bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Sustained Use of a Multifaceted Computerized Quality Improvement Intervention for Cardiovascular Disease Management in Australian Primary Health Care
Authors: Patel Bindu , Peiris David , Usherwood Tim , Li Qiang , Harris Mark , Panaretto Kathryn , Zwar Nicholas , Patel Anushka
Published: October 2017

Background

We evaluated a multifaceted, computerized quality improvement intervention for management of cardiovascular disease (
CVD
) risk in Australian primary health care. After completion of a cluster randomized controlled trial, the intervention was made available to both trial arms. Our objective was to assess intervention outcomes in the post‐trial period and any heterogeneity based on original intervention allocation.

Methods and Results

Data from 41 health services were analyzed. Outcomes were (1) proportion of eligible population with guideline‐recommended
CVD
risk factor measurements; and (2) the proportion at high
CVD
risk with current prescriptions for guideline‐recommended medications. Patient‐level analyses were conducted using generalized estimating equations to account for clustering and time effects and tests for heterogeneity were conducted to assess impact of original treatment allocation. Median follow‐up for 22 809 patients (mean age, 64.2 years; 42.5% men, 26.5% high
CVD
risk) was 17.9 months post‐trial and 35 months since trial inception. At the end of the post‐trial period there was no change in
CVD
risk factor screening overall when compared with the end of the trial period (64.7% versus 63.5%,
P
=0.17). For patients at high
CVD
risk, there were significant improvements in recommended prescriptions at end of the post‐trial period when compared with the end of the trial period (65.2% versus 56.0%,
P
<0.001). There was no heterogeneity of treatment effects on the outcomes based on original randomization allocation.

Conclusions

CVD
risk screening improvements were not observed in the post‐trial period. Conversely, improvements in prescribing continued, suggesting that changes in provider and patient actions may take time when initiating medications.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.anzctr.org.au
. Unique identifier: 12611000478910.
Impact of Regional Systems of Care on Disparities in Care Among Female and Black Patients Presenting With ST‐Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Hinohara Tomoya T. , Al‐Khalidi Hussein R. , Fordyce Christopher B. , Gu Xiangqiong , Sherwood Matthew W. , Roettig Mayme L. , Corbett Claire C. , Monk Lisa , Tamis‐Holland Jacqueline E. , Berger Peter B. , Burchenal J. E. B. , Wilson B. Hadley , Jollis James G. , Granger Christopher B.
Published: October 2017

Background

The American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline STEMI (
ST
‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction) Systems Accelerator program, conducted in 16 regions across the United States to improve key care processes, resulted in more patients being treated within national guideline goals (time from first medical contact to device: <90 minutes for direct presenters to hospitals capable of performing percutaneous coronary intervention; <120 minutes for transfers). We examined whether the effort reduced reperfusion disparities in the proportions of female versus male and black versus white patients.

Methods and Results

In total, 23 809 patients (29.3% female, 82.3% white, and 10.7% black) presented with acute STEMI between July 2012 and March 2014. Change in the proportion of patients treated within guideline goals was compared between sex and race subgroups for patients presenting directly to hospitals capable of performing percutaneous coronary intervention (n=18 267) and patients requiring transfer (n=5542). The intervention was associated with an increase in the proportion of men treated within guideline goals that presented directly (58.7–62.1%,
P
=0.01) or were transferred (43.3–50.7%,
P
<0.01). An increase was also seen among white patients who presented directly (57.7–59.9%,
P
=0.02) or were transferred (43.9–48.8%,
P
<0.01). There was no change in the proportion of female or black patients treated within guideline goals, including both those presenting directly and transferred.

Conclusion

The
STEMI
Systems Accelerator project was associated with an increase in the proportion of patients meeting guideline reperfusion targets for male and white patients but not for female or black patients. Efforts to organize systems of
STEMI
care should implement additional processes targeting barriers to timely reperfusion among female and black patients.
Agents of Change: How Islamist Women Activists in Israel Are Challenging the Status Quo
Authors: Rosmer Tilde
Published: October 2017

From the public profile and media reporting on the Islamic Movement in Israel (al-Ḥaraka al-islāmiyya fī Isrā’īl), the impression given is that this movement is run by men, and that women are, if visible, in the background. However, when looking behind the façade it becomes clear that women are not only active, but are at the forefront of Islamist activism, spearheading change in their community. In their organizations for women, and through informal channels, they educate women, and indirectly men, about the role and position of women in Islam. Their activism also contributes to creating awareness about their Palestinian Arab Muslim history and predicament, thus also empowering women vis-à-vis Israeli domination. The women interviewed for this article all studied or study at Israeli universities, and as educated women they are reshaping the ideal of the traditional Muslim mother into that of a Muslim professional working mother. Based on the logic behind and content of their Islamist activism, the present article argues that these women are agents of change who contest the traditional ideal and practical role of Muslim Palestinian women in Israel. They are challenging patriarchal traditions and domination in their community through their Islamist activism; however, this frame simultaneously produces limitations to their opposition.
Design Elements and Illuminations in Nigerian “Market Literature” in Arabic and ʿAjamī
Authors: Dobronravin Nikolai
Published: October 2017

“Market literature” in Arabic and ʿAjamī is a particular variety of West African Islamic book culture, which is especially strong in northern Nigerian states. Arabic-script “Nithography” (by analogy to Nollywood, the modern Nigerian film industry) represents a unique phenomenon, although it is reminiscent of the nineteenth-century Islamic lithography in the Middle East. Nigerian “market literature” in Arabic and ʿAjamī has mostly followed the pre-colonial manuscript tradition of Central Sudanic Africa, including writing styles, colophons and glosses. In contrast to Middle Eastern book culture, Nigerian typeset printing largely preceded the era of offset. The innovative elements of offset book design in Nigeria and further perspectives of “Nithography” in Arabic and ʿAjamī are discussed.
Scribal Practices in Arabic Manuscripts from Ethiopia: The ʿAjamization of Scribal Practices in Fuṣḥā and ʿAjamī Manuscripts from Harar
Authors: Fani Sara
Published: October 2017

This paper focuses on Arabic scribal practices in a corpus of Ethiopian Islamic manuscripts from the region of Harar ascribed to the period from the eighteenth to the early nineteenth century. Two different aspects will be considered, namely the characteristic realization of specific graphemes and the methods for the justification of the text. The observations take into account the perceived sacred dimension of the texts, from copies of the Qurʾān to ʿAjamī works, and the different level of standardization of their written manifestations. This approach is intended to highlight the results of the cultural interplay between the scribal models acquired and their local reinterpretation in order to identify reference models and determine the criteria at the base of the processes of ʿAjamization of these scribal practices. I hope that the characteristics described in this article will represent the starting point for comparative studies of scribal practices between different Ethiopian regions and with other regions of the Islamic world.
The ʿAjamization of Islam in Ethiopia through Esoteric Textual Manifestations in Two Collections of Ethiopian Arabic Manuscripts
Authors: Hernández Adday
Published: October 2017

While the word ʿAjamī traditionally refers to texts in many languages written with the modified Arabic script, the meaning has been expanded in the concept of ʿAjamization used in this volume. ʿAjamization is construed in this article, as it is operationalized in the volume, to refer to the various tangible and subtle enrichments of Islam, its culture, and its written and artistic traditions in Africa.
1
In this sense, it is not only the modification (enrichment) of the Arabic script that defines ʿAjamization, but also other features such as the content and the aesthetics of the texts. This paper focuses on the cultural dimension of ʿAjamization in two collections of Ethiopian Islamic texts written in Arabic.
2
These texts encompass magic-related materials, including theurgic texts and invocations to jinn.

3
I will examine these texts to ascertain whether they reflect a local cosmology, even if they are not written in ʿAjamī but in Arabic.
4
A new species of Dohrnemesa and a new species of Polauchenia from Brazil (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Emesinae)
Authors: GIL-SANTANA HÉLCIO R. , FERREIRA RODRIGO LOPES
Published: October 2017

Dohrnemesa kuarajucassaba sp. nov. and Polauchenia paraprotentor sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Emesinae: Emesini) are described respectively from states of Minas Gerais and Pará, Brazil. Both species described here were collected from caves. Updated keys to the species of Dohrnemesa Wygodzinsky, 1945 and Polauchenia McAtee & Malloch, 1925 are presented.
Description of Almafuerte, a new genus of ground spiders from South America (Araneae, Gnaphosidae)
Authors: GRISMADO CRISTIAN J. , CARRIÓN NICOLÁS LÓPEZ
Published: October 2017

A new genus of gnaphosid spiders, Almafuerte, gen. nov., is described for seven species from Southern South America. The new genus is diagnosed by a conspicuous retrolateral tegular projection on the male palp, and by having three teeth on the cheliceral retromargin. It comprises six species from Argentina, A. peripampasica sp. nov. (type species), from Central Argentina, also present in Uruguay, A. kuru sp. nov., from Santiago del Estero, A. vigorosa sp. nov., from Corrientes, A. goloboffi sp. nov., from Salta and Jujuy, A. remota sp. nov., from Santiago del Estero and Mendoza, and A. giaii (Gerschman & Schiapelli) comb. nov., here transferred from Echemus, from Santa Fe (the female is here described by the first time); and one species from Bolivia, A. facon sp. nov., from Cochabamba. Hypotheses of relationships of the new taxa are briefly discussed, in the context of the previously proposed groupings: the subfamilies Echeminae and Drassodinae (sensu Platnick 1990) and the “Echemus group” (sensu Murphy 2007).
Re-entry guidance for hypersonic vehicle satisfying no-fly zone constraints
Authors: Lu Qing , Zhou Jun
Published: October 2017

Re-entry guidance is one of the primary tasks of a global strike mission. Hypersonic and common aero vehicles are currently being investigated for missions like this. This paper proposes a guidance law considering not only the constraints of terminal status and flight process, but also the avoidance of no-fly zones, to meet the requirements of a global strike mission. An improved A* algorithm is proposed first to achieve a real-time trajectory planning process. Then a dynamic optimization guidance law based on the model of a hypersonic vehicle considering single and multiple no-fly zones is founded. Numerical simulations show the robustness and rapidity of this optimization method.
Diffusion-weighted MRI combined with susceptibility-weighted MRI: added diagnostic value for four common lateral ventricular tumors
Authors: Yu Yuanlin , Zhang Hua , Xiao Zebin , She Dejun , Xing Zhen , Yang Xiefeng , Cao Dairong
Published: October 2017

Background

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) are reliable imaging modalities for brain tumors. However, the role of DWI and SWI in the diagnosis of common lateral ventricular tumors has not been systematically evaluated.

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of DWI and SWI in common lateral ventricular tumors.

Material and Methods

Fifty-two patients with histopathologically confirmed lateral ventricular tumors were included in this study (18 with central neurocytomas, nine with ependymomas, seven with high-grade gliomas, and 18 with meningiomas). The relative minimum apparent diffusion coefficient (rADCmin) and relative average apparent diffusion coefficient (rADCave) measured by DWI and the intratumoral susceptibility signal intensity (ITSS) of hemorrhage acquired by SWI were calculated. These quantitative parameters were evaluated using the Mann–Whitney U test, receiver operating characteristic curve, and logistic regression analyses.

Results

The rADCmin and rADCave ratios of central neurocytomas were significantly lower than those of the other neoplasms. The rADCmin and rADCave ratios of ependymomas and the rADCave ratio of high-grade gliomas were significantly higher than those of meningiomas. The ITSS score of meningiomas was significantly lower than those of the other tumors, while the score of central neurocytomas was obviously lower than those of ependymomas and high-grade gliomas. The combination of the rADC ratio with the ITSS showed no significant difference, except in discriminating between meningiomas and high-grade glioma-ependymomas.

Conclusion

The rADC ratios and ITSS may be useful for differentiating common lateral ventricular tumors. The diagnostic performance may be improved with the use of the rADC ratios and ITSS scores.
Feature extraction on an intelligent polycrystalline diamond insert clock testing method and prediction of product performance
Authors: Kuppuswamy Ramesh , Airey Kerry A
Published: October 2017

Increasing applications of polycrystalline diamond inserts in rock drilling is visibly seen as the discovery of new oil wells and tunnelling projects for metro lines are on a continuous rise around the world. As a result, the market consumption of polycrystalline diamond inserts is increasing severely. However, the sudden increased requirement of polycrystalline diamond inserts has also triggered a global competition as new players are increasing each day. The prevailing situation offers a dynamic challenge to the manufacturers to successfully stay in the business, and hence, enhancing product quality has become an essential requirement. In other words, to stay competitive and to remain ahead of the pack, it is critical to build up innovative testing capabilities of the polycrystalline diamond insert so as to pre-empty the undesirable functional characteristics of the polycrystalline diamond insert as well as to proactively engage the production floor for ensuring high product quality. This manuscript unveils a developed intelligent polycrystalline diamond insert testing platform that would link the failure characteristics of the polycrystalline diamond insert to the fracture mechanics through the study of process digitisation of the tool–work interface. An experimental set-up was developed, which incorporates a dynamometer, acoustic emission and accelerometer, for the digitisation of data signals in a feature extraction engine. The feature extraction engine in turn is used to monitor the failure of polycrystalline diamond cutting inserts during machining. The raw data fed through the feature extraction engine were used to identify the progression of failure in terms of flank wear or tool life for the polycrystalline diamond cutting inserts. The system comprises three key elements, which are (a) sensing and conditioning, (b) information extraction and (c) performance and failure analysis. The results of this experiment build the feature extraction engine that tracks the progression of flank wear in the polycrystalline diamond cutting inserts with reasonable accuracy. Furthermore, the break-in testing of a randomly selected insert from the production floor was applied to the feature extraction engine platform to predict the produce performance. This method also alerts the in-process manufacturing stages and enabled to considerably reduce the production scrap of polycrystalline diamond inserts.
Management of tennis elbow: a survey of UK clinical practice
Authors: Bateman Marcus , Titchener Andrew G. , Clark David I. , Tambe Amol A.
Published: October 2017

Background

Tennis elbow is a common condition in the UK but there are no guidelines on how best to manage the condition. The purpose of the present study was to establish the current UK practice in managing patients with chronic tennis elbow.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey of UK surgeons and therapists was conducted in June 2017.

Results

In total, 275 responses were received, the majority from consultant surgeons and experienced physiotherapists. In total, 81% recommended exercise-based physiotherapy as the first-line intervention. Second-line treatments varied widely, with corticosteroid injections being the most popular (27%), followed by shockwave therapy, platelet-rich plasma injection, surgery, acupuncture and a wait-and-see policy.

Conclusions

There is wide variability of treatments offered when physiotherapy fails patients with tennis elbow. The majority of second-line interventions lack evidence to support their use and, in the case of corticosteroid injections, may even be harmful in the long term. There is a clear need for national guidance based on best evidence to aid clinicians in their treatment approach.
A Grounded Agent-Based Model of Common Good Production in a Residential Complex: Applying Artificial Experiments
Authors: Asgharpourmasouleh Ahmadreza , Sadeghi Atiye , Yousofi Ali
Published: October 2017

The present research addressed the problem of common good production referring to a real-world problem in an urban residential complex in Mashhad city, Iran. The residential complex includes four blocks showing different rates of success in the common good production. Analyzing the qualitative field data, using grounded theory framework, we distinguished seven different strategies among residents: vandal, robber, cheater, abider, cooperator, compensator, and punisher. The other main agents’ property that seems to be determining in the production of common good is their desirability for them which we quantified it referring to a couple of personal variables. The outputs of the qualitative phase of research let us to design an agent-based model in computer to apply some artificial experiments and find ways for promoting the situation. The results showed that some specific minor changes in agent combinations can make a great difference in the outcomes and solve the complex of cooperation.
China Labor-force Dynamics Survey
Authors: Wang Jin , Zhou Yi , Liu Shuyin
Published: October 2017

The China Labor-force Dynamics Survey (CLDS), launched by Sun Yat-Sen University, is the first national longitudinal social survey targeted at the labor force in China. Using a rotating panel design, the survey is conducted every two years and has accumulated three waves of data now. In this article, we introduce the theoretical background, sample design, and implementation of the survey. We also summarize some scholarly themes which CLDS can be applied to by presenting descriptive statistical results.
Differential Impact of Genetic Loci on Age at Thelarche and Menarche in Healthy Girls
Authors: Busch Alexander S , Hagen Casper P , Assens Maria , Main Katharina M , Almstrup Kristian , Juul Anders
Published: October 2017

Context

Recent genetic studies have identified genetic variants associated with age at pubertal onset. Whereas genome-wide association studies reported associations of several hundred genetic variants with timing of self-reported age at menarche, a recent clinical study focused on genetic variation affecting follicle-stimulating hormone action and clinically determined age at thelarche. The observations appear to be incongruent, as effect sizes varied substantially among the studies. Alternatively, this may point to a differential impact of specific genetic loci on distinct pubertal events.

Objective

To investigate whether top-candidate genetic variants exhibit a different impact on timing of thelarche vs menarche, respectively.

Design

Cross-sectional and longitudinal study of healthy girls.

Setting

Population-based study in the Copenhagen area.

Patients or Other Participants

Girls (1478) were followed through puberty and genotyped for FSHB c.−211G>T (rs10835638), FSHR c.−29G>A (rs1394205), FSHR c.2039A>G (rs6116), LIN28B (rs7759938), INHA (rs4141153), MKRN3 (rs12148769), TMEM38B (rs10453225), and ZNF483 (rs10980921).

Main Outcome Measures

Clinical pubertal staging and anthropometric data.

Results

We observed an association of LIN28B (rs7759938) with age at thelarche (P < 0.001, effect size: 0.27 year, 95% confidence interval: 0.12 to 0.42) and age at menarche (P = 0.005, 0.17 year, 0.05 to 0.29). FSHB c.−211G>T (rs10835638) and FSHR c.−29G>A (rs1394205) minor allele count was associated with age at thelarche (P = 0.004, 0.19 year, 0.06 to 0.31) but not with age at menarche (P = 0.97; all adjusted for body mass index z scores).

Conclusion

Our results indicate a differential impact of specific genetic loci on age at thelarche and menarche in healthy girls.
Long-Term Survivorship in Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2B Diagnosed Before and in the New Millennium
Authors: Raue Friedhelm , Dralle Henning , Machens Andreas , Bruckner Thomas , Frank-Raue Karin
Published: October 2017

Context

Recent long-term outcomes and survival data are lacking for patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B (MEN2B).

Objectives

To analyze long-term MEN2B outcomes and define prognostic factors.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Retrospective comparative study of 75 patients with MEN2B from two German tertiary referral centers. Patients diagnosed and treated before and after 2000 were compared for demographic, biochemical, surgical, and outcome parameters.

Intervention

Surgery.

Main Outcome measure

Long-term survival.

Results

We identified seven familial and 68 de novo cases of MEN2B; 61 exhibited the RET M918T genotype (2 others exhibited A883F and E768D/L790T mutations). Surgery was performed at a mean age of 16.4 ± 11.2 years. The tumor stages at diagnosis for 71 patients were stage I, 15%; stage II, 6%; stage III, 35%; and stage IV, 44%. The mean follow-up was 9.6 ± 9.0 years. The outcomes were 15 (20%) cured, 9 (12%) with minimal residual disease, 19 (25%) with metastatic disease, and 10 (13%) unknown. Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) caused 22 deaths (29%) 7.3 ± 6.2 years after diagnosis (mean age, 22.9 ± 10.7 years). The overall survival rates at 5, 10, and 20 years were 85%, 74%, and 58%, respectively. After 2000 (vs before 2000), significantly more patients had stage I and II (32% vs 11%) and more were cured (43% vs 20%), with a higher survival trend (P = 0.058). The only prognostic factor was tumor stage at diagnosis.

Conclusions

Patients with MEN2B developed MTC at an early age with wide ranging aggressiveness, but the outcome was generally better after 2000 than before 2000.
“Survival Value and a Robust, Practical, Joyless Individualism”: Thomas Nixon Carver, Social Justice, and Eugenics
Authors: Fiorito Luca , Orsi Cosma
Published: October 2017

The aim of this paper is to provide a compressive assessment of Thomas Nixon Carver's thought—from his early formative years in the 1880s to his post WWII career as a journalist and pamphleteer. The main (albeit not exclusive) focus of this paper will be on the theoretical and philosophical coordinates of Carver's “new liberalism”—his own definition—and how this broad vision was intrinsically connected with an explicitly hierarchical and eugenic approach to human nature. Just as important, what follows is also an attempt to increase our general understanding of the extent in which eugenic considerations permeated the realm of political economy during the first decades of the last century and how, in some specific cases as that of Carver, this influence persisted after the end of the Progressive era.
Against Rigor: Hans Blumenberg on Freud and Arendt
Authors: Jay Martin
Published: October 2017

In the various texts posthumously published in translation in 2017 as The Rigorism of Truth, Hans Blumenberg audaciously compared Sigmund Freud's Moses and Monotheism and Hannah Arendt's Eichmann in Jerusalem as efforts to debunk founding myths of Jewish identity. He accused both thinkers of robbing the Jews of the ideological ammunition needed to confront anti-Semitism and defend the creation of the state of Israel. Both, he claimed, were moral rigorists who fetishized truth telling despite its practical consequences. Although this charge may well be dubious, especially in the case of Arendt, who understood the risks of veracity in the political realm, Blumenberg himself pursued uncomfortable truths wherever they led. By providing a reflective defense of the function of myth (along with metaphor) rather than its alleged meaning, he demonstrated his own unwillingness to abandon logos for mythos.
Life technological increase of distributing shaft cams of motor vehicle-tractor engines
Authors: Шоев А. , Shoev A.
Published: October 2017

Basic problems of distributing shaft life of motor vehicle-tractor engines including cam mechanism life problems in distributing shafts as reasons of cam mechanism quick wear and also the ways for their solutions are considered.
Development of structure and functioning mechanisms of information-executive cyberphysical systems in machining production
Authors: Ингеманссон Александр , Ingemansson Aleksandr
Published: October 2017

It is defined that mechanical engineering efficiency increase at the expense of the introduction of science intensive information-executive cyberphysical systems should be realized in mechanical engineering first. The problems of the structure and mechanism of cyberphysical systems and directions for the efficiency increase of machining engineering procedures are considered.
Do Combined Pharmacist and Prescriber Efforts on Medication Reconciliation Reduce Postdischarge Patient Emergency Department Visits and Hospital Readmissions?
Authors: Baker Michelle , Bell Chaim M. , Xiong Wei , Etchells Edward , Rossos Peter G. , Shojania Kaveh G. , Lane Kelly , Tripp Tim , Lam Mary , Tiwana Kimindra , Leong Derek , Wong Gary , Huh Jin‐Hyeun , Musing Emily , Fernandes Olavo
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Although medication reconciliation (Med Rec) has demonstrated a reduction in potential adverse drug events, its effect on hospital readmissions remains inconclusive.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of an interprofessional Med Rec bundle from admission to discharge on patient emergency department visits and hospital readmissions (hospital visits).

METHODS

The design was a retrospective, cohort study. Patients discharged from general internal medicine over a 57‐month interval were identified through administrative databases. Patients who received an enhanced, Gold level, Med Rec bundle (including both admission Med Rec and interprofessional pharmacist‐prescriber collaboration on discharge Med Rec) were assigned to the intervention group. Patients who received partial Med Rec services, Silver and Bronze level, comprised the control group. The primary outcome was hospital visits within 30 days of discharge.

RESULTS

Over a 57‐month period, 9931 unique patient visits (n = 8678 patients) met the study criteria. The main analysis did not detect a difference in 30‐day hospital visits between the intervention (Gold level bundle) and control (21.25% vs 19.26%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.95‐1.19). Propensity score adjustment also did not detect an effect (16.7% vs18.9%; relative risk of readmission, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.59‐1.32).

CONCLUSION

A long‐term, observational evaluation of interprofessional Med Rec did not detect a difference in 30‐day postdischarge patient hospital visits between patients who received enhanced versus partial Med Rec patient care bundles. In future prospective studies, researchers could focus on evaluating high‐risk populations and specific elements of Med Rec services on avoidable, medication‐related hospital admissions and postdischarge adverse drug events.
Leveraging Experiential Field Projects—Discovery Learning in a Masters in Analytics Program
Authors: Speier-Pero Cheri
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we present the theoretical rationale behind positioning a field project concurrent with students entering into a master’s program in analytics as well as the pedagogical approach to make such an experience successful. The inclusion of such a project creates a discovery learning “scaffold” that facilitates stronger development of and connections between a student’s skills, experiences, and analytics mindset. Implementing a field project before and concurrent with student skill development presents some significant challenges that are different from a capstone field project and which must be addressed to create a successful learning experience. After five years of introducing and enhancing this experience at Michigan State University, we believe that other institutions can learn from this experience. The field project learning process and outcomes as well as challenges are highlighted.
Learning from the patient safety errors of the past
Authors: Tingle John
Published: October 2017

John Tingle, Associate Professor (Teaching and Scholarship), Nottingham Trent University, discusses NHS Resolution's thematic review report analysing 5 years of cerebral palsy legal claims
Attitudes towards three ultrasound-guided vascular access techniques in a paediatric emergency department
Authors: Ng Carrie , Ng Lorraine , Kessler David O
Published: October 2017

Background:

although nurses often place peripheral intravenous (IV) catheters, little is known about their perceptions regarding use of ultrasound guidance.

Aim:

the authors aimed to determine paediatric emergency department nurses' attitudes toward ultrasound-guided IV access techniques and assessed practice change after training.

Method:

In a cross-sectional study of nurses, they had didactic and hands-on practice sessions, using three short-axis ultrasound-guided IV access techniques on gel models. Outcomes included likability and ease of learning and performing the techniques. A 3-month follow-up questionnaire assessed attitudes and behavioural changes.

Results:

18 nurses were enrolled and 17 analysed. Participants liked all three techniques and thought they were easy to learn and perform. Eighty-two percent of the nurses used at least one technique clinically. The two-person self-guided technique was most preferred (65%) and used 3 months later (65%).

Conclusions:

nurses reported generally positive attitudes toward all three ultrasound-guided IV access techniques, but preferred the two-person self-guided technique. Owing to the small sample size, these results cannot be generalised and further research is needed.
Canine angiostrongylosis: an increasing concern
Authors: Elsheikha Hany
Published: October 2017

Canine angiostrongylosis is a snail-borne parasitic infection caused by the nematode Angiostrongylus vasorum. This metastrongyloid nematode poses a significant threat to canine populations. It is capable of infecting wild and domestic canines as their definitive host, using gastropods as intermediate hosts. Recent data strongly suggest an increased geographic expansion of this parasite in wildlife animals that can serve as a reservoir. Once localised to the southern UK, A. vasorum now represents a tangible threat to dogs throughout the country, presenting asymptomatically or causing a wide range of clinical signs including dyspnoea and haemorrhage. Veterinary professionals have a range of efficacious anthelmintics that, when used correctly, can significantly reduce mortality, clinical illness and associated health complications. Effective control of this disease, however, entails more understanding of the role of wildlife in spreading A. vasorum. Combined with this is the need for an appropriate framework for engaging and educating pet owners, improved management of adverse health effects of infection in dogs, guidelines on precautions to be adopted in order to minimise risk of infection, and the rational use of preventatives to control this disease. This review focuses on current knowledge about A. vasorum — which affects the respiratory system of dogs — and covers diagnostics, treatment and a brief account of other species of canine lungworms.
Nutrition and preventative oral healthcare treatments for canine and feline patients
Authors: Harrison Claire
Published: October 2017

A daily oral hygiene regimen should be recommended for all dogs and cats. It is important for owners to understand the implications of painful dental disease and its impact on quality of life. Periodontal disease is the most common disease found in dogs and cats, and other dental conditions are frequently found. Veterinary nurses must convey to owners that prevention is better than treating established disease, and professional dental treatment must be carried out under general anaesthesia. Implementing dental home care in the puppy or kitten life stage can delay the onset of periodontal disease and increase acceptance. Beginning a routine soon after treatment can help prevent disease progression, and increase intervals between future treatments. Assessing the claims of an oral hygiene product or regimen is crucial prior to recommendation. Toothbrushing is the gold standard and has numerous clinical studies to support its effectiveness. However, it is not possible in some animals and continued compliance is low. Other options should be considered in these circumstances and many dental products are available on the veterinary and pet market. It is important to remain cautious of any products with extravagant claims. A balanced diet is very important to general health and some dental diets claim to control plaque or calculus levels. Dental treat chews can also benefit oral health. The safety of products should be considered carefully as bones and hard chews or toys cause dental fractures and should be avoided. The Veterinary Oral Health Council ( www.vohc.org ) provides a seal of acceptance for some products proven to control plaque or calculus.
Stress in parrots: what it looks like and considerations to avoid distress
Authors: Henley Elaine
Published: October 2017

Previous articles in this series have discussed stress in companion animals, including the cat and dog. This article will be discussing stress in a more unusual, but equally as popular companion animal — that is, the parrot — and in particular the Grey Parrot and the Timneh Parrot. However, it should be noted that much of this discussion will be applicable to other species of parrots that are kept as companion pets.
ABC series on diagnostic parasitology part 2: the McMaster method
Authors: C Vasconcelos-Nóbrega , C Santos , C Mega , C Coelho , R Cruz , H Vala , F Esteves , JR Mesquita
Published: October 2017

Classical coprological methods allow for inexpensive, quick and reliable detection of parasitic elements. However, the detection of these parasitic elements may be insufficient and quantification of the parasitic burden may be required. As such, faecal egg counts can play a crucial role in providing these extra data. Herewith we describe the McMaster method, one of the most used faecal egg count methods described.
Evapotranspiration Mapping with METRIC to Evaluate Effectiveness of Irrigation in Flood Mitigation for the Devils Lake Basin
Authors: Büyükcangaz Hakan , Steele Dean D. , Tuscherer Sheldon R. , Hopkins David G. , Jia Xinhua
Published: October 2017

Abstract.

A period of excess precipitation since 1993 in the Devils Lake basin in northeastern North Dakota has caused extensive flooding of agricultural land and has raised the question of whether irrigation of agricultural crops to increase evapotranspiration (ET) might be an effective way to remove water from the basin. The objectives of this study were to compare ET estimates derived from application of the Mapping ET at High Resolution with Internalized Calibration (METRIC) algorithm for North Dakota conditions (METRICND) under irrigated and rainfed conditions and to assess the potential for irrigation to increase crop ET as a flood mitigation strategy. Weather data, land use maps, and Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper imagery from 2006, 2007, and 2008 were used as inputs to the METRICND model. The ET for irrigated crops (ETIrrigated) was estimated at five test sites from the Devils Lake Basin Water Utilization Test Project (DLBWUTP). The ET for the predominantly rainfed study area (ETRainfed) was estimated using land use maps to identify locations of the same crops as were present on the test sites. The METRICND model was compared to ET values derived from an eddy covariance (EC) system for approximately two months in 2007 at an irrigated alfalfa test site in the DLBWUTP; the mean absolute error between METRICND and the EC system for the comparison period was 0.51 mm d-1. Linear regression of ET (in mm) for the test sites and the larger study area yielded ETIrrigated = 1.23 × ETRainfed + 4.77 with R2 = 0.96, and a t-statistic indicated that the slope was greater than 0 at p = 0.001, indicating the potential for increased ET under irrigation. However, addition of large volumes of irrigation water to the predominantly poorly drained soils in the basin will cause waterlogging and trafficability problems. Installation of subsurface drainage may help alleviate waterlogging, improve crop productivity, and increase ET, but subsurface drainage brings its own complications of disposal of the drained water, salinity of the drainage effluent, and possible sodicity problems on some soils. Keywords: Drainage, Evapotranspiration mapping, Irrigation, METRIC, Landsat 5, Remote sensing, Satellite imagery, SEBAL.
Removal of Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Triclosan from Domestic Wastewater Using Recirculating Packed-Bed Media Filters
Authors: Perez Brittani N. , Buchanan John R. , DeBruyn Jennifer M. , Cobaugh Kelly , Hart William E.
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Trace organic compounds from pharmaceutical and personal care products are often not fully removed during wastewater treatment, resulting in discharge of these emerging pollutants to surface and groundwater. Fate and transformation of trace organics has primarily been investigated in larger activated sludge wastewater treatment facilities; almost no research has been done on passively aerated fixed-bed bio-filters that are used in decentralized facilities that serve smaller communities. Four laboratory-scale, packed-bed, recirculating-media filter systems were constructed to evaluate the removal of ibuprofen, naproxen, and triclosan. The media (or packed bed) provided support for the development of the fixed film and the needed porosity for air and water movement. Effluent from a local residential septic tank effluent gravity (STEG) system was used as the wastewater supply. This supply had greater than 100 ppb concentrations of ibuprofen, naproxen, and triclosan. Three of the media filters were spiked (nominal 0.1 ppm) with ibuprofen, naproxen, or triclosan to better represent the wastewater from a rural healthcare facility; the fourth media filter received wastewater as produced by the STEG system and served as a non-spiked control. Overall, the mean removal of ibuprofen, naproxen, and triclosan from the wastewater solution was 94%, 84%, and 83%, respectively. At the end of the study, samples of the fixed film were analyzed to discern whether removal was by sorption or biodegradation. It was determined that sorption of the three trace organic compounds into the biofilm accounted for only 0.12% of the ibuprofen, 0.20% of the naproxen, and 1.41% of the triclosan. These results indicate that biodegradation is the primary removal mechanism for these compounds. Keywords: Ibuprofen, Microbial degradation, Naproxen, PPCPs, Recirculating media filters, Triclosan.
Integrated Assessment of Aqueously Extractable Estrogens in Municipal Biosolids after Pilot-Scale Composting
Authors: Hammett Kirsten M. , Felton Gary K. , Fisher Daniel J. , Yonkos Lance T. , Mullin Elizabeth J. , Aga Diana S.
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Municipal biosolids contain natural estrogens, e.g., 17ß-estradiol (E2) and estrone (E1), and synthetic estrogens, e.g., 17a-ethinylestradiol (EE2), which can be transported to receiving waters via runoff when land-applied as fertilizer. Previous studies have investigated estrogens in runoff from biosolids-amended fields but have not tracked changes in estrogenicity within this water over time. Microbial conversion of conjugated estrogens (a major portion of water-extractable estrogens) to parent forms may result in temporary increases in estrogenicity in natural water bodies. The present study measured aqueously extractable estrogens in simulated runoff generated using biosolids sourced from four municipal wastewater treatment facilities in Maryland. Estrogen analytes (E2 and E1) were quantified over 10 d periods in 80 L static simulated runoff mixtures (0.5 g biosolids L-1) by LC-MS/MS, and estrogenic activity was estimated using the bioluminescent yeast estrogen screen (BLYES) assay and the fathead minnow () vitellogenin (VTG) induction model. The effectiveness of pilot-scale in-vessel, aerated, turned (IVAT) composting to reduce or eliminate aqueously extractable estrogens in biosolids was also investigated. On arrival, only one of four biosolids had environmentally meaningful levels of aqueously extractable estrogens. Results indicate that estrogens/estrogenicity increased >6.5-fold during the first 6 d in an aqueous extract generated with that sample, as indicated both by BLYES quantitation of estrogenicity (0.8 to 5.6 ng EEQ L-1) and LC-MS/MS quantitation of estrone (13.8 to 93.0 ng L-1). Results also indicate that IVAT composting was effective at reducing or eliminating aqueously extractible estrogens in that biosolids sample. This study demonstrates the need for low-level detection of estrogens/estrogenicity in complex environmental media and validates the benefits of screening assays and fish models as complementary sensitive tools for environmental monitoring. Keywords: Biosolids, Compost, Estrogenicity, Fathead minnow, Microbial deconjugation, Vitellogenin.
Nutrient Removal and Nitrous Oxide Emission by a Two-Step Fed SBR in Treating Dairy Manure Wastewater
Authors: Wu Sarah (Xiao)
Published: October 2017

Abstract.

In this study, a two-step fed sequencing batch reactor (SBR) was employed to treat dairy manure wastewater to remove nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), and chemical oxygen demand (COD), and to examine the associated nitrous oxide (N2O) emission by the SBR treatment. The SBR was operated on an 8 h cycle with preset time periods for different phases, including anoxic/anaerobic/aerobic phases. The results showed that the SBR system could effectively reduce the nutrients in the wastewater, with removal efficiencies reaching 86.6%, 95.6%, 98.8%, 100%, 97.9%, 95.6%, and 99.8%, respectively, for volatile solids (VS), volatile suspended solids (VSS), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N), total phosphorus (TP), COD, and BOD5. However, the SBR could not complete denitrification at the end of the cycle, with 12 mg L-1 nitrate left in the effluent, possibly due to suppression of denitrifiers by the anoxic/aeration phase that was placed almost at the end of cycle and overprovided oxygen to the liquid. Denitrification was found to be a major process for N2O generation, so reducing denitrification time in the cycle is recommended, given that the overall performance of the SBR system in removing nutrients was not compromised. Using oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) alone to automate the SBR control was not sufficient to avoid failure of the system. Keywords: Dairy manure wastewater, Nitrous oxide emission, Nutrient removal, ORP control, Sequencing batch reactor, Two-step fed strategy.
¿Qué esperan los maestros de los Agentes Conversacionales Pedagógicos?
Authors: Tamayo Silvia , Pérez-Marin Diana
Published: October 2017

Los Agentes Conversacionales Pedagógicos son sistemas interactivos que enseñan a los estudiantes asumiendo el rol de profesor, estudiante o acompañante mediante un diálogo en lenguaje natural. Mucho se ha investigado sobre los dominios en los que se pueden usar los agentes, los resultados a nivel de eficacia educativa y nivel de satisfacción y motivación de los estudiantes. Sin embargo, en la literatura no se encuentran muchos ejemplos de estudios que revelen la opinión de los maestros sobre este tipo de tecnología educativa. En este artículo, se proporcionan los resultados de una encuesta realizada a 82 maestros de 4 colegios de la zona sur de Madrid para saber qué esperan de los agentes. En particular, se dará respuesta a las siguientes preguntas de investigación: P1) ¿conocen esta tecnología educativa?, P2) Si es así, ¿están acostumbrados al uso de este tipo de tecnologías en el aula?, y P3) Si tuvieran poder de decisión en el diseño del agente, ¿qué características consideran que son las más adecuadas? ¿cómo debería reaccionar el agente antes diversas situaciones? De los resultados obtenidos, se espera proporcionar información a todos los investigadores, diseñadores y profesores que quieran integrar este tipo de tecnología educativa en su aula.
El Proyecto WYRED
Authors: García-Peñalvo Francisco José
Published: October 2017

El proyecto europeo H2020 WYRED (netWorked Youth Research for Empowerment in the Digital society), nació con el objetivo de conocer mejor lo que piensan los jóvenes, escuchando la propia voz de los jóvenes, sobre la influencia de la tecnología en los diversos aspectos de su vida diaria. Actualmente, va camino de culminar su primer año vida, construyendo una aproximación diferente en la investigación en Ciencias Sociales, con un enfoque propio de ciertas áreas de la ciencia abierta como son la ciencia de las masas, la ciencia ciudadana, o la ciencia conectada a una red.
Impact of wrong sexual behavior on adolescent development : a factor dragging the society towards ruin
Authors: S. Adiaha Monday , E. Abolarin Elizabeth , E. Orji Uzoaku , I. Udom Grace , Mary Ndifon , I. Anabe Momoh , U. Ocheje David , Auwalu Saminu
Published: October 2017

Impact of wrong sexual behavior of adolescent has been surveyed. It effect on the victims has been proven negative, with consequences like health effect including financial effect been a drawback, acting like a barrier to the ideal development of an individual adolescent. Wrong sexual behavior has been found to be on the increase, forcing adolescents to drop-out of school, exhibiting behaviors that do not conform to the development of the society. Result of this research findings shows the impact of wrong sexual behavior to include: Disregard for cultural/societal moral values, teenage/adolescent pregnancies, rapid increase in STDs and HIV/AIDS transmission, eagerness to practices illicit sexual acts, wrong conception about the opposite sex including sexual intercourse addiction with prostitution tendencies. The high positive percentages achieved from statistical analysis (respondent view-point) presents these impact as been on the increase, capable of dragging the society towards ruin. Recommendations of this study presents a view that the problem of adolescent wrong sexual behavior can be control , presenting guides like proper guidance and counseling , proper monitoring, aggressive sex education, reawakening of traditional African moral and value teachings, inclusion of sex education in religious teachings including proper dressing and restricting of adolescents from pornographic materials.
Remarks on L 2 L^{2} boundedness of Littlewood–Paley operators
Authors: Yabuta Kôzô
Published: October 2017

In our paper in this journal, entitled “Remarks on