bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ileal conduit volvulus: rare complication of urinary diversion
Authors: Shamavonian Raphael , Andrawis Nagy
Published: January 2019

Ileal conduit volvulus is a rare complication of urinary diversion. It has been suggested that various factors including prolonged length of the ileal segment, lack of fixation of the conduit to the peritoneum and failure to close the incised mesentery predispose patients to this complication. We present the case of a 76-year-old man who presented to hospital with severe abdominal pain and oliguria secondary to a volvulus of his ileal conduit. Investigations revealed early acute kidney injury as a result of urinary obstruction which was evident on abdominal CT. The patient subsequently underwent operative repair of the volvulus. Symptoms resolved following the procedure, kidney function improved and the patient was discharged without complication.
Inhaler technique education in elderly patients with asthma or COPD: impact on disease exacerbations—a protocol for a single-blinded randomised controlled trial
Authors: Maricoto Tiago , Correia-de-Sousa Jaime , Taborda-Barata Luís
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)and asthma affect more than 10% of the population. Most patients use their inhaler incorrectly, mainly the elderly, thereby becoming more susceptible to poor clinical control and exacerbations. Placebo device training is regarded as one of the best teaching methods, but there is scarce evidence to support it as the most effective one to improve major clinical outcomes. Our objective is to perform a single-blinded RCT to assess the impact of this education tool in these patients.

Methods and analysis

A multicentre single-blinded Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) will be set up, comparing an inhaler education programme with a teach-to-goal placebo-device training versus usual care, with a 1-year follow-up, in patients above 65 years of age with asthma or COPD. Intervention will be provided at baseline, and after 3 and 6 months, with interim analysis at an intermediate time point. Exacerbation rates were set as primary outcomes, and quality of life, adherence rates, clinical control and respiratory function were chosen as secondary outcomes. A sample size of 146 participants (73 in each arm) was estimated as adequate to detect a 50% reduction in event rates. Two-sample proportions χ² test will be used to study primary outcome and subgroup analysis will be carried out according to major baseline characteristics.

Ethics and dissemination

Every participant will sign a written consent form. A Data Safety Monitoring Board will be set up to evaluate data throughout the study and to monitor early stopping criteria. Identity of all participants will be protected. This protocol was approved on 22 November 2017 by the local Ethics Committee of University of Beira Interior, with the reference number CE-UBI-Pj-2017–025. Results will be presented in scientific meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT03449316; Pre-Results.
Comparative efficacy of interventions for reducing injection and sexual risk behaviours to prevent HIV in injection drug users: protocol for Bayesian network meta-analysis
Authors: Lang Junjie , Jin Lairun , Yao Yingshui
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Drug users are more vulnerable to AIDS than the general population. While several interventions are effective for addressing HIV in injection drug users, no meta-analysis has yet been performed to compare interventions and determine the relative benefits of each. We intend to conduct a Bayesian network meta-analysis to compare all available interventions evaluated by a randomised controlled trial for reducing injection and risky sexual behaviours for the prevention of HIV in injection drug users.

Methods and analysis

Studies will be retrieved by searching the following databases: MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The search will be performed between May and July 2018 for the literature published between 1980 and May 2018. Two authors will extract data independently. Primary outcome measures will be injection risk behaviour and HIV risk behaviour. HIV seroconversion, confirmed using an antibody test, will be the secondary outcome. Bayesian network meta-analyses will be conducted using the Markov Chains Monte Carlo method. The Cochrane revised tool, Risk of Bias, will be used to assess the risk of bias. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation will be used to assess evidence quality.

Ethics and dissemination

The results of this study will be disseminated at professional conferences and via publications in peer-reviewed journals. This study will not include any confidential personal data or data on human trials; therefore, ethical approval is not required.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018086999.
Cohort profile: the Swedish Prescribed Drugs and Health Cohort (SPREDH)
Authors: Xie Shao-Hua , Santoni Giola , Mattsson Fredrik , Ness-Jensen Eivind , Lagergren Jesper
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The Swedish Prescribed Drugs and Health Cohort (SPREDH) is a Swedish population-based cohort based on data from four nationwide health data registers, created with the aim of investigating how the use of selected medications influences cancer risk and other outcomes.

Participants

The cohort includes 8 421 115 users of selected common medications who have been followed-up for a total of 82 281 720 person-years from 1 July 2005 to 31 December 2015.

Finding to date

The data in SPREDH were prospectively collected from the following national health data registers in Sweden: Prescribed Drug Register, Patient Register, Cancer Register and Causes of Death Register. Data on basic patient characteristics, use of the selected common medications, healthcare utilisation, diagnoses (including detailed information on cancers), and dates and causes of death are available for all cohort participants. The cohort currently includes 801 766 incident cancer cases.

Future plans

The data in SPREDH can be used for various types of epidemiological research, particularly for examining how the use of the selected medications influences disease risk and other outcomes. We are initially planning cohort studies and nested case-control studies on selected medications in relation to the risk and prognosis of oesophageal and gastric cancers.
Social determinants and individual health-seeking behaviour among women in Kenya: protocol for a breast cancer cohort feasibility study
Authors: Gakunga Robai , Ali Zipporah , Korir Anne , Kinyanjui Asaph Wang’ombe , Ochieng’ Emily , Gikaara Nancy , Maluni Florence , Subramanian Sujha
Published: January 2019

Introduction

A catastrophic 35% increase in the burden of breast cancer in Kenya has been predicted by 2025. Mitigating this burden is critical, and local research is necessary to generate the evidence to inform policy, public health and medical practice. Most of the knowledge available has been derived from studies in high-income countries that are not directly applicable due to economic, social, cultural and ethnic differences. At the time of writing this paper, we had no knowledge of any longitudinal cohort studies in sub-Saharan Africa of both breast cancer survivors and a matching cohort of women who have never had a diagnosis of cancer. We aim to assess feasibility of cohort studies in Kenya that consider clinical characteristics social determinants and individual health seeking behaviour.

Methods and analysis

This study aims to inform best practices for initiating a longitudinal cohort study in Kenya. It is a two-pronged, prospective mixed methods study of women with and without a diagnosis of breast cancer with baseline data collection and one follow-up data collection approximately 3 months later by telephone. Quantitative and qualitative data will be collected concurrently, analysed separately and together to enrich understanding of concepts by triangulation. We aim to include 800 women aged 30–60 years: 400 in the survivorship cohort and 400 in the non-cancer cohort. Two focus group discussions from each cohort will be carried out to enhance understanding of concepts and to guide recommendations.

Ethics and dissemination

Independent ethical approval was obtained from Kenyatta National Hospital-University of Nairobi Ethics and Research Committee and the Research Triangle Institute International. Only consenting participants will be enrolled. Counselling support, debriefing discussions and referrals for formal support services will be available for both participants and research assistants. Findings will be disseminated through publications, websites and presentations.
Modified pedicle screw placement at the fracture level for treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures: a study protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hu Zhi-Chao , Li Xiao-Bin , Feng Zhen-Hua , Wang Ji-Qi , Gong Lan-Fang , Xuan Jiang-Wei , Fu Xin , Jiang Bing-Jie , Wu Long , Ni Wen-Fei
Published: January 2019

Introduction

The optimal treatment for burst fractures of the thoracolumbar spine is controversial. The addition of screws in the fractured segment has been shown to improve construct stiffness, but can aggravate the trauma to the fractured vertebra. Therefore, optimised placement of two pedicle screws at the fracture level is required for the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures. This randomised controlled study is the first to examine the efficacy of diverse orders of pedicle screw placement and will provide recommendations for the treatment of patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures.

Methods and analysis

A randomised controlled trial with blinding of patients and the statistician, but not the clinicians and researchers, will be conducted. A total of 70 patients with single AO type A3 or A4 thoracolumbar fractures who are candidates for application of short-segment pedicle screws at the fractured vertebral level will be allocated randomly to the distraction-screw and screw-distraction groups at a ratio of 1:1. The primary clinical outcome measures will be the percentage loss of vertebral body height, screw depth in the injured vertebrae and kyphosis (Cobb angle). Secondary clinical outcome measures will be complications, Visual Analogue Scale scores for back and leg pain, neurological function, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, Japanese Orthopaedic Association score and Oswestry Disability Index. These parameters will be evaluated preoperatively, intraoperatively, on postoperative day 3, and at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months postoperatively.

Ethics and dissemination

The Institutional Review Board of the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University have reviewed and approved this study (batch: LCKY2018-05). The results will be presented in peer-reviewed journals and at an international spine-related meeting after completion of the study.

Trial registration number

NCT03384368; Pre-results.
Life satisfaction, job satisfaction, life orientation and occupational burnout among nurses and midwives in medical institutions in Poland: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Uchmanowicz Izabella , Manulik Stanisław , Lomper Katarzyna , Rozensztrauch Anna , Zborowska Agnieszka , Kolasińska Jolanta , Rosińczuk Joanna
Published: January 2019

Objectives

To assess life satisfaction, job satisfaction, life orientation and the level of professional burnout in a group of professionally active nurses and midwives.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

This study was conducted between March and October of 2017 during specialisation training at the European Centre for Postgraduate Education in Wroclaw, Poland.

Participants

A group of 350 professionally active nurses (n=293) and midwives (n=57) were enrolled in the study.

Outcome measures

Associations between burnout and selected life-related and job-related outcomes using (1) the Satisfaction With Job Scale, (2) the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), (3) the Life Orientation Test-Revised, (4) the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Authors’ Designed Questionnaire regarding sociodemographic factors. The level of statistical significance was set at p≤0.05 (with a CI of 95%).

Results

The vast majority of participants were those in the ages of 41–50 years old (40.57%), women (96.86%) and people with bachelor’s degree (46.29%). The average overall rate for occupational burnout was 34.67 per 100 points. Assessment of occupational burnout subscale showed that the most significant factor was emotional exhaustion at 39.14 points (SD=28.15). Job satisfaction, life satisfaction and life orientation assessed with SWLS significantly affects each of the occupational burnout subscales (p<0.05).

Conclusions

The level of occupational burnout in nurses and midwives appeared to be low. It has been revealed that such determinants as life satisfaction, job satisfaction and life orientation do not allow for developing an occupational burnout.
Bortezomib in antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases (TAVAB): study protocol for a unicentric, non-randomised, non-placebo controlled trial
Authors: Kohler Siegfried , Märschenz Stefanie , Grittner Ulrike , Alexander Tobias , Hiepe Falk , Meisel Andreas
Published: January 2019

Introduction

The clinical characteristics of autoantibody-mediated autoimmune diseases are diverse. Yet, medical treatment and the associated complications are similar, that is, the occurrence of long-term side effects and the problem that a significant proportion of patients are non-responders. Therefore, new therapeutic options are needed. Bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, is effective in the treatment of multiple myeloma and data from experimental models and case reports suggest an effect in the treatment of autoantibody-mediated autoimmunity. In our study, we will determine the effect of bortezomib treatment on a shared surrogate parameter for clinical efficacy, namely change in autoantibody levels, which we chose as primary parameter.

Methods and analysis

We designed a phase IIa trial with altogether n=18 treatment-refractory patients suffering from myasthenia gravis, systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis that will be treated with bortezomib add-on to pre-existing therapy. Primary endpoint is the change in autoantibody levels 6 months after therapy. Secondary endpoints include concomitant medication, disease-specific clinical scores and measures of quality of life and activities of daily living.

Ethics and dissemination

Safety parameters include neurophysiological and clinical signs of peripheral neuropathy as well as potential central nervous system side effects determined by olfactory and neuropsychological testing. The study has been approved by the local ethical committee and first participants have already been enrolled. This proof of concept study will contribute to improve our understanding of plasma cell-specific treatment approaches by assessing its safety and efficacy in reducing serum levels of antibodies known to mediate autoimmune disorders.

We plan to publish the final results of our study in a peer reviewed journal and to present our findings at international conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT02102594.
Phenomenological approach to childhood cataract treatment in New Zealand using semi-structured interviews: how might we improve provision of care
Authors: Hamm Lisa M , Boluk Karla A , Black Joanna M , Dai Shuan , Thompson Benjamin
Published: January 2019

Purpose

To understand how we might improve the provision of medical care for children with cataracts.

Design

A phenomenological design was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to capture rich descriptions of the phenomena. Our goal in the interview and the analysis was to understand the sources of distress associated with treatment for cataract and deprivation amblyopia which (1) could be addressed by the medical community and (2) related to treatment adherence.

Setting

Interviews were conducted by a non-clinician researcher in New Zealand (NZ) in a location chosen by informants. In NZ, the red reflex screening test is performed shortly after birth, and surgery to remove paediatric cataracts is publicly funded.

Participants

Families of children who had a history of cataract in Auckland, NZ were posted an invitation to participate. Twenty families were interviewed.

Results

Our analysis illustrated that informants described a wide range of experiences, from declined cataract surgery to full adherence to medical advice including years of patching for more than 4 hours a day. Across these experiences, we identified three relevant themes; timing of diagnosis, communication between the parent and clinician, and parental social support networks.

Conclusion

The medical community may be better placed to support families dealing with childhood cataract by improving detection of childhood cataract, building appropriate communication pathways and promoting social support, with an emphasis on empathetic, individualised care.
Are there gender differences in acute management and secondary prevention of acute coronary syndromes in Barbados? A cohort study
Authors: Sobers Natasha , Rose Angela M C , Samuels T Alafia , Critchley Julia , Abed Melissa , Hambleton Ian , Harvey Arianne , Unwin Nigel
Published: January 2019

Objectives

In Barbados, high case fatality rates have been reported after myocardial infarction (MI) with higher rates in women than men. To explore this inequality, we examined documented pharmacological interventions for ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-STEMI (NSTEMI) and unstable and chronic angina in women and men.

Design

Prospective cohort registry data for STEMI and NSTEMI and retrospective chart review for unstable and chronic angina.

Setting

Tertiary care (acute coronary syndromes) and primary care (chronic angina) centres in Barbados.

Participants

For the years 2009–2016, a total of 1018 patients with STEMI or NSTEMI were identified via the prospective study. For unstable and chronic angina, 136 and 272 notes were reviewed respectively for the years 2010–2014.

Outcome measures

The proportions of patients prescribed recommended medication during the first 24 hours after an acute event, at discharge and for chronic care were calculated. Prescribed proportions were analysed by gender after adjustment for age.

Results

Between 2009 and 2016, for the acute management of patients with NSTEMI and STEMI, only two (aspirin and clopidogrel) of six drugs had documented prescription rates of 80% or more. Patients with STEMI (n=552) had higher prescription rates than NSTEMI (n=466), with gender differences being more pronounced in the former. Among patients with STEMI, after adjustment for age, diabetes, hypertension and smoking, men were more likely to receive fibrinolytics acutely, OR 2.28 (95% CI 1.24 to 4.21). Compared with men, a higher proportion of women were discharged on all recommended treatments; this was only statistically significant for beta-blockers: age-adjusted OR 1.87 (95% CI 1.16 to 3.00). There were no statistically significant differences in documented prescription of drugs for chronic angina.

Conclusion

Following acute MI in Barbados, the proportion of patients with documented recommended treatment is relatively low. Although women were less likely to receive appropriate acute care than men, by discharge gender differences were reversed.
Multicomponent non-pharmacological intervention to prevent delirium for hospitalised people with advanced cancer: study protocol for a phase II cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hosie Annmarie , Phillips Jane , Lam Lawrence , Kochovska Slavica , Noble Beverly , Brassil Meg , Kurrle Susan E , Cumming Anne , Caplan Gideon A , Chye Richard , Le Brian , Ely E Wesley , Lawlor Peter G , Bush Shirley H , Davis Jan Maree , Lovell Melanie , Brown Linda , Fazekas Belinda , Cheah Seong Leang , Edwards Layla , Agar Meera
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Delirium is a significant medical complication for hospitalised patients. Up to one-third of delirium episodes are preventable in older inpatients through non-pharmacological strategies that support essential human needs, such as physical and cognitive activity, sleep, hydration, vision and hearing. We hypothesised that a multicomponent intervention similarly may decrease delirium incidence, and/or its duration and severity, in inpatients with advanced cancer. Prior to a phase III trial, we aimed to determine if a multicomponent non-pharmacological delirium prevention intervention is feasible and acceptable for this specific inpatient group.

Methods and analysis

The study is a phase II cluster randomised wait-listed controlled trial involving inpatients with advanced cancer at four Australian palliative care inpatient units. Intervention sites will introduce delirium screening, diagnostic assessment and a multicomponent delirium prevention intervention with six domains of care: preserving natural sleep; maintaining optimal vision and hearing; optimising hydration; promoting communication, orientation and cognition; optimising mobility; and promoting family partnership. Interdisciplinary teams will tailor intervention delivery to each site and to patient need. Control sites will first introduce only delirium screening and diagnosis, later implementing the intervention, modified according to initial results. The primary outcome is adherence to the intervention during the first seven days of admission, measured for 40 consecutively admitted eligible patients. Secondary outcomes relate to fidelity and feasibility, acceptability and sustainability of the study intervention, processes and measures in this patient population, using quantitative and qualitative measures. Delirium incidence and severity will be measured to inform power calculations for a future phase III trial.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained for all four sites. Trial results, qualitative substudy findings and implementation of the intervention will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals, and reported at conferences, to study sites and key peak bodies.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12617001070325; Pre-results.
Impacts of Brexit on fruit and vegetable intake and cardiovascular disease in England: a modelling study
Authors: Seferidi Paraskevi , Laverty Anthony A , Pearson-Stuttard Jonathan , Bandosz Piotr , Collins Brendan , Guzman-Castillo Maria , Capewell Simon , O’Flaherty Martin , Millett Christopher
Published: January 2019

Objectives

To estimate the potential impacts of different Brexit trade policy scenarios on the price and intake of fruits and vegetables (F&V) and consequent cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths in England between 2021 and 2030.

Design

Economic and epidemiological modelling study with probabilistic sensitivity analysis.

Setting

The model combined publicly available data on F&V trade, published estimates of UK-specific price elasticities, national survey data on F&V intake, estimates on the relationship between F&V intake and CVD from published meta-analyses and CVD mortality projections for 2021–2030.

Participants

English adults aged 25 years and older.

Interventions

We modelled four potential post-Brexit trade scenarios: (1) free trading agreement with the EU and maintaining half of non-EU free trade partners; (2) free trading agreement with the EU but no trade deal with any non-EU countries; (3) no-deal Brexit; and (4) liberalised trade regime that eliminates all import tariffs.

Outcome measures

Cumulative coronary heart disease and stroke deaths attributed to the different Brexit scenarios modelled between 2021 and 2030.

Results

Under all Brexit scenarios modelled, prices of F&V would increase, especially for those highly dependent on imports. This would decrease intake of F&V between 2.5% (95% uncertainty interval: 1.9% to 3.1%) and 11.4% (9.5% to 14.2%) under the different scenarios. Our model suggests that a no-deal Brexit scenario would be the most harmful, generating approximately 12 400 (6690 to 23 390) extra CVD deaths between 2021 and 2030, whereas establishing a free trading agreement with the EU would have a lower impact on mortality, contributing approximately 5740 (2860 to 11 910) extra CVD deaths.

Conclusions

Trade policy under all modelled Brexit scenarios could increase price and decrease intake of F&V, generating substantial additional CVD mortality in England. The UK government should consider the population health implications of Brexit trade policy options, including changes to food systems.
How do Jordanian and Syrian youth living in Jordan envision their sexual and reproductive health needs? A concept mapping study protocol
Authors: Gausman Jewel , Othman Areej , Hamad Iqbal Lutfi , Dabobe Maysoon , Daas Insaf , Langer Ana
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Youth in Jordan constitute 20.4% of the population, and many face considerable challenges in addressing their sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs, such as those related to the prevention of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, early marriage and sexual coercion and violence. The findings of previous studies indicate that Jordanian youth require reproductive health-related support, information and services; however, there remains very limited data as to how youth envision their SRH challenges and needs. This protocol outlines the design of a qualitative study using a participatory research methodology called concept mapping. This methodology enables participants to develop a conceptual framework for how they envision their sexual and reproductive health needs.

Methods and analysis

This study will use concept mapping, which consists of a structured and iterative participatory research process that engages participants over three data collection sessions in order to generate the information needed to create a visual display of their ideas pertaining their SRH needs, issues and concerns, and how these ideas relate to each other. Each data collection session focuses on a different activity, including brainstorming, pile sorting and interpretation of the results. Data will be analysed using hierarchical cluster analysis and multidimensional scaling. Transcriptions of group discussions will be coded and analysed to add depth to the study results. Two hundred and eighty-eight males and females of Jordanian or Syrian descent living in Jordan will be recruited from four communities across Jordan.

Ethics and dissemination

This study meets the requirements of the Declaration of Helsinki and has been approved by the Institutional Review Boards at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the University of Jordan. Study findings will be presented in peer-reviewed, international journals and made available to local programme managers, policy-makers and stakeholders through local dissemination efforts.
Evaluation of top-down crack propagation in asphalt pavement under dual tire loading
Authors: Alae Mohsen , Haghshenas Hamzeh F. , Zhao Yanqing
Published: January 2019

Top-down cracking (TDC) has been recognized worldwide and is regarded as a major type of asphalt pavement distress. In this study, fracture mechanisms behind the TDC propagation and fatigue life of pavements were investigated under dual tire loads using finite element (FE) analysis. By considering the most influencing factors on TDC propagation, stress intensity factors (SIF), including KI and KII, were calculated at critical transverse locations. According to Modes I and II SIF, a greater SIF indicates a faster rate of TDC propagation. The SIF results indicated that considering temperature gradient in asphalt concrete (AC) layer is necessary in determination of critical SIF, and KI and KII are not distributed uniformly within the AC depth. In addition, TDC growth rate significantly depends on AC thickness and base layer type. Finally, the number of load repetitions for TDC propagation rate at different transverse locations is predicted based on Paris’ law equation.
Mechanical properties of Polygonatum multiflorum leaves after treatment with growth stimulants
Authors: Ciupak Anna , Gładyszewska Bożena , Michałek Władysław , Rubinowska Katarzyna
Published: January 2019

The mechanical properties of leaves are important in many aspects of plant science. Because of their delicate structure, leaves are sensitive to different, potentially harmful, environmental factors. The mechanical properties of leaves are important factors affecting leaf quality, longevity, susceptibility to damage, and decomposition. Two growth stimulants were applied to investigate selected mechanical properties of Solomon’s seal Variegatum [Polygonatum multiflorum (L.) All.] leaves grown under field cultivation and in an unheated polytunnel. The mechanical properties of leaves were assessed by measuring Young’s modulus. The agents used in the treatment were Actisil Hydro Plus at a concentration of 0.4% in the first series and Pentakeep V at a concentration of 0.04% in the second series. Foliar treatment with the stimulants was conducted six times at weekly intervals. The control plots were sprayed with distilled water. The research was carried out between 2012 and 2014. In comparison to the test series, the respective effects of Actisil Hydro Plus and Pentakeep V on the change in Young’s modulus was more notable in plant leaves obtained from the tunnel than those from field cultivation. Specifically, growth stimulants had more impact on the stiffness of leaves obtained from plants grown in the tunnel. Generally, plant leaves from field cultivation were stiffer than those from the tunnel.
Quantifying the short-term contribution of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) to soil carbon using 13C natural abundance technique in a sandy loam soil in eastern Canada
Authors: Sharifi Mehdi , Lynch Derek , Burton David L. , Papadopoulos Yousef A. , Main Michael
Published: January 2019

The soil carbon (C) accumulation rate was determined for switchgrass, as compared with selected C3 species in Nova Scotia, Canada. There was no significant effect of crops on total soil C retention, whereas soil 13C signature (δ13C) was enriched by 0.4‰ in switchgrass relative to other C3 species, and C accumulation rate was 0.06 Mg ha−1 yr−1 in the top 30 cm of soil.
Application of computational fluid dynamics for thermohydrodynamic analysis of high-speed squeeze-film dampers
Authors: Perreault Maxime , Hamzehlouia Sina , Behdinan Kamran
Published: January 2019

In high-speed turbomachinery, the presence of rotor vibrations, which produce undesirable noise or shaft deflection and losses in performance, has brought up the need for the application of a proper mechanism to attenuate the vibration amplitudes. Squeeze-film dampers (SFDs) are a widely employed solution to the steady-state vibrations in high-speed turbomachinery. SFDs contain a thin film of lubricant that is susceptible to changes in temperature. For this reason, the analysis of thermohydrodynamic (THD) effects on the SFD damping properties is essential. This paper develops a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model to analyze the THD effects in SFDs, and enabling the application of CFD analysis to be a base-line for validating the accuracy of analytical THD SFD models. Specifically, the CFD results are compared against numerical simulations at different operating conditions, including eccentricity ratios and journal whirl speeds. The comparisons demonstrate the effective application of CFD for THD analysis of SFDs. Additionally, the effect of the lubricant THDs on the viscosity, maximum and mass-averaged temperature, as well as heat generation rates inside the SFD lubricant are analyzed. The temperature of the lubricant is seen to rise with increasing whirl speed, eccentricity ratios, damper radial clearance, and shaft radii.
Attracting Investments and Companies: Federal Multi-Level Collaboration in Switzerland and Canada
Authors: Vuignier Renaud
Published: January 2019

While tackling the issue of place attractiveness for companies and investments in Canada and Switzerland at large, this research focuses on federal multi-level collaboration with two case studies: Ontario and Western Switzerland. Based on empirical data gathered from semi-structured interviews ([Formula: see text]) and surveys ([Formula: see text]) as well as on secondary data, it provides an analysis of the perception of intergovernmental collaboration by economic developers and a mapping of the challenges identified in both the Canadian and the Swiss contexts. A comparative perspective, complemented by data regarding business decision-making ([Formula: see text]), allows us to draw lessons for economic developers in both countries, aiming at extending both academic and practitioners’ literatures.

Findings show that the federal contexts in which attractive strategies occur cause specific challenges for economic developers. While judging that the system works well in general, the majority of Canadian economic developers interviewed mentioned different problems to solve, such as the confusion for companies generated by a federal multi-level system and the need for more business-oriented strategies away from political concerns. The majority of Swiss economic developers interviewed also acknowledged issues caused by the federal system and wished for improvements regarding coordination between federal entities and levels. In this regard, pragmatism is perceived as a crucial factor for the implementation of successful attractive strategies.
Fiscal Space for Trade: How Could the International Trade Community Help?
Authors: Gnangnon Sena Kimm
Published: January 2019

This paper examines the issue of fiscal space for trade, proxied by countries’ public expenditure for the trade sector. It provides empirical evidence that improvement in countries’ overall fiscal space results in higher public expenditure for trade. Furthermore, by promoting multilateral trade liberalization, the international trade community (including the World Trade Organization, WTO) could help enhance countries’ overall fiscal space, which would in turn translate into greater fiscal space for trade. Thus, rising restrictive trade measures in the world would likely undermine the promotion of multilateral trade liberalization and affect countries’ capacity to fund the development of their trade sector.
Performance Study of Water Harvesting Unit Working Under Iraqi Conditions
Authors: Talib Ali J. , Khalifa Abdul Hadi N. , Mohammed Ahmed Q.
Published: January 2019

The scarcity of water facing the world is one of the biggest challenges of this century. This challenge requires research plans in the field of water desalination that is not suitable for human use or the harvesting of water from the air. In this work, the performance of the water harvesting unit from the ambient air is studied. For this purpose, a vapor compression system is designed and built, a 372[Formula: see text]W reciprocating compressor is selected depending on the use of a small family consisting of four persons. The components of the vapor compression system are designed depending on the compressor power. The unit evaporator is modified to condensate the water vapor associated with the air instead of cooling the air. The effect of volume flow rate of air across the evaporator is studied. The range of air volume flow rate is from 224 to 244[Formula: see text]m3/h, as well as the operation mode of the unit which either continues to condensate or freeze the water vapor on the evaporator is also studied. The result showed that the water harvesting unit can work at a relative humidity as low as about 20%. The maximum water production for the unit is 7.9[Formula: see text]l/day with a power consumption of 1.76[Formula: see text]kW-h/l at the volume flow rate of air is 230[Formula: see text]m3/h. When an evaporative cooler is turned on in the test chamber, the amount of water production increases to about 13.11[Formula: see text]l/day with a power consumption of 1.068[Formula: see text]kW-h/l, for the same volume flow rate of air mentioned above.
Geochemical modelling and mapping of Cu and Fe anomalies in soil using combining sequential Gaussian co-simulation and local singularity analysis: a case study from Dedeyazı (Malatya) region, SE Turkey
Authors: Ersoy Adem , Yunsel Tayfun Y.
Published: January 2019

Mapping and modelling of the spatial distribution of geochemical anomalies is a key task for geochemical exploration. This case study explores mapping and modelling of Cu and Fe geochemical anomalies combining the Sequential Gaussian Co-simulation (SGCS) method and Local Singularity Analysis (LSA) in the Malatya region, SE Turkey. A total of 652 topsoil samples were collected on a regular grid design from the study area. A cell declustering technique was applied to the raw data. Both geometric and zonal anisotropy exist in the directional variogram of Cu and Fe. SGCS was applied to create maps representing an equally probable spatial distribution of Cu and Fe geochemical anomalies. SGCS results have been validated by a variety of tests including the reproduction of the variograms, histograms, descriptive statistics and contour plots. LSA is based on a sliding window estimation approach applied to the grid data created for SGCS realization. LSA was carried out and mapped via the results of the realization on the same grid layout. Critical anomaly threshold values of the variables were identified using the singularity and quantile plot. Integration of SGCS and LSA results provides quantification of the uncertainty of spatial distribution and determination of Cu and Fe critical thresholds.
The glacier-influenced marine record on high-latitude continental margins: synergies between modern, Quaternary and ancient evidence
Authors: Dowdeswell J. A. , Hogan K. A. , Le Heron D. P.
Published: January 2019

Major glaciations or ‘ice ages’ are known to have affected the Earth's surface over the past three billion years. The best preserved records of these glaciations are often found in high-latitude continental margin settings where sediment has been delivered to, and then accumulated at, the edge of the ice sheet in thick glacier-influenced marine sequences. The composition and geometry of these deposits and the related assemblages of glacial landforms provide a wealth of information about the environmental setting during successive cycles of glaciation and deglaciation, including ice-dynamic and oceanographic processes. Here, we discuss modern (present day), Quaternary (last 2.6 myr) and ancient (last 1 gyr) high-latitude continental margin settings, and then contrast the methodologies used and glacier-influenced deposits and landforms most often identified for each time period. We use examples from the literature to identify synergies, as well as to note differences, between studies of glacier-influenced sediments from ancient to modern environments.
Even central users do not always drive information diffusion
Authors: Gao Chao , Su Zhen , Liu Jiming , Kurths Jürgen
Published: January 2019

Diffusion speed and scale depend on all kinds of information, not just which users have the most or fewest connections.
Do we really need computational thinking?
Authors: Nardelli Enrico
Published: January 2019

Considering the expression "computational thinking" as an entry point to understand why the fundamental contribution of computing to science is the shift from solving problems to having problems solved.
Technologizing agriculture
Authors: Kirkpatrick Keith
Published: January 2019

An array of technologies are making farms more efficient, safer, and profitable.
Making content caching policies 'smart' using the deepcache framework
Authors: Narayanan Arvind , Verma Saurabh , Ramadan Eman , Babaie Pariya , Zhang Zhi-Li
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we present Deepcache a novel Framework for content caching, which can significantly boost cache performance. Our Framework is based on powerful deep recurrent neural network models. It comprises of two main components: i)
Object Characteristics Predictor,
which builds upon deep LSTM Encoder-Decoder model to predict the future characteristics of an object (such as object popularity) - to the best of our knowledge, we are the first to propose LSTM Encoder-Decoder model for content caching; ii)
a caching policy component,
which accounts for predicted information of objects to make smart caching decisions. In our thorough experiments, we show that applying Deepcache Framework to existing cache policies, such as LRU and k-LRU, significantly boosts the number of cache hits.
Report from the SIGMM Emerging Leaders Symposium 2018
Authors: Smeaton Alan , Zhang Hanwang , Riegler Michael , Jia Jia , Nie Liqiang
Published: January 2019

The idea of a symposium to bring together the bright new talent within the SIGMM community and to hear their views on some topics within the area and on the future of Multimedia, was first mooted in 2014 by Shih-Fu Chang, then SIGMM Chair. That lead to the "Rising Stars Symposium" at the MULTIMEDIA Conference in 2015 where 12 invited speakers made presentations on their work as a satellite event to the main conference. After each presentation a respondent, typically an experienced member of the SIGMM community, gave a response or personal interpretation of the presentation. The format worked well and was very thought-provoking, though some people felt that a shorter event which could be more integrated into the conference, might work better.
Open source column
Authors: Lux Mathias , Bertini Marco
Published: January 2019

Following the last column on MatConvNet, let us continue to look at open source frameworks for deep learning. In this column we are going to check Keras, a Python API that allows to use several different backends like Tensorflow and CNTK. Actually, it also supports Theano, although the development of this framework has been halted by the original developers in 2017.
MPEG column
Authors: Timmerer Christian
Published: January 2019

The original blog post can be found at the Bitmovin Techblog and has been modified/updated here to focus on and highlight research aspects.
SIGCSE 2019 preview
Authors: Hawthorne Elizabeth K. , Pérez-Quiñones Manuel A.
Published: January 2019

The SIGCSE 2019 Organizing and Program Committees are thrilled to invite you to join us in Minneapolis, Minnesota from February 28 to March 2, 2019, for the Celebration of the 50th SIGCSE Technical Symposium! Our program celebrates successes and growth over the past 50 years while setting a vision of computing education for the future.
Treatment of Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Teo Min Yuen , Rathkopf Dana E. , Kantoff Philip
Published: January 2019

The therapeutic landscape of prostate cancer has been transformed over the last decade by new therapeutics, advanced functional imaging, next-generation sequencing, and better use of existing therapies in early-stage disease. Until 2004, progression on androgen deprivation therapy for metastatic disease was treated with the addition of secondary hormonal manipulation; in the last decade, six systemic agents have been approved for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer. We review clinical trials and survival benefit for these therapies and assess how the understanding of the disease shifted as these therapies were developed. We also discuss advances in noncastrate disease states, identification of biomarkers for prognosis and treatment selection, and opportunities in locoregional therapy to delay androgen deprivation therapy.
Transforming a cookbook undergraduate microbiology laboratory to inquiry based using a semester-long PBL case study
Authors: Nicolaidou Vicky , Nicolaou Persoulla , Nicolaou Stella A.
Published: January 2019

Microbial physiology is a basic course taught throughout biomedical science disciplines. Students study the structure, growth, and metabolism of microorganisms and often find it difficult to learn the information, usually because they fail to see the wider applications. The current microbiology laboratory series describes how to transform a “cookbook” undergraduate laboratory to an inquiry-based one by incorporating problem-based learning. The students use a food poisoning case study that develops over a series of seven experiments and take on the role of the microbiology technician who is responsible for coming up with the answer and submitting a report to a clinician. The case provides coherence to the sessions, and the students are given the opportunity to learn about, and practice, common techniques they would encounter in a clinical microbiology laboratory. Those include the aseptic method, cultivation of bacteria, quantification of bacteria in culture, isolation of pure culture, morphological observation by light microscopy, Gram staining, the use of selective and differential media, and the effectiveness of a variety of antimicrobials and antibiotics. This laboratory series has been designed so that it can be implemented in any setting, using simple materials and inexpensive, nonspecialized equipment. The experiments are carried out in small groups, and a facilitator may tutor up to two groups of 10 students at a time. The current method has been successfully implemented for the past 2 yr, and the students demonstrated greater motivation in learning and understanding.
Hematologic Markers as Prognostic Factors in Nonmetastatic Esophageal Cancer Patients under Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Wu Yi-Feng , Chu Sung-Chao , Chang Bee-Song , Cheng Yi-Tso , Wang Tso-Fu
Published: January 2019

Nonmetastatic esophageal cancer can demonstrate a high local recurrence rate even under the standard treatment. We evaluated platelet counts before and after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio for predicting esophageal cancer prognosis under CCRT. Newly diagnosed patients with esophageal cancer (stages IA–IIIC) who underwent CCRT during January 2013–December 2017 were enrolled. The data were collected retrospectively. Overall survival (OS), time to progressive disease (TPD), and time to metastasis (TM) were recorded for indicating prognosis. Kaplan–Meier curves were plotted and univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. In total, 105 patients were enrolled. The stages of esophageal cancer and surgery were associated with prognosis (i.e., OS, TPD, and TM). Based on TPD and TM, women had better prognosis than men. In the univariate analysis, high pre- and post-CCRT platelet counts (>300,000/μL), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as well as low lymphocyte percentage were significantly associated with poor prognosis. However, in the multivariate analysis, only post-CCRT high platelet count (>300,000/μL) remained significantly associated with poor prognosis (P = .041, .045, and .023 for OS, TPD, and TM, respectively). Poor prognosis was observed in patients with high platelet counts, PLR, NLR, and low lymphocyte percentage. Surgery was an independent factor predicting better prognosis. Our findings may have clinical significance with regard to therapeutic decision-making.