bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating class rarity in big data
Authors: Hasanin Tawfiq , Khoshgoftaar Taghi M. , Leevy Joffrey L. , Bauder Richard A.
Published: March 2020

In Machine Learning, if one class has a significantly larger number of instances (majority) than the other (minority), this condition is defined as class imbalance. With regard to datasets, class imbalance can bias the predictive capabilities of Machine Learning algorithms towards the majority (negative) class, and in situations where false negatives incur a greater penalty than false positives, this imbalance may lead to adverse consequences. Our paper incorporates two case studies, each utilizing a unique approach of three learners (gradient-boosted trees, logistic regression, random forest) and three performance metrics (Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve, Area Under the Precision-Recall Curve, Geometric Mean) to investigate class rarity in big data. Class rarity, a notably extreme degree of class imbalance, was effected in our experiments by randomly removing minority (positive) instances to artificially generate eight subsets of gradually decreasing positive class instances. All model evaluations were performed through Cross-Validation. In the first case study, which uses a Medicare Part B dataset, performance scores for the learners generally improve with the Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve metric as the rarity level decreases, while corresponding scores with the Area Under the Precision-Recall Curve and Geometric Mean metrics show no improvement. In the second case study, which uses a dataset built from Distributed Denial of Service attack attack data (POSTSlowloris Combined), the Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve metric produces very high-performance scores for the learners, with all subsets of positive class instances. For the second study, scores for the learners generally improve with the Area Under the Precision-Recall Curve and Geometric Mean metrics as the rarity level decreases. Overall, with regard to both case studies, the Gradient-Boosted Trees (GBT) learner performs the best.
Bonding strength of benuang and duabanga glulams using their barks as phenol formaldehyde-filler
Authors: Marbun Sari Delviana , Wahyudi Imam , Suryana Jajang , Nawawi Deded Sarip
Published: March 2020

In line with environmental issues and forest sustainability, tree bark of two species from tropical rain forests i.e. benuang (Octomeles sumatrana/BN) and duabanga (Duabanga moluccana/DB) was used as filler for phenol formaldehyde resin (PF-filler). The main objective of the research was to analyze effect of tree barks as PF-filler on bonding strength of BN and DB glulams produced. Four glue mixture compositions with ratio PF, technical filler, and tree bark filler, respectively are 10: 0: 0 (A); 10: 1.5: 0.5 (B); 10: 1.25: 0.75 (C); and 10: 1: 1 (D) were prepared. Characteristics of tree bark and glue mixtures were also investigated. Glulam parameters i.e. moisture content, density, delamination, bonding strength, wood failure, and formaldehyde emission were determined following JAS 1152. Results showed bonding strength was influenced by wood species and glue mixture composition. The B composition—the lowest ratio of tree bark filler—is the best for BN glulam, while for DB glulam D composition—the highest ratio of tree bark filler—was the best. Generally, tree bark filler improved the bonding strength, however, without bark as PF-filler, the failure occurred on the glue line. Furthermore, DB bark is more potential to be utilized as PF-filler.
Dynamic rupture simulation of 2018, Hokkaido Eastern Iburi earthquake: role of non-planar geometry
Authors: Hisakawa Tatsuya , Ando Ryosuke , Yano Tomoko Elizabeth , Matsubara Makoto
Published: March 2020

The 2018, Hokkaido Eastern Iburi, Japan, earthquake is an event characterized by complexity of the rupture process and slip pattern, which may involve both reverse and strike-slip motion depending on the locations on the fault surface. We perform dynamic rupture simulations based on simple physical laws, conditions for stressing and fault friction, and the non-planar fault geometry constrained by the aftershock observation. The complex fault geometry is numerically treated by the boundary integral equation method accelerated by the fast domain portioning method. The fault geometry is characterized primarily by the combination of six fault planes. As a result, we are able to explain several observed features of the event, including the spatial variation of the final fault slip and rupture velocity, which are inferred from the kinematic slip inversion. We also succeed in refining the constraint of the regional stress field in the focal area based on the simulation. Our results show that the overall patterns of the complex rupture event can be reproduced by a relatively simple model of the regional stress and the fault friction, if the geometrical complexity of the fault is properly taken into account.
Incidence of postsurgical pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis: a single-center retrospective observational study
Authors: Otsuka Hitomi , Izumi Makoto , Ota Eriko , Mochizuki Noriaki
Published: March 2020

Background

Cancer is a risk factor for perioperative deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (DVT/PE). However, there is a paucity of data on non-malignant digestive diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the incidence of DVT/PE among patients, following surgery for acute appendicitis and other digestive diseases.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent surgical procedures involving the digestive system between April 2018 and March 2019 attended by anesthesiologists (n = 536).

Results

DVT/PE developed in seven patients (7/77, 9.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.7–17.8%) after surgery for acute appendicitis, and in six patients (6/83, 7.2%, 95%CI 2.7–15.1%) after elective surgery for colorectal cancer. Among the acute appendicitis group, six patients (6/30 20.0%) with complicated appendicitis (gangrenous or perforated appendicitis), and one patient (1/47 2.1%) with simple appendicitis showed postoperative DVT/PE. Patients with complicated appendicitis had a higher risk of DVT/PE than those with simple appendicitis with an odds ratio of 11.5 (95%CI 1.3–101.1).

Conclusions

Although patients with acute appendicitis lack three of the risk factors for DVT/PE (cancer, long operative time, and older age), their 95% CI for the incidence of DVT/PE was comparable to that of patients undergoing elective surgery for colorectal cancer. Therefore, caution must be exercised during the perioperative period for preventing DVT/PE.
Effects of frequent fire and mowing on resprouting shrubs of Florida scrub, USA
Authors: Menges Eric S. , Smith Stacy A. , Olano Jose M. , Schafer Jennifer L. , Clarke Gretel , Main Kevin
Published: March 2020

Background

Resprouting is an effective strategy for persistence of perennial plants after disturbances such as fire. However, can disturbances be so frequent that they limit resprouting? We examined the effects of fire and mowing frequency on eight species of resprouting shrubs in Florida scrub, USA, using a factorial field experiment. We burned or mowed plots at four disturbance return intervals (DRI): either annually, biennially, every three years, or once in six years (with all plots being treated in the sixth year to control for time since disturbance). We analyzed plant growth responses (height, aboveground biomass, number of stems) based on sampling pre treatment, and six months, one year, two years, and four years post-treatment. We also measured non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) and soil properties to evaluate these factors as potential drivers of resprouting responses.

Results

Fire temperatures were hot (mean maxima 414 to 698 °C among burn days), typical of larger fires in Florida scrub. Plant biomass and heights were affected by DRI (being suppressed by frequent disturbance, especially initially) and varied among species with palmettos recovering biomass faster, and species within the same genus generally showing similar responses. Biomass recovery in mown versus burned treatments showed comparable effects of DRI and similar trajectories over time. Numbers of stems were affected by DRI, disturbance type, and species, and increased after disturbances, especially with less frequent disturbances and mowing, and subsequently declined over time. NSC concentrations varied among species and over time and were positively related to biomass. One year post disturbance, soil moisture and organic matter content were higher in mown plots, while pH was higher in burned plots. Given the slightly lower elevation of the mown plots, we interpreted these differences as site effects. Soil properties were not affected by DRI and did not affect biomass responses.

Conclusions

Although very frequent disturbances reduced shrub growth responses, the magnitude of plant responses was modest and the effects temporary. Because resprouting shrubs in Florida scrub appear resilient to a range of disturbance return intervals, frequent fire or mowing can be used effectively in restorations.
Report of five cases: sandwich repair for post infarction ventricular septal rupture with right ventricular approach
Authors: Salehi-ardebili Shahyad , Mehdizade Hamid , Askari Behnam
Published: March 2020

Background

Different techniques have been described to repair post myocardial infarction ventricular septal rupture (VSR), each method may result in residual shunting, bleeding, and suboptimal left ventricular (LV) performance secondary to change in LV geometry. The aim of this report is to describe early and mid-term results of sandwich technique through right ventricle in five consecutive patients.

Case presentation

Five consecutive patients (3 women and 2 men) with VSR (mean age 62.8 years, range 51-70) underwent surgical repair for postinfarction ventricular septal rupture by sandwich technique performed through right ventricle from August 2012 to April 2019 in our institute. Reconstruction of the septum was performed by two patches of 0.6 mm Gore-Tex on each side of the septal defect through right ventricular incision, according to the method described by Isoda et al. Coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in two patients.

The mean aortic clamp time was 90 min (range, 64 to 157 min). The mean extracorporeal circulation time was 146.6 min (range, 108 to 240 min). Postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) stay averaged 12 days (range, 4-40 days). There was no hospital mortality. No postoperative residual shunting was detected, and no patient needed re-operation for bleeding. Patients have been followed up for a mean of 24.4 months (range, 1 week to 7 years). There was one death seven days after discharge due to arrhythmia (40 days after surgery).

Conclusion

Sandwich technique through right ventricular approach is simple and extendable to all VSRs irrespective of their locations. Residual shunting and bleeding are negligible or zero. It may be considered as standard of repair for patient with post infarction ventricular septal rupture.
Effect of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D and antioxidant capacity level on cognitive function parameters of children with idiopathic short stature
Authors: Ahmed Omyma G. , Sakhr Hala M. , Ali Haytham M. , Abdlsamiee Lamiaa
Published: March 2020

Background

An optimal level of vitamin D is necessary for normal bone growth. Recently, vitamin D has been linked to many neurological disorders, changes in antioxidant capacity levels, and cognitive function decline in old age; thus, the aim was to evaluate the effect of vitamin D and antioxidant levels on the cognitive function parameters of children with idiopathic short stature (ISS).

Results

A prospective case-control study was conducted with 60 primary school-aged children with ISS who were compared to 60 unrelated healthy age- and sex-matched children as a control group. A complete clinical evaluation; anthropometric measurements; neurocognitive function parameters using the Stanford-Binet test, fifth edition; vitamin D level; total antioxidant capacity (TAC); total oxidative stress (TOS); and oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured. A total of 83.3% of children with ISS had a vitamin D level < 30 ng/ml with significantly lower vitamin D levels than the control group. The TAC level was significantly lower in children with ISS than in healthy children. Children with ISS had an average level for all of the cognitive function parameters but a lower non-verbal IQ, full-scale IQ, fluid reasoning, knowledge, quantitative reasoning, and working memory than healthy controls. A positive correlation was found between vitamin D level and all anthropometric measurements, all IQ parameters, and TAC levels in the studied children. A positive correlation was found between TAC and all IQ parameters.

Conclusion

Vitamin D level and antioxidant capacity level have a major impact on cognitive function parameters in children with ISS.
SeismicQof inhomogeneous plane waves in porous media
Authors: Liu Xu , Greenhalgh Stewart , Carcione José M.
Published: March 2020

Seismic waves in an attenuative porous medium are generally inhomogeneous waves, which have different directions of propagation and attenuation. The dissipation factors (1/ Q) of inhomogeneous waves are strongly dependent on the degree of wave inhomogeneity and cannot be expressed correctly with the usual 1/ Q expressions valid only for homogeneous waves. We have used the differing definitions of 1/ Q for inhomogeneous waves (i.e., the ratio of the time-averaged dissipated energy density to the time-averaged strain energy density or time-averaged total energy density) and the complex form of the energy balance equations of poroviscoelastic media to derive concise and explicit expressions for the dissipation factors. They are given as simple functions of the material parameters and the wave inhomogeneity parameter for inhomogeneous SV-waves and fast and slow P-waves. The isotropic, poroviscoelastic medium under consideration is upscaled from effective Biot theory for a double-porosity solid, which is the most general theory to describe wave propagation in a reservoir. We find that, if the inhomogeneity parameter is infinite (i.e., the inhomogeneity angle is 90°) for all three Biot waves, then the dissipation factors only depend on the ratio of the imaginary to the real part of the complex shear modulus. Our explicit expressions for the dissipation factors of poroviscoelastic materials also are reduced to obtain their counterparts for viscoelastic media as a special case. The inhomogeneous waves in an example poroviscoelastic material are used to demonstrate that the 1/ Q values of the three Biot waves strongly depend on the inhomogeneity parameters and furthermore the different definitions may cause significant differences of 1/ Q values. We find that the dissipation factor of fast P-waves may decrease with the increasing degree of inhomogeneity, which contradicts previously published results.
Lower gray matter volumes of frontal lobes and insula in adolescents with anorexia nervosa restricting type: Findings from a Brain Morphometry Study
Authors: Curzio O. , Calderoni S. , Maestro S. , Rossi G. , De Pasquale C. F. , Belmonti V. , Apicella F. , Muratori F. , Retico A.
Published: March 2020

Background.

Brain atrophy in anorexia nervosa (AN) is one of the most marked structural brain changes observed in mental disorders. In this study, we propose a whole brain analysis approach to characterize global and regional cerebral volumes in adolescents with restricting-type anorexia nervosa (AN-r).

Methods.

A total of 48 adolescent females (age range 13–18 years) were enrolled in the study (24 right-handed AN-r in the early stages of the illness and treated in the same clinical setting and 24 age-matched healthy controls [HC]). High-resolution T1-weighted magnetic resonance images were acquired. Cerebral volumes, including the total amounts of gray matter (GM), white matter (WM), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were obtained with the Statistical Parametric Mapping software (SPM8); specific cortical regional volumes were computed by applying an atlas-based cortical parcellation to the SPM8 GM segments. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to identify any significant between-group differences in global and regional brain volumes.

Results.

The analyses revealed reduced total GM volumes (p = 0.02) and increased CSF (p = 0.05) in AN-r, compared with HC. No significant between-group difference was found in WM volumes. At the regional level, significantly lower GM volumes in both frontal lobes (p = 0.006) and in the left insula (p = 0.016) were detected. No significant relationships were found between cerebral volumes and duration of illness, psychiatric comorbidities, psychopharmacological treatment, prepubertal phase, or presence of amenorrhea.

Conclusions.

The topographic distribution of GM reduction in a homogenous group of AN-r involves regions responsible for the emotional and cognitive deficits associated with the illness. These findings are discussed in relation to the roles of the insular cortex and the frontal lobes.
Evidence for Associations Between Th1/Th17 “Hybrid” Phenotype and Altered Lipometabolism in Very Severe Graves Orbitopathy
Authors: Fang Sijie , Zhang Shuo , Huang Yazhuo , Wu Yu , Lu Yi , Zhong Sisi , Liu Xingtong , Wang Yang , Li Yinwei , Sun Jing , Gu Ping , Zhou Huifang , Fan Xianqun
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to investigate the characteristics of Th1-cell and Th17-cell lineages for very severe Graves orbitopathy (GO) development.

Methods

Flow cytometry was performed with blood samples from GO and Graves disease (GD) patients and healthy controls, to explore effector T-cell phenotypes. Lipidomics was conducted with serum from very severe GO patients before and after glucocorticoid (GC) therapy. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to examine orbital-infiltrating Th17 cells or in vitro models of Th17 polarization.

Results

In GD, Th1 cells predominated in peripheral effector T-cell subsets, whereas in GO, Th17-cell lineage predominated. In moderate-to-severe GO, Th17.1 cells expressed retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor-γt (RORγt) independently and produced interleukin-17A (IL-17A), whereas in very severe GO, Th17.1 cells co-expressed RORγt and Tbet and produced interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Increased IFN-γ–producing Th17.1 cells positively correlated with GO activity and were associated with the development of very severe GO. Additionally, GC therapy inhibited both Th1-cell and Th17-cell lineages and modulated a lipid panel consisting of 79 serum metabolites. However, in GC-resistant, very severe GO, IFN-γ–producing Th17.1 cells remained at a high level, correlating with increased serum triglycerides. Further, retro-orbital tissues from GC-resistant, very severe GO were shown to be infiltrated by CXCR3+ Th17 cells expressing Tbet and STAT4 and rich in triglycerides that promoted Th1 phenotype in Th17 cells in vitro.

Conclusions

Our findings address the importance of Th17.1 cells in GO pathogenesis, possibly promoting our understanding of the association between Th17-cell plasticity and disease severity of GO.
Temporal control of Wnt signaling is required for habenular neuron diversity and brain asymmetry
Authors: Guglielmi Luca , Bühler Anja , Moro Enrico , Argenton Francesco , Poggi Lucia , Carl Matthias
Published: March 2020

Precise temporal coordination of signaling processes is pivotal for cellular differentiation during embryonic development. A vast number of secreted molecules are produced and released by cells and tissues, and travel in the extracellular space. Whether they induce a signaling pathway and instruct cell fate, however, depends on a complex network of regulatory mechanisms, which are often not well understood. The conserved bilateral left-right asymmetrically formed habenulae of the zebrafish are an excellent model for investigating how signaling control facilitates the generation of defined neuronal populations. Wnt signaling is required for habenular neuron type specification, asymmetry and axonal connectivity. The temporal regulation of this pathway and the players involved have, however, remained unclear. We find that tightly regulated temporal restriction of Wnt signaling activity in habenular precursor cells is crucial for the diversity and asymmetry of habenular neuron populations. We suggest a feedback mechanism whereby the tumor suppressor Wnt inhibitory factor Wif1 controls the Wnt dynamics in the environment of habenular precursor cells. This mechanism might be common to other cell types, including tumor cells.
Experimental facilitation of heat loss affects work rate and innate immune function in a breeding passerine bird
Authors: Andreasson Fredrik , Hegemann Arne , Nord Andreas , Nilsson Jan-Åke
Published: March 2020

The capacity to get rid of excess heat produced during hard work is a possible constraint on parental effort during reproduction (heat dissipation limit [HDL] theory). We released hard-working blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) from this constraint by experimentally removing ventral plumage. We then assessed if this changed their reproductive effort (feeding rate and nestling size) and levels of self-maintenance (change in body mass and innate immune function). Feather-clipped females reduced the number of feeding visits and increased levels of constitutive innate immunity compared to unclipped females but did not fledge smaller nestlings. Thus, they increased self-maintenance without compromising current reproductive output. In contrast, feather-clipping did not affect the number of feeding visits or innate immune function in males, despite increased heat loss rate. Our results show that analyses of physiological parameters, such as constitutive innate immune function, can be important when trying to understand sources of variation in investment in self-maintenance versus reproductive effort and that risk of overheating can influence innate immune function during reproduction.
Effects of Ibuprofen during Exertional Heat Stroke in Mice
Authors: GARCIA CHRISTIAN K. , SHEIKH LAILA H. , IWANIEC JOHN D. , ROBINSON GERARD P. , BERLET REED A. , MATTINGLY ALEX J. , MURRAY KEVIN O. , LAITANO ORLANDO , CLANTON THOMAS L.
Published: March 2020

Intestinal injury is one of the most prominent features of organ damage in exertional heat stroke (EHS). However, whether damage to the intestine in this setting is exacerbated by ibuprofen (IBU), the most commonly used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug in exercising populations, is not well understood.

Purpose

We hypothesized that IBU would exacerbate intestinal injury, reduce exercise performance, and increase susceptibility to heat stroke.

Methods

To test this hypothesis, we administered IBU via diet to male and female C57/BL6J mice, over 48 h before EHS. Susceptibility to EHS was determined by assessing exercise response using a forced running wheel, housed inside an environmental chamber at 37.5°C. Core temperature (Tc) was monitored by telemetry. Mice were allocated into four groups: exercise only (EXC); EHS + IBU; EXC + IBU; and EHS only. Exercise performance and Tc profiles were evaluated and stomachs, intestines and plasma were collected at 3 h post-EHS.

Results

The EHS + IBU males ran approximately 87% longer when Tc was above 41°C (P < 0.03) and attained significantly higher peak Tc (P < 0.01) than EHS-only mice. Histological analyses showed decreased villi surface area throughout the small intestine for both sexes in the EXC + IBU group versus EXC only. Interestingly, though EHS in both sexes caused intestinal injury, in neither sex were there any additional effects of IBU.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that in a preclinical mouse model of EHS, oral IBU at pharmacologically effective doses does not pose additional risks of heat stroke, does not reduce exercise performance, and does not contribute further to intestinal injury, though this could have been masked by significant gut injury induced by EHS alone.
Neuromuscular Fatigue of Cycling Exercise in Hypoxia
Authors: MIRA JOSÉ , FLOREANI MIRCO , SAVOLDELLI ALDO , AMERY KHALED , KORAL JEROME , ORANCHUK DUSTIN J. , MESSONNIER LAURENT A. , RUPP THOMAS , MILLET GUILLAUME Y.
Published: March 2020

Introduction

The understanding of fatigue in hypoxia is limited due to: lack of control in arterial saturation, different exercise intensities and hypoxia levels, lag time between exercise cessation and fatigue evaluation. We aimed at evaluating fatigue during cycling and immediately after exhaustion (EXH) in normoxia, moderate and severe hypoxia at relative and absolute intensities.

Methods

Thirteen subjects completed three sessions in normoxia, moderate, and severe hypoxia with intensity based on percentage of normoxic maximal power output (NOR, MODABS, SEVABS) plus two sessions where intensity was based on the corresponding environmental condition (MODREL, SEVREL). Arterial saturation was clamped at 85% and 70% in moderate and severe hypoxia, respectively. Before, during cycling, and at EXH, maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), peripheral fatigue (high-frequency doublet [Db100], twitch [Pt]), and central fatigue (cortical voluntary activation [VATMS]) were evaluated without delay using an innovative ergometer.

Results

Time to EXH declined not only with hypoxia level at absolute but also relative intensities compared to NOR. At isotime, MVC, Pt, and Db100 were similarly depreciated in NOR, MODREL, and SEVREL. At EXH, there was a similar reduction among conditions in MVC (−26% to −31%), Db100 (−25% to −35%) and VATMS (−9% to −13%). However, Pt was less decreased in SEVREL compared with NOR (−33% ± 17% vs –46% ± 16%).

Conclusions

The shorter time to EXH in relative hypoxia and yet lower peripheral fatigue and similar central fatigue compared with normoxia suggests that hypoxia per se may affect brain areas not directly implicated in quadriceps motor function.
The occurrence of periodontal diseases and its correlation with different risk factors among a convenient sample of adult Egyptian population: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Abbass Marwa M.S. , Rady Dina , Radwan Israa Ahmed , El Moshy Sara , AbuBakr Nermeen , Ramadan Mohamed , Yussif Nermin , Al Jawaldeh Ayoub
Published: March 2020

Background: Even though extensive studies on the prevalence of periodontal diseases in various populations worldwide have been carried out, data for the Egyptian population is limited.  The present study was carried out to evaluate the occurrence and the severity of periodontal disease and its correlation with different risk factors.

Methods: Periodontal examination was performed on 343 adults attending the outpatient clinics of the Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University, as well as three private clinics. Socio-demographic data, brushing frequency, body mass index (BMI) and dietary habits were recorded using a questionnaire.

Results: It was found that 58.9% of participants had calculus deposits. The occurrence of periodontitis was 89.8%, where 70.8% of participants had stage I and 15.2% had stage II, while only 4.4% and 2.05% suffered from stage III and stage IV, respectively. Calculus was positively correlated with age, grains, and sugar in drinks and negatively correlated with socioeconomic status, education level, brushing frequency and milk. Calculus was not correlated with gender and BMI. Periodontitis was positively correlated with age, carbohydrates other than bread, grains, and crackers, as well as caffeinated drinks, while negatively correlated with gender, socioeconomic status, brushing frequency. Periodontitis was not correlated with BMI or education level.

Conclusion: The present study clarifies that age, brushing frequency, carbohydrates and caffeinated drinks consumption are significant factors influencing the occurrence and the severity of periodontal diseases.
Exploring the perceptions, practices and challenges of gestational diabetes detection and management among health care providers in a district of Bangladesh
Authors: Halim Abdul , Abdullah Abu Sayeed Md. , Rahman Fazlur , Biswas Animesh
Published: March 2020

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of key maternal morbidities during pregnancy globally. It is one of the neglected threats during pregnancy that constitutes pregnancy-related complications. Moreover, a significant number of GDM positive women later develop type 2 diabetes after delivery following an interval of 5-10 years. However, the real magnitude of GDM in Bangladesh is still undetermined. The objective of this study was to explore the perceptions, practices and challenges of GDM detection and management among health care providers (HCPs) in the Tangail district of Bangladesh.

Methods: A mixed method study was conducted between November 2017 and January 2018. Quantitative data was collected through a survey of providers, whereas qualitative data collection included in-depth interviews with providers and direct observation of 41 health care facilities. Descriptive analysis was performed for quantitative data and qualitative data analysis was performed thematically.

Results: The study revealed that 66.6% of HCPs did not know about GDM related complications for affected mothers and their babies, 81.2% did not know about the risk factors of GDM, 95.8% were not aware about the management and/or treatment of GDM, 79.1% never conducted GDM screening of pregnant women and almost none of the interviewees received any special training on GDM. We observed that only 31.3% of women were tested for blood sugar in antenatal care and of those, 12.5% were identified as having elevated blood sugar levels. GDM related information was collected in 4.2% of cases.

Conclusions: There is limited knowledge and skills among the HCPs to detect and manage GDM at the community level. More programmatic emphasis is required to strengthen the capacity of community health care workers in detecting and treating GDM.
The Attitude Of Employees To Remote Work
Authors: Miheenkova T. , Morozova K. , Lobacheva A.
Published: March 2020

The research contains the current attitude of employee and employer to remote work. The number of employees who switched offi ce work to remote work will increase every year. The reason is that remote work allows to reduce production costs, hire the most qualifi ed workers from diff erent regions and take individual characteristics of a person into consideration. This research is relevant because according to a research by Hays in Russia, ninety percent of offi ce workers would like to work remotely in the future. However, this mode of operation is not possible in all areas of professional activity. Moreover, the expectations of employees may not coincide with reality, because remote work has not only advantages but also disadvantages. The purpose of research is to determine which professions workers wanted and could work in remote access mode and whether the applicants’ expectations of working in remote access mode meet the proposals of employers.
Features of Labor Motivation Staff of the Machine-Building Organization
Authors: Epaneshnikov A. , Lipatova S.
Published: March 2020

This article discusses the motivation of workers of a machinebuilding organization. The theoretical aspects of motivation developed by various foreign and domestic authors are presented. It should be noted that many theoretical aspects of staff motivation remain controversial, the proposed recommendations are often not interconnected. There is also no analysis of the patterns of interaction of labor motivation and staff incentives in the organization. The study of labor motivation on the basis of substantive, procedural and sociopsychological theories. To study labor motivation in a machinebuilding organization, we selected the following methods: A. Maslow and D. McCleland; techniques based on models of human behavior, taking into account his cognition and perception; test “Group Attractiveness”.
Pulmonary embolism - assessment of risk factors and emboli locations
Authors: Komisarczuk Mateusz , Kaczor Michał , Kopyto Ewa , Woch Mateusz , Piech Piotr
Published: March 2020

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a widespread disorder, which appears as a result of closure or restriction of main pulmonary artery or its branches and is often associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT).The severity and clinical picture is frequently erratic and what is worrying it is a major cause of hospitalization and mortality in Europe. OBJECTIVE: The mainpurpose of our study was to demonstrate meaning of emboli location in prognosis,favour risk factors which could be overlooked by clinicians and help to avoid further misdiagnosis. ABBREVIATED DESRCIPTION OF THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE:We highlighted the importance of defining a genetic profile, personal and family history of VTE, especially in patients with atypical pulmonary symptoms. Moreover, the awareness of possible occurring PE among children,during serious infections or in patients with malignancy is still insufficient. Furthermore, according our analysis clinical symptoms in patients with pulmonary embolism are undoubtedly influenced by the location.The more massive the thrombus appears, the more serious consequences can be expected for the patient.Along with the size of the thrombus, the risk of its complications increases because of haemodynamic changes. SUMMARY:Diagnosing of pulmonary embolism in hemodynamically stable patients is still challenging for clinicians. There were many attempts to find significant and unmistakeable relationship between emboli location in pulmonary vasculature and prognosis.That knowledge could be helpful for clinicians in setting accurate diagnosis, implementing appropriate treatment and avoid possible life-threatening consequences.Risk stratification is crucial to the management and prognosis of patients with acute PE.
Stop Global Warming
Authors: Zhukov Аnatoliy , Gushcha Sergey
Published: March 2020

In this article, the author made an attempt to analyze the causes and consequences of climate warming on Earth. How real are the threats and what is the deadline for the response of mankind to them. An informal scientific presentation provides a brief overview of the impact of various factors on climate change and the proposed methods of combating global warming. A key, promising, according to the author, project that logically follows from the above analysis and which has not been paid due attention to yet, has been considered in detail. The article used materials from the media and reference publications and scientific publications.
Additive Scoring Rules for Discrete Sample Spaces
Authors: Smith Zachary J. , Bickel J. Eric
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we develop strictly proper scoring rules that may be used to evaluate the accuracy of a sequence of probabilistic forecasts. In practice, when forecasts are submitted for multiple uncertainties, competing forecasts are ranked by their cumulative or average score. Alternatively, one could score the implied joint distributions. We demonstrate that these measures of forecast accuracy disagree under some commonly used rules. Furthermore, and most importantly, we show that forecast rankings can depend on the selected scoring procedure. In other words, under some scoring rules, the relative ranking of probabilistic forecasts does not depend solely on the information content of those forecasts and the observed outcome. Instead, the relative ranking of forecasts is a function of the process by which those forecasts are evaluated. As an alternative, we describe additive and strongly additive strictly proper scoring rules, which have the property that the score for the joint distribution is equal to a sum of scores for the associated marginal and conditional distributions. We give methods for constructing additive rules and demonstrate that the logarithmic score is the only strongly additive rule. Finally, we connect the additive properties of scoring rules with analogous properties for a general class of entropy measures.
Valuation of Research and Development Projects Using Buying and Selling Prices: Generalized Definitions
Authors: Gustafsson Janne
Published: March 2020

This paper develops generalized versions of the concepts of buying price, selling price, and short selling price by employing abelian groups. Such generalized pricing concepts are especially useful for the valuation of research and development (R&D) projects, which are often characterized by unquantifiable uncertainties and nonnumeric inputs and outputs, such as know-how and intellectual property. Moreover, the generalized definitions are also applicable to the valuation of other kinds of features in the decision setting, such as decision opportunities embedded in R&D projects. To motivate the use of these pricing concepts, we show that the general definitions exhibit several consistency properties. The application of the generalized price definitions to the valuation of R&D projects and decision opportunities embedded in such projects is illustrated through an example.
Differentially Private and Budget-Limited Bandit Learning over Matroids
Authors: Han Kai , He Yuntian , Liu Alex X. , Tang Shaojie , Huang He
Published: March 2020

We propose the first budget-limited multi-armed bandit (BMAB) algorithm subject to a union of matroid constraints in arm pulling, while at the same time achieving differential privacy. Our model generalizes the arm-pulling models studied in prior BMAB schemes, and it can be used to address many practical problems such as network backbone construction and dynamic pricing in crowdsourcing. We handle the exploitation versus exploration tradeoff in our BMAB problem by exploiting the combinatorial structures of matroids, and reduce the searching complexity of arm selection based on a divide-and-conquer approach. Our algorithm achieves a uniform logarithmic regret bound with respect to B and ɛ-differential privacy, where B is the budget for pulling the arms with random costs. Without differential privacy, our algorithm achieves a uniform logarithmic regret bound with respect to B, which advances the asymptotic regret bounds achieved by prior BMAB algorithms. We performed side-by-side comparisons with prior schemes in our experiments. Experimental results show that our purely-combinatorial algorithm not only achieves significantly better regret performance, but also is more than 20 times faster than prior BMAB schemes, which use time-consuming LP-solving techniques.
Optimal Learning Under Robustness and Time-Consistency
Authors: Epstein Larry G. , Ji Shaolin
Published: March 2020

In many situations, decisions under uncertainty are made with incomplete confidence about the probability law describing the environment (model uncertainty, or ambiguity), but with the opportunity to learn, at some cost, before choosing between actions. In “Optimal Learning Under Robustness and Time-Consistency,” Epstein and Ji use a stylized model to derive the optimal demand for learning (or sampling) and how it is affected by model uncertainty. A presumption is that the decision maker is conservative and seeks to make robust decisions. One surprising result is that, in a sequential hypothesis-testing context, sensitivity analysis overstates the robustness value of sampling. In a different context where there exists an unambiguous (purely risky) action, but where learning is not feasible, Ellsberg has highlighted the intuition for choosing the risky option over ambiguous ones. In contrast, Epstein and Ji demonstrate that where learning is feasible and optimal, then the risky action cannot be optimal.
Near-Optimal Disjoint-Path Facility Location Through Set Cover by Pairs
Authors: Johnson David S. , Breslau Lee , Diakonikolas Ilias , Duffield Nick , Gu Yu , Hajiaghayi MohammadTaghi , Karloff Howard , Resende Mauricio G. C. , Sen Subhabrata
Published: March 2020

Content Distribution and End-to-End Monitoring with Set Cover by Pairs
Board Predictive Accuracy in Executive Selection Decisions: How Do Initial Board Perceptions of CEO Quality Correspond with Subsequent CEO Career Performance?
Authors: Quigley Timothy J. , Wowak Adam J. , Crossland Craig
Published: March 2020

Research examining board efficacy often focuses on oversight and monitoring, particularly as evidenced by the sensitivity of chief executive officer (CEO) compensation to prior firm performance. In this study, we adopt an alternative perspective on CEO compensation—specifically over/underpayment, or the extent to which a CEO’s initial compensation is above or below prevailing market norms—that allows us to assess a board’s efficacy via the accuracy of its initial CEO selection and compensation decisions. We build on and extend human capital theory to argue that boards make initial CEO compensation decisions based a range of manifestations of CEO human capital (that are both observable and unobservable to outsiders) and that initial over/underpayment represents an implicit assessment of underlying CEO quality. Using a sample of 766 CEOs, we relate initial over/underpayment to subsequent CEO career performance. Our results show that this core relationship is positively significant and economically meaningful. Thus, U.S. public company boards, as a group, do tend to be making broadly accurate initial predictions regarding the underlying capabilities of new CEO hires. This relationship is amplified in situations where board assessments of CEO human capital are more unequivocal (greater current versus prospective compensation) and when CEO human capital can be expressed most comprehensively (high managerial discretion). In supplemental analyses we show that these relationships fundamentally changed following the implementation of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act, suggesting that boards may be performing this important aspect of their governance role more effectively in recent times. We also find that our results are not symmetric—rather, they are strongest in situations where initial compensation is midrange or lower; high levels of initial overpayment are not associated with commensurate levels of career performance. Finally, we consider and account for a range of alternative explanations for our central finding.
It's FAB! – Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FABC)
Authors:   The FABC Committee
Published: March 2020

The Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FABC) has been set up to support the development of clinical animal behaviourists in the UK. The organisation engenders a culture of collaboration and inclusivity within the field of animal behaviour, nurtures professional development, and champions multidisciplinary cross-specialism working.
Lungworm: A roundtable discussion
Authors: Bourne Debra , Elsheikha Hany , Farquhar Robyn , Helm Jenny , Morgan Eric , Peters Iain , Sturgess Kit , Torrance Andrew , Wright Ian
Published: March 2020

Lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum) is increasingly recognised as a cause of illness, particularly cardiorespiratory signs and haemorrhage, in dogs. It is now distributed across the UK, although prevalence varies widely and there are local foci of higher infection. Presentation of clinical cases varies considerably, and lungworm should be on many differential diagnosis lists. Diagnostic tests now include direct faecal smear, Baermann's, bronchoalveolar lavage, antibody and antigen ELISAs and PCR. Appropriate testing depends on the clinical situation, and no test is 100% sensitive and 100% specific. Treatment involves moxidectin or milbemycin oxime, plus supportive care. Tranexamic acid and plasma transfusions may both be useful in dogs showing coagulopathies. Dogs may be at risk from accidental ingestion of intermediate host slugs with grass, or larvae in puddles, as well as from deliberately eating slugs, so prevention relies heavily on monthly appropriate anthelmintics, and compliance is an issue in this. Other lungworm species also occur and should not be forgotten. In cats, the lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus can cause severe, even fatal, infection and this is probably under-diagnosed. Monthly preventative treatment with a licensed product is recommended in cats that go outside.
Teaching and learning clinical reasoning: a teacher's toolbox to meet different learning needs
Authors: Gagnon Nathalie , Bernier Carolle , Houde Sylvie , Xhignesse Marianne
Published: March 2020

Clinical reasoning is an essential part of medical practice and therefore should be an important part of clinical teaching. However, it has been and is still a challenge for clinical teachers to support learners in the development of their clinical reasoning skills. As learners progress in clerkship, so do their learning needs. As a result, teachers need multiple tools to foster the development of clinical reasoning and should know when and why to use them. This article presents tools gathered as part of a clinical teacher's toolbox aimed at coaching learners towards the next step in their clinical reasoning development as well as helping teachers diagnose clinical reasoning difficulties and meet the diverse learning needs of their learners. The article focuses on three tools that were developed by faculty at the University of Sherbrooke Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences: the iSNAPPS-OMP Technique, the Anticipatory Supervision Technique and the Clinical Sudoku or table of discriminating clues. This article uses the term ‘tools’ as a generic expression to signify ‘items in a toolbox’. It includes all kinds of resources (techniques, strategies, models) that were gathered to help clinical teachers with the teaching of clinical reasoning.
Habilidades sociales en alumnado de 8 a 12 años: perfil diferencial en función del sexo
Authors: Peñalva-Vélez Alicia , Vega-Osés Mª Asunción , López-Goñi José Javier
Published: March 2020

INTRODUCCIÓN. La competencia social es un concepto multidimensional y evaluable, que se va desarrollando a lo largo de la infancia, e implica el desarrollo de comportamientos y habilidades relacionados con la puesta en práctica de procesos de convivencia e interacción. Su desarrollo se vincula al dominio de habilidades sociales básicas o comportamientos interpersonales prosociales. Por todo ello los objetivos de este estudio son dos: 1) valorar la estructura factorial de The Matson Evaluation of Social Skills in Youngsters en una muestra de alumnado de educación primaria y 2) determinar las diferencias en función del género entre el alumnado de 4.o-6.o curso de primaria. MÉTODO. Para lograr ambos objetivos se evaluó una muestra de 436 niños y niñas de tres centros públicos mediante un cuestionario diseñado para evaluar el grado de adecuación de la conducta social (MESSY). Se realizaron análisis descriptivos para todos los ítems del cuestionario valorado. Con el propósito de valorar la consistencia interna se calculó el alfa de Cronbach y se realizó un análisis factorial. RESULTADOS. Se obtuvieron valores de alfa entre 0,693 (4.o) y 0,842 (6.o). Se explicó un 45,9% de la varianza total con un modelo de cinco factores: habilidades sociales, competitividad/arrogancia, cordialidad/amistad, agresividad y soledad. Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre niños y niñas. DISCUSIÓN. A partir de los datos se recomienda que las intervenciones sobre competencias sociales deben reforzar los comportamientos sociales positivos y canalizar la competitividad hacia el espíritu de superación, y no hacia la arrogancia. Se ha de atender a los comportamientos agresivos físicos directos en niños y a la violencia verbal y de exclusión social en niñas. El 4.o curso (10 años) parece un momento crucial para promover las habilidades emocionales, especialmente entre las niñas, y los comportamientos cordiales en los niños.