bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impacts of Spatially Variable Demand Patterns on Water Distribution System Design and Operation
Authors: Diao Kegong , Sitzenfrei Robert , Rauch Wolfgang
Published: March 2019

Resilient water distribution systems (WDSs) need to minimize the level of service failure in terms of magnitude and duration over its design life when subject to exceptional conditions. This requires WDS design to consider scenarios as close as possible to real conditions of the WDS to avoid any unexpected level of service failure in future operation (e.g., insufficient pressure, much higher operational cost, water quality issues, etc.). Thus, this research aims at exploring the impacts of design flow scenarios (i.e., spatial-variant demand patterns) on water distribution system design and operation. WDSs are traditionally designed by using a uniform demand pattern for the whole system. Nevertheless, in reality, the patterns are highly related to the number of consumers, service areas, and the duration of peak flows. Thus, water distribution systems are comprised of distribution blocks (communities) organized in a hierarchical structure. As each community may be significantly different from the others in scale and water use, the WDSs have spatially variable demand patterns. Hence, there might be considerable variability of real flow patterns for different parts of the system. Consequently, the system operation might not reach the expected performance determined during the design stage, since all corresponding facilities are commonly tailor-made to serve the design flow scenario instead of the real situation. To quantify the impacts, WDSs’ performances under both uniform and spatial distributed patterns are compared based on case studies. The corresponding impacts on system performances are then quantified based on three major metrics; i.e., capital cost, energy cost, and water quality. This study exemplifies that designing a WDS using spatial distributed demand patterns might result in decreased life-cycle cost (i.e., lower capital cost and nearly the same pump operating cost) and longer water ages. The outcomes of this study provide valuable information regarding design and operation of water supply infrastructures; e.g., assisting the optimal design.
Spatial Downscaling of Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Annual and Monthly Precipitation Data over the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River Basin, China
Authors: Chen Shaodan , Zhang Liping , She Dunxian , Chen Jie
Published: March 2019

Precipitation plays an important role in the global water cycle, in addition to material and energy exchange processes. Therefore, obtaining precipitation data with a high spatial resolution is of great significance. We used a geographically weighted regression (GWR)-based downscaling model to downscale Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) 3B43 precipitation data over the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River Basin (MLRYRB) from a resolution of 0.25° to 1 km on an annual scale, and the downscaled results were calibrated using the geographical differential analysis (GDA) method. At present, either the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) or a digital elevation model (DEM) is selected as the environmental variable in the downscaling models. However, studies have shown that the relationship between the NDVI and precipitation gradually weakens when precipitation exceeds a certain threshold. In contrast, the enhanced vegetation index (EVI) overcomes the saturation shortcomings of the NDVI. Therefore, this study investigated the performances of EVI-derived and NDVI-derived downscaling models in downscaling TRMM precipitation data. The results showed that the NDVI performed better than the EVI in the annual downscaling model, possibly because this study used the annual average NDVI, which may have neutralized detrimental saturation effects. Moreover, the accuracy of the downscaling model could be effectively improved after correcting for residuals and calibrating the model with the GDA method. Subsequently, the downscaled rainfall was closer to the actual weather station rainfall observations. Furthermore, the downscaled results were decomposed into fractions to obtain monthly precipitation data, showing that the proposed method by utilizing the GDA method could improve not only the spatial resolution of remote sensing precipitation data, but also the accuracy of data.
Dynamics of the Flow Exchanges between Matrix and Conduits in Karstified Watersheds at Multiple Temporal Scales
Authors: Sivelle Vianney , Labat David , Mazzilli Naomi , Massei Nicolas , Jourde Hervé
Published: March 2019

The focus of this paper is to investigate the ability to assess the flow exchanges between the matrix and the conduits in two karstified watersheds (Aliou and Baget, Ariège, France) using the KarstMod modeling platform. The modeling is applied using hourly and daily time series. First, the flow dynamics between the conduit and the surrounding matrix are described on a rainfall event scale (i.e., a few days). The model allows us to describe a physical reality concerning the flow reversal between matrix and conduit when there is a significant rainfall event. Then, the long-term trends (i.e., inter-annual) in the matrix water level are evidenced using the moving average over shifting horizon method (MASH). The mean water level in the matrix dropped about 10% to 15% since the late 1960s. Also, the matrix recharge has been delayed from February in the late 1960s to April since the 1990s. Moreover, the contribution of the matrix in the total spring flow is estimated though mass balance. It is estimated that the annual matrix contribution in the total spring flow is about 3% and it can increase to up to 25% during periods with low rainfall.
Effects of Drought Stress on Biomass, Essential Oil Content, Nutritional Parameters, and Costs of Production in Six Lamiaceae Species
Authors: García-Caparrós Pedro , Romero María José , Llanderal Alfonso , Cermeño Pedro , Lao María Teresa , Segura María Luz
Published: March 2019

Lamiaceae is one of the largest families of aromatic plants and it is characterized by the presence of external glandular structures which produce essential oils highly valued in cosmetics and medicine. Plants of Lavandula latifolia, Mentha piperita, Salvia sclarea, Salvia lavandulifolia, Thymus capitatus, and Thymus mastichina were grown for one year. In order to evaluate the effects of drought stress, plants were subjected to two water treatments (100% ETo and 70% ETo, including the rainfall during the experimental period). At the end of the experiment, the biomass, the essential oil content, and leaf nutrients concentration were assessed for each water treatment and species studied. At the end of the experiment, L. latifolia, M. piperita and T. capitatus plants showed a significant fresh weight reduction under drought stress conditions whereas the other species studied remained unchanged. With respect to dry weight, only L. latifolia plants showed a reduction under water deficit conditions. As far as essential oil content was concerned, L. latifolia and S. sclarea plants had a reduction under water deficit conditions. Leaf nutrient concentration showed different trends between species considering the nutrient assessed. The economic viability of the growth of this species will be dependent on the benefits achieved which are related to yield production obtained and the price accorded for both raw material and the essential oil extracted.
FORMATION OF THE CHILD-CENTRIC MOTIVATION FOR PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY OF PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION TEACHER
Authors: Lutcenko Iryna
Published: March 2019

The justification of the structural components of child-centered motivation was given in the first part of the main material of the article, namely: developed cognitive interest in the world of preschool childhood; value hierarchy of personal qualities of the educator; value hierarchy of the professional interaction motives with children; the presence of a sense of psychological proximity to the childhood world; the formation of an emotional-value attitude to the child as a subject of communication and professional interaction; manifestation of personal inclination to practice verbal communication with children of preschool age. The relationship and consistency of their formation and development is examined in the second part.
AWARENESS ABOUT THE PHENOMENON OF A SENSITIVE ATTITUDE FROM THE EDUCATOR TO PRESCHOOL CHILDREN IN PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PEDAGOGICAL STUDIES
Authors: Korzhuk Olha
Published: March 2019

The statement of basic materials is presented by the characteristic of historical periods of attitude transformation of society to the child, childhood; the interpretation category aspects of the teacher's sensitivity to children in the scientific heritage of scholars were considered; analysis of scientific approaches to the definition of the sensitivity of the preschool children educator personality, the sensitive attitude of the educator to children was made.
Are You Ready for This? Preparing for School Change by Assessing Readiness
Authors: McKnight Katherine , Glennie Elizabeth
Published: March 2019

Schools routinely face federal and state mandated changes, like the Common Core State Standards or standardized testing requirements. Sometimes districts and schools want to take on new policies and practices of their own, like anti-bullying programs or using technology to deliver instruction. Regardless of the origin of the change, implementation requires them to take on additional work; yet experts estimate that only 30 to 50 percent of major change efforts in organizations will succeed. Failing change efforts result in not only financial losses but also lowered organizational morale, wasted resources, and lost opportunities. For schools where resources are already stretched thin, the consequences of failed change initiatives can be particularly devastating. In this paper, we discuss results of a study, over a school year, of school principals who were working on implementing a new change initiative in their schools. We apply lessons from the change management literature and focus on the importance of assessing readiness for change as a key step in ensuring the success of new initiatives. We share examples of a change readiness rubric to help schools and districts successfully lead change.
DIFFERENCE METHODS TO ONE AND MULTIDIMENSIONAL INTERDIFFUSION MODELS WITH VEGARD RULE
Authors: Sapa Lucjan , Bożek Bogusław , Danielewski Marek
Published: March 2019

In this work we consider the one and multidimensional diffusional transport in an s-component solid solution. The new model is expressed by the nonlinear parabolic-elliptic system of strongly coupled differential equations with the initial and the nonlinear coupled boundary conditions. It is obtained from the local mass conservation law for fluxes which are a sum of the diffusional and Darken drift terms, together with the Vegard rule. The considered boundary conditions allow the physical system to be not only closed but also open. We construct the implicit finite difference methods (FDM) generated by some linearization idea, in the one and two-dimensional cases. The theorems on existence and uniqueness of solutions of the implicit difference schemes, and the theorems concerned convergence and stability are proved. We present the approximate concentrations, drift and its potential for a ternary mixture of nickel, copper and iron. Such difference methods can be also generalized on the three-dimensional case. The agreement between the theoretical results, numerical simulations and experimental data is shown.
PERIODIC CYCLES IN THE SOLOW MODEL WITH A DELAY EFFECT
Authors: Kulikov Dmitri , Kulikov Anatolij
Published: March 2019

The three natural modifications of the known mathematical macroeconomics model of macroeconomics are studied in which a delay factor is presumed. This led to the replacement of the ordinary differential equation, which cannot exhibit periodic cycles on the equations with a deviating argument (functional-differential equations). It was possible to show the existence of periodic solutions that can and are intended to describe the periodic cycles in the market economy in two of the three variants of such changes in the classical form of the model.

The mathematical portion is based on the application of the modern theory of dynamical systems with an infinite-dimensional space of initial conditions. This will allow us to apply the Andronov-Hopf Theorem for equations with a deviating argument in such a form that the parameters of the cycles are located. We will also apply the well-known Krylov-Bogolyubov algorithm that is extended to infinite-dimensional dynamical systems that is used and reduces the problem to the analysis of the finite-dimensional system of ordinary differential equations-the normal Poincare-Dulac form.
Detection of the Far-infrared [O iii] and Dust Emission in a Galaxy at Redshift 8.312: Early Metal Enrichment in the Heart of the Reionization Era
Authors: Tamura Yoichi , Mawatari Ken , Hashimoto Takuya , Inoue Akio K. , Zackrisson Erik , Christensen Lise , Binggeli Christian , Matsuda Yuichi , Matsuo Hiroshi , Takeuchi Tsutomu T. , Asano Ryosuke S. , Sunaga Kaho , Shimizu Ikkoh , Okamoto Takashi , Yoshida Naoki , Lee Minju M. , Shibuya Takatoshi , Taniguchi Yoshiaki , Umehata Hideki , Hatsukade Bunyo , Kohno Kotaro , Ota Kazuaki
Published: March 2019

We present the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array detection of the [O iii] 88 μm line and rest-frame 90 μm dust continuum emission in a Y-dropout Lyman break galaxy (LBG), MACS0416_Y1 lying behind the Frontier Field cluster MACS J0416.1−2403. This [O iii] detection confirms the LBG with a spectroscopic redshift of z = 8.3118 ± 0.0003, making this object one of the farthest galaxies ever identified spectroscopically. The observed 850 μm flux density of 137 ± 26 μJy corresponds to a de-lensed total infrared (IR) luminosity of

if assuming a dust temperature of T
dust = 50 K and an emissivity index of β = 1.5, yielding a large dust mass of

. The ultraviolet-to-far-IR spectral energy distribution modeling where the [O iii] emissivity model is incorporated suggests the presence of a young (τ
age ≈ 4 Myr), star-forming (

yr−1), moderately metal-polluted (Z ≈ 0.2Z
⊙) stellar component with a mass of M
star = 3 × 108
M
⊙. An analytic dust mass evolution model with a single episode of star formation does not reproduce the metallicity and dust mass in τ
age ≈ 4 Myr, suggesting a pre-existing evolved stellar component with M
star ∼ 3 × 109 M
☉ and τ
age ∼ 0.3 Gyr as the origin of the dust mass.
The Motion of a Losing Mass Plasmon
Authors: Rivera-Ortiz P. R. , Rodríguez-González A. , Hernández-Martínez L. , Cantó J.
Published: March 2019

The interaction of a high velocity clump of gas has been described by the plasmon model, which considers balance between ram pressure and the internal stratified structure of the decelerated clump. In this paper we propose an analytical model to describe the mass loss of such a clump due the interaction with the environment, describing its influence on the plasmon dynamics. We carry out comparisons between an analytic model and axisymmetric gas dynamic simulations of plasmon evolution. From our simulations we were able to find the values of the friction constants α and λ. Comparing with the complete analytic model from which we can infer the position and the mass loss of the clump as a function of the clump’s density and the environment ratio.
A New HLLD Riemann Solver with Boris Correction for Reducing Alfvén Speed
Authors: Matsumoto Tomoaki , Miyoshi Takahiro , Takasao Shinsuke
Published: March 2019

A new Riemann solver is presented for the ideal magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) equations with the so-called Boris correction. The Boris correction is applied to reduce wave speeds, avoiding an extremely small timestep in MHD simulations. The proposed Riemann solver, Boris-HLLD, is based on the HLLD solver. As done by the original HLLD solver, (1) the Boris-HLLD solver has four intermediate states in the Riemann fan when left and right states are given, (2) it resolves the contact discontinuity, Alfvén waves, and fast waves, and (3) it satisfies all the jump conditions across shock waves and discontinuities except for slow shock waves. The results of a shock tube problem indicate that the scheme with the Boris-HLLD solver captures contact discontinuities sharply, and it exhibits shock waves without any overshoot when using the minmod limiter. The stability tests show that the scheme is stable when

for a low Alfvén speed (

), where u, c, and V

A
denote the gas velocity, speed of light, and Alfvén speed, respectively. For a high Alfvén speed (

), where the plasma beta is relatively low in many cases, the stable region is large,

. We discuss the effect of the Boris correction on physical quantities using several test problems. The Boris-HLLD scheme can be useful for problems with supersonic flows in which regions with a very low plasma beta appear in the computational domain.
Dark Matter: An Efficient Catalyst for Intermediate-mass-ratio-inspiral Events
Authors: Yue Xiao-Jun , Han Wen-Biao , Chen Xian
Published: March 2019

Gravitational waves (GWs) can be produced if a stellar compact object, such as a black hole (BH) or neutron star, inspirals into an intermediate-massive black hole of

. Such a system may be produced in the center of a globular cluster or a nuclear star cluster and is known as an intermediate- or extreme-mass-ratio inspiral (IMRI or EMRI). Motivated by the recent suggestions that dark matter minispikes could form around IMBHs, we study the effect of dynamical friction against DM on the merger rate of IMRIs/EMRIs. We find that the merger timescale of IMBHs with BHs and NSs would be shortened by two to three orders of magnitude. As a result, the event rate of IMRIs/EMRIs are enhanced by orders of magnitude relative to that in the case of no DM minispikes. In the most extreme case where IMBHs are small and the DM minispikes have a steep density profile, all the BH in GCs and NSCs might be exhausted so that the mergers with NSs would dominate the current IMRIs/EMRIs. Our results suggest that the mass function of the IMBHs below 104
M
⊙ would bear imprints of the distribution of DM minispikes because these low-mass IMBHs can grow efficiently in the presence of DM minispikes by merging with BHs and NSs. Future space-based GW detectors, like LISA, Taiji, and Tianqin, can measure the IMRI/EMRI rate and hence constrain the distribution of DM around IMBHs.
Mapping the Interstellar Reddening and Extinction toward Baade’s Window Using Minimum Light Colors of ab-type RR Lyrae Stars: Revelations from the De-reddened Color–Magnitude Diagrams
Authors: Saha Abhijit , Vivas A. Katherina , Olszewski Edward W. , Smith Verne , Olsen Knut , Blum Robert , Valdes Francisco , Claver Jenna , Calamida Annalisa , Walker Alistair R. , Matheson Thomas , Narayan Gautham , Soraisam Monika , Cunha Katia , Axelrod T. , Bloom Joshua S. , Cenko S. Bradley , Frye Brenda , Juric Mario , Kaleida Catherine , Kunder Andrea , Miller Adam , Nidever David , Ridgway Stephen
Published: March 2019

We have obtained repeated images of six fields toward the Galactic bulge in five passbands (u, g, r, i, z) with the DECam imager on the Blanco 4 m telescope at CTIO. From more than 1.6 billion individual photometric measurements in the field centered on Baade’s window, we have detected 4877 putative variable stars. A total of 474 of these have been confirmed as fundamental mode RR Lyrae stars, whose colors at minimum light yield line-of-sight reddening determinations, as well as a reddenning law toward the Galactic Bulge, which differs significantly from the standard R

V
 = 3.1 formulation. Assuming that the stellar mix is invariant over the 3 square-degree field, we are able to derive a line-of-sight reddening map with sub-arcminute resolution, enabling us to obtain de-reddened and extinction corrected color–magnitude diagrams (CMDs) of this bulge field using up to 2.5 million well-measured stars. The corrected CMDs show unprecedented detail and expose sparsely populated sequences: for example, delineation of the very wide red giant branch, structure within the red giant clump, the full extent of the horizontal branch, and a surprising bright feature that is likely due to stars with ages younger than 1 Gyr. We use the RR Lyrae stars to trace the spatial structure of the ancient stars and find an exponential decline in density with Galactocentric distance. We discuss ways in which our data products can be used to explore the age and metallicity properties of the bulge, and how our larger list of all variables is useful for learning to interpret future LSST alerts.
The genus Indigofera (Leguminosae) in New Caledonia: two new species and a key for the species
Authors: Pignal Marc , de Queiroz Luciano Paganucci
Published: March 2019

Indigoferamonierana M.Pignal & L.P.Queiroz, sp. nov. and Indigoferadumbeana M.Pignal & L.P.Queiroz, sp. nov., two new species from New Caledonia, are described and illustrated. Both new species have been collected for a long time, but most herbarium specimens were named as the Australian species Indigoferaaustralis, even though they clearly stand apart from this species and the other New Caledonian species of the genus. Indigoferamonierana can be diagnosed by the tall virgate shrubby habit, leaves with an articulate rachis and 7–11 widely obovate to orbiculate leaflets with greyish undersurface and almost invisible venation. Indigoferadumbeana can be recognized by the arborescent habit, leaves with 15–19 elliptical leaflets, small, c. 6 mm long flowers, and ellipsoid seeds. Preliminary IUCN assessments are provided for both species. A key is provided for all species of Indigofera recorded from New Caledonia.
Alarmist by bad design: Strongly popularized unsubstantiated claims undermine credibility of conservation science
Authors: Komonen Atte , Halme Panu , Kotiaho Janne S.
Published: March 2019

“Unless we change our ways of producing food, insects as a whole will go down the path of extinction in a few decades.” or “Our work reveals dramatic rates of decline that may lead to the extinction of 40% of the world's insect species over the next few decades.” These are verbatim conclusions of the recent paper by Sánchez-Bayoa and Wyckhuys (2019) in Biological Conservation. Because of fundamental methodological flaws, their conclusions are unsubstantiated. Like noted by The Guardian, the conclusions of the paper were set out in unusually forceful terms for a peer-reviewed scientific paper. The current case has already seen corrections and withdrawals in print and social media. We are concerned that such development is eroding the importance of the biodiversity crisis, making the work of conservationists harder, and undermining the credibility of conservation science.
The Trichopterygini (Lepidoptera, Geometridae) of Austral South America: description of new species from Chile
Authors: Ramos-González Mario I. , Zamora-Manzur Carlos , Saladrigas Menés Dania , Parra Luis E.
Published: March 2019

Four new species belonging to the generaHoplosaurisButler,ButlerianaParra,WarrenariaParra, andFueguinaParra from south-central Chile are described. The species areH.morenoiRamos-González & Parra,sp. n.,B.phoenixRamos-González & Parra,sp. n.,W.oncaRamos-González & Parra,sp. n., andF.araucanaRamos-González & Parra,sp. n.The genusAlobaWarren is reassigned to tribe Trichopterygini andA.carolinaeRamos-González & Parra,sp. n.is described. Comparative diagnosis for all new species are provided, and illustrations of genitalia and the wing venation of the males for all new described species are given.
Preoperative Hemoglobin Predicts Postoperative Transfusion Despite Antifibrinolytics During Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Ryan Sean P. , Klement Mitchell R. , Green Cynthia L. , Blizzard Daniel J. , Wellman Samuel S. , Seyler Thorsten M.
Published: March 2019

Current antifibrinolytics have decreased perioperative blood loss; however, some patients still require transfusions postoperatively. The authors sought to determine the risk factors associated with postoperative transfusions and to establish a “cutoff” preoperative hemoglobin threshold value specific to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) that would identify patients who would benefit from blood conservation programs. The institutional database was queried for primary TKA patients. Preoperative patient demographics and hemoglobin values were determined in addition to intraoperative and postoperative variables, including transfusion rate. Patients were stratified by whether they received a transfusion perioperatively, and risk factors were identified through univariable and multivariable analysis. Optimal cutoff values for hemoglobin were identified by concurrently maximizing the sensitivity and specificity for predicting the risk of a postoperative transfusion event. Men and women were analyzed independently. A total of 532 primary TKAs were included for analysis, and 33 patients (6.2%) required a transfusion. Advanced age (
P
=.019), low pre-operative hemoglobin value (
P
<.001), and failure to receive tranexamic acid (
P
<.001) were associated with increased risk of postoperative transfusion. A preoperative hemoglobin value of 12.5 g/dL was identified as the optimal cutoff for predicting postoperative transfusion requirements across all patients, with a sensitivity of 84.8% and a specificity of 76.4%. Preoperative anemia remains predictive of transfusion following TKA despite current antifibrinolytics. Patients with a preoperative hemoglobin value of less than 12.5 g/dL who are not receiving intravenous tranexamic acid are particularly at risk and should be considered for blood conservation programs. [
Orthopedics
. 2019; 42(2):103–109.]
Unilateral Refractive Surgery and Myopia Progression
Authors: Sella Sara , Duvdevan-Strier Nizan , Kaiserman Igor
Published: March 2019

Purpose:

To compare the progression of myopia in eyes that underwent unilateral refractive surgery with non-operated eyes.

Methods:

Three patients who underwent refractive myopic correction in one eye are described. The collected preoperative and postoperative data included age, gender, subjective refraction, best corrected visual acuity, and uncorrected visual acuity.

Results:

The first patient (19-year-old woman) had photorefractive keratectomy in her left eye and the myopic progression was 1.20 diopters (D) (3 years postoperatively) compared to −2.50 D in her non-operated eye. The second patient (30-year-old man) had laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis in his left eye with a myopic progression of 0.25 D compared to 0.75 D in his non-operated eye (10 years postoperatively). The third patient (22-year-old man) underwent photorefractive keratectomy in his right eye with no myopic progression compared to −1.50 D in his non-operated eye (3 years postoperatively).

Conclusions:

These three cases suggest that refractive surgery for myopia correction may be associated with a slower progression of myopia postoperatively.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2019;56(2):78–82.]
Retinoblastoma Incidence Trends in Canada: A National Comprehensive Population-Based Study
Authors: Darwich Rami , Ghazawi Feras M. , Rahme Elham , Alghazawi Nebras , Burnier Julia Valdemarin , Sasseville Denis , Burnier Miguel N. , Litvinov Ivan V.
Published: March 2019

Purpose:

To determine the incidence rates and geographic distribution of retinoblastoma in Canada to aid cancer control programs.

Methods:

Patients with retinoblastoma whose data were available from the Canadian Cancer Registry (CCR) and Le Registre Québécois du Cancer (LRQC) were studied. Using third edition International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (ICD-O) codes, the authors examined the incidence rates and geographic distribution of patients with retinoblastoma between 1992 and 2010. Patient data including sex, age, and laterality of the retinoblastoma were analyzed.

Results:

Between 1992 and 2010 in Canada, the average annual incidence rate of retinoblastoma was 11.58 cases per 1 million children younger than 5 years (95% CI [confidence interval]: 10.48 to 12.76). The incidence rate was stable over time, with an average age at diagnosis of 2.30 ± 6.85 years and no gender predilection. The laterality of the reported cases was 81.48% for uni-lateral cases and 18.52% for bilateral cases. Provincially, Nova Scotia had twice the national average and the highest incidence rates of retinoblastoma across the Canadian provinces.

Conclusions:

This is the first study to define the disease burden of retinoblastoma and to highlight important longitudinal, geographic, and spatial differences in the distribution of retinoblastoma in Canada between 1992 and 2010. The results of this study indicate continuity of clinical trends between Canada, the United States, and other developed countries.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2019;56(2):124–130.]
Torsional Changes After Vertical Transposition of Horizontal Recti in V-pattern Exotropia Without Oblique Dysfunction
Authors: Maher Sara , El-Fayoumi Dina , Awadein Ahmed , Khazbak Lobna
Published: March 2019

Purpose:

To evaluate pattern collapse and torsional changes following vertical transposition of horizontal recti in patients with V-pattern exotropia and no oblique dysfunction.

Methods:

A prospective study was performed on patients who had V-pattern exotropia and no oblique dysfunction. Lateral recti were transposed upward half-tendon width in V-pattern of 25 prism diopters (PD) or less (n = 14) and full-tendon width in V-pattern of greater than 25 PD (n = 10). Amblyopic patients had unilateral lateral rectus recession with upward transposition and medial rectus resection with downward transposition (n = 8). Ductions, versions, pattern strabismus, disc foveal angle, and astigmatic axis were analyzed before and 6 months after surgery.

Results:

In the 32 patients (21 females), the mean age was 8.25 ± 1.23 years. Only amblyopic patients showed preoperative fundus extorsion (mean disc foveal angle = 16.9°,
P
< .01). Mean pattern collapse was 13.1 ± 3.8 PD with half-tendon transposition, 35.6 ± 13.7 PD with full-tendon transposition, and 13.8 ± 7.9 PD in the unilateral group. Pattern collapse increased gradually so that pattern normalization occurred after 6 months in most patients. There was a statistically significant correlation between the preoperative V-pattern and the magnitude of pattern collapse after surgery (
r
= 0.80,
P
< .01). There were no significant changes in the mean disc foveal angle (< 0.5°) or axis of astigmatism (< 0.5°) in all three groups.

Conclusions:

Vertical transposition of horizontal muscles can correct V-pattern exotropia, although the effect might not be immediate. Torsional changes are minimal. Amblyopic patients with V-pattern exotropia showed a preoperative extorsion that did not change after surgery.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2019;56(2):107–115.]
Outcomes of Medial Rectus Recession With Adjustable Suture in Acute Concomitant Esotropia of Adulthood
Authors: García-Basterra Ignacio , Rodríguez Del Valle José Maria , García-Ben Antonio , Rodríguez Sánchez José María , García-Campos José Manuel
Published: March 2019

Purpose:

To review and analyze the surgical outcomes of bilateral medial rectus recession with adjustable suture in acute concomitant esotropia of adulthood (ACEA).

Methods:

The charts of all adults diagnosed as having ACEA between 2004 and 2017 were reviewed. Best corrected visual acuity, refractive error, ocular alignment measured in prism diopters (PD), and stereopsis were examined at presentation, 1 day postoperatively, and final follow-up visit (median: 10 months; range: 4 to 144 months). All patients underwent bilateral medial rectus recession using adjustable suture surgery and topical anesthesia. Statistical analysis was used to calculate surgical dose-responses and to study possible correlations with clinical parameters.

Results:

Fifteen patients diagnosed as having ACEA were included. The mean age was 39.2 ± 10.7 years, and the mean refractive errors in the right and left eyes were −3.97 ± 2.87 and −3.60 ± 2.74 diopters (D), respectively. Average esotropia deviations at near and distance were 22.7 ± 7.2 and 23.0 ± 7.5 PD. All patients improved with medial rectus recession (mean: 12.0 ± 2.2 mm) with a final mean deviation of 0.7 ± 1.8 PD. The mean dose-responses at 1 day postoperatively and final visit were 1.86 ± 0.58 and 1.83 ± 0.43 PD/mm, respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between surgical dose-responses at 1 day postoperatively and final visit and preoperative deviation (
R
2
= 0.55;
P
< .001;
R
2
= 0.66;
P
< .001), whereas there were no significant correlations with age, sex, refractive error, BCVA, or stereopsis (all
P
> .05).

Conclusions:

Good postoperative and final outcomes are achieved with large medial rectus recessions in ACEA. A larger dose-response can be expected in large preoperative deviations, independent of other clinical and ocular parameters.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2019;56(2):101–106.]
Loss to Follow-Up in Patients With Retinal Vein Occlusion Undergoing Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Injections
Authors: Gao Xinxiao , Obeid Anthony , Adam Murtaza K. , Hyman Leslie , Ho Allen C. , Hsu Jason
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To identify the proportion of patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) with loss to follow-up (LTFU) along with potential risk factors after receiving an intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

A retrospective review based on billing codes was performed from January 1, 2012, to January 1, 2017. LTFU was defined as no office visit within 12 months following an intravitreal injection. Potential risk factors for LTFU were screened using univariate analysis for inclusion in a final multivariate logistic regression model.

RESULTS:

A total of 3,400 unique patients with RVO with macular edema met the study inclusion criteria. Of these, 863 patients (25.4%) were LTFU. Rates of LTFU varied based on race / ethnicity, age, RVO type, distance from clinic, insurance status, and regional average adjusted gross income. In the multivariate analysis, patients with LTFU were more likely to be black (odds ratio [OR] = 1.37), Hispanic (OR = 2.37), and living more than 20 miles away from clinic (OR = 1.47). Patients who were 65 to 80 years old (OR = 0.71) and those with branch retinal vein occlusion (OR = 0.70) were less likely to be LTFU. Subgroup analysis showed that patients with baseline visual acuity better than 20/50 were also less likely to be LTFU.

CONCLUSIONS:

Approximately one in four patients did not return for a year or more after receiving an intravitreal injection for RVO. Given the importance of ongoing therapy to prevent vision loss, these “real-world” findings are of significant concern.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2019;50:159–166.]
Focal Choroidal Excavation Following Blunt Trauma
Authors: McCann Jesse T. , Teke Mehmet Y. , Leong Belinda C. S. , Freund K. Bailey
Published: March 2019

The authors report a case of nonconforming focal choroidal excavation (FCE) identified in an eye following blunt, nonperforating trauma to the globe. Multimodal imaging was undertaken including color fundus photographs, enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, and fundus autofluorescence. This shows that FCE may result from blunt ocular trauma. The authors hypothesize that loss of structural support provided by an intact Bruch's membrane may be a key factor in precipitating the specific morphological changes associated with FCE occurring in a range of clinical settings.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2019;50:187–190.]
A Novel Surgical Method to Treat Chronic Ocular Hypotony
Authors: Gürelik Gökhan , Korkmaz Safak , Disli Gaye , Sül Sabahattin
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

To assess the effect of a novel surgical method for the treatment of chronic ocular hypotony (COH). The surgical method involves partially blocking the iridocorneal angle and decreasing aqueous humor outflow. A capsular tension ring (CTR) is placed in the iridocorneal angle.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Thirteen eyes of 13 patients were included in this retrospective, interventional case series. All of the eyes had severe ocular hypotony with a diagnosis of hypotony after vitreoretinal surgery or glaucoma filtration surgery. A CTR was placed in the iridocorneal angle via a corneal incision. The follow-up period was at least 1 year. Main outcome measurement was intraocular pressure (IOP).

RESULTS:

IOP increased in all of the eyes. The increase in IOP persisted during the follow-up period. Visual acuity increased or stabilized in all of the eyes. No ocular complications were noted due to the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS:

The authors have described a novel and simple technique for the setting of IOP in COH. Mechanical obstruction of aqueous humor outflow with a CTR can increase IOP and stabilize or improve vision in eyes with COH for a follow-up time longer than 12 months.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2019;50:e56–e60.]
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Highlights Chorioretinal Lesions in Ocular Coccidioidomycosis
Authors: Shields Ryan A. , Tang Peter H. , Bodnar Zachary M. , Smith Stephen J. , Silva A. Ruwan
Published: March 2019

A 34-year-old woman presented after recovering from a disseminated Coccidioides immitis infection of the lungs, blood, brain, and placenta. The patient was asymptomatic for visual complaints. Visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes. Fundus examination demonstrated bilateral chorioretinal infiltrates worse in the left eye. Fluorescein angiography (FA) was unable to be performed as the patient was breastfeeding, prompting the use of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) imaging to further investigate the infiltrates. OCTA imaging was able to detect all visualized chorioretinal infiltrates and showed an additional non-visualized deep choroidal lesion. OCTA is a valuable tool in detecting chorioretinal lesions when FA is contraindicated.

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Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2019;50:e71–e73.]
Contrasting Winter Moose Nutritional Carrying Capacity Models on a Dynamic Landscape
Authors: Smythe Sharon E. , Sanchez Dana M. , Epps Clinton W.
Published: March 2019

Many models used to estimate nutritional carrying capacity (NCC) for ungulates differ structurally, but the implications of those differences are frequently unclear. We present a comparative analysis of NCC estimates for a large herbivore in a dynamic landscape, using models that differ in structure and scope. We compared three model structures across three estimates of winter ranges under three winter-severity scenarios for an isolated, introduced moose Alces alces population on the Copper River Delta of south-central Alaska. Model estimates of NCC ranged from 205 to 4,592 moose, demonstrating the critical influences of model structure and assumptions when applying NCC. Furthermore, population estimates during recent severe winters suggest that past models underestimated NCC on the Copper River Delta. We conducted a sensitivity analysis of a preferred model and determined that model components with the highest and lowest sensitivity were snow depth and lignin- and tannin-caused reductions in forage nutritional quality, respectively. Our low sensitivity values for lignin and tannin influences on NCC contrast with results in other NCC estimates. Overall, our results reinforce the need for, and will hopefully assist, adaptive management in response to landscape, population, behavioral, and climatic changes on the Copper River Delta, and demonstrate the importance of understanding model assumptions and structure in application of NCC estimates in the management of large herbivores in variable ecosystems.
Toward a Theoretical Model of Learning Organization and Knowledge Management Processes
Authors: Al Saifi Said Abdullah
Published: March 2019

This article puts forward a conceptual model for understanding the influence of the learning organization's five disciplines on knowledge management processes. It proposes that the learning process should be measured as a multi-disciplinary construct consisting of personal mastery, mental models, team learning, shared vision, and systems thinking. Potential implications of learning organisation disciplines for the acquisition, sharing, and application of knowledge are illustrated. A number of possible relationships between learning organization disciplines, and knowledge management processes were employed to propose such relationships. This article develops a measure that shows the connection between the learning organization's disciplines and knowledge management processes. Through a conceptualization of the relationships between the learning organization discipline and knowledge management processes the study provides practical guidance for practitioners during the implementation of knowledge management processes.
Intergroup Contact Theory
Authors: Okyere-Kwakye Eugene , Nor Khalil Md , Soehod Khairiah , Zaitul
Published: March 2019

Several studies have been conducted to confirm the robustness of intergroup contact theory to reduce sentiments among people from different races, nationalities, and languages. However, reviews conducted show that none of these studies examined the applicability of the intergroup contact theory to reduce prejudice among people from a multitribal context where the people share similar characteristics, but have sentiments against each other due to tribalism. The study examines the applicability of intergroup contact theory to promote positive attitudes among individuals to share knowledge in a multitribal context. A quantitative approach was adopted using questionnaires collected from two hundred and ninety-three lecturers from ten polytechnics in Ghana. Multivariate analysis revealed that equal status, cooperativeness and common goals have positive influence on an individual's attitude to share knowledge in a multitribal context. However, the influence of institutional support was not supported. The results of the study suggest the applicability of the intergroup contact theory explains how to promote a positive attitude in a multitribal context.
Point Prevalence Survey of Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Use in Kosovo Hospitals
Authors: Raka Lul , Spahija Gazmend , Gashi-Gecaj Agreta , Hamza Astrit , Haxhiu Edita , Rashiti Albiona , Rrahimi Gëzim , Hyseni Selvete , Petrosillo Nicola
Published: March 2019

Health care-associated infections (HAIs) and antimicrobial resistance constitute a major public health challenge. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence rate of HAIs and antimicrobial use in acute care hospitals in Kosovo. A multicenter study was performed in all hospitals in Kosovo. The standardized protocol for Point Prevalence Survey (PPS) on HAIs and antimicrobial use developed by European Center for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) was used for this survey. A total of 915 patients were included in PPS. Countrywide prevalence rate of HAIs was 4.9%. The highest rate was noticed in tertiary care level in University Clinical Centre of Kosovo (UCCK) (7.2%). The most common type of HAI was surgical site infection, representing 35.5% of all reported HAIs. Prevalence of HAIs was highest in surgical departments (46.6%). The median length of stay before onset of HAI was 11 days (range: 3-27 days). Gram negative bacteria were the predominant microorganisms (61% of cases). From all patients, 520 (56.8%) of them were using at least one antibiotic. Ceftriaxone was the most prescribed antibiotic with 40.3%. Antibiotics were administered mainly through parenteral route (93.8%). Empiric treatment was the physician’s choice for prescribing in 87.1%. The main reason for antibiotic treatment was pneumonia (19.8%). Medical prophylaxis was reported in 10% of antibiotic prescriptions. Key recommendations driven by this study are to improve surveillance systems of HAI and antibiotic use, enhance infection prevention and control and establish antimicrobial stewardship program.
Strengths use, deficit correction, thriving and performance of academics at universities of technology
Authors: Mahomed Fathima E. , Rothmann Sebastiaan
Published: March 2019

Orientation: Research regarding strengths use, deficit correction and thriving of academics in higher education institutions is necessary, given the possible effects thereof on their task and contextual performance.Research purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relationships among strengths use and deficit correction, thriving at work and performance of academics. Furthermore, it sought to investigate whether performance-related pay moderates the effects of thriving on performance.Motivation for the study: No studies were found regarding the relationships among a balanced strengths- and deficit-based approach, thriving at work, and performance in the context of South African higher education.Research approach/design and method: A cross-sectional survey design was used, with a convenience sample of 276 academic employees from three universities of technology in South Africa. The participants completed the Strengths Use and Deficit Correction Scale, the Thriving at Work Scale, a scale that measured perceptions of performance-related pay and measures of task and contextual performance.Main findings: The results showed that perceived organisational support for strengths use, as well as individual strengths use and deficit correction, predicted thriving at work. Thriving predicted task and contextual performance. A significant interaction was found between thriving and perceptions of performance-related pay. The most robust relation between thriving and performance existed when performance-related pay was perceived to be good.Practical/managerial implications: Higher education institutions must invest resources to enable academics to thrive at work via the balanced strength- and deficit-based approach. This approach should be seen as a core development tool for academics to increase employees’ thriving at work.Contribution/value-add: This study contributes to scientific knowledge regarding strengths use and deficit correction, thriving and performance of academics in higher education institutions. It also resulted in new knowledge regarding the interaction effects of performance-related pay and thriving on task performance of academics.