bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Form, Information, and Potentials
Authors: Simondon Gilbert , Iliadis Andrew ,   DePaul University
Published: November 2019

This short piece is a partial translation of the introduction to Gilbert Simondon’s most succinct philosophical reflections on the notions of form, information, and potentials. The material was presented on February 27, 1960, at the Session of the Société française de philosophie. After the abstract and Simondon’s definitions of form, information, and transductive operation, there is a discussion between Simondon and other attendees who were present at his talk, including Paul Ricoeur and Jean Hyppolite, both of whom had been part of Simondon’s viva panel in 1958. The piece represents an interesting moment in the history of philosophy where cybernetics and information theory were problematized by thinkers like Simondon, who thought that the concept of information needed to be expanded and refined to adequately account for processes of individuation, or "ontogenesis."
Potencial aproveitamento de lodo de ETE na construção civil em Recife/PE
Authors: Diniz Maria Angela Oliveira Mergulhão , Melo Daniele de Castro Pessoa de
Published: November 2019

A água é um dos elementos essenciais para sobrevivência e o desenvolvimento do ser humano, seu consumo está atrelado a geração de águas residuais não reaproveitáveis e tem exigido das autoridades públicas e privadas a criação de ações capazes de compatibilizar a relação existente entre desenvolvimento e as limitações da exploração da água enquanto recurso natural. Para minimizar os impactos causados pelo despejo de águas residuais na natureza foram criadas as estações de tratamento de esgoto (ETE) contudo, durante o processo de tratamento de esgotos são gerados subprodutos como o lodo, cuja disposição final é uma preocupação mundial. No estado de Pernambuco tais resíduos são dispostos em terrenos das próprias estações, e em alguns casos são dispostos nos terrenos das estações, levados por terceiros para serem utilizados como fertilizante na agricultura ou enviados à aterros sanitários para disposição final. Por conta disso, o presente trabalho busca apresentar as possibilidades de utilização de lodos de estação de tratamento de esgotos gerados na cidade do Recife e na região metropolitana para setor da construção civil. Este estudo foi realizado por meio de um levantamento bibliográfico sobre a temática de incorporação de lodos de ETE na produção de materiais aplicados a construção civil, bem como a apresentação do potencial das ETEs de Recife e entorno para a execução destes materiais. A partir dos resultados obtidos foi possível constatar que o lodo de ETE pode apresentar diversas formas de reaproveitamento e em vários setores, mas no âmbito da construção civil é comumente utilizado como matéria prima para a fabricação de cimento, argamassa, concreto, telhas, tijolos e vários tipos de pavimentos. Destaca-se, entretanto, a utilização do lodo como substituto ao cimento, visto que é mais interessante do ponto de vista econômico para obras de pavimentação de concreto, já que este tipo de obra usa elevadas quantidades de concreto empregadas em grandes extensões, promovendo, desta forma, maiores benefícios econômicos e potencialmente melhores resultados no âmbito ambiental. Sendo assim, conclui-se que a reutilização do lodo de esgoto, após o processamento adequado, em produtos para construção civil pode apresentar diversos benefícios ecológicos que justificam os custos do seu tratamento.
The Correlation Tourist Attraction with Revisit Intention of Agritourism Pelaga Badung Bali, Indonesia
Authors: Utama I Gusti Bagus Rai , Trimurti Christimulia Purnama
Published: November 2019

The Pelaga Agritourism area is dominantly visited by students, who are predominantly less than 20 years old, some of them are from the age group of 21 to 40 years. They are predominantly come from around the City of Denpasar and Badung Regency. They are interested in visiting Pelaga because a unique village tourist attraction, views of gardens and farmland, natural beauty, the beauty of the park, cultural friendly and environmentally friendly tourist attractions, public facilities, telecommunications, restaurants and centers the agriproduct market, the people who are friendly to tourist arrivals, easy to reach locations, the availability of transportation to the location, and the proximity to the city center. Dominant tourists willing to re-visit Pelaga significantly influenced by the unique village tourist attraction, views of the expanse of gardens or farmland, natural beauty, the beauty of the park, and the ease of reaching the Pelaga location from their residence.
The Impact of Perceived Financial Literacy and Parental Norm towards Money Management of Bidikmisi Student
Authors: Pappang Rinita , Anastasia Njo
Published: November 2019

This research examines the impact of perceived financial literacy and parental norms on money management. I collected the data by spreading online and printed questionnaires towards 100 respondents of students who got Bidikmisi scholarship from several universities in Indonesia. Then, the data was processed by SmartPLS. The result of the research shows that perceived financial literacy and parental norms significantly influence money management of students who got Bidikmisi scholarship. So, the role of parents in terms of educating the children about finance shapes the knowledge of the students to manage the scholarship to fulfill the needs of the college.
Do Value Added Intellectual Coefficient and Corporate Governance Contribute to Firm's Economic Value Added
Authors: Hatane Saarce Elsye , Agustin Maria , Kana Vera Radja , Dautrey Jean Marc
Published: November 2019

This study is about examining the influence of Intellectual Capital and Corporate Governance to EVA. Data used in this study were collected from a sample of 121 consumer goods companies in Indonesia and Malaysia from 2010 to 2017. Panel data multiple regression was performed to examine the research framework. The intellectual capital was measured by VAIC value, while the corporate governance was explained by the audit committee, remuneration board, and auditor quality and tenure. This study found that HCE, SCE, audit committee gender, remuneration size and remuneration gender had no effect on EVA in both Malaysian and Indonesian companies. In contrast, the audit committee size was found to affect the EVA of the companies in both countries. The CEE affected the company value of Malaysian companies while it had no effect on Indonesian companies. Audit quality and audit tenure had a positive effect only on Malaysian companies and none on Indonesian companies. This study used limited variables and a narrow business sector, thus the future research may expand the research model for other types of industries and apply the model in other countries.
Beam modeling and beam model commissioning for Monte Carlo dose calculation‐based radiation therapy treatment planning: Report of AAPM Task Group 157
Authors: Ma Chang Ming Charlie , Chetty Indrin J. , Deng Jun , Faddegon Bruce , Jiang Steve B. , Li Jinsheng , Seuntjens Jan , Siebers Jeffrey V. , Traneus Erik
Published: November 2019

Dose calculation plays an important role in the accuracy of radiotherapy treatment planning and beam delivery. The Monte Carlo (MC) method is capable of achieving the highest accuracy in radiotherapy dose calculation and has been implemented in many commercial systems for radiotherapy treatment planning. The objective of this task group was to assist clinical physicists with the potentially complex task of acceptance testing and commissioning MC‐based treatment planning systems (TPS) for photon and electron beam dose calculations. This report provides an overview on the general approach of clinical implementation and testing of MC‐based TPS with a specific focus on models of clinical photon and electron beams. Different types of beam models are described including those that utilize MC simulation of the treatment head and those that rely on analytical methods and measurements. The trade‐off between accuracy and efficiency in the various source‐modeling approaches is discussed together with guidelines for acceptance testing of MC‐based TPS from the clinical standpoint. Specific recommendations are given on methods and practical procedures to commission clinical beam models for MC‐based TPS.
Screening for post‐traumatic stress disorders in 1017 cancer patients and correlation with anxiety, depression, and distress
Authors: Unseld Matthias , Krammer Katharina , Lubowitzki Simone , Jachs Mathias , Baumann Lukas , Vyssoki Benjamin , Riedel Jasmin , Puhr Hanna , Zehentgruber Stefan , Prager Gerald , Masel Eva Katharina , Preusser Matthias , Jaeger Ulrich , Gaiger Alexander
Published: November 2019

Objective

Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe psychiatric disorder, which might develop after a traumatic event, like cancer diagnosis, and threatens the patient's psychological and/or physiological integrity. Anxiety, depression, and mental distress are known to be common in cancer patients; however, the frequency of PTSD was not investigated thoroughly in this patient group so far. Here, we aim to screen cancer patients for PTSD symptoms and determine a possible correlation with anxiety, depression, and distress.

Methods

The study was performed at the Divisions of Hematology and Oncology of the Medical University of Vienna from 2010 to 2018. Following written consent, patients were asked to fill out the validated self‐assessment questionnaire for PTSS‐10 and HADS. The study was approved by the institutional ethics committee of the Medical University of Vienna (EC Nr: 2255/2016).

Results

A total of 1017 adult cancer patients (513 male, 504 female) were included in a cross‐sectional single‐center study. Mean age was 57.6 years (SD 14.4 years); 31.7%, 14.6%, 13.2%, and 27.4% of patients outscored the predefined thresholds for self‐assessed cases of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and distress, respectively. Compared with men, women showed a higher prevalence of symptoms for PTSD (38.9% vs 24.5%; P < .001) and anxiety (20.4% vs 8.6%; P < .001). The scores of HADS‐A, HADS‐D, and the combined HADS score (distress) were significantly correlated with PTSS‐10 scores (P < .01). No differences in age were observed among the different score groups.

Conclusion

The study shows a significant prevalence as well as a correlation of PTSD symptoms with anxiety, depression, and distress among cancer patients. Findings underscore the necessity of a serious screening for psychiatric disorders, especially in female patients. In order to enable multidisciplinary care for cancer patients and to reduce the burden for psychiatric disorders, interdisciplinary screening and treatment concepts, which take into account gender aspects, are urged.
Second-generation antipsychotics and pregnancy complications
Authors: Ellfolk Maria , Leinonen Maarit K. , Gissler Mika , Lahesmaa-Korpinen Anna-Maria , Saastamoinen Leena , Nurminen Marja-Leena , Malm Heli
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To study if second-generation antipsychotic (S-GA) use during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of pregnancy and neonatal complications.

Methods

A population-based birth cohort study using national register data extracted from the “Drugs and Pregnancy” database in Finland, years 1996–2016. The sampling frame included 1,181,090 pregnant women and their singleton births. Women were categorized into three groups: exposed to S-GAs during pregnancy (n = 4225), exposed to first-generation antipsychotics (F-GAs) during pregnancy (n = 1576), and unexposed (no purchases of S-GAs or F-GAs during pregnancy, n = 21,125). Pregnancy outcomes in S-GA users were compared with those in the two comparison groups using multiple logistic regression models.

Results

Comparing S-GA users with unexposed ones, the risk was increased for gestational diabetes (adjusted odds ratio, OR 1.43; 95% CI 1.25–1.65), cesarean section (OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.18–1.53), being born large for gestational age (LGA) (OR 1.57; 95% CI 1.14–2.16), and preterm birth (OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.03–1.62). The risk for these outcomes increased further with continuous S-GA use. Infants in the S-GA group were also more likely to suffer from neonatal complications. Comparing S-GA users with the F-GA group, the risk of cesarean section and LGA was higher (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.03–1.51; and OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.20–2.99, respectively). Neonatal complications did not differ between the S-GA and F-GA groups.

Conclusions

Prenatal exposure to S-GAs is associated with an increased risk of pregnancy complications related to impaired glucose metabolism. Neonatal problems are common and occur similarly in S-GA and F-GA users.
Teleneurology clinics for polyneuropathy: a pilot study
Authors: Wilson Andrew M. , Jamal Nasheed I. , Cheng Eric M. , Inkelas Moira , Saliba Debra , Hanssen Andrea , Torres Jorge A. , Ong Michael K.
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Polyneuropathy (PN) is a common condition with significant morbidity. We developed tele-polyneuropathy (tele-PN) clinics to improve access to neurology and increase guideline-concordant PN care. This article describes the mixed-methods evaluation of pilot tele-PN clinics at three community sites within the Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System.

Methods

For the first 25 patients (48 scheduled visits), we recorded the duration of the tele-PN visit and exam; the performance on three guideline-concordant care indicators (PN screening labs, opiate reduction, physical therapy for falls); and patient-satisfaction scores. We elicited comments about the tele-PN clinic from patients and the clinical team. We combined descriptive statistics with qualitative themes to determine the feasibility and acceptability of the tele-PN clinics.

Results

The average tele-PN encounter and exam times were 28.5 and 9.1 min, respectively. PN screening lab completion increased from 80 to 100%. Opiate freedom improved from 68 to 88%. Physical therapy for patients with recent falls increased from 58 to 100%. The tele-PN clinic was preferred for follow-up over in-person clinics in 86% of cases. Convenience was paramount to the clinic’s success, saving an average of 231 min per patient in round-trip travel. The medical team’s caring and collaborative spirit received high praise. While the clinic’s efficiency was equal or superior to in-person care, the limited treatment options for PN and the small clinical exam space are areas for improvement.

Conclusion

In this pilot, we were able to efficiently see and examine patients remotely, promote guideline-concordant PN care, and provide a high-satisfaction encounter.
The English Teaching Excellence (and Student Outcomes) Framework: Intelligent accountability in higher education?
Authors: Deem Rosemary , Baird Jo-Anne
Published: November 2019

This paper explores what underlies the recent introduction of a Higher Education Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) in England. Related changes to the higher education landscape are discussed: the 2017 Higher Education Act and creation of a new HE regulator, the Office for Students. How TEF works and some of the consequences of TEF are outlined. As well as discussing what constitutes teaching excellence and what TEF itself is attempting to signal (which includes graduate destinations), we also analyse the underpinning ideologies and logics of choosing metrics to assess teaching excellence, albeit accompanied by peer panel evaluation of institutional written submissions, in determining Gold, Silver and Bronze TEF outcomes. We introduce the notion of TEF as an index rather than a measure. It is suggested that what underlies the English TEF is not about improving teaching but rather an endeavour to pit universities against each other in a highly marketised competitive system with an oversupply of places, in which student debt levels are rising fast. TEF policy is considered with respect to features that would be required of an intelligent accountability system for higher education teaching quality.
Reversible denoising and lifting based color component transformation for lossless image compression
Authors: Starosolski Roman
Published: November 2019

An undesirable side effect of reversible color space transformation, which consists of lifting steps (LSs), is that while removing correlation it contaminates transformed components with noise from other components. Noise affects particularly adversely the compression ratios of lossless compression algorithms. To remove correlation without increasing noise, a reversible denoising and lifting step (RDLS) was proposed that integrates denoising filters into LS. Applying RDLS to color space transformation results in a new image component transformation that is perfectly reversible despite involving the inherently irreversible denoising; the first application of such a transformation is presented in this paper. For the JPEG-LS, JPEG 2000, and JPEG XR standard algorithms in lossless mode, the application of RDLS to the RDgDb color space transformation with simple denoising filters is especially effective for images in the native optical resolution of acquisition devices. It results in improving compression ratios of all those images in cases when unmodified color space transformation either improves or worsens ratios compared with the untransformed image. The average improvement is 5.0–6.0% for two out of the three sets of such images, whereas average ratios of images from standard test-sets are improved by up to 2.2%. For the efficient image-adaptive determination of filters for RDLS, a couple of fast entropy-based estimators of compression effects that may be used independently of the actual compression algorithm are investigated and an immediate filter selection method based on the detector precision characteristic model driven by image acquisition parameters is introduced.
Detection of Alcanivorax spp., Cycloclasticus spp., and Methanomicrobiales in water column and sediment samples in the Gulf of Mexico by qPCR
Authors: Hernández-López Edna L. , Gasperin Jahaziel , Bernáldez-Sarabia Johanna , Licea-Navarro Alexei F. , Guerrero Abraham , Lizárraga-Partida Marcial Leonardo
Published: November 2019

Water column and sediment samples were collected in the southern Gulf of Mexico (GoMex) during 3 oceanographic cruises: XIXIMI-04 (September 2015), XIXIMI-05 (June 2016), and XIXIMI-06 (August 2017). DNA that was extracted from the samples was analyzed by qPCR to detect and quantify bacterial groups that have been reported to metabolize alkanes (Alcanivorax) and aromatic hydrocarbons (Cycloclasticus) and are involved in methane production (Methanomicrobiales). The results were then analyzed with regard to the water masses that are currently detected in the GoMex. Generally, we observed a decrease in the proportion of Alcanivorax and a rise in those of Cycloclasticus and Methanomicrobiales in samples from the surface to deep waters and in sediment samples. Scatterplots of the results showed that the relative abundance of the 3 groups was higher primarily from the surface to 1000 m, but the levels of Cycloclasticus and Methanomicrobiales were high in certain water samples below 1000 m and in sediments. In conclusion, oil-degrading bacteria are distributed widely from the surface to deep waters and sediments throughout the southern GoMex, representing a potential inoculum of bacteria for various hydrocarbon fractions that are ready for proliferation and degradation in the event of an oil spill from the seafloor or along the water column.
Influence of the laser-based surface modification on the bond strength for friction press joining of aluminum and polyethylene
Authors: Meyer Stefan P. , Wunderling Christoph , Zaeh Michael F.
Published: November 2019

Friction press joining is an innovative joining process for the production of plastic-metal joints without additives, in an overlap configuration. In order to achieve a high bond strength, the metallic joining partner is pretreated with laser radiation. Subsequently, heat is induced by friction and pressure during the joining process, causing the thermoplastic material to melt and adhere to the metallic joining partner. In this work, the temperature distribution during the process in the composite is analyzed and characterized. It was found that the occurring temperatures and temperature differences are not only dependent on the rotational speed, but also on the feed rate. It is also shown that the friction surface temperature can be used as an indirect control variable for a model-based, closed-loop control. Based on these findings, various surface modifications for
the metallic joining partner were investigated and analyzed with regard to the maximum strength of the joint. It was observed that the highest tensile shear strength can be achieved with a quasi-chaotic nano structure. In addition, the joining compound was characterized by a thin section, facilitating the identification of specific zones in the joint. These investigations show the high potential for friction press joining of plastics and metals, and form the basis for a model-based control of the joining zone temperature.
Assessing the quality of sewage sludge as an agricultural soil amendment in Mediterranean habitats
Authors: Romanos Dany , Nemer Nabil , Khairallah Yara , Abi Saab Marie Thérèse
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Municipal sewage sludge generated from three operational wastewater treatment plants, located in the Bekaa valley of Lebanon, was assessed for its potential use as agricultural soil amendment.

Methods

Sludge samples were taken from three treatment plants located in the villages of Iaat, Ablah and Joub Jannine during the summer season of 2018, from June to September, on a monthly basis. The evaluation was based on characterizing the physicochemical parameters such as the metal content, the pathogenic microorganisms (Salmonella, E.Coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Helminth eggs, Ascaris, Acinetobacter) and the phytotoxicity–stability indicators of the sludge samples.

Results

The obtained results were compared to the Lebanese guidelines for sludge reuse in agriculture. For the physicochemical analysis, all the samples showed a possibility to be used in agriculture due to the high content of minerals and organic matter. Considering the metal content of sludge, Iaat and Ablah sludge were classified as Class A according to the Lebanese guidelines; however, sludge from Joub Janine was classified as B due to its high content of zinc that exceeded the limit of 700 ppm. Helminth eggs and Salmonella were absent in the sludge samples. Pathogenic organisms, mainly E. coli, were detected in Iaat dry sludge, Staphylococcus aureus was present in Joub Jannine sludge and Acinetobacter in Ablah station (> 100 CFU/100 g).

Conclusion

It is recommended to submit the sludge which did not meet the required criteria, for further treatments, particularly the composting process to reduce the metal content and pathogenic microorganisms for a safer reuse in agriculture.
A novel block chain technology publication model proposal
Authors: Thakre Amol , Thabtah Fadi , Shahamiri Seyed Reza , Hammoud Suhel
Published: November 2019

Bitcoin is among the highest rated digital crypto-currency in financial investment markets. This technology relies on a backbone of distributed data architecture and peer-to-peer networking model called Blockchain. Unlike the current digital economy, which is governed centrally by financial institution or governments, Blockchain is fully autonomous without any third-party involvement. The exorbitant success of Bitcoin has attracted investors, scholars as well as organizations to peek into this lucrative technology for the possible application to other areas apart from crypto-currency. Blockchain can adopt Smart Contracts, which are digitally enabled contracts that can be executed and enforced fully or partially using pre-defined notions. The aim of this research is to investigate the synergy between Smart Contract and Blockchain to propose a digital framework for an academic paper publication model that has the capability to automate the entire process and challenge the existing system. It can also bring together all the stakeholders under the same system. The proposed model can further hold the stakeholders accountable for breach of contracts and/or reward them for executing the successes of terms pre-configured in the Smart Contract. The proposed model, called Digital Smart Publication or DSP (as referred in the document), is highly secure and ensures balance in distributing rewards to the involved stakeholders while keeping data integrity and security as paramount features.
Estimation of serum neopterin level as an early marker for detecting severe dengue infection
Authors: Chandrashekhar Channanayaka , Balaji Korrayi , Vasudev Prajwala Hassan , Panachiyil George Mathew , Babu Tirin
Published: November 2019

Background

This study aimed to determine the role of neopterin in the early assessment of dengue severity in children of age one month to 18 years admitted for fever and confirmed by dengue serology.

Method

Two sets of samples were collected from 77 confirmed dengue patients aged one month to 18 years for serum neopterin determination. The first sample was collected at 2-3 days of fever onset, and the second sample was collected at 24–36 h after the first sample was collected and followed up cases and correlated serum neopterin levels.

Results

Among the 77 patients enrolled, 19 were diagnosed with severe dengue, 15 patients as having dengue with warning signs, and 43 patients as having dengue fever.

Conclusion

In this study, we found that the serum neopterin levels were significantly higher in the severe dengue category (mean: 58.75(±4.91) nmol/l) than in the non-severe dengue category (mean: 48.11(±8.80) nmol/l). Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between neopterin concentration and duration of fever hence, higher serum neopterin levels may indicate dengue severity. The determination of serum neopterin concentration may be used for the early assessment of severe dengue.
Evidence-based perioperative management of patients with high serum potassium level in resource-limited areas: A systematic review
Authors: Lema Girmay Fitiwi , Tesema Hailemariam Getachew , Fentie Demeke Yilkal , Arefayne Nurhussien Rizke
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACT

This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) protocol. Search engines like PubMed through HINARI, Cochrane database, GoogleScholar and ScienceDirect were used to find high-level evidence that helps to draw appropriate conclusions. Potassium is a critical electrolyte for cellular functions and its serum concentration must be precisely maintained between 3.5 and 5.5 mEq/L.

A multidisciplinary approach is crucial to identify and optimise high risk surgical patients prone to hyperkalemia during preoperative assessment. Elective surgery should be deferred in patients with serum potassium level >6 mEq/L during and appropriate management should be initiated.

Given the variable presentation of hyperkalemia, clinicians should have high index of suspicion of potassium disorders among patients with chronic kidney disease, poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, burns, recent major trauma and blood transfusion. In high risk surgical patients with a normal range of serum potassium level drugs like suxamethonium and Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be avoided. Goal direct fluid regimes with 0.9% normal saline, a high threshold for blood transfusion and tight glycemic controlled are recommended. IV calcium gluconate, insulin -dextrose regime and diuretics are the main therapeutic options in patients with severe hyperkalemia.

Highlights:
How is the outcome of primary difficult total hip arthroplasty? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Dilogo Ismail Hadisoebroto , Fahrudhin Muh Trinugroho , Canintika Anissa Feby
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is the most common surgery for lower extremities. Improvement in surgical technique and advancement of surgical instrumentation extended the indications for difficult THA in previously impossible to treat.

Methods:

81 primary THA procedures were performed in Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital during the period from January 2012 to June 2017. Subjects consisted of 29 and 52 patients in the difficult and simple group, respectively. Intraoperative parameters including bleeding volume, operation time, complication rate, radiological outcome and functional outcome (Harris Hip Score) were recorded at the end of follow-up and analysed.

Results:

The difficult group had significantly higher bleeding volume (p < 0.001), longer operation time (p < 0.001), and higher complication rate (p=<0.012), higher than the simple group. Radiological outcome was measured by the accuracy of component orientation placement in the safe zone resulted in no significant difference between two groups (p = 0,333). Functional outcome at the end of followup in the difficult group (88.67) did not have significant difference (p = 0.080) with the simple group (91.50).

Conclusions:

Those with difficult hips did not have significant difference in terms of radiologic and functional outcome compared with the simple hips. It is necessary to identify each primary THA procedures whether there were any, types and levels of difficulties that would be faced intraoperatively in order to improve preoperative planning so the outcome would be optimal.

Highlights:
Individualized clinical management of patients at risk for Alzheimer's dementia
Authors: Isaacson Richard S. , Hristov Hollie , Saif Nabeel , Hackett Katherine , Hendrix Suzanne , Melendez Juan , Safdieh Joseph , Fink Matthew , Thambisetty Madhav , Sadek George , Bellara Sonia , Lee Paige , Berkowitz Cara , Rahman Aneela , Meléndez‐Cabrero Josefina , Caesar Emily , Cohen Randy , Lu Pei‐lin , Dickson Samuel P. , Hwang Mu Ji , Scheyer Olivia , Mureb Monica , Schelke Matthew W. , Niotis Kellyann , Greer Christine E. , Attia Peter , Mosconi Lisa , Krikorian Robert
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Multidomain intervention for Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk reduction is an emerging therapeutic paradigm.

Methods

Patients were prescribed individually tailored interventions (education/pharmacologic/nonpharmacologic) and rated on compliance. Normal cognition/subjective cognitive decline/preclinical AD was classified as Prevention. Mild cognitive impairment due to AD/mild‐AD was classified as Early Treatment. Change from baseline to 18 months on the modified Alzheimer's Prevention Cognitive Composite (primary outcome) was compared against matched historical control cohorts. Cognitive aging composite (CogAging), AD/cardiovascular risk scales, and serum biomarkers were secondary outcomes.

Results

One hundred seventy‐four were assigned interventions (age 25–86). Higher‐compliance Prevention improved more than both historical cohorts (P = .0012, P < .0001). Lower‐compliance Prevention also improved more than both historical cohorts (P = .0088, P < .0055). Higher‐compliance Early Treatment improved more than lower compliance (P = .0007). Higher‐compliance Early Treatment improved more than historical cohorts (P < .0001, P = .0428). Lower‐compliance Early Treatment did not differ (P = .9820, P = .1115). Similar effects occurred for CogAging. AD/cardiovascular risk scales and serum biomarkers improved.

Discussion

Individualized multidomain interventions may improve cognition and reduce AD/cardiovascular risk scores in patients at‐risk for AD dementia.
Anal mycobacterial infections†
Authors: Fillmann Lúcio Sarubbi , Fillmann Henrique Sarubbi , Fillmann Laura Pinho , Micheletto Lana Becker , Hoefel Michel , Marçal Josenel Maria Barcelos , Bringhenti Rafael Nazario
Published: November 2019

Background Mycobacterial infections are a serious public health problem worldwide. Involvement of the anal canal and perineum is very rare, but constitute an important differential diagnosis with other equally serious pathologies that may affect the region, such as malignant neoplasms and Crohn’s disease.

Objectives To conduct a literature review on mycobacterial infections of the perianal region considering the most recent information for diagnostic and therapeutic guidance of this disease.

Methods Research was performed on the PUBMED and LILACS databases with the expressions Mycobacterium, Anal, Infection and Tuberculosis. We reviewed articles referring to series of treated cases, clinical reports and literature review published since 2005.

Results Information was compiled on the epidemiology of mycobacterial infections; the clinical behavior of affected individuals; diagnostic options and their validity in clinical practice; and, finally, therapeutic options.

Conclusions Mycobacterial infections of the anus and perineum are rare. The most common clinical presentations are the presence of ulceration and fistulization. The diagnosis involves more than one procedure for identifying the bacilli and should consider the presence of manifestations in more than one organ. The treatment is based on pharmacological intervention. Surgery is recommended for acute complications or chronic sequelae of the disease.
Epidemiological profile of patients with fistula in ano
Authors: Fugita Fabiano Roberto , Santos Carlos Henrique Marques dos , Ribeiro Carlos Otávio da Silva
Published: November 2019

Rationale There is a lack of consistent national data on the evaluation of the epidemiological profile of patients with anal fistula.

Objective To evaluate the epidemiological profile of patients with anal fistula at a center specialized in coloproctology.

Method A cross-sectional, retrospective study was carried out between 2016 and 2018 of patients who underwent surgical procedures for the treatment of fistula in ano by the Department of Coloproctology of the Regional Hospital of Mato Grosso do Sul. Age, gender, disease duration, number of procedures, association with Crohn's disease and other comorbidities were evaluated. The data were tabulated and submitted to statistical treatment considering p < 0.05.

Results 93.2% of the patients were less than 60 years old, 66.7% were male, 88.9% had the disease less than one year, the most frequent procedures were fistulotomy (55.6%) and fistulectomy (36.8%), with a greater percentage of patients having undergone only one procedure (74.4%), 8.5% had Crohn’s disease, 7.7% systemic hypertension and 3.4% had diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion In the studied group, there was a predominance of anal fistulae in men under 60 years old and without comorbidities, diagnosed for up to one year, most of them submitted to fistulotomy or fistulectomy at one time. Patients operated after one year of illness and also those with Crohn’s disease were submitted mainly to curettage + seton and multiple procedures.
One hundred citation classics in benign anorectal disease: a bibliometric analysis of seven decades (1950–2019)
Authors: Hureibi Khalid A. , Elzaidi Elgeilani M. , Suindar Osama Al , Wong Ling S. , Williams Nigel M.
Published: November 2019

Background & aim Bibliometric analysis is used to explore the historical development in a particular field. The aim is to identify and analyse most cited papers in benign anorectal disease in the last 7 decades (1950–2018).

Method Thomson Reuters Web of Science database was used to find the top 100 cited articles in benign anorectal conditions. Papers were independently extracted by two investigators. The top 100 cited articles were identified and ranked according to number of citations. The articles were then sorted by author, journal, institution, country and publication date. The study subject was divided into 5 groups.

Results The most frequently cited article received 1307 citations whereas the least cited received 154 citations. The earliest recorded article was published in 1960 and the most recent was from 2010. More than half of the articles addressed faecal incontinence and sphincter related literature (n = 54). The articles were published in 29 different journals. A majority (69%) of manuscripts originated from the USA (n = 35; 9221 citations) and UK (n = 34; 7796 citations). The origin of these top 100 classic papers was from 53 different institutions. St. Mark's Hospital in the UK had the highest number of articles (n = 21), followed by Cleveland clinic (n = 5) and University of Minnesota (n = 5).

Conclusion The most highly cited manuscripts in benign anorectal disease cover a wide range of topics. Faecal incontinence and sphincter related articles had the highest number of citations. This review serves as a reference for researchers to find the influential papers in this field.
Comparison between conventional and structured magnetic resonance imaging reports in perianal fistula
Authors: Barbosa Paula Carolinada Silveira Pozzi , Camilo Denise Maria Rissato , Nunes Thiago Franchi , Santos Carlos Henrique Marques dos , Nakamura Diogo Iengo
Published: November 2019

Rationale Very often magnetic resonance imaging is used in the study of complex anal fistulae, but conventional reports may contribute little to what really matters to the coloproctologist.

Objective To compare the clarity and usefulness of the conventional report compared to structured magnetic resonance imaging in cases of anal fistula.

Method 30 magnetic resonance exams already performed with an evaluation of anal fistula were again evaluated without the radiologist having access to the old report and a new structured report was prepared. Five proctologists evaluated the 30 conventional and 30 structured reports and answered questionnaires with eight questions comparing their practical aspects. The results were tabulated and submitted to statistical treatment considering a significant p< 0.05.

Results There was a statistically significant difference in favor of the structured report in the questions “clearly defines whether it is an active fistula or fibrosis”, “clearly states whether the tract is single or multiple”, “whether the patient has anal fistula or not”. The other questions did not present differences between the groups.

Conclusion The structured magnetic resonance report presented clearer information and was better evaluated in relation to the conventional one in the analysis of proctologists in the study of anal fistulae.
New insight into Alzheimer's disease: Light reverses Aβ‐obstructed interstitial fluid flow and ameliorates memory decline in APP/PS1 mice
Authors: Yue Xiangpei , Mei Yufei , Zhang Yun , Tong Zheng , Cui Dehua , Yang Jun , Wang Aibo , Wang Rui , Fei Xuechao , Ai Li , Di Yalan , Luo Hongjun , Li Hui , Luo Wenhong , Lu Yu , Li Rui , Duan Chunli , Gao Ge , Yang Hui , Sun Binggui , He Rongqiao , Song Weihong , Han Hongbin , Tong Zhiqian
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Pharmacological therapies to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD) targeting “Aβ” have failed for over 100 years. Low levels of laser light can disassemble Aβ. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms that Aβ‐blocked extracellular space (ECS) induces memory disorders in APP/PS1 transgenic mice and addressed whether red light (RL) at 630 nm rescues cognitive decline by reducing Aβ‐disturbed flow of interstitial fluid (ISF).

Methods

We compared the heating effects on the brains of rats illuminated with laser light at 630, 680, and 810 nm for 40 minutes, respectively. Then, a light‐emitting diode with red light at 630 nm (LED‐RL) was selected to illuminate AD mice. The changes in the structure of ECS in the cortex were examined by fluorescent double labeling. The volumes of ECS and flow speed of ISF were quantified by magnetic resonance imaging. Spatial memory behaviors in mice were evaluated by the Morris water maze. Then, the brains were sampled for biochemical analysis.

Results

RL at 630 nm had the least heating effects than other wavelengths associated with ~49% penetration ratio into the brains. For the molecular mechanisms, Aβ could induce formaldehyde (FA) accumulation by inactivating FA dehydrogenase. Unexpectedly, in turn, FA accelerated Aβ deposition in the ECS. However, LED‐RL treatment not only directly destroyed Aβ assembly in vitro and in vivo but also activated FA dehydrogenase to degrade FA and attenuated FA‐facilitated Aβ aggregation. Subsequently, LED‐RL markedly smashed Aβ deposition in the ECS, recovered the flow of ISF, and rescued cognitive functions in AD mice.

Discussion

Aβ‐obstructed ISF flow is the direct reason for the failure of the developed medicine delivery from superficial into the deep brain in the treatment of AD. The phototherapy of LED‐RL improves memory by reducing Aβ‐blocked ECS and suggests that it is a promising noninvasive approach to treat AD.
Use and costs of services and unpaid care for people with mild‐to‐moderate dementia: Baseline results from the IDEAL cohort study
Authors: Henderson Catherine , Knapp Martin , Nelis Sharon M. , Quinn Catherine , Martyr Anthony , Wu Yu‐Tzu , Jones Ian R. , Victor Christina R. , Pickett James A. , Hindle John V. , Jones Roy W. , Kopelman Michael D. , Matthews Fiona E. , Morris Robin G. , Rusted Jennifer M. , Thom Jeanette M. , Clare Linda ,   IDEAL Programme Team
Published: November 2019

Introduction

We examined 3‐month service use and costs of care for people with mild‐to‐moderate dementia in Great Britain.

Methods

We analyzed Improving the experience of Dementia and Enhancing Active Life cohort study baseline data on paid care, out‐of‐pocket expenditure, and unpaid care from participants with dementia (N = 1547) and their carers (N = 1283). In regression analyses, we estimated per‐group mean costs of diagnostic and sociodemographic subgroups.

Results

Use of services apart from primary and outpatient hospital care was low. Unpaid care accounted for three‐quarters of total costs (mean, £4008 [standard error, £130] per participant). Most participants (87%) received unpaid care equating to 36 hours weekly. Estimated costs for people with Parkinson's dementia were £8609, £4359 for participants with mixed dementia, and £3484 for those with Alzheimer's disease. Total costs were lower for participants with dementia living alone than living with others (£2484 vs. £4360); costs were lower for female than for male participants (£3607 vs. £4272).

Discussion

Costs varied by dementia subtype, carer status, and living arrangement. Policy makers should recognize the high costs of unpaid care for people with dementia, who do not always get the support that they need or would like to receive.
Fresh Low Titer O Whole Blood Transfusion in the Austere Medical Environment
Authors: Matthews Alison , Schauer Steven G. , Fisher Andrew D.
Published: November 2019

Massive hemorrhage is an immediate threat to life. The military developed the Tactical Combat Casualty Care guidelines to address the management of acute trauma, including administration of blood products. The guidelines have been expanded to include low titer O whole blood, which is in limited use by the military. This proposal describes how the transfusion of fresh whole blood might be applied to the remote civilian environment. In doing so, this life-saving intervention may be brought to the austere medical environment, allowing critically hemorrhaging patients to survive to reach definitive medical care.
PUB opens upgraded waterworks which houses the world's largest ceramic membrane water treatment plant
Authors: Atkinson Simon
Published: November 2019

PUB, Singapore's National Water Agency that is responsible for ensuring a sustainable and efficient water supply, has unveiled its latest upgraded water treatment plant, which houses the largest ceramic membrane system in the world. Here, in an extended version of the news item that appears in Membrane Technology September 2019 (page 1) – which initially reports the opening of the upgraded facility – we look briefly at the history of the Choa Chu Kang Waterworks, its initial use of membrane technology and related plant upgrades that have been carried out over the years.
Chinese airport again chooses inge GmbH's membranes after substantially benefiting from its technology for ten years
Authors: Atkinson Simon
Published: November 2019

Ultrafiltration modules from membrane technology company inge GmbH have been running successfully for ten years at China's Beijing Airport. However, they are being replaced with the German company's next generation of modules because the operator is required to apply stricter standards to water treatment under a new directive issued by the Chinese government. This article provides the background to the original installation of membrane modules in 2008, their subsequent use and briefly describes the use of the firm's latest technology to upgrade the existing plant.
Editorial
Authors: Mansfield-Devine Steve
Published: November 2019

On 1 January 2020, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) will come into force. Much like the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), it has the potential to radically change how organisations approach data privacy.
A source code perspective framework to produce secure web applications
Authors: Agrawal Alka , Alenezi Mamdouh , Kumar Rajeev , Khan Raees Ahmad
Published: November 2019

Hackers and other cyber attackers remain fearless concerning the mitigation mechanisms that have evolved for addressing security over the past few years. Cyber attacks are on the rise and countless security breaches take place daily. It is believed that cybercrime in its various forms will cost the world $6tr per year by 2021. 1 It has become essential that software companies evaluate their businesses to identify application security needs, strategies and weaknesses. Establishing a security policy to safeguard their software applications has become an urgent need.

Vulnerable applications are the bane of the software industry. Software companies need to make sure that their developers write more secure code, but developers struggle with this issue.

To encourage developers to write secure source code, there is a need to integrate the whole process of scanning, detecting and mitigating security vulnerabilities and flaws during code analysis. Alka Agrawal, Mamdouh Alenezi, Rajeev Kumar and Raees Ahmad Khan propose an integrated and prescriptive framework intended to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities and provide suggestions for writing more secure code.
The Amplified Arctic Warming in the Recent Decades may Have Been Overestimated by CMIP5 Models
Authors: Huang Jianbin , Ou Tinghai , Chen Deliang , Luo Yong , Zhao Zongci
Published: November 2019

Realistically representing the Arctic amplification in global climate models (GCMs) represents a key to accurately predict the climate system's response to increasing anthropogenic forcings. We examined the amplified Arctic warming over the past century simulated by 36 state‐of‐the‐art GCMs against observation. We found a clear difference between the simulations and the observation in terms of the evolution of the secular warming rates. The observed rates of the secular Arctic warming increase from 0.14 °C/10a in the early 1890s to 0.21 °C/10a in the mid‐2010s, while the GCMs show a negligible trend to 0.35 °C/10a at the corresponding times. The overestimation of the secular warming rate in the GCMs starts from the mid‐twentieth century and aggravates with time. Further analysis indicates that the overestimation mainly comes from the exaggerated heating contribution from the Arctic sea ice melting. This result implies that the future secular Arctic warming may have been over‐projected.