bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase Doppler quantification of agricultural spray compared with traditional sampling materials
Authors: Roten R.L. , Post S.L. , Werner A. , Safa M. , Hewitt A.J.
Published: March 2018

The quantification of spray mass has historically been accomplished by means of fluorescent dyes and various string and ground samplers to capture the dye-laden spray. However, these methods are typically not used in close proximity to orchard sprayers and are prone to many sources of error. The objective of this study was to assess the ability of an in-field phase Doppler (pD) interferometer to quantify spray mass against two common string samplers. Measurements were taken at 0.5 m increments to 4.5 m vertically and 1.0 m increments to 5.0 m downwind from the spray. Converted flux measurements from the strings were compared with those obtained using the pD interferometer. The current pD technology was found to be incapable of collecting equivalent flux data to that obtained from the strings. However, the pD equipment did provide useful data on droplet velocity and size.
Conidial production by Botryosphaeriaceae species from grapevine shoot lesions in Marlborough vineyards
Authors: Shafi A. , Ridgway H.J. , Jaspers M.V. , Jones E.E.
Published: March 2018

Botryosphaeriaceae species are important pathogens of grapevines so the effect of environmental conditions on sporulation from naturally infected Sauvignon blanc grapevines in two Marlborough vineyards was studied. Shoot lesions characteristic of Botryosphaeriaceae infection were marked on 24 grapevines in each vineyard for observation between September 2014 and April 2015. Pycnidia on the lesions oozed conidia during or soon after rainfall on five occasions at maximum air temperatures of 8.4—19.9˚C and relative humidities of 77—94.7%. Microscopic observation of the ooze showed conidia characteristic of either Neofusicoccum or Diplodia species in 67% and 50% of samples from Vineyard A and B, respectively. Sixty- nine colonies characteristic of Botryosphaeriaeae species were recovered after plating of conidial ooze and identified by DNA analysis as Diplodia mutila (39.1%), Neofusicoccum australe (30.4%), N. parvum (14.5%), N. luteum (5.8%), D. seriata (7.2%) and N. ribis (3.0%). All species have been reported previously as grapevine pathogens in New Zealand.
Pre-treatment dips to enhance the removal of apple leafcurling midge from apples using high pressure washing
Authors: Page-Weir N.E.M. , Jamieson L.E. , Hawthorne A.J. , Redpath S.P. , Chhagen A. , Hartnett D.E. , Guo L. , Woolf A.B.
Published: March 2018

The presence of apple leafcurling midge (ALCM) on apples is of concern for many of New Zealand’s export apple markets. High pressure washing (HPW) systems have been implemented in export packhouses to reduce the risks associated with various pests; however, higher removal rates of ALCM are required to improve access to challenging markets. A range of pre-treatment dips to improve ALCM removal efficacy when applied before HPW were tested, and the impact of these pre-treatment dips on pest viability determined. Removal of ALCM cocoons by HPW alone was 41%, compared with pre- treatments of hot water at 51˚C (66%), SaturateÂ® (58%), Prospect oilÂ® (57%), malic acid (53%), citric acid (48%), lactic acid (46%), acetic acid (39%), HarvestCideÂ® (37%) or sodium bicarbonate (37%). However, only the hot-water treatment significantly enhanced removal compared with HPW alone. In a second trial, removal of ALCM cocoons with HPW was 69% and hot water + UV-C increased removal to 76%, although this difference was not statistically significant. Overall, none of the pre-treatment dips was found to reduce ALCM viability significantly compared with HPW alone.
Insect pests in stored grain: a Canterbury example
Authors: Drummond J.B. , Marris J.W.M. , Brooker T.
Published: March 2018

Grain samples were collected from storage facilities of cereal grain producers throughout Canterbury, New Zealand to determine levels of insect pest infestation. Collection followed a preliminary survey in 2015/16 where growers were invited to submit grain samples. It was possible that producers were more likely to send samples if they suspected insect infestation. To eliminate any survey sampling bias in the 2016/17 survey, 42 cereal grain producers were randomly selected. Fifty-eight grain samples were collected from 42 storage facilities, of which 77% were infested with one or more insect species. These were predominantly Coleoptera and Psocoptera. The most frequently encountered beetle species were Orzyaephilis surinamensis and Cryptolestes species. In contrast to the 2015/16 survey, a Sitophilus (weevil) species was recorded for the rst time. The proportion of storage facilities infested by insects (77%) was similar to the 2015/16 survey (73%) but higher than two previous surveys in 1971 (38%) and 1979 (50—63%). The proportion of storage facilities treated with insecticides (79%) was similar to the 1979 survey (83%) but greater than the preliminary 2015/16 survey (62%). Results indicate that insect pests of stored grain remain a signi cant risk for grain producers.
3D-printed multi-armed rotator mechanism for simultaneously testing a variety of lure blends
Authors: Sullivan T.E.S. , Mas F. , Welsh T.J. , Suckling D.M.
Published: March 2018

With improvements in 3D-printing technology, the ability to convert the idea of an object quickly into an actual 3D object is becoming both more practicable and affordable. We have been developing a 3D-printed gear housing and a detachable sleeve mechanism with a variable number of rotating arms, to facilitate the testing of a variety of fruit y lures while controlling for environmental bias. The speed of the rotator mechanism is controlled using an adjustable DC step-down module and a series of 3D printed gears. Our current prototype runs on four AA batteries delivering 6V. For testing over longer timeframes or in remote areas, just about any power supply outputting between 5 and 40 volts can be attached. The model is small and has optional printed components that make the unit rain proof so it can be used for both laboratory and eld trials. The model can be printed on any 3D printer with a large enough stage. This model can be used to test lure blends for a variety of insects such as ies or beetles, in a variety of settings such as laboratories, pastures, orchards and forests.
VOCABULARY LEARNING STRATEGIES OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
Authors: Astika I. Gusti
Published: March 2018

Strategy for learning vocabulary has an important role in English language acquisition. This study describes the vocabulary learning strategies that the students used when they learned new words. It attempted to find out if vocabulary learning strategies differed across school levels, gender, and ability groups as indicated by their English grades. This study involved 706 students from 8 secondary schools. The data were collected using a questionnaire developed using a taxonomy consisting of cognitive, metacognitive, memory, and determination categories. The overall results indicate that the students appear to rely more on determination strategies. This reliance on determination strategies is consistent across gender, ability groups, and school levels.
IMAGERY IN SONG LYRICS OF ALICIA KEYS
Authors: Yastanti Unpris , Safitri Dewi
Published: March 2018

The objective of this study is to identify kinds of imagery on songs lyric of Alicia Keys. This study used descriptive method to analyze data.  Recorder songs lyrics of Alicia Keys were served as resources of data and imagery reflected in the lyrics was promoted as data of this study.  The study revealed the following findings: (1) imagery was deserved in three lyrics of Alicia Keys: Girl on Fire, Superwoman, and A Woman’s Worth, (2) Kinds of imagery in the three lyrics songs included: auditory imagery, kinesthetic imagery, visual imagery and organic imagery and the forming is about a woman life, (3)  Message of  songs figured out upon a woman’s life, suggesting a  woman should undertake real struggle and never gave up at whatever occurred in life.
Prevalence of Sepsis and Possible Severe Bacterial Infection among Neonates in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Gambhir , Mulmi Rashmi , Joshi Nibaran , Shrestha Parashu Ram
Published: March 2018

Nepal lacks adequate data on the prevalence of sepsis and Possible Severe Bacterial Infection (PSBI) among neonates. Thus, this systematic review was designed to estimate the prevalence of neonatal sepsis and PSBI status in Nepal. We searched PubMed and Nepal Journal Online for relevant studies on PSBI and neonatal sepsis published from 2006 to 2016. The eligibility criteria included those studies done in Nepal, evaluating the prevalence of PSBI/neonatal sepsis with denominators as the population at risk that is either total live births or total cases evaluated. Altogether, four studies met the review criteria, out of which three were hospital-based and one community-based. There is a vast difference in prevalence rate between hospital-based (2-4%) and community-based (9%) studies. Two studies used haematological scoring system and blood culture to base their diagnosis; one used signs and symptoms for PSBI while the other did not mention the diagnostic criteria. This systematic review suggests that though neonatal sepsis poses a big problem, it lacks a significant number of related studies. There is a need to conduct a nationwide survey on the prevalence of sepsis and PSBI among neonates, which will help to develop health policy.
Anxiety Level of Patients Undergoing Oral Surgical Procedures
Authors: Acharya Sudeep , Joshi Sandhya , Pradhan Amita
Published: March 2018

Background: Evidences on dental anxiety scale are essential in dental practice for better service delivery. The main objective of this study was to determine the anxiety level of patients undergoing oral surgical procedures and explore its associated factors.Methods: This was a cross sectional study enrolling 142 patients. Semi structured questionnaire based on Corah’s dental anxiety scale was prepared and administered to gather information. Descriptive statistics, chi- square test and independent t- test were used to analyze the data.Results: Sixty nine percent were feeling relaxed in waiting area. Nine patients (6.3%) were afraid of persons in white attire. About 17% reported that they were afraid of sound of dental apparatus. Many participant (81%) expected better outcomes of their dental procedures. When waiting for their procedure at the waiting area, about 50% stated to sense restlessness. Nearly 56% felt unease while waiting at dental chair. Nearly 70 % of cases had less than 7 dental anxiety scale score indicating low anxiety to dental procedures, 23.2% showed moderate anxiety with score of 7 to 9 and 7% showed high anxiety by scoring 10 or more out of score of 15.Average dental anxiety scale scores did not vary as per age differences. The anxiety scores for both sexes were alike.Conclusions: Even though anxiety level was low among the cases undergoing oral surgical procedure, being in waiting area and dental chair raises their apprehension.
Quality of Life of Peri and Postmenopausal Women attending Outpatient Department of Obstretics and Gynecology of A Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Koirala Sunita , Manandhar Naresh
Published: March 2018

Background: Many women experience menopausal symptoms during menopausal transition and postmenopausal years. This natural phenomenon often results in various psychological, somatic and urinary symptoms which impair the overall quality of life of women. This study aimed to access the quality of life of women during perimenopausal and early postmenopausal years attending outpatient department of OBGYN at Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study of 240 perimenopausal women of aged 45-60 years attending gynaecological outpatient clinic was carried out between 15th January to 13th April 2017. Data were collected using Women Health Questionnaire, containing 37 questions by interview technique and analyzed using chi-square test to assess the association between sociodemographic information and the quality of life.Results: The median age of onset of menopause was 50 years and 50.8% of respondents were having good quality of life. Sociodemographic variables such as age of women, marital status, educational level, last menstrual period and regular menstrual period were statistically significant with the quality of life of peri and postmenopausal women.Conclusions: Menopausal symptoms are common but due to lack of awareness, they do not seek medical advice. Hence priority lies on generating awareness among women about menopause and menopausal symptoms and establishment of dedicated elderly clinic to help these women live a healthy and comfortable life.
Anxiety, Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder after Earthquake
Authors: Thapa Prakash , Acharya Lumeshor , Bhatta Bhup Dev , Paneru Suman Bhatta , Khattri Jai Bahadur , Chakraborty Prashant Kumar , Sharma Rajasee
Published: March 2018

Background: Prevalence of anxiety, depression and post traumatic stress disorder is high after earthquake. The aim of the study is to study the prevalence and comorbidity of commonly occurring psychological symptoms in people exposed to Nepal mega earthquake in 2015 after a year of the event.Methods: A community based, cross sectional, descriptive study was carried out in Bhumlichaur area of Gorkha district, Nepal after around 14 months of the first major earthquake. We used self-reporting questionnaire 20, Posttraumatic stress disorder 8 and hospital anxiety and depression scale to screen for presence of symptoms of anxiety and depression or post-traumatic stress disorder in this population. The risk of having these disorders according to different socio-demographic variable was assessed by calculating odds ratio. All calculations were done using predictive and analytical software (PASW) version 16.0.Results: A total of 198 participants were included in the final data analysis. The mean age of study participants was 35.13 years (SD=18.04). Borderline anxiety symptoms were found in 104 (52.5%) while significant anxiety symptoms were found in 40 (20%) of respondents. Borderline depressive symptoms were seen in 40 (20%) while significant depressive symptoms were seen in 16 (8%) of subjects. Around 27% (n= 53) of respondents were classified as having post-traumatic stress disorder.Conclusions: The prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms and post-traumatic stress disorder seems to be high even after one year in people exposed to earthquake.
Evaluation of Pain Following the Use of Scalpel versus Diathermy for Skin Incision in Ear, Nose, Throat and Head and Neck Surgeries
Authors: Shrestha Diva
Published: March 2018

Background: Many studies have shown the benefits of diathermy over scalpel for making skin incisions in terms of post operative pain and post operative analgesics requirement. The objective of the study is to compare the pain following incision by scalpel and diathermy for skin in ENT surgery.Methods: We conducted a prospective, randomized study and compared early post operative pain and analgesics requirement in patients undergoing ENT and Head and Neck surgery in Department of ENT at Kathmandu Medical College from September 2016 to August 2017. The statistical analysis was done using MS Excel and SPSS software.Results: Out of 65 participants, 31 were allocated in scalpel group and 30 were allocated in diathermy group. The mean VAS score was significantly greater in scalpel group as compared to diathermy group in post operative 12, 24 and 48 hours (P<0.05). The mean ketorolac requirement was significantly more in scalpel group than in diathermy group in post operative 24 hours. Conclusions: The early post operative pain is less in ENT-Head and Neck surgery patients with skin incision by diathermy as compared to the patients with skin incision by scalpel.
Bullying Behavior and Psychosocial Health – A Cross-sectional Study among School Students of Pyuthan Municipality
Authors: Mishra Durga Khadka , Thapa Tulsi Ram , Marahatta Sujan Babu , Mahotra Anita
Published: March 2018

Background: Bullying remains as pervasive phenomenon affecting children worldwide. Bullying in school has long been a matter of concern as wide range of adjustment problems including poor mental health and violent behavior in school are associated with it. The present study examined the prevalence of bullying behavior (bullies, victims and bully-victims) and their association with depression and psychosomatic symptoms.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among 8th, 9th and 10th grade students of Pyuthan Municipality, Mid-Western Nepal. A total of 405 students responded to the structured self-administered questionnaire. Data was collected from randomly selected public and private schools. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis.Results: The result of this study showed higher prevalence of bully (55.8%) among students of Relatively Advantaged Janajati whereas victims (64.86%) belonged to Disadvantaged Janajatis. Students who bully were found more in grade 8 and 10 whilst the students of grade 9 were more victims. Bullying behavior prevailed more in private schools than in public schools. Conclusions: The overall prevalence of bullying behavior (either bully or victim) is 69.14%. The finding bolsters an association between bullying behavior and depression, psychosomatic symptoms and school type. Higher prevalence of bullying behavior suggested by this study portends the alarming consequences among school students. Bullying needs to be addressed fleetly. Effective interventions that reduce bullying practice in school is essential.
Risk Factors for Postoperative Complications after Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
Authors: Basnet Robin Bahadur , Shrestha Anil , Shrestha Parash Mani , Joshi Bishwa Raj
Published: March 2018

Background: To identify the perioperative factors associated with complications after percutaneous nephrolithotomy by classification of complications according to the modified Clavien scoring system and evaluation of the minor and major complications related to the procedure.Methods: A prospective study of all the percutaneous nephrolithotomy performed by standard technique within 1.5 years at Bir Hospital was made. Possible demographic, preoperative and intraoperative variables were included in the study and patients were followed up postoperatively for any complications. All complications were classified according to modified Clavien scoring system and analyzed to identify the prognostic variables.Results: Two hundred and forty six percutaneous nephrolithotomy done within the study period were analyzed. Although 41.06 % of the study population developed complications, only 9.35 % had major complications. Age, body mass index, gender, clinical presentation, history of previous surgery and ASA score did not correlate with complications. Diabetes was the only comorbidity associated (p = 0.0482). Preoperatively estimated stone burden (p = 0.0023), number of calyces involved by the stones (p = 0.0002), and presence of staghorn calculi were significantly associated with development of postoperative complications. Multiple tracts were required (p = 0.0151) and operative time was longer (p < 0001) in the patients who developed complications.Conclusions: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy has lesser complications. Diabetic patients are more prone to develop complications. Larger stone burden, involvement of multiple calyces by stones and staghorn calculi are associated with need of multiple tracts and longer operative time, thus predisposing to higher incidence of complications.
An Unusual Case of Acute Abdomen: Ovarian Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Ghimire Asmita , Singh Meeta , Bista Kesang Dikki , Ojha Neebha , Bajracharya Sunita , Katuwal Neeta
Published: March 2018

Ovarian vein thrombosis is one of the rare causes for acute abdomen. Occult presentation of this disease may lead to diagnostic dilemma. A sixteen years female who was operated as a case of ectopic pregnancy was finally diagnosed as having ovarian vein thrombosis. She was successfully treated with anticoagulant.
Abortion: Still Unfinished Agenda in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Dirgha Raj , Regmi Shibesh Chandra , Dangal Ganesh
Published: March 2018

Unsafe abortion is affecting a lot, in health, socio-economic and health care cost of many countries. Despite invention of simple technology and scientifically approved safe abortion methods, women and girls are still using unsafe abortion practices. Since 2002, Nepal has achieved remarkable progress in developing policies, guidelines, task shifting, training human resources and increasing access to services. However, more than half of abortion in Nepal are performed clandestinely by untrained or unapproved providers or induced by pregnant woman herself. Knowledge on legalization and availability of safe abortion service among women is still very poor. Stigma on abortion still persists among community people, service providers, managers, and policy makers. Access to safe abortion, especially in remote and rural areas, is still far behind as compared to their peers from urban areas. The existing law is not revised in the spirit of current Constitution of Nepal and rights-based approach. The existence of abortion stigma and the shifting of the government structure from unitary system to federalism in absence of a complete clarity on how the safe abortion service gets integrated into the local government structure might create challenge to sustain existing developments. There is, therefore, a need for all stakeholders to make a lot of efforts and allocate adequate resources to sustain current achievements and ensure improvements in creating a supportive social environment for women and girls so that they will be able to make informed decisions and access to safe abortion service in any circumstances.
Anorectal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour: A Case Treated with Radical Surgery
Authors: Joshi Arbin
Published: March 2018

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour involving rectum and anal canal is an extremely rare entity. This is a case report of a 47 years lady presented with fresh rectal bleed associated with rectal pain and foul smelling rectal mucus discharge. On rectal examination, she had a firm mass palpable about 1.5 cm from anal verge. Considering the size of the tumour and its close proximity with cervix and involvement of levator muscles, extralevator abdominal perineal excision of rectum was undertaken with good recovery after surgery. It was followed by imatinib therapy.
Historical Development of Health Research Ethics in Nepal
Authors: Khanal Pratik , Maharjan Sajana , Ghimire Namita , Karki Khem Bahadur
Published: March 2018

Health research in Nepal initiated with a survey in malaria in 1952. The first regulatory body for health research was Nepal Medical Research Committee formed under Ministry of Health. Ethical Review Body is the first ethical review structure. Nepal Health Research Council is now an independent body to regulate health research in Nepal. Development of research ethics in Nepal is clearly evident with the development of ethical guidelines; functioning of Ethical Review Board; expansion of institutional review committees and initiation of online submission system. However, monitoring compliance with research ethics could be a challenge for the NHRC.
Can the Therapeutically-rational Exchange (T-REX) of Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficient Red Blood Cells Reduce Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Morbidity and Mortality?
Authors: Jajosky Ryan Philip , Jajosky Audrey N. , Jajosky Philip G.
Published: March 2018

N/A
Surgical Education
Authors: Joshi Anip
Published: March 2018

N/A
De los mass media a los medios sociales: reflexiones sobre la nueva ecología de los medios
Authors: Velásquez Andrea , Renó Denis , Beltrán Flandoli Ana María , Maldonado Vivanco Juan Carlos , Ortiz León Carlos
Published: March 2018

El ecosistema mediático es una metodología de investigación propuesta por Neil Postman y Marshall McLuhan en 1971, con su consolidación a partir de conceptos sólidos presentados en 1979. Sin embargo, presenta conceptos transversales a otros estudios sobre medios, muchos de ellos desarrollados por teóricos que actualizaran, o construyeron conceptos que sostienen una nueva ecología de los medios. El artículo presenta una actualización de estas miradas a partir de una investigación que tiene como metodología el método bibliográfico de profundidad. Se espera, con los resultados aquí presentados, la posibilidad de una conceptualización de una nueva ecología de los medios. Como resultados de la investigación, presentamos indicativos para la existencia de nuevas metáforas de la ecología de los medios contemporánea.
Experiencia de usuario y medios de comunicación. La regla de los tres clics en las webs de periódicos para smartphones
Authors: Jiménez Iglesias Lucía , Aguilar Paredes Carlos , Sánchez Gómez Lydia , Pérez-Montoro Gutiérrez Mario
Published: March 2018

El acceso a las noticias se produce cada vez más a través de smartphones, por lo que es fundamental que las webs de diarios para estos dispositivos se diseñen desde la perspectiva de la experiencia de usuario. Este trabajo tiene por objetivo determinar el número óptimo de clics que los usuarios están dispuestos a hacer para llegar a la información que buscan. Metodología: Se realizan tests de usuarios para observar el comportamiento y las reacciones de los usuarios respecto a las webs en un diseño concurrente basado en la triangulación que incluye la recopilación de datos cuantitativos y cualitativos. Resultados: El número de clics no está relacionado con el fracaso pero sí con la percepción de la dificultad. Discusión y Conclusiones: Es recomendable que las webs de diarios incluyan en sus sitios móviles un motor de búsqueda que permita a los usuarios acceder a la información de manera directa.
Characteristics of Creative Students Versus Academic Performance
Authors: Owee Kowang Tan , Mustaffa Albakri Khairunnajah Binti , Kim Yew Lim , Chin Fei Goh , Long Choi Sang
Published: March 2018

One of the challenges for Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) in Malaysia is to drive the education system to achieve world class innovation. Finding from the prior researches reveals that creativity is the key component of innovation process and crucial element for students to enhance their competitiveness. As such, this research is conducted to examine the characteristics of creative students in the Faculty of Management (FM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and the relationship with academic performance. The research is quantitative based via questionnaire and responded by 60 students from the FM. Through descriptive analysis, Personality, Knowledge and Motivation are suggested as highly important creativity characteristics among FM students. Finding from the research also suggested, Personality and Thinking Style are significant and negatively correlated with academic performance. Meantime, ANOVA result revealed that characteristic of Motivation for Year 3 students is significant higher than Year 1 and Year 2 students. The main implication of the study is there is a need to explore the opportunity to ensure student’s creativity and academic performance are develop in parallel direction.
The Mediating Role of Organizational Commitment on the Relationship between Procedural Justice and Public Service Motivation: A Case of Public Universities in Pakistan
Authors: Xiaolin Xu , Gul Nagina , Sadozai Arshad Mahmmod
Published: March 2018

This study aims to unearth the interactive role of OC on the relationship between PJ of the PA and PSM in public universities in Pakistan. The study not only discusses that PJ is imperative for the overall PSM, but also discusses how to retain a motivated workforce via OC. Qualitative as well as quantitative research methodology has been adopted in this study. Questionnaire was designed to get the view of employees working in the public universities. The results obtained from 980 employees show that the discharge of PJ is highly correlated with employee perception of OC and that the level of OC is highly correlated with PSM. The results further show that OC has a mediating effect on the relationship between PJ and PSM. The implications of our findings are discussed.
Microplastics in the environment: Much ado about nothing? A debate
Authors: Backhaus Thomas , Wagner Martin
Published: March 2018

This manuscript documents a debate between the two authors on the issue of microplastics in the environment. It was sparked by a recent viewpoint article published by G. A. Burton in Environmental Science and Technology (http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.7b05463) and started as a Twitter debate. To expand, we decided to continue our conversation publishing 1000 word texts on peerJ and responding to each other in roughly two-week intervals.

Currently, the text contains the following:

1) An introduction, which sets the scene for the article

2) Martin's kick-off statement, dated Feb. 27, 2018

3) Thomas' opening statement, dated March 18, 2018

Martin is currently preparing his rebuttal.
Towards a framework for recognising Sign language alphabets captured under arbitrary illumination
Authors: Zhao Weiyun
Published: March 2018

Our work addresses the problem of automatically recognising a Sign Language alphabet from a given still image obtained under arbitrary illumination. To solve this problem, we designed a computational framework that is founded on the notion that shape features are robust to illumination changes. The statistical classifier part of the framework uses a set of weighted, self-learned features, i.e., binary relationship between pairs of pixels. There are two possible pairings: an edge pixel with another edge pixel, and an edge pixel with a non-edge pixel. This two- pairing arrangement allows a consistent 2D image representation for all letters of the Sign Language alphabets, even if they were to be captured under varying illumination settings. Our framework, which is modular and extensible, paves the way for a system to perform robust (to illumination changes) recognition of the Sign Language alphabets. We also provide arguments to justify our framework design in term of its fitness for real world application.
Development and Validation of the Genetic Counseling Self‐Efficacy Scale (GCSES)
Authors: Caldwell Sarah , Wusik Katie , He Hua , Yager Geoffrey , Atzinger Carrie
Published: March 2018

This study describes the development of a self‐efficacy scale that is specific to genetic counseling and based both on Bandura's self‐efficacy theory (2006) and the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling practice‐based competencies (2013). The phase 1 validation compared genetic counseling students (n = 20) and genetic counselors (n = 18). Nine items were removed from the scale at this point for lack of discrimination or redundancy. The phase 2 validation included a larger cohort of genetic counseling students (n = 168). Factor analysis identified six factors accounting for 58% of the total variance. Cronbach's alpha as well as the inter‐item correlations and item‐total correlations of both the full scale items and underlying factors indicated that the items and factors of the scale are sufficiently related, but not redundant. The newly developed Genetic Counseling Self‐Efficacy Scale (GCSES) has the potential to be used as an outcome measure in research related to training or professional development of genetic counselors as well as for a training tool.
Neuropsychology and neuroimaging profiles of amyloid‐positive versus amyloid‐negative amnestic mild cognitive impairment patients
Authors: Tomadesso Clémence , de La Sayette Vincent , de Flores Robin , Bourgeat Pierrick , Villemagne Victor L. , Egret Stéphanie , Eustache Francis , Chételat Gaël
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) are heterogeneous as regard to their amyloid status. The present study aimed at highlighting the neuropsychological, brain atrophy, and hypometabolism profiles of amyloid‐positive (Aβpos) versus amyloid‐negative (Aβneg) aMCI patients.

Methods

Forty‐four aMCI patients and 24 Aβneg healthy controls underwent neuropsychological, structural magnetic resonance imaging and 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scans. Data were compared between groups in specific regions of interest and voxelwise with statistical parametric mapping.

Results

When directly comparing Aβpos to Aβneg aMCI, the former had lower performances in episodic memory tests (P = .02 to P < .001) while the latter had worse scores in working memory (P = .01) and language (P < .005). Compared to Aβneg healthy controls, both aMCI subgroups showed similar profiles of atrophy and hypometabolism, with no difference between both aMCI subgroups.

Conclusion

In a sample of aMCI patients recruited and scanned in the same center, the main difference at baseline between Aβpos and Aβneg aMCI concerned the neuropsychological profile, but not the structural magnetic resonance imaging or 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography profiles of brain alterations.
Uncovering Patterns of Product Co-consideration: A Case Study of Online Vehicle Price Quote Request Data
Authors: Damangir Sina , Du Rex Yuxing , Hu Ye
Published: March 2018

Consumers often consider multiple alternatives from the same product category prior to making a purchase. Uncovering the predominant patterns of such co-considerations can help businesses learn more about the competitive structure of the market in the mind of the consumer. Extant research has shown that various types of online and offline consumer activity data (e.g., shopping baskets, search and browsing histories, social media mentions) can be used to infer product co-considerations. In this paper, we study a case of uncovering co-consideration patterns using a massive dataset of online price quote requests from U.S. auto shoppers. The main challenge we face is that, for privacy protection, no unique individual identifier (anonymous or otherwise) is contained in the data. Such a data deficiency prevents us from using existing methods such as affinity analysis for inferring co-considerations. However, by leveraging spatiotemporal patterns in the data, we manage to probabilistically uncover the predominant patterns of co-considerations in the U.S. auto market. As a validation and illustration of its usefulness, we embed the inferred market structure in a sales response model and show a substantial improvement in predictive performance.
APOE DNA methylation is altered in Lewy body dementia
Authors: Tulloch Jessica , Leong Lesley , Chen Sunny , Keene C. Dirk , Millard Steven P. , Shutes‐David Andrew , Lopez Oscar L. , Kofler Julia , Kaye Jeffrey A. , Woltjer Randy , Nelson Peter T. , Neltner Janna H. , Jicha Gregory A. , Galasko Douglas , Masliah Eliezer , Leverenz James B. , Yu Chang‐En , Tsuang Debby
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Inheritance of the ε4 allele of apolipoprotein E (APOE) increases a person's risk of developing both Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Lewy body dementia (LBD), yet the underlying mechanisms behind this risk are incompletely understood. The recent identification of reduced APOE DNA methylation in AD postmortem brains prompted this study to investigate APOE methylation in LBD.

Methods

Genomic DNA from postmortem brain tissues (frontal lobe and cerebellum) of neuropathological pure (np) controls and npAD, LBD + AD, and npLBD subjects were bisulfite pyrosequenced. DNA methylation levels of two APOE subregions were then compared for these groups.

Results

APOE DNA methylation was significantly reduced in npLBD compared with np controls, and methylation levels were lowest in the LBD + AD group.

Discussion

Given that npLBD and npAD postmortem brains shared a similar reduction in APOE methylation, it is possible that an aberrant epigenetic change in APOE is linked to risk for both diseases.
The stability of neuropsychiatric subsyndromes in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Connors Michael H. , Seeher Katrin M. , Crawford John , Ames David , Woodward Michael , Brodaty Henry
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Neuropsychiatric symptoms are common in Alzheimer's disease. Previous research has attempted to identify subsyndromes—sets of symptoms related to one another—to clarify underlying mechanisms and treatment targets. We examined the stability of these subsyndromes over time.

Methods

We administered the Neuropsychiatric Inventory annually for 3 years to 447 patients with Alzheimer's disease recruited from memory clinics. We conducted principal component analyses at each time point and multiple‐group confirmatory factor analyses across time.

Results

Principal component analyses showed that no two time points shared the same factor structure. Factor solutions did not exhibit strong simple structures and substantial cross‐loadings were common. Confirmatory analysis revealed significant differences in factor loadings and model fit over time.

Discussion

Symptoms cannot be neatly partitioned into discrete clusters that are stable over time. The findings highlight the significant challenges that clinicians and caregivers face and may help explain the lack of success in intervention studies.
Diagnosis and treatment of constipation: a clinical update based on the Rome IV criteria
Authors: Sobrado Carlos Walter , Neto Isaac José Felippe Corrêa , Pinto Rodrigo Ambar , Sobrado Lucas Faraco , Nahas Sergio Carlos , Cecconello Ivan
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the published professional association guidelines regarding the current diagnosis and treatment of functional intestinal constipation in adults and to compare those guidelines with the authors’ experience to standardize actions that aid clinical reasoning and decision-making for medical professionals. A literature search was conducted in the Medline/PubMed, Scielo, EMBASE and Cochrane online databases using the following terms: chronic constipation, diagnosis, management of chronic constipation, Roma IV and surgical treatment. Conclusively, chronic intestinal constipation is a common condition in adults and occurs most frequently in the elderly and in women. Establishing a precise diagnosis of the physiopathology of functional chronic constipation is complex and requires many functional tests in refractory cases. An understanding of intestinal motility and the defecatory process is critical for the appropriate management of chronic functional intestinal constipation, with surgery reserved for cases in which pharmacologic intervention has failed. The information contained in this review article is subject to the critical evaluation of the medical specialist responsible for determining the action plan to be followed within the context of the conditions and clinical status of each individual patient.
Positive prognosis for 3D printed animal implants
Authors: Nickels Liz
Published: March 2018

Metal 3D printing’s capability to create lightweight, detailed custom parts means that it could be the ideal process to make certain implants for animals. Liz Nickels reviews some recent stories.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Children With Conversion Disorder Admitted to a Single Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit, A Retrospective Study
Authors: Bolger Ashlee , Collins Andrew , Michels Michelle , Pruitt David
Published: March 2018

Background

Conversion disorder (CD) can lead to impaired functioning. Few studies present demographic and outcome data for pediatric patients. Many have had success with rehabilitation; however, further details are not known.

Objective

To identify characteristics and outcomes of children admitted to a pediatric inpatient rehabilitation program with CD symptoms.

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

Inpatient rehabilitation unit within a large children's hospital.

Patients

All patients with diagnosis of CD or functional gait disorder (FGD) during designated time period.

Methods

Data were obtained from chart review and United Data Systems for Medical Rehabilitation. Descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to analyze data. A P value of <.05 was statistically significant.

Outcome Measures

Average length of stay, Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM) scores, WeeFIM change, WeeFIM efficiency, recommended therapies, number of repeat admissions to the same hospital for conversion disorder symptoms in the 12 months following discharge, and school reentry characteristics.

Results

Thirty admissions were identified that met criteria. Before diagnosis, duration of symptoms was 58 ± 145 days, physician visits averaged 1.9 ± 2.1, hospital admissions to the same hospital averaged 0.7 ± 0.9, and absence from school was 6 ± 12 weeks. Overall, 83% exhibited mixed symptoms. Length of inpatient rehabilitation stay was 8.4 ± 4.2 days with WeeFIM score change of 30 ± 11.9 (P <.001). WeeFIM efficiency was 4.8 ± 4.1 points/d. For patients with documented WeeFIM scores at 3 months, all were improved or maintained. More than three‐fourths (80%) had no documented readmission to the same hospital for CD symptoms for 1 year after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. Close to half (47%) returned to school within 1 week of discharge from inpatient rehabilitation (when school was in session).

Conclusions

This study suggests that a multidisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation approach is a potentially effective and efficient treatment for children and adolescents with conversion disorder and leads to sustained functional improvement and return to school after discharge.

Level of Evidence

III
Myocardial Infarction Injury in Patients with Chronic Lung Disease Entering Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Frequency and Association with Heart Rate Parameters
Authors: Sima Carmen A. , Lau Benny C. , Taylor Carolyn M. , van Eeden Stephan F. , Reid W. Darlene , Sheel Andrew W. , Kirkham Ashley R. , Camp Pat G.
Published: March 2018

Background

Myocardial infarction (MI) remains under‐recognized in chronic lung disease (CLD) patients. Rehabilitation health professionals need accessible clinical measurements to identify the presence of prior MI in order to determine appropriate training prescription.

Objectives

To estimate prior MI in CLD patients entering a pulmonary rehabilitation program, as well as its association with heart rate parameters such as resting heart rate and chronotropic response index.

Design

Retrospective cohort design.

Setting

Pulmonary rehabilitation outpatient clinic in a tertiary care university‐affiliated hospital.

Patients

Eighty‐five CLD patients were studied.

Methods

Electrocardiograms at rest and peak cardiopulmonary exercise testing, performed before pulmonary rehabilitation, were analyzed. Electrocardiographic evidence of prior MI, quantified by the Cardiac Infarction Injury Score (CIIS), was contrasted with reported myocardial events and then correlated with resting heart rate and chronotropic response index parameters.

Main outcome measurements

CIIS, resting heart rate, and chronotropic response index.

Results

Sixteen CLD patients (19%) demonstrated electrocardiographic evidence of prior MI, but less than half (8%) had a reported MI history (P < .05). The Cohen's kappa test revealed poor level of agreement between CIIS and medical records (kappa = 0.165), indicating that prior MI diagnosis was under‐reported in the medical records. Simple and multiple regression analyses showed that resting heart rate but not chronotropic response index was positively associated with CIIS in our population (R2 = 0.29, P < .001). CLD patients with a resting heart rate higher than 80 beats/min had approximately 5 times higher odds of having prior MI, as evidenced by a CIIS ≥ 20.

Conclusions

CLD patients entering pulmonary rehabilitation are at risk of unreported prior MI. Elevated resting heart rate appears to be an indicator of prior MI in CLD patients; therefore, careful adjustment of training intensity is recommended under these circumstances.

Level of Evidence

III
Sex Differences in Common Sports Injuries
Authors: Lin Cindy Y. , Casey Ellen , Herman Daniel C. , Katz Nicole , Tenforde Adam S.
Published: March 2018

Common sports injuries include bone stress injuries (BSIs), anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, and concussions. Less commonly recognized are the specific sex differences in epidemiology, risk factors, and outcomes of these conditions by sex. An understanding of these factors can improve their clinical management, from prescribing appropriate prehabilitation to guiding postinjury rehabilitation and return to play. This narrative review summarizes the sex differences in the diagnosis and management of BSIs, ACL injuries, and concussions. Although BSIs are more common in female athletes, risk factors for both sexes include prior injury and relative energy deficiency in sport (RED‐S). Risk factors in female athletes include smaller calf girth, femoral adduction, and higher rates of loading. Female athletes are also at greater risk for developing ACL injuries in high school and college, but their injury rate is similar in professional sports. Increased lateral tibial slope, smaller ACL size, and suboptimal landing mechanics are additional risk factors more often present in female athletes. Male athletes are more likely to have ACL surgery and have a higher rate of return to sport. Concussions occur more commonly in female athletes; however, female athletes are also more likely to report concussions. Male athletes more commonly sustain concussion through contact with another player. Female athletes more commonly sustain injury from contact with playing equipment. Managing post‐concussion symptoms is important, and female athletes may have prolonged symptoms. An understanding of the sex‐specific differences in these common sports injuries can help optimize their prehabilitation and rehabilitation.

Level of Evidence

IV
How genomes could transform surveillance and facial recognition
Authors: Nebel Jean-Christophe
Published: March 2018

Despite decades of research, automatic visual surveillance systems have not delivered the results initially promised to the public. A key issue behind this, which remains unsolved, is the variability, complexity and inconsistency of the images being produced. The science of genomics offers insights that could solve this problem, and also prompt advances in facial recognition.
Heat-transfer augmentation techniques to improve seal life
Authors: Khonsari Michael
Published: March 2018

This article looks at several heat-transfer augmentation technologies that have been developed at Louisiana State University's Center for Rotating Machinery. Aimed at reducing interfacial heat in mechanical seals, they include the design of seal rings with an internal heat exchanger, surface texturing techniques to improve heat transfer, and the design of a new generation of seals with a heat pipe.
Editorial
Authors: Mansfield-Devine Steve
Published: March 2018

The rise of the robots and technology veering out of the control of its creators have been popular tropes in science fiction at least since Mary Shelley's Victor Frankenstein messed with forces he didn't understand.
Compliance is not security
Authors: Topper Jon
Published: March 2018

Modern IT infrastructure practice is evolving at an incredible pace, with the ongoing proliferation of cloud computing, container orchestration platforms and, most recently, a trend that we're calling ‘serverless’. Is our security practice evolving along with it?

IT infrastructure practice is evolving at an incredible pace, with the ongoing proliferation of cloud computing, container orchestration platforms and, most recently, the ‘serverless’ trend.

But is our security practice evolving along with it? It's no longer sufficient, if indeed it ever was, to uncritically import a bunch of ‘best practices’ into your organisation once and then call that your security policy. Policies must evolve over time, with people at all levels of the business involved in their implementation, explains Jon Topper of The Scale Factory.