bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Incidence of Perioperative Adverse Events in the Very Elderly Undergoing Urogynecologic Surgery
Authors: Unger Cecile A. , Hickman Lisa C. , Mitchell-Handley Blair , Barber Matthew D. , Ridgeway Beri
Published: July 2016

Objectives

To determine the incidence of perioperative adverse events in very elderly women (age ≥ 80 years) undergoing urogynecologic procedures and to examine the effect of preoperative functional status/capacity on these outcomes.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of all women aged 80 years or older who underwent a urogynecologic procedure at a tertiary care specialty practice between 2006 and 2014. Subjects were identified by their Current Procedural Terminology codes and the electronic medical record was queried for demographic and perioperative data. Functional status was recorded using data from the preoperative anesthesia assessment, and included the functional status score (range, 1–4) and a functional capacity evaluation (metabolic equivalents [METs, range, 1 to 8+]).

Results

One hundred sixty-four women aged 80 years or older underwent a urogynecologic procedure during the study period. Mean age was 83 years (±3; range, 80–95 years). The median functional status was 2 (1–4) and median functional capacity was 5.5 METs (1.75–8.0). The overall postoperative adverse event rate was 18.3%; the incidence of serious events was 7.8%. Most serious events were associated with preexisting medical conditions. Presence of 3 or more comorbid conditions was associated with a higher risk of postoperative readmission, need for transfusion and deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism. Preoperative functional status and functional capacity were not associated with postoperative adverse events. Patients with METs scores of 4.5 or less were more likely to need home services or a skilled nursing facility (SNF) postoperatively compared with patients with higher scores (28.9% vs 6.7%, P < 0.0001; odds ratio, 4.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.6–11.9). Dementia was also associated with SNF admission (36.3% vs 10%; P = 0.01; odds ratio, 3.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–12.8).

Conclusions

The incidence of serious postoperative adverse events is low in very elderly patients undergoing urogynecologic procedures. Dementia and poor functional capacity appear to be associated with a higher need for postoperative home services or SNF admission.
The Association Between Levator-Urethra Gap Measurements and Symptoms and Signs of Female Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Authors: Kamisan Atan Ixora , Shek Ka Lai , Furtado Glefy Inacio , Caudwell-Hall Jessica , Dietz Hans Peter
Published: July 2016

Objectives

Levator avulsion is associated with pelvic organ prolapse in women. It is diagnosed clinically by a widened gap on palpation between the insertion of the puborectalis muscle on the inferior pubic ramus and the urethra. This gap can also be assessed on imaging. This study aimed to determine the association between sonographically determined levator-urethral gap (LUG) measurements and symptoms and signs of prolapse.

Methods

This is a retrospective study on 450 women seen in a tertiary urogynecological center for symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction between January 2013 and February 2014. All had a standardized interview, International Continence Society Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification assessment and 4-dimensional translabial ultrasound. Post-imaging analysis of archived ultrasound volumes for LUG measurement was undertaken on tomographic slices at the plane of minimal hiatal dimensions and within 5-mm cranial to this plane, bilaterally at an interslice interval of 2.5 mm, blinded against all clinical data. A LUG of 25 mm or greater was considered abnormal.

Results

Mean LUG and maximum LUG in individuals were 22.5 mm (SD, 4.6) and 26.4 mm (SD, 6.0), respectively, with at least 1 abnormal LUG in 51% (n = 222). An abnormal LUG in all 3 slices involving the plane of minimal hiatal dimensions and within 5 mm cranial to this plane on at least 1 side was fulfilled in 24% (n = 103). The LUG measurements were strongly associated with bother, symptoms and signs of prolapse (P < 0.001 to 0.002). This remained significant on multivariate analysis controlling for potential confounding factors.

Conclusions

Sonographically determined LUG is strongly associated with symptoms, symptom bother, and pelvic organ prolapse on clinical examination and imaging.
What drives the polarisation and moderation of opinions? Evidence from a Finnish citizen deliberation experiment on immigration
Authors: LINDELL MARINA , BÄCHTIGER ANDRÉ , GRÖNLUND KIMMO , HERNE KAISA , SETÄLÄ MAIJA , WYSS DOMINIK
Published: July 2016

In the study of deliberation, a largely under‐explored area is why some participants polarise their opinion after deliberation and why others moderate them. Opinion polarisation is usually considered a suspicious outcome of deliberation, while moderation is seen as a desirable one. This article takes issue with this view. Results from a Finnish deliberative experiment on immigration show that polarisers and moderators were not different in socioeconomic, cognitive or affective profiles. Moreover, both polarisation and moderation can entail deliberatively desired pathways: in the experiment, both polarisers and moderators learned during deliberation, levels of empathy were fairly high on both sides, and group pressures barely mattered. Finally, the low physical presence of immigrants in some discussion groups was associated with polarisation in the anti‐immigrant direction, bolstering longstanding claims regarding the importance ofpresencefor democratic politics.
Novel Approach of Using Nutraceutic‐Directed Caloric Antioxidant Density and Ion‐Ratio for Evaluating Fruit's Health Quality
Authors: Hsieh Chiu‐Lan , Huang Shang‐Ming , Chen Li‐I , Yu Chien‐Mei , Wong Cheng‐Hsin , Peng Robert Y.
Published: July 2016

Seven kinds of indigenous fruits and five imported fruits were compared for their “health quality.” Methods including the calorific, antioxidant, and ion ratios were carried out. Results indicated the order of content (in mg/100g) was: Ca2+, Murcott orange (218.2) > Kiwifruit (200.0) > pineapple (138.5) > Golden kiwi (117.6); Mg2+, Pitaya (192.2), banana (88.0), Kiwifruit (63.4), and Golden kiwi (58.4); Zn2+, Pitaya (19.53) > pear (10.8) > Kiwifruit (6.09) > Irwin mango (4.58). Cu2+, Kiwifruit (0.70) > Red globe grape (0.67) > Golden kiwi (0.65) > Irwin mango (0.42) ≈ Pitaya (0.40). In terms of ion ratio, Pitaya showed Zn2+/Cu2+ (48.8), Mg2+/Ca2+ (6.7) and uniquely possessed selenium 0.002 mg/100 g; for pear, Zn2+/Cu2+ = 37.2, while Kyoho grape, Red globe grape, and Golden kiwi revealed extremely high Fe2+/(Co2++Ni2+) ratios. On the other hands, Irwin mango and Pitaya astonishingly contained huge amount of inositol, reaching 3523.2 mg/100 g and 1998.7 mg/100 g, respectively. To evaluate the “health quality” of fruits, an overall ranking method by combining (a) the Function‐directed Caloric Antioxidant Density (CAD) and (b) the ion ratio was developed. The finalized ranking of these selected fruits was: Pitaya > cherry > Irwin mango > Murcott orange = pineapple > banana > Golden kiwi > pear > Kiwifruit > Red globe grape > apple > Kyoho grape. Conclusively, this evaluation method is novel, contemporary and scientific, which could more clearly assess the “health quality” of fruits in view of nutritional, calorific, and antioxidant balance.
Quantifying Aid Allocation: A Critical Review of the DFID Needs‐Effectiveness Index
Authors: Tribe Michael
Published: July 2016

This article has three main sections. An introduction describes the main features of the Department for International Development's (DFID's) Needs‐Effectiveness Index (N‐EI) which was the basis for aid re‐allocation between countries in the review of UK Aid undertaken in 2010–11. The second main section is a critical review of the ‘poverty’ element of the Index, particularly questioning the selection of the higher of the two World Bank poverty lines, and the adjustment used to allow for differing impact of country population sizes. The third main section focuses on the ‘fragility’ element of the N‐EI, suggesting that the incorporation of this very important element of international ‘need’ into the Index was less than transparent, that it did not reflect important parts of the literature available at the time, and that it understated earlier research sponsored by the DFID. The N‐EI has been subjected to little critical evaluation in the literature even though it had a central position in the major review of UK aid allocation. The article concludes that further consideration of the attributes of the N‐EI would be necessary if it were to be used as the basis for policy decision‐making in the future.
Environmental suitability forAgrilus auroguttatus(Coleoptera: Buprestidae) in Mexico using MaxEnt and database records of fourQuercus(Fagaceae) species
Authors: López‐Martínez Víctor , Sánchez‐Martínez Guillermo , Jiménez‐García Daniel , Pérez‐De la O Nidia B. , Coleman Tom W.
Published: July 2016

The goldspotted oak borerAgrilus auroguttatusSchaeffer is an invasive pest of threeQuercusspecies in southern California, U.S.A. As a native and potentially indigenous exotic species, its distribution and potential damage is largely unknown in Mexico.

We used the maximum entropy algorithm to determine the bioclimatic variables that may explain the distribution ofA. auroguttatus, as well as its interaction with the distribution of known hosts in Mexico.

Our model calculated high suitability forA. auroguttatusin the biogeographical provinces of California, the northern and southern areas of Sierra Madre Occidental and the northwestern area of the Mexican Plateau; moderate suitability was projected in the Baja California, Sonora and Sierra Madre Occidental provinces. Potential distribution ofA. auroguttatuswas overlapping with native ranges ofQuercus agrifolia,Quercus emoryiTorrey andQuercus hypoleucoidesA. Camus. Precipitation of the coldest quarter (23.6%), isothermality (23.5%), precipitation seasonality (17.3%) and mean temperature of the coldest quarter (11.2%) contributed most to explaining its distribution in Mexico.

The geographical interaction (i.e. the likelihood that the habitat would be suitable for coexistence) ofA. auroguttatuswith its hosts in Mexico was projected in the California province (46 382.60 km2, probably as an exotic species) and the northwestern areas of Mexican Plateau and Sierra Madre Occidental provinces (74 013.45 km2, probably as native).

Determining the areas of environmental suitability forA. auroguttatusand its host distribution can focus ground surveys, contribute to management efforts and assist in the development of risk assessments for Mexico.
The significance of unrecognized histological high‐risk features on response to therapy in papillary thyroid carcinoma measuring 1–4 cm: implications for completion thyroidectomy following lobectomy
Authors: Lang Brian H.‐H. , Shek Tony W.H. , Wan Koon Y.
Published: July 2016

Background

Although lobectomy is an alternative to total thyroidectomy (TT) for 1–4 cm papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) without high‐risk features (HRFs) such as aggressive histology, vascular invasion, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), microscopic extrathyroidal extension, positive margin, nodal metastasis >5 mm and multifocality, these HRFs are not recognized until after surgery. Therefore, the chance of completion TT being required following lobectomy might be high. We evaluated the frequency of unrecognized HRFs and how they affected the response to therapy following TT and radioiodine (RAI).

Methods

Altogether, 1513 patients were analysed. Only 1–4 cm PTCs without recognizable HRFs were included. For response‐to‐therapy evaluation, only patients who had TT and post‐RAI‐stimulated thyroglobulin were analysed. Patients without an excellent response were defined as having ‘incomplete response’. A multivariate analysis for incomplete response was performed.

Results

Of the 600 patients eligible for lobectomy, 257 (42·8%) had ≥1 unrecognized histological HRF before surgery. The prevalence of unrecognized HRFs was similar between 1‐2 cm and >2–4 cm PTCs (P = 0·393). Of the 330 patients eligible for response‐to‐therapy evaluation, 260 (78·8%) had an excellent response while 70 (21·2%) had an incomplete response. LVI was the only independent unrecognized HRF for incomplete response (P = 0·021).

Conclusions

The prevalence of unrecognized histological HRFs under the current recommendations is relatively high among 1–4 cm PTCs. Among the unrecognized histological HRFs, LVI was the only one which independently associated with an incomplete response (i.e. posing an increased risk of persistent/recurrent disease after curative surgery). These findings may have implications for patients who undergo lobectomy for 1–4 cm PTCs with no clinically recognizable HRFs under the current recommendations.
Bagged Subspaces for Unsupervised Outlier Detection
Authors: Pasillas‐Díaz José Ramon , Ratté Sylvie
Published: July 2016

In many domains, important events are not represented as the common scenario, but as deviations from the rule. The importance and impact associated with these particular, outnumbered, deviant, and sometimes even previously unseen events is directly related to the application domain (e.g., breast cancer detection, satellite image classification, etc.). The detection of these rare events or outliers has recently been gaining popularity as evidenced by the wide variety of algorithms currently available. These algorithms are based on different assumptions about what constitutes an outlier, a characteristic pointing toward their integration in an ensemble to improve their individual detection rate. However, there are two factors that limit the use of current ensemble outlier detection approaches: first, in most cases, outliers are not detectable in full dimensionality, but instead are located in specific subspaces of data; and second, despite the expected improvement on detection rate achieved using an ensemble of detectors, the computational efficiency of the ensemble will increase linearly as the number of components increases. In this article, we propose an ensemble approach that identifies outliers based on different subsets of features and subsamples of data, providing more robust results while improving the computational efficiency of similar ensemble outlier detection approaches.
Using diffusion tensor imaging to identify corticospinal tract projection patterns in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy
Authors: Kuo Hsing‐Ching , Ferre Claudio L , Carmel Jason B , Gowatsky Jaimie L , Stanford Arielle D , Rowny Stefan B , Lisanby Sarah H , Gordon Andrew M , Friel Kathleen M
Published: July 2016

Aim

To determine whether diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can be an independent assessment for identifying the corticospinal tract (CST) projecting from the more‐affected motor cortex in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

Twenty children with unilateral spastic CP participated in this study (16 males, four females; mean age 9y 2mo [standard deviation (SD) 3y 2mo], Manual Ability Classification System [MACS] level I–III). We used DTI tractography to reconstruct the CST projecting from the more‐affected motor cortex. We mapped the motor representation of the more‐affected hand by stimulating the more‐ and the less‐affected motor cortex measured with single‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). We then verified the presence or absence of the contralateral CST by comparing the TMS map and DTI tractography. Fisher's exact test was used to determine the association between findings of TMS and DTI.

Results

DTI tractography successfully identified the CST controlling the more‐affected hand (sensitivity=82%, specificity=78%).

Interpretation

Contralateral CST projecting from the lesioned motor cortex assessed by DTI is consistent with findings of TMS mapping. Since CST connectivity may be predictive of response to certain upper extremity treatments, DTI‐identified CST connectivity may potentially be valuable for determining such connectivity where TMS is unavailable or inadvisable for children with seizures.
Orofacial pain induced by Eagle syndrome in an elderly patient with temporomandibular disorders – a case report
Authors: Costantinides Fulvia , Vidoni Gabriele , Tonni Ingrid , Bazzocchi Gabriele , Bodin Christiane , Di Lenarda Roberto
Published: July 2016

Background

Eagle syndrome (ES) is a rare disorder that can be responsible for orofacial pain.

Objective

To describe the treatment of an elderly patient affected by ES and temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

Materials and methods

A patient complained of constant pain of the right temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and of the sensation of having a foreign body in the throat. Based on the patient's medical history and symptoms, a TMJs internal derangement and concomitant ES were suspected. A magnetic resonance and a computerised tomography confirmed the clinical diagnosis. A conservative treatment was initially performed to re‐establish a functional occlusion.

Results

The rehabilitative treatment alleviated the pain almost totally. A slight residual uncomfortable sensation of the presence of a foreign body in the throat persisted after the oral rehabilitation but without any influence on the quality of life.

Conclusion

In elderly patients complaining a chronic orofacial pain, the possibility of a concomitant TMD and ES has to be considered to correctly identify the source of pain. A conservative approach to identify weather TMD is the main source of pain is preferable, avoiding unnecessary invasive treatments.
Randomized controlled trial of a book‐sharing intervention in a deprived South African community: effects on carer–infant interactions, and their relation to infant cognitive and socioemotional outcome
Authors: Murray Lynne , De Pascalis Leonardo , Tomlinson Mark , Vally Zahir , Dadomo Harold , MacLachlan Brenda , Woodward Charlotte , Cooper Peter J.
Published: July 2016

Background

Consistent with evidence from high‐income countries (HICs), we previously showed that, in an informal peri‐urban settlement in a low‐middle income country, training parents in book sharing with their infants benefitted infant language and attention (Vally, Murray, Tomlinson, & Cooper, ). Here, we investigated whether these benefits were explained by improvements in carer–infant interactions in both book‐sharing and non‐book‐sharing contexts. We also explored whether infant socioemotional development benefitted from book sharing.

Methods

We conducted a randomized controlled trial in Khayelitsha, South Africa. Carers of 14–16‐month‐old infants were randomized to 8 weeks’ training in book sharing (n = 49) or a wait‐list control group (n = 42). In addition to the cognitive measures reported previously, independent assessments were made at base line and follow‐up of carer–infant interactions during book sharing and toy play. Assessments were also made, at follow‐up only, of infant prosocial behaviour in a ‘help task’, and of infant imitation of doll characters’ nonsocial actions and an interpersonal interaction. Eighty‐two carer–infant pairs (90%) were assessed at follow‐up. (Trial registration ISRCTN39953901).

Results

Carers who received the training showed significant improvements in book‐sharing interactions (sensitivity, elaborations, reciprocity), and, to a smaller extent, in toy‐play interactions (sensitivity). Infants in the intervention group showed a significantly higher rate of prosocial behaviour, and tended to show more frequent imitation of the interpersonal interaction. Improvements in carer behaviour during book sharing, but not during toy play, mediated intervention effects on all infant cognitive outcomes, and tended to mediate intervention effects on infant interpersonal imitation.

Conclusions

Training in book sharing, a simple, inexpensive intervention that has been shown to benefit infant cognitive development in a low‐middle income country, also shows promise for improving infant socioemotional outcomes in this context. Benefits are mediated by improvements in carer–infant interactions, particularly in book‐sharing contexts.
A Study on Topographical Properties and Surface Wettability of Monolithic Zirconia after Use of Diverse Polishing Instruments with Different Surface Coatings
Authors: Al‐Haj Husain Nadin , Özcan Mutlu
Published: July 2016

Purpose

To investigate the surface topography parameters and wettability of monolithic zirconia (MZ) using polishing instruments with different coatings.

Materials and Methods

MZ specimens (N = 50, n = 10 per group) (12 × 12 × 1.8 mm3) were highly polished. Five polishing systems were studied: BG: silicon carbide polishers; CG: diamond‐impregnated ceramic polisher kit; EV: synthetically bonded grinder interspersed with diamond; SL: urethane‐coated paper with aluminum oxide grits; and DB: diamond bur (8 μm). Specimens were initially roughened with 220 μm grit diamond burs (10 seconds, 160,000 rpm). After baseline measurements, they were further polished for 10 seconds using a slow‐speed handpiece under water coolant, except for SL using a custom‐made device (7.5 N), with speed ranging between 5000 and 30,000 rpm. Topographical changes were evaluated considering (a) weight (digital scale), (b) volume loss (digital microscope), (c) vertical height loss (digital microscope), (d) surface roughness (Ra) (profilometer), and (e) surface wettability (goniometer, water).

Results

Compared to baseline, material loss from the surface after polishing (ΔW) ranged between 0.00 ± 0.0001×10−1 and –0.03 ± 0.008×10−1 g (SLa < CGa < BGa < DBb < EVc) and the volume loss (ΔV) between 900 ± 3×10−5 and 2459 ± 7×10−5 μm3 (SLa < BGa < CGa,b < DBb < EVc). The vertical height loss (∆VH) was highest for SL (–18.911 ± 3.5) and lowest for EV 55.19 ± 6.3 μm (SLa < BGa < CGa,b < DBb < EVc). The surface roughness (μm) difference (∆Ra) was lowest for DB (–0.14 ± 0.02) and the highest for EV (0.86 ± 0.42) (DBa < BGa < SLa < CGa < EVb). BG showed the lowest contact angle difference (∆SW) –2.79 ± 0.8° and EV the highest (3.93 ± 3.1°) (BGa < DBa < SLa < CGa < EVa).

Conclusions

All polishing instruments performed similarly when ∆Ra values were considered. SL, BG, and CG produced the least material loss. Synthetically bonded rubber bur interspersed with diamond (EV) could not be suggested for polishing MZ.
Fingolimod hydrochloride gel shows promising therapeutic effects in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Tamakuwala Mayurkumar , Ratna Warren , Joshi Amit , Stagni Grazia
Published: July 2016

Objectives

To assess the efficacy of topically applied 2% hydroxypropyl cellulose gels containing 0.5% fingolimod hydrochloride (FNGL) with or without 6% colloidal oatmeal in an in vivo model of atopic dermatitis (AD).

Methods

AD-like lesions were induced in SKH1/Hr hairless mice and were treated with FNGL gels, non-medicated base gels and Elidel® cream for 6 weeks. The severity/improvement of the lesions was assessed regularly using the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), pH of the skin, transepidermal water loss, g/m2/h (TEWL), humidity and temperature. At the end of the experiments, the plasma levels of cytokines, FNGL and white blood cells were determined.

Key findings

The EASI score was almost unchanged for the vehicle-only groups compared to before the treatments, whereas the medicated groups showed a significant decrease in the overall EASI score (P < 0.01), although there was non-significant differences among them (P > 0.081). Both the FNGL groups also showed a significant (P ˂ 0.05) reduction in blood WBC.

Conclusion

This study shows that the gels containing 0.50% FNGL and FNGL 0.50% plus 6% colloidal oatmeal have potential for the treatment of AD. The presence of colloidal oatmeal may provide additional benefits.
Plate failure by bending following tibial fracture stabilisation in 10 cats
Authors: Morris A. P. , Anderson A. A. , Barnes D. M. , Bright S. R. , Knudsen C. S. , Lewis D. D. , Pozzi A. , Langley‐Hobbs S. J.
Published: July 2016

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical findings and management of tibial fractures in cats in which osteosynthesis failed due to plate bending.

METHODS

Case records and radiographs of cat tibial fracture repairs from five referral centres were reviewed for signalment and to assess incidence of plate failure by bending. Cats that sustained plate bending following plate or plate‐rod fixation were reviewed for fracture configuration, repair method, initial postoperative and postfailure tibial alignment, revision treatment and outcome.

RESULTS

The incidence of plate bending in cat fractures managed with plate and plate‐rod fixation in the four referral centres where the overall number could be established was 13% (8/60). In the 10 cats in which plates bent, initial fractures were generally oblique or spiral with mild comminution and located in the middle or distal third of the tibia. Mean time to implant failure was 24 days (range 2 to 56 days). Mean tibial valgus angle increased from 12·9° to 30·9° following bending of the plate. Short‐term outcome following revision surgery using orthogonal plating or stacked medial plates was favourable with improvement in tibial valgus in all five fractures with follow‐up data.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Plate bending following tibial fracture stabilisation in these 10 cats resulted in tibial valgus deformation. Consideration of plate and/or intramedullary rod selection and application should be given to avoid a plate strain environment that exceeds the yield point of the plate.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia after immunosuppressive treatment
Authors: Appel Shmuel , Nitsan Zeev , Gelfand Anna , Tikhmanovich Natalia , Dorodnicov Elena , Reznik‐Zoref Jenia , Milo Ron , Lugassy Gilles , Simonovich Azaria
Published: July 2016

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is a fatal viral infection of the central nervous system. Magnetic resonance imaging typically shows hyperintense T2/fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery lesions in the periventricular or subcortical white matter without contrast enhancement or gray matter involvement. Herein, we report on a case of a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and developed progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy with unusual magnetic resonance imaging findings.
The Aesthetics of Electronic Dance Music, Part II: Dancers, DJs, Ontology and Aesthetics
Authors: Wiltsher Nick
Published: July 2016

What's aesthetically interesting or significant about electronic dance music? The first answer I consider here is that dancing is significant. Using literature on groove, dance and expression, I sketch an account of club dancing as expressive activity. I next consider the aesthetic achievements of DJs, introducing two conceptions of what they do. These thoughts lead to discussions of dance music's ontology. I suggest that the fundamental work of dance music is the mix and that mixes require their own ontology, distinct from ontologies of recordings or improvisations. Finally, I explore two aspects of dance music's aesthetics: its connection with repetition and repetitiveness and its use of electronic sounds and technologies. I conclude with some speculative thoughts about the unique relation dance music bears to repetition and electronics. This article is Part II of two; in Part I, I consider the problem of defining dance music, via the framing question of authenticity. I explore history, genre, scenes and subcultures, and blackness.
Cabinets and Informal Advisory Networks in Multiparty Presidential Systems
Authors: Siavelis Peter M.
Published: July 2016

There is virtually no literature on informal presidential advisory networks in Latin America. By employing Chile as a theoretically grounded case study, this article demonstrates that multiparty coalition management inserts unique tensions into the presidential advisory equation, and thus unique challenges for presidents in achieving their governing goals when compared to single party government. It also contributes to theory building by underscoring how the interaction between formal portfolio distribution and informal advisory networks helps determine success of cross‐party power sharing arrangements. Finally, it makes some tentative suggestions concerning the optimal formula for presidents to resolve tensions between formal and informal advisory networks under multiparty presidentialism.
Introducing perception and modelling of spatial randomness in classroom
Authors: De Nóbrega José Renato
Published: July 2016

A strategy to facilitate understanding of spatial randomness is described, using student activities developed in sequence: looking at spatial patterns, simulating approximate spatial randomness using a grid of equally‐likely squares, using binomial probabilities for approximations and predictions and then comparing with given Poisson probabilities. Key questions are discussed with students on concepts needed to understand the approximate models and to generate predictions based on the approximations. The sequence is structured to be interactive to encourage student's interest and curiosity.
SINGLE INSTITUTION VARIABILITY IN INTENSITY MODULATED RADIATION TARGET DELINEATION FOR CANINE NASAL NEOPLASIA
Authors: Christensen Neil I. , Forrest Lisa J. , White Pamela J. , Henzler Margaret , Turek Michelle M.
Published: July 2016

Contouring variability is a significant barrier to the accurate delivery and reporting of radiation therapy. The aim of this descriptive study was to determine the variation in contouring radiation targets and organs at risk by participants within our institution. Further, we also aimed to determine if all individuals contoured the same normal tissues. Two canine nasal tumor datasets were selected and contoured by two ACVR‐certified radiation oncologists and two radiation oncology residents from the same institution. Eight structures were consistently contoured including the right and left eye, the right and left lens, brain, the gross tumor volume (GTV), clinical target volume (CTV), and planning target volume (PTV). Spinal cord, hard and soft palate, and bulla were contoured on 50% of datasets. Variation in contouring occurred in both targets and normal tissues at risk and was particularly significant for the GTV, CTV, and PTV. The mean metric score and dice similarity coefficient were below the threshold criteria in 37.5–50% and 12.5–50% of structures, respectively, quantitatively indicating contouring variation. This study refutes our hypothesis that minimal variation in target and normal tissue delineation occurs. The variation in contouring may contribute to different tumor response and toxicity for any given patient. Our results also highlight the difficulty associated with replication of published radiation protocols or treatments, as even with replete contouring description the outcome of treatment is still fundamentally influenced by the individual contouring the patient.
KERANGKA HIRARKI FAKTOR PENUAAN PERISIAN (HIPP): SATU KAJIAN EMPIRIK DI MALAYSIA
Authors: Zainal Abidin Zaiha Nadiah , Yahaya Jamaiah , Deraman Aziz
Published: July 2016

Software ageing is a phenomenon of software performance and quality performance decreases with time. Many previous studies assessing the impact experienced by software in aging phase. In this study, the aging of the software defined differently with previous studies. In this study software ageing is defined as a software that  loses it value and quality to consumers and the environment. An empirical study was undertaken to identify other factors that affect software ageing. The purpose of this article is to present an analysis of the results of empirical studies on factors that affecting  software ageing. In this empirical study, questionnaires were distributed randomlyto software practitioners through a recognized database. Questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS software. The results of the empirical study identifies the factors that influence the software ageing. Factorsare classified according to specific classes based on the combinationof classification approach, Goal Question Metric(GQM) and Factor Attribute Metric Measure(FAME). The final result of this article is a hierarchical classification structure factors that will be used as the basis for the development of the instrument in the case study at the next level.
FAST POSITIONING PERFORMANCE IN BALL SCREW MECHANISM WITH DISTURBANCE OBSERVER
Authors: Foo Jia En , Chong Shin Horng , Hee Wai Keat , Loh Ser Lee , Hashim Norhaslinda
Published: July 2016

Ball screw mechanisms are widely applied in different industries due to their capability in achieving precise positioning performance as well as its long travel range for positioning, travelling and contouring actions. However, this mechanism exhibits nonlinearities in micro movement. In this paper, a disturbance observer and PD controller (PDDO) is proposed in ball screw mechanism to achieve fast and precise positioning performance. A macrodynamic mathematical model of the mechanism is derived. PDDO controller is designed to achieve fast positioning in micro travel range. The robustness of the controller against mass is examined. The experimental results demonstrated that the PDDO controller achieves better performance in fast tracking (3 Hz) with working range at 100 μm, 1 mm and 3 mm as compared to the PID controller. Besides that, the PDDO controller also demonstrated its robustness in the presence of mass changes.
A FAST AND EFFECTIVE SEGMENTATION ALGORITHM WITH AUTOMATIC REMOVAL OF INEFFECTIVE FEATURES ON TONGUE IMAGES
Authors: Kamarudin Nur Diyana , Ooi Chia Yee , Kawanabe Tadaaki , Mi Xiaoyu , Odaguchi Hiroshi , Hanawa Toshihiko , Kobayashi Fuminori
Published: July 2016

In computerized tongue diagnostic system, tongue body color has been one of the essential features that contain rich information for diagnosing disease. However, tongue body color measurement can be influenced by the tongue coating color and other ineffective features such as significant coatings, shadows, teeth mark and crackles. This paper presents a fast processing segmentation algorithm using Hue, Saturation and Value (HSV) color space transformation to segment and remove these ineffective features aiming to have an accurate color measurement for online diagnosis. The newly devised Brightness Conformable Multiplier (BCM) has been proposed to automatically adjust the threshold brightness based on three conditions of lower perioral area’s brightness, ; when  is smaller than its standard deviation,  is greater than its standard deviation and otherwise. Besides, the Modified Sequential Algorithm (MSA) has been proposed to offer fast processing algorithm of 1.445 seconds and better segmentation. The successful segmentation rate was recorded as 90%. Furthermore, color measurement is carried out on the segmented samples and the analysis showed that the dispersion range of tongue body color measurement is small. This indicates a convincing result as the color boundary among light red, red and deep red tongue has been determined precisely.
NOVEL MULTIPLE LEVEL SUBCARRIER ALLOCATION SCHEME IN SC-FDMA FOR LTE-A UPLINK
Authors: A. Abdased Mohamed Melood , Ismail Mahamod , Nordin Rosdiadee
Published: July 2016

Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A) uses Single-Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Accesses (SC-FDMA) for uplink, because it has robust performance against the Peak Average Power Ratio (PAPR), compared to Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA). SC-FDMA schemes include Interleaved FDMA (IFDMA) and Localized FDMA (LFDMA), both of which are commonly practiced in LTE-A uplink. IFDMA allocates distributed frequency carriers for users, whereas LFDMA allocates localized frequency carriers for users. The frequency allocation in an IFDMA scheme exhibits better PAPR performance, whereas the advantage of LFDMA is its lower complexity requirements. In this paper, a new scheme is introduced that integrates IFDMA and LFDMA by using a variable interleave allocation of subcarriers in the bandwidth. Here, Generalized Interleaved Frequency Division Multiple Accesses (GIFDMA), is used as a master key that controls the allocation for interleaved and localized FDMA, also known as L/I FDMA. This integration of IFDMA and LFDMA has been derived theoretically and empirically. Simulations are conducted to investigate the effect of different parameters on the GIFDMA PAPR performance, which is compared to that of conventional IFDMA and LFDMA. The simulation results revealed that the proposed GIFDMA provides PAPR performance comparable to that of both LFDMA and IFDMA.
USING DURIAN RIND AS BRIDGING MATERIAL TO OVERCOME FLUID LOSS AND LOST CIRCULATION PROBLEMS IN DRILLING OPERATIONS
Authors: Abdul Majid Nor Fatihah , Ismail Issham , Hamid Mohd Fauzi
Published: July 2016

Lost circulation is one of the drilling operational problems. It refers to the total or partial loss of drilling fluid into highly permeable zones or natural or induced fractures. This problem is likely to occur when the hydrostatic head pressure of drilling fluid in the hole exceeds the formation pressure. Today, managing lost circulation remains a significant challenge to oilwell drilling operations because it may contribute to high non-productive time. It is imperative to note that the overbalance pressure situation also can cause the invasion of mud filtrate into production zones which will result in formation damage. To address these problems, an experimental investigation has been done on durian rind as an alternative fluid loss and lost circulation materials in water-based mud. Durian rind was selected as a mud loss control material because it contains close to 20% pectin which may complement the formation of high quality mat-like bridges across openings of the formation. The test involved the use of standard mud testing equipment and a lost circulation test cell. Durian rind powder was prepared by cleaning and cutting the durian rind into small pieces of 1 to 2 cm, and then dried them in an oven at 60°C for 48 hours before grinding into five different sizes from coarse to ultra-fine while Hydro-plug, the commercial lost circulation material was supplied by Scomi Energy. The fluid loss test was conducted using a standard low pressure filter press while the bridging test was carried out at 100 psi of pressure difference and ambient temperature using a lost circulation cell. Fine durian in the water-based mud gave the best fluid loss control compared to coarse durian rind, fine and coarse Hydro-plug. The experimental results also showed that at 15 lb/bbl (42.8 kg/m3) optimum concentration, coarse and intermediate durian rind have outperformed Hydro-plug by showing an excellent control of mud losses in 1 and 2 mm simulated fractures.
FIRST DERIVATIVE PREDICTION OF RAW BROILER SHEAR FORCE USING VISIBLE SHORT WAVE NEAR INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY
Authors: Ghazali Rashidah , Abdul Rahim Herlina
Published: July 2016

A non-destructive,fast, reliable and low cost technique which is Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) is required to replace conventional destructive texture analyser in shear force measurement. The combination of visible and shortwave near infrared (VIS-SWNIR) spectrometer and principal component regression (PCR) to assess the quality attribute of raw broiler meat texture (shear force value (kg)) was investigated. Wavelength region of visible and shortwave 662-1005 nm was selected for prediction after pre-processing. Absorbance spectra was pre-processed using the optimal Savitzky-Golay smoothing mode with 1st order derivative, 2nd degree polynomial and 31 filter points to remove the baseline shift effect. Potential outliers were identified through externally studentised residual approach. The PCR model were trained with 90 samples in calibration and validated with 44 samples in prediction datasets. From the PCR analysis, correlation coefficient of calibration (RC), the root mean square calibration (RMSEC), correlation coefficient of prediction (RP) and the root mean square prediction (RMSEP) of visible and shortwave (662-1005 nm) with 4 principal components were 0.4645,0.0898, 0.4231 and 0.0945. The predicted results can be improved by applying the 2nd order derivative and the non-linear model.
FREQUENCY ESTIMATION FOR ATRIAL FIBRILLATION FROM HUMAN STUDIES
Authors: Ahmad Anita
Published: July 2016

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common disorder of the heart rhythms. There are about 2.3 million people in United States and 4.5 million people in the European Union with AF [1]. It is also one of the factors that may contribute to mortality and morbidity. Researchers who apply spectral techniques show that certain areas of the atria can have higher activation frequencies than other areas. Frequency analysis is used to measure changes in Dominant Frequency (DF). We access the electrical propagation inside the atria by spectrogram plotting and examining the effect of high frequency stimulation on human.
SINGLE CHANNEL MAGNETIC INDUCTION SPECTROSCOPY TECHNIQUE FOR FETAL ACIDOSIS DETECTION
Authors: Sarkawi Shazwani , Zakaria Zulkarnay , Abdul Jalil Jurimah , Balkhis Ibrahim , Adul Rahim Mohamad Aliff , Mustafa Nazahah , Rahim Ruzairi Abdul , Rahim Mohd Hafiz Fazalul , Shafie Zaridah
Published: July 2016

Current fetal acidosis diagnosis needs an invasive measurement which required a doctor to puncture fetal scalp to acquire blood pH. This method introduced risk to the fetal which fetal scalp may bruise and infected. This paper discusses a noninvasive method employing a single channel magnetic induction spectroscopy technique as an alternative method to diagnose acidosis in fetal without puncturing the fetal scalp. The studies are based on numerical simulation models to investigate the most feasible sensor coil that is sensitive and effective to be implemented in hardware setup as the shape of coil influences directly the sensing performance of the magnetic induction spectroscopy system. The study has found that the circular coil is more sensitive than linear coil. The system tested with different pH samples to mimic the blood pH value. The result is very promising with good correlation approaching 1 has been achieved. Therefore, magnetic induction spectroscopy technique has good opportunity to be applied as an alternative method to detect acidosis in the fetal with circular coil is performed as the best sensing coils for MIS hardware.
UNDERWATER GROUND MAPPING FOR FLOOD DISASTER USING ULTRASONIC SENSOR
Authors: Sayyidi Hamzah Salman , Fazalul Rahiman Mohd Hafiz , Mustafa Mohd Hajazi , Amat Mohd Azrul , Thiam Siow Lean , Ang Wei Neng Vernoon , Tan Wan Kiat Thomas , Ishak Syafiqah , Mat Ali Nur Atikah
Published: July 2016

Search and Rescue (SAR) team used dip stick to measure the water depth and identify the badly eroded area and a guide line will be placed to assist them. However, ground erosion is unpredictable coupled with unknown sizes make the SAR task more difficult thus posing grave danger to SAR team in action. Therefore, this current method is no longer reliable because the flood current will swipe it away and rendered the guide line to be unfeasible over time consuming. A system proposed in this study was developed using ultrasonic sensor array to reconstruct the ground map in flood area. It consists of several sensor arrays to collect the underwater depth information and convert them into mapping data before relaying them to ground station. The results then will help the SAR team to identify the safe path to reach for the flood victims. The factor to focus on is the depth of the flood, the current flow and the medium that the wave will go through. The current flow will be the main threat because the sensor needs to be on the right angle to get the accurate reading. The data then will be transfer to excel to start the mapping for underwater ground. Based on the result from the prototype testing conducted using water tank, sensors can be installed to get wider map view and mapping can be improved by using multi-angle shapes for it to be more accurate in flood disaster.
FPGA TECHNOLOGY IN PROCESS TOMOGRAPHY
Authors: Thiam Siow Lean , Fazalul Rahiman Mohd Hafiz , Rahim Ruzairi Abdul , Abdul Majid Mohd Shukry , Sayyidi Hamzah Salman , Mat Ali Nur Atikah , Ang Wei Neng Vernoon , Ishak Syafiqah , Tan Wan Kiat Thomas
Published: July 2016

The aims of this paper are to provide a review of the process tomography applications employing field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) and to understand current FPGA related researches, in order to seek for the possibility to applied FPGA technology in an ultrasonic process tomography system. FPGA allows users to implement complete systems on a programmable chip, meanwhile, five main benefits of applying the FPGA technology are performance, time to market, cost, reliability, and long-term maintenance. These advantages definitely could help in the revolution of process tomography, especially for ultrasonic process tomography and electrical process tomography. Future work is focused on the ultrasonic process tomography for chemical process column investigation using FPGA for the aspects of low cost, high speed and reconstructed image quality.
AN ULTRASONIC SENSING SYSTEM FOR ASSISTING VISUALLY IMPAIRED PERSON
Authors: Mohd Nayan Norkharziana , Latchmanan Ruben
Published: July 2016

This paper presents a design and analysis of ultrasonic sensing system for visually impaired person. This system operation consisting of ultrasonic sensor and a microcontroller as the brain for the system. The experimental measure been done to calibrate the sensor to produce accurate measurement of distance. Basically, the prototype device produce is a portable device which can be kept in user’s front pocket or can be wear using lanyard. Device will assist the user according to the range of obstacle. Whereby the user is closer to an obstacle the connected buzzer will beep at different rate according to the range of the obstacle. The project is designed and developed using P18F1330 microcontroller and programmed using C language.
VENTRICULAR ARRHYTHMIAS CLASSIFICATION AND ONSET DETERMINATION SYSTEM
Authors: Othman Mohd Afzan , Mat Safri Norlaili , Zakaria Noraini
Published: July 2016

Accurately differentiating between ventricular fibrillation (VF) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) episodes is crucial in preventing potentially fatal missed interpretations that could lead to needless shock to the patients, resulting in damaging the heart. Apart from accurately classifying between VT and VF, the predetermination of the onset of the ventricular arrhythmias is also important in order to allow for more efficient monitoring of patients and can potentially save one’s life. Thus, this research intends to focus on developing a system called Classification and Onset Determination System (CODS) that is able to classify, track and monitor ventricular arrhythmias by using a method called Second Order Dynamic Binary Decomposition (SOD-BD) technique. Two significant characteristics (the natural frequency and the input parameter) were extracted from Electrocardiogram (ECG) signals that are provided by Physiobank database and analyzed to find the significant differences for each ventricular arrhythmia types and classify the ECGs accordingly (N, VT and VF). The outcome from these ECG extractions was also used to locate the onset of ventricular arrhythmia that is useful to predict the occurrence of the heart abnormalities. All the ECGs analysis, parameters extraction, classification techniques, and the CODS are developed using LabVIEW software.