bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control limits to identify outlying hospitals based on risk-stratification
Authors: Rousson Valentin , Le Pogam Marie-Annick , Eggli Yves
Published: September 2016

Outcome indicators are routinely used to compare hospitals with respect to quality of care. Indicators might be based on observed proportions of adverse events (binary outcomes) or observed averages of e.g. lengths or costs of hospital stays (continuous outcomes). These observed values are compared with expected ones in an average hospital, which might be estimated from a reference sample and should be appropriately adjusted for the case mix of patients. One possibility to achieve a reliable adjustment is to stratify the patients according to their risks, where each patient belongs to one and only one stratum. Control limits calculated under the null hypothesis of an average hospital, allowing to decide whether a discrepancy between an observed and an expected value might be explained by chance or not, are then plotted around the indicator, such that hospitals falling above those control limits are detected as being statistically worse than an average hospital. Calculation of valid control limits is however not always obvious. In this article, we propose a simple and unified framework to calculate such control limits when adjustment is based on stratification, where we allow to distinguish and disentangle the variability explained by stratification and the variability due to chance, where we take into account the uncertainty about the estimation of the expected values, and where it is possible not only to detect those hospitals which are statistically worse, but also those which are statistically much worse than an average hospital. The method applies both to binary and continuous outcomes and is illustrated on Swiss hospital discharge data.
Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) for Universal Health Coverage
Authors: Taneja Pawan Kumar , Taneja Shallini
Published: September 2016

On 10 June 2012, Anil Swarup, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India (GOI), reviewed the report submitted to the Planning Commission of India by High Level Expert Group (HLEG) on universal health coverage (UHC) for India;1 he had mixed feelings about this report. It (HLEG) reported that the main impeding factor to UHC in India is the heavy out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditure on health, that is, 61.7 per cent of the total health expenditure by Indians as compared to the global average of 20.5 per cent. Looking for a solution for this problem, the report appreciated his brainchild, the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), a social health insurance scheme rolled out in 2008 to reduce OOP expenditures for healthcare. The scheme also aimed to cut down a substantial financial burden on the poor by the GOI. The RSBY scheme was lauded for its innovative approach in financing mechanism,2 public private partnership (PPP) model for enrolment process, use of information and communication technology for delivery of healthcare services. However, the report questioned the potential of RSBY to achieve UHC due to issues in its sustainability. The scheme faced challenges of low coverage ratio, unfair practices in enrolment and hospitalization processes in many parts of the country, inconsistent usage patterns of services, and backing out by insurance companies as result of high claims ratio.3 Swarup was in a dilemma of how to address these issues and make RSBY a platform to implement universal health coverage (prime area of concern for GOI) in India.
Kalam: A Sustainable Gift?
Authors: Khan Salman
Published: September 2016

The case primarily deals with an enterprising young entrepreneur who faces an unexpected situation. He has recently launched a startup which produces gifts using calligraphic art. He receives an offer of investment of Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 3 million for his new business; however, he does not know how much money he actually needs to take his startup to a whole new level against how much ownership he is willing to give up. The decision revolves around the issue of control and business ownership versus being rich.
Burden of Disease Attributable to Secondhand Smoking in Korea
Authors: Zahra Aqeela , Cheong Hae-Kwan , Lee Eun-Whan , Park Jae-Hyun
Published: September 2016

This study aims to estimate the burden of disease (BOD) due to secondhand smoking (SHS) in Korea. SHS-related diseases were selected via systematic review. Population attributable fraction (PAF) was calculated by using standard formula. Disability adjusted life years (DALYs) were estimated using Statistical Office and Health Insurance data. SHS burden was calculated by multiplying nonsmoker’s BOD with the PAF of SHS. Total BOD due to SHS was 44 143 DALYs with 57% from males and 43% from females. The highest percentage of SHS burden was due to stroke. BOD was highest in the 50s age group in both genders. Years of life lost contributed major part of BOD due to all diseases. SHS burden in Korea in 2013 was the highest among the high-income Asia Pacific group countries. Effective intervention policies with more focus on vulnerable groups like adults in their 50s should be implemented to control SHS-related burden.
Feature-guided wave-based health monitoring of bent plates using fiber Bragg gratings
Authors: Ray Pabitro , Rajagopal Prabhu , Srinivasan Balaji , Balasubramaniam Krishnan
Published: September 2016

Harnessing of ultrasonic guided waves confined in local features such as bends and welds, known as feature-guided waves, has emerged as a promising technique for non-destructive testing and structural health monitoring of industrial and aerospace structures. This article introduces a fiber Bragg grating based technique which uses feature-guided waves to detect anomalies or defects in plate structures with transverse bends. We are able to obtain good consistency between simulation and experimental results, both in the case of defect-free bent plates and those with transverse defects. Such results establish fiber Bragg gratings as a viable alternative to conventional techniques for structural health monitoring of bent plates.
“One for My Baby and One More for the Road”
Authors: Jones Stacy Holman
Published: September 2016

This essay considers Billie Holiday’s performance of “One for My Baby,” as an affective lamentation that both moves and creates movement—into another kind of relation, another kind of loving, another kind of bodily intensity. When Billie sings to the bartender, a proxy for an absent other and lost love, “I’m kind of a poet/And I got a lot of things to say/And when I’m gloomy, you simply gotta listen to me/Till it’s all talked away . . . So make it one for my baby and one more for the road/That long, long road,” we experience self-storytelling that creates a relation marked by an a sense of vitality, dependent on mutual vulnerability, and animated within a field of power. Holiday’s “One for My Baby” becomes an occasion for performing queer affective intensity—a corporeal and emotional embodiment that leaves us feeling alive, open, and possible.
Women’s Behavioral Responses to Sexual Aggression: The Role of Secondary Cognitive Appraisals and Self-Regulation
Authors: Tirabassi Christine K. , Caraway S. Jean , Simons Raluca M.
Published: September 2016

Sexual assault history, secondary cognitive appraisals, and a dual-process model of self-regulation were examined as predictors of women’s intended behavioral responses to hypothetical sexual aggression. College women ( N = 435) read a sexually aggressive scenario and rated their intentions to engage in assertive, polite, and passive behavioral responses. Results indicated secondary cognitive appraisals predicted less assertive, more polite, and more passive responses. Good self-control predicted assertive and polite responses, while sexual assault history and poor regulation predicted passive responses. Poor regulation significantly moderated the relationship between secondary cognitive appraisals and passive behavioral responses. Implications for the prevention of sexual assault are discussed.
MiniApps derived from production HPC applications using multiple programing models
Authors: Messer OE Bronson , D’Azevedo Ed , Hill Judy , Joubert Wayne , Berrill Mark , Zimmer Christopher
Published: September 2016

We have developed a set of reduced, proxy applications (“MiniApps”) based on large-scale application codes supported at the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility (OLCF). The MiniApps are designed to encapsulate the details of the most important (i.e. the most time-consuming and/or unique) facets of the applications that run in production mode on the OLCF. In each case, we have produced or plan to produce individual versions of the MiniApps using different specific programing models (e.g., OpenACC, CUDA, OpenMP). We describe some of our initial observations regarding these different implementations along with estimates of how closely the MiniApps track the actual performance characteristics (in particular, the overall scalability) of the large-scale applications from which they are derived.
An improved parallelism scheme for deterministic discrete ordinates transport
Authors: Deakin Tom , McIntosh-Smith Simon , Martineau Matt , Gaudin Wayne
Published: September 2016

In this paper we demonstrate techniques for increasing the node-level parallelism of a deterministic discrete ordinates neutral particle transport algorithm on a structured mesh to exploit many-core technologies. Transport calculations form a large part of the computational workload of physical simulations and so good performance is vital for the simulations to complete in reasonable time. We will demonstrate our approach utilizing the SNAP mini-app, which gives a simplified implementation of the full transport algorithm but remains similar enough to the real algorithm to act as a useful proxy for research purposes.

We present an OpenCL implementation of our improved algorithm which achieves a speedup of up to 2.5 × on a many-core GPGPU device compared to a state-of-the-art multi-core node for the transport sweep, and up to 4 × compared to the multi-core CPUs in the largest GPU enabled supercomputer; the first time this scale of speedup has been achieved for algorithms of this class. We then discuss ways to express our scheme in OpenMP 4.0 and demonstrate the performance on an Intel Knights Corner Xeon Phi compared to the original scheme.
High-resolution computed tomography evaluation of the bronchial lumen to vertebral body diameter and pulmonary artery to vertebral body diameter ratios in anesthetized ventilated normal cats
Authors: Lee-Fowler Tekla M , Cole Robert C , Dillon A Ray , Tillson D Michael , Garbarino Rachel , Barney Sharron
Published: September 2016

Objectives

Bronchial lumen to pulmonary artery diameter (BA) ratio has been utilized to investigate pulmonary pathology on high-resolution CT images. Diseases affecting both the bronchi and pulmonary arteries render the BA ratio less useful. The purpose of the study was to establish bronchial lumen diameter to vertebral body diameter (BV) and pulmonary artery diameter to vertebral body diameter (AV) ratios in normal cats.

Methods

Using high-resolution CT images, 16 sets of measurements (sixth thoracic vertebral body [mid-body], each lobar bronchi and companion pulmonary artery diameter) were acquired from young adult female cats and 41 sets from pubertal female cats.

Results

Young adult and pubertal cat BV ratios were not statistically different from each other in any lung lobe. Significant differences between individual lung lobe BV ratios were noted on combined age group analysis. Caudal lung lobe AV ratios were significantly different between young adult and pubertal cats. All other lung lobe AV ratios were not significantly different. Caudal lung lobe AV ratios were significantly different from all other lung lobes but not from each other in both the young adult and pubertal cats.

Conclusions and relevance

BV ratio reference intervals determined for individual lung lobes could be applied to both young adult and pubertal cats. Separate AV ratios for individual lung lobes would be required for young adult and pubertal cats. These ratios should allow more accurate evaluation of cats with concurrent bronchial and pulmonary arterial disease.
A Systematic Review of DNA Methylation and Preterm Birth in African American Women
Authors: Barcelona de Mendoza Veronica , Wright Michelle L. , Agaba Comfort , Prescott Laura , Desir Alexandra , Crusto Cindy A. , Sun Yan V. , Taylor Jacquelyn Y.
Published: September 2016

Background:

The causes of many cases of preterm birth (PTB) remain enigmatic. Increased understanding of how epigenetic factors are associated with health outcomes has resulted in studies examining DNA methylation (DNAm) as a contributing factor to PTB. However, few studies on PTB and DNAm have included African American women, the group with the highest rate of PTB.

Methods:

The objective of this review was to systematically analyze the existing studies on DNAm and PTB among African American women.

Results:

Studies ( N = 10) were limited by small sample size, cross-sectional study designs, inconsistent methodologies for epigenomic analysis, and evaluation of different tissue types across studies. African Americans comprised less than half of the sample in 50% of the studies reviewed. Despite these limitations, there is evidence for an association between DNAm patterns and PTB.

Conclusions:

Future research on DNAm patterns and PTB should use longitudinal study designs, repeated DNAm testing, and a clinically relevant definition of PTB and should include large samples of high-risk African American women to better understand the mechanisms for PTB in this population.
Don’t tell them I can type: negotiating women’s work in production in the post-war ABC
Authors: Andrews Kylie
Published: September 2016

This article examines the pervasive mechanisms of discrimination in Australian public broadcasting in the 1950s and 1960s and considers how concepts of femininity were engaged to maintain the sexual division of labour within one of Australia’s leading cultural institutions, the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC). Constructing a collective biography of female producers who challenged gendered work practices, it discusses the obstacles that confronted women in production and considers the social, economic and industrial factors that allowed certain women to become producers when many failed to escape the ABC’s typing pool. Referring to case studies derived from biographical memory sources and industrial documentation, this article historicises the careers of radio and television producers and contextualises their histories against data found in the 1977 Women in the ABC report, to re-imagine the nature of women’s work in Australian broadcasting in the post-war era.
Zonal large-eddy simulation of a tip leakage flow
Authors: Boudet Jérôme , Caro Joëlle , Li Bo , Jondeau Emmanuel , Jacob Marc C
Published: September 2016

The flow induced by the clearance between the tip of an isolated airfoil and an end-plate is investigated numerically, using a zonal approach with large-eddy simulation in the region of interest. The results are analyzed in comparison with available experimental data, presented in a companion paper. The incoming boundary layer and the pressure distribution around the blade are evaluated. The description of the inflow-jet deviation, with an averaged approach, enables to represent the proper loading on the airfoil. Also, particular attention is paid to the powerful tip-leakage vortex. The vortex characteristics are investigated using specific functions to locate its center and quantify its width. Overall, good results are obtained for the flow statistics and spectra. Furthermore, a very good description of the far-field pressure is achieved using the acoustic analogy, and the results confirm that the tip-flow essentially radiates in the central frequency range (0.7 kHz, 7 kHz).
Educational work as a “labor of love”
Authors: Tsabar Boaz
Published: September 2016

The following paper examines the unique, human, and pedagogical nature of the encounter between educators and their students. It discusses the potential for alienation inherent in the educator teaching encounter (a potential embodied in what I term “the first fifteen seconds of anxiety”). The paper goes on to examine the possibility of constituting an alternative relationship based on pedagogy of mutual and non-alienated recognition rooted in an interpersonal and dialogical relationship. This conceptualization is performed through a consideration of Martin Buber’s notion of the “dialogical relationship” and the pedagogical implications of the “love relationship” in Erich Fromm’s philosophy. The article claims that the special quality of educational work must be understood in the context of its economic irrationality and unconceptualizable foundations. In order to clarify its existential characteristics and paradoxical, elusive, and emotional nature, it locates the unique economic nature of educational work in the “dialogical relationship” and in the four elements of the educational relationship: care, responsibility, respect, and knowledge.
Journey Toward Evidence-Based Status: Seeking Admission to Formal Program Registries
Authors: Stephenson Amber L.
Published: September 2016

In the past two decades, evidence-based status has been a coveted credential for many nonprofit organizations hoping to legitimize their programs or interventions. Several formal registries exist to provide a collection of health and prevention programs evaluated by experts and deemed “evidence-based.” While registries offer positive benefits like allowing for a centralized listing of approved programs, there have been concerns about issues pertaining to the process of obtaining the evidence-based credential. Namely, some of the criticisms include the use of inappropriate study designs, the lack of consistent evaluation of evidence provided in support of programs, as well as program creators being involved in the evaluation that ultimately shows positive program effects. Using focus groups of prevention specialists, this study explores the quest for evidence-based status. The results show themes of vindication, acting as a resource, and perceptions of relevant others informing the deeper meaning of motivation for pursuit of evidence-based status. Additionally, emergent themes of program iteration and evolution inform program preparation. The article shows that while placement on an evidence-based registry is a highly sought-after achievement, many program creators fail to understand the evaluation process for admittance as well as the potential criticisms of the lists.
Deformation of the Femoropopliteal Segment
Authors: Ní Ghriallais Ríona , Heraty Kevin , Smouse Bob , Burke Martin , Gilson Paul , Bruzzi Mark
Published: September 2016

Purpose: To quantify the deformation behavior of the diseased femoropopliteal segment and assess the change to deformation behavior due to various stent placements. Methods: The length and curvature changes of 6 femoropopliteal segments (the right and left superficial femoral and popliteal arteries) from 3 cadavers were measured in 3-dimensional space based on rotational angiography image data in straight leg and flexed hip/knee (50°/90°) positions before and after placement of nitinol stents of varying type (EverFlex, Misago, and BioMimics 3D) and length (60, 100, and 200 mm) in different locations along the arteries. Three-dimensional centerline data were extracted for the measurements. Results: All 6 femoropopliteal cadaver segments displayed signs of peripheral artery disease. Hip/knee flexion resulted in vessel shortening and increases in the mean and maximum vessel curvatures in all cases. Location-specific results of the unstented arteries showed that magnitudes of vessel length and curvature change vary as a function of vessel length. The average shortening of the entire femoropopliteal segment due to flexion was observed at 10.7%±0.7%, which was reduced to 8.1%±0.9% after stent deployment. Average and maximum curvatures of the unstented segment increased due to flexion (average: 0.008±0.002 mm−1 to 0.019±0.006 mm−1, maximum: 0.030±0.009 mm−1 to 0.091±0.045 mm−1). After stent deployment, average and maximum curvatures of the flexed stented segments increased compared with the flexed unstented segments (average: 0.019±0.006 mm−1 to 0.022±0.004 mm−1, maximum: 0.091±0.045 mm−1 to 0.103±0.025 mm−1). The most flexurally stiff stent demonstrated the least ability to axially shorten during flexion of the leg at the knee joint. Conclusion: The deformation characteristics of the femoropopliteal segment change in the presence of a stent, with the change to the deformation behavior dependent on stent type, stent length, location, flexibility, and intrinsic centerline curvature.
Acute Carotid Stent Thrombosis
Authors: Moulakakis Konstantinos G. , Mylonas Spyridon N. , Lazaris Andreas , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Kakisis John , Sfyroeras Giorgos S. , Antonopoulos Constantine N. , Brountzos Elias N. , Vasdekis Spyridon N.
Published: September 2016

Acute carotid stent thrombosis (ACST) is a rare complication that can lead to dramatic and catastrophic consequences. A rapid diagnosis and prompt recanalization of the internal carotid artery are needed to minimize the ischemic insult and the reperfusion injury. We reviewed the current literature on this devastating complication of CAS with the intention of investigating the potential causative factors and to define the appropriate management. According to our study discontinuation of antiplatelet therapy, resistance to antiplatelet agents and inherent or acquired thrombotic disorders are the main causes of thrombosis. Technical intraprocedural parameters such as dissection, atheroma prolapse, kinking of the distal part of internal carotid artery and embolic protection device occlusion can also result in early carotid stent thrombosis. Rapid reperfusion ensures an improved neurological outcome and a better prognosis in the short and long term. Thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy or thromboaspiration in combination with drug or thrombolytic therapy, surgical therapy and re-angioplasty are treatment options that have been used with encouraging results. In conclusion, optimal perioperative antiplatelet treatment as well as technical considerations regarding the carotid artery stenting plays a determinant role.
Occupational Experiences of Refugees and Asylum Seekers Resettling in Australia
Authors: Mayne Jacinta , Lowrie Daniel , Wilson Jessie
Published: September 2016

The contexts into which refugees and asylum seekers resettle, particularly the socio-political context as represented through various discourses, shape their occupational opportunities, health, and well-being. This article explores current literature in regard to the contemporary Australian discursive climate, particularly in relation to the way it may shape the occupational experiences of refugees and asylum seekers. In addition, a synthesis of current research regarding the occupational experiences of refugees and asylum seekers during their period of resettlement is presented. These two topics of research, drawn from 42 articles, were thematically analyzed. Identified themes include imagined possibilities prior to arrival, establishing occupational routines on entry to the Australian community, and pursuing a personally meaningful life. The authors argue that consideration of the way in which discourse shapes the lived world, and in turn, the occupational opportunities of refugees and asylum seekers, is of key importance for those working with these marginalized groups.
Occupational Justice and Its Related Concepts
Authors: Serrata Malfitano Ana Paula , Gomes da Mota de Souza Rosangela , Esquerdo Lopes Roseli
Published: September 2016

The concept of occupational justice relates to social inequality focusing on the needs of humans as occupational beings in their contexts. This article aims to examine the scholarly evolution of the term occupational justice and its related concepts. The article reports (a) the historical development of the term and (b) a thematic mapping of issues addressed by articles that used the occupational justice concept and its related terms. A scoping review was performed where 553 articles were found. We found the first article in 1974, and it was described as the first article that used the term. Two main sets of articles were analyzed: the ones that presented individual approaches and the ones framed by a collective approach. The review contributes to a better understanding of the use of the term occupational justice and its related concepts, and reflects on the impact of collective approaches to socially responsive occupation-based interventions.
Development and Validation of the Biomedical Research Trust Scale (BRTS) in English and Spanish
Authors: Baik Sharon H. , Arevalo Mariana , Gwede Clement , Meade Cathy D. , Jacobsen Paul B. , Quinn Gwendolyn P. , Wells Kristen J.
Published: September 2016

This study developed and validated the Biomedical Research Trust Scale (BRTS), a 10-item measure of global trust in biomedical research, in English and Spanish (BRTS-SP). In total, 85 English- and 85 Spanish-speaking participants completed the BRTS or BRTS-SP, as well as measures of biobanking attitudes, self-efficacy, receptivity, and intentions to donate blood or urine. Results indicated the BRTS and BRTS-SP showed adequate internal consistency in both English and Spanish. In addition, greater levels of trust in biomedical research were significantly associated with greater self-efficacy, receptivity, attitudes, and intentions to donate blood and urine in English-speaking participants, and self-efficacy and intention to donate urine in Spanish-speaking participants. These results support the use of the BRTS and BRTS-SP among English- and Spanish-speaking community members.
“Low Testosterone Levels in Body Fluids Are Associated With Chronic Periodontitis”
Authors: Kellesarian Sergio Varela , Malmstrom Hans , Abduljabbar Tariq , Vohra Fahim , Kellesarian Tammy Varela , Javed Fawad , Romanos Georgios E.
Published: September 2016

There is a debate over the association between low testosterone levels in body fluids and the occurrence of chronic periodontitis (CP). The aim of the present systematic review was to assess whether low testosterone levels in body fluids reflect CP. In order to identify studies relevant to the focus question: “Is there a relationship between low testosterone levels in body fluids and CP?” an electronic search without time or language restrictions was conducted up to June 2016 in indexed databases using different keywords: periodontitis, chronic periodontitis, periodontal diseases, testosterone, and gonadal steroid hormones. A total of eight studies were included in the present systematic review. The number of study participants ranged from 24 to 1,838 male individuals with ages ranging from 15 to 95 years. Seven studies measured testosterone levels in serum, two studies in saliva, and one study in gingiva. Four studies reported a negative association between serum testosterone levels and CP. Two studies reported a positive association between decreased testosterone levels in serum and CP. Increased levels of salivary testosterone among patients with CP were reported in one study; whereas one study reported no significant difference in the concentration of salivary testosterone between patients with and without CP. One study identified significant increase in the metabolism of testosterone in the gingiva of patients with CP. Within the limits of the evidence available, the relationship between low testosterone levels and CP remains debatable and further longitudinal studies and control trials are needed.
Male Body Practices
Authors: Lefkowich Maya , Oliffe John L. , Hurd Clarke Laura , Hannan-Leith Madeline
Published: September 2016

The pressure on boys and men to engage in extensive body practices (e.g., closely monitored eating and exercise habits) and achieve ideal male bodies has grown significantly over the past 20 years. Central to the depiction of ideal male bodies and body practices are both the pursuit and achievement of lean and well-defined muscles. The labels “pitches,” “purchases,” and “performativities” were inductively derived from the literature, and used to describe the multifaceted connections between masculinities, muscularity, and idealized male body practices. “Pitches” distil how popular culture posture norms of masculinity, and manly bodies and behaviors attainable and necessary. “Purchases” refer to men’s diverse buy-in to dominant discourses about acceptable male bodies and practices. “Performativities” chronicle how men embody and navigate gender norms as they evaluate their own bodies, behaviors, and eating habits and those of their peers. Based on findings from the current scoping review, future research could benefit from fully linking masculinities with the drive for muscularity to address health and social risks associated with the pursuit of the idealized male body. In highlighting the plurality of masculinities and the complexity of men’s diverse identities, health care providers can better reach and support men. Focusing on, and celebrating, a wider range of male bodies could help recenter dominant discourses about how and whose bodies and experiences are idealized. The current scoping review article offers an overview of how masculinities and muscularity have been linked to male body practices, and recommendations to advance this emergent field.
Investigation of dynamic stress of rotor in residual heat removal pumps based on fluid–structure interaction
Authors: Zhou Banglun , Yuan Jianping , Fu Yanxia , Hong Feng , Lu Jiaxing
Published: September 2016

Vibration and dynamic stress caused by the interaction between the fluid and the structure can affect the reliability of pumps. This study presents an investigation of internal flow field and the structure response of residual heat removal pump using a combined calculation for turbulent flow, and the structure response of rotor was first defined using a two-way coupling method. For the calculation, the flow field is based on the shear stress transport k–ω turbulence model and the structure response is determined using an elastic structural dynamic equation. The results show that the domain frequencies of pressure fluctuations of monitors on the outlet of impeller are the integer multiples of rotating shaft frequency ( fn) and the amplitude of the relatively large pressure fluctuation peak is the lowest under the design flow rate operating condition. Meanwhile, the time-average radial force value at the design flow rate condition is the smallest and the hydraulic force magnitude at the maximum operating flow rate condition is the largest, and phase difference can be clearly seen among the results obtained under different flow rates. Furthermore, the relatively large stress of rotor for all operating conditions is the biggest at shaft shoulder where the bearing is installed, and it increases with flow rate.
Co-evolutionary particle swarm optimization algorithm for two-sided robotic assembly line balancing problem
Authors: Li Zixiang , Janardhanan Mukund Nilakantan , Tang Qiuhua , Nielsen Peter
Published: September 2016

Industries utilize two-sided assembly lines for producing large-sized volume products such as cars and trucks. By employing robots, industries achieve a high level of automation in the assembly process. Robots help to replace human labor and execute tasks efficiently at each workstation in the assembly line. From the literature, it is concluded that not much work has been conducted on two two-sided robotic assembly line balancing problems. This article addresses the two-sided robotic assembly line balancing problem with the objective of minimizing the cycle time. A mixed-integer programming model of the proposed problem is developed which is solved by the CPLEX solver for small-sized problems. Due to the problems in non-polynomial--hard nature, a co-evolutionary particle swarm optimization algorithm is developed to solve it. The co-evolutionary particle swarm optimization utilizes local search on the global best individual to enhance intensification, modification of global best to emphasize exploration, and restart mechanism to escape from local optima. The performances of the proposed co-evolutionary particle swarm optimization are evaluated on the modified seven well-known two-sided assembly line balancing problems available in the literature. The proposed algorithm is compared with five other well-known metaheuristics, and computational and statistical results demonstrate that the proposed co-evolutionary particle swarm optimization outperforms most of the other metaheuristics for majority of the problems considered in the study.
High-performance software control platform designed for the autonomous navigation of quad-rotor helicopter
Authors: Wang Jialiang , Ding Jianli , Li Guo , Cao Weidong , Liu Chunbo , Zhao Hai
Published: September 2016

In recent years, unmanned aerial vehicles have gained increasing popularity. They are employed in many applications due to its features in terms of flexibility, low cost, and small size. Due to special structure of mechanical system for the quad-rotor helicopter (typical small-sized unmanned aerial vehicle), one of the main research fields for quad-rotor helicopter is to improve its stability flight control so as to well implement its autonomous navigation. However, for the quad-rotor helicopter whose power is supplied by battery, the embedded operating system directly affects its flight performance; thus, it is of very importance to implement this goal. This article aims to put forward a high-performance software platform consisted of embedded operating system and JAVA virtual machine in the quad-rotor helicopter. Then, this article also proposes an autonomous control algorithm written by real-time JAVA application, which uses image entropy to avoid obstacles and optical flow to discover the most appropriate area to fly in while avoiding obstacles; besides, image identification with image contour detection is used for the cases of junction turn and landing. The practical experimental results show that the implemented software control platform and proposed autonomous flight application are component for indoor autonomous flight of quad-rotor helicopter.
The design and conduct of Keep It Off: An online randomized trial of financial incentives for weight-loss maintenance
Authors: Shaw Pamela A , Yancy William S , Wesby Lisa , Ulrich Victoria , Troxel Andrea B , Huffman David , Foster Gary D , Volpp Kevin
Published: September 2016

Background

Obesity continues to be a serious public health challenge. Rates are increasing worldwide, with nearly 70% of the US adults overweight or obese, leading to increased clinical and economic burden. While successful approaches for achieving weight loss have been identified, techniques for long-term maintenance of initial weight loss have largely been unsuccessful. Financial incentive interventions have been shown in several settings to be successful in motivating participants to adopt healthy behaviors.

Purpose

Keep It Off is a three-arm randomized controlled trial that compares the efficacy of a lottery-based incentive, traditional direct payment incentive, and control of daily feedback without any incentive for weight-loss maintenance. This design allows comparison of a traditional direct payment incentive with one based on behavioral economic principles that consider the underlying psychology of decision-making.

Methods

Participants were randomized in a 2:1 ratio for each active arm relative to control, with a targeted 188 participants in total. Eligible participants were those aged 30–80 who lost at least 11 lb (5 kg) during the first 4 months of participation in Weight Watchers, a national weight-loss program, with whom we partnered. The interventions lasted 6 months (Phase I); participants were followed for an additional 6 months without intervention (Phase II). The primary outcome is weight change from baseline to the end of Phase I, with the change at the end of Phase II a key secondary endpoint. Keep It Off is a pragmatic trial that recruited, consented, enrolled, and followed patients electronically. Participants were provided a wireless weight scale that electronically transmitted daily self-monitored weights. Weights were verified every 3 months at a Weight Watchers center local to the participant and electronically transmitted.

Results

Using the study web-based platform, we integrated recruitment, enrollment, and follow-up procedures into a digital platform that required little staff effort to implement and manage. We randomized 191 participants in less than 1 year. We describe the design of Keep It Off and implementation of enrollment.

Lessons Learned

We demonstrated that our pragmatic design was successful in rapid accrual of participants in a trial of interventions to maintain weight loss.

Limitations

Despite the nationwide reach of Weight Watchers, the generalizability of study findings may be limited by the characteristics of its members. The interventions under study are appropriate for settings where an entity, such as an employer or health insurance company, could offer them as a benefit.

Conclusions

Keep It Off was implemented and conducted with minimal staff effort. This study has the potential to identify a practical and effective weight-loss maintenance strategy.
Sensor node acceleration signatures and electromyography in synchronisation and sequencing analysis in sports: A rowing perspective
Authors: Armstrong Sian , Nokes Leonard DM
Published: September 2016

Following a review of the key determinants of successful rowing, a wireless body sensor network was developed to monitor boat and body segment acceleration and surface electromyography in major muscles recruited during the rowing stroke cycle. Its design was optimised to yield maximum information about the rowing stroke cycle from fewest sensors and minimise the power consumption of the nodes. The system was validated against the Qualisys motion capture and high-speed camera system with most Pearson correlation coefficients in excess of r = 0.8. On-land ergometer experimentation allowed muscle recruitment over the stroke cycle to be studied, with data from multiple experiments combined using correlation of the acceleration signatures of back and thigh nodes (r = 0.95). It was demonstrated that it was possible to identify one of the common rowing errors of ‘shooting-the-slide’ from the data collected, and that a marked decrease in correlation of good-to-bad technique over the drive phase of the stroke (0.95 reducing to 0.34 in the experiment undertaken) could be used to indicate the presence of this error. Extension of the wireless body sensor network to encompass boat and two oarsmen was demonstrated, allowing correlation of their rowing signatures to be studied, indicating their cohesion as a crew.
A retrospective case-control study evaluating thiazide-induced hyponatraemia-related hospitalisation among older Singaporeans
Authors: Abdul Naseer Jishana Farhad , Chen Li Li , Gui Huey Sywu , Ong Kheng Yong , Cheen Mcvin Hua Heng , Mamun Kaysar
Published: September 2016

Introduction:

Thiazide diuretics are recommended as first-line therapy for hypertension in older adults. However, thiazides are also associated with hyponatraemia-related hospitalisations in older patients. This study aims to determine the predictors of hospitalisation due to thiazides usage in older adults.

Methods:

This is a retrospective matched case-control study. Patients aged ⩾65 admitted due to adverse drug reactions based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD9) codes from the period of 1 June to 31 December 2011 in Singapore General Hospital were extracted. Patients with the ICD9 code E944.3 Saluretics causing adverse effects in therapeutic use and who experienced thiazide-induced hyponatraemia were identified. Controls were identified from a pool of patients from outpatient clinics who were prescribed thiazide during the study period. Each case was matched to four controls based on gender and race. Patients’ demographics, length of stay, and cost of hospital admission were obtained.

Results:

In total, 19 cases with thiazide-induced hyponatraemia were matched with 76 controls. Cases were older than control (78.8±6.1 vs. 75.6±7.0, p=0.052), with the majority being females (84.2%) and Chinese (94.7%). The mean length of stay was 4 (±3) days; the mean cost of stay was SGD 1118 (±898). Serum potassium levels and concurrent use of beta-blockers were identified as unadjusted possible predictors for hospitalisation due to thiazide-induced hyponatraemia.

Conclusion:

Potential predictors of hospitalisation due to thiazide-induced hyponatraemia include low potassium levels and concurrent use of beta-blockers. Identification of predictors is crucial to guide safe and effective prescribing of thiazides in older patients.
An inflated view of the facts? How preferences and predispositions shape conspiracy beliefs about the Deflategate scandal
Authors: Carey John M. , Nyhan Brendan , Valentino Benjamin , Liu Mingnan
Published: September 2016

Beliefs in conspiracy theories about controversial issues are often strongly influenced by people’s existing beliefs and attitudes. We leverage a prominent football-related controversy – the US National Football League’s “Deflategate” scandal – to investigate how factual perceptions and conspiracy beliefs vary by fan loyalties to sports teams. Using an original survey sample, we explore two key drivers of conspiratorial beliefs about the scandal. First, we analyze how beliefs about Deflategate vary by respondents’ loyalties towards the New England Patriots. We find that beliefs are not only highly polarized by team loyalty but that the gaps are largest among more interested and knowledgeable fans, suggesting that individuals are processing the information they receive in a highly motivated fashion. Second, we find that individuals who endorse unrelated political conspiracy theories are also more likely to endorse two key conspiratorial claims about Deflategate. However, priming group solidarity and elite resentment – two possible motivations for the prevalence of conspiracy theories around controversial issues like Deflategate – does not have a significant effect.
Constrictive Pericarditis Following Correction of Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Drainage
Authors: Ong Chin Siang , Shankar Sriram , Yip James W. L. , Tay Edgar L. W. , Teo Lynette L. S. , Quek Swee Chye
Published: September 2016

We report the case of a 23-year-old man who developed constrictive pericarditis within four months after pulmonary valve replacement and repair of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection. He had previously undergone repair of tetralogy of Fallot in infancy. After an unsuccessful trial of medical management for persistent right heart failure, magnetic resonance imaging was done, which showed a thickened pericardium. He underwent a radical pericardiectomy with a good outcome. The case is presented to illustrate a less well-recognized cause of cardiac failure following congenital cardiac surgery, which may otherwise be attributed to the failure of surgery or residual complications.
Discussion of several contractions by Jachymski’s approach
Authors: Suzuki Tomonari
Published: September 2016

We discuss several contractions of integral type by using Jachymski’s approach. We give alternative proofs of recent generalizations of the Banach contraction principle due to Ri (Indag. Math. 27:85-93, 2016) and Wardowski (Fixed Point Theory Appl. 2012:94, 2012).
The effect of adenoid hypertrophy on maxillofacial development: An objective photographic analysis
Authors: Koca Cigdem Fırat , Erdem Tamer , Bayındır Tuba
Published: September 2016

Background

Deformity in the dental arc and facial skeleton by adenoid hypertrophy due to chronic mouth breathing is a well-known process. Most of the related studies have been based on cephalometric analyses. The aim of this study is to detect the presence of skeletal deformities on the soft tissue by analyzing distances and angles on photographs.

Methods

Ninety-seven children having between 25 and 100 % of adenoids, ages 4–12 years (48 boys, 49 girls), and 90 cases having 0–25 % adenoid tissue, ages 4–12 years (54 boys, 36 girls), were studied by clinical history, physical examination (including endoscopy), and standardized clinical photographs. The children and parents were asked if any of the following were present in the children: snoring, sleep apnea, daytime sleepiness, poor school performance, mouth breathing during sleep, smoking parents, and restlessness during sleep.

Results

The assessment of linear and angular measurements on the clinical photographs showed, in the group having thicker adenoids compared with controls, a statistically significant increase in the distance between nasion and tip and nasion and subnasale and in the angle between Frankfort horizontal plane-gnathion-angulus mandible; there was also a statistically significant decrease in the distance between endocanthion and exocanthion and the angles between tragion-angulus mandible and gnathion and between nasion-angulus mandible and gnathion.

Conclusions

The analyses showed a significant increase in the anterior face height and increase in the angle between Frankfort horizontal plane-gnathion-angulus mandible and a retropositioned and posterior-rotated mandible due to thicker adenoids.

Trial registration

2010/140 Date: 04 January 2010.
Separating quasi-P-wave in transversely isotropic media with a vertical symmetry axis by synthesized pressure applied to ocean-bottom seismic data elastic reverse time migration
Authors: Yu Pengfei , Geng Jianhua , Wang Chenlong
Published: September 2016

Quasi-P (qP)-wavefield separation is a crucial step for elastic P-wave imaging in anisotropic media. It is, however, notoriously challenging to quickly and accurately obtain separated qP-wavefields. Based on the concepts of the trace of the stress tensor and the pressure fields defined in isotropic media, we have developed a new method to rapidly separate the qP-wave in a transversely isotropic medium with a vertical symmetry axis (VTI) by synthesized pressure from ocean-bottom seismic (OBS) data as a preprocessing step for elastic reverse time migration (ERTM). Another key aspect of OBS data elastic wave imaging is receiver-side 4C records back extrapolation. Recent studies have revealed that receiver-side tensorial extrapolation in isotropic media with ocean-bottom 4C records can sufficiently suppress nonphysical waves produced during receiver-side reverse time wavefield extrapolation. Similarly, the receiver-side 4C records tensorial extrapolation was extended to ERTM in VTI media in our studies. Combining a separated qP-wave by synthesizing pressure and receiver-side wavefield reverse time tensorial extrapolation with the crosscorrelation imaging condition, we have developed a robust, fast, flexible, and elastic imaging quality improved method in VTI media for OBS data.