bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
School-based educational and on-site vaccination intervention among adolescents: study protocol of a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Gellert Paul , Bethke Norma , Seybold Joachim
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Childhood vaccination programmes have been established in all Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries; however, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) as well as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio (Tdap-IPV) vaccination rates are not optimal in adolescents. Education in combination with easy access vaccination may be a promising approach to improve vaccination rates. We aim at improving MMR and Tdap-IPV rates in a school setting in the context of a planned cluster randomised controlled trial (cRCT), the present paper describes the detailed protocol of this trial.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a school-based cRCT, where schools will be randomised to either an educational condition addressing knowledge, risk communication and enhancing self-efficacy regarding vaccination or a low-intensity information condition. In both conditions, a bus equipped with medical staff and materials, will be delivering MMR and Tdap-IPV vaccine directly after the intervention. Schools in the city centre of Berlin, Germany, will be stratified by percentage of migration and type of school. Primary outcome is the number of students who receive vaccination in the bus. Secondary outcomes are knowledge and self-efficacy. An estimated sample size of 355 school classes with approximately 25 students per class is required. The planned analyses will take the nested structure of students, classes and schools into account.

Ethics and dissemination

The study will be performed according to the principles of Good Clinical Practice and the Declaration of Helsinki. Approval was obtained by the local ethics committee. Parents of all students will be informed in advance. Their written consent will be obtained, in case students are underage. For dissemination, we will engage with governmental organisations to create potential of our educational unit to be included in future public health prevention schemes.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN18026662;Pre-results.
Prehospital factors associated with death on hospital arrival after traffic crash in Japan: a national observational study
Authors: Katayama Yusuke , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Kiyohara Kosuke , Sado Junya , Hirose Tomoya , Matsuyama Tasuku , Kiguchi Takeyuki , Izawa Junichi , Nakagawa Yuko , Shimazu Takeshi
Published: January 2019

Objective

Although it is important to assess prehospital factors associated with traffic crash fatalities to decrease them as a matter of public health, such factors have not been fully revealed.

Methods

Using data from the Japanese Trauma Data Bank, a large hospital-based trauma registry in Japan, we retrospectively analysed traffic crash patients transported to participating facilities that treated patients with severe trauma from 2004 to 2015. This study defined registered emergency patients whose systolic blood pressure was 0 mm Hg or heart rate was 0 bpm at hospital arrival as being in prehospital cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA). Prehospital factors associated with prehospital CPA due to traffic crash were assessed with multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

In total, 66 243 patients were eligible for analysis. Of them, 3390 (5.1%) patients were in CPA at hospital arrival. A multivariable logistic regression model showed the following factors to be significantly associated with prehospital CPA: ages 60–74 years (adjusted OR (AOR) 1.256, 95% CI 1.142 to 1.382) and ≥75 years (AOR 1.487, 95% CI 1.336 to 1.654), male sex (AOR 1.234, 95% CI 1.139 to 1.338), night-time (AOR 1.575, 95% CI 1.458 to 1.702), weekend including holiday (AOR 1.078, 95% CI 1.001 to 1.161), rural area (AOR 1.181, 95% CI 1.097 to 1.271), back seat passenger (AOR 1.227, 95% CI 0.985 to 1.528) and pedestrian (AOR 1.754, 95% CI 1.580 to 1.947) as types of patients.

Conclusion

In this population, factors associated with prehospital CPA due to a traffic crash were elderly people, male sex, night-time, weekend/holiday, back seat passenger, pedestrian and rural area. These fundamental data may be of help in reducing and preventing traffic crash deaths.
Effectiveness of intravenous albumin therapy to prevent spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, renal dysfunction and death in adults with cirrhosis: a protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Härmälä Suvi , Parisinos Constantinos , Ryan Jennifer , O’Brien Alastair
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Use of albumin therapy is recommended for management of disease complications in cirrhosis. The effectiveness of albumin to prevent specific disease complications and death, however, is less clear.

Methods and analysis

We will search Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Controlled Trials Register and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for published reports on randomised controlled trials and observational studies on the effectiveness of intravenous albumin therapy to prevent spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, renal dysfunction and death in cirrhotic patients. Two independent reviewers will screen the studies for eligibility, extract data and assess risk of bias and quality of evidence using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. Random effects meta-analyses will be performed when appropriate.

Ethics and dissemination

As no primary data will be collected, a formal ethical approval is not required. We plan to publish the results of this study in a relevant peer-reviewed journal or journals. The study results may also be presented at relevant conferences and meetings.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018100798.
Barriers to HIV care among Francophone African, Caribbean and Black immigrant people living with HIV in Canada: a protocol for a scoping systematic review
Authors: Djiadeu Pascal , Nguemo Joseph , Mukandoli Chantal , Odhiambo Apondi J , Lightfoot David , Mbuagbaw Lawrence , Nelson LaRon E
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Language is a social determinant of health. Addressing social determinants of health is paramount to successful progression along the HIV-care continuum. Canada is a bilingual country with French and English as official languages. There are few studies to date that have focused on the impact of being a French-speaking linguistic minority on the HIV-care continuum. The primary objective of this scoping, systematic review of literature is to evaluate existing gaps in access to HIV- care among French-speaking people living with HIV in Canada. Our primary outcome is healthcare services availability and access for French- speaking people living with HIV.

Methods and analyses

Our scoping, systematic review will draw on a systematic search of published literature, both quantitative and qualitative studies published on French-speaking individuals' healthcare and HIV status in Canada, with particular emphasis on the province of Ontario. We will conduct our search in MEDLINE, the Excerpta Medica Database, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Web of Science, EBSCO and Google Scholar for work published between 1990 and 2018. Identified articles will be screened in duplicate and full-text articles of relevant studies will be retrieved. Data will also be extracted by two researchers working independently. Any discrepancies that arise will be resolved by consensus or by consulting a third author. Our findings will be reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.

Ethics and dissemination

Our proposed research will not be conducted with human participants. We will only use secondary published data and therefore ethics approval is not required. Our findings will be disseminated as peer reviewed manuscripts at conferences and student rounds, and could be of interest to government health agencies and local HIV/AIDS service organisations.
Developing evidence-based recommendations for optimal interpregnancy intervals in high-income countries: protocol for an international cohort study
Authors: Marinovich M Luke , Regan Annette K , Gissler Mika , Magnus Maria C , Håberg Siri Eldevik , Padula Amy M , Mayo Jonathan A , Shaw Gary M , Ball Stephen , Malacova Eva , Gebremedhin Amanuel T , Nassar Natasha , Marston Cicely , de Klerk Nick , Betran Ana Pilar , Pereira Gavin F
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Short interpregnancy interval (IPI) has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes. WHO recommends waiting at least 2 years after a live birth and 6 months after miscarriage or induced termination before conception of another pregnancy. The evidence underpinning these recommendations largely relies on data from low/middle-income countries. Furthermore, recent epidemiological investigations have suggested that these studies may overestimate the effects of IPI due to residual confounding. Future investigations of IPI effects in high-income countries drawing from large, population-based data sources are needed to inform IPI recommendations. We aim to assess the impact of IPIs on maternal and child health outcomes in high-income countries.

Methods and analysis

This international longitudinal retrospective cohort study will include more than 18 million pregnancies, making it the largest study to investigate IPI in high-income countries. Population-based data from Australia, Finland, Norway and USA will be used. Birth records in each country will be used to identify consecutive pregnancies. Exact dates of birth and clinical best estimates of gestational length will be used to estimate IPI. Administrative birth and health data sources with >99% coverage in each country will be used to identify maternal sociodemographics, pregnancy complications, details of labour and delivery, birth and child health information. We will use matched and unmatched regression models to investigate the impact of IPI on maternal and infant outcomes, and conduct meta-analysis to pool results across countries.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics boards at participating sites approved this research (approval was not required in Finland). Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences, and will inform recommendations for optimal IPI in high-income countries. Findings will provide important information for women and families planning future pregnancies and for clinicians providing prenatal care and giving guidance on family planning.
HBV infection-induced liver cirrhosis development in dual-humanised mice with human bone mesenchymal stem cell transplantation
Authors: Yuan Lunzhi , Jiang Jing , Liu Xuan , Zhang Yali , Zhang Liang , Xin Jiaojiao , Wu Kun , Li Xiaoling , Cao Jiali , Guo Xueran , Shi Dongyan , Li­ ­Jun , Jiang Longyan , Sun Suwan , Wang Tengyun , Hou Wangheng , Zhang Tianying , Zhu Hua , Zhang Jun , Yuan Quan , Cheng Tong , Li Jun , Xia Ningshao
Published: January 2019

Objective

Developing a small animal model that accurately delineates the natural history of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and immunopathophysiology is necessary to clarify the mechanisms of host-virus interactions and to identify intervention strategies for HBV-related liver diseases. This study aimed to develop an HBV-induced chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis mouse model through transplantation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs).

Design

Transplantation of hBMSCs into Fah-/-Rag2-/-IL-2Rγc-/- SCID (FRGS) mice with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) induced by hamster-anti-mouse CD95 antibody JO2 generated a liver and immune cell dual-humanised (hBMSC-FRGS) mouse. The generated hBMSC-FRGS mice were subjected to assessments of sustained viremia, specific immune and inflammatory responses and liver pathophysiological injury to characterise the progression of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis after HBV infection.

Results

The implantation of hBMSCs rescued FHF mice, as demonstrated by robust proliferation and transdifferentiation of functional human hepatocytes and multiple immune cell lineages, including B cells, T cells, natural killer cells, dendritic cells and macrophages. After HBV infection, the hBMSC-FRGS mice developed sustained viremia and specific immune and inflammatory responses and showed progression to chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis at a frequency of 55% after 54 weeks.

Conclusion

This new humanised mouse model recapitulates the liver cirrhosis induced by human HBV infection, thus providing research opportunities for understanding viral immune pathophysiology and testing antiviral therapies in vivo.
Surgical and percutaneous pulmonary valve replacement in England over the past two decades
Authors: Larsen Signe H , Dimopoulos Konstantinos , Gatzoulis Michael A , Uebing Anselm , Shore Darryl F , Alonso-Gonzalez Rafael , Kempny Aleksander
Published: January 2019

Objective

Pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) is often required in patients with congenital heart disease. We aimed to describe temporal trends in PVR in a nationwide English cohort between 1997 and 2014, survival and the need for re-PVR.

Methods

Patients were identified in the Hospital Episode Statistics Database. Survival data were retrieved from the UK Office for National Statistics.

Results

A total of 2733 patients underwent PVR (2845 procedures) over the study period. Median age at first procedure increased from 20.1 years in 1997–2005 to 24.7 years in 2006–2014. The annual number of PVRs increased from 23 in 1997 to 251 in 2014. Homografts were the most common choice in the early years, but the use of xenografts increased after 2005. During a median follow-up of 5.8 years, 176 patients died and 108 required redo PVR. Early (30 day) survival was 98% for all PVRs and was similar for all types of prostheses but longer-term mortality dropped to 92% at 10 years and 90% at 15 years. Age >16 years and percutaneous PVR were risk factors for death. The cumulative incidence for re-PVR at 10 years was 8% for all PVRs and 11% at 15 years. Risk factors for re-PVR were complex diagnosis, male gender and black ethnicity.

Conclusion

There was a significant increase in the number of PVRs performed in England over the last two decades and a significant change in the type of prosthesis employed. While early mortality was low across the board, longer-term mortality was not negligible in this young population.
Standards and core components for cardiovascular disease prevention and rehabilitation
Authors: Cowie Aynsley , Buckley John , Doherty Patrick , Furze Gill , Hayward Jo , Hinton Sally , Jones Jennifer , Speck Linda , Dalal Hasnain , Mills Joseph
Published: January 2019

In 2017, the British Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation published its official document detailing standards and core components for cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation. Building on the success of previous editions of this document (published in 2007 and 2012), the 2017 update aims to further emphasise to commissioners, clinicians, politicians and the public the importance of robust, quality indicators of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) service delivery. Otherwise, its overall aim remains consistent with the previous publications—to provide a precedent on which all effective cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation programmes are based and a framework for use in assessment of variation in service delivery quality. In this 2017 edition, the previously described seven standards and core components have both been revised to six, with a greater focus on measurable clinical outcomes, audit and certification. The principles within the updated document underpin the six-stage pathway of care for CR, and reflect the extensive evidence base now available within the field. To help improve current services, close collaboration between commissioners and CR providers is advocated, with use of the CR costing tool in financial planning of programmes. The document specifies how quality assurance can be facilitated through local audit, and advocates routine upload of individual-level data to the annual British Heart Foundation National Audit of Cardiac Rehabilitation, and application for national certification ensuring attainment of a minimum quality standard. Although developed for the UK, these standards and core components may be applicable to other countries.
Status of legal firearm possession and violent deaths: methods and protocol for a retrospective case-control study
Authors: Hernandez-Meier Jennifer L , Akert Brenna , Zheng Cheng , Guse Clare E , Layde Peter M , Hargarten Stephen
Published: January 2019

Background and objective

This project links population data to the Wisconsin Violent Death Reporting System (WVDRS) to determine the extent to which firearm possession criteria are being followed as well as the potential impact of the adoption of proposed possession criteria.

Design and study population

Criminal justice data for WVDRS homicide suspects and victims and suicide decedents 2008–2011 and a sample of matched control group of driver’s license holders (to characterise the state population) will be abstracted.

Methods

Individual legal possession statuses (prohibited/not prohibited) under each current and expanded criterion will be determined. Proportions of interest will be calculated from two-way contingency tables, and tests between groups with categorical variables (eg, criterion is met or not) will be performed with Fisher’s exact or binomial proportion tests. Tests between groups with continuous variables (eg, number of misdemeanours) will be performed by zero inflated negative binomial regression. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve will be used to quantify the prediction accuracy of specific univariate or multivariate logistic model for prediction. Inverse probability weighting will be used for analyses that extend from matched controls to the general state population of license holders.

Discussion

Linked data sets and partnerships are challenging, but necessary for comprehensive public health research. Results of this study will contribute knowledge on the proportion of prohibited suspects and suicide decedents that used firearms in violent deaths and, if applying expanded criteria would have increased prohibited persons. This study will also investigate risk and protective factors for being a victim of homicide.
Neighbourhood walkability and the incidence of diabetes: an inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis
Authors: Booth Gillian L , Creatore Maria I , Luo Jin , Fazli Ghazal S , Johns Ashley , Rosella Laura C , Glazier Richard H , Moineddin Rahim , Gozdyra Peter , Austin Peter C
Published: January 2019

Background

People living in highly walkable neighbourhoods tend to be more physically active and less likely to be obese. Whether walkable urban design reduces the future risk of diabetes is less clear.

Methods

We used inverse probability of treatment weighting to compare 10-year diabetes incidence between residents living in high-walkability and low-walkability neighbourhoods within five urban regions in Ontario, Canada. Adults (aged 30–85 years) who were diabetes-free on 1 April 2002 were identified from administrative health databases and followed until 31 March 2012 (n=958 567). Within each region, weights reflecting the propensity to live in each neighbourhood type were created based on sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities and healthcare utilisation and incorporated into region-specific Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

Low-walkability areas were more affluent and had more South Asian residents (6.4%vs3.6%, p<0.001) but fewer residents from other minority groups (16.6%vs21.7%, p<0.001). Baseline characteristics were well balanced between low-walkability and high-walkability neighbourhoods after applying individual weights (standardised differences all <0.1). In each region, high walkability was associated with lower diabetes incidence among adults aged <65 years (overall weighted incidence: 8.2vs9.2 per 1000; HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.78 to 0.93), but not among adults aged ≥65 years (weighted incidence: 20.7vs19.5 per 1000; HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.12). Findings were consistent regardless of income and immigration status.

Conclusions

Younger adults living in high-walkability neighbourhoods had a lower 10-year incidence of diabetes than similarly aged adults living in low-walkability neighbourhoods. Urban designs that support walking may have important benefits for diabetes prevention.
Cumulative incidence of restenosis in the endovascular treatment of extracranial carotid artery stenosis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Clavel Pierre , Hebert Solène , Saleme Suzana , Mounayer Charbel , Rouchaud Aymeric , Marin Benoit
Published: January 2019

Objective

To assess the cumulative incidence of restenosis and stroke after stenting for cervical carotid artery stenosis.

Methods

We reviewed PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus and included all studies reporting restenosis after stenting. The cumulative incidence of restenosis at 6 and 12 months was calculated. We also estimated the cumulative incidence of ipsilateral stroke within 30 days after stenting. Random effect meta-analysis and meta-regression were performed using relevant study level covariates. Sources of heterogeneity were investigated.

Results

Among 7765 records, 40 studies were selected. 15 943 patients and 16 337 carotid arteries were considered. The overall pooled cumulative incidence of restenosis >50% at 12 months was 5.7% (95% CI 3.8% to 8.6%), >70% at 12 months was 5.2% (95% CI 3.3% to 8.2%), >50% at 6 months was 3.9% (95% CI 2.2% to 6.8%), and ipsilateral stroke within 30 days after stenting was 1.6% (95% CI 1.0% to 2.5%) without association with the use of an embolic protection device. We did not identify any relevant source of heterogeneity of the cumulative incidence of restenosis >50% at 12 months. Mean age explained 80.9% (R2=80.9%, p=0.01) of heterogeneities of restenosis >70% at 12 months. The presence of hostile neck explained 53.9% (R2=53.9%, p=0.03) of heterogeneities of restenosis >50% at 6 months.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis showed a low cumulative rate of restenosis at 12 months and ipsilateral stroke within 30 days after stenting. Older patients and those with hostile neck present a lower risk of in-stent restenosis. The use of an embolic protection device was not associated with a lower risk of stroke.
Cervical epidural hematoma following interlaminar epidural steroid injection via the contralateral oblique view in patient taking omega-3 fatty acids
Authors: Beasley Drew , Goree Johnathan H.
Published: January 2019

Background and objectives

We sought to describe a case of an epidural hematoma after a cervical interlaminar epidural steroid injection (ILESI) performed using contralateral oblique view. We also discuss factors that could have placed this patient at increased risk, including concurrent use of omega-3 fatty acids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.

Case report

A 74-year-old woman returned to the pain clinic, within 15 min of discharge, after an apparent uncomplicated cervical ILESI using the contralateral oblique technique with severe periscapular pain and muscle spasms. Cervical MRI showed a large epidural hematoma which was subsequently emergently evacuated. On postoperative examination, the patient had no neurologic deficits and full resolution of her painful symptoms.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of cervical epidural hematoma in which the contralateral oblique technique was used. Also, this is the second case in which the combination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and omega-3 fatty acids has been considered as a contributor to increased hematoma risk. This case underscores the risk of epidural hematoma using a novel fluoroscopic technique and the need for potential discontinuation of supplements like omega-3 fatty acids.
Ultrasound-guided suprainguinal fascia iliaca compartment block versus periarticular infiltration for pain management after total hip arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gasanova Irina , Alexander John C , Estrera Kenneth , Wells Joel , Sunna Mary , Minhajuddin Abu , Joshi Girish P
Published: January 2019

Background and objectives

Fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) has been shown to provide excellent pain relief in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, the analgesic efficacy of FICB, in comparison with periarticular infiltration (PAI) for THA, has not been evaluated. This randomized, controlled, observer-blinded study was designed to compare suprainguinal FICB (SFICB) with PAI in patients undergoing THA via posterior approach.

Methods

After institutional review board approval, 60 consenting patients scheduled for elective THA were randomized to one of two groups: ultrasound-guided SFICB block or PAI. The local anesthetic solution for both the groups included 60 mL ropivacaine 300 mg and epinephrine 150 µg. The remaining aspects of perioperative care, including general anesthetic and non-opioid multimodal analgesic techniques, were standardized. An investigator blinded to group allocation documented pain scores at rest and with movement and supplemental opioid requirements at various time points. Patients were evaluated for sensory changes and quadriceps weakness in the operated extremity.

Results

There were no differences between the groups with respect to demographics, intraoperative opioid use, duration of surgery, recovery room stay, nausea scores, need for rescue antiemetics, time to ambulation and time to discharge readiness as well as 48 hours postoperative opioid requirements. The pain scores at rest and with movement also were similar at all time points. Significantly more patients in the SFICB group experienced muscle weakness at 6 hours after surgery.

Conclusions

Under the circumstances of our study, in patients undergoing THA, SFICB provided the similar pain relief compared with PAI, but was associated with muscle weakness at 6 hours postoperatively.

Trial registration number

NCT02658240.
Sex-based differences in hepatic and skeletal muscle triglyceride storage and metabolism
Authors: Beaudry Kayleigh M. , Devries Michaela C.
Published: January 2019

Women and men store lipid differently within the body with men storing more fat in the android region and women storing more fat in the gynoid region. Fat is predominately stored in adipose tissue as triacylglycerides (TG); however, TG are also stored in other tissues including the liver and skeletal muscle. Excess hepatic TG storage, defined as a TG concentration >5% of liver weight and known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is related to the metabolic syndrome. Similarly, elevated skeletal muscle TG, termed intramyocellular lipids (IMCL), are related to insulin resistance in obesity and type II diabetes. Men store more hepatic TG than women and, unsurprisingly, NAFLD is more prevalent in men than women. Women store more IMCL than men, yet type II diabetes risk is not greater, which is likely due to the manner in which women store TG within muscle. Sex-based differences in TG storage between men and women are underpinned by differences in messenger RNA expression, protein content, and enzyme activities of skeletal muscle and hepatic lipid metabolic pathways. Furthermore, women have a greater reliance on lipid during exercise because of upregulation of lipid oxidative pathways. The purpose of this review is to discuss the role of sex in mediating lipid storage and metabolism within skeletal muscle and the liver at rest and during exercise and its relationship with metabolic disease.
A highly selective fluorescent chemosensor for Al(III) ions based on 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde derivative
Authors: Sun Jiayi , Zhang Min , Sun Changyan
Published: January 2019

This manuscript reports the synthesis and fluorescent chemosensor property of a Schiff base derivative, 4-[(2-hydroxy-1-naphthyl) methylideneamino]benzoic acid (H2L). The fluorescence spectrum shows that H2L exhibits a highly selective and sensitive recognition for Al3+ ions in N,N′-dimethylformamide/water (DMF/H2O, 1/1, v/v). The fluorescence titration experiments and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI–MS) show that H2L and Al3+ ions form a 1:1 complex. 1H NMR titration results show that H2L coordinates to Al3+ ions with carboxylate, hydroxyl groups, and imine groups and the probable sensing mechanism may be the excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process.
Effect of edge distance on shear friction capacity of steel plates anchored with reinforcing bars in comparison with headed bolts
Authors: Sabra Tarek S. , Ibrahim Hatem Hassan
Published: January 2019

The shear friction capacity calculated using clauses 11.6.4 to 11.6.10 in ACI 318-14 or clauses 11.5.1 to 11.5.6 in CSA-A23.3-14 do not take into consideration the effect of edge distance on the shear friction capacity. The main objectives of this research are to study the effect of edge distance on the shear friction capacity by means of a specifically designed experimental program, to determine the minimum edge distance to develop the shear friction capacity, and to derive an expression for reduction of shear friction capacity for edge distances less than the minimum edge distance. The study involved testing eight specimens. In four specimens, a steel plate was anchored using welded reinforcing steel bars, and in the other four specimens the steel plate was anchored using headed concrete anchors (bolts) (HCA). The steel plates were tested under shear load at edge distances of 75, 150, 225, and 300 mm (3.0, 6.0, 9.0, and 12.0 in), for the two types of anchorage. The results were compared to design values according to ACI 318-14 and CAN/CSA-A23.3-14 standards. An equation is derived to compute the minimum edge distance after which the full shear friction capacity is developed. Another equation is derived to compute the proposed shear capacity for reinforcing bar anchors for edge distances less than the minimum edge distance.
Evaluation of ACC-deaminase-producing rhizobacteria to alleviate water-stress impacts in wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) plants
Authors: Chandra Dinesh , Srivastava Rashmi , Gupta Vadakattu V.S.R. , Franco Christopher M.M. , Sharma Anil Kumar
Published: January 2019

Application of plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) is an environmentally sustainable option to reduce the effects of abiotic and biotic stresses on plant growth and productivity. Bacteria isolated from rain-fed agriculture field soils in the Central Himalaya Kumaun region, India, were evaluated for the production of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase. Those producing ACC deaminase in high amounts were evaluated for their potential to improve wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plant growth under irrigated and water-stress conditions in two glasshouse experiments. Some of the isolates also showed other plant-growth-promoting (PGP) traits, e.g., N2fixation, siderophore production, and phosphate solubilization; however, strains with higher ACC deaminase activity showed the greatest effects. These were Variovorax paradoxus RAA3; Pseudomonas spp. DPC12, DPB13, DPB15, DPB16; Achromobacter spp. PSA7, PSB8; and Ochrobactrum anthropi DPC9. In both simulated irrigated and water-stress conditions, a single inoculation of RAA3 and a consortium of DPC9 + DPB13 + DPB15 + DPB16 significantly improved wheat plant growth and foliar nutrient concentrations and caused significant positive changes in antioxidant properties compared with noninoculated plants especially under water stress. These findings imply that PGPB having ACC deaminase activity together with other PGP traits could potentially be effective inoculants to improve the growth of wheat plants in water-stressed rain-fed environments.
Quantifying the impacts of oil sands development on wildlife: perspectives from impact assessments
Authors: Campbell Mac A. , Kopach Brian , Komers Petr E. , Ford Adam T.
Published: January 2019

Anthropogenic landscape disturbances, including industrial development, can have significant impacts on wildlife populations. In Canada, federal, territorial, and provincial laws require major industrial development projects to submit detailed environmental impact assessments (EIA) reports as part of the project application process. These assessments are meant to establish baseline habitat conditions and predict which landscape components will be altered by the project and to what degree. Based on these changes, indirect predictions for wildlife impacts are made using a variety of models, which can vary in validation adequacy and often rely heavily on expert opinion. In the oil sands region of Canada, wildlife species and habitat types used to make predictions are not comprehensive nor standardized between EIAs, despite a high degree of landscape similarity between projects. We extracted habitat model parameters, projected impacts, and anticipated mitigation effectiveness from 30 project EIAs. Despite all these projects occurring in the same natural region, we found very little agreement in the species used to assess wildlife impacts as well as the parameters used to model impacts on those species. Relative to unvalidated habitat models, we found that models receiving independent validation required half the habitat amount for proponents to conclude that the project will have an adverse effect. Our analyses have exposed many areas where policy could improve the efficiency of the EIA process as well as the scientific rigour underlying regulatory decisions.
Digital image correlation method for measuring deformations of vinyl chloride-coated metal multilayer sheets
Authors: Zhang Dehai , Li Yanqin , Xie Guizhong , Zhang Duanqin , Wu Shen , Liu Jianxiu
Published: January 2019

A three-dimensional (3D) digital image correlation (DIC) method is presented for measuring the deformations of vinyl chloride-coated metal (VCM) multilayer sheets and their composites. The calculations and the principle of strain and deformation measurements using the DIC method are described. A VCM multilayer sheet consists of a substrate [steel plate cold commercial (SPCC) and steel plate cold elongation (SPCE)] and a clad (a VCM film). The corresponding deformations of VCM deep-drawing multilayer sheets (SPCE as a substrate and a VCM film as a clad), VCM nondeep-drawing multilayer sheets (SPCC as a substrate and a VCM film as a clad), nondeep-drawing substrates (SPCC), deep-drawing substrates (SPCE) and clads (VCM films) were captured along the x- and y-directions in uniaxial tension experiments and using the DIC method. The maximal measured strains along the x-direction for the VCM deep-drawing multilayer sheets, VCM nondeep-drawing multilayer sheets, nondeep-drawing substrates, deep-drawing substrates and clads were, respectively, 637.835%, 132.210%, 31.688.632%, 107.102%, and 118.937%. The maximal measured strains along the [Formula: see text]-direction were 739.028%, −11.174%, −9.678%, −13.273% and 12.120%, respectively. These data show that the mechanical properties of VCM multilayer sheets are better than those of their substrates and clads. The effectiveness and accuracy of the presented DIC method for VCM multilayer sheet measurements were confirmed in a series of experiments.
Computed tomography reconstruction on distributed storage using hybrid regularization approach
Authors: Tiwari Shailendra , Kaur Kavkirat , Pathak Yadunath , Shivani Shivendraa , Kaur Kuldeep
Published: January 2019

Computed Tomography (CT) is considered as a significant imaging tool for clinical diagnoses. Due to low-dose radiation in CT, the projection data is highly affected by Gaussian noise which may lead to blurred images, staircase effect, loss of basic fine structure and detailed information. Therefore, there is a demand for an approach that can eliminate noise and can provide high-quality images. To achieve this objective, this paper presents a new statistical image reconstruction method by proposing a suitable regularization approach. The proposed regularization is a hybrid approach of Complex Diffusion and Shock filter as a prior term. To handle the problem of prominent Gaussian noise as well as ill-posedness, the proposed hybrid regularization is further combined with the standard Maximum Likelihood Expectation Maximization (MLEM) reconstruction algorithm in an iterative manner and has been referred to as the proposed CT-Reconstruction (CT-R) algorithm here after. Besides, considering the large sizes of image data sets for medical imaging, distributed storage for images have been employed on Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS) and the proposed MLEM algorithms have been deployed for improved performance.The proposed method has been evaluated on both the simulated and real test phantoms. The final results are compared with the other standard methods and it is observed that the proposed method has many desirable properties such as better noise robustness, less computational cost and enhanced denoising effect.
A Betting- and Lottery-Based Method for Fuzzy Probability Elicitation
Authors: Vicente E. , Mateos A. , Jiménez-Martín A.
Published: January 2019

It is very common to use linguistic term scales, whose terms are previously associated with different fuzzy numbers to assign probabilities to events in decision-making processes. However, the rigidity of such scales generates bias in the probability elicitation process and does not allow experts to adequately express their probabilistic judgments. We propose a betting and lottery-based method for eliciting a fuzzy number from the expert that represents his/her probabilistic judgments for a given event, along with a quality measure of the probabilistic judgments based on precision and consistency measures. We also enact a simulation process to analyze possible biases in the proposed fuzzy probability elicitation method.
ThetaTechk Sdn Bhd
Authors: Quoquab Farzana , Mohammad Jihad
Published: January 2019

This case demonstrates how ineffective communication that occurred in an organization impinged employees’ level of motivation which in turn may affect their performance and productivity. Prof. Dr. Akmal was the founder and the CEO of ThetaTechk which was located in Kuala Lumpur since 2002. The company was specialized in providing services for total e-learning solutions, total online training provisions, learning management system, and technical learning in all aspects of online learning delivery. The project manager Mastura assigned Siti, one of the e-Content Developers was assigned to work on IIBI project which was schedule to complete by the end of January 2014. Siti was not mentally prepared for this sudden workload. Moreover, Siti felt that she was overburdened and overstressed which was reflected in her absenteeism and delay in work completion. The work was not progressing as per expectation. The company was worried about the possibility of not completing the IIBI project on time. This situation was ascribed to the decline in Siti’s performance since October 2013. The inability of ThetaTechk to meet the deadline could destroy the reputation of the company. In a move to improve Siti’s poor performance, Dr. Akmal requested Mastura, the project manager and Sloksana, the HR Director to come up with a workable, practical solution as soon as possible. To understand the situation better, Slokasana called Mastura as well as Siti for a discussion. After having conversation with both parties, Sloksana realized that, Mastura wanted to groom Siti by offering her this extra work to become a project manager in the near future. However, Siti seemed to be lack of focus for her future career move and failed to see the positive aspect of this offer. Sloksana was wondering how to solve this problem within a very short period of time.
The Impact of Public Pension Funds and Other Limited Partners on the Governance of Venture Capital Funds
Authors: Atanasov Vladimir , Hall Thomas , Ivanov Vladimir , Litvak Katherine
Published: January 2019

We examine whether the reinvestment choices of public pension funds (PPFs) affect the governance of venture capital funds. We start with a hand-collected dataset of litigation against venture capitalists (VCs) that provides significant shocks to the reputation of VCs. We combine that information with detailed data on limited partner investments in VCs provided by LP Source and test whether PPFs respond differently to the litigation shocks compared to other types of limited partners. Our triple-difference framework reveals that VCs who were defendants in lawsuits suffer a significant subsequent decline in investment by university endowments and several other types of institutional investors, but experience an increase in the investment share of PPFs. Pension funds are about three times more likely to re-invest in post-lawsuit funds offered by litigated VCs. The additional pension fund investments thus partially compensate for the shortfall in post-lawsuit fundraising caused by the exodus of other investors. Our results indicate that the investment choices of PPF managers reduce the effectiveness of reputational penalties imposed by other limited partners in venture capital funds.
3D SPH Simulation of Dynamic Water Surface and Its Interaction with Underlying Flow Structure for Turbulent Open Channel Flows Over Rough Beds
Authors: Gabreil Eslam , Tait Simon , Nichols Andy , Dolcetti Giulio
Published: January 2019

In this study, a fully 3D numerical model based on the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) approach has been developed to simulate turbulent open channel flows over a fixed rough bed. The model focuses on the study of dynamic free surface behavior as well as its interaction with underlying flow structures near the rough bed. The model is improved from the open source code SPHysics ( http://www.sphysics.org ) by adding more advanced turbulence and rough bed treatment schemes. A modified sub-particle-scale (SPS) eddy viscosity model is proposed to reflect the turbulence transfer mechanisms and a modified drag force equation is included into the momentum equations to account for the existence of roughness elements on the bed as well as on the sidewalls. The computed results of various free surface patterns have been compared with the laboratory measurements of the fluctuating water surface elevations in the streamwise and spanwise directions of a rectangular open-channel flow under a range of flow conditions. The comparison has demonstrated that the proposed 3D SPH model can simulate well the complex free surface flows over a fixed rough bed.
The Upper Devonian Aley carbonatite, NE British Columbia: a product of Antler orogenesis in the western Foreland Belt of the Canadian Cordillera
Authors: McLeish D. F. , Johnston S. T.
Published: January 2019

Paleozoic continental margin strata in the western Foreland Belt of the Canadian Cordillera are characterized in part by alkaline volcanic sequences, carbonatite intrusions, coarse clastic sedimentary units, and erosional unconformities. These strata also contain a record of mid-Paleozoic contractional deformation unseen in coeval passive margin strata in the eastern Foreland Belt. In order to test potential genetic links between Paleozoic alkaline igneous activity, active margin sedimentation, and deformation in the western Foreland Belt, and better understand their implications for the evolution of the Foreland Belt as a whole, we have undertaken a detailed mapping and structural study of the Aley carbonatite intrusion and its host strata in the western Foreland Belt of NE British Columbia. Our work demonstrates that carbonatite emplacement was coeval with a Late Devonian contractional nappe-forming tectonic event. Interpreting tectonism as associated with continental collision along a long-lived active margin provides the best explanation for our structural and stratigraphic observations, and suggests that the western Foreland Belt is far-travelled and exotic relative to coeval passive margin strata in the eastern Foreland Belt. Deformed alkaline-carbonatite intrusions that characterize continental suture zones in Africa may provide an analogue for the Aley carbonatite and correlative alkaline-carbonatite complexes in the western Foreland Belt.
Fracture patterns associated with the evolution of the Teton anticline, Sawtooth Range, Montana, USA
Authors: Burberry C. M. , Cannon D. L. , Cosgrove J. W. , Engelder T.
Published: January 2019

The Teton anticline and adjacent structures, in the Sawtooth Range, Montana, USA, are fractured in such a way that may be taken as a model for fractures propagating during buckle folding. However, advances in understanding both the process of folding in forelands and the evolution of fracture patterns found within these folds suggest that it is time to reinterpret the nexus between fracturing and folding within these classic structures. With the benefit of seismic lines, the Teton anticline is best described as a fault-propagation fold. Joint propagation initiated with the formation of two major sets whose orientation is controlled by pre-folding, regional stresses. Two more joint sets propagated in local stress fields, developed in response to anticline growth. Some early joints were reactivated as wrench faults during amplification and tightening of the anticlines. The fracture sets identified are consistent with: (a) propagation in a regional stress field, which may be related to stretching in the Sawtooth Range orocline; and (b) tangential longitudinal strain of the backlimb and forcing or trishear of the forelimb during anticline development. Thus, we suggest that fracture networks across folded structures should be interpreted and characterized in the light of the geological history of the entire system.
Research on Flexible Thin-Disk Glucose Biofuel Cells Based on Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Electrodes
Authors: Li Yingying , Xiong Wei , Zhang Cheng , Yang Xing
Published: January 2019

Glucose biofuel cell (GBFC) is a power supply device which has attracted considerable attention because of its green environmental protection and high economic benefits. Fuels like glucose and oxygen are ubiquitous in physiological fluids, allowing the direct harvest of energy from human bodies. Compared with conventional batteries such as Li-Po, GBFC is a more promising alternative to power medical devices without the need to be replaced or refueled. However, the energy conversion efficiency of the existing GBFCs still needs to be further improved for practical applications. In this paper, the performance of the GBFC was studied based on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), which have relatively high conductivity and large specific surface area that could improve the activity of enzymes immobilized on the electrode surface and thus realize the direct electron transfer (DET). After optimization of the catalysts’ amount, the GBFC based on SWCNTs performed well with two Pt layers sprayed on one side of the proton exchange membrane (PEM) and 1.5 mL glucose oxidase (GOx) dropped on the other side, which attained the highest open-circuit potential (OCP) of 0.4 V. After being encapsulated with a flexible porous enclosure made by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), the biological compatibility of the completed GBFC has been successfully improved, which provides great potential for powering wearable or implantable devices.
Endometriosis Mimicking a Cecum Mass with Complete Bowel Obstruction: An Infrequent Cause of Acute Abdomen
Authors: Molina Gabriel A. , Ramos Darwin R. , Yu Alberto , Paute Patricio A. , Llerena Paul S. , Alexandra Valencia S. , Fonseca Jose V. , Morillo Jhonatan F. , López Sandra C. , Gutierrez Bernardo M.
Published: January 2019

Endometriosis is a common entity among fertile women which unfortunately manifests through variable symptomatology. Intestinal involvement in endometriosis is quite common and can simulate several diseases such as Crohn’s disease, appendicitis, tubo-ovarian abscess, or malignant tumors. Intestinal obstruction due to endometriosis is rare, and preoperative diagnosis is difficult because the signs and symptoms are nonspecific and can be easily confused. In the case of patients without a history of endometriosis, diagnosis is further complicated. We present a case of a 41-year-old female patient. She presented to the emergency room with complete bowel obstruction and a mass in the cecum. Surgery was decided, and the patient underwent full recovery. Endometriosis was the final diagnosis for the observed condition.