bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical Strain Measurement with Step-Index Polymer Optical Fiber Based on the Phase Measurement of an Intensity-Modulated Signal
Authors: Becker Thomas , Ziemann Olaf , Engelbrecht Rainer , Schmauss Bernhard
Published: July 2018

Polymer optical fibers (POFs) have been proposed for optical strain sensors due to their large elastic strain range compared to glass optical fibers (GOFs). The phase response of a single-mode polymer optical fiber (SM-POF) is well-known in the literature, and depends on the physical deformation of the fiber as well as the impact on the refractive index of the core. In this paper, we investigate the impact of strain on a step-index polymer optical fiber (SI-POF). In particular, we discuss the responsivity of an optical strain sensor which is based on the phase measurement of an intensity-modulated signal. In comparison to the phase response of an SM-POF, we must take additional influences into account. Firstly, the SI-POF is a multi-mode fiber (MMF). Consequently, we not only consider the strain dependence of the refractive index, but also its dependency on the propagation angle θz. Second, we investigate the phase of an intensity-modulated signal. The development of this modulation phase along the fiber is influenced by modal dispersion, scattering, and attenuation. The modulation phase therefore has no linear dependency on the length of the fiber, even in the unstrained state. For the proper consideration of these effects, we rely on a novel model for step-index multi-mode fibers (SI-MMFs). We expand the model to consider the strain-induced effects, simulate the strain responsivity of the sensor, and compare it to experimental results. This led to the conclusion that the scattering behavior of a SI-POF is strain-dependent, which was further proven by measuring the far field at the end of a SI-POF under different strain conditions.
Dissimilarity Metric Based on Local Neighboring Information and Genetic Programming for Data Dissemination in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs)
Authors: Gutiérrez-Reina Daniel , Sharma Vishal , You Ilsun , Toral Sergio
Published: July 2018

This paper presents a novel dissimilarity metric based on local neighboring information and a genetic programming approach for efficient data dissemination in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs). The primary aim of the dissimilarity metric is to replace the Euclidean distance in probabilistic data dissemination schemes, which use the relative Euclidean distance among vehicles to determine the retransmission probability. The novel dissimilarity metric is obtained by applying a metaheuristic genetic programming approach, which provides a formula that maximizes the Pearson Correlation Coefficient between the novel dissimilarity metric and the Euclidean metric in several representative VANET scenarios. Findings show that the obtained dissimilarity metric correlates with the Euclidean distance up to 8.9% better than classical dissimilarity metrics. Moreover, the obtained dissimilarity metric is evaluated when used in well-known data dissemination schemes, such as p-persistence, polynomial and irresponsible algorithm. The obtained dissimilarity metric achieves significant improvements in terms of reachability in comparison with the classical dissimilarity metrics and the Euclidean metric-based schemes in the studied VANET urban scenarios.
Experimental Evaluation on Depth Control Using Improved Model Predictive Control for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUVs)
Authors: Yao Feng , Yang Chao , Liu Xing , Zhang Mingjun
Published: July 2018

Due to the growing interest using model predictive control (MPC), there are more and more researches about the applications of MPC on autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), and these researches are mainly focused on simulation and simple application of MPC on AUV. This paper focuses on the improvement of MPC based on the state space model of an AUV. Unlike the previous approaches using a fixed weighting matrix, in this paper, a coefficient, varied with the error, is introduced to adjust the control increment vector weighting matrix to reduce the settling time. Then, an analysis on the effect of the adjustment to the stability is given. In addition, there is always a lag between the AUV real trajectory and the desired trajectory when the AUV tracks a continuous trajectory. To solve this problem, a simple re-planning of the desired trajectory is developed. Specifically, the point certain steps ahead from current time on the desired trajectory is treated as the current desired point and input to the controller. Finally, experimental results for depth control are given to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the improved MPC. Experimental results show that the method of real-time adjusting control increment weighting matrix can reduce settling time by about 2 s when tracking step trajectory of 1 m, and the simple re-planning of the desired trajectory method can reduce the average of absolute error by about 15% and standard deviation of error by about 17%.
Using Empathic Design as a Tool for Urban Sustainability in Low-Resource Settings
Authors: Sandman Helena , Levänen Jarkko , Savela Nina
Published: July 2018

Architectural design plays a crucial role in sustainable city development. In fast-growing cities in developing countries, it can be a challenge to reach sustainable results. In this paper, we propose the use of Empathic Design, borrowed from the human-centered design field, as one means to support the work of architects and other stakeholders in these settings. To investigate aspects in which this method could be helpful, we have synthesized two existing sustainability models and applied them to three examples of affordable housing from different low-resource settings. After analysis of the examples, we propose a model with an equal balance between the four different dimensions of sustainability—environmental, economic, social, and cultural—where the aspects that need inhabitant engagement are highlighted. We argue that, to be able to hold the balance between the diverse dimensions of sustainability, the architect needs to understand in-depth the living conditions of people for whom he or she is designing. This calls for a fine-tuned participatory approach when designing in low-resource settings. It may not always be easy to reach this level of participation, but we propose that it can be achieved when the architecture is created through empathic involvement. The use of Empathic Design methods throughout the design process thus supports the endeavor towards sustainable results.
Evaluating the Energy Consumption of Mobile Data Transfer—From Technology Development to Consumer Behaviour and Life Cycle Thinking
Authors: Pihkola Hanna , Hongisto Mikko , Apilo Olli , Lasanen Mika
Published: July 2018

Mobile data consumption in Finland is among the highest in the world. The increase in mobile data usage has been rapid and continual future growth is foreseen. Simultaneously, consumer behaviour is changing. While new end-user devices are more and more energy-efficient and energy consumption per transferred gigabyte has significantly decreased, people spend more time and consume more data via their mobile devices than ever before. Does the increased usage outweigh the energy savings that have been achieved? What options are available for tackling increasing energy demand? And should consumers have a role to play in this discussion? This paper examines the current and future trends that results from the energy consumption of mobile data transfer and mobile networks in Finland. The findings presented in this paper are based on a top-down energy intensity estimate and publicly available data, which was employed to construct an illustrative trend (kWh/gigabyte) for the energy consumption of transmitted mobile data for the years 2010–2017. In addition, energy consumption related to mobile data transfer is discussed from a life cycle perspective, considering both direct and indirect energy use. Finally, the challenges in conducting such assessments are examined.
A Survey and Analysis on the Sense of Nuclear Safety & Security for the Public: A Chinese Perspective
Authors: Yan Ye , Lu Fanghua
Published: July 2018

With the new round of global nuclear issues, the populace’s emotion has been tensed and discomposure has been trigged off. To accurately understand the sense of nuclear safety & security for the Chinese public and ensure that the government makes reasonable decisions regarding nuclear issues, a special questionnaire and evaluation has been carried out. With the use of the principles for sociology of security, the methods of questionnaires and SPSS, a three-dimension assessment system, which consists of knowledge and experience, internal, and external trust, and the way of perception, was constructed. This research shows that the state of Chinese populace’s sense of nuclear safety & security is generally as follows: their knowledge of nuclear safety & security and personal experience are still on a low to intermediate level; In terms of trust, it shows that the populace has lack of adequate trust in nuclear safety & security of neighboring countries or regions, as well as Chinese government’s countermeasures; in the way of perception of nuclear safety & security, the populace has few options of related information sources and though the sources are less reliable. Also, the size of the audience of nuclear safety & security is far short of what is desired. Finally, the comprehensive assessment holds that the current overall sense of security for the Chinese populace is on a low to intermediate level (40.71%). This paper points out that China should strengthen the popularization of the security of nuclear science to enhance public security confidence, also, further, more detailed and specific safeguarding measures regarding nuclear safety & security should be made to promote the development of nuclear safety & security affairs.
Exploring the Sustainability of the Cooperative Model in Dairy: The Case of the Netherlands
Authors: Bijman Jos
Published: July 2018

Dairy cooperatives have existed in the Netherlands for more than 130 years. They hold a joint market share of more than 80% since the 1950s. This suggests that cooperatives are durable organizations in the dairy industry of the Netherlands. However, the number of dairy cooperatives has declined tremendously, with only five processing cooperatives left in 2015. The paper explores the paradox of high cooperative market share over a long period of time with a steady decline in the number of cooperatives. This historical account of the Dutch dairy industry distinguishes four periods of cooperative evolution. Classical theoretical explanations for the existence of cooperatives, such as bargaining power and transaction costs economics, can explain the rise of dairy cooperatives. However, they cannot sufficiently explain the long term success of the cooperative model in the Dutch dairy industry. Additional explanations can be found in institutional theory, including the impact of an enabling institutional environment.
Peri-Urbanization and Rurbanization in Leiria City: the Importance of a Planning Framework
Authors: Barros José Leandro , Tavares Alexandre Oliveira , Monteiro Mário , Santos Pedro Pinto
Published: July 2018

The objective of this study is to evaluate the spatial and temporal dynamics of land use in the city of Leiria, which is located in central Portugal, and its relation to the planning framework. The analysis is based on land-use change recognition in the period 1958–2011, calculation of the stability grade indicator, the losses and gains between classes, and the rate of artificialization. The results show an increase of the artificial areas, namely in continuous and discontinuous urban fabric, contrasting with a continuous decrease of the agricultural land-use classes, giving origin to peri-urbanization and rurbanization processes. We can also observe a large fragmentation of the landscape in the city of Leiria, representing rapid urban expansion that is fundamentally related to the increase of residential and industrial areas, and afterwards, tertiary growth. This study also demonstrated the relation of a land-use and planning framework that works as a driving force for land-use changes. This underlines the importance of strategic regional planning instruments in managing urban sprawl and the artificialization processes of medium-sized cities.
Indicators for Assessing the Sustainability of Built Heritage Attractions: An Anglo-Chinese Study
Authors: Ren Wei , Han Feng
Published: July 2018

Although sustainability is now a well-established concept, it is less well-established in the management of built heritage attractions. This paper reports research on the application of sustainability indicators for built heritage attractions, as a means to advance a more holistic sustainability assessment approach for the management of this important type of attraction. The research employed a questionnaire-based survey and four case studies designed to provide information concerning sustainability assessment for a substantial sample of built heritage attractions in both the UK and China. It seeks to identify the dimensions of sustainability for such attractions through a consideration of relevant sustainability indicators. The research findings indicate important variations in terms of the importance of key sustainable indicators between the UK and China. The results also provide pointers as to how the set of indicators might be developed further to provide a more holistic and measurable appraisal method to assess the sustainability of the management of built heritage attractions.
Impact of the Planning from the Kanban System on the Company’s Operating Benefits
Authors: Mojarro-Magaña María , Olguín-Tiznado Jesús Everardo , García-Alcaraz Jorge Luis , Camargo-Wilson Claudia , López-Barreras Juan Andrés , Pérez-López Rubén Jesús
Published: July 2018

This article reports a model regarding the structural equations of the impact of the planning phase and the benefits acquired in the implementation of the kanban system. It begins with a literature review of the activities of the planning phase, based on which a questionnaire was developed and applied in manufacturing companies in the state of Baja California, in the municipalities of Ensenada, Tijuana, Tecate, and Mexicali. The responses were obtained from 118 questionnaires and were validated by the Cronbach’s alpha index for internal validity and the R-squared index for predictive validity. A model of the structural equations of the planning phase was developed and validated through three latent variables, namely, human resources, preliminary analysis, and kanban integration, which correspond to 22 activities and one variable that integrate 11 operational benefits. The model shows six hypotheses to verify the causal relationships between these variables. Partial least-squares algorithms are used to validate the hypothesis, and the results indicate that the preliminary analysis is the basis for the success of the implementation of the kanban in the planning stage, through the application of activities, such as 5’s, value stream mapping (VSM), material handling, flow diagram, and visual aids with a sustainable approach, according to the efficient flow of materials and minimum downtime.
Heating Impact of a Tropical Reservoir on Downstream Water Temperature: A Case Study of the Jinghong Dam on the Lancang River
Authors: Jiang Bo , Wang Fushan , Ni Guangheng
Published: July 2018

Reservoirs change downstream thermal regimes by releasing water of different temperatures to that under natural conditions, which may then alter downstream biodiversity and ecological processes. The hydropower exploitation in the mainstream Lancang-Mekong River has triggered concern for its potential effects on downstream countries, especially the impact of the released cold water on local fishery production. However, it was observed recently that the annual water temperature downstream of the Jinghong Reservoir (near the Chinese border) has increased by 3.0 °C compared to its historical average (1997–2004). In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) model of the Jinghong Reservoir was established to simulate its hydro- and thermodynamics. Results show that: (1) the impoundment of the Jinghong Reservoir contributed about 1.3 °C to the increment of the water temperature; (2) the solar radiation played a much more important role in comparison with atmosphere-water heat exchange in changing water temperatures; and (3) the outflow rate also imposed a significant influence on the water temperature by regulating the residence time. After impoundment, the residence time increased from 3 days to 11 days, which means that the duration that the water body can absorb solar radiation has been prolonged. The results explain the heating mechanism of the Jinghong Reservoir brought to downstream water temperatures.
HiGHmed – An Open Platform Approach to Enhance Care and Research across Institutional Boundaries
Authors: Haarbrandt Birger , Schreiweis Björn , Rey Sabine , Sax Ulrich , Scheithauer Simone , Rienhoff Otto , Knaup-Gregori Petra , Bavendiek Udo , Dieterich Christoph , Brors Benedikt , Kraus Inga , Thoms Caroline , Jäger Dirk , Ellenrieder Volker , Bergh Björn , Yahyapour Ramin , Eils Roland , Consortium HiGHmed , Marschollek Michael
Published: July 2018

Introduction: This article is part of the Focus Theme of Methods of Information in Medicine on the German Medical Informatics Initiative. HiGHmed brings together 24 partners from academia and industry, aiming at improvements in care provision, biomedical research and epidemiology. By establishing a shared information governance framework, data integration centers and an open platform architecture in cooperation with independent healthcare providers, the meaningful reuse of data will be facilitated. Complementary, HiGHmed integrates a total of seven Medical Informatics curricula to develop collaborative structures and processes to train medical informatics professionals, physicians and researchers in new forms of data analytics.

Governance and Policies: We describe governance structures and policies that have proven effective during the conceptual phase. These were further adapted to take into account the specific needs of the development and networking phase, such as roll-out, carerelated aspects and our focus on curricula development in Medical Inform atics.

Architectural Framework and Methodology: To address the challenges of organizational, technical and semantic interoperability, a concept for a scalable platform architecture, the HiGHmed Platform, was developed. We outline the basic principles and design goals of the open platform approach as well as the roles of standards and specifications such as IHE XDS, openEHR, SNOMED CT and HL7 FHIR. A shared governance framework provides the semantic artifacts which are needed to establish semantic interoperability.

Use Cases: Three use cases in the fields of oncology, cardiology and infection control will demonstrate the capabilities of the HiGHmed approach. Each of the use cases entails diverse challenges in terms of data protection, privacy and security, including clinical use of genome sequencing data (oncology), continuous longitudinal monitoring of physical activity (cardiology) and cross-site analysis of patient movement data (infection control).

Discussion: Besides the need for a shared governance framework and a technical infrastructure, backing from clinical leaders is a crucial factor. Moreover, firm and sustainable commitment by participating organizations to collaborate in further development of their information system architectures is needed. Other challenges including topics such as data quality, privacy regulations, and patient consent will be addressed throughout the project.
German Medical Informatics Initiative: Unlocking Data for Research and Health Care
Authors: Gehring Stefanie , Eulenfeld René
Published: July 2018

This article is part of the Focus Theme of Methods of Information in Medicine on the German Medical Informatics Initiative. The Medical Informatics Initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research will make use of the potential of digitalization in the field of medicine in Germany. The aim is to improve the possibilities for medical research and patient care through innovative IT solutions. In an initial step, data integration centres will be set up at university hospitals to ensure the technical and organizational conditions necessary for multi-site exchange of data between health care and clinical and biomedical research. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research will provide a total of around EUR 150 million for this initiative over the next four years.
Clinical Practice Guidelines in Breast Cancer
Authors: Tyagi N. Kumar , Dhesy-Thind S.
Published: July 2018

Background: A number of clinical practice guidelines (CPGS) concerning breast cancer (BCA) screening and management are available. Here, we review the strengths and weaknesses of CPGS from various professional organizations and consensus groups with respect to their methodologic quality, recommendations, and implementability. Methods: Guidelines from four groups were reviewed with respect to two clinical scenarios: adjuvant ovarian function suppression (OFS) in premenopausal women with early-stage estrogen receptor–positive BCA, and use of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for locally advanced BCA. Guidelines from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO); Cancer Care Ontario’s Program in Evidence Based Care (CCO’s PEBC); the U.S. National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN); and the St. Gallen International Breast Cancer Consensus Conference were reviewed by two independent assessors. Guideline methodology and applicability were evaluated using the AGREE II tool. Results: The quality of the CPGS was greatest for the guidelines developed by ASCO and CCO’s PEBC. The NCCN and St. Gallen guidelines were found to have lower scores for methodologic rigour. All guidelines scored poorly for applicability. The recommendations for OFS were similar in three guidelines. Recommendations by the various organizations for the use of SLNB after NAC were contradictory. Conclusions: Our review demonstrated that CPGS can be heterogeneous in methodologic quality. Low-quality CPG implementation strategies contribute to low uptake of, and adherence to, BCA CPGS. Further research examining the barriers to recommendations—such as intrinsic guideline characteristics and the needs of end users—is required. The use of BCA CPGS can improve the knowledge-to-practice gap and patient outcomes.
Brain Metastases in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Are Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Checkpoint Inhibitors Now Viable Options?
Authors: Abdallah S. Morin–Ben , Wong A.
Published: July 2018

Significant progress has been made in the treatment of stage IV non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, the prognosis of patients with brain metastases remains poor. Resection and radiation therapy remain standard options. This issue is an important one because 10% of patients with NSCLC have brain metastases at diagnosis, and 25%–40% develop brain metastases during their disease. Standard chemotherapy does not cross the blood–brain barrier. However, there is new hope that tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIS) used in patients with identified targetable mutations such as mutations of EGFR and rearrangements of ALK could have activity in the central nervous system (CNS). Furthermore, immunotherapy is increasingly becoming a standard option for patients with NSCLC, and interest about the intracranial activity of those agents is growing. This review presents current data about the CNS activity of the available major TKIS and immunotherapy agents.
A Bioimpedance Analysis of Head-and-neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy
Authors: Kohli K. , Corns R. , Vinnakota K. , Steiner P. , Elith C. , Schellenberg D. , Kwan W. , Karvat A.
Published: July 2018

Malnutrition is a frequent manifestation in patients with head-and-neck cancer undergoing radiation therapy and a major contributor to morbidity and mortality. Thus, body composition is an important component of an overall evaluation of nutrition in cancer patients. Malnutrition is characterized by weight loss, loss of muscle mass, changes in cell membrane integrity, and alterations in fluid balance. Bioelectrical impedance analysis is a method to analyze body composition and includes parameters such as intracellular water content, extracellular water content, and cell membrane integrity in the form of a phase angle (Φ). Bioelectrical impedance analysis has consistently been shown to have prognostic value with respect to mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing chemotherapy. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between Φ, time, intracellular water content, and weight for head-and-neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. The results demonstrate that Φ decreases with time and increases with intracellular water content and weight.
How Can We Better Help Cancer Patients Quit Smoking? The London Regional Cancer Program Experience with Smoking Cessation
Authors: Davidson S.M. , Boldt R.G. , Louie A.V.
Published: July 2018

Background: Because continued cigarette smoking after a cancer diagnosis is associated with detrimental outcomes, supporting cancer patients with smoking cessation is imperative. We evaluated the effect of the Smoking Cessation Program at the London Regional Cancer Program (lrcp) over a 2-year period. Methods: The Smoking Cessation Program at the lrcp began in March 2014. New patients are screened for tobacco use. Tobacco users are counselled about the benefits of cessation and are offered referral to the program. If a patient accepts, a smoking cessation champion offers additional counselling. Follow-up is provided by interactive voice response (ivr) telephone system. Accrual data were collected monthly from January 2015 to December 2016 and were evaluated. Results: During 2015–2016, 10,341 patients were screened for tobacco use, and 18% identified themselves as current or recent tobacco users. In 2015, 84% of tobacco users were offered referral, but only 13% accepted, and 3% enrolled in ivr follow-up. At the lrcp in 2016, 77% of tobacco users were offered referral to the program, but only 9% of smokers accepted, and only 2% enrolled in ivr follow-up. Conclusions: The Smoking Cessation Program at the lrcp has had modest success, because multiple factors influence a patient's success with cessation. Limitations of the program include challenges in referral and counselling, limited access to nicotine replacement therapy (nrt), and minimal follow-up. To mitigate some of those challenges, a pilot project was launched in January 2017 in which patients receive free nrt and referral to the local health unit.
Glove and Instrument Changing to Prevent Tumour Seeding in Cancer Surgery: A Survey of Surgeons’ Beliefs and Practices
Authors: Berger-Richardson D. , Xu R.S. , Gladdy R.A. , McCart J.A. , Govindarajan A. , Swallow C.J.
Published: July 2018

Background: Some surgeons change gloves and instruments after the extirpative phase of cancer surgery with the intent of reducing the risk of local and wound recurrence. Although this practice is conceptually appealing, the evidence that gloves or instruments act as vectors of cancer-cell seeding in the clinical setting is weak. To determine the potential effect of further investigation of this question, we surveyed the practices and beliefs of a broad spectrum of surgeons who operate on cancer patients. Methods: Using a modified Dillman approach, a survey was mailed to all 945 general surgeons listed in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario public registry. The survey consisted of multiple-choice and free-text response questions. Responses were tabulated and grouped into themes, including specific intraoperative events and surgeon training. Predictive variables were analyzed by chi-square test. Results: Of 459 surveys returned (adjusted response rate: 46%), 351 met the inclusion criteria for retention. Of those respondents, 52% reported that they change gloves during cancer resections with the intent of decreasing the risk of tumour seeding, and 40%, that they change instruments for that purpose. The proportion of respondents indicating that they take measures to protect the wound was 73% for laparoscopic cancer resections and 31% for open resections. Training and years in practice predicted some of the foregoing behaviours. The most commonly cited basis for adopting specific strategies to prevent tumour seeding was “gut feeling,” followed by clinical training. Most respondents believe that it is possible or probable that surgical gloves or instruments harbour malignant cells, but that a cancer recurrence proceeding from that situation is unlikely. Conclusions: There is no consensus on how gloves and instruments should be handled in cancer operations. Further investigation is warranted.
Oncology Education for Canadian Internal Medicine Residents: The Value of Participating in a Medical Oncology Elective Rotation
Authors: Nixon N.A. , Lim H. , Elser C. , Ko Y.J. , Lee-Ying R. , Tam V.C.
Published: July 2018

Background: Despite the high incidence and burden of cancer in Canadians, medical oncology (MO) rotations are not mandatory in most Canadian internal medicine (IM) residency training programs. Methods: All IM residents scheduled for a MO rotation at 4 Canadian teaching cancer centres between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2015 were invited to complete an online survey before and after their rotation. The survey was designed to evaluate perceptions of oncology, comfort in managing cancer patients, and basic oncology knowledge. Results: The survey was completed by 68 IM residents pre-rotation and by 48 (71%) post-rotation. Cancer-related learning was acquired mostly from MO physicians in clinic (35%). Self-directed learning, didactic teaching, and resident or fellow teaching accounted for 31%, 26%, and 10% respectively of learning acquisition. Comfort level in dealing with cancer patients and patients at end of life improved to 4.0/5 from 3.2/5 (p < 0.001) and to 4.0/5 from 3.6/5 (p = 0.003) respectively. Mean knowledge assessment score improved to 83% post-rotation from 76% pre-rotation (p = 0.003), with the greatest increase observed in general knowledge of common malignancies. The 3 topics ranked as most important to learn during a MO rotation were oncologic emergencies, common complications of treatment, and approach to diagnosis of cancer. Conclusions: A rotation in MO improves the perceptions of IM residents about oncology and their comfort level in dealing with cancer patients and patients at end of life. Overall cancer knowledge is also improved. Given those benefits, IM residency programs should encourage most of their residents to complete a MO rotation.
Ode to My Oncologist
Authors: Heykoop C.A.
Published: July 2018

At the age of 34, I was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma. I had just finished my doctorate and was ready to launch into the world[...]
Medical Oncology Workload in Canada: Infrastructure, Supports, and Delivery of Clinical Care
Authors: Fundytus A. , Hopman W.M. , Hammad N. , Biagi J.J. , Sullivan R. , Vanderpuye V. , Seruga B. , Lopes G. , Sengar M. , Brundage M.D. , Booth C.M.
Published: July 2018

Background: In 2000, a Canadian task force recommended that medical oncologists (MOS) meet a target of 160–175 new patient consultations per year. Here, we report the Canadian results of a global survey of mo workload compared with mo workload in other high-income countries (HICS). Methods: Using a snowball method, an online survey was distributed by national oncology societies to chemotherapy-prescribing physicians in 22 HICS (World Bank criteria). The survey was distributed within Canada to all members of the Canadian Association of Medical Oncologists. Workload was measured as the annual number of new cancer patient consults per oncologist. Results: The survey was completed by 782 oncologists from HICS, including 58 from Canada. Median annual consults per mo were 175 in Canada compared with 125 in other HICS. The proportions of MOS having 100 or fewer consults or more than 300 consults per year were 3% (2/58) and 5% (3/58) in Canada compared with 31% (222/724) and 16% (116/724) in other HICS (p < 0.001 and p = 0.023 respectively). The median number of patients seen in a full-day clinic was 15 in Canada and 25 in other HICS (p = 0.220). Canadian MOS reported spending a median of 55 minutes per new consultation; new consultations of 35 minutes were reported in other HICS (p < 0.001). Median hours worked per week was 55 in Canada and 45 in other HICS (p = 0.200). Conclusions: Although the median annual clinical volume for Canadian MOS aligns with recommended targets, half the respondents exceeded that level of activity. Health policymakers and educators have to consider mo workforce supply and alternative models of care in preparation for the anticipated surge in cancer incidence in the coming decade.
Hormone Receptor–Positive, HER2-Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer: Redrawing the Lines
Authors: Matutino A. , Joy A.A. , Brezden-Masley C. , Chia S. , Verma S.
Published: July 2018

Estrogen receptor modulators and estrogen deprivation have become standards of care for hormone receptor– positive metastatic breast cancer. However, after traditional first-line endocrine monotherapy treatment, the disease typically progresses despite the initial high rate of clinical benefit. Multiple studies have aimed at optimizing treatment strategies to improve upon clinical benefit beyond the traditional single-agent endocrine treatment. With the availability of new data and novel therapies, the clinical practice challenge becomes how best to define the optimal treatment sequence to maximize clinical benefit. In this review, we present treatment options clinically relevant to the management of hormone-positive, her2-negative metastatic breast cancer, and we propose a treatment algorithm based on the current literature.
Harmonization of PD-L1 Testing in Oncology: A Canadian Pathology Perspective
Authors: Ionescu Diana N. , Downes M. R. , Christofides A. , Tsao M. S.
Published: July 2018

Checkpoint inhibitors targeting the programmed cell death 1 protein (PD-1) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) are demonstrating promising efficacy and appear to be well tolerated in a number of tumour types. In non-small-cell lung cancer, head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma, and urothelial carcinoma, outcomes appear particularly favourable in patients with high PD-L1 expression. However, assays for PD-L1 have been developed for individual agents, and they use different antibody clones, immunohistochemistry staining protocols, scoring algorithms, and cut-offs. Given that laboratories are unlikely to use multiple testing platforms, use of one PD-L1 assay in conjunction with a specific therapy will become impractical and could compromise treatment options. Methods to harmonize testing methods are therefore crucial to ensuring appropriate treatment selection. This paper focuses on lung, bladder, and head-and-neck cancer. It reviews and compares available PD-L1 testing methodologies, summarizes the literature about comparability studies to date, discusses future directions in personalized diagnostics, and provides a pathologist’s perspective on PD-L1 testing in the Canadian laboratory setting.
The Changing Landscape of Thoracic Malignancies
Authors: Melosky B. , Hirsh V.
Published: July 2018

We welcome you to this supplemental issue in Current Oncology: “Advances in Breast and Lung Cancers for the Community Oncologist.” [...]
The Survivorship Care Plan: A Valuable Tool for Primary Care Providers?
Authors: Chaput G.
Published: July 2018

The era of immunotherapy and improved cancer treatments has led to current trends in health care [...]
Micropeplus liweiae sp. n., a new species from Sichuan, China (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Micropeplinae)
Authors: Wang Cheng-Bin , Jiang Ri-Xin , Zhu Jiang
Published: July 2018

A new species of micropepline beetle is described from Sichuan, China, Micropeplusliweiae sp. n. (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae). Important morphological characters of the new species are illustrated by colour plates.
Commission européenne, Hongrie, Pologne : le combat de l’État de droit
Authors: Petit Yves
Published: July 2018

Depuis plusieurs années, la Hongrie et la Pologne font régulièrement la une de l’actualité, car les évolutions politiques et législatives souhaitées par leurs gouvernements respectifs sont ouvertement contraires aux principes de l’État de droit qui est un des fondements de l’Union européenne. Les atteintes à l’indépendance et à l’impartialité de la justice, à la liberté des ONG, ou encore à celle des établissements d’enseignement supérieur sont nombreuses et fortes. Cette crise de l’État de droit est à l’origine d’un affrontement sans précédent entre la Commission européenne et ces deux États membres de l’Union européenne. Ce combat est mené au nom du respect des valeurs énoncées à l’article 2 TUE et, au-delà, pour la survie de l’Union. Après la première activation de l’article 7 TUE, l’issue du combat paraît bien incertaine, en raison de l’inadaptation des procédures de sanction des violations de l’État de droit, et de leur impuissance face à la montée de l’« illibéralisme » dans plusieurs États membres d’Europe centrale et orientale.
Un sanctuaire rural du Haut-Empire à Ruitz (Pas-de-Calais)
Authors: Maniez Jérôme , Afonso-Lopes Élisabeth , Chombart Jérémie , Leroya Stéphanie
Published: July 2018

La réalisation du contournement de Bruay-la-Buissière par la RD 941 a donné lieu à une opération de fouilles archéologiques préventives sur le territoire de la commune de Ruitz. Une surface de 1,3 ha a été décapée et fouillée du 1 er septembre 2009 au 4 décembre 2009 par le Centre départemental d’Archéologie du Pas-de-Calais. Les fouilles ont permis de distinguer trois grandes périodes d’occupation du site s’étalant entre la fin du deuxième Âge du Fer et la période moderne. La période la plus marquante concerne l’implantation, l’occupation et le démantèlement d’un petit sanctuaire dont la durée de fonctionnement semble s’établir sur moins d’un siècle de la seconde moitié du i er s. à la première moitié du ii e s. de notre ère. Il s’agit d’un sanctuaire rural au plan classique : un mur délimite un espace sacré quadrangulaire d’environ 900 m 2 . Dans cet espace se situe le temple à une cella entourée d’une galerie ainsi qu’un petit bâtiment de plan carré. A l’extérieur se trouve un second petit bâtiment de plan carré également. L’ensemble est ensuite probablement démantelé et les matériaux récupérés.
Normal Variation of Photoreceptor Outer Segment Volume With Age, Gender, Refractive Error, and Vitreomacular Adhesion
Authors: Pakdel Amir Reza , Mammo Zaid , Lee Sieun , Forooghian Farzin
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Thickness and volume changes of the photoreceptor outer segment (PROS) layer on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) images are associated with various disease states. However, there are limited data on normal anatomical variation. This study evaluates the correlation of PROS volume with age, gender, refractive error, and presence of vitreomacular adhesion (VMA) in healthy subjects.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

SD-OCT scans of 68 normal eyes were analyzed. The ellipsoid zone and the apical retinal pigment epithelium boundary were segmented using an automated algorithm. The PROS volume was calculated as the region bounded by these two layers within a 6-mm diameter circle centered at the fovea. A general linear model was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS:

PROS volume increased with age to a significant degree (
P
= .013). Gender, refractive error, and presence of VMA were insignificant factors.

CONCLUSION:

PROS volume, as measured on routine SD-OCT, increases with age in healthy subjects, after adjusting for gender, refractive error, and VMA.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2018;49:523–527.]
Spontaneous Attachment of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Following Vitrectomy for Stage 4B Retinopathy of Prematurity and Atypical Retinal Changes Post-Resolution
Authors: Savla Laxmi Prabhavathi , Nene Amit , Sutar Samir , Padhi Tapas Ranjan
Published: July 2018

A prematurely born baby underwent lens-sparing vitrectomy for Stage 4B retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in the left eye. This child had a stormy neonatal course, referred late, and was treated with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor and laser in both eyes in the past. The surgery was uneventful, and the retina was attached until a month after surgery. Later, there was development of a break that led to the occurrence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in the operated eye. The retinal detachment increased with time during the course of 6 weeks. Surprisingly, the hole disappeared with spontaneous attachment of retina in the following weeks, with multiple depigmented spots over the posterior pole.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2018;49:544–547.]
Parapapillary Optic Nerve Head Drusen in Leber Congenital Amaurosis
Authors: Kumar Vinod , Gupta Prasad
Published: July 2018

A 20-year-old male who was known to have Leber congenital amaurosis was assessed. Best-corrected visual acuity was counting fingers in both eyes (OU). Anterior segment OU revealed poorly reacting pupils and nystagmoid movements. Dilated fundus examination revealed widespread bone spicule pigmentation with “macular coloboma” OU (
Figure a and b
). Short-wave autofluorescence showed hyperautofluorescent buried optic nerve head drusen and generalized hypoautofluorescence OU (
Figure c and d
). Additionally, the left eye showed parapapillary drusen resulting from calcification of swollen and disrupted axons at a remote location in the parapapillary area (blue arrows;
Figure b and d
). The presence of buried optic nerve head drusen OU gives a clue to the diagnosis of parapapillary drusen, which can be easily mistaken for retinal astrocytoma.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2018;49:554.]
Synthetic waterproofing membranes and auxiliary separating layers in the inverted flat roof. Pressure effect on the degradation
Authors: Pedrosa A. , Del Río M.
Published: July 2018

Flat roofs are inverted when the insulation material is placed over the waterproofing membrane. This widely-used constructive system sets materials which may interact easily with each other causing their deterioration. The incompatibilities and the materials that may interact with each other are not completely described, the elements currently used to separate the materials are not totally efficient to avoid deterioration. This paper intends to enlarge the knowledge regarding the materials that are incompatible for inverted flat roofs, the conditions were interactions take place and the efficiency of some alternative solutions to separate the materials. The ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) waterproofing membranes are incompatible with the extruded polystyrene (XPS). The interactions between incompatible materials increase with the pressure.
Crowdsourcing as an Example of Public Management Fashion
Authors: Lenart-Gansiniec Regina Anna
Published: July 2018

Crowdsourcing is a relatively new concept, which was defined for the first time only in 2006. The growing interest in crowdsourcing has been observed since 2010. As of that moment, the number of publications on crowdsourcing has been systematically increasing. The researchers' attention is frequently focused on the benefits possible to be obtained by the organization owing to crowdsourcing. Not without importance is the issue of cooperation with the crowd. Despite the growth tendency, it may still be ascertained that the multitude and diversity of approaches to crowdsourcing does not increase the chances for clarification and transparency. In their majority these papers are of a theoretical nature and rather dispersed and fragmentary. As a whole they do not make reference to the achievements of the predecessors. The subject of this chapter is searching for an answer to the question whether crowdsourcing displays the features of a public management fashion.
Knowledge Management in the Non-Governmental Organizations Context
Authors: Zaei Mansour Esmaeil
Published: July 2018

NGOs are recognized as knowledge-intensive organizations in nature. This is because of the employees' and volunteers' professionalism and knowledgeable experiences and the area in which NGOs work. However, like other organizations, NGOs have fewer financial and personal resources but huge and greater demand for their services. Consequently, leading NGOs started to reengineer their core processes and organizational paradigms to minimize the cost and time spent on internal functions in order to apply the greater part of their energies externally. To meet these targets, NGOs develop and formalize systems and mechanisms for converting and retaining their tacit knowledge to explicit knowledge over time successfully. This strategic and systematic process and mechanism for data capture, storage, classification, and retrieval is knowledge management. Hence, this chapter will attempt to fill the absence of KM study in NGOs. It will help to understand KM from the perspective of NGOs.
Crowdsourcing in Innovation Activity of Enterprises on an Example of Pharmaceutical Industry
Authors: Pohulak-Żołędowska Elżbieta
Published: July 2018

The chapter considers issues connected with innovation creation in open innovation model. The knowledge flow in open innovation has been presented. The main “product” of knowledge economy—innovations (as a concept)—are symbolic goods, founded in symbols – not in atoms. This notion causes some consequences typical for information goods, like ease of replication or exchange, zero-marginal replication costs, and cheap storage. On the other hand, there are growing innovation production costs, and uncertainty and risk of innovation activity that discourage companies from being innovative. The idea of open innovation is being used in pharmaceutical industry more and more often in order to cut innovation costs and shorten the new drugs pipelines. One of the most “open” dimensions of innovation activity in pharmaceutical industry is crowdsourcing: a specific sourcing model, an internet-enabled business model that harnesses the creative ability of agents external to organization.
Knowledge Sharing and Innovative Work Behavior
Authors: Phung Van Dong , Hawryszkiewycz Igor
Published: July 2018

The growing importance of knowledge sharing is promoting individual innovative work behavior (IWB) to create new products or services for innovative business systems. Also, the key challenges faced by individuals in their knowledge sharing behavior (KSB) are personal perceptions and environmental influences. Thus, this chapter provides a research model using an extension of social cognitive theory that comprises environmental factors (subjective norms, trust), personal factors (knowledge self-efficacy, enjoyment in helping others, organizational rewards, reciprocal benefits, and psychological ownership of knowledge), KSB, and IWB. The authors advance to implement mixed-methods approaches to evaluate the proposed model. The authors believe that this research will contribute to deeper understanding of the effects of personal and environmental factors and KSB on IBW within organizations. The model is also expected to be tested in any organizations in which future researchers or practitioners wish to test this model.