bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3DUI-EF: Towards a Framework for Easy Empirical Evaluation of 3D User Interfaces and Interaction Techniques
Authors: Domingues Christophe , Otmane Samir , Mallem Malik
Published: October 2019

Designing usable and effective 3D User Interfaces and 3D Interaction Techniques is very challenging for Virtual Reality system developers and human factors specialists. Indeed, time consuming empirical evaluation is necessary to have an idea about the goodness of the 3D User Interface (3DUI) and the 3D Interaction Technique (3DIT) at the end of their development lifecycle. This may induce a huge loss of time if the result appears not to be satisfying in the end. Moreover, 3DUI evaluation is much more complex than 2D User Interfaces evaluation which is due to heterogeneous Virtual Reality (VR) devices and 3DIT. The aim of this work is to provide a framework allowing developers and experimenters to quickly evaluate 3DUIs and 3DITs during the design and the development lifecycle. The proposed framework is divided into two tools. The first one enables to create an evaluation protocol based on a knowledge database using two data mining algorithms, the "C4.5" to avoid from impossible combinations between devices and indicators and the "Spv Assoc Tree" to build a decision tree between indicators and factors. The second tool of the framework is an Evaluation Virtual Environment (EVE) to perform the evaluation according the protocol created with the first tool.
A Survey of Augmented Reality Technologies, Applications and Limitations
Authors: Van Krevelen D.W.F. , Poelman R.
Published: October 2019

A Survey of Augmented Reality Technologies, Applications and Limitations
Wind Field Synthesis for Animating Wind-induced Vibration
Authors: Khorloo Oyundolgor , Gunjee Zorig , Sosorbaram Batjargal , Chiba Norishige
Published: October 2019

We present a simple method to generate three-dimensional frozen and non-frozen turbulent wind fields for use in the animation of wind-induced motion. Our approach uses 1/f^_ noise to match the characteristics of natural wind. By employing a noise-based approach, the complexity as well as computational cost is reduced. Additionally, by considering key characteristics of actual wind that are applied in the structural engineering field, our proposed method is able to produce plausible results in outdoor wind field simulations. In this paper, we describe the implementation results of our proposed method and compare them with other existing approaches used to construct turbulent wind fields. The implementation and visualization are carried out for both two- and three-dimensional scenarios and compared with the results of other well-known methods.
Physical Model for Interactive Deformation of 3D Plant
Authors: Lu Shenglian , Guo Xinyu , Zhao Chunjiang , Li Changfeng
Published: October 2019

Modeling the deformation of 3D plant is a challenge in computer graphics. This paper presents a simulation method for physically simulating interactive deformation of 3D plant models. This method creates a tetrahedral mesh from the initial triangular plant model, the tetrahedral mesh is then used for dynamic response calculation of collision or interaction, the original triangular mesh is deformed along with the tetrahedral mesh. A capsule-based method and a spatial hashing based method are used for efficient and accurate collision detection. Smooth deformation effects and real-time simulation on 3D plant models demonstrate the effectiveness of our method. The main contribution of this paper is the proposed method can handle the geometric complexity of various plants by a simple model.
Road Signs Perception Evaluation by Means of a Semi-immersive Tool
Authors: Vigano Roberto , Rovida Edoardo , Vincenti Riccardo , Ramondino Marco
Published: October 2019

To reduce the number of road accident victims the European Commission has encouraged the European member states to implement a series of actions in this field. These actions include the development of intelligent and integrated safety systems as well as educational and training initiatives. Educational initiatives include the training of the drivers to improve their ability and sense of responsibility. In addition to the direct use of the vehicle, the training includes the recognition of the traffic signs. Since the recognition may be influenced by both the position of the signal and the weather conditions, the authors have studied the possibility of evaluate the drivers' perception of road signs by means of a virtual environment tool able to perform different operative conditions. A series of tests was conducted to evaluate the visualization tool created and its ability to replace other recognition tests. This paper reports first tests results.
A Simple Framework to Develop Pedagogical Augmented Reality Programs: an Application Based on Plants Teaching
Authors: Hamon Ludovic , Richard Emmanuelle , Richard Paul , Ferrier Jean-Louis
Published: October 2019

An augmented reality Engine for the Construction of Pedagogical Applications (ECPA) is presented with an ECPA menu composed of two (master and slave) sub-menus as the main interface. With simple LUA scripts that allow building the application features, ECPA can be used to easily program different educational applications in a short time. To illustrate the possibilities of ECPA engine, an application called Virtual Plant For Children (VPFC) is created. VPFC allows young people to interact with virtual plants thanks to an interactive L-system for plants growing simulation. A usability test is made to validate our interface and interaction method, in which twenty-four K4-K5 children are instructed to make virtual plants grow by giving them water, heat and light.
A Window-Based Adaptive Correspondence Search Algorithm Using Mean Shift and Disparity Estimation
Authors: Zhang Shujun , Zhang Jianbo , Liu Yun
Published: October 2019

Current methods to solve the problem of binocular stereo matching can be divided into two categories: sparse points based methods and dense points based methods. However, both of them have different shortcomings and limitations. There is no perfect method to solve the disparity problem. Dense points based techniques relatively obtain more accurate results but with higher computation. A large number of window-based adaptive corres-pondence techniques have emerged in recent years. In order to solve the problem of high time complexity and large amount of calculation in matching process, we propose a new window-based correspondence search algorithm using mean shift and disparity estimation. Mean shift can aggregate the same or similar colors so it can be applied to pre-process the source images to reduce their dynamic color range. Disparity estimation is conducted on the pre-processed two images to compute disparities of uniform texture regions. Adaptive window matching through similarity computation and window-based support aggregation is finally executed and exact depth map is obtained. Experimental results show that our algorithm is more efficient and keeps smooth dis-parity better than the prior window method
In-Situ Support for Automotive Manufacturing Using Spatial Augmented Reality
Authors: Zhou Jianlong , Lee Ivan , Thomas Bruce , Menassa Roland , Farrant Anthony , Sansome Andrew
Published: October 2019

In automotive manufacturing, quality inspection of spot welding demands excessive manual operations. Operators refer to a printed drawing of the testing body, with the inspection points marked on this drawing. Operators have to locate the matching spot on the drawing and the body manually to perform the inspection. Further more, different subsets of spots are inspected on different car bodies with a pre-determined sequence. This paper describes a system that projects visual data onto arbitrary surfaces for providing just-in-time information to a user in-situ within a physical work-cell. This system aims to reduce the inefficiencies and potential mistakes in manual inspection process. This paper discusses how spatial augmented reality and head-mount displays may be combined to display global information visible by all operators as well as personalized information to individuals. Further investigations on applying spatial augmented reality for spot welding inspections are explored, including four types of digital information projected onto the surfaces of car body parts under structured work environments: 1) Location of spot welds; 2) Inspection methods; 3) Operation Description Sheet (ODS) information; 4) Visualization of weld locating methods. Three visualization methods are used to attract operators' attention to locate the position of spot welds efficiently. This paper also proposes a method to project augmentations on objects moving along an assembly line. The proposed system allows operators becoming more effective and efficient in performing proper inspections, by providing them the required information at the required time without the need to refer to paper-based manuals or computer terminals.
Virtual Environment in Construction and Maintenance of Buildings
Authors: Sampaio A.Z. , Gomes A.R. , Gomes A. M. , Santos J. P. , Ros�rio D.
Published: October 2019

This paper describes two prototype applications based on Virtual Reality (VR) technology for use in construction and maintenance planning of buildings. The first, applied to construction, is an interactive virtual model designed to present plans three-dimensionally (3D), connecting them to construction planning schedules, resulting in a valuable asset to the monitoring of the development of construction activity. The 4D application considers the time factor showing the 3D geometry of the different steps of the construction activity, according to the plan established for the construction. A second VR model was created in order to help in the maintenance of exterior closures of walls in a building. It allows the visual and interactive transmission of information related to the physical behavior of the elements. To this end, the basic knowledge of material most often used in facades, anomaly surveillance, techniques of rehabilitation, and inspection planning were studied. This information was included in a database that supports the periodic inspection needed in a program of preventive maintenance. This work brings an innovative contribution to the field of construction and maintenance supported by emergenttechnology
Low-cost and home-made immersive systems
Authors: Kuntz Sébastien , Cíger Ján
Published: October 2019

A lot of professionals or hobbyists at home would like to create their own immersive virtual reality systems for cheap and taking little space. We offer two examples of such "home-made" systems using the cheapest hardware possible while maintaining a good level of immersion: the first system is based on a projector (VRKit-Wall) and cost around 1000$, while the second system is based on a head-mounted display (VRKit-HMD) and costs between 600� and 1000�. We also propose a standardization of those systems in order to enable simple application sharing. Finally, we describe a method to calibrate the stereoscopy of a NVIDIA 3D Vision system.
Increasing Precision for Extended Reach 3D Manipulation
Authors: Auteri Chris , Guerra Mark , Frees Scott
Published: October 2019

Object selection and manipulation in 3D immersive environments generally suffers from a lack of precision, primarily due to hand instability and tracking noise. Typically the lack of precision is exacerbated as the user begins to use techniques that allow distant interaction, such as Ray Casting, HOMER, and Go-Go. This problem can be addressed using velocity-based hand scaling such as PRISM, which has been applied to Ray Casting and HOMER previously. We present a study of the combination of Go-Go and PRISM. In our research, we have found that Go-Go + PRISM yields a nearly 2:1 improvement in precision over traditional Go-Go interaction when attempting to align two objects at a distance under time constraints
Museum augmented interface for historical scale models: towards a new way for cultural heritage promotion
Authors: Hervy Benjamin , Laroche Florent , Kerouanton Jean-Louis , Bernard Alain , Courtin Christophe , Guillet Bertrand , D'haene Laurence , Waels Arnaud
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we describe an interactive museum application dedicated to historical scale models. This comes from a joint work between multidisciplinary teams: industrial engineering researchers, historians, museum curators and interactive interface designers. We present here the result of the project, based on scientific methodology. Results include system architecture, hardware and software, some use cases and user evaluation figures. This paper also underlines some methodology issues that illustrate future possibilities.
Virtual Agents in Brain-Computer Interfaces
Authors: Cavazza Marc , Charles Fred , Gilroy Stephen W. , Porteous Julie , Aranyi Gabor , Cordry Julien , Raz Gal , Keynan Nimrod Jakob , Cohen Avihay , Jackont Gilan , Jacob Yael , Soreq Eyal , Klovatch Ilana , Hendler Talma
Published: October 2019

The recent development of Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) for Virtual Worlds has resulted in a growing interest in realistic visual feedback. In this paper, we investigate the potential role of Virtual Agents in neurofeedback (NF) systems, which constitute an important paradigm for BCI. We discuss the potential of virtual agents to contribute to the success of NF in the specific context of affective BCI. Throughout the paper, we illustrate our presentation with two fully implemented NF prototypes featuring virtual agents. The first is an interactive narrative in which the user empathises with the feature character; the second, an emotion regulation system in which virtual crowd behaviour becomes a metaphor for arousal, as the user attempts to down-regulate their affective state.
EDITORIAL The International Journal of Virtual Reality 2015, IJVR 15(2)
Authors: Buche Cédric
Published: October 2019

Editorial IJVR 15-2
An information centric framework for creating virtual environments to support micro surgery
Authors: Cecil J. , Pirela-Cruz Miguel
Published: October 2019

In this paper we discuss the creation of an information centric framework to develop a virtual reality environment for micro surgery. An information model of micro surgery was built through interactions with an expert micro surgeon using the engineering Enterprise Modeling Language (eEML). The overall approach and architecture of the micro surgical environment is discussed. An enterprise level surgical manager, surgical planner and other components work together to enable the functioning of the virtual environment for micro surgery. Such virtual environments are essential to educating / training young budding surgeons..
Validation of a New Dynamic Muscle Fatigue Model and DMET Analysis
Authors: Seth Deep , Chablat Damien , Bennis Fouad , Sakka Sophie , Jubeau Marc , Nordez Antoine
Published: October 2019

Automation in industries reduced the human effort, but still there are many manual tasks in industries which lead to musculo-skeletal disorder (MSD). Muscle fatigue is one of the reasons leading to MSD. The objective of this article is to experimentally validate a new dynamic muscle fatigue model taking cocontraction factor into consideration using electromyography (EMG) and Maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) data. A new model (Seth's model) is developed by introducing a co-contraction factor 'n' in R. Ma's dynamic muscle fatigue model. The experimental data of ten subjects are used to analyze the muscle activities and muscle fatigue during extension-flexion motion of the arm on a constant absolute value of the external load. The findings for co-contraction factor shows that the fatigue increases when co-contraction index decreases. The dynamic muscle fatigue model is validated using the MVC data, fatigue rate and co-contraction factor of the subjects. It has been found that with the increase in muscle fatigue, co-contraction index decreases and 90% of the subjects followed the exponential function predicted by fatigue model. The model is compared with other models on the basis of dynamic maximum endurance time (DMET). The co-contraction has significant effect on the muscle fatigue model and DMET. With the introduction of co-contraction factor DMET decreases by 25:9% as compare to R. Ma's Model.
A Virtual Reality System for Treatment of Phantom Limb Pain using Game Training and Motion Tracking
Authors: Henriksen Bartal , Nielsen Ronni , Szabo Laszlo , Evers Nicolaj , Kraus Martin , Geng Bo
Published: October 2019

This paper describes the implementation of a phantom limb pain (PLP) home-based system using virtual reality (VR) and a motion sensor to immerse the users in a virtual environment (VE). The work is inspired by mirror therapy (MT), which has been used to relieve PLP. The target patient group focuses on unilateral upper-limb amputees with phantom pain. Using a motion sensor, the system tracks the movement of a user's hand and translates it onto the virtual hand. The system consists of exercises including opening and closing the hand, rotating the hand, and finer finger movements. These exercises are conveyed in the VR as three games: (1) A bending game, where the patients have to bend a rod, (2) a box game where the patients pick up and place boxes with their hands, (3) and a button memory game where the patients have to push buttons in a given sequence. These games were tested on twelve healthy participants to evaluate if the games encouraged similar movements as in MT. Prior to the experiment a preliminary test was conducted on an amputee with PLP to gather qualitative feedback from an end-user. The results indicated that the games did convey the exercises from the MT, although further testing is needed.
EDITORIAL - IJVR 17(2)
Authors: Richir Simon
Published: October 2019

Special Issue - Best Papers of Virtual Reality International Conference (VRIC'17)
MitsuDomoe: Ecosystem Simulation of Virtual Creatures in Petri Dish Display
Authors: Ohshima Toshikazu , Kojima Kenzo
Published: October 2019

In this study, we propose the use of mixed reality (MR) for the purposes of biological education. Our objective is to create an interactive edutainment MR framework for users to learn about nature and human beings. MitsuDomoe, an interactive ecosystem simulator of virtual creatures in a petri dish, comprises three species of primitive artificial creatures. MitsuDomoe simulates the predation chain of the virtual creatures in the petri dish, and users can interact with this ecosystem via the petri dish interface. Users can also experience immersive observation by wearing HMD. By combining the MR petri dish and immersive virtual reality (VR) interfaces, we synergistically improve user understanding of the experience.
Gamified Virtual Reality for Program Code Structure Comprehension
Authors: Oberhauser Roy , Lecon Carsten
Published: October 2019

When programmers view program code text, the abstract and invisible nature of the underlying program code structures remains inherently challenging for them to visualize. Widespread availability of virtual reality (VR) hardware and software now make VR visualization of program code structures accessible. In such potentially visually satiating environments, the application of gamification has the potential to provide an additional focus and motivational factor towards comprehending program structures. Towards this end, this paper describes our Gamified Virtual Reality FlyThruCode (GVR-FTC) approach which gamifies our immersive metaphorical visualization of any given software code structure. Our initial results show that VR-based gamification (specifically code dependencies and modularization) can be more fun and motivational and support structural program comprehension better than using a PC-based text editor for a similarly gamified situation.
Virtual Reality and Assistive Technologies: A Survey
Authors: Yasmin Shamima
Published: October 2019

This paper conducts an extensive survey on existing Virtual Reality (VR)-based rehabilitation approaches in the context of different types of impairments: mobility, cognitive, and visual. Some VR-based assistive technologies involve repetitions of body movements, some require persistent mental exercise, while some work as sensory substitution systems. A multi-modal VR-based environment can incorporate a number of senses, (i.e., visual, auditory, or haptic) into the system and can be an immense source of motivation and engagement in comparison with traditional rehabilitation therapy. This survey categorizes virtual environments on the basis of different available modalities. Each category is again subcategorized by the types of impairments while introducing available devices and interfaces. Before concluding the survey, the paper also briefly focuses on some issues with existing VR-based approaches that need to be optimized to exploit the utmost benefit of virtual environment-based rehabilitation systems .
Gender Differences in Stress Responses during a Virtual Reality Trier Social Stress Test
Authors: Santl Julia , Shiban Youssef , Plab Andreas , Wüst Stefan , Kudielka Brigitte M. , Mühlberger Andreas
Published: October 2019

The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) is commonly used to induce stress in laboratories by instructing participants to deliver a speech and to solve arithmetic tasks in front of a committee. Its implementation in virtual reality (VR) enables an investigation of stress responses under highly standardized controllable conditions.
The aim of this study was to compare stress responses among men and women in a VR version of the TSST (VR-TSST).
To this end, 16 women taking oral contraceptives and 16 men underwent the VR-TSST in a modified version including a competitor. Stress ratings, heart rate, electrodermal reactivity, and salivary cortisol responses were analyzed.
The VR-TSST induced endocrine, peripher-physiological and self-reported stress responses, indicated by a significant increase in heart rate, electrodermal activity and stress ratings as well as a small but significant cortisol response. Significant gender differences were found only for stress ratings. In conclusion, these findings confirm earlier results that VR is suitable to induce social stress both in males and females.
Comparing Conventional versus Immersive Service Prototypes: An Empirical Study
Authors: Abdel Razek Abdul Rahman , Van Husen Christian , Pallot Marc , Richir Simon
Published: October 2019

For years, Immersive Technologies and 3D printing, demonstrated their capacity to quickly build product prototypes in order to reach a common understanding among all stakeholders, especially potential users. Service prototyping is a novel agile process intended to accelerate the service development, while improving the overall anticipated service experience. The use of Immersive Technologies in service prototyping is intended to enable a co-creative and explorative service experience, even before the service really exists. Service prototyping transforms intangible processes into a real experience. Immersive Technologies are already deployed in several industrial applications ranging from product design to product and service exploration. They are also used for conducting training even before the product or service exists. The main concern remains in the fact that there is a lack of study for comparing and selecting the most appropriate form of Service Prototypes (SP) to explore a new service. This paper presents our empirical study comparing different SP forms and the results of two experiment sessions that were conducted at ENSAM Laval and Angers campuses. These results reveal that participants preferred immersive forms rather than conventional forms. However, it also unveils some difficulties in properly handling Immersive Technologies.
Controller-based Text-input Techniques for Virtual Reality: An Empirical Comparison
Authors: Boletsis Costas , Kongsvik Stian
Published: October 2019

Existing consumer VR systems support text input using handheld controllers in combination with virtual keyboards and many designers have attempted to build on these widely used techniques. However, information on current and well-established VR text-input techniques is lacking. In this work, we conduct a comparative empirical evaluation of four controller-based VR text-input techniques, namely, raycasting, drum-like keyboard, head-directed input, and split keyboard. We focus on their text-entry rate and accuracy, usability, and user experience. Twenty-two participants evaluated the techniques by completing a typing session, answering usability and user-experience questionnaires, and participating in a semi-structured interview. The drum-like keyboard and the raycasting techniques stood out, achieving good usability scores, positive experiential feedback, satisfactory text-entry rates, and moderate error rates that can be reduced in future studies. The specific documented usability and experiential characteristics of the techniques are presented and discussed herein.
URBANIZATION AND SUSTAINABLE FOOD PRODUCTION IN CHINA
Authors: Guoqing Li
Published: October 2019

China is now facing urbanization and the migrants from rural area have increased significantly. The farmland was the core iuess of the new urbanization process. The contracted land management right, residence land use rights and collective construction land allocation right were the main contents of the property right of peasants. To establish a new mechanism to make peasants and the rural collective enjoy the reasonable land profit is important for the new round land reform in China. Based on that, this paper will explain how the rural land were transformed into urban poverty. This paper argued that replace rural retained land into urban property model was a new form of compensation for the rural land.  By this model, the migrant farmers can obtain the compensation as the economic base in city and improve the willingness of farmers moving to city and transfer their land to enlarge average arable land scale to develop food production. The paper concluded that the way to solve the shortage of arable land was to speed up the process of urbanization, promote the circulation of cultivated land to realize the expansion of rural per capita arable land to ensure food security. Therefore, it is needed to build a unified construction land market, realize the same price and same right between state-owned land and rural collective land, giving farmers more property rights.
ENTREPREUNARIAL AND FAMILY BUSINESS FARMS IN THAILAND: WHO TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THE RUBBER BOOM?
Authors: Chambon Benedicte , Bosc Pierre-Marie , Promkhambut Arunee , Duangta Kanchana
Published: October 2019

Following the high rubber prices in the second half of the 2010s, rubber plantations expanded greatly especially in Southeast Asia. Smallholders were important actors of the recent rubber boom. However, large landholdings and foreign investments were also very present in some Southeast Asian rubber producing countries leading some researchers to ask whether we are witnessing resurgence of plantations in tropical Asia. Looking at entrepreneurial rubber farms in Thailand, the first producer of natural rubber in the world, where very little information is available on this type of farms, is one way to contribute to the debate. After identifying large rubber holdings using secondary data completed by some field explorations, we conducted a survey on a limited number (13) of large rubber holdings. Qualitative analysis revealed that the recent development of large plantations in the rubber sector was actually limited in Thailand, and that this (limited) expansion of large rubber plantations mainly involved family business farms. Together with family farms, these family business farms largely contributed to the recent expansion of rubber plantations rather than entrepreneurial farms. In addition, these large landholdings shared several similar technical and organizational patterns with smaller family farms. Finally, Thailand represents a specific pattern of change in farm structure in which family farms have always persisted over enterprise farms. Family business farms are a type of farm structure that now appears to be expanding. In addition to continuing to support small and medium family farms, government policies should consider such changes in farm structure and provide support to improve the technical management of these developing forms of production. In parallel, support should be provided to help maintain the smallholdings thereby limiting land concentration when it is not wanted by the owners.
The Effect of Organizational Culture, Personality, Teamwork, Procedural Justice, and Organizational Citizenship Behavior on Job Tomori Pertamina North Sulawesi
Authors: Farida Ida , Tippe Syarifudin , Tunas Billy
Published: October 2019

Organizational Citizenship Behavior was a part of the development concept in human resources management. This concept can support an organization’s progress in a positive direction. So the role of OCB becomes very important for the development of the organization. The research was aimed at finding out the information about the effect of organizational culture, personality, teamwork, procedural justice, and organizational citizenship behavior on Job Tomori Pertamina North Sulawesi. A survey was used by involving 250 employees as a sample. There were five instruments for measuring, organizational culture (31 items, rel .705, personality (25 items rel  .969), teamwork (36 items rel  .635), procedural justice (20 items rel .660), and organizational citizenship behavior (27 items rel .959). Data were analyzed by descriptive statistical analysis, inferential statistics for linearity test and path analysis. Organizational citizenship behavior significantly affected directly by organizational culture.  Moreover, procedural justice directly significantly affected organizational citizenship behavior. Based on those findings, it can be concluded that it was personality and teamwork only which should be considered if organizational citizenship behavior would be improved. It can be stated that considering those findings, personality and teamwork could not be neglected in enhancing organizational citizenship behavior.
Comparative Genomics of Multidrug-Resistant Enterococcus spp. isolated from Wastewater Treatment Plants
Authors: Sanderson Haley , Ortega-Polo Rodrigo , Zaheer Rahat , Goji Noriko , Amoako Kingsley K. , Brown R. Stephen , Majury Anna , Liss Steven N. , Mcallister Tim
Published: October 2019

Background
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are considered hotspots for the environmental dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants. Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) are candidates for gauging the degree of AMR bacteria in wastewater. Enterococcus faecalis and Entercoccus faecium are recognized indicators of fecal contamination in water. Comparative genomics of enterococci isolated from conventional activated sludge (CAS) and biological aerated filter (BAF) WWTPs was conducted.
Results
VRE isolates, including E. faecalis (n=24), E. faecium (n=11), E. casseliflavus (n=2) and E. gallinarum (n=2), were selected for sequencing based on WWTP source, species and AMR phenotype. The pangenomes of E. faecium and E. faecalis were both open. The genomic fraction related to the mobilome was positively correlated with genome size in E. faecium ( p < 0.001) and E. faecalis ( p < 0.001) and with the number of AMR genes in E. faecium ( p = 0.005). Genes conferring vancomycin resistance, including van A and van M ( E. faecium ), van G ( E. faecalis ), and van C ( E. casseliflavus / E. gallinarum ), were detected in 20 genomes. The most prominent functional AMR genes were efflux pumps and transporters. A minimum of 16, 6, 5 and 3 virulence genes were detected in E. faecium , E. faecalis , E. casseliflavus and E. gallinarum, respectively. Virulence genes were more common in E. faecalis and E. faecium , than E. casseliflavus and E. gallinarum . A number of mobile genetic elements were shared among species. Functional CRISPR/Cas arrays were detected in 13 E. faecalis genomes, with all but one also containing a prophage. The lack of a functional CRISPR/Cas arrays was associated with multi-drug resistance in E. faecium . Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated differential clustering of isolates based on source but not based on WWTP. Genes related to phage and CRISPR/Cas arrays could potentially serve as environmental biomarkers.
Conclusions
There was no discernible difference between enterococcal genomes from the CAS and BAF WWTPs. E. faecalis and E. faecium have smaller genomes and harbor more virulence, AMR, and mobile genetic elements than other Enterococcus spp .
The transfer of knowledge on integrated care among five European regions: a qualitative multi-method study
Authors: Grooten Liset , Vrijhoef Hubertus Johannes Maria , Alhambra-Borrás Tamara , Whitehouse Diane , Devroey Dirk
Published: October 2019

Background To examine how the knowledge transfer processes unfolded within SCIROCCO, a EU funded project (3rd Health Programme (2014-2020)) that aimed to facilitate the process of knowledge sharing across five European regions, to speed up adoption and scaling-up of integrated care initiatives.
Methods A qualitative multi-method design was used. Data collection methods included focus groups, project documents and action plans of the regions. The data was analysed using a qualitative content-analysis procedure, which was guided by the frameworks of knowledge exchange and the why, whose, what, how framework for knowledge mobilisers
Results All five components (including the themes) of knowledge exchange could be identified in the approach developed on the knowledge transfer processes. The four questions and accompanying categories of the framework of knowledge mobilisation were also identified to a large degree.
Conclusions The observed incorporation of distinct forms of knowledge from multiple sources and the observed dynamic and fluid knowledge transfer processes both suggest that SCIROCCO developed a comprehensive knowledge transfer approach aiming to enable the adoption and scaling-up of integrated care. Overall, the multi-method qualitative nature of this research has allowed some new and practical insights in the knowledge transfer activities on integrated care between several European regions. To obtain a clear understanding of the content of the knowledge transfer approaches, which could assist the operationalising of models to support the evaluation of knowledge transfer activities, it is strongly recommended that further research of this type should be conducted in other research settings.
Does the Use of a Closed-Suction Drain Reduce the Effectiveness of an Antibiotic-loaded Spacer in Two-Stage Exchange Arthroplasty for Periprosthetic Hip Infection? A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study
Authors: Xu Chi , Jia Cheng-Qi , Kuo Feng-Chih , Chai Wei , Zhang Ming-Hua , Chen Ji-Ying
Published: October 2019

Background: There is a concern regarding the use of a closed-suction drain (CSD) in two-stage exchange arthroplasty for periprosthetic joint infection as it may decrease the antibiotic concentrations in the joint fluids. The purpose of this study was to identify whether the use of a CSD could reduce local antibiotic concentrations following spacer implantation. Methods: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial was conducted at our institution between January 2018 and November 2018. We enrolled 32 patients undergoing two-stage exchange arthroplasty for periprosthetic hip infection with an interim cement spacer containing 4-g vancomycin and 2-g meropenem per 40-g methyl-methacrylate cement polymer. Patients were randomized and evenly divided into the study group (non-CSD) and control group (CSD group) by sealed envelopes. Drainage samples of joint fluids (n=160) were collected every 24 hours for the first five days following spacer implantation. The antibiotic concentrations of drainage samples were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the bioactivities of the drainage samples against methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA and MRSA) and E. coli were assessed. Results: There was no significant difference in the decrease of vancomycin (study group vs. control group: 163.20 ± 77.05 vs. 162.39 ± 36.31; p=0.917) and meropenem concentration (123.78 ± 21.04 vs. 117.27 ± 19.38; P=0.548) between the two groups during the first five days following spacer implantation. All joint drainage samples in each group exhibited antibacterial activity against MSSA, MRSA and E. Coli. Conclusions: The use of CSD following the implantation of an antibiotic-loaded cement spacer does not reduce the effectiveness of such a spacer in two-stage exchange arthroplasty.
Hemoptysis from Complex Pulmonary Aspergilloma Treated by Cavernostomy and Thoracoplasty
Authors: Giang Nguyen Truong , Dung Nguyen Tien , Hien Nguyen Thanh , Thiet Truong Thanh , Hiep Phan Sy , Vu Nguyen The , Pho Dinh Cong , Nam Nguyen Van , Hung Pham Ngoc
Published: October 2019

Background In high-risk patients with complex pulmonary aspergilloma but unable for lung resection, cavernostomy and thoracoplasty could be performed. This study aimed to evaluate this surgery compared two material used (table tennis ball and tissue expander) as a filler. Methods: The prospective study evaluated 63 in high-risk patients who had hemoptysis due to complex pulmonary aspergilloma that submitted to cavernostomy and thoracoplasty surgery from November 2011 to September 2018. Patients were allocated to the table tennis ball group (46 patients) and tissue expander group (17 patients). We evaluated at the time of before operation, six months and 24 months after operation. Results The most common comorbidity diseases were tuberculosis in two groups. Upper lobe occupied almost location. Hemoptysis symptoms plunged from time to time. Statistically significant Karnofsky score was observed in both groups. BMI showed slightly increasing but not statistically significant. Postoperative pulmonary functions (FVC and FEV1) have remained in both groups at all time points. The remarkable results were no death in the postoperative period, and long-term complication of surgery was low. There was no statistical significance between two groups in operative time, blood loss during operation, ICU length-stay time. Four patients died because of co-morbidity in 24 months follow-up. Conclusion: Cavernostomy and thoracoplasty was safe and effective surgery for the treatment of high-risk patients with complex pulmonary aspergilloma. There was no mortality related to surgery. The postoperative complications and long-term complication were low. The was no inferiority when compared table tennis ball group and tissue expander group. Keyword: Complex Pulmonary Aspergilloma (CPA), Hemoptysis, Cavernostomy, Thoracoplasty, Table Tennis Balls, Tissue expander,
Rural vs urban residence and experience of discrimination among people with severe mental illnesses in Ethiopia
Authors: Forthal Sarah , Fekadu Abebaw , Medhin Girmay , Selamu Medhin , Thornicroft Graham , Hanlon Charlotte
Published: October 2019

Background

Few studies have addressed mental illness-related discrimination in low-income countries, where the mental health treatment gap is highest. We aimed to evaluate the experience of discrimination among persons with severe mental illnesses (SMI) in Ethiopia, a low-income, rapidly urbanizing African country, and hypothesised that experienced discrimination would be higher among those living in a rural compared to an urban setting.Methods

The study was a cross-sectional survey of a community-ascertained sample of people with SMI who underwent confirmatory diagnostic interview. Experienced discrimination was measured using the Discrimination and Stigma Scale (DISC-12). Zero-inflated negative binomial regression was used to estimate the effect of place of residence (rural vs. urban) on discrimination, adjusted for potential confounders.Results

Of the 300 study participants, 63.3% had experienced discrimination in the previous year, most commonly being avoided or shunned because of mental illness (38.5%). Urban residents were significantly more likely to have experienced unfair treatment from friends (χ2(1)=4.80; p=0.028), the police (χ2(1) =11.97; p=0.001), in keeping a job (χ2(1)=5.43; p=0.020), and in safety (χ2(1)=5.00; p=0.025), and had a significantly higher DISC-12 score than those living in rural areas (adjusted risk ratio: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.18, 2.33).Conclusions

Persons with SMI living in urban settings report more experience of discrimination than their rural counterparts, which may reflect a downside of wider social opportunities in urban settings. Initiatives to expand access to mental health care should consider how social exclusion can be overcome in different settings.
Methods for Diagnosing Bile Acid Malabsorption: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lyutakov Ivan Aleksandrov , Ursini Francesco , Penchev Plamen Ivanov , Caio Giacomo , Carroccio Antonio , Volta Umberto , De Giorgio Roberto
Published: October 2019

Background

Bile acid malabsorption (BAM) and bile acid-related diarrhea represent an under-recognized cause of chronic diarrhea mainly because of limited guidance on appropriate diagnostic and laboratory tests.Objective

We aimed to perform a systematic review of the literature in order to identify and compare the diagnostic accuracy of different diagnostic methods for patients with BAM, despite a proven gold standard test is still lacking.Design

A PubMed literature review and a manual search were carried out. Relevant full papers, evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of different methods for BAM, were assessed. Available data were analyzed to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of each published test.Results

Overall, more than one test was considered in published papers on BAM. The search strategy retrieved 574 articles; of these, only 16 were full papers (with a total of 2.332 patients) included in the final review. Specifically, n=8 studies used 75 Selenium-homotaurocholic-acid-test ( 75 SeHCAT) with a <10% retention threshold; n=8 studies evaluated fasting serum 7-α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one (C4); n=3 studies involved total fecal bile acid (BA) excretion over 48h; n=4 studies assessed fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19). 75 SeHCAT showed an average sensitivity and specificity of 87.32% and 93.2%, respectively, followed by serum C4 (85.2% and 71.1%) and total fecal BA (66.6% and 79.3%). Fasting serum FGF19 had the lowest sensitivity and specificity (63.8% and 72.3%). All the extracted data were associated with substantial heterogeneity.Conclusions

Our systematic review indicates that 75 SeHCAT has the highest diagnostic accuracy for BAM, followed by serum C4 assay. The diagnostic yield of fecal BA and FGF19 assays is still under investigation. Our review reinforces the need for novel biomarkers aimed to an objective detection of BAM and therefore improving the management of this condition.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), as Diagnosed by Non-Contact Infrared Meibography, in Dogs with Ocular Surface Disorders (OSD): A Retrospective Study.
Authors: Vinas Marta , Maggio Federica , D’Anna Nunzio , Rabozzi Roberto , Peruccio Claudio
Published: October 2019

Background

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is one of the possible conditions underlying ocular surface disorders (OSD). Prevalence of MGD in dogs affected by OSD has not yet been reported. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of MGD among OSD canine patients, which had been assessed by non-contact infrared meibography and interferometry, and to identify MGD associated factors that might guide its diagnosis. Medical records of canine patients examined for OSD between 2016 and 2019 were reviewed. The frequency of MGD was evaluated within different categories (skull conformation, gender, eye and STT-1). The putative MGD risk factors and frequency of MGD within grades of interferometry were evaluated in a regression analysis model and reported as odd ratios (ORs).Results

One hundred fifty eyes from 81 dogs with OSD were included with median age 75 months (range 3-192) and female representation with 52%. MGD was present in 70% of the examined eyes. MGD risk was higher in males [OR adj = 3.015 (95% CI: 1.395 - 6.514) ( P = 0.005)] and older patients [OR adj = 1.207 (95% CI: 1.081 - 1.348) ( P = 0.001)]. No significant differences were found between left and right eyes ( P = 0.66) or between the two types of skull conformation ( P = 0.477) and MGD presence. MGD was associated to the lowest LL thickness, as assessed by interferometry (grade 0) [OR= 16.00 (95% CI: 2.104 - 121.68) ( P < 0.001)]. STT values were not significantly associated with the presence of MGD ( P > 0.05).Conclusions

MGD is a common underlying pathology in OSD. Being male and higher age are risk factors for MGD. An interferometry grade 0 may guide OSD diagnosis towards MGD.
Low psoas muscle index is a poor prognostic factor for lower gastrointestinal perforation: a single-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kayano Hajime , Nomura Eiji , Abe Rin , Ueda Yasuhiko , Machida Takashi , Fujita Chikara , Uchiyama Shohei , Endo Kazuyuki , Murakami Katsuki , Mukai Masaya , Makuuchi Hiroyasu
Published: October 2019

Background

Various body composition indices have been reported as prognostic factors for different cancers. However, whether body composition affects prognosis after lower gastrointestinal tract perforation requiring emergency surgery and multidisciplinary treatment has not been clarified. This study examined whether body composition evaluations that can be measured easily and quickly from computed tomography (CT) are useful for predicting prognosis.

Methods

Subjects comprised 64 patients diagnosed with perforation at final diagnosis after emergency surgery for a preoperative diagnosis of lower gastrointestinal tract perforation and penetration. They were divided into a survival group and a non-survival (in-hospital mortality) group and compared. Body composition indices (psoas muscle index (PMI); psoas muscle attenuation (PMA); subcutaneous adipose tissue index (SATI); visceral adipose tissue index (VATI); visceral-to-subcutaneous fat area ratio (VSR)) were measured from preoperative CT. Cross-sectional psoas muscle area at the level of the 3rd lumbar vertebra was quantified. Optimal cut-off values were calculated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Poor prognostic factors were investigated from multivariate logistic regression analyses that included patient factors, perioperative factors, intraoperative factors, and body composition indices as explanatory variables.

Results

The cause of perforation was malignant disease in 12 cases (18.7%), and benign disease in 52 cases (81.2%). The most common cause was diverticulum of the large intestine. Emergency surgery for the 64 patients led to survival in 52 patients and death in 12 patients. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, independent predictors of poor prognosis were Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (odds ratio 1.908; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.235–3.681; P =0.0020) and PMI (odds ratio 13.478; 95%CI 1.342–332.690; P =0.0252). The cut-off PMI was 4.75 cm 2 /m 2 for males and 2.89 cm 2 /m 2 for females. Among survivors, duration of hospitalization was significantly longer in the low PMI group (29 days) than in the high PMI group (22 days, p=0.0257).

Conclusions

PMI is easily determined from CT and allows rapid evaluation of prognosis following lower gastrointestinal perforation.