-mm pupil but worse as pupil diameter increased.

CONCLUSIONS:

The effect of lens aberrations on visual simulation is imperceptible for a small pupil diameter of 3 mm. Although the increment of pupil size increases the probability of patients with significant visual impact of lens HOAs, the mean intersubject VA differences are negligible.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2019;35(2):126–131.]
Longitudinal and Regional Non-uniform Remodeling of Corneal Epithelium After Topography-Guided FS-LASIK
Authors: Fan Limin , Xiong Lu , Zhang Bo , Wang Zheng
Published: February 2019

PURPOSE:

To observe the epithelial remodeling over a 9-mm diameter cornea induced by topography-guided femtosecond laser–assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) for myopia correction using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

METHODS:

Forty-three eyes of 22 patients who underwent topography-guided FS-LASIK for myopic correction were included. The “Pachymetrywide” scan pattern was used to generate the epithelial thickness map using SD-OCT preoperatively and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Epithelial thickness was compared and analyzed by section and zone.

RESULTS:

Compared to the preoperative values, the change in the average epithelial thickness in the central, paracentral, and mid-peripheral zones was 2.09, 4.53, and −0.87 µm at 1 month; 3.00, 4.61, and −0.97 µm at 3 months; and 3.28, 4.55, and −0.81 µm at 6 months postoperatively, respectively. From 1 to 3 months postoperatively, the central epithelial thickness changed significantly (
P
= .021), whereas the epithelial thickness in the paracentral (
P
= .973) and mid-peripheral (
P
= .996) zones stabilized. No significant epithelial thickness change was observed in the zones between 3 and 6 months postoperatively (all
P
> .05). The epithelial thickness in the paracentral inferotemporal section increased by 12.7% at 6 months after surgery. The central epithelial hyperplasia showed no correlation with the change in postoperative manifest refraction spherical equivalent (
P
= .313).

CONCLUSIONS:

After topography-guided FS-LASIK, the 9-mm diameter epithelial thickness showed a longitudinal and regional non-uniform redistribution. Central epithelial remodeling stabilized more slowly. The greatest increase in epithelial thickness was observed in the paracentral inferotemporal section. This epithelial remodeling did not cause refractive regression.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2019;35(2):88–95.]
Higher Order Aberrations in Femtosecond Laser–Assisted Versus Manual Cataract Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ernest Paul H. , Popovic Marko , Schlenker Matthew B. , Klumpp Lindsay , Ahmed Iqbal Ike K.
Published: February 2019

PURPOSE:

To evaluate differences in higher order aberrations (HOAs) between femtosecond laser–assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) and manual cataract surgery.

METHODS:

In this retrospective cohort study, consecutive patients undergoing FLACS or manual cataract surgery with implantation of an intraocular lens from January 2017 to February 2018 were recruited. Patients underwent aberrometry testing at least 2 months postoperatively. The primary endpoint was internal coma < 0.32 µm, and secondary outcomes included patient-reported vision quality. Generalized estimating equations accounting for within-patient correlation were used for analysis.

RESULTS:

A total of 57 eyes underwent FLACS (mesopic pupil size: 4.74 ± 1.37 mm) and 50 eyes underwent manual cataract surgery (pupil size: 4.99 ± 1.24 mm). The proportion of eyes reaching internal coma < 0.32 µm was significantly greater following FLACS (54 of 57 eyes, 94.7%) relative to manual cataract surgery (39 of 50 eyes, 78.0%) (odds ratio [OR] = 5.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.24 to 20.85,
P
= .024). The median internal coma was 0.10 µm for FLACS and 0.12 µm for manual cataract surgery (
P
= .005). There were no significant differences in vision quality between treatments (
P
= .40). All eyes (n = 15) with satisfaction scores of 0 to 10 had internal coma < 0.20 µm, compared to those with scores of 11 to 20 (27 of 29 eyes, 93.1%), 21 to 30 (19 of 30 eyes, 63.3%), and > 30 (8 of 15 eyes, 53.3%) (
P
< .001). The average internal coma increased by a greater amount for manual cataract surgery than for FLACS for every increase in mesopic pupil size > 5.75 mm.

CONCLUSIONS:

More eyes achieved internal coma < 0.32 µm following FLACS compared to manual cataract surgery. However, this does not account for improved patient-reported vision quality. There was a correlation between internal coma and patient-reported satisfaction, and eyes with excellent patient satisfaction all had internal coma < 0.20 µm.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2019;35(2):102–108.]
Organically vs conventionally-grown dark and white chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.): fatty acid composition, antioxidant activity and techno-functional properties
Authors: Alvites-Misajel K. , García-Gutiérrez M. , Miranda-Rodríguez C. , Ramos-Escudero F.
Published: February 2019

The effects of organic and conventional crop systems on chemical composition, antioxidant activity and functional properties were evaluated in white and dark chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seeds. The organic system reduced the total protein content, and increased the total carbohydrates but did not change polyunsaturated fatty acids, total phenolic or flavonoids. Organic white chia seeds showed the best techno-functional properties. The antioxidant capacity of chia extracts varied in relation to the chemical complexity and differential rate kinetics of different assays. Extractable total phenolic acids and antioxidant capacity were better in organic white chia seeds. In this first approach, we have demonstrated that the organic white chia seed has a better total antioxidant capacity measured by direct quencher approaches than its conventionally-grown counterpart. To summarize, we conclude that the organic white chia seed could be a dietary source of antioxidants with a potential to promote health benefits in systemic functions and/or microbiota and the use of its techno-functional properties for the food industry.
Exploring Faculty and Student iPad Integration in Higher Education
Authors: Cardullo Victoria M. , Clark LeNessa
Published: February 2019

Higher education institutions are exploring the impact of technology integration in educational settings since the release of marketed devices like the iPad and Chromebook. A university in the southern region of the United States launched a yearlong feasibility study to explore how mobile technologies support student learning, influence instruction, and identify how faculty and students perceive the usage of mobile devices for teaching and learning. The population consisted of freshman-level participants enrolled in a general education biology course. Student participants ranged from 17-21 years of age. All students were provided with an iPad to use during the year. Researchers used several data sources to collect bi-weekly observations on both faculty and students, a student survey, and post focus group interviews with students and faculty. Using the SAMR model paired with Bloom's taxonomies, findings described the various levels in which iPads were integrated into instruction by faculty and student participants. Research revealed student appreciation of iPad affordances and features of the device. The analysis also identified building infrastructure, technology support, and teacher training in technology integration as vital pieces to a successful schoolwide implementation.
An Online Verification System of Students and Graduates Documents and Certificates
Authors: Brdesee Hani Sami
Published: February 2019

University students around the world find geographical and organizational difficulties in verifying their records and academic documents in various traditional ways; namely by mail, e-mail or in person. Such a procedure is hectic and time-consuming. Also, an important step in job recruiting is to go through résumes and applicants' certificates and check if they contain incorrect or fraudulent information. Hence, the need to standardize these services in a unified portal was made by designing and developing an electronic system to verify documents for students and student graduates. The proposed e-verification portal of this study enhances the smart university with saving time and effort as it receives all verification transactions from external parties inside and outside a country. It also helps keep track of the achievement in an accurate manner and prevents the falsification of documents. This research article demonstrates the stages of the system design, development, the accomplished outcomes and the final form of implementation strategy.