bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PREP — The Preoperative Risk Education Package: an online educational resource for primary care clinicians to encourage community based prehabilitation prior to major surgery
Authors: Durrand James , McHardy F , Land E , Llewellyn Z , Norman C , Goh T , Fenton S , Danjoux G
Published: June 2018

Background

Prehabilitation prior to major surgery mandates cross-sector working. Utilising the preoperative window from referral requires clinician engagement. Awareness of perioperative risk factors is crucial. A national survey uncovered gaps in knowledge and understanding.

Aim

Create an open-access, online educational resource for primary care clinicians.

Method

Our multidisciplinary team developed a focused CPD resource targeting lifestyle factors and chronic health conditions influencing perioperative risk (www.prepwell.co.uk).

Results

PREP highlights seven risk factors influencing perioperative risk: Smoking, alcohol, inactivity, anaemia, cognitive impairment, frailty and low BMI. A case study frames each factor alongside perioperative impact and prehabilitation strategies.

Conclusion

PREP is the first educational resource of its type. Early evaluation through local clinicians, the RCGP and RCOA has resulted in very positive feedback. We are working with Royal College representatives to gain formal endorsement and facilitate wider scale rollout, a major step towards raised clinician awareness and enhanced collaboration for improved perioperative outcomes.
Exploring the experience of a ‘diagnosis’ of pre-diabetes and factors influencing uptake of a lifestyle intervention programme in areas of socio-economic deprivation
Authors: Hodges Victoria , Hobbis Chloe , Twohig Helen , Mitchell Caroline
Published: June 2018

Background

People living in socio-economically deprived areas are at higher risk of developing diabetes and have worse health outcomes when they do. A Diabetes Prevention Programme (DPP) is being rolled out across England with eligibility linked to a HbA1c screening test to ‘diagnose’ pre-diabetes (42–47 mmol/mol). The DPP is a lifestyle intervention offering a 9-month individualised programme aiming to reduce progression to diabetes, through optimization of diet and physical activity to achieve weight loss. Previous studies suggest that patients from lower socioeconomic groups are less likely to engage with and benefit from lifestyle interventions. The DPP may increase health inequalities unless barriers to engagement are considered.

Aim

To explore patients’ understanding of and reactions to a ‘diagnosis’ of pre-diabetes and to identify the barriers and facilitators to uptake of a lifestyle intervention programme in a socio-economically deprived, pre-diabetic population.

Method

A literature review will inform development of a topic guide. A purposive sample of ‘pre-diabetic’ patients who have been offered referral to the DPP and are registered at practices within the Yorkshire and Humber ‘Deep End’ Research Cluster will be invited to participate in a semi-structured interview study. Data will be systematically analysed to identify emerging concepts and themes. Interviews will continue until data saturation is reached. A thematic framework will be developed, justified by and linked to the interview data.

Results

Health literacy, relationship with healthcare provider and level of activation all influence how the diagnosis is received and the decision to engage with the programme. Practical barriers to engaging with the programme exist but are secondary to other factors.

Conclusion

A ‘diagnosis of ‘pre-diabetes’ provokes healthy lifestyle change without causing anxiety. Healthcare professionals have considerable influence in determining whether a patient engages with the DPP.
REVISIT, the next stage: developing plans for wider application of a retrospective review of prescribing of GPs in training
Authors: Knox Richard , Salema Ndeshi , Gookey Gill , Marsden Kate , Bell Brian , Mehta Raj , Roders Sarah , McCartney Karen , Avery Tony
Published: June 2018

Background

The GMC PRACtICe study identified prescribing errors in general practice occurring at a rate of 5%. GPs in training (GP AiTs) were highlighted as a group who may benefit from further help to reduce their prescribing errors. A recent pilot study explored the effect of reviewing 100 sequential prescriptions issued by ten GPs AiTs. The error rate in this small cohort (the REVISIT study) was found to be nearly double that reported in the PRACtICe study (9%). Three-month follow-up interviews with GP AiTs and their trainers provided useful insight into prescribing behaviour and rationale for behaviour change.

Aim

Should the revisit intervention be rolled out or is further development required?

Method

Interviews with 30 stakeholders or stakeholder organisations were performed during which results from the REVISIT study were presented, and plans for development explored. Stakeholders included organisations involved with training and regulating GPs and pharmacists, as well as other interested parties such as GP AiTs and members of the public. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed for emergent themes.

Results

There was broad support for further development of the REVISIT programme, with several stakeholders expressing surprise that this intervention is not already everyday practice. Caution was expressed about the way in which such an intervention could be viewed by participants: a supportive, developmental approach was preferred. Stakeholders also discussed the stage of training that such an intervention should occur within, and postulated other groups of prescribers who may benefit from similar interventions.

Conclusion

Findings from the REVISIT study confirmed that GP AiTs benefited from personalised prescribing review. By conducing systematic stakeholder interviews we aim to elucidate whether a larger intervention study is required, or whether the REVISIT process can be implemented universally or in a targeted format.
Toward the use of CVD-grown MoS2 nanosheets as field-emission source
Authors: Deokar Geetanjali , Rajput Nitul S , Li Junjie , Deepak Francis Leonard , Ou-Yang Wei , Reckinger Nicolas , Bittencourt Carla , Colomer Jean-Francois , Jouiad Mustapha
Published: June 2018

Densely populated edge-terminated vertically aligned two-dimensional MoS2 nanosheets (NSs) with thicknesses ranging from 5 to 20 nm were directly synthesized on Mo films deposited on SiO2 by sulfurization. The quality of the obtained NSs was analyzed by scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy, and Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The as-grown NSs were then successfully transferred to the substrates using a wet chemical etching method. The transferred NSs sample showed excellent field-emission properties. A low turn-on field of 3.1 V/μm at a current density of 10 µA/cm2 was measured. The low turn-on field is attributed to the morphology of the NSs exhibiting vertically aligned sheets of MoS2 with sharp and exposed edges. Our findings show that the fabricated MoS2 NSs could have a great potential as robust high-performance electron-emitter material for various applications such as microelectronics and nanoelectronics, flat-panel displays and electron-microscopy emitter tips.
QTLseqr: An R Package for Bulk Segregant Analysis with Next‐Generation Sequencing
Authors: Mansfeld Ben N. , Grumet Rebecca
Published: June 2018

Next‐Generation Sequencing Bulk Segregant Analysis (NGS‐BSA) is efficient in detecting quantitative trait loci (QTL). Despite the popularity of NGS‐BSA and the R statistical platform, no R packages are currently available for NGS‐BSA. We present QTLseqr, an R package for NGS‐BSA that identifies QTL using two statistical approaches: QTL‐seq and G’. These approaches use a simulation method and a tricube smoothed G statistic, respectively, to identify and assess statistical significance of QTL. QTLseqr can import and filter SNP data, calculate SNP distributions, relative allele frequencies, G’ values, and log10 (p‐values), enabling identification and plotting of QTL. The source code is available at https://github.com/bmansfeld/QTLseqr.
Chlorine Isotope Ratios in M Giants
Authors: Maas Z. G. , Pilachowski C. A.
Published: June 2018

We have measured the chlorine isotope ratio in six M giant stars using HCl 1-0 P8 features at 3.7 microns with R ∼ 50000 spectra from Phoenix on Gemini South. The average Cl isotope ratio for our sample of stars is 2.66 ± 0.58 and the range of measured Cl isotope ratios is 1.76 < 35Cl/37Cl < 3.42. The solar system meteoric Cl isotope ratio of 3.13 is consistent with the range seen in the six stars. We suspect the large variations in Cl isotope ratio are intrinsic to the stars in our sample given the uncertainties. Our average isotopic ratio is higher than the value of 1.80 for the solar neighborhood at solar metallicity predicted by galactic chemical evolution models. Finally, the stellar isotope ratios in our sample are similar to those measured in the interstellar medium.
The Redshift Completeness of Local Galaxy Catalogs
Authors: Kulkarni S. R. , Perley D. A. , Miller A. A.
Published: June 2018

There is considerable interest in understanding the demographics of galaxies within the local universe (defined, for our purposes, as the volume within a radius of 200 Mpc or z ≤ 0.05). In this pilot paper, using supernovae (SNe) as signposts to galaxies, we investigate the redshift completeness of catalogs of nearby galaxies. In particular, type Ia SNe are bright and are good tracers of the bulk of the galaxy population, as they arise in both old and young stellar populations. Our input sample consists of SNe with redshift ≤0.05, discovered by the flux-limited ASAS-SN survey. We define the redshift completeness fraction (RCF) as the number of SN host galaxies with known redshift prior to SN discovery, determined, in this case, via the NASA Extragalactic Database, divided by the total number of newly discovered SNe. Using SNe Ia, we find

% (90% confidence interval) for z < 0.03. We examine the distribution of host galaxies with and without cataloged redshifts as a function of absolute magnitude and redshift, and, unsurprisingly, find that higher-z and fainter hosts are less likely to have a known redshift prior to the detection of the SN. However, surprisingly, some

galaxies are also missing. We conclude with thoughts on the future improvement of RCF measurements that will be made possible from large SN samples resulting from ongoing and especially upcoming time-domain surveys.
High-cadence Multi-color Observations of the Dwarf Nova KSP-OT-201503a by the KMTNet Supernova Program
Authors: Brown Shannon , Moon Dae-Sik , Ni Yuan Qi , Drout Maria , Antoniadis John , Afsariardchi Niloufar , Cha Sang-Mok , Lee Yongseok
Published: June 2018

We report multicolor BVI monitoring and spectroscopic classification of the dwarf nova KSP-OT-201503a. The transient was detected by the Korean Microlensing Telescope Network (KMTNet) Supernova Program (KSP) in 2015 March, reached a peak apparent magnitude V ≃ 17.3 mag from a quiescent magnitude V ≃ 22.6 mag, and lasted for approximately 17 days. Our high-cadence sampling allows us to identify distinctive phases consisting of a rapid ascent, a main outburst composed of a flat plateau followed by a gradual dimming, and a quick decline. We observe the sharp transition between the ascent phase and main outburst phase, likely related to the deceleration of the heating front as it passes through the accretion disk. These features in the light curves indicate that the outburst is outside-in. Archival data reveal the outburst history of the source, showing at least three outbursts between 2011 and 2015. These are equally separated by approximately 25 months, though we find a recurrence time as short as 189 days is compatible with the archival data. An optical spectrum obtained 701 days from outburst peak shows prominent Balmer emission lines superimposed on a blue continuum, consistent with a cataclysmic variable in quiescence. The outburst properties of KSP-OT-201503a closely resemble those of U Gem-type dwarf novae usually associated with younger, longer-period systems above the period gap of 2–3 hr observed in cataclysmic variables. This suggests that the source may be a rare U Gem-type dwarf nova with a long recurrence time, though we are unable to rule out the possibility that KSP-OT-201503a lies below the period gap.
Modal Decomposition of TTV: Inferring Planet Masses and Eccentricities
Authors: Linial Itai , Gilbaum Shmuel , Sari Re’em
Published: June 2018

Transit timing variations (TTVs) are a powerful tool for characterizing the properties of transiting exoplanets. However, inferring planet properties from the observed timing variations is a challenging task, which is usually addressed by extensive numerical searches. We propose a new, computationally inexpensive method for inverting TTV signals in a planetary system of two transiting planets. To the lowest order in planetary masses and eccentricities, TTVs can be expressed as a linear combination of three functions, which we call the TTV modes. These functions depend only on the planets’ linear ephemerides, and can be either constructed analytically, or by performing three orbital integrations of the three-body system. Given a TTV signal, the underlying physical parameters are found by decomposing the data as a sum of the TTV modes. We demonstrate the use of this method by inferring the mass and eccentricity of six Kepler planets that were previously characterized in other studies. Finally we discuss the implications and future prospects of our new method.
Momentum-driven Winds from Radiatively Efficient Black Hole Accretion and Their Impact on Galaxies
Authors: Brennan Ryan , Choi Ena , Somerville Rachel S. , Hirschmann Michaela , Naab Thorsten , Ostriker Jeremiah P.
Published: June 2018

We explore the effect of momentum-driven winds representing radiation-pressure-driven outflows from accretion onto supermassive black holes in a set of numerical hydrodynamical simulations. We explore two matched sets of cosmological zoom-in runs of 24 halos with masses ∼1012.0–1013.4
M
⊙ run with two different feedback models. Our “NoAGN” model includes stellar feedback via UV heating, stellar winds and supernovae, photoelectric heating, and cosmic X-ray background heating from a metagalactic background. Our fiducial “MrAGN” model is identical except that it also includes a model for black hole seeding and accretion, as well as heating and momentum injection associated with the radiation from black hole accretion. Our MrAGN model launches galactic outflows, which result in both “ejective” feedback—the outflows themselves that drive gas out of galaxies—and “preventative” feedback, which suppresses the inflow of new and recycling gas. As much as 80% of outflowing galactic gas can be expelled, and accretion can be suppressed by as much as a factor of 30 in the MrAGN runs when compared with the NoAGN runs. The histories of NoAGN galaxies are recycling dominated, with ∼70% of material that leaves the galaxy eventually returning, and the majority of outflowing gas reaccretes on 1 Gyr timescales without AGN feedback. Outflowing gas in the MrAGN runs has a higher characteristic velocity (500–1000 km s−1 versus 100–300 km s−1 for outflowing NoAGN gas) and travels as far as a few megaparsecs. Only ∼10% of ejected material is reaccreted in the MrAGN galaxies.
Effect of different head and neck positions on kinematics of elite dressage horses ridden at walk on treadmill
Authors: Rhodin M. , Byström A. , Roepstorff L. , Hernlund E. , Van Weeren P.R. , Weishaupt M.A. , Egenvall A.
Published: June 2018

The debate on proper head and neck positions (HNP) in horse training is lively, but little is known about the biomechanical effects of various HNPs in horses ridden at walk. The aim was to quantify the influence of different HNPs on the kinematics of horses ridden at walk. The standard competition position (HNP2) was compared to a free, unrestrained position (HNP1), more flexed positions (HNP3, HNP4), a raised extended position (HNP5) and a forward-downward extended position (HNP6). An experimental study in seven high-level dressage horses ridden at walk on a treadmill was designed. Kinetic and kinematic measurements were obtained with different HNPs. HNP2 was used as a speed-matched reference. Kinematics were measured from skin-fixed markers recorded by high-speed video cameras. The kinetics of the limbs were measured by the force-measuring instrumentation of the treadmill. In HNP1, compared to HNP2, the lumbar back and the pelvis were more horizontally positioned (more extended), and fore- and hindlimb pro- and retraction increased, with increased caudal rotation of the femur during the second half of hindlimb stance. HNP6 induced similar changes as HNP1, but caused larger increases in forelimb pro- and retraction. In HNP3, HNP4 and HNP5 the pelvis was more angled (less extended) compared to HNP2 at hindlimb midstance, and in HNP3 and HNP4 also in early hindlimb stance. All three HNPs caused increased maximum flexion of the tarsus, stifle and metatarsophalangeal joint during the swing phase. HNP3 and HNP5, but not HNP4, had a decreasing influence on fore- and hindlimb pro- and retraction, and decreased caudal rotation of the femur during the second half of hindlimb stance.The main limitation was that horses were not ridden overground and the number of horses was small. Our conclusion was that changes in head and neck position can markedly affect the horse’s movement pattern at walk.
Manifesto for Critical Andragogy
Authors: Clemons Anthony Craig
Published: June 2018

The aim of educating adults not only concerns knowledge transference and intellectual mastery. The foundational theories and associated praxes are just as important, as they enable educators to critically observe human terrain and empower learners. This chapter proposes a fresh approach to andragogical learning design called critical andragogy. Using a neo-Marxist framework, the genesis of critical andragogy amalgamates literature from critical theory, critical pedagogy, critical multiculturalism, and transformative learning. Then, using a qualitative metasynthesis, that literature is critically analyzed, refined, and nested in the context of current why adult learners pursue new learning activities. The combination of the learner's purpose and the revised andragogical theory then become the outputs that culminate into a unified theory of critical andragogy that derivative of key principles extrapolated from current literature.
Forecasting Software Vulnerabilities Using Time-Series Techniques
Authors: Biswas Baidyanath
Published: June 2018

This chapter discusses the concepts of time-series applications and forecasting in the context of information systems security. The primary objective in such formulation is the training of the models followed by efficient prediction. Although economic and financial forecasting problems extensively use time-series, predicting software vulnerabilities is a novel idea. The chapter also provides appropriate guidelines for the implementation and adaptation of univariate time-series for information security. To achieve this, the authors focus on the following techniques: autoregressive (AR), moving average (MA), autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), and exponential smoothing. The analysis considers a unique data set consisting of the publicly exposed software vulnerabilities, available from the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security. The problem is presented first, followed by a general framework to identify the problem, estimate the best-fit parameters of that model, and conclude with an illustrative example from the above dataset to familiarize readers with the business problem.
Cybercitizens at Schools
Authors: Chen Irene Linlin , Shen Libi
Published: June 2018

In recent decades, cyberethics, cybersecurity, and cybersafety have been the center of interest at schools. This chapter uses a case study approach to describe the issue of cyberethics, cybersafety, and cybersecurity (3Cs) as well as how problems of these three Cs are intermingled to become general cyberethics issues for the society. The chapter also promotes good cybercitizens at schools because it is of great importance for the school districts to take some measures to improve students' knowledge and awareness of cyberethics, cybersafety, and cybersecurity, to enhance the safety and security of school infrastructure, to avoid cyberbullying, to ensure students are good cybercitizens, and to help train teachers to be cyber professionals.
Learner-Developed Case Studies on Ethics
Authors: Farmer Lesley S. J.
Published: June 2018

This chapter explains how case studies can be used successfully in higher education to provide an authentic, interactive way to teach ethical behavior through critical analysis and decision making while addressing ethical standards and theories. The creation and choice of case studies is key for optimum learning, and can reflect both the instructor's and learners' knowledge base. The process for using this approach is explained, and examples are provided. As a result of such practice, learners support each other as they come to a deeper, co-constructed understanding of ethical behavior, and they make more links between coursework and professional lives. The instructor reviews the students' work to determine the degree of understanding and internalization of ethical concepts/applications, and to identify areas that need further instruction.
Towards a Collaborative Disaster Management Service Framework Using Mobile and Web Applications
Authors: Banerjee Ananya , Basak Jayanta , Roy Siuli , Bandyopadhyay Somprakash
Published: June 2018

Getting the right information at the right time and place is the key for efficient disaster management. Various mobile and web applications are now being used for collecting situational information in digital form, assessing damage, coordinating relief operations and offering different location based services to the affected communities during disaster management. This article provides a thorough investigation on popular web-based and mobile applications currently being used in different countries. Subsequently, the taxonomy of essential services needed for systematic and coordinated disaster management is formulated based on literature review and the authors' interaction with different stakeholders. An outline of a collaborative disaster management service framework is then proposed with the facility of interaction for the stakeholders through their mobile phones to avail the services in different phases of a disaster. A basic version of this framework is implemented to evaluate its effectiveness as a provider of significant actionable information to offer responsive services
Aligning Community Hospitals With Local Public Health Departments
Authors: Hewitt Anne M. , Wagner Stephen L. , Twal Riad , Gourley David
Published: June 2018

This chapter reviews the current organizational relationships between public health departments, local community hospitals, and medical centers as they relate to emergency preparedness and management. To examine their collaborative role, an analysis of legislative statutes, Joint Commission compliance mandates, professional accreditation standards, NIMS task force recommendations, and eligibility criteria for federal grants was completed. The information gleaned from this process was then synthesized to offer suggestions for developing positive collaboration outcomes. Reports from the three example stakeholder organizations suggest that positive changes in the level of community relationships have occurred. Continued maturation of emergency preparedness advisory boards, task forces, and coalitions also appear to have strengthened collaboration between the public and private agencies. To further encourage a systems model of collaboration, two strategies based on coalition capacity building are recommended. Leveraging gains made in community relationships over the past few years will continue to strengthen and improve emergency preparedness and management collaborations.
Scaling 911 Texting for Large-Scale Disasters
Authors: Tapia Andrea H. , Giacobe Nicklaus A. , Soule Pamela J , LaLone Nicolas James
Published: June 2018

In a mass crisis event, Emergency Operation Centers (EOC) cannot meet the demand of thousands of individuals trying to alert or request emergency services. However, new technology, driven by the right policy and tested for strengths and weaknesses in a data rich, semi-predictable environment, can help to address current PSAP limitations. In this paper the authors present a system that aims to provide real-time data to emergency managers during a crisis event in such an environment – a college town during a football game or similarly attended event. The system is designed to accept, sort, triage and deliver hundreds of direct text messages from populations engaged in a crisis to emergency management staff who can respond. They posit that when a municipal or county-level EOC is cross-housed with a University EOC, multiple opportunities for development and funding occur. Universities can provide the technical expertise, funding, staffing, development and testing for systems that serve the EOC. Most importantly, Universities also provide disaster-like events that can be used as proxies for unpredictable mass crises during which more valid and reliable testing can occur. The authors present preliminary findings from a text-to-emergency service currently in use by Penn State University Athletics.
Predicting Tweet Retweetability During Hurricane Disasters
Authors: Neppalli Venkata Kishore , Caragea Cornelia , Caragea Doina , Medeiros Murilo Cerqueira , Tapia Andrea H. , Halse Shane E.
Published: June 2018

Twitter is a vital source for obtaining information, especially during events such as natural disasters. Users can spread information on Twitter either by crafting new posts, which are called “tweets,” or by using the retweet mechanism to re-post previously created tweets. During natural disasters, identifying how likely a tweet is to be retweeted is crucial since it can help promote the spread of useful information in a social network such as Twitter, as well as it can help stop the spread of misinformation when corroborated with approaches that identify rumors and misinformation. In this paper, we present an analysis of retweeted tweets from two different hurricane disasters, to identify factors that affect retweetability. We then use these factors to extract features from tweets' content and user account information in order to develop models that automatically predict the retweetability of a tweet. The results of our experiments on Sandy and Patricia Hurricanes show the effectiveness of our features.
Disaster, Vulnerability, and Violence Against Women
Authors: Nishat Khandakar Josia , Rahman Md. Shafiqur
Published: June 2018

Studies of natural disasters have adequately focused on gendered aspect of disaster and women's vulnerability and offered suitable suggestions though only few of these have focused on the issue of the relation between disaster and violence against women. By undertaking meta-analysis of cross-cultural studies, this paper aims to provide an overview of connections between disaster, women's vulnerability and violence against women and to highlight the importance and the relevance of similar researches in Bangladesh. Natural threats are real and moderated by existing socio-economic arrangements and cultural norms in Bangladesh where gender relationships are unequal and violence prone. Therefore it is expected that the lessons of international experiences and insights will help to develop a gendered research framework to understand ‘how violence against women is increasing following disasters' in the context of Bangladesh. And finally, that would pave the way for policy options to form a better co-existence for both men and women which would be more equal, dignified and violence free.
Two Fires and a Flood
Authors: Goldman Bernadine
Published: June 2018

This chapter explores the ongoing path toward disaster preparedness taken by Los Alamos County Library System. The library system has experienced three disasters since the year 2000, the Cerro Grande Fire; a cloudburst that sent water pouring through the library's skylight, and the Las Conchas Fire. The author tells the stories of these disasters, and their impacts on the library, its staff and community, with some emphasis on the emotional impacts. These stories and the lessons learned from them are interwoven with the steps and missteps in the writing of the library's disaster preparedness manual and the ongoing need to keep preparedness efforts active. The importance of forming supportive relationships with colleagues in the local government and with regional library cohorts, and the magnitude of the role the library staff, collections and facility already had in the community, a role that expanded in the recovery process, are highlighted.
Three New Directions for Time Banking Research
Authors: Valek Lukas
Published: June 2018

This chapter aims to highlight three viable fields of research within the domain of time banking (TB), a time-currency-based complementary economy system that has been implemented in various frameworks now for more than three decades. The areas of information management (IM), knowledge management (KM), and open source software (OSS) are almost totally unexplored within time banking. In information management, attention has mainly been devoted to IM frameworks. One link (among others) between knowledge management and open source software has been found in a core concept of the time bank called co-production. Finally, all three of these fields can be related directly to time banking and should have a place in further research, the results of which could also have applications in the field of complementary economic systems in general.
Evaluation of Blockchain in Capital Market Use-Cases
Authors: Mathew Sinsu Anna , Quadir Md Abdul
Published: June 2018

This article describes the “Blockchain” which is an upcoming technology in the current leading world and which serves as a capital market use-cases for many of the global Fintech industries across the world, is a distributed ledger of economic transactions which not only used for recording financial transactions but mostly everything of value in this world. In the current world, mostly all the transactions are done through online which mainly includes the bank as a “middle man,” which could be untrustworthy at times. Blockchain comes into the picture which eliminates the need of a middle man or third party between the users who are involved in the transactions. Represents a financial ledger entry of data structure which consists of record of transactions which is digitally signed and cannot be tampered as authenticity is ensured in which the ledger is considered to be of high integrity. One of the leading and highly valued platform of blockchain is “Hyperledger Fabric” which is meant for securing transactions and serves a powerful container technology for smart contract development in the global capital firms. The potential of Blockchain and DLT in capital markets in this upcoming world could remove many of the inefficiencies and costs inherent in the global capital markets across the world and could be considered as a viable technology which enable to settlement.
Parameter Design of High-Resolution E-Jet Micro-Fabrication Process by Taguchi Utility Approach
Authors: Das Raju , Roy Shibendu Shekhar
Published: June 2018

This article describes how an electrohydrodynamic inkjet, or E-jet, is a high-resolution micro-fabrication technology for flexible electronics application. Its operation depends on several process control parameters like applied voltage, flow rate of the material, stand-off height, type of ink material. High-resolution deposition along with ejection frequency is the performance parameter of E-jet. In this article, an attempt is made to design the process parameters in such way, that it could simultaneously satisfy both the performance characteristics of the E-jet process. A Taguchi robust design based utility concept is applied to optimize the multi-response E-jet process through a case study. Utility analysis converts multi-response scenario into a single response by calculating overall utility value, which is optimized by signal to noise (S/N) analysis. Analysis of variance ANOVA found applied voltage is the most influential control factor in the investigated region. The anticipated improvement in fabrication operation shows the successful implementation of the aforesaid methodology.
A Case Study on Implementing a Continuum of Care Based on Client Needs
Authors: Wong Bonnie H.Y. , Leung William Y.W. , Chu Maria , Liu Kwong Y.
Published: June 2018

This article examines the continuum of care in use at the Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The service continuum is a response to the needs of a diverse Chinese Canadian population, where services in the appropriate language and culture are limited. Within the funding context, service coordination for seniors within Ontario can be characterized as fragmented, with over-use of acute care hospitalization and long-term care institutionalization. Community agencies must find a way to adapt to changing systems as the Ontario government shifts back and forth between institutionalization and community care approaches. This article explores challenges that are faced by a socially-minded organization within a medically-minded funding system. It also addresses ways to cope with the constraints.
Prognostic impact of digoxin use for rate control of atrial fibrillation in patients â‰¥75 years of age
Authors: La Rovere Maria Teresa , Traversi Egidio
Published: June 2018

Digoxin use remains a common therapeutic option in the pharmacological control of heart rate in patients with atrial fibrillation, endorsed in current guidelines with the same level of evidence than beta-blockers in patients with and without heart failure. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic range and is influenced by drugâ€toâ€drug interactions, serum electrolyte concentrations, and renal function. Conflicting data exist regarding adverse outcomes that are associated with digoxin use in patients with atrial fibrillation. It remains unclear whether the association between digoxin use and worse clinical outcome is causal or may be the result of confounding by differences in the characteristics of patents including age, comorbidities and treatment. Particularly in older patients with atrial fibrillation, who are frequently prescribed a multitude of agents for stroke prevention, treatment of cardiovascular disease and other comorbidities, use of digoxin should be cautious and instituted with assessment of drug concentrations.
Rate-control vs rhythm-control of atrial fibrillation in elderly patients. From new, age-oriented outcomes to a more complex management strategy
Authors: Fumagalli Stefano , Boni Serena , Pupo Simone , Migliorini Marta , Marozzi Irene , Barghini Eleonora , Sacco Flavia , Marchionni NiccolÃ²
Published: June 2018

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmia in elderly people. Findings derived from clinical trials seem to demonstrate that a rate-control strategy of AF in aged patients improves prognosis if compared to a rhythm-control one. However, epidemiological studies concordantly show that the arrhythmia is associated to increased hospitalization and mortality rates. In last years, the proportion of patients admitted to hospital for AF has progressively increased; this trend is observed in subjects >75 and >85 years, while no change was found in younger cohorts. Importantly, in aged individuals, probably because of the loss of atrial activity, the increase of heart rate and the irregularity of RR intervals, AF begins a vicious cycle, leading from heart failure, through the compromise of functional and neurocognitive status, to overt disability, dementia and increased mortality. Evidence specifically aimed at clarifying the effects of arrhythmia management on outcomes characteristic of aged people is completely lacking. In the elderly, the question regarding the effects of a rate- or a rhythm-control strategy of AF should be considered as an aspect of a more complex strategy, addressed to reduce disability and hospitalizations, and to improve quality of life and survival.
Net clinical benefit of anticoagulation therapy in the elderly patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Palleschi Lorenzo , Nunziata Eleonora
Published: June 2018

Old age remains one of the strongest risk factors for stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Oral anticoagulation (OAC) is the most effective way to prevent thromboembolic disease in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Until few years ago, aspirin and vitamin-K antagonists (VKAs) were the primary agents used to prevent thromboembolic disease in patients with AF. The approval of nonâ€“vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) has now expanded the range of therapeutic agents available to providers. The authors highlight practical considerations regarding the selection and use of OAC in older adults to aid clinical decision making.
Beta-blockers after myocardial infarction: Are they useful to all patients? And how long should be the beta-blocker therapy?
Authors: Pedretti Roberto F.E.
Published: June 2018

Some observational studies raised questions about the need for Î²-blockers in all patients after a first heart attack. Surprisingly, in some clinical settings, a limited mortality reduction was found in those who received Î²-blockade.Some studies suggest that patients without heart failure may not need post-MI Î²-blockers. The lack of data from randomized controlled clinical trials has led to clinical uncertainty and conflicting recommendations.Â Therefore, there are multiple information to revaluate the value of Î²-blocker therapy after a heart attack in absence of heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction and the time for new trials of an old group of drugs has arrived.
An optimised credit scorecard to enhance cut-off score determination
Authors: Kritzinger Nico , Van Vuuren Gary W.
Published: June 2018

Background: Credit scoring is a statistical tool allowing banks to distinguish between good and bad clients. However, literature in the world of credit scoring is limited. In this article parametric and non-parametric statistical techniques that are used in credit scoring are reviewed. Aim: To build an optimal credit scoring matrix model to predict which clients will go bad in the future. This article also illustrates the use of the credit scoring matrix model to determine an appropriate cut-off score on a more granular level. Setting: Data used in this article are based on a bank in South Africa and are Retail Banking specific. Methods: The methods used in this article were regression, statistical analysis, matrix and comparative study. Results: The matrix provides uplift in the Gini-coefficient when compared to a one-dimensional model and provides greater granularity when setting the appropriate cut-off. Conclusion: The article provides steps to construct a credit scoring matrix model to optimise separation between good and bad clients. An added contribution of the article is the manner in which the credit scoring matrix model provides a greater granularity option for establishing the cut-off score for accepting clients, more appropriately than a one-dimensional scorecard.
Efficacy of erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser with casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate with and without fluoride for remineralization of white spot lesions around orthodontic brackets
Authors: Yassaei Sogra , Aghili Hossein , Shahraki Neda , Safari Isa
Published: June 2018

Objective: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser, pastes containing casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) with and without fluoride and their combination for prevention of white spot lesions in the enamel. Materials and Methods: This in vitro experimental study was conducted on 90 extracted sound premolars. The teeth were then randomly divided into six groups of 15: (1) Control, (2) laser, (3) CPP-ACP with fluoride (GC MI Paste, RecaldentTM 900 ppm as NaF), (4) CPP-ACP without fluoride (GC Tooth Mousse RecaldentTM), (5) laser + CPP-ACP with fluoride, and (6) laser + CPP-ACP without fluoride. In each group, enamel surface was exposed to the remineralizing agent. The teeth were then subjected to pH cycling for 14 days. The teeth were then sectioned, polished, and underwent cross-sectional microhardness testing at 20–160 μ depth quantitatively. Using the Simpson's rule, the amount of mineral loss was calculated in each group. Statistical Analysis Used: ANOVA was used for the comparisons, and Tukey's test was applied for pairwise comparisons. Results: The highest mean volume percentage of microhardness at 20–60 μ depth belonged to the group laser + CPP-ACP with fluoride and the lowest belonged to the control group (P = 0.001). The differences were not significant at 80-120 μ depth (P > 0.05). These finding are confirmed according to △Z (mineral loss). Conclusion: Based on these results, Er: YAG laser was able to decrease demineralization and was a potential alternative to preventive dentistry and was more effective when combined with CPP-ACP products.
Reasons for choosing dentistry as a career among dental students in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Hallak Khaled Rateb , Nassani Mohammad Zakaria , Heskul Mohammed Moustafa , Doumani Mazen Deib , Darwish Mahmoud
Published: June 2018

Objective: This study aimed to identify reasons and influential factors for choosing dentistry as a career among dental students in Saudi Arabia. The preferred field of dental specialty following graduation will also be investigated. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was developed and circulated among undergraduate dental students studying at a private dental college in Saudi Arabia. A list of 16 reasons that possibly influenced students’ decision to study dentistry was presented and participants were invited to indicate on a 5-point Likert scale the extent each reason influenced their choice of dentistry as a career. The listed reasons were categorized into economic, professional, vocational, social and personal reasons. Results: Totally, 788 out of 970 questionnaires were completed (response rate: 81%). Proportion of female students exceeded proportion of male students (59% and 41%, respectively) and most participants were Saudi students (73%). The top three influential factors on students’ decision to study dentistry were “Dentistry is a prestigious profession,” “I like to treat people and improve their appearance,” and “I like working with people and caring for them.” Variations were identified between male and female students and also between Saudi and non-Saudi students in the reasons to choose dentistry as a career. The vast majority of participants (94%) expressed a desire to follow a postgraduate study. Orthodontics and oral surgery were the most preferred dental specialties. Conclusion: The social and vocational reasons were the main factors that motivated this group of dental students to attend a dental program. Greater training opportunities should be planned to accommodate the speculated increasing demand for postgraduate dental education in Saudi Arabia.
Cephalometric association of mandibular size/length to the surface area and dimensions of the frontal and maxillary sinuses
Authors: Yassaei Soghra , Emami Akramsadat , Mirbeigi Sanam
Published: June 2018

Objective: This study aimed to determine the cephalometric association of mandibular size/length to the surface area and dimensions of the frontal and maxillary sinuses. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on 116 digital lateral cephalograms of 38 patients with skeletal Class I malocclusion (normal), 40 patients with skeletal Class II malocclusion with mandibular deficiency, and 38 patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion with mandibular excess. Both male and female patients were included. Using AutoCAD 2016 software, the anteroposterior dimension, height and surface area of the frontal and maxillary sinuses, mandibular body length and cephalometric indices including anterior and posterior cranial bases, and growth pattern indices were measured on lateral cephalograms. Results: Dimensions and surface area of the frontal and maxillary sinuses in skeletal Class III malocclusion were greater than those in other groups. These variables were significantly correlated with the mandibular body length. The coefficient for the correlation of height, width, and surface area of the frontal sinus with mandibular body length was 0.253, 0.284, and 0.490, respectively. The coefficient for the correlation of height, length, and surface area of the maxillary sinus with mandibular body length was 0.346, 0.657, and 0.661, respectively. These variables (except for the frontal sinus width) had a significant correlation with the anterior and posterior cranial bases. The frontal sinus width had a significant correlation with the anterior cranial base. These variables in males were greater than those in females. Conclusion: The dimensions and surface area of the frontal and maxillary sinuses in skeletal Class III malocclusion were greater than those in other groups. These variables (except for the frontal sinus width) had a significant correlation with the anterior and posterior cranial bases and mandibular body length.
A retrospective study of causes, management, and complications of pediatric facial fractures
Authors: Ul Haq Muhammad Ehsan , Khan Abdul Samad
Published: June 2018

Objectives: The objective of this study was to report causes, management options, and complications of facial fractures among children. Materials and Methods: The groups were defined on the basis of age, gender, cause of injuries, location, and type of injuries. The treatment modalities ranged from no intervention, closed reduction alone or with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics were generated by using SPSS software for the entire range of the variables under study. Results: Records of 240 pediatric patients were obtained and a total of 322 fractures were found among a study sample. Among these, one-thirds were due to road traffic accidents (RTAs) (37.26%) and fall injuries (36.64%), making them the leading causes of facial fractures. Mandibular fractures were the most common and they accounted for 46% (n = 148) of all fractures. The highest number of RTA (n = 27) was found in adolescents and fall injuries were more prevalent in preschool children (n = 34). Forty-two percent of the fractures (n = 101) were treated with close treatment using arch bars and splints, followed by ORIF (n = 68). The rest, 29.6% (n = 71), received conservative treatments. Postoperative complications were observed in 18.33% (n = 44) of cases, of which jaw deviation, growth disturbance, and trismus were more frequently encountered. Conclusion: Pediatric facial fractures if not managed properly can cause severe issues; therefore, injury prevention strategies should be strictly followed to reduce pediatric injuries in low socioeconomic countries.