bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrocardiogram Beat Classification Using BAT-Optimized Fuzzy KNN Classifier
Authors: Verma Atul Kumar , Saini Indu , Saini Barjinder Singh
Published: March 2019

In this chapter, the BAT-optimized fuzzy k-nearest neighbor (FKNN-BAT) algorithm is proposed for discrimination of the electrocardiogram (ECG) beats. The five types of beats (i.e., normal [N], right bundle block branch [RBBB], left bundle block branch [LBBB], atrial premature contraction [APC], and premature ventricular contraction [PVC]) are taken from MIT-BIH arrhythmia database for the experimentation. Thereafter, the features are extracted from five type of beats and fed to the proposed BAT-tuned fuzzy KNN classifier. The proposed classifier achieves the overall accuracy of 99.88%.
The Crisis in Professionalism and the Need for a Normative Approach
Authors: Glas Gerrit
Published: March 2019

This chapter analyzes the crisis in professionalism from a historical and conceptual point of view. It describes the development of professional practices as part of the process of modernization (i.e., the rationalization of working processes and the increasing division and specialization of labor). This process was successful, but has also been accompanied by tendencies to bureaucracy, alienation, meaninglessness, and dehumanization. The chapter describes a set of desiderata for a conceptual framework that successfully avoids these pitfalls and sketches how a so-called normative practice approach could provide a conceptual and normative framework that enables professionals to disentangle and remedy the tensions and ambivalences within their professional practices.
A Normative Practice Approach to Health Care
Authors: Glas Gerrit
Published: March 2019

This chapter explains how and why healthcare might profit from a normative practice approach (NPA). This approach sketches a conceptual and normative framework that helps to locate and identify relevant points of view for clinical practice as well as for policy making in healthcare. The chapter starts in medias res: in the consulting room, in the encounter between clinician and patient. What kinds of relations are relevant for the understanding of what is going in the patient who feels ill and between the patient and the doctor (or nurse)? Are there normative principles and values which guide these relationships? The focus then broadens to the meso- and macro-contexts of current medicine and healthcare. The NPA will be re-introduced. Its relevance is shown for topics like the increase in the administrative burden in medicine, the role of expert knowledge, the hospital and its purposes, and the changing focus of medicine given the rapid changes in the macro-sphere. The chapter ends by saying that the NPA may help in different ways: by taking it as a point of reference; by relating the different normative dimensions to core responsibilities of doctors, other employees, and stakeholders beside medical professionals; and by relating these core responsibilities to the relevant contexts in which these doctors, other employees, and stakeholders are working.
Hansard and the Problem of “The Nonverbal Code”
Authors: Saidi Umali
Published: March 2019

The chapter exposes the challenges of recording proceedings in the Zimbabwean parliament using selected cases. For years, the Zimbabwean parliament has been a discursive battle ground as mostly the MDC(s) and ZANU (PF) parliamentarians have sort dominance in the August House. Some debates and submissions have generated violent confrontations, singing, jeering and dancing thereby reducing the August House into some kind of theater. Such developments are assumed to pose challenges in the recording of the nonverbal cues that carry the crux of the meanings around the debates. What has become obvious is the mere recording of the spoken submissions with very few representations of nonverbal codes usually indicated as either laughs or simply inaudible. Using selected debates from the Zimbabwean Hansard, this chapter exposes some challenges of recording parliamentary discourses especially when the nonverbal code is called into question.
A New Approach for Coronary Artery Diseases Diagnosis Based on Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Mokeddem Sidahmed , Atmani Baghdad , Mokaddem Mostéfa
Published: March 2019

Feature Selection (FS) has become the motivation of much research on decision support systems areas for which datasets with large number of features are analyzed. This paper presents a new method for the diagnosis of Coronary Artery Diseases (CAD) founded on Genetic Algorithm (GA) wrapper Bayes Naïve (BN). Initially, thirteen attributes were involved in predicting CAD. In GA–BN algorithm, GA produces in each iteration a subset of attributes that will be evaluated using the BN in the second step of the selection procedure. The final result set of attribute holds the most pertinent feature model that increases the accuracy. The accuracy results showed that the algorithm produces 85.50% classification accuracy in the diagnosis of CAD. Therefore, the strength of the Algorithm is then compared with other machine learning algorithms such as Support Vector Machine (SVM), Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) and C4.5 decision tree Algorithm. The result of classification accuracy for those algorithms are respectively 83.5%, 83.16% and 80.85%. Then, the GA wrapper BN Algorithm is similarly compared with other FS algorithms. The Obtained results have shown very favorable outcomes for the diagnosis of CAD.
Big Data Analysis for Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Sánchez-Acevedo Miguel A. , Acosta-Chí Zaydi A. , Sabino-Moxo Beatriz A. , Márquez-Domínguez José A. , Canton-Croda Rosa M.
Published: March 2019

In the healthcare field, plenty of clinical data is generated every day from patient records, surveys, research papers, medical devices, among others sources. These data can be exploited to discover new insights about health issues. For helping decision makers and healthcare data managers, a survey of research works and tools covering the process of handling big data in the healthcare field is included. A methodology for CVD prevention, detection and management through the use of tools for big data analysis is proposed. Also, it is important to maintain privacy of patients when handling healthcare data; therefore, a list of recommendations for maintaining privacy when handling healthcare data is presented. Specific clinical analysis are recommended on those regions where the incidence rate of CVD is high, but a weak relation with the common risk factors is observed according to historical data. Finally, challenges which need to be addressed are presented.
Recent Innovations in Coronary Stents
Authors: Sengupta Poulomi
Published: March 2019

In heart diseases, there are frequent incidents of narrowing or blocking coronary arteries by fatty plaque deposition. As a result, blood pressure rises and the arteries weaken. This can lead to rapid rupture of the blood vessels, also known as heart attack or brain stroke. In some cases the arteries lose elasticity over old age. Heart stent or coronary stent inserts in the blocked/fragile region of coronary artery. It helps to expand the artery to allow free flow of blood and consequently, reduces blood pressure. Over past 20 years there are many modifications and innovations in the field of cardiac stents, in this chapter we will discuss few of those.
Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Arora Rakesh C. , Singal Rohit
Published: March 2019

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), first introduced in 1968, is now one of the most common surgical procedures and the most common cardiac procedures worldwide. It is estimated that over 800,000 CABG surgeries are performed worldwide each year. The goals of CABG are to reduce mortality, prevent the progress of heart failure and reduce symptoms associated with coronary artery disease. This chapter deals with cardiac critical care issues that pertain to the patient undergoing CABG and potential post-operative complications.
Big Data Analytics
Authors: Sambyal Nitigya , Saini Poonam , Syal Rupali
Published: March 2019

The world is increasingly driven by huge amounts of data. Big data refers to data sets that are so large or complex that traditional data processing application software are inadequate to deal with them. Healthcare analytics is a prominent area of big data analytics. It has led to significant reduction in morbidity and mortality associated with a disease. In order to harness full potential of big data, various tools like Apache Sentry, BigQuery, NoSQL databases, Hadoop, JethroData, etc. are available for its processing. However, with such enormous amounts of information comes the complexity of data management, other big data challenges occur during data capture, storage, analysis, search, transfer, information privacy, visualization, querying, and update. The chapter focuses on understanding the meaning and concept of big data, analytics of big data, its role in healthcare, various application areas, trends and tools used to process big data along with open problem challenges.
The Impact of Internet of Things Self-Security on Daily Business and Business Continuity
Authors: Yılmaz Hasan Emre , Sirel Altan , Esen M. Fevzi
Published: March 2019

The number of devices operating on IoTs has exceeded billions globally. This chapter aims to examine the cyber security risks of such systems with widespread use and investigate some IoT vulnerabilities. It examines the effects of these vulnerabilities on business life and personal life, and the precautions to be taken to eliminate them. In addition, the regulations and measures to be applied at the state level is discussed. The safe use of IoT systems cannot be achieved solely by individual awareness. An awareness and sense of responsibility in the manufacturing layer is also a must. This chapter investigates the reasons behind the lack of security precautions taken in the manufacturing phase of IoT devices and suggests solutions. It also discusses the details of malwares such as Mirai, whose targets are mainly IoT vulnerabilities.
Trapaças em avaliações escolares: uma análise estatística do comportamento humano
Authors: Santos Everton Diniz dos
Published: March 2019

Trapacear em avaliações se revela um problema educacional com efeitos deletérios ao indivíduo e ao país. Os meios para se inibir este comportamento são pouco eficientes e se baseiam apenas em medidas de repressão, como punições, e profiláticas, como limitação do número de itens portados em avaliações. Desse modo, este estudo propõem identificar o perfil comportamental de estudantes que trapaceiam em exames, para auxiliar na elaboração de estratégias adequadas a redução da frequência desta transgressão nas escolas e concursos. Para tanto se realizou uma pesquisa acerca do comportamento de indivíduos que declararam trapacear, ou não trapacear, em exames escolares. Os resultados destacaram que a postura de um indivíduo perante a transgressão em exames, se diferencia significativamente entre os gêneros, posicionamento religioso, nível de estudo entre outros elementos. Os resultados desta pesquisa foram empregados no delineamento do perfil comportamental humano perante ao hábito de ‘colar’, para auxiliar o docente na elaboração de estratégias eficazes para coibir esta transgressão, e suas consequências para a sociedade.
Editorial
Authors: Keshavaraj Ajantha
Published: March 2019

No abstract available
An unusual presentation of compartment syndrome, rhabdomyolysis and dengue fever
Authors: Jayaweerabandara N. D. , Peranantharajah T. , Sathiamoorthi K.
Published: March 2019

No abstract available
Infratentorial single cystic metastatic lesion: a radiological diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Jasiththa A. , Ajantha K.
Published: March 2019

Non-small cell carcinoma (NSCC) of lung is an unusual cause of single cystic metastatic infratentorial lesion. Infratentorial single cystic lesion is very unusual for metastatic brain varieties though lung carcinoma is the most frequent source of brain metastasis. We reported an uncommon case of a 64 -year - old gentleman presented with cerebellar ataxia. His MRI brain revealed single cystic infratentorial rim enhancing lesion. CT guided biopsy and histopathology favored the diagnosis of metastatic NSCC of lung. According to the radiological findings, there was an ambiguity in differentiating primary from metastatic posterior fossa neoplasm. Therefore, it is pivotal to consider broad differential diagnosis along with histopathological confirmation in identifying single cystic infratentorial brain lesion.
Primary angiosarcoma: a rare tumour of the breast
Authors: Thaha M. M. , Gamage R. , Thameem M. M. , Abeysinghe A. A. G. , Perera B. L.
Published: March 2019

Primary angiosarcoma of the breast is a rare neoplasm arising from stromal tissues and accounting for only 0.04% of primary breast tumours1 Atypical clinical presentations and equivocal radiological findings make the diagnosis challenging. Diagnosis by aspiration cytology is difficult. Therefore, macrobiopsy and ultrastructural examination with immunostaining will confirm the diagnosis3. It carries a poor prognosis due to rapid growth and haematogenous spread4. Surgical extirpation remains the main mode of treatment and adjuvant chemo and immunotherapy are beneficial in some cases1. We present a case which was managed with surgery.
Newborn with X-linked lissencephaly and ambiguious genitalia
Authors: Mayoorathy S. , Srisaravanapavananthan N.
Published: March 2019

No abstract available
A rare presentation of Ectopic Cushing Syndrome in a patient with small cell lung cancer
Authors: Sakthiraj N. , Janson J. , Ghetheeswaran S.
Published: March 2019

Ectopic Cushing’s syndrome (ECS) is a rare para neoplastic syndrome that occurs in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Because of the aggressive nature of the syndrome and its atypical features, ECS in small-cell lung cancer is difficult to diagnose and has a poor prognosis. We report a case of a 53-year-old male patient who presented with severe proximal muscle weakness in all4 limbs, and loss of appetite. He had no chest symptoms. The patient was eventually diagnosed with stage IV primary small-cell lung cancer with ECS and survived only one week following diagnosis. We have conducted a review of relevant published articles.
Chilaiditi’s syndrome: A rare cause of non-specific epigastric pain
Authors: Roeshanthan S. , Jayathilaka J. P. K. , Jegavanthan D. , Kumarathunga P. A. D. M. , Kularatna W. K. S. , Pathman M. , Premathilaka P. N. S.
Published: March 2019

A 63 year-old known patient with Epilepsy and pituitary macroadenoma, underwent transphenoidal adenectomy and on replacement came with acute symptoms of fever with productive cough and intermittent epigastric pain. On examination, there were signs of lower respiratory tract infection. Chest x-ray revealed interposition of colon between diaphragm and liver. Based on the clinico- radiological findings, a diagnosis of Chiladitis syndrome was made and his current symptoms were managed conservatively.
Guillain Barre Syndrome and polyuria: A rare variant
Authors: Dayaratna J. , Keshavaraj A.
Published: March 2019

A 33 year- old gentleman came with a progressive flaccid paraparesis, patchy hyperhidrosis and polyuria following an acute gastro enteritis, ultimately diagnosed as axonal variants-GBS associated with acute pandysautonomia. He was managed successfully with parenteral fluids and desmopressin nasal spray in addition to immunoglobulin.
Essential Role of NADPH Oxidase–Dependent Production of Reactive Oxygen Species in Maintenance of Sustained B Cell Receptor Signaling and B Cell Proliferation
Authors: Feng Yang-Yang , Tang Miao , Suzuki Mitsuhiro , Gunasekara Chinthika , Anbe Yuki , Hiraoka Yuichi , Liu Jun , Grasberger Helmut , Ohkita Mamoru , Matsumura Yasuo , Wang Ji-Yang , Tsubata Takeshi
Published: March 2019

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are not only toxic substances inducing oxidative stress but also play a role as a second messenger in signal transduction through various receptors. Previously, B cell activation was shown to involve prolonged ROS production induced by ligation of BCR. However, the mechanisms for ROS production and ROS-mediated activation in B cells are still poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that BCR ligation induces biphasic ROS production in both mouse spleen B cells and the mouse B cell line BAL17; transient and modest ROS production is followed by sustained and robust ROS production at 2–6 h after BCR ligation. ROS production in the late phase but not in the early phase augments activation of signaling pathways, such as the NF-κB and PI3K pathways, and is essential for B cell proliferation. ROS production in the late phase appears to be mediated by NADPH oxidases (NOXes) because prolonged ROS production is inhibited by various NOX inhibitors, including the specific inhibitor VAS2870. BCR ligation–induced ROS production is also inhibited by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of either the Cyba gene encoding p22phox, the regulator of NOX1-4 required for their activation, or NOX3, whereas ROS production is not affected by double deficiency of the DUOXA1 and DUOXA2 genes essential for the activation of the NOX isoforms DUOX1 and DUOX2. These results indicate that NOXes play a crucial role in sustained but not early BCR signaling and suggest an essential role of NOX-dependent sustained BCR signaling in B cell activation.
Bacteremia caused by Comamonas testosteroni an unusual pathogen
Authors: Tiwari Shreekant , Nanda Monalisah
Published: March 2019

Comamonas species are rare isolates in microbiology laboratories and have been infrequently reported as an infectious agent in routine clinical practice. They have a wide range of natural habitats including water, soil, and plants as well as from some hospital devices, such as intravenous lines and the reservoir water in the humidifiers of respiratory therapy equipment. Comamonas testosteroni is rarely recognized as a human pathogen. In spite of its uncommon human pathogenesis, there are few reports where it was reported as an aggressive opportunistic pathogen, and that was mostly related to Testosterone species. Herewith, we are reporting this pathogen from the blood of an immunocompetent female. The aim of this case report is to alert clinicians and laboratory physicians for the potential diagnosis and clinical approach of bloodstream infections caused by such unusual pathogens. This is the first documented case of bacteremia caused by C. testosteroni from India.
Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter septicemia in neonates: A study from a teaching hospital of Northern India
Authors: Nazir Asifa
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND: Acinetobacter species are typical nosocomial pathogens causing infections and high mortality, almost exclusively in compromised hospitalized patients. Acinetobacter sp. are intrinsically less susceptible to antibiotics and have propensity to acquire resistance. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter sp. blood infection in the neonatal intensive care unit patients create a great problem in hospital settings.

AIMS: A prospective data analysis was performed over a one year period of all neonates admitted with sepsis who developed Acinetobacter infection and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern was carried out.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood samples of infected neonates were collected aseptically and cases of Acinetobacter septicemia were identified. Speciation of Acinetobacter species was done. Various risk factors were identified and their drug-sensitivity test was performed.

RESULTS: The incidence of neonatal septicemia due to Acinetobacter species was 13.7% (49/357). Predominant species isolated was Acinetobacter baumannii (98%). The major symptoms were lethargy and poor feeding. The major signs were tachypnea, intercostal retraction, and respiratory distress. The major fetal risk factors were low birth weight and prematurity. High degree of resistance was observed to the various antibiotics used. Majority of the isolates (95.9%) were MDR while 93.68% were resistant to carbapenems as well as extensively drug resistant. However, all the strains were sensitive to colistin.

CONCLUSION: MDR Acinetobacter septicemia in neonatal patients is becoming alarmingly frequent and is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Therefore, rational antibiotic use is mandatory along with an effective infection control policy in neonatal intensive care areas of each hospital to control Acinetobacter infection and improve outcome.
Correlation of vascular endothelial growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 levels in serum and thyroid nodules with histopathological and radiological variables
Authors: Haytaoglu Gurkan , Kuzu Fatih , Arpaci Dilek , Altas Ayfer , Can Murat , Barut Figen , Kokturk Furuzan , Ilikhan Sevil Uygun , Bayraktaroglu Taner
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND/AIM: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a major cytokine in angiogenesis and has a role on aggressivity of various tumors. The expression of VEGF has been shown to increase in differential thyroid cancer. The aim of the study was to evaluate serum and intranodular VEGF (nVEGF) and VEGF receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) levels in patients with thyroid nodules and their relevance to ultrasonographic and pathological results.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of eighty patients were included in the study. Thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsies were performed, and the levels of serum and nVEGF and VEGFR-1 were measured. Any possible correlations between serum and nVEGF, VEGFR-1, and biochemical/radiological variables were investigated.

RESULTS: There were no significant differences between serum VEGF (sVEGF), nVEGF, sVEGFR-1, nVEGFR-1 levels, number of nodules, size of nodules, and benign and malignant ultrasonographic features. sVEGF and nVEGF were higher in malignant or suspicious nodules than that in benign nodules, but did not reach statistical significance (P > 0.05). sVEGFR-1 and nVEGFR-1 levels were higher in hyperthyroid patients than that in euthyroid patients (P < 0.05 and P = 0.003, respectively). nVEGFR-1 level was higher in hypothyroid patients than that in euthyroid patients (P = 0.016). sVEGF level was found to be higher in hyperactive nodules than that in others. Both sVEGFR-1 (P = 0.008) and nVEGF levels (P = 0.01) significantly increased with increasing age. nVEGFR-1 decreased with increasing body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed the relationships of sVEGF, nVEGF, sVEGFR-1, and nVEGFR-1 levels with age, gender, BMI, and hyperthyroidism. To determine the role of VEGF/VEGFR-1 in thyroid nodules, further studies are required with a large number of patients.
A 5-year surveillance on antimicrobial resistance of Acinetobacter isolates at a level-I trauma centre of India
Authors: Kumari Minu , Batra Priyam , Malhotra Rajesh , Mathur Purva
Published: March 2019

INTRODUCTION: Acinetobacter spp. has emerged as a major cause of nosocomial outbreaks. Multiple antibiotic resistance is an important problem in Acinetobacter isolates in recent years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of antimicrobial resistance and changes in resistance pattern over a period of 5 years (2012–2016) in Acinetobacter spp. isolated from trauma patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Acinetobacter spp. was identified by VITEK 2 and antibiotic susceptibility of isolates was investigated by disc-diffusion method and VITEK 2 automated system. Interpretation of susceptibility results was based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines.

RESULTS: Out of the total 16,210 isolates obtained throughout the period of 5 years, Acinetobacter spp. accounted for 3744 (28.9%). Out of which, the species which was maximally isolated was Acinetobacter baumannii (98.5%), followed by Acinetobacter lwoffii (1.4%) and Acinetobacter hemolyticus (0.1%). The highest number of clinical isolates of Acinetobacter were recovered from neurosurgical ward (n = 1210), followed by the neurosurgical intensive care unit (ICU) (n = 1000) and surgical ICU (n = 948) and the most common sample of Acinetobacter isolation was from tracheal aspirate (37.1%), followed by wound swab (18.8%). The highest level of resistance was observed against ciprofloxacin (96%), followed by cefepime (95%), ceftazidime (95%), piperacillin (95%), and amikacin (92%). The trend of antibiotic resistance was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001) for most of the antibiotics being tested such as amikacin and carbapenems.

CONCLUSION: The high rate of antibiotic resistance of the Acinetobacter strains indicated that there is an urgent need for controlled antibiotic usage and appliance of hospital infection control measures.
Quantifying climatic influences on tree-ring width
Authors: Li Guangqi , Harrison Sandy P. , Prentice I. Colin
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Before tree-ring series can be used to quantify climatic influences on growth, ontogenetic and microenvironmental effects must be removed. Existing statistical detrending methods struggle to eliminate bias, caused by the fact that older/larger trees are nearly always more abundantly sampled during the most recent decades – which happens also to have seen the strongest environmental changes. Here we develop a new approach to derive a productivity index (P*) from tree-ring series. The critical stem diameter, when an initial rapid increase in stem radial growth gives way to a gradual decrease, is estimated using a theoretical approximation; previous growth rings are removed from analysis. The subsequent dynamics of stem radial growth are assumed to be determined by: tree diameter and height; P* (gross primary production per unit leaf area, discounted by a "tax" due to the respiration and turnover of leaves and fine roots); and a quantity proportional to sapwood specific respiration (r1). The term r1 depends not only on the growth rate but also on tree height, because a given leaf area requires a greater volume of living sapwood to be maintained in taller trees. Height-diameter relationships were estimated from independent observations. P* values were then estimated from tree ring-width measurements on multiple trees, using a non-linear mixed-effects model in which the random effect of individual tree identity accounts for the impact of local environmental variability, due to soil or hydrological conditions, and canopy position (i.e. shading and competition). Year-by-year P* at a site should then represent the influence of year-by-year changes in environment, independently of the growth trend in individual trees. This approach was applied to tree-ring records from two genera (Picea and Pinus) at 492 sites across the Northern Hemisphere extratropics. Using a multiple linear mixed-effects regression with site as a random effect, it was found that estimated annual P* values for both genera show consistent, temporally stable positive responses of P* to total photosynthetically photon flux density during the growing season (PPFD5) and soil moisture availability (indexed by an estimate of the ratio of actual to potential evapotranspiration). The partial effect of mean temperature during the growing season (mGGD5) however was shown to follow a unimodal curve, being positive in climates with mGGD5
Assessment of Uranium concentration in groundwater and its1human health impactin a part of Northern Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Parimalarenganayaki Sundaram , Rahul Alagarsamy , Thabrez Mahamad Hussen , Anbuchezhian Rajendran , Manoj Subramanian , Elango Lakhsmanan
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Ground water is the major source of drinking water in India. Over exploitation of this water resource has exacerbated the situation of providing good quality water, due to the presence of major ions, minor ions, trace elements and radioactive elements. A study has carried out in Vellore, a city in the Northern part of the Tamilnadu, to understand the levels of Uranium concentrations and other geochemical parameters in drinking water. Samples were collected and the analysed for various water quality parameters in the laboratory and as well as insitu. Uranium concentration was estimated using the Quantalase Laser Fluorimeter and nearly 10 % of the samples show that the concentration of Uranium is exceeding the permissible limit .The low observed adverse effect level and No observed adverse effect level values were also assessed for to understand the risk due to the presence of the uranium in drinking water and it was observed that there is a slight risk on the public health due to the consumption of ground water in this region.
Computing water flow through complex landscapes, part 1:
Incorporating depressions in flow routing using FlowFill
Authors: Callaghan Kerry L. , Wickert Andrew D.
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Calculating flow routing across a landscape is a routine process in geomorphology, hydrology, planetary science, and soil and water conservation. Flow-routing calculations often require a preprocessing step to remove depressions from a DEM to create a flow-routing surface that can host a continuous, integrated drainage network. However, real landscapes contain natural depressions that trap water. These are an important part of the hydrologic system, and should be represented in flow-routing surfaces. Historically, depressions (or pits) in DEMs have been viewed as data errors, but the rapid expansion of high-resolution, high-precision DEM coverage increases the likelihood that depressions are real-world features. To address this longstanding problem of emerging significance, we developed FlowFill, an algorithm that routes a prescribed amount of runoff across the surface in order to flood depressions, but only if enough water is available. This mass-conserving approach typically floods smaller depressions and those in wet areas, integrating drainage across them, while permitting internal drainage and disruptions to hydrologic connectivity. We present results from two sample study areas to which we apply a range of uniform initial runoff depths and report the resulting filled and unfilled depressions, the drainage network structure, and the required compute time. Typical FlowFill calculations take minutes to perform and permit more realistic analyses of water flow across landscapes.
The life cycle of submesoscale eddies generated by topographic
interactions
Authors: Morvan Mathieu , L'Hégaret Pierre , Carton Xavier , Gula Jonathan , Vic Clément , Sokolovskiy Mikhail , Koshel Konstantin
Published: March 2019

Abstract. The Persian Gulf Water and Red Sea Water are salty and dense waters recirculating at subsurface in the Gulf of Oman and the Gulf of Aden respectively, under the influence of mesoscale eddies which dominate the surface flow in both semi-enclosed basins. In situ measurements combined with altimetry indicate that the Persian Gulf Water is driven by mesoscale eddies in the form of filaments and submesoscale structures. In this paper, we study the formation and the life cycle of intense submesoscale vortices and their impact on the spread of Persian Gulf Water and Red Sea Water. We use a three-dimensional hydrostatic model with submesoscale-resolving resolution to study the evolution of submesoscale vortices. Our configuration is an idealized version of the Gulf of Oman and Aden: a zonal row of mesoscale vortices interacting with north and south topographic slopes. Intense submesoscale vortices are generated in the simulations along the continental slopes due to two different mechanisms. The first mechanism is due to frictional generation of vorticity in the bottom boundary layer, which detaches from the topography, forms an unstable vorticity filament, and undergoes horizontal shear instability that leads to the formation of submesoscale coherent vortices. The second mechanism is inviscid and implies arrested topographic Rossby waves breaking and forming submesoscale coherent vortices where a mesoscale anticyclone interacts with the topographic slope. Submesoscale vortices subsequently drift away, merge and form larger vortices. They can also pair with opposite signed vortices and travel across the domain. They can weaken or disappear via several mechanisms, in particular fusion into the larger eddies or erosion on the topography. Particle patches are advected and sheared by vortices and are entrained into filaments. Their size first grows as the square root of time, a signature of the merging processes, then it increases linearly with time, corresponding to their ballistic advection by submesoscale eddies. On the contrary, witout intense submesoscale eddies, particles are mainly advected by mesoscale eddies; this implies a weaker dispersion of particles than in the previous case. This shows the important role of submesoscale eddies in spreading Persian Gulf Water and Red Sea Water.
Preliminary impact of DegreePlus: An institutional program to provide transferable skill development through extracurricular activities
Authors: Huffman Carmen L , Tallant April C , Young Shawna C
Published: March 2019

DegreePlus is a recently developed program at Western Carolina University (WCU) that aims to develop transferable skills, including professionalism, cultural responsiveness, leadership and teamwork, in students via their participation in extracurricular activities. A mixed-methods study that included focus groups and a survey was used to identify the preliminary impacts of the program. Researchers found that students view the program as a supportive initiative to help them prepare for their future and meet their career goals. Students also perceive that they are learning the targeted skills and are able to apply them to a limited extent. Finally, students view the program as a means of connecting to their university community. We anticipate that student participation in this program may assist with other institutional goals, such as retention and student success, as many of the impacts from the program align with principles that support these objectives.
Why aren’t they attending class like they are supposed to? A review into students’ perception of the value of class attendance
Authors: James Trixie , Seary Karen
Published: March 2019

Enabling courses are designed to assist with the upskilling of non-traditional students in order to make the transition to university more seamless. Enabling educators understand that the cohort who enter via the enabling pathway are unique and require holistic support as the students develop their academic skills and their self-efficacy. Class attendance has long been regarded as a vital component of a quality education, but with the accessibility of online material and the ever-increasing opportunities to study online, the viability and value of face-to-face classes is being challenged. This paper reports the findings of a research project that sought to better understand enabling students’ conceptions of the benefits of attending face-to-face, on-campus classes and the factors that influence their choices to attend. The project investigated the link between attendance, academic achievement and retention and aimed to identify a more effective alignment between the conception of expectations and the provision of a quality learning experience.
Evaluating the student experience with enrolment assistance in an integrated student support service program at the University of Southern Queensland
Authors: Thangavelu Anbarasu , Partridge Helen , Carey Kathy , O'Sullivan Carmel , Lutvey Naomi
Published: March 2019

Interviews with students who accessed enrolment support were undertaken to explore reasons students utilised this service, and how integrated student support service models can impact on student transition, retention and success. Results indicate that students primarily required support with course enrolments because of the new environment they were studying in, not being accustomed to existing processes and a lack of confidence. In addition, along with the existing service model, the integration of enrolment support into the student support service model had a positive impact on the student experience and engagement. The implications of these findings for the tertiary education sector are considered in light of the increasing focus on student engagement and success.
Re-building the first year experience, one block at a time
Authors: McCluskey Trish , Weldon John , Smallridge Andrew
Published: March 2019

For many years, universities around the world have been developing and enhancing the First Year Experience (FYE), with a view to improving retention, performance and student satisfaction.  This feature practice report outlines a strategic initiative, launched in 2018 at Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia that aims to transform the experience of Victoria University’s first-year students on an unprecedented scale. This unique model reconceptualises the design, structure and delivery of first year units of study in order to deliver a program that deliberately focuses on students’ pedagogical, transition and work/life balance needs.  This initiative required the disruption and redevelopment of all university systems to ensure students experience a supportive and seamless transition into, and journey through, their first year of study at university.
Putting research first? Perspectives from academics and students on first-year undergraduates learning research
Authors: Bage Grant
Published: March 2019

Exploring the place and potential of ‘research’ in undergraduate degrees has stimulated higher-educational debate for decades, strongly influencing policies, practices and structures. This article’s consideration of some problems associated with teaching and learning about research during the first year of undergraduate degrees, helps throw that debate into a sharper light. Should first-year undergraduates be asked to learn from their own or others’ research, and what difficulties might they experience? What relevant previous learning about research, or lack of it, might they bring with them into their degree? Working with empirical data from across one English university, and literature from universities across the world, these questions are discussed by exploring first-year undergraduate teaching and learning, through the lenses of critical inquiry and constructivist grounded theory.
Editorial Volume 10 Issue 1 2019
Authors: Nelson Karen , Creagh Tracy
Published: March 2019

Welcome to the first issue for 2019.  In previous editorials we have stressed the role of the Journal as continuing the dissemination of current research and innovative good practice about students’ tertiary learning experiences, which are supported by evidence.  As well we have highlighted the international scope of the Journal and encouraged submissions from outside of Australia.  It is pleasing that in our tenth volume we present a large number of international submissions, particularly as practice reports, which offer transferrable themes and principles of practice that can be utilised more broadly.
Biological Faithfulness is Unnecessary for Machine Learning
Authors: Wiederman Meagan
Published: March 2019

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of any device to take an input, like that of its environment, and work to achieve a desired output. Some advancements in AI have focused n replicating the human brain in machinery. This is being made possible by the human connectome project: an initiative to map all the connections between neurons within the brain. A full replication of the thinking brain would inherently create something that could be argued to be a thinking machine. However, it is more interesting to question whether a non-biologically faithful AI could be considered as a thinking machine. Under Turing’s definition of ‘thinking’, a machine which can be mistaken as human when responding in writing from a “black box,” where they can not be viewed, can be said to pass for thinking. Backpropagation is an error minimizing algorithm to program AI for feature detection with no biological counterpart which is prevalent in AI. The recent success of backpropagation demonstrates that biological faithfulness is not required for deep learning or ‘thought’ in a machine. Backpropagation has been used in medical imaging compression algorithms and in pharmacological modelling.
The Pursuit of Pleasure
Authors: Hudson Roger , Puvanenthirarajah Nirushan
Published: March 2019

Many component processes of reward require appropriate serotonin (5HT) and dopamine (DA) neurotransmission within key limbic brain regions. Evidence suggests that dysregulation of 5HT and DA transmission can precipitate reward dysfunction and major depressive disorder (MDD) symptoms in genetically predisposed individuals. Various neurobiological indicators (biomarkers) of MDD have been proposed, including changes in signal transduction pathways, protein phosphorylation, and gene expression in subcortical, reward-related structures. However, these insights have yielded limited clinically relevant benefits for diagnosis, treatment, or prognosis. In addition, clinical application of identified biomarkers is often hindered by multiple factors including disease heterogeneity and symptom variability between patients. Innovative approaches including big data analytics, methodical collaboration between research programs, and reverse-translational strategies are now required to understand if particular biomarkers can be used to predict disease onset and treatment response, to stratify treatments for patient subgroups, and develop novel pharmacotherapies. This review briefly summarizes the predictive value of big data analytics in parsing the neurobiological underpinnings of MDD, with a focus on potential clinically-viable biomarkers for predictive therapies.
The Determinant of Organizational Performance of Moroccan Banks: Bank Opera Model Adapted to Moroccan Case
Authors: Alami Youssef , Elfhal Fatima-Azzahra
Published: March 2019

This study aims to identify the determinants of organizational performance relevant of the Moroccan banks. To achieve this, an approach based on a BANK-OPERA model, which is inspired by the OPERA model, was chosen to be applied in the Moroccan environment. The empirical results of this research show that the model is validated in our context. However, some determinants, that have been considered crucial in the performance assessment using the tested model, are not decisive for the Moroccan banks ‘performance.
A Study on the Evaluation Indicators for Developing Regional Tourism and Recreational Systems
Authors: Wang Shao-Ping , Chen Miao-Sheng , Li Mou-Jian
Published: March 2019

This study applied the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to existing literature on developing regional tourism and recreational systems, dividing the evaluation indicators into five main criteria and 19 sub-criteria, including the “selection of geographical location,” “development resources and facilities,” “transport and services,” “destination competitiveness,” and “impact of recreational activities.” Opinions of experts from academia, industry, and the government were collected to analytically weigh each indicator, providing a reference and evaluation basis for relevant institutions. The conclusion shows that Taiwanese people stress the convenience of round-trip transportation and services when making travel decisions.
The Impact of Operational Capabilities on Corporate Performance: Evidence from Listed Companies in the Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock Farming, Fishery Industry
Authors: Wu Maoguo , Lu Daimin
Published: March 2019

In China, the agriculture, forestry, livestock farming, fishery (AFLF) industry is the basis of all industries. However, the overall development and performance level of listed companies in the AFLF industry is lower than the overall market level. According to previous literature, there is generally a positive impact of operational capabilities on the corporate performance of listed companies, but the impact on listed companies in the AFLF industry has not been investigated. This study attempts to fill in the gap by empirically analyzing the impact of operational capabilities on the corporate performance of listed companies in the AFLF industry in China. Based on a panel data set of 43 listed companies, this study performs regressions using a fixed effect model and a threshold panel model. The results show that there is a positive correlation between the operational capabilities and the corporate performance of listed companies in the AFLF industry, but different indicators that represent operational capabilities have different impacts on corporate performance. Based on the empirical results, this study puts forward corresponding suggestions for listed companies in the AFLF industry and policy makers.
Impact of Digitalization on the Speed of Internationalization
Authors: Lee Yan-Yin , Falahat Mohammad , Sia Bik-Kai
Published: March 2019

Digitalization combined with globalization is the current megatrend that impacting the international business landscape and creates opportunities for new business models. Embracing digitalization enables firms for speedy internationalization. Although the phenomenon of early internationalization has received increasing attention in the field of International Entrepreneurship over the past decades, however, there is a lack of focus on the role of digitalization that allows a higher speed of internationalization. This paper proposes a model that highlights the moderating role of digitalization on international business competencies and speed of internationalization. We argue that small and medium enterprises able to enter international markets more rapidly due to the impact of digitalization. This study addresses a gap in the literature and practical development needs for better understanding the impact of digitalization on the speed of internationalization. The limitations and implications of this study will be discussed for theoretical development and future research direction.
Plecs poètics de bandolers a la Catalunya del barroc. Un exemple de literatura propagandística
Authors: Llinares Planells Alejandro
Published: March 2019

En aquest estudi s’analitza la literatura popular de bandolers de la Catalunya del segle xvii. El bandolerisme sigué un fenomen important en les primeres dècades del barroc en el Principat i la seua repercussió arribà, de manera notable, a la literatura de cordell de l’època. Aquests plecs de cordell, que tenien la missió d’arribar a tots els públics, compten amb un nombre reduït d’estudis, si tenim en compte la seua importància. Per eixa raó, l’article analitza els dos principals moments històrics que propiciaren el major auge d’edició de plecs de bandolers en vers a Catalunya, com foren les signatures de les unions i dels agermanaments contra els bandolers (1606) i el sistema repressiu del duc d’Alburquerque (1616). Per mitjà de l’estudi d’aquest material literari es tracta: el sistema propagandístic virregnal, les parcialitats catalanes, els conflictes entre el virrei i les autoritats catalanes, la visió que es tenia de Catalunya a Castella, la falsificació de moneda o el problema de les armes de pedrenyals.
L’heterodòxia de Maria Antònia Ortolà: el camí del relat autobiogràfic al procés inquisitorial (1717-1727)
Authors: Zaragoza Gómez Verónica
Published: March 2019

El 1717, la valenciana Maria Antònia Ortolà va començar a ser investigada pel tribunal de la Inquisició de València per exterioritzar una religiositat sospitosa, que calia reconduir; en va resultar absolta però al cap dels anys, en la condició de beata, va resultar víctima d’un nou procés que va culminar amb la sentència de reclusió i de silenci absolut. El propòsit d’aquest treball és analitzar i recobrar, en una primera aproximació, el cas d’aquesta dona doblement processada en el primer quart del segle xviii, primer com a dona laica i després en qualitat de beata. Partint fonamentalment de la documentació judicial generada en els processos acumulats en què es va veure involucrada, a banda d’ampliar els detalls biogràfics coneguts d’aquesta dona, el nostre article pretén evidenciar com els processos inquisitorials van esdevenir mecanismes disciplinants de primer ordre per a les dones, amb la importància capital dels seus textos autobiogràfics, els quals, examinats pel tribunal eclesiàstic, tingueren, en aquest i en altres casos, uncaràcter clarament condemnatori.