bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Situ Fe and S isotope analyses in pyrite from the 3.2 Ga Mendon Formation (Barberton Greenstone Belt, South Africa): Evidence for early microbial iron reduction
Authors: Marin‐Carbonne Johanna , Busigny Vincent , Miot Jennyfer , Rollion‐Bard Claire , Muller Elodie , Drabon Nadja , Jacob Damien , Pont Sylvain , Robyr Martin , Bontognali Tomaso R. R. , François Camille , Reynaud Stephanie , Van Zuilen Mark , Philippot Pascal
Published: March 2020

On the basis of phylogenetic studies and laboratory cultures, it has been proposed that the ability of microbes to metabolize iron has emerged prior to the Archaea/Bacteria split. However, no unambiguous geochemical data supporting this claim have been put forward in rocks older than 2.7–2.5 giga years (Gyr). In the present work, we report in situ Fe and S isotope composition of pyrite from 3.28‐ to 3.26‐Gyr‐old cherts from the upper Mendon Formation, South Africa. We identified three populations of microscopic pyrites showing a wide range of Fe isotope compositions, which cluster around two δ56Fe values of −1.8‰ and +1‰. These three pyrite groups can also be distinguished based on the pyrite crystallinity and the S isotope mass‐independent signatures. One pyrite group displays poorly crystallized pyrite minerals with positive Δ33S values > +3‰, while the other groups display more variable and closer to 0‰ Δ33S values with recrystallized pyrite rims. It is worth to note that all the pyrite groups display positive Δ33S values in the pyrite core and similar trace element compositions. We therefore suggest that two of the pyrite groups have experienced late fluid circulations that have led to partial recrystallization and dilution of S isotope mass‐independent signature but not modification of the Fe isotope record. Considering the mineralogy and geochemistry of the pyrites and associated organic material, we conclude that this iron isotope systematic derives from microbial respiration of iron oxides during early diagenesis. Our data extend the geological record of dissimilatory iron reduction (DIR) back more than 560 million years (Myr) and confirm that micro‐organisms closely related to the last common ancestor had the ability to reduce Fe(III).
Feedback control of absolute blood volume: A new technical approach in hemodialysis
Authors: Kron Susanne , Schneditz Daniel , Leimbach Til , Kron Joachim
Published: March 2020

Introduction

The success of automatic feedback control systems to improve hemodynamic stability by preventing relative blood volume from dropping beyond a critical value during dialysis is limited. The aim of this study was to use one of these systems for control of absolute rather than relative blood volume to prevent volume‐dependent morbid events.

Methods

Dialysis was delivered by a machine providing feedback control of ultrafiltration rates, relative blood volume monitoring, and accurate bolus infusion of 240 mL of dialysate to measure absolute blood volume at the beginning of dialysis. Critical relative blood volume required by the control algorithm was calculated from absolute blood volume at the beginning and a critical absolute blood volume of 67 mL/kg.

Findings

In 40 stable patients, ultrafiltration was guided by blood volume using the feedback algorithm of the integrated program. Blood volume was maintained in a narrow range above the prespecified minimal value of 67 mL/kg. At the end of dialysis, absolute blood volume ranged from 67.5 to 72.5 mL/kg (69.4 ± 1.3 mL/kg). No volume‐dependent intradialytic morbid event occurred.

Discussion

A feedback control system for relative blood volume‐controlled ultrafiltration can be used for control of absolute blood volume. A prescribed target of absolute blood volume can be converted into relative blood volume, and this can subsequently be reached automatically with the integrated feedback system of the dialysis machine. Intradialytic morbid events could be considerably reduced. The whole procedure could be completely automated without altering the hardware of the dialysis device.
Synthesis, microstructure, and mechanical properties of TiC‐SiC‐Ti3SiC2 composites prepared by in situ reactive hot pressing
Authors: Liao Nan , Xu Ludi , Jin Yuxi , Xiao Youtao , Grasso Salvatore , Hu Chunfeng
Published: March 2020

In this work, TiC‐SiC‐Ti3SiC2 composites were synthesized by in situ reactive hot pressing using β‐SiC, graphite, and TiH2 powders as initial materials. Microstructure and mechanical properties of as‐prepared dense composites were systematically investigated. It was found that by increasing the initial SiC content the final SiC content in the composites increased in contrast to the decrease in TiC and Ti3SiC2 contents. In the dense composites, TiC and Ti3SiC2 grains exhibited transgranular fracture, whereas SiC particles showed intergranular fracture. The composite containing 77 vol.% TiC, 4 vol.% SiC, and 19 vol.% Ti3SiC2 had the highest flexural strength of 706.6 MPa. The composite consisting of 44 vol.% TiC, 49 vol.% SiC, and 7 vol.% Ti3SiC2 exhibited the highest Vickers hardness of 22.3 GPa and the highest fracture toughness of 6.0 MPa·m1/2.
Effect of CeO2 addition on the sintering behavior of the alumina‐rich calcium aluminate ceramics
Authors: Wen Tianpeng , Yuan Lei , Jin Endong , Liu Tao , Tian Chen , Yu Jingkun
Published: March 2020

In this work, the CaAl4O7 ceramics and CaAl12O19 ceramics were fabricated by the solid‐state sintering technology and the effects of CeO2 as the additive on their sintering behavior subjected to sintering at temperatures of 1500°C, 1550°C, and 1600°C were investigated. It was demonstrated that the bulk densities of the CaAl4O7 ceramics and CaAl12O19 ceramics increased about 23.8% and 24.2% after adding 3.0 wt% of CeO2 than that of the samples without additives. Meanwhile, an increase in lattice parameters occurred in the CaAl4O7 ceramics and CaAl12O19 ceramics. The CeO2 could form the solid solution in the CaAl4O7 ceramics, inducing the lattice distortion and the activation of the lattice. The Ce4+ in CeO2 could be dissolved in the structure of CaAl12O19 phase and result in the structural defects, which would accelerate ion exchange and promote the in situ reaction of synthetic products. These behaviors could promote the sintering process of the CaAl4O7 ceramics and CaAl12O19 ceramics and improve their sinterability. Moreover, a considerable increase in bulk density occurred in both CaAl4O7 ceramics and CaAl12O19 ceramics with increasing sintering temperatures due to the greater densification obtained from the enhanced mass transport at elevated temperatures.
Genetic predisposition in acute leukaemia
Authors: Wiggins Meredith , Stevenson William
Published: March 2020

A small but important proportion of patients with myelodysplasia (MDS) and acute leukaemia (AL) have underlying germline mutations in leukaemia susceptibility genes. The majority of these variants predispose to myeloid neoplasms with a smaller number associated with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). The 2016 revision of the WHO classification of tumours of haematopoietic and lymphoid tissues has defined a number of myeloid neoplasms with germline predisposition (Blood, 127, 2016, 2391) alerting clinicians to the importance of this underlying diagnosis. Advances in genetic technology and access to testing will undoubtably result in increased numbers of patients and families with leukaemia predisposition syndromes being identified. Here we summarize the salient biology and genetic and clinical features of a number of these conditions including some more recently described genetic variants.
Repeat pulmonary vein isolation with or without FIRM‐guided ablation for recurrent atrial fibrillation with pulmonary vein reconnection
Authors: Peigh Graham , Wasserlauf Jeremiah , Kaplan Rachel M. , Amaral Ansel P. , Trivedi Amar , Chicos Alexandru B. , Arora Rishi , Kim Susan , Lin Albert , Verma Nishant , Knight Bradley P. , Passman Rod S.
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Focal impulse and rotor modulation (FIRM) ablation can be used to target nonpulmonary vein (PV) sources of atrial fibrillation (AF). No published studies have compared freedom from atrial fibrillation (FFAF) after pulmonary vein reisolation (PVRI) plus FIRM to PVRI alone in patients with reconnected PVs undergoing repeat ablation.

Methods

A 3:1 matched retrospective cohort study was performed on 21 patients with recurrent AF and PV reconnection who underwent PVRI plus FIRM‐guided ablation and 63 patients with recurrent AF treated with PVRI alone at a single institution. All patients in the PVRI‐alone cohort had cryoballoon PVRI at the time of repeat ablation without additional lesion sets for AF. Cases were matched based on the type of AF (paroxysmal vs nonparoxysmal), left atrial diameter (±4 mm), left ventricular ejection fraction (±10%), duration of AF (±18 months), and age (±5 years). The primary endpoint was FFAF after a 3‐month blanking period.

Results

Out of 53 total FIRM cases performed at Northwestern Memorial Hospital between 2015 and 2017, 21 patients had PVRI plus FIRM for recurrent AF with PV reconnection. These patients had an average of 3.3 ± 2.1 rotors (60% left atrial) ablated. Over a median follow‐up time of 24.7 months (interquartile range, 13‐36 months), patients in the PVRI‐alone cohort demonstrated a higher rate of FFAF (n = 35; 55.6%) than patients in the PVRI plus FIRM‐guided ablation cohort (n = 7; 33.3%) (logrank P = .049).

Conclusion

In patients undergoing repeat ablation for AF with PV reconnection, PVRI plus FIRM did not increase FFAF compared to PVRI alone.
Evidence supporting the enhanced efficacy of pentavalent antimonials with adjuvant therapy for cutaneous leishmaniasis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Husein‐ElAhmed H. , Gieler U. , Steinhoff M.
Published: March 2020

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is one of the major neglected disease worldwide. Although many drugs have been used, the pentavalent antimonials (PA) remain as the first‐line choice despite their toxicity and limited efficacy. The combination of two drugs has risen as a potential alternative to increase the cure rate while lowering the side‐effects caused by pentavalent antimonials (PA). The objective of this study was to critically review and appraise the potential synergism of the adjuvant therapies of PA with other drugs/interventions previously used in the literature. We carried out a search of literature from PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane and clinicaltrials.gov. Articles that described a two‐arm or three‐arm design in which one of the arms consisted in a combination of a drug/intervention with intralesional or systemic PA were selected. The primary outcome was proportion of complete clearance of the lesions defined as complete re‐epithelization and/or negative direct smear. Our literature search identified 554 references. Thirty‐one records with a total sample size of 2668 participants met the eligibility criteria. The studies investigated the association of PA with the following: cryotherapy (five studies), allopurinol, imiquimod, pentoxifylline (four studies each), trichloroacetic acid 50% (three studies) and other additional interventions (eleven studies). Overall, the combined therapy of PA with a supplementary intervention was superior to PA monotherapy (RR: 1.23 95% CI: 1.11–1.35, I2 = 64%). In association with PA, the comparator‐specific stratified analysis showed that cryotherapy (RR: 1.50 95% CI: 1.25–1.81, I2 = 57%) and allopurinol (RR: 1.70 95% CI: 1.37–2.12, I2 = 28%) were superior to PA in monotherapy. On the contrary, the combined therapy with imiquimod (RR: 1.08 95% CI: 0.88–1.32, I2 = 40%) and pentoxifylline (RR: 1.14 95% CI: 0.94–1.40, I2 = 41%) revealed a non‐significant result. The application of TCA along with PA did not show significant differences in the clearance rate, although it was close to it (RR: 1.31 95% CI: 0.99–1.73, I2 = 84%). The present work represents an attempt to find new and reliable treatment modalities to enhance the efficacy based on the adjuvant therapy of pre‐existing drugs/interventions with PA. According to our results, the combination of allopurinol‐PA is the most effective adjuvant therapy. The application of cryotherapy and TCA stand as useful and encouraging supplementary interventions. The combination of imiquimod‐PA and pentoxifylline adds no additional benefit. The results of this work may be helpful in devising and modifying the current guidelines for CL which face major remaining evidence gaps. Triple therapies consisting in cryotherapy‐PA‐TCA or allopurinol‐PA‐cryotherapy or allopurinol‐PA‐TCA can represent promising treatments yet to be confirmed in future trials.
Exploration of risk factors for non‐survival and for transfusion‐associated complications in cats receiving red cell transfusions: 450 cases (2009 to 2017)
Authors: Martinez‐Sogues L. , Blois S. L. , Manzanilla E. G. , Abrams‐Ogg A. O. , Cosentino P.
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To describe red blood cell transfusion practices and short‐term outcomes in anaemic cats. To determine clinical variables associated with non‐survival and transfusion‐related complications.

Material and Methods

In this retrospective study, blood bank records from the Ontario Veterinary College Health Science Centre (OVC‐HSC) were reviewed to identify cats that received packed red blood cells or whole blood from 2009 to 2017. We extracted cause of anaemia, history of previous transfusion, pre‐ and post‐transfusion packed cell volume, pre‐transfusion compatibility testing, volume and dose of blood product, age of red blood cell unit, transfusion‐associated complications and patient survival.

Results

A total of 450 transfusion events were recorded in 267 cats. Blood loss was the most common indication for blood transfusion (44.9%), followed by ineffective erythropoiesis (37.5%) and red blood cell destruction (22.5%). Transfusion‐associated complications occurred in 10.2% events and there was a 20.2% mortality after transfusion. Mean increase in packed cell volume 24‐hours after transfusion was greater in cats undergoing major cross‐match testing before transfusion (7.2%) versus those that did not (4.0%). Non‐survival was associated with higher packed cell volume before transfusion, low patient body temperature before transfusion, anaemia due to blood loss and number of transfusions administered. Older age of transfused blood units was associated with non‐survival and transfusion‐related complications.

Clinical Importance

This study was observational and so our analyses were exploratory, but suggest that major cross‐match before transfusion tended to have greater transfusion efficacy and transfusion of older blood products might have detrimental effects on survival.
The economic costs of selecting medical students: An Australian case study
Authors: Foo Jonathan , Rivers George , Allen Louise , Ilic Dragan , Maloney Stephen , Hay Margaret
Published: March 2020

Context

The design of selection methods must balance, amongst a range of factors, the desire to select the best possible future doctors with the reality of our resource‐constrained environment. Examining the cost of selection processes enables us to identify areas in which efficiencies may be gained.

Methods

A cost description study was conducted based on selection for 2018 entry into medical school directly from secondary school. The perspectives of applicants, volunteer interviewers and the admitting institution were considered. Costs were modelled based on the Monash University (Australia) selection process, which uses a combination of secondary school matriculation score, aptitude test score (Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test) and multiple mini‐interview score. A variety of data sources were utilised, including bespoke surveys, audit data and existing literature. All costs are expressed in 2018 Australian dollars (AU$). Applicant behaviours in preparing for selection tests were also evaluated.

Results

A total of 381 of 383 applicants returned the survey. Over 70% of applicants had utilised commercial preparation materials. The median total cost to applicants was AU$2586 (interquartile range [IQR] AU$1574‐3999), including costs to both prepare for and attend selection tests. Of 217 volunteer interviewers, 108 returned the survey. These were primarily health professional clinicians at a mid‐career stage. The median total cost to interviewers was AU$452 (IQR AU$252‐715) for participation in a half‐day interview session, largely due to the loss of income. The cost to the admitting institution was AU$269 per applicant, accounted for by the costs of equipment and consumables (52%), personnel (34%) and facilities (14%).

Conclusions

The costs of student selection for medical school are substantial. Understanding costs facilitates achievement of the objective of selecting the desired future medical workforce within the constraints of the resources available. Opportunities for change may arise from changes in applicant preparation behaviours, opportunities for economies of scale, and efficiencies driven by technological solutions.
What occupational preference types dominate among nurses and paramedics with implications for wellbeing?: A scoping review
Authors: Mason Rod , Roodenburg John , Williams Brett
Published: March 2020

Understanding the occupational typological nature of nursing and paramedicine and the typological preferences of these within the professions offers significant evidence of factors that can facilitate wellbeing and efficiencies. Arksey and O'Malley's five‐stage scoping methodology was used to review the literature. The research question used to guide this scoping review was: Which Holland code is more dominant among nurses and paramedics? Nine articles were included in this review, from which two broad themes emerged: Job satisfaction/academic success; and personality‐employment fit across gender and subgroups within the same occupation. While the Social (S) personality type dominated across the studies for both nurses and paramedics, overall, the studies identified various combinations of the personality profile and, in some cases, personality types foreign to the occupation also formed part of the Holland code. Congruence can be thought of as playing an important role in nurses’/paramedics’ overall well‐being regardless of the order of their three dominant personality types.
Incidence, risk factors and re‐exacerbation rate of severe asthma exacerbations in a multinational, multidatabase pediatric cohort study
Authors: Engelkes Marjolein , Baan Esme J. , de Ridder Maria A. J. , Svensson Elisabeth , Prieto‐Alhambra Daniel , Lapi Francesco , Giaquinto Carlo , Picelli Gino , Boudiaf Nada , Albers Frank , Evitt Lee A. , Cockle Sarah , Bradford Eric , Van Dyke Melissa K. , Suruki Robert , Rijnbeek Peter , Sturkenboom Miriam C. J. M. , Janssens Hettie M. , Verhamme Katia M. C.
Published: March 2020

Background

There are sparse real‐world data on severe asthma exacerbations (SAE) in children. This multinational cohort study assessed the incidence of and risk factors for SAE and the incidence of asthma‐related rehospitalization in children with asthma.

Methods

Asthma patients 5‐17 years old with ≥1 year of follow‐up were identified in six European electronic databases from the Netherlands, Italy, the UK, Denmark and Spain in 2008‐2013. Asthma was defined as ≥1 asthma‐specific disease code within 3 months of prescriptions/dispensing of asthma medication. Severe asthma was defined as high‐dosed inhaled corticosteroids plus a second controller. SAE was defined by systemic corticosteroids, emergency department visit and/or hospitalization all for reason of asthma. Risk factors for SAE were estimated by Poisson regression analyses.

Results

The cohort consisted of 212 060 paediatric asthma patients contributing to 678 625 patient‐years (PY). SAE rates ranged between 17 and 198/1000 PY and were higher in severe asthma and highest in severe asthma patients with a history of exacerbations. Prior SAE (incidence rate ratio 3‐45) and younger age increased the SAE risk in all countries, whereas obesity, atopy and GERD were a risk factor in some but not all countries. Rehospitalization rates were up to 79% within 1 year.

Conclusions

In a real‐world setting, SAE rates were highest in children with severe asthma with a history of exacerbations. Many severe asthma patients were rehospitalized within 1 year. Asthma management focusing on prevention of SAE is important to reduce the burden of asthma.
Kinetics of IgA and eosinophils following a low‐dose, predominantly Haemonchus contortus infection of Boer goats
Authors: Hayyan Basripuzi N. , Sharma Reuben S.K. , Raimy Nurulaini , Nisha Mehru , Hussain Khalida , Busin Valentina M. , Jenvey Caitlin J. , Cairns Callum , Stear Michael J.
Published: March 2020

Aims

Most breeds of goat are more susceptible to nematode infection than sheep, and this appears to be a consequence of less effective immune responses. Several papers have considered the effectiveness of eosinophils and immunoglobulin A (IgA) in goats but differences in the induction of responses have not been studied in the same detail. The aim of this study was to look at the induction of eosinophil and IgA responses in Boer goats reared indoors under intensive conditions.

Methods and results

The goats were experimentally infected with a low dose of 2400 Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus spp. and Oesophagostomum spp. at a 6:1:1 ratio. Faecal egg counts (FEC), packed cell volume (PCV), IgA activity against third‐stage larvae and peripheral eosinophilia were measured twice a week for eight weeks. The infection generated an IgA response but did not significantly increase peripheral eosinophilia in the 25 infected kids compared with the 4 control animals. FEC was not associated with IgA activity or eosinophilia.

Conclusion

A detailed analysis of IgA and eosinophil responses to deliberate nematode infection in Boer goats showed that there was an increase in nematode‐specific IgA activity but no detectable eosinophil response. In addition, there was no association between increased IgA activity or eosinophilia with egg counts and worm burdens. These suggest that IgA and eosinophils do not act to control nematode infection in goats.
Reducing waiting times in the Italian NHS: The case of Emilia‐Romagna
Authors: Toth Federico
Published: March 2020

In 2015, the Emilia‐Romagna Regional Government implemented a plan to reduce waiting times for elective outpatient procedures. The objective set by the regional government establishes that at least 90 per cent of specialist services are to be provided within the following maximum waiting times: 30 days for the first specialist consultation, and 60 days for diagnostic tests. The plan adopted by the Emilia‐Romagna Regional Government is of particular interest because it encompasses a combined strategy. Some of the interventions envisaged in the plan aim at increasing the supply of specialist services. Others address the demand side, seeking to reduce inadequate requests and discourage no‐shows by patients. And others focus on combining supply and demand and neutralizing the effects of some perverse incentives. The Emilia‐Romagna plan appears to have had a successful outcome. In the first 4 years of implementation, the 90 per cent target has not only been achieved but also widely exceeded.
Introducing a general class of species diversification models for phylogenetic trees
Authors: Richter Francisco , Haegeman Bart , Etienne Rampal S. , Wit Ernst C.
Published: March 2020

Phylogenetic trees are types of networks that describe the temporal relationship between individuals, species, or other units that are subject to evolutionary diversification. Many phylogenetic trees are constructed from molecular data that is often only available for extant species, and hence they lack all or some of the branches that did not make it into the present. This feature makes inference on the diversification process challenging. For relatively simple diversification models, analytical or numerical methods to compute the likelihood exist, but these do not work for more realistic models in which the likelihood depends on properties of the missing lineages. In this article, we study a general class of species diversification models, and we provide an expectation‐maximization framework in combination with a uniform sampling scheme to perform maximum likelihood estimation of the parameters of the diversification process.
Phylogeny and classification of Leptophlebiidae (Ephemeroptera) with an emphasis on Neotropical fauna
Authors: Monjardim Marina , Paresque Roberta , Salles Frederico F.
Published: March 2020

Mayflies from the family Leptophlebiidae are cosmopolitan and highly diverse morphologically; they are also the largest family in numbers of genera and the second in number of species in the order Ephemeroptera. In spite of their broad diversity and the efforts employed to understand the evolution of this group, the internal classification of Leptophlebiidae remains controversial at all levels. More recently, important changes have been incorporated into the systematics of the family, increasing the number of subfamilies (from two to six) and recognizing several tribes. We present a phylogeny of the family based on 153 taxa (53 genera) and two molecular markers, representing 1655 bp, and verify the taxonomic status of the subfamilies, tribes and complexes. Based on these results, the number of subfamilies has been increased from six to eight and one new tribes and two new subtribes have been added. In addition, new ranks are proposed and the concept of Atalophlebiinae revised, including genera with distributions in the Australasian and Neotropical regions.
A single‐centre review of iatrogenic anaemia in adult intensive care
Authors: Holland James , Peralta Rita M. , Moss Rachel L. , Feane Kelly , Uprichard James
Published: March 2020

Objectives

(a) To quantify the volume of diagnostic blood loss (DBL) and evaluate its impact on intensive care unit (ICU) patients, (b) examine the correlation between severity of disease and DBL and (c) identify potentially vulnerable patient subgroups.

Background

Iatrogenic anaemia is an important problem amongst ICU patients, with significant daily DBL.

Methods

A single‐centre observational cohort study was conducted at St George's Hospital, London, cardiac and general ICU. Forty patients were included in the study. Variables measured were volume of blood collected and discarded on a daily basis, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, frequency of phlebotomy, haemoglobin concentration before and after admission to ICU, reason for admission and complications developed in ICU.

Results

Mean (SD) total volume drawn per patient per day over 4 days was 86.3 mL (19.58). Nearly 30% of the total blood taken was discarded. There was a strong positive correlation between patients admitted because of sepsis and volume of DBL (P < .01), APACHE II score and volume taken (P = .01), patients who developed respiratory failure requiring ventilation and volume taken (P < .01) and patients who had received a blood transfusion and volume taken (P < .01). Haemoglobin concentration on discharge was negatively associated with DBL volume (P < .01).

Conclusion

High volumes of blood were taken and discarded from the study population, possibly reflecting the fact that there are no guidelines for ICU staff in terms of the amount of blood that needs to be withdrawn in order to “prime” access lines.
Impact of development and management options on water resources of the upper Mara River Basin of Kenya
Authors: Omonge Paul , Herrnegger Mathew , Gathuru Gladys , Fürst Josef , Olang Luke
Published: March 2020

This study employed the Water Evaluation and Planning model to evaluate selected policy‐based water development and management options on water resources of the upper Mara Basin of Kenya. The major water resources of the region were identified and quantified to establish the current demand versus supply status. Data on domestic water consumption, agricultural demand and industrial consumption were collected through a rigorous fieldwork campaign and used to define the current state of water use and demand. The water resource model was calibrated and validated against observed discharges and subsequently used to simulate the selected policy‐based options. Results indicate that an increase between 49% and 180%, depending on the assumed scenario, in annual water demand is expected by the year 2030. As a conclusion, the simulations demonstrate that there is both the need and significant potential to reduce the demand by implementing water conservation measures.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Gibbs Nikki
Published: March 2020

Applied Economics and Finance (AEF) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether AEF publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 7, Number 2 Ali Massoud, Sohag University, EgyptAndrey Kudryavtsev, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley Academic College, IsraelAyoub Taha Sidahmed, SIU, SudanBasanta K. Pradhan, University of Delhi Enclave, IndiaDjebali Nesrine, University of Jendouba, TunisiaGetamesay Bekele Meshesha, Debre Berhan University, EthiopiaHe Nie, Jinan University, ChinaIgor Matyushenko, School of Foreign Economic Relations and Touristic Business, UkraineKembo Bwana, College of Business Education, TanzaniaMarco Muscettola, Independent Researcher-Credit Risk Manager, ItalyMarwa Biltagy, Cairo University, Faculty of Economics and Political Science, EgyptMurad Harasheh, University of Milan-Bicocca, ItalyNicolas Afflatet, University of the Federal Armed Forces, GermanyOltiana Muharremi Pelari, University of Vlora, AlbaniaOlubukunola Ranti Uwuigbe, Covenant University, NigeriaPatrycja Kowalczyk-Rolczynska, Wroclaw University of Economics, PolandPayal Chadha, University of Wales Prifysgol Cymru, KuwaitRajeev Rana, APB Govt. P.G. College, IndiaRamona Orastean, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, RomaniaRichard Nguyen, Alliant International University, USARomeo Victor Ionescu, Dunarea de Jos University, RomaniaVictoria Cociug, Academy of Sciences of Moldova, Moldova     Nikki GibbsEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Applied Economics and FinanceRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://aef.redfame.com
Estimation of three-dimensional water column sound speed profiles and sediment compressional wave speed and density profiles using a distributed network of buoys
Authors: Rajan Subramaniam D. , Frisk George V.
Published: March 2020

Broadband data acquired during the Modal Mapping Experiment (MOMAX) V experiment are used to invert simultaneously for the three-dimensional (3D) water column sound speed profiles and the compressional wave speed and density profiles of the seabed in shallow waters off the coast of New Jersey. Linear Frequency Modulation sweep signals in the band 50–300 Hz are transmitted from a nearly stationary source at several discrete positions to a set of freely drifting receivers. Mode travel times are estimated from the signals acquired by the drifting buoys, and these are then used as input data in an inversion algorithm that estimates the acoustic properties of the water column and sediments. The resulting 3D compressional wave speed profiles in the seabed are generally consistent with the one-dimensional profile obtained during the narrowband component of MOMAX V, as well as the results from other experiments in the same area. The validity of the inversion results has also been assessed by the ability of the inverted model to predict the fields measured during the narrowband experiments.
Vitamin D deficiency cardiomyopathy in Scotland: a retrospective review of the last decade
Authors: Hunter Lindsay , Ferguson Richard , McDevitt Helen
Published: March 2020

Objective

To determine the incidence, demography and prognosis of vitamin D deficiency dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in Scotland over the last decade.

Study design

A retrospective review of cases of vitamin D deficiency DCM presenting to a national paediatric cardiac centre between 1 January 2008 and 1 January 2018. The departmental database and electronic and paper case notes were used to identify patients and extract data.

Results

Six patients were identified (three male), three of whom were Caucasian. Median age at presentation was 206 days (range 2–268.) All six patients had high serum parathyroid hormone levels (median 45 pmol/L, range 27–120 pmol/L), a sensitive marker of total body calcium deprivation secondary to vitamin D deficiency. All patients demonstrated clinical and echocardiographic improvement following high dose vitamin D treatment. No patients required cardiac transplant, and only one patient required extracorporeal life support as a bridge to recovery. After an initial improvement, one child died at 5 months as a result of respiratory infection. Three patients lived within some of the most deprived areas in Scotland.

Conclusions

This case series demonstrates a previously unreported demographic in Scotland, as 50% of cases presented in Caucasian children. Although vitamin D deficiency DCM is relatively rare, it is wholly preventable. Our study confirms that vitamin D deficiency cardiomyopathy is reversible with prompt identification and supplementation. The current implementation of public health policy in the UK is failing to prevent children from developing the most severe manifestation of vitamin D deficiency.
Addressing the challenges of regulatory systems strengthening in small states
Authors: Preston Charles , Freitas Dias Murilo , Peña José , Pombo María Luz , Porrás Analía
Published: March 2020

Countries should ensure equitable access to quality medicines. Regulatory systems for medicines and other health technologies are an essential part of well-functioning health systems and are a requisite for achieving Universal Health and the Sustainable Development Goals. The Pan American Health Organization, the World health Organization (WHO) regional office for the Americas, has assessed national regulatory capacities using a precursor of WHO Global Benchmarking Tool, and conducted an analysis of the data which suggests an association of regulatory capacity with population and the size of the economy. Regulatory capacity tends to decrease as population and gross domestic product decreases. This predominantly impacts the Caribbean sub-region in the Americas, which includes many states with small populations and economies. This paper will use the World Bank’s term ‘small states’ to refer to countries with 1.5 million people or less and other larger countries that face similar challenges. The regulatory challenges of small states include small markets and limited human and financial resources. However, small states can build regulatory systems with a narrower scope that are less resource intensive and still ensure appropriate regulation and oversight. The approach should be tailored to accomplish a subset of WHO recommended essential functions, including marketing authorisation, licensing of establishments and postmarket surveillance/pharmacovigilance, depending on the need to oversee local manufacturing, which requires a comprehensive system. The approach should also include adoption of efficiencies, such as regionalisation and reliance. This model is currently being put in practice in the small states of the Caribbean Community and Pacific Islands and can inform other small states around the world.
Does changing to brighter road lighting improve road safety? Multilevel longitudinal analysis of road traffic collision frequency during the relighting of a UK city
Authors: Marchant Paul , Hale James David , Sadler Jon Paul
Published: March 2020

Background

A step change in the night environment is taking place, with the large-scale installation of bright, broad-spectrum road lighting such as white light-emitting diodes (LEDs). One justification for this is a reduction in road traffic collisions (RTCs). This study aimed to estimate the effect of new lighting on personal injury RTCs within a large UK city.

Methods

We analysed a 9-year time series of weekly RTC personal injury counts in 132 areas of the city using multilevel modelling. The RTC rate over a full 24-hour period was the primary outcome; darkness and daylight RTC rates were secondary. The background change in RTC rate was separated from the change associated with the number of newly installed bright lamps by including a polynomial underlying time trend for the logarithm of the mean number of collisions per week for each area. The study was based on a rigorous, predesigned and archived protocol.

Results

Within-area coefficients for the broad lighting effect were positive; as the number of bright lamps in an area increased, so did the RTC rate. The estimate for the increase in the within-area 24-hour RTC rate is 11% (95% CI 2% to 20%). The estimate of darkness-only RTCs is 16% (95% CI 2% to 32%). If the effect of lighting on darkness RTC rate is adjusted by that for daylight, one obtains 4% (95% CI −12% to +23%).

Conclusion

No evidence was found for bright lamps leading to an improvement in road safety in any of the analyses. For this city, introducing brighter road lighting may have compromised safety rather than reducing harm.
Female UK Army Service personnel are at greater risk of work-related morbidity on return to duty postpartum
Authors: Cordell Robin F , Wickes C K , Casey A , Greeves J P
Published: March 2020

Introduction

The 2016 Interim Report on the Health Risks to Women in Ground Close Combat Roles highlighted an increased risk of skeletal injury and significant physiological changes, including increased ligament laxity and decreased bone mineral content, during the postpartum period. The report called for further research and a re-evaluation of postpartum policy to optimise the return of female Service personnel to arduous employment. The purpose of this study was to determine whether returning to duty is at greater risk of injury and illness in the first year postpartum than they were prepregnancy.

Methods

Fifty-five female UK Army Service personnel aged 18–41 years, who had given birth in the previous 4 years, completed a lifestyle questionnaire and gave written consent for a review of their medical records. The number of working days lost (WDL) due to illness, injury and combined illness and injury was obtained from medical records, for 1 year prepregnancy and 1 year postpartum. Female Service personnel returned to duty at different time-points postpartum, so data were expressed as WDL/week.

Results

WDL/week due to illness and combined illness and injury were higher postpartum compared with prepregnancy (p<0.05). WDL/week due to combined illness and injury was significantly lower prepregnancy (p<0.05) and at 0–26 weeks postpartum (p<0.05), compared with 26–52 weeks postpartum.

Conclusions

Postpartum female UK Army Service personnel are at greater risk of illness and a combination of illness and injury in the year after giving birth, compared with prepregnancy. The study suggests female Service personnel are unprepared for the demands of full active duty in the first year postpartum.
Healthcare providers’ engagement with eating disorder recovery narratives: opening to complexity and diversity
Authors: LaMarre Andrea , Rice Carla
Published: March 2020

Interdisciplinary healthcare providers (HCPs) receive only minimal training in identifying, referring for and treating eating disorders and may feel ill-prepared to manage them. There is a need for brief interventions that prepare HCPs for work with people with eating disorders, particularly when they do not fit stereotypes about who might experience an eating disorder. One method for enacting brief interventions that make change in this realm is using digital stories (short videos) to generate awareness and knowledge. In this article, we discuss the results of a pilot study exploring the impact of viewing digital stories created by people in eating disorder recovery and their supporters on an interdisciplinary group of HCPs. We showed five stories to 22 HCPs who filled out qualitative prequestionnaires and postquestionnaires about their experiences of viewing the films and how they conceptualised recovery. Providers found the stories evocative; the stories appear to have complexified their perspectives on recovery. HCPs desired more diverse, detailed and lengthy stories, indicating that pursuing digital storytelling for HCP education and awareness may hold promise. Through centring the voices of people with eating disorders and in recovery, digital stories may also provide new ways of talking about recovery that open up possibilities for embracing difference.
Endovascular robotic: feasibility and proof of principle for diagnostic cerebral angiography and carotid artery stenting
Authors: Sajja Kalyan Chekravarthy , Sweid Ahmad , Al Saiegh Fadi , Chalouhi Nohra , Avery Michael B , Schmidt Richard F , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula I , Gooch Michael Reid , Herial Nabeel , Abbas Rawad , Zarzour Hekmat , Romo Victor , Rosenwasser Robert , Jabbour Pascal
Published: March 2020

Background

Robots in surgery aid in performing delicate, precise maneuvers that humans, with inherent physical abilities, may be limited to perform. The CorPath 200 system is FDA approved and is being implemented in the US for interventional cardiology procedures. CorPath GRX robotic-assisted platform is the next-generation successor of CorPath 200.

Objective

To discuss the feasibility and early experience with the use of the CorPath GRX robotic-assisted platform for neuroendovascular procedures, including transradial diagnostic cerebral angiograms and transradial carotid artery stenting.

Methods

The cases of 10 consecutive patients who underwent neuroendovascular robotic-assisted procedures between December 1, 2019 and December 30, 2019, are presented.

Results

Seven patients underwent elective diagnostic cerebral angiography, and three patients underwent carotid artery angioplasty and stenting using the CorPath GRX robotic-assisted platform. All procedures were performed successfully, and no complications were encountered. Conversion to manual control occurred in three diagnostic cases because of a bovine arch that was previously not known. The fluoroscopy time and the procedure time continued to improve with subsequent procedures as we streamlined the workflow.

Conclusion

This series demonstrates the early use of this technology. It could potentially be used in the near future for acute stroke interventions in remote geographic locations and in places where a neurointerventionalist is not available.
Improved Whale Optimized MLP Neural Network-Based Learning Mechanism for Multiuser Detection in MIMO Communication System
Authors: Umamaheswari R. , Princess M. Ramya , Kumar P. Nirmal
Published: March 2020

Direct-Sequence Code Division Multiple Access (DS-CDMA) is a digital method to spread spectrum modulation for digital signal transmission. We propose to detect signal in DS-CDMA communication using the learning mechanism. Initially, the user signals are spread using the respective pseudo-noise (PN) code where the input signal is multiplied with the code which is then modulated using the quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) modulator. The modulated signal is then transmitted in a 3G/4G channel considering all types of fading. The transmitted signal is received by the antenna array which is performed by demodulation. We propose to adaptively assign the weights by employing Improved Whale Optimized Multi-Layer Perceptron Neural Network (IWMLP-NN)-based learning mechanism. To design IWMLP-NN, Improved Whale Optimization Algorithm is combined with multilayer perceptron neural network. This is used instead of the normal Multiple Signal Classification (MUSIC) and least mean squares (LMS)/root-mean-square (RMS) algorithms used in beam-forming networks. After assigning weight through IWMLP-NN-based learning mechanism, we de-spread to get the original user data. We have compared our proposed technique with the normal techniques with the help of plots of Bit Error Rate (BER) versus Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). We use both the AWGN channel and fading channel for analysis. Experimental results prove that our proposed method achieves better BER performance results even with deep fading.
Beam commissioning and analysis of a continuous-wave window-type deuteron radio-frequency quadrupole
Authors: Tan Qiuyun , Zhu Kun , Gan Pingping , Fu Qi , Li Haipeng , Easton Matt , Liu Shuo , Gao Shuli , Wang Zhi , Lu Yuanrong , Dou Weiping , Wu Qi , Wang Chao , He Yuan , Zhao Hongwei
Published: March 2020

As high-intensity beams are required for various applications, high-power, high-current, continuous-wave (CW) radio-frequency quadrupole (RFQ) accelerators have become a research focus in recent years and also a direction for development in the future. To master and accumulate the advanced technology in design, fabrication and operation of high-current CW RFQs, the RFQ group at Peking University has built a window-type CW RFQ, operating at 162.5[Formula: see text]MHz, to accelerate a 50-mA deuteron beam from 50[Formula: see text]keV to 1[Formula: see text]MeV. It is the first relatively high-frequency window-type CW RFQ in the world. A [Formula: see text] ion beam extracted from an electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion source was used for the beam commissioning because deuteron beam acceleration will produce a serious radiation risk. We compared and analyzed the measurement results obtained during the beam commissioning with simulations. The data show good consistency in many respects. For the discrepancies, we explain the issues in detail. We achieved stable and robust acceleration of about 1.5[Formula: see text]mA CW [Formula: see text] for 1[Formula: see text]h. Finally, we discuss the differences between [Formula: see text] ion beam acceleration and deuteron beam acceleration.
Overlapping Community Discovery Based on the Combination of Node Influence and β-Connected Neighbors
Authors: Chen Rongwang , Wu Qingshou , Guo Wenzhong , Guo Kun , Wang Qinze
Published: March 2020

We propose an overlapping community discovery algorithm that combines node influence and [Formula: see text]-connected neighbors for effectively detecting the overlapping community structure of complex networks. On the basis of the node influence and [Formula: see text]-connected neighbors, our method accurately detects the core node community and uses the improved similarity between the node and community to expand the core node community. Accordingly, the discovery and optimization of network overlapping communities are realized. Experiments on artificial and real-world networks demonstrate that our method significantly and consistently outperforms other comparison methods.
An Information Theoretic Approach to Originality and Bias in Science
Authors: Kish L. B. , Singh C. , Erdélyi T.
Published: March 2020

We introduce an information theoretic framework for a quantitative measure of originality to model the impact of various classes of biases, errors and error corrections on scientific research. Some of the open problems are also outlined.
Attractors with higher-order regularity of stochastic reaction–diffusion equations on time-varying domains
Authors: Yang Lu , Yang Meihua , Kloeden Peter
Published: March 2020

Random attractors and their higher-order regularity properties are studied for stochastic reaction–diffusion equations on time-varying domains. Some new a priori estimates for the difference of solutions near the initial time and the continuous dependence in initial data in [Formula: see text] are proved. Then attraction of the random attractors in the higher integrability space [Formula: see text] for any [Formula: see text] and the regular space [Formula: see text] is established.