bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can we normalise developmentally appropriate health care for young people in UK hospital settings? An ethnographic study
Authors: Rapley Tim , Farre Albert , Parr Jeremy R , Wood Victoria J , Reape Debbie , Dovey-Pearce Gail , McDonagh Janet
Published: September 2019

Objective

The WHO has argued that adolescent-responsive health systems are required. Developmentally appropriate healthcare (DAH) for young people is one approach that could underpin this move. The aim of this study was to explore the potential for DAH to become normalised, to become a routine, taken-for-granted, element of clinical practice.

Design

Qualitative ethnographic study. Analyses were based on procedures from first-generation grounded theory and theoretically informed by normalisation process theory.

Setting

Two tertiary and one secondary care hospital in England.

Participants

192 participants, health professionals (n=121) and managers (n=71) were recruited between June 2013 and January 2015. Approximately 1600 hours of non-participant observations in clinics, wards and meeting rooms were conducted, alongside 65 formal qualitative interviews.

Results

We observed diverse values and commitments towards the care of young people and provision of DAH, including a distributed network of young person-orientated practitioners. Informal networks of trust existed, where specific people, teams or wards were understood to have the right skill-mix, or mindset, or access to resources, to work effectively with young people. As young people move through an organisation, the preference is to direct them to other young person-orientated practitioners, so inequities in skills and experience can be self-sustaining. At two sites, initiatives around adolescent and young adult training remained mostly within these informal networks of trust. At another, through support by wider management, we observed a programme that sought to make the young people’s healthcare visible across the organisation, and to get people to reappraise values and commitment.

Conclusion

To move towards normalisation of DAH within an organisation, we cannot solely rely on informal networks and cultures of young person-orientated training, practice and mutual referral and support. Organisation-wide strategies and training are needed, to enable better integration and consistency of health services for all young people.
Development of core outcome sets for vision screening and assessment in stroke: a Delphi and consensus study
Authors: Rowe Fiona J , Hepworth Lauren R , Kirkham Jamie J
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Visual impairment following stroke is common with a reported incidence of visual impairment in 60% of stroke survivors. Screening for visual impairment is neither routine nor standardised. This results in a health inequality where some stroke survivors receive comprehensive vision assessment to identify any existent visual problems while others receive no vision assessment leaving them with unmet needs from undiagnosed visual problems. The aim of this study was to define two core outcome sets (COS), one for vision screening and one for full visual assessment of stroke survivors.

Design

A list of potentially relevant visual assessments was created from a review of the literature. The consensus process consisted of an online 3-round Delphi survey followed by a consensus meeting of the key stakeholders.

Participants

Stakeholders included orthoptists, occupational therapists, ophthalmologists, stroke survivors and COS users such as researchers, journal editors and guideline developers.

Setting

University.

Outcome measures

COS.

Results

Following the consensus process we recommend the following nine assessments for vision screening: case history, clinical observations of visual signs, visual acuity, eye alignment position, eye movement assessment, visual field assessment, visual neglect assessment, functional vision assessment and reading assessment. We recommend the following 11 assessments for full vision assessment: case history, observations, visual acuity, eye alignment position, eye movement assessment, binocular vision assessment, eye position measurement, visual field assessment, visual neglect assessment, functional vision assessment, reading assessment and quality of life questionnaires.

Conclusions

COS are defined for vision screening and full vision assessment for stroke survivors. There is potential for their use in reducing heterogeneity in routine clinical practice and for improving standardisation and accuracy of vision assessment. Future research is required to evaluate the use of these COS and for further exploration of core outcome measures.
Effect of prepregnancy maternal BMI on adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes: results from a retrospective cohort study of a multiethnic population in Qatar
Authors: Shaukat Shazia , Nur Ula
Published: September 2019

Background

Given the small number of studies on the topic, we aimed to identify the impact of prepregnancy maternal body mass index (BMI) on adverse pregnancy outcomes (POs) in a low-risk, multiethnic population, and to calculate related population attributable fractions (PAFs).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 1134 nulliparous women of 50 nationalities (classified into Arab and non-Arab ethnicity) in Qatar who had their first antenatal visit at a Primary Healthcare Corporation (PHCC) facility in June 2016–March 2017 and their PO at a Hamad Medical Corporation facility before 10 November 2017. We used multiple imputation to handle missing values and multivariate logistic regression to calculate adjusted ORs (aORs) for adverse POs in overweight and women with obesity.

Results

Overweight Arab women and women with obesity were at high risk for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (aOR=2.38, 95% CI 1.51 to 3.84) and caesarean section (aOR=1.57, 95% CI 1.00 to 2.48). Non-Arab women with obesity were at high risk for pre-eclampsia (aOR=3.83, 95% CI 1.00 to 15.00). PAFs showed that 41.63% of pre-eclampsia, 17.36% of pregnancy-induced hypertension, 17.17% of large for gestational age, 15.89% of preterm deliveries, 14.75% of GDM and 13.99% of caesarean sections could be avoided if all mothers had normal prepregnancy BMI. There were no major differences in PAFs by ethnicity.

Conclusion

Adverse POs were attributable to maternal obesity. This suggests that, in contrast to existing PHCC protocol, overweight and women with obesity in Qatar should be targeted earlier in their pregnancy; preferably prior to getting pregnant. We observed ethnic differences in the risk of adverse POs.
Standardised mortality ratios as a user-friendly performance metric and trigger for quality improvement in a Flemish hospital network: multicentre retrospective study
Authors: Tambeur Wim , Stijnen Pieter , Vanden Boer Guy , Maertens Pieter , Weltens Caroline , Rademakers Frank , De Ridder Dirk , Vanhaecht Kris , Bruyneel Luk
Published: September 2019

Objective

To illustrate the development and use of standardised mortality rates (SMRs) as a trigger for quality improvement in a network of 27 hospitals.

Design

This research was a retrospective observational study. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. SMRs were calculated for All Patient Refined—Diagnosis-Related Groups (APR-DRGs) that reflect 80% of the Flemish hospital network mortality. Hospital mortality was modelled using logistic regression. The metrics were communicated to the member hospitals using a custom-made R-Shiny web application showing results at the level of the hospital, patient groups and individual patients. Experiences with the metric and strategies for improvement were shared in chief medical officer meetings organised by the Flemish hospital network.

Setting

27 Belgian hospitals.

Participants

1 198 717 hospital admissions for registration years 2009–2016.

Results

Patient gender, age, comorbidity as well as admission source and type were important predictors of mortality. Altogether the SMR models had a C-statistic of 88%, indicating good discriminatory capability. Seven out of ten APR-DRGs with the highest percentage of hospitals statistically significantly deviating from the benchmark involved malignancy. The custom-built web application and the trusted environment of the Flemish hospital network created an interoperable strategy to get to work with SMR findings. Use of the web application increased over time, with peaks before and after key discussion meetings within the Flemish hospital network. A concomitant reduction in crude mortality for the selected APR-DRGs from 6.7% in 2009 to 5.9% in 2016 was observed.

Conclusions

This study reported on the phased approach for introducing SMR reporting to trigger quality improvement. Prerequisites for the successful use of quality metrics in hospital benchmarks are a collaborative approach based on trust among the participants and a reporting platform that allows stakeholders to interpret and analyse the results at multiple levels.
What is known about the LGBTQ perspective in child welfare services? A scoping review protocol
Authors: Kaasbøll Jannike , Paulsen Veronika
Published: September 2019

Introduction

In previous studies, it is estimated that sexual minorities (eg, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) individuals) are overrepresented in the child welfare system. However, the numbers are unclear, and there are limited studies in this field. No systematic review of LGBTQ issues across a broader context (ie, youth, foster parents and service providers) of child welfare services exists. The overall objective of this scoping review is to systematically scope the existing research on LGBTQ issues in the context of child welfare services, including policy, practice, service providers and users’ perspectives.

Methods and analysis

The scoping review framework outlined by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) based on previous work by Arksey and O’Malley and Levac and colleagues will guide this review. In addition, the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR): Checklist and Explanation will be used throughout the process. We will search electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Idunn) and grey literature sources to identify studies that are appropriate for inclusion in this review. Using inclusion and exclusion criteria based on the ‘Population–Concept–Context’ framework, two researchers will independently screen titles, abstracts and full-text articles considered for inclusion. Any qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method study of LGBTQ issues in the child welfare context will be described and synthesised using a thematic synthesis approach.

Ethics and dissemination

A scoping review is a secondary analysis of published literature and does not require ethics approval. This scoping review is meant to provide an overview of the existing literature, aiming to expand policy-makers’ and practitioners’ knowledge of LGBTQ issues in a child welfare context and identify research gaps that can be used as a basis for further research. The results will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication, a conference presentation and a presentation to the key stakeholders.
Association between hand grip strength and impaired health-related quality of life in Korean cancer survivors: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Paek Jeongki , Choi Yoon Ji
Published: September 2019

Objectives

To assess the association between hand grip strength (HGS) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Korean cancer survivors.

Design

Population-based cross-sectional study.

Setting

A nationally representative population survey data (face-to-face interviews and health examinations were performed in mobile examination centres).

Participants

A total of 1037 cancer survivors (person with cancer of any type who is still living) with available data on HGS and HRQoL in the sixth and seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2014–2017).

Primary outcome measures

Prevalence of impaired HRQoL by HGS.

Results

Among 1037 cancer survivors (60.7% women, mean age=62.2 years), 19.2% of them had weak HGS according to gender-specific cut-off values (lowest quintile<29.7 kg in men and <19.7 kg in women). In the study population, the most common cancer site was the stomach, followed by the thyroid, breast, colorectal and cervix. Individuals with weak HGS showed statistically significantly increased impairment in all five dimensions of the EuroQoL-5 dimension (EQ-5D) compared with those in patients with normal HGS. In a multinomial logistic regression analysis, impaired HRQoL (some or extreme problem in EQ-5D) was significantly reduced in each dimension of the EQ-5D, except for anxiety/depression, when HGS was increased. The OR for impaired HRQoL ranged from 0.86 to 0.97 per 1 kg increase in HGS in four dimensions (mobility, self-care, usual activity and pain/discomfort).

Conclusions

Weak HGS was associated with impaired HRQoL in cancer survivors. Future longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the causality between HGS and HRQoL in cancer survivors.
Prevalence and causes of anaemia in children aged 6–23 months in rural Qinghai, China: findings from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Huang Yiwen , Wang Lijuan , Huo Junsheng , Wu Qiong , Wang Wei , Chang Suying , Zhang Yanfeng
Published: September 2019

Objective

To investigate the current situation of anaemia among children aged 6–23 months in a rural county in China, and to explore the influencing factors and the main causes of anaemia.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

Huzhu County in Qinghai Province, China

Participants

We selected 38 sampled villages using Proportional to Population Size sampling method. We obtained the name list of children aged 6–23 months in each sampled village and planned to survey all the eligible children aged 6–23 months and their caregivers.

Primary and secondary outcomes measures

The prevalence of anaemia, the influencing factors of anaemia, the laboratory tests for biological causes of anaemia, including serum ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor, folic acid, homocysteine and vitamin B12.

Results

A total of 754 children aged 6–23 months and their caregivers were surveyed, and 183 anaemic children aged 12–23 months were collected venous blood sample. The anaemia prevalence of children aged 6–23 months in Huzhu County was 59.1%. Children of younger age (OR=0.968, 95% CI 0.940 to 0.998), Tibetan nationality (OR=3.123, 95% CI 1.473 to 6.623) and not introducing meat (OR=0.698, 95% CI 0.499 to 0.976) were more likely to be anaemic. More than 80% of children with anaemia were due to iron deficiency (ID), and 20.2% of them had both iron and folic acid deficiencies.

Conclusions

The anaemia prevalence of children aged 6–23 months in Huzhu County was high and children of younger age, Tibetan nationality and not introducing meat were more likely to be anaemic. The main cause of anaemia was nutritional anaemia, with the vast majority being ID. Interventions of feeding counselling and nutrients supplements are appropriate and should be further strengthened.

Trial registration number

ChiCTRPRC12002444.
Development and validation of a patient-reported outcome tool to assess cancer-related financial toxicity in Italy: a protocol
Authors: Riva Silvia , Bryce Jane , De Lorenzo Francesco , Del Campo Laura , Di Maio Massimo , Efficace Fabio , Frontini Luciano , Giannarelli Diana , Gitto Lara , Iannelli Elisabetta , Jommi Claudio , Montesarchio Vincenzo , Traclò Francesca , Vaccaro Concetta Maria , Gallo Ciro , Perrone Francesco
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Financial toxicity (FT) is a well-recognised problem in oncology. US-based studies have shown that: (a) cancer patients have a 2.7 times risk of bankruptcy; (b) patients who declare bankruptcy have a 79% greater hazard of death; (c) financial burden significantly impairs quality of life (QoL) and (d) reduces compliance and adherence to treatment prescriptions. The aim of the project is to develop and validate a patient-reported-outcome (PRO) measure to assess FT of cancer patients in Italy, where, despite the universal health coverage provided by the National Health Service, FT is an emerging issue.

Methods and analysis

Our hypothesis is that a specific FT measure, which considers the relevant sociocultural context and healthcare system, would allow us to understand the main determinants of cancer-related FT in Italy, in order to address and reduce these factors. According to the International Society for Pharmaco-economics and Outcomes Research guidelines on PROs, the project will include the following steps: (1) concept elicitation (from focus groups with patients and caregivers; literature; oncologists; nurses) and analysis, creating a coding library; (2) item generation (using a format that includes a question and a response on a 4-point Likert scale) and analysis through patients’ cognitive interviews of item importance within different coding categories to produce the draft instrument; (3) factor analysis and internal validation (with Cronbach’s alpha and test–retest for reliability) to produce the final instrument; (4) external validation with QoL anchors and depression scales. The use of the FT measure in prospective trials is also planned.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol is approved by the ethical committees of all the participating centres. The project will tentatively produce a validated tool by the spring 2021. The project might also represent a model and the basis for future cooperation with other European countries, with different healthcare systems and socioeconomic conditions.

Trial registration number

NCT03473379.
Palliative care in liver disease: what does good look like?
Authors: Woodland Hazel , Hudson Ben , Forbes Karen , McCune Anne , Wright Mark
Published: September 2019

The mortality rate from chronic liver disease in the UK is rising rapidly, and patients with advanced disease have a symptom burden comparable to or higher than that experienced in other life-limiting illnesses. While evidence is limited, there is growing recognition that care of patients with advanced disease needs to improve. Many factors limit widespread provision of good palliative care to these patients, including the unpredictable trajectory of chronic liver disease, the misconception that palliative care and end-of-life care are synonymous, lack of confidence in prescribing and lack of time and resources. Healthcare professionals managing these patients need to develop the skills to ensure effective delivery of core palliative care, with referral to specialist palliative care services reserved for those with complex needs. Core palliative care is best delivered by the hepatology team in parallel with active disease management. This includes ensuring that discussions about disease trajectory and advance care planning occur alongside active management of disease complications. Liver disease is strongly associated with significant social, psychological and financial hardships for patients and their carers; strategies that involve the wider multidisciplinary team at an early stage in the disease trajectory help ensure proactive management of such issues. This review summarises the evidence supporting palliative care for patients with advanced chronic liver disease, presents examples of current best practice and provides pragmatic suggestions for how palliative and disease-modifying care can be run in parallel, such that patients do not miss opportunities for interventions that improve their quality of life.
Testing forBRAFfusions in patients with advancedBRAF/NRAS/KITwild-type melanomas permits to identify patients who could benefit of anti-MEK targeted therapy
Authors: Le Flahec Glen , Briolais Manon , Guibourg Briac , Lemasson Gilles , Grippari Jean-Luc , Ledé Francoise , Marcorelles Pascale , Uguen Arnaud
Published: September 2019

Beyond targeted therapy for patients withBRAF-mutated melanomas and immunotherapy in patients lackingBRAFmutations, anti-MEK therapy has been proposed in patients with advanced melanomas harbouringBRAFfusions.BRAFfusions diagnosis in patients with advanced melanomas is the subject of the present study. UsingBRAFfluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH), we searched forBRAFfusions in 74 samples of 66 patients with advancedBRAF/NRAS/KITwild-type melanomas. We identified 2/66 (3%) patients withBRAFfusions in a brain metastasis of one patient and in a lymph node metastasis and in a cutaneous metastasis for the second patient with 90%–95% of tumour nuclei containing isolated 3′-BRAFFISH signals. As a result, we conclude thatBRAFFISH in patients with advancedBRAF/NRAS/KITwild-type melanomas is a valuable and easy-to-perform test to diagnoseBRAFfusions and to identify patients who could benefit of anti-MEK targeted therapy.
Myoclonic epilepsy, parkinsonism, schizophrenia and left-handedness as common neuropsychiatric features in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
Authors: Fanella Martina , Frascarelli Marianna , Lambiase Caterina , Morano Alessandra , Unolt Marta , Liberati Natascia , Fattouch Jinane , Buzzanca Antonino , Accinni Tommaso , Ceccanti Marco , Viganò Alessandro , Biondi Massimo , Colonnese Claudio , Giallonardo Anna Teresa , Di Fabio Fabio , Pizzuti Antonio , Di Bonaventura Carlo , Berardelli Alfredo
Published: September 2019

Background

22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is considered as the genetic model of schizophrenia. However, its polymorphic nature has led researchers to further investigate its neuropsychiatric manifestations.

Methods

We enrolled 56 adults (38 men, 18 women) diagnosed with 22q11.2DS. All subjects were evaluated by a multidisciplinary team. The neuropsychiatric features were investigated by means of clinical and neurophysiological evaluation (video-EEG).

Results

Thirty per cent of our patients were left-handed. Fifty-eight per cent had a low IQ, and 22 of 56 subjects had psychotic disorders (13 of 22 with schizophrenia). Eighteen patients reported at least one seizure in their lifetime, and ten were diagnosed with epilepsy; among them, seven had genetic generalised epilepsy (GGE), and five of seven showed features suggestive of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME). Video-EEG recordings revealed generalised epileptiform abnormalities in 24 of 56 cases. Besides, only one patient with epilepsy had a cardiac malformation. Lastly, 31 of 56 subjects presented with parkinsonism, 16 of whom were taking neuroleptics. None of the 15 patients with parkinsonism not related to neuroleptic therapy was diagnosed with epilepsy, compared with 6 of those taking antipsychotics.

Conclusions

22q11.2DS is characterised by left-handedness and neuropsychiatric features such as cognitive impairment, schizophrenia, epilepsy and parkinsonism. GGE, mostly the JME phenotype, is the predominant epilepsy type. The significant association between 22q11.2DS and parkinsonian features confirms these patients’ genetic susceptibility to parkinsonism. Despite the lack of any conclusive evidence, our study suggests a possible relationship between the analysed clinical variables: (1) an inverse correlation between low IQ/psychosis/epilepsy and major cardiac diseases; (2) a direct association between psychosis and both mental delay and epilepsy; and (3) an inverse correlation between parkinsonism and epilepsy.
Vascular dysfunction following breath-hold diving
Authors: Barak Otto F. , Janjic Nebojsa , Drvis Ivan , Mijacika Tanja , Mudnic Ivana , Coombs Geoff B. , Thom Stephen R. , Madic Dejan , Dujic Zeljko
Published: September 2019

The pathogenesis of predominantly neurological decompression sickness (DCS) is multifactorial. In SCUBA diving, besides gas bubbles, DCS has been linked to microparticle release, impaired endothelial function, and platelet activation. This study focused on vascular damage and its potential role in the genesis of DCS in breath-hold diving. Eleven breath-hold divers participated in a field study comprising eight deep breath-hold dives with short surface periods and repetitive breath-hold dives lasting for 6 h. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation of the brachial artery, via flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and the number of microparticles (MPs) were assessed before and after each protocol. All measures were analyzed by two-way within-subject ANOVA (2 × 2 ANOVA; factors: time and protocol). Absolute FMD was reduced following both diving protocols (p < 0.001), with no interaction (p = 0.288) or main effect of protocol (p = 0.151). There was a significant difference in the total number of circulating MPs between protocols (p = 0.007), where both increased post-dive (p = 0.012). The number of CD31+/CD41– and CD66b+ MP subtypes, although different between protocols (p < 0.001), also increased by 41.0% ± 56.6% (p = 0.050) and 60.0% ± 53.2% (p = 0.045) following deep and repetitive breath-hold dives, respectively. Both deep and repetitive breath-hold diving lead to endothelial dysfunction that may play an important role in the genesis of neurological DCS.
Similarity reductions and exact solutions for two-dimensional Euler–Boussinesq equations
Authors: Fan En Gui , Yuen Man Wai
Published: September 2019

In this paper, by introducing a stream function and new coordinates, we transform classical Euler–Boussinesq equations into a vorticity form. We further construct traveling wave solutions and similarity reduction for the vorticity form of Euler–Boussinesq equations. In fact, our similarity reduction provides a kind of linearization transformation of Euler–Boussinesq equations.
Theory of renormalized phonon group velocity in high-temperature superconductors
Authors: Verma Sanjeev K. , Gupta Anushri , Kumari Anita , Indu B. D.
Published: September 2019

The expressions for the renormalized phonon group velocity (RPGV) has been developed from renormalized phonon dispersion relations obtained with the help of impurity-induced anharmonic quantum dynamics of phonons via Green’s functions. It is observed that RPGV shows dependence on doping, phonon frequency, temperature, and anharmonicity. The [Formula: see text] superconductor has been taken for model calculations to successfully apply the new results of RPGV.
A Fox–Milnor theorem for knots in a thickened surface
Authors: Kreinbihl James
Published: September 2019

A knot in a thickened surface [Formula: see text] is a smooth embedding [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a closed, connected, orientable surface. There is a bijective correspondence between knots in [Formula: see text] and knots in [Formula: see text], so one can view the study of knots in thickened surfaces as an extension of classical knot theory. An immediate question is if other classical definitions, concepts, and results extend or generalize to the study of knots in a thickened surface. One such famous result is the Fox–Milnor Theorem, which relates the Alexander polynomials of concordant knots. We prove a Fox–Milnor Theorem for concordant knots in a thickened surface by using Milnor torsion.
On resolutions of cosmological singularities in higher-spin gravity
Authors: Burrington Benjamin , Pando Zayas Leopoldo A. , Rombes Nicholas
Published: September 2019

We study the resolution of certain cosmological singularity in the context of higher-spin three-dimensional gravity. We consider gravity coupled to a spin-3 field realized as Chern–Simons theory with gauge group [Formula: see text]. In this context, we elaborate and extend a singularity resolution scheme proposed by Krishnan and Roy. We discuss the resolution of a big bang singularity in the case of gravity coupled to a spin-4 field realized as Chern–Simons theory with gauge group [Formula: see text]. In all these cases, we show the existence of gauge transformations that do not change the holonomy of the Chern–Simons gauge potential and lead to metrics without the initial singularity. We argue that such transformations always exist in the context of gravity coupled to a spin-[Formula: see text] field when described by Chern–Simons with gauge group [Formula: see text].
A Multiobjective Multi-Product Solid Transportation Model with Rough Fuzzy Coefficients
Authors: Roy Jagannath , Majumder Saibal , Kar Samarjit , Adhikary Krishnendu
Published: September 2019

Transportation management is one of the key success factors to keep an organization competitive, sustain its growth pace, and raise profits not only at a local but also a global scale. Therefore, planning and designing a transport system are prerequisite and vital topics for achieving these goals. In this paper, a multiobjective multi-product solid transportation problem (MOMPSTP) under uncertainty is formulated and solved by two different methods of multiobjective optimization problems (MOPs). The system parameters namely unit transportation cost, availability of products at source points, demands of products at destinations and the capacity of transportation mode all are taken as rough fuzzy variables (RFVs). A chance constraint programming model for MOP with RFVs is developed in order to obtain satisfactory solutions when decision makers (DMs) aim to optimize multiple objectives (cost, time, profit, etc.) simultaneously. For given credibility (Cr) and trust (Tr) levels of RFVs, Cr-Tr constraint programming technique is used to reduce the uncertain transportation problem into equivalent deterministic form. Two classical solution techniques-weighted sum method (WSM) and ideal point method (IPM) are utilized to solve the problem. Finally, a numerical example is provided to illustrate the usefulness of our proposed model and then a sensitivity analysis is performed to verify different solutions due to different level of satisfaction.
Problem-Oriented Automatic Summarization Method with Semantic Coherence Definition and Usage of Inclusion Measures for the Search of Answers to Questions in the Internet
Authors: Simankov Vladimir S. , Tolkachev Demid M.
Published: September 2019

The article deals with the relevant problem of automatic arbitrary text summary obtaining. Several works in this field are analyzed using comparison and classification methods. The problem of obtaining a text summary by means of an answer to a random question is emphasized. The identification of semantic relations between sentences using a set of rules based on syntax and semantics of a language is described. These rules are represented in the form of regular expressions – patterns that consist of characters and metacharacters and set search rules. Taking into account semantic coherence features, an improved method of sentences similarity calculation to identify the measure of inclusion of one sentence into another one is developed. This method helps to define more precisely logical stress on the words within automatic summarization and detect contradictions. A modified automatic summarization method, oriented at a specific problem is suggested. It is concluded that the proposed method is quiet effective in the process of automatic search for answers to questions in the Internet.
A New Model for the Impact of Knowledge Management on University Performance: Empirical Study Based on Student Opinions
Authors: Abdellatif Megnounif , Asma Kherbouche
Published: September 2019

The research topic addressed in this study concern the application of knowledge management systems (KMSs) in higher education institutions. While, in the first part of this work, a theoretical model of KMS was proposed, in this second part an empirical study is conducted to test this model. The proposed model has three main elements: inputs (different types of knowledge), process (the four functions: acquire, capitalise, disseminate and use) and outputs (the three performance perspectives: customer satisfaction, operational excellence and direction of the product). On the basis of a functional analysis we propose hypotheses, which allow us to study the relations of cause and effect between knowledge management (KM) and the performance of the university. The model is tested by surveys to be carried out in some Algerian universities by the students. After, a complete analysis (descriptive, exploratory (EFA), confirmatory (CFA), correlation, regression and finally SEM) of the data obtained by the completed questionnaires, the results permit to provide empirical evidence for some of the proposed hypotheses and confirm that KM has a positive effect on performance. A high intensity of KM activities has a significant positive influence, directly or indirectly, on university performance. The results of this empirical study indicate that policies encouraging (1) interactions between different actors, and (2) student participation in decision-making for the development of new programs/courses would increase student satisfaction and ensure pedagogical, management and openness excellence that ultimately contribute to performance of the university. Furthermore, KM must be programmed as part of the holistic management process of the university, and the activities of KM should therefore be managed in the same way as other university processes.
Ti6Al4V Parts Produced by Electron Beam Melting: Analysis of Dimensional Accuracy and Surface Roughness
Authors: Borrelli R. , Franchitti S. , Pirozzi C. , Carrino L. , Nele L. , Polini W. , Sorrentino L. , Corrado A.
Published: September 2019

Additive manufacturing (AM), applied to metal industry, is a family of processes that allows complex shape components to be realized from raw materials in the form of powders. Electron beam melting (EBM) is a relatively new additive manufacturing (AM) technology. Similar to electron-beam welding, EBM utilizes a high-energy electron beam as a moving heat source to melt metal powder, and 3D parts are produced in a layer-building fashion by rapid self-cooling. By EBM, it is possible to realize metallic complex shape components, e.g. fine network structures, internal cavities and channels, which are difficult to make by conventional manufacturing means. This feature is of particular interest in titanium industry in which numerous efforts are done to develop near net shape processes. In the field of mechanical engineering and, in particular, in the aerospace industry, it is crucial for quality certification purpose that components are produced through qualified and robust manufacturing processes ensuring high product repeatability. The contribution of the present work is to experimentally identify the EBM job parameters (sample orientation, location of the sample in the layer and height in the build chamber) that influence the dimensional accuracy and the surface roughness of the manufactured parts in Ti6Al4V. The repeatability of EBM is investigated too.
Dielectric and ferroelectric properties of CuO-doped lead magnesium niobate-based relaxor ferroelectric ceramics
Authors: Jin Li , Pang Jing , Huang Yunyao , Luo Wenting , Lu Xu , Wei Xiaoyong
Published: September 2019

In this work, we report the dielectric and ferroelectric properties of CuO-doped ([Formula: see text])[0.5573Pb(Mg[Formula: see text]Nb[Formula: see text])O3-0.4427PbTiO3]-[Formula: see text]Ba(Zn[Formula: see text]Nb[Formula: see text]O3 (PMNT-[Formula: see text]BZN) relaxor ferrielectric ceramic samples with [Formula: see text], 0.1925, 02125 and 0.2325, which were fabricated by a conventional solid-state reaction method. By introducing the CuO into PMNT-[Formula: see text]BZN, the sintering temperature of this system is drastically lowered from 1280∘C to 1120∘C. The second pyrochlore phase, which is often generated during sintering at high temperature, is also inhibited. Meanwhile, broad dielectric peaks with strong dielectric relaxation characteristics are observed from [Formula: see text]C to 100∘C. Slim and slanted [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] hysteresis loops and purely electrostrictive strains with V-shape are obtained simultaneously in studied compositions from 30∘C to 150∘C. These results suggest that CuO could effectively lower the sintering temperature while maintaining the dielectric and ferroelectric properties of PMNT-[Formula: see text]BZN relaxor ferroelectric ceramics.
Sensitivity of the Power Spectra of Thermal Magnetization Fluctuations in Low Barrier Nanomagnets Proposed for Stochastic Computing to In-Plane Barrier Height Variations and Structural Defects
Authors: Abeed Md Ahsanul , Bandyopadhyay Supriyo
Published: September 2019

Nanomagnets with small in-plane shape anisotropy energy barriers on the order of the thermal energy have unstable magnetization that fluctuates randomly in time. They have recently emerged as promising hardware platforms for stochastic computing and machine learning because the random magnetization states can be harnessed for probabilistic bits. Here, we have studied how the statistics of the magnetization fluctuations (e.g., the power spectral density) is affected by (i) moderate variations in the barrier height of the nanomagnet (caused by small size variations) and (ii) the presence of structural defects — both localized and delocalized — in order to assess how robust the stochastic computing platform based on Low Barrier Nanomagnets (LBM) is. We found that the power spectral density is relatively insensitive to moderate barrier height change and also relatively insensitive to the presence of small localized defects. However, extended (delocalized) defects, such as thickness variations over a significant fraction of the nanomagnet, affect the power spectral density very noticeably. That means extended defects can significantly alter the fluctuation rate of the magnetization in low barrier nanomagnets. Since the fluctuation rate is crucial for stochastic computing applications, this has very serious implications for the latter. Thickness variations are difficult to avoid in real nanomagnets with in-plane anisotropy since they must be thin to keep the barrier height small and the substrate on which they are fabricated may have surface roughness comparable to the nanomagnet thickness. This raises questions about the viability of stochastic computing with low barrier nanomagnets possessing in-plane anisotropy. Our results establish that small variations in the shape (causing small variations in the barrier height), or small localized defects, are relatively innocuous and tolerable but extended defects are not. The latter must be avoided for stochastic computing applications.
Fault fictions: systematic biases in the conceptualization of fault-zone architecture
Authors: Shipton Z. K. , Roberts J. J. , Comrie E. L. , Kremer Y. , Lunn R. J. , Caine J. S.
Published: September 2019

Mental models are a human's internal representation of the real world and have an important role in the way we understand and reason about uncertainties, explore potential options and make decisions. Mental models have not yet received much attention in geosciences, yet systematic biases can affect any geological investigation: from how the problem is conceived, through selection of appropriate hypotheses and data collection/processing methods, to the conceptualization and communication of results. We draw on findings from cognitive science and system dynamics, with knowledge and experiences of field geology, to consider the limitations and biases presented by mental models in geoscience, and their effect on predictions of the physical properties of faults in particular. We highlight biases specific to geological investigations and propose strategies for debiasing. Doing so will enhance how multiple data sources can be brought together, and minimize controllable geological uncertainty to develop more robust geological models. Critically, there is a need for standardized procedures that guard against biases, permitting data from multiple studies to be combined and communication of assumptions to be made. While we use faults to illustrate potential biases in mental models and the implications of these biases, our findings can be applied across the geosciences.
Take a Look Around
Authors: Law Stephen , Paige Brooks , Russell Chris
Published: September 2019

When an individual purchases a home, they simultaneously purchase its structural features, its accessibility to work, and the neighborhood amenities. Some amenities, such as air quality, are measurable while others, such as the prestige or the visual impression of a neighborhood, are difficult to quantify. Despite the well-known impacts intangible housing features have on house prices, limited attention has been given to systematically quantifying these difficult to measure amenities. Two issues have led to this neglect. Not only do few quantitative methods exist that can measure the urban environment, but that the collection of such data is both costly and subjective.

We show that street image and satellite image data can capture these urban qualities and improve the estimation of house prices. We propose a pipeline that uses a deep neural network model to automatically extract visual features from images to estimate house prices in London, UK. We make use of traditional housing features such as age, size, and accessibility as well as visual features from Google Street View images and Bing aerial images in estimating the house price model. We find encouraging results where learning to characterize the urban quality of a neighborhood improves house price prediction, even when generalizing to previously unseen London boroughs.

We explore the use of non-linear vs. linear methods to fuse these cues with conventional models of house pricing, and show how the
interpretability
of linear models allows us to directly extract proxy variables for visual desirability of neighborhoods that are both of interest in their own right, and could be used as inputs to other econometric methods. This is particularly valuable as once the network has been trained with the training data, it can be applied elsewhere, allowing us to generate vivid dense maps of the visual appeal of London streets.
ProspecFit
Authors: Chan Samantha W. T. , Buddhika Thisum , Zhang Haimo , Nanayakkara Suranga
Published: September 2019

Prospective Memory (PM), which involves remembering to perform intended actions, is the primary source of everyday memory lapses. While existing solutions mostly focus on supportive memory aids and reminders, it is also crucial to maintain PM functions and independent living for older adults. We present ProspecFit, which digitises implementation intentions, a lab-based memory intervention, making it available on smartphones through iterative design that draws insights from a focus group and preliminary studies. We evaluated its usability and effectiveness in enhancing PM through user studies that included a 12-day in situ study, and pre- and post-testing with 10 adults (61 to 80 years old). Participants in the digital PM training group were more prompt in performing the in situ PM tasks, compared to the control group without digital training, and reported improvement in their PM compared to before the training. We also show findings from diary entries, reports on forgetful moments and user reactions. Our work provides implications for creating digital memory training tools in HCI.
CORMORANT
Authors: Hintze Daniel , Füller Matthias , Scholz Sebastian , Findling Rainhard D. , Muaaz Muhammad , Kapfer Philipp , Koch Eckhard , Mayrhofer René
Published: September 2019

People own and carry an increasing number of ubiquitous mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and notebooks. Being small and mobile, those devices have a high propensity to become lost or stolen. Since mobile devices provide access to their owners' digital lives, strong authentication is vital to protect sensitive information and services against unauthorized access. However, at least one in three devices is unprotected, with inconvenience of traditional authentication being the paramount reason. We present the concept of CORMORANT, an approach to significantly reduce the manual burden of mobile user verification through risk-aware, multi-modal biometric, cross-device authentication. Transparent behavioral and physiological biometrics like gait, voice, face, and keystroke dynamics are used to continuously evaluate the user's identity without explicit interaction. The required level of confidence in the user's identity is dynamically adjusted based on the risk of unauthorized access derived from signals like location, time of day and nearby devices. Authentication results are shared securely with trusted devices to facilitate cross-device authentication for co-located devices. Conducting a large-scale agent-based simulation of 4 000 users based on more than 720 000 days of real-world device usage traces and 6.7 million simulated robberies and thefts sourced from police reports, we found the proposed approach is able to reduce the frequency of password entries required on smartphones by 97.82% whilst simultaneously reducing the risk of unauthorized access in the event of a crime by 97.72%, compared to conventional knowledge-based authentication.
Quadmetric Optimized Thumb-to-Finger Interaction for Force Assisted One-Handed Text Entry on Mobile Headsets
Authors: Lee Lik Hang , Lam Kit Yung , Li Tong , Braud Tristan , Su Xiang , Hui Pan
Published: September 2019

Augmented reality head-worn computers often feature small-sized touch interfaces that complicate interaction with content, provide insufficient space for comfortable text input, and can be awkward to use in social situations. This paper presents a novel one-handed thumb-to-finger text entry solution for augmented reality head-worn computers. We design a glove composed of 12 force-sensitive nodes featuring an ambiguous keyboard layout. We first explore the viability of force disambiguation to evaluate the force division within the force spectrum. We select a 3-level force division as it allows to considerably reduce the number of keys while featuring a high (83.9%) accuracy. Following this pilot study, we map the 26 English characters onto the 9 nodes located on the index, middle and ring fingers in a 3-3-3 configuration, and attribute the space, enter and backspace keys to the remaining three nodes. We consider text entry performance as a quadmetric optimization problem considering the following criteria: goodness of character pairs, layout similarity to the QWERTY keyboard, easiness of force interaction, and comfort level of thumb reach. The resulting layout strikes a balance between performance and usability. We finally evaluate the quadmetric optimized layout over 6 sessions with 12 participants. The participants achieve an average text entry rate of 6.47 WPM with 6.85% error rate in the final session, which is significantly faster than existing thumb-to-finger solutions. In addition, our one-handed text entry system enhances the user mobility compared to other state-of-the-art solutions by freeing one hand, while allowing the user to direct his visual attention to other activities.
Two Tell-tale Perspectives of PTSD
Authors: Shahid Farhana , Rahman Wasifur , Islam Anika Binte , Paul Nipi , Khan Nabila , Rahman Mohammad Saifur , Haque Md Munirul , Al Islam A. B. M. Alim
Published: September 2019

Global refugee crisis around the world has displaced millions of people from their homes. Although some of them adjust well, many suffer from significant psychological distress, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), owing to exposure to traumatic events and hardships. Here, diagnosis and access to psychological health care present particular challenges for various human-centered design issues. Therefore, analyzing the case of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, we propose a two-way diagnosis of PTSD using (i) short inexpensive questionnaire to determine its prevalence, and (ii) low-cost portable EEG headset to identify potential neurobiological markers of PTSD. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to use consumer-grade EEG devices in the scarce-resource settings of refugees. Moreover, we explored the underlying structure of PTSD and its symptoms via developing various hybrid models based on Bayesian inference by combining aspects from both reflective and formative models of PTSD, which is also the first of its kind. Our findings revealed several key components of PTSD and its neurobiological abnormality. Moreover, challenges faced during our study would inform design processes of screening tools and treatments of PTSD to incorporate refugee experience in a more meaningful way during contemporary and future humanitarian crisis.