bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictiveness of different preoperative risk assessments for postoperative bleeding after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery
Authors: Gunertem Eren , Urcun Salim , Pala Arda Aybars , Budak Ali Baran , Ercisli Murat Abdulhamid , Gunaydin Serdar
Published: July 2020

Aim:

Postoperative bleeding is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Studies have been conducted, and guidelines have been published regarding patient blood management and aiming to prevent blood loss in the perioperative period. Various bleeding risk assessments were developed for preoperative period. We aimed to examine the correlations of scoring systems in the literature with the amount of postoperative bleeding in patients undergoing first time coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and to show the most suitable preoperative bleeding risk assessment for coronary artery bypass graft patients.

Methods:

The study included 550 consecutive patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft operation. The inclusion criteria were considered as patients to be older than 18 years old and to undergo elective or emergent myocardial revascularization using cardiopulmonary bypass. All variables required for scoring systems were recorded. The initial results of the study were determined as the amount of chest tube drainage, the use of blood products, the change in hematocrit level, reoperation due to bleeding, duration of ventilation, duration of intensive care unit stay, and hospital stay. Mortality which occurred during first 30 days after operation was considered as operative mortality. Operative mortality was accepted as the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints were massive bleeding and high amount of transfusion.

Results:

Data were obtained from a series of 550 consecutive patients treated with isolated coronary artery bypass graft. It was seen that PAPWORTH and WILL-BLEED risk assessments responded better for E-CABG grade 2 and 3 bleeding compared to other risk assessments. TRACK, TRUST, and ACTA-PORT scales were found to have low ability to distinguish patients with E-CABG bleeding grade 2 and 3.

Conclusion:

Predicting postoperative bleeding and transfusion rates with preoperative risk scores in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery will provide valuable information to physicians for establishing a proper patient blood management protocol and this will decrease excessive transfusions, unnecessary reoperations as well as improve postoperative outcomes.
Video dataset of human demonstrations of folding clothing for robotic folding
Authors: Verleysen Andreas , Biondina Matthijs , wyffels Francis
Published: July 2020

General-purpose clothes-folding robots do not yet exist owing to the deformable nature of textiles, making it hard to engineer manipulation pipelines or learn this task. In order to accelerate research for the learning of the robotic clothes-folding task, we introduce a video dataset of human folding demonstrations. In total, we provide 8.5 hours of demonstrations from multiple perspectives leading to 1,000 folding samples of different types of textiles. The demonstrations are recorded in multiple public places, in different conditions with a diverse set of people. Our dataset consists of anonymized RGB images, depth frames, skeleton keypoint trajectories, and object labels. In this article, we describe our recording setup, the data format, and utility scripts, which can be accessed at https://adverley.github.io/folding-demonstrations .
The Adopting Together Service: how innovative collaboration is meeting the needs of children in Wales waiting the longest to find a family
Authors: Shelton Katherine H , Merchant Coralie , Lynch Jane
Published: July 2020

Significant concerns remain in many countries about the high numbers of children needing an adoptive placement relative to the low numbers of prospective adopters, the high level of long-term therapeutic support needs for many adopted children and their families, and whether there are appropriate services to meet them. There has been an increase in ‘priority’ children waiting over 12 months to find a family. These are often children aged four years and over, in care with siblings, with additional needs or developmental uncertainties and from minority ethnic backgrounds. The financial and emotional costs of long-term fostering when plans are changed are huge. This article describes a major development in child care practice in Wales that has occurred over the past two years. The Adopting Together Service (ATS) involves a unique, innovative and multi-layered collaboration between the voluntary adoption agencies (VAAs – non-governmental charities) and regional adoption teams (statutory agencies) to secure permanence for children who wait the longest to find families. It explains how the ATS has been developed and embedded, including an account of the referral process, the approach to recruitment, linking and matching, and therapeutic activity before, during and after placement. It also describes the process of securing sustainable social procurement under the guidance of the British Standard for Collaborative Working (ISO 44001; British Standard Institute, 2017), the creation of a Joint Relationship Management Plan between VAAs, and the implementation of service level agreements between the voluntary and statutory sectors. These developments are considered in the context of the Welsh Government’s implementation of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, which lays out collaborative expectations to the statutory sector as one of its sustainable development principles. The article concludes with an initial evaluation of progress, noting challenges to the service and the views of the social workers, foster carers and adoptive parents involved.
Recognising resilience factors among people living with HIV seeking to adopt
Authors: Cane Tam Chipawe
Published: July 2020

This article discusses the challenges faced by people in the adoption process who are living with HIV, looking especially at resilience factors. Resilience is framed in the context of HIV-related infertility that motivates people living with HIV to apply for adoption. The article draws on psychological definitions of resilience and presents four factors that promote and sustain it: individual strengths, good health management, social network and wider recognition in society. This is illustrated by a case study. The study emphasises that ‘the prospective adoptive child’ should always be at the centre of any assessments and encourages social workers to consider sensitive and inclusive practice when assessing prospective adopters living with HIV.
The contamination of inland waters by microplastic fibres under different anthropogenic pressure: Preliminary study in Central Europe (Poland)
Authors: Kaliszewicz Anita , Winczek Michał , Karaban Kamil , Kurzydłowski Dominik , Górska Maria , Koselak Weronika , Romanowski Jerzy
Published: July 2020

The contamination of freshwater ecosystems with microfibres has not yet been studied in Poland. We analysed samples from a river and three lakes located in central and northeastern Poland. A significantly higher number of fibres were reported in the river, which runs through large cities, compared with the lake situated within the Landscape Park. Fibres smaller than 1.0 mm dominated, especially in the river where they constituted 39% of all fibres detected. We found more microplastics (⩽ 4930 fibres·m−3) by using a mesh size of 20 µm compared with other studies of inland waters. The use of Raman spectroscopy allowed us to identify conventional plastic polymers: polyethylene terephthalate, polyester and polyurethane. We estimated that up to 25 g of microplastic in the form of fibres might be in the lake water under the surface. We found microplastic fibres in Majcz Lake situated within the Masurian Landscape Park. This suggests that microfibres are carried by the wind and rain and enter freshwater isolated from sewage outlets. By using the control sample and an air-test of microfibres in the laboratory, we observed that there is a high probability of contamination with microplastic in the field samples (up to 30% of all fibres detected). The contamination risk noted from the samples cannot be ignored; this could be particularly important for analysis of microplastic in remote freshwater ecosystems.
Prediction of tool wear width size and optimization of cutting parameters in milling process using novel ANFIS-PSO method
Authors: Xu Longhua , Huang Chuanzhen , Li Chengwu , Wang Jun , Liu Hanlian , Wang Xiaodan
Published: July 2020

In the process of intelligent manufacturing, appropriate learning algorithm and intelligent model are necessary. In this work, a novel learning algorithm named random vibration and cross particle swarm optimization algorithm was proposed. The proposed algorithm is used for the prediction and optimization of machining process. Tool wear is an important factor that affects the machined surface quality during machining process, so it is necessary to find qualified tool wear prediction model and obtain the best combination of machining parameters to prolong tool life. In this study, the adaptive network–based fuzzy inference system was established to predict the tool wear width size. The random vibration and cross particle swarm optimization algorithm was tested using benchmark functions, and the results showed that random vibration and cross particle swarm optimization algorithm is able to find global optimum. Compared with the adaptive network–based fuzzy inference system trained by particle swarm optimization algorithm and adaptive network–based fuzzy inference system trained by differential evolution models, the results showed that the adaptive network–based fuzzy inference system trained by random vibration and cross particle swarm optimization algorithm can give a more accurate predicted value for offline prediction of the tool wear width size. In order to obtain the best combinations of cutting parameters under different removal area, the multi-objective optimization based on random vibration and cross particle swarm optimization algorithm was established. The optimized cutting parameters were verified and could be accepted to prolong tool life and improve machining efficiency.
A numerical investigation of the infrapatellar fat pad
Authors: Fontanella Chiara Giulia , Macchi Veronica , Porzionato Andrea , Arduino Alessandro , Fotso Fongang Joseph Vannel , De Caro Raffaele , Natali Arturo Nicola , Carniel Emanuele Luigi
Published: July 2020

The infrapatellar fat pad is an adipose tissue in the knee that facilitates the distribution of synovial fluid and absorbs impulsive actions generated through the joint. The correlation between morphological configuration and mechanical properties is analyzed by a computational approach. The microscopic anatomy of the infrapatellar fat pad is studied aiming to measure the dimension of adipose lobules and the thickness of connective septa. Results from histomorphometric investigations show that the infrapatellar fat pad is an inhomogeneous tissue, constituted by large lobules in the superficial part and smaller lobules in the deepest one. Finite element models of the infrapatellar fat pad are developed. The first model considers the inhomogeneous conformation of the infrapatellar fat pad, composed of micro- and macro-chambers, while the second model considers a homogeneous distribution of adipose lobules with similar dimensions. Computational analyses are performed considering the static standing configuration and the passive flexion–extension movement. The computational results allow us to identify the different stress and strain fields within the tissue and to appreciate the variation of the mechanical performance of the overall system considering the distribution of adipose lobules. Results show that the distribution of adipose lobules in macro- and micro-chambers allows major deformation of the infrapatellar fat pad, decreasing the stress inside the tissues.
Vegans’ problem stories: Negotiating vegan identity in dealing with omnivores
Authors: Buttny Richard , Kinefuchi Etsuko
Published: July 2020

Given the fact that being vegan is generally considered odd or deviant from the mainstream norms of carnism, we examine how vegans manage such social positioning in their dealings with omnivores. This article employs a discursive analysis of vegans’ narratives of problematic moments with omnivores and how they manage such situations and their identity. The vegans’ narratives ranged from problem stories where some troublesome event occurred, but was not resolved, to solution stories of the best ways of dealing with meat eaters. In each case, being vegan is a social positioning that is problematized in various ways and a positioning that needs to be accounted for. The narrators give voice to themselves or others through the discursive practices of metadiscourse and reported speech in constructing the problem story. Vegans face the ideological dilemma in how to speak about their veganism as choice of diet, for environmental reasons or ethical considerations.
Dynamic trajectory adjustment of lower limb exoskeleton in swing phase based on impedance control strategy
Authors: Chen Lingling , Wang Chao , Song Xiaowei , Wang Jie , Zhang Tengyu , Li Xue
Published: July 2020

The lower limb exoskeleton provides assistance by following the lower limb joints’ desired motion trajectory. However, angle control is not enough to meet the requirements in some special circumstances such as encountering obstacles. In the swing phase of the attached leg with the exoskeleton, there is a different contact force between the sole and the road surface in different road conditions. Therefore, it is particularly important to control the joint angle and contact force simultaneously, that is, it is not only necessary to follow the desired angle but also to minimize the influence of external contact force. In this article, a novel scheme is proposed to adjust the trajectory dynamically in the swing phase. First of all, the physical model is streamlined and the Lagrangian principle is carried out to dynamic analysis and established a model of lower limb exoskeleton in the swing phase. Furthermore, the angle dynamics equation is transformed into a Cartesian coordinate system to calculate the end contact force for the impedance model. Finally, the impedance control strategy together with a disturbance observer is designed which is suitable for nonlinear and strong coupling characteristics. The simulation result shows that the control system can follow the angle accurately in the condition of minimizing external constraints. Hardware experiment shows that lower extremity exoskeleton can adjust motion trajectory actively when encountering obstacles and complete the movement trajectory tracking at the same time.
Path tracking control of 4-wheel-steering autonomous ground vehicles based on linear parameter-varying system with experimental verification
Authors: Hang Peng , Chen Xinbo
Published: July 2020

In this study, a novel 4-wheel-steering electric vehicle is proposed as an autonomous ground vehicle. It aims to study the path tracking control algorithm of the 4-wheel-steering autonomous ground vehicle for intelligent driving.. Path tracking model is built for path tracking controller design based on a single track model. Besides, the linear parameter-varying system model is constructed to make the path tracking controller adaptive to different longitudinal velocities and road friction coefficients. Furthermore, a linear quadratic regulator controller for path tracking is designed and stability analysis is carried out. To eliminate the error caused by disturbance, feedforward control is combined with a linear quadratic regulator controller. To verify the path tracking performance of the designed controller, numerical simulations are carried out based on a high-fidelity and full-vehicle model constructed in CarSim. Moreover, real road experiments are performed. Both the simulation results and experiment results show that the designed controller has good path tracking performance. In addition, the path tracking controller shows good robustness to deal with different longitudinal velocities and road friction coefficients.
Second-order sliding mode-direct torque control and load torque estimation for sensorless model reference adaptive system–based induction machine
Authors: Ammar Abdelkarim
Published: July 2020

In this article, an improved sensorless direct flux and torque control is presented for high-performance induction motor drive. This algorithm integrates the super twisting control approach with direct torque control and model reference adaptive system. The super twisting algorithm is a second-order sliding mode approach that uses a continuous control law in order solves the problems of chattering and enhances control robustness against various uncertainties. Besides, a load torque observer design bed on super twisting–based design is presented to improve the speed regulation loop and to increase its rejection ability of load disturbances. Furthermore, the stator flux model reference adaptive system is used as a sensorless algorithm for rotor speed reconstruction. The association of dual estimators can increase the control system’s reliability and reduce its cost. The effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm has been verified through simulation and experimental work using MATLAB/Simulink software and dSpace 1104 implementation board, respectively.
Model order reduction of linear peridynamic systems using static condensation
Authors: Galadima Yakubu Kasimu , Oterkus Erkan , Oterkus Selda
Published: July 2020

Static condensation is widely used as a model order reduction technique to reduce the computational effort and complexity of classical continuum-based computational models, such as finite-element models. Peridynamic theory is a nonlocal theory developed primarily to overcome the shortcoming of classical continuum-based models in handling discontinuous system responses. In this study, a model order reduction algorithm is developed based on the static condensation technique to reduce the order of peridynamic models. Numerical examples are considered to demonstrate the robustness of the proposed reduction algorithm in reproducing the static and dynamic response and the eigenresponse of the full peridynamic models.
Genetic Diversity and Prediction Analysis of Small Isolated Giant Panda Populations After Release of Individuals
Authors: Dai Qin-Long , Li Jian-Wei , Yang Yi , Li Min , Zhang Kan , He Liu-Yang , Zhang Jun , Tang Bo , Liu Hui-Ping , Li Yu-Xia , Zhu Li-Feng , Yang Zhi-Song , Dai Qiang
Published: July 2020

Release of individuals is an effective conservation approach to protect endangered species. To save this small isolated giant panda population in Liziping Nature Reserve, a few giant pandas have been released to this population. Here we assess genetic diversity and future changes in the population using noninvasive genetic sampling after releasing giant pandas. In this study, a total of 28 giant pandas (including 4 released individuals) were identified in the Liziping, China. Compared with other giant panda populations, this population has medium-level genetic diversity; however, a Bayesian-coalescent method clearly detected, quantified, and dated a recent decrease in population size. The predictions for genetic diversity and survival of the population in the next 100 years indicate that this population has a high risk of extinction. We show that released giant pandas can preserve genetic diversity and improve the probability of survival in this small isolated giant panda population. To promote the recovery of this population, we suggest that panda release should be continued and this population will need to release 10 males and 20 females in the future.
Brief report: The effectiveness of Dutch Cell Dogs: A multiple case experimental study
Authors: Offermans Julia E , Duindam Hanne M , Asscher Jessica J , Stams Geert Jan JM , Creemers Hanneke E
Published: July 2020

Prison-based dog training programs (DTPs) aim to improve successful rehabilitation after detention. However, empirical evidence for their effectiveness is lacking. To evaluate the effectiveness of a DTP—Dutch Cell Dogs (DCD)—on externalizing behavior, stress, self-esteem, empathy, and treatment motivation, a pilot study with a Multiple Case Experimental Design in six adolescents residing in a juvenile justice center (JJC) was conducted. Results did not provide convincing evidence for DCD’s effectiveness. Further research is needed to determine whether and for whom DCD could be a useful addition to regular JJC programming.
Acceptance and commitment therapy for family caregivers: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Han Areum , Yuen Hon K , Jenkins Jeremy
Published: July 2020

Acceptance and commitment therapy is an emerging evidenced-based practice, but no systematic review regarding the effects of ACT on family caregivers has been conducted. This article examined the effects of ACT on family caregivers by conducting meta-analysis with a random effects model. Twenty-four articles were identified from four electronic databases searched up to 30 March 2020. Meta-analyses found moderate effects of ACT on depressive symptoms and quality of life, small effects on anxiety, and small to moderate effects on stress. Further ACT studies should be conducted to measure effects on different outcomes for various family caregiver populations.
Speeded reasoning moderates the inverse relationship between autistic traits and emotion recognition
Authors: Bertrams Alex , Schlegel Katja
Published: July 2020

People with diagnosed autism or being high in autistic traits have been found to have difficulties with recognizing emotions from nonverbal expressions. In this study, we investigated whether speeded reasoning (reasoning performance under time pressure) moderates the inverse relationship between autistic traits and emotion recognition performance. We expected the negative correlation between autistic traits and emotion recognition to be less strong when speeded reasoning was high. The underlying assumption is that people high in autistic traits can compensate for their low intuition in recognizing emotions through quick analytical information processing. A paid online sample ( N = 217) completed the 10-item version of the Autism Spectrum Quotient, two emotion recognition tests using videos with sound (Geneva Emotion Recognition Test) and pictures (Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test), and Baddeley’s Grammatical Reasoning Test to measure speeded reasoning. As expected, the inverse relationship between autistic traits and emotion recognition performance was less pronounced for individuals with high compared to low speeded reasoning ability. These results suggest that a high ability in making quick mental inferences may (partly) compensate for difficulties with intuitive emotion recognition related to autistic traits.

Lay abstract

Autistic people typically have difficulty recognizing other people’s emotions and to process nonverbal cues in an automatic, intuitive fashion. This usually also applies to people who—regardless of an official diagnosis of autism—achieve high values in autism questionnaires. However, some autistic people do not seem to have any problems with emotion recognition. One explanation may be that these individuals are able to compensate for their lack of intuitive or automatic processing through a quick conscious and deliberate analysis of the emotional cues in faces, voices, and body movements. On these grounds, we assumed that the higher autistic people’s ability to reason quickly (i.e. to make quick logical inferences), the fewer problems they should have with determining other people’s emotions. In our study, we asked workers on the crowdsourcing marketplace MTurk to complete a questionnaire about their autistic traits, to perform emotion recognition tests, and to complete a test of the ability to reason under time constraints. In our sample of 217 people, we found the expected pattern. Overall, those who had higher values in the autism questionnaire scored lower in the emotion recognition tests. However, when reasoning ability was taken into account, a more nuanced picture emerged: participants with high values both on the autism questionnaire and on the reasoning test recognized emotions as well as individuals with low autistic traits. Our results suggest that fast analytic information processing may help autistic people to compensate problems in recognizing others’ emotions.
Monotonic and cyclic response of hybrid fibre reinforced polymer reinforcing system for reinforced concrete columns under eccentric loading
Authors: Gopal Ramesh , Krishnachandran S , Bharatkumar BH
Published: July 2020

Near-surface mounted reinforcement system using fibre reinforced polymer bars has been widely considered as an accepted system for strengthening of reinforced concrete columns, particularly with respect to increasing the flexural resistance. It involves cutting grooves into the concrete cover and bonding laminates inside the grooves with fillers (either epoxy resin or cement mortar) ensuring proper bond between fibre reinforced polymer laminate and concrete to prevent premature failure (debonding of laminate). Near-surface mounting does not require extensive surface preparation and takes minimum installation time than externally bonded fibre reinforced polymer. Unlike conventional fibre reinforced polymer jacketing technology, the efficiency of near-surface mounted bars does not depend on the geometry of the column cross-section as well. Previous experimental studies indicate that strengthening using near-surface mounting increases the lateral strength capacity and energy dissipation capacity of reinforced concrete columns. However, the scope of employing a strengthening system for structural retrofits is constrained by the limitations of the material used for strengthening. The lack of adequate confinement results in reduced ductility and energy dissipation capacity for columns strengthened using near-surface mounted technique, particularly under increased loading eccentricities. Jacketing of columns using fibre reinforced polymer increases confinement; however, the efficiency was observed to be reduced at increased loading eccentricities. Similarly, the flexural capacity and drift capacity under low levels of axial load were not observed to be significantly enhanced by the use of fibre reinforced polymer jacketing. Previous studies have indicated that a combination of these two systems could provide effective behaviour for reinforced concrete columns under eccentric loading. Therefore, this research focuses on utilizing a combination of these two methods in the form of a hybrid fibre reinforced polymer reinforcing system consisting of near-surface mounted bars and fibre reinforced polymer confinement to study the structural response of strengthened reinforced concrete columns under eccentric axial compression.
Effect of adhesive interlayers on protective performance of bio-inspired building ceramic covering
Authors: Sun Yuyan , Wang Sheng , Wang Ziguo
Published: July 2020

The brick-and-mortar microstructure of nacre is usually considered as a source of inspiration for the development of strong and tough artificial materials. In this article, a nacre-inspired layered-and-staggered structural building ceramic protective covering was fabricated, and the effect of four types of adhesive materials on the ballistic performance of the protective covering was investigated through the ballistic test. The experimental results showed that under the impact of the 7.62-mm ordinary rifle bullet at a speed of 790–820 m/s, the average crater diameter in the concrete targets with protective covering was reduced by 40%–72%, and the penetration depth in the concrete was reduced by 70%–100%, compared with those of unprotected concrete targets. For the concrete targets with protective covering, that adopting the silicone sealant interlayers exhibited a smaller crater area but a maximum penetration depth, while that adopting the epoxy adhesive interlayers showed a larger crater area but a minimum penetration depth. Since the targets with the low-cost polyurethane sealant interlayers presented the smallest crater area and the shallower penetration depth, it can be concluded that the concrete with the protective covering using polyurethane sealant interlayers showed the better projectile impact resistance.
Sickness absence among privately employed white-collar workers: A total population study in Sweden
Authors: Farrants Kristin , Alexanderson Kristina
Published: July 2020

Background: Knowledge about sickness absence (SA) and disability pension (DP) among privately employed white-collar workers is very limited. Aims: This study aimed to explore SA and DP among privately employed white-collar women and men using different measures of SA to investigate differences by branch of industry, and to analyse the association between sociodemographic factors and SA. Methods: This was a population-based study of all 1,283,516 (47% women) privately employed white-collar workers in Sweden in 2012, using register data linked at the individual level. Several different measures of SA and DP were used. Logistic regression was used to investigate associations of sociodemographic factors with SA. Results: More women than men had SA (10.9% women vs. 4.5% men) and DP (1.8% women vs. 0.6% men). While women had a higher risk of SA than men and had more SA days per employed person, they did not have more SA days per person with SA than men. The risk of SA was higher for women (odds ratio (OR)=2.54 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.51–2.58)), older individuals (OR age 18–24 years=0.58 (95% CI 0.56–0.60); age 55–64 years OR=1.43 (95% CI 1.40–1.46) compared to age 45–54 years), living in medium-sized towns (OR=1.05 (95% CI 1.03–1.06)) or small towns/rural areas (OR=1.13 (95% CI 1.11–1.15)), with shorter education than college/university (OR compulsory only=1.64 (95% CI 1.59–1.69); OR high school=1.38 (95% CI 1.36–1.40)), born outside the EU25 (OR=1.23 (95% CI 1.20–1.27)) and singles with children at home (OR=1.33 (95% CI 1.30–1.36)). Conclusions: SA and DP among privately employed white-collar workers were lower than in the general population. SA prevalence, length and risk varied by branch of industry, sex and other sociodemographic factors, however, depending on the SA measure used.
Service evaluation of referrals to secondary care: A question of complexity?
Authors: Veeroo Helen J , Travess Helen C
Published: July 2020

Objectives:

To evaluate referral patterns to secondary care and categorise referrals by complexity level. To assess compliance with commissioning guidelines for cases accepted for treatment in secondary care, comparing complexity to Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) data.

Design:

Service evaluation of all referrals during study period recorded prospectively. The standard was set that >85% of cases offered treatment in secondary care should be complexity level 3b.

Setting:

Seven NHS orthodontic departments within a regional clinical effectiveness group in secondary care in England.

Participants:

All patients seen as new referrals during the three-month study period.

Methods:

Data recorded at clinic appointment on data collection proforma including referral information, complexity, IOTN and outcome of the first appointment. Data were collated on a spreadsheet and simple statistics were applied.

Results:

A total of 493 patients were included in data analysis. Median waiting time for a new patient appointment was 11.0 weeks. For the whole study group, 53.8% were IOTN 5, 30.8% IOTN 4, 9.7% IOTN 3; complexity levels were 54.2% complexity 3b, 37.1% 3a and 6.7% 2. Of the patients, 30.0% were offered treatment in secondary care at their first attendance; of these, 74.3 % were IOTN 5, 93.2% were complexity level 3b.

Conclusion:

The gold standard has been met in the region as a whole and at each individual unit. There is a large discrepancy between the IOTN score and complexity level in those patients offered orthodontic treatment in secondary care. Routine recording of complexity level is recommended for all patients seen in the secondary care setting.
Statistically supported real driving emission calibration: Using cycle generation to provide vehicle-specific and statistically representative test scenarios for Euro 7
Authors: Claßen Johannes , Pischinger Stefan , Krysmon Sascha , Sterlepper Stefan , Dorscheidt Frank , Doucet Matthieu , Reuber Christoph , Görgen Michael , Scharf Johannes , Nijs Martin , Thewes Silja Christine
Published: July 2020

The progression of emission legislation has intensified the efforts of the automotive industry to develop improved exhaust gas after-treatment systems. The requirement to fulfill Euro 6d-TEMP in real-world driving scenarios, the already significant calibration effort for Euro 6d and the Euro 7 emission standards in discussion have significantly increased the work load for calibration engineers and the requirements for testing resources. Many original equipment manufacturers are implementing taskforces in order not to have to discard the planned start of production for their products, and some are even already forced to reduce their product portfolio. This is due to the diverse testing matrix required to cover all possible real driving emissions test scenarios. One big challenge is the extension and possible variation of boundary conditions regarding ambient temperatures, traffic conditions, road gradients and other varying driving resistances. Moreover, the test duration can cause considerable differences in the measured emissions, even if the same route is driven repeatedly. Addressing these challenges makes the application of a dedicated, event-targeted emission calibration mandatory. Since only a few sequences of the time-consuming road tests are relevant for improving the emission calibration, the methodology presented in this article focuses on the exact reproduction of these emission events on an emission chassis dynamometer with the aim of implementing calibratable solutions for these events. This is done using a real driving emission-cycle-generator which creates real driving emission compliant severe test scenarios and which focuses on the statistical relevance related to the typical product specific operation. The underlying generation process accesses a large database with real driving emission measurement results focusing on vehicle- or vehicle-group-specific challenges, using statistical approaches. It will be demonstrated how this procedure reduces test time and how it helps to tackle the substantial real driving emission work-load, while providing a dependable base to achieve real driving emission legislation compliance.
A correlation-based model order reduction approach for a diesel engine NOx and brake mean effective pressure dynamic model using machine learning
Authors: Norouzi Armin , Aliramezani Masoud , Koch Charles Robert
Published: July 2020

A correlation-based model order reduction algorithm is developed using support vector machine to model [Formula: see text] emission and break mean effective pressure of a medium-duty diesel engine. The support vector machine–based model order reduction algorithm is used to reduce the number of features of a 34-feature full-order model by evaluating the regression performance of the support vector machine–based model. Then, the support vector machine–based model order reduction algorithm is used to reduce the number of features of the full-order model. Two models for [Formula: see text] emission and break mean effective pressure are developed via model order reduction, one complex model with high accuracy, called high-order model, and the other with an acceptable accuracy and a simple structure, called low-order model. The high-order model has 29 features for [Formula: see text] and 20 features for break mean effective pressure, while the low-order model has nine features for [Formula: see text] and six features for break mean effective pressure. Then, the steady-state low-order model and high-order model are implemented in a nonlinear control-oriented model. To verify the accuracy of nonlinear control-oriented model, a fast response electrochemical [Formula: see text] sensor is used to experimentally study the engine transient [Formula: see text] emissions. The high-order model and low-order model support vector machine models of [Formula: see text] and break mean effective pressure are compared to a conventional artificial neural network with one hidden layer. The results illustrate that the developed support vector machine model has shorter training times (5–14 times faster) and higher accuracy especially for test data compared to the artificial neural network model. A control-oriented model is then developed to predict the dynamic behavior of the system. Finally, the performance of the low-order model and high-order model is evaluated for different rising and falling input transients at four different engine speeds. The transient test results validate the high accuracy of the high-order model and the acceptable accuracy of low-order model for both [Formula: see text] and break mean effective pressure. The high-order model is proposed as an accurate virtual plant while the low-order model is suitable for model-based controller design.
Let’s think about family visits in prison: a case of participatory research and committed art in Spain
Authors: Ruiz-López Julia , Saiz-Linares Ángela , Susinos-Rada Teresa
Published: July 2020

This paper presents a research project carried out with participatory methodology in which the collaborative creation of an audiovisual has been the driving element of a complex process of inquiry about prison reality. The objective of the project is to describe, reveal and denounce how conjugal and family visits to inmates in prison take place. We have employed artistic co-creation and media literacy as facilitators of the participation of social groups without a voice. The project is structured as a qualitative case study. The participating group consists of six men in a Centre for Social Integration, the social worker and three researchers. The results discuss the possibilities offered by art as a viable social transformative practice. Likewise, the possibilities of art as social activism and as a facilitator of new forms of knowledge accessible to all are analysed. Finally, as a device of digital artivism, the audiovisual will be disseminated.
Imaging-based crack detection on concrete surfaces using You Only Look Once network
Authors: Deng Jianghua , Lu Ye , Lee Vincent Cheng-Siong
Published: July 2020

The detection of cracks in concrete structures is a pivotal aspect in assessing structural robustness. Current inspection methods are subjective, relying on the inspector’s experience and mental focus. In this study, an ad hoc You Only Look Once version 2 object detector was applied to automatically detect concrete cracks from real-world images, which were taken from diverse concrete bridges and contaminated with handwriting scripts. A total of 3010 cropped images were used to generate the dataset, labelled for two different detection classes, that is, cracks and handwriting. The proposed network was then trained and tested using the generated image dataset. Three full-scale images that contained disturbing background information were used to evaluate the robustness of the trained detector. The influence of labelling handwriting as an object class for network training on the overall crack detection accuracy was assessed as well. The results of this study show that the You Only Look Once version 2 could automatically locate crack with bounding boxes from raw images, even with the presence of handwriting scripts. As a comparative study, the proposed network was also compared with faster region-based convolutional neural network. The results showed that You Only Look Once version 2 performed better in terms of both accuracy and inference speed.
Cost-benefit of outcome adjudication in nine randomised stroke trials
Authors: Godolphin Peter J , Bath Philip M , Algra Ale , Berge Eivind , Chalmers John , Eliasziw Misha , Hankey Graeme J , Hosomi Naohisa , Ranta Annamarei , Weimar Christian , Woodhouse Lisa J , Montgomery Alan A
Published: July 2020

Background

Central adjudication of outcomes is common for randomised trials and should control for differential misclassification. However, few studies have estimated the cost of the adjudication process.

Methods

We estimated the cost of adjudicating the primary outcome in nine randomised stroke trials (25,436 participants). The costs included adjudicators’ time, direct payments to adjudicators, and co-ordinating centre costs (e.g. uploading cranial scans and general set-up costs). The number of events corrected after adjudication was our measure of benefit. We calculated cost per corrected event for each trial and in total.

Results

The primary outcome in all nine trials was either stroke or a composite that included stroke. In total, the adjudication process associated with this primary outcome cost in excess of £100,000 for a third of the trials (3/9). Mean cost per event corrected by adjudication was £2295.10 (SD: £1482.42).

Conclusions

Central adjudication is a time-consuming and potentially costly process. These costs need to be considered when designing a trial and should be evaluated alongside the potential benefits adjudication brings to determine whether they outweigh this expense.
Clinical trials in the time of a pandemic
Authors: Ellenberg Susan S
Published: July 2020

The first rumblings about a new coronavirus spreading in China were heard in January 2020. By the end of that month, the World Health Organization, recognizing the severity of the disease and the potential for global spread, had declared a public health emergency. By February 2020, cases had been identified in multiple countries, clinical trials of treatments with some biological plausibility had begun in China, and the initial steps of vaccine development were underway. In mid-March, by which time countries around the world were experiencing rapidly increasing numbers of cases and deaths, the World Health Organization categorized the outbreak as a pandemic. This new coronavirus was designated SARS-COV-2 in recognition of its similarity to the coronavirus responsible for the severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak in 2002–2003. The race is on to develop treatments that can mitigate the severe consequences of infection and vaccines that can prevent infection and/or diminish the severity of disease in those who do get infected. Many challenges face these development efforts. Some are similar to those faced in the past; others are new. The urgency of finding ways to treat, and ultimately prevent, the consequences of this new and potentially deadly infection has led to unprecedented focus on clinical trials.
Associations between different bilirubin subtypes and diabetic microvascular complications in middle-aged and elderly individuals
Authors: Wan Heng , Zhu Hui , Wang Yuying , Zhang Kun , Chen Yi , Fang Sijie , Xia Fangzhen , Wang Ningjian , Zhang Wen , Lu Yingli
Published: July 2020

Aims:

Some studies have reported associations between bilirubin and diabetic microvascular complications. However, these studies focused only on total bilirubin (TBIL) without distinguishing different bilirubin subtypes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the associations of TBIL, direct bilirubin (DBIL) and indirect bilirubin (IBIL) levels with albuminuria/creatinine ratio (ACR) and the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) among diabetic adults.

Methods:

We analyzed 4368 individuals out of 4813 diabetic participants enrolled from seven communities in 2018 in a cross-sectional study. Participants underwent several checkups, including the measurement of anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, glucose, lipid profile, TBIL, DBIL, IBIL and ACR. DR was detected by high-quality fundus photographs and was remotely read by ophthalmologists.

Results:

Compared with the first quartile of DBIL, participants in the fourth quartile had a lower prevalence of high ACR (odds ratio (OR) 0.76; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59, 0.99) ( p for trend < 0.05). Neither TBIL nor IBIL was associated with the prevalence of high ACR. In DR, higher DBIL and TBIL by one standard deviation was associated with a 19% (OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.69, 0.94) and a 12% (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.78, 0.99) lower frequency of DR, respectively (both p for trend < 0.05). However, IBIL was not associated with the prevalence of DR. These associations were adjusted for potential confounding factors.

Conclusion:

DBIL had a stronger association with high ACR and DR than TBIL or IBIL did in diabetic adults. The effect of DBIL on diabetic complications should be noted and investigated in further studies.
Finding of pathological thrombomodulin gene variant in a patient with idiopathic nodular glomerulosclerosis and chronic thrombotic microangiopathy-like changes
Authors: Hanna Ramy , Zuckerman Jonathan E , Ferrey Antoney , Torres Everado Arias , Tonthat Sam , Barsoum Marina , Ghobry Lena , Wassef Olivia , Kalantarzadeh Kamyar
Published: July 2020

Idiopathic nodular glomerulosclerosis is an unusual histopathological finding that has commonly been observed in male smokers with hypertension. It has remained an enigmatic condition and is best described as a diabetic pattern of glomerular injury seen in non-diabetic patients. It is also one of the few nicotine (smoking)-associated/smoking-associated patterns of renal injury. We present an even more unusual manifestation of this pathological finding in a 59-year-old Hispanic female who presented with chronic kidney disease approaching need for renal replacement therapy. The patient had idiopathic nodular glomerulosclerosis on kidney biopsy, despite no prior history of diabetes, nor smoking history, including no secondhand smoking exposure. The patient did have hypertension. The renal biopsy also showed evidence of chronic thrombotic-microangiopathic changes within arteries and arterioles. Genetic testing of the alternative pathway revealed an unusual and likely pathological variant of thrombomodulin supporting complement dysfunction as having a role in the presentation.
Symptomatic carotid web in a female patient
Authors: Krasteva Marina P , Diamantaras Andreas A , Siller Teresa , Mordasini Pasquale , Heldner Mirjam R
Published: July 2020

We describe a 47-year-old female patient with a carotid web and ischemic stroke. A carotid web is a membrane-like shelf of tissue, predominantly affecting the intimal layer of the arterial wall, usually extending from the posterolateral wall of the carotid artery into the lumen, typically at the origin of the internal carotid artery just beyond the bifurcation. It is considered to be an under-recognized etiology of ischemic stroke in young and middle-aged patients. Typically, these patients do not show any coexistent or only few vascular risk factors. Digital subtraction angiography, computer tomography angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, and color-coded duplex sonography are able to identify carotid webs. Therapy strategies include conservative therapy with intake of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants, or carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stenting. Optimal therapy strategy remains open. A considerable rate of recurrent cerebrovascular ischemic events has been reported in patients with a symptomatic carotid web and conservative therapy. More data are needed on prevalence, diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of patients with an asymptomatic or a symptomatic carotid web.

Subject Codes: [13] Cerebrovascular Disease/Stroke, [44] Acute Cerebral Infarction, [193] Clinical Studies