bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
General practitioners’ predictions of their own patients’ health literacy: a cross-sectional study in Belgium
Authors: Storms Hannelore , Aertgeerts Bert , Vandenabeele Frank , Claes Neree
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To support patients in their disease management, providing information that is adjusted to patients’ knowledge and ability to process health information (ie, health literacy) is crucial. To ensure effective health communication, general practitioners (GPs) should be able to identify people with limited health literacy. To this end, (dis)agreement between patients’ health literacy and GPs’ estimations thereof was examined. Also, characteristics impacting health literacy (dis)agreement were studied.

Design

Cross-sectional survey of general practice patients and GPs undertaken in 2016–17.

Setting

Forty-one general practices in two Dutch-speaking provinces in Belgium.

Participants

Patients (18 years of age and older) visiting general practices. Patients were excluded when having severe impairments (physical, mental, sensory).

Main outcome measures

Patients’ health literacy was assessed with 16-item European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire. GPs indicated estimations on patients’ health literacy using a simple scale (inadequate; problematic; adequate). (Dis)agreement between patients’ health literacy and GPs’ estimations thereof (GPs’ estimations being equal to/higher/lower than patients’ health literacy) was measured using Kappa statistics. The impact of patient and GP characteristics, including duration of GP–patient relationships, on this (dis)agreement was examined using generalised linear logit model.

Results

Health literacy of patients (n=1375) was inadequate (n=201; 14.6%), problematic (n=299; 21.7%), adequate (n=875; 63.6%). GPs overestimated the proportion patients with adequate health literacy: adequate (n=1241; 90.3%), problematic (n=130; 9.5%) and inadequate (n=4; 0.3%). Overall, GPs’ correct; over-/underestimations of health literacy occurred for, respectively, 60.9%; 34.2%; 4.9% patients, resulting in a slight agreement (κ=0.033). The likelihood for GPs to over-/underestimate patients’ health literacy increases with decreasing educational level of patients; and decreasing number of years patients have been consulting with their GP.

Conclusions

Intuitively assessing health literacy is difficult. Patients’ education, the duration of GP–patient relationships and GPs’ gender impact GPs’ perceptions of patients’ health literacy.
Investigating SOcial Competence and Isolation in children with Autism taking part in LEGO-based therapy clubs In School Environments (I-SOCIALISE): study protocol
Authors: Varley Danielle , Wright Barry , Cooper Cindy , Marshall David , Biggs Katie , Ali Shehzad , Chater Tim , Coates Elizabeth , Gilbody Simon , Gomez de la Cuesta Gina , Kingsley Ellen , Le Couteur Ann , McKelvey Anne , Shephard Neil , Teare Dawn
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Social skills training interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) typically focus on a skills deficit model rather than building on existing skills or encouraging the child to seek their own solutions. LEGO-based therapy is a child-oriented intervention to help improve social interactional skills and reduce isolation. The therapy is designed for school-age children with ASD and uses group-based play in a school setting to encourage peer relationships and social learning. Despite the reported potential benefits of LEGO-based therapy in a prior randomised controlled trial (RCT) and its adoption by many schools, the evidence to support its effectiveness on the social and emotional well-being of children with ASD is limited and includes no assessment of cost-effectiveness.

Methods and analysis

This multicentre, pragmatic, cluster RCT will randomise 240 participants (aged 7–15 years) with a clinical diagnosis of ASD to receive usual care or LEGO-based therapy with usual care. Cluster randomisation will be conducted on a school level, randomising each school as opposed to each individual child within a school. All prospective participants will be screened for eligibility before assenting to the study (with parents giving informed consent on behalf of their child). All participants will be followed up at 20 and 52 weeks after randomisation to assess for social, emotional and behavioural changes. The primary outcome measure is the social skills subscale of the Social Skills Improvement System completed by a teacher or teaching assistant associated with participating children at the 20-week follow-up time point.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval has been obtained via the University of York Research Ethics Committee. The results of the trial will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and will be disseminated to participating families, education practitioners and the third sector including voluntary and community organisations.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN64852382; Pre-results.
Effectiveness and safety of acupuncture and moxibustion for defecation dysfunction after sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer: protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Guixing , Xiao Qiwei , Lei Hanzhou , Fu Yanan , Kong Jing , Zheng Qianhua , Zhao Ling , Liang Fanrong
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Defecation dysfunction (DD) is one of the most common complications following sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer. And there is no effective treatment of DD after sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer. Although some studies suggested that acupuncture and moxibustion (AM) is effective and safe for DD after sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer, lacking strong evidence, for instance, the relevant systematic review, meta-analysis and randomised controlled trial (RCT) of a large, multicentre sample, makes the effects and safety remain uncertain. The present protocol is described for a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effectiveness and safety of AM for DD after sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer.

Methods and analysis

We will search nine online databases from inception to 1 October 2019; the language of included trials will not be restricted. This study will include RCTs that performed AM as the main method of the experimental group for patients with DD after sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer. Two of the researchers will independently select the studies, conduct risk of bias assessment and extract the data. We will use the fixed-effects model or random-effects model of RevMan V.5.2 software to analyse data synthesis. The risk ratios with 95% CIs and weighted mean differences or standardised mean differences with 95% CIs will be used to present the data synthesis outcome of dichotomous data respectively and the continuous data. Evidence quality of outcome will be assessed by using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required in this secondary research evidence, and we will publish the results of this study in a journal or concerned conferences.

Trial registration number

CRD42019140097.
Tranexamic acid administration during total joint arthroplasty surgery is not associated with an increased risk of perioperative seizures: a national database analysis
Authors: Kirksey Meghan A , Wilson Lauren A , Fiasconaro Megan , Poeran Jashvant , Liu Jiabin , Memtsoudis Stavros G
Published: May 2020

Background

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been used extensively to minimize blood loss in cardiac surgery and more recently in orthopedic surgery. Despite a generally good safety profile, an increased risk of seizures has been observed in patients with cardiac disease. However, this issue has not been adequately addressed in the orthopedic literature.

Methods

After institutional review board approval, we queried a large national database to identify patients who had undergone total hip and total knee arthroplasties (2012–2016). Patients were divided based on their exposure to TXA and history of seizures. The main outcome of interest was a perioperative seizure. We conducted univariable comparisons and a multivariable regression analysis to elucidate a potential independent association between TXA administration and seizures in the perioperative period (with or without a history of seizures).

Results

TXA was used overall in 45.9% (n=4 21 890) of joint arthroplasty recipients (n=9 18 918), with more frequent use over time. Utilization rates did not differ between those with and without a history of seizures; 42.2% (3487/8252) of patients with a seizure history received TXA. Rates of perioperative seizure were low and did not differ between those who did and did not receive TXA (0.01% vs 0.02%, p=0.11); when subgrouping patients by history of seizures, we found no difference in incidence of perioperative seizures between groups (0.06% vs 0.02%, p=0.39). Our adjusted analysis further confirmed these results.

Conclusion

Despite increasing TXA utilization in total joint arthroplasty, we found an overall low seizure incidence. TXA use was not associated with elevated odds of perioperative seizure, even in patients with history of seizure.
Long non-coding RNA DSCAM-AS1 upregulates USP47 expression through sponging miR-101-3p to accelerate osteosarcoma progression
Authors: Zhang Shanyong , Ding Lei , Gao Feng , Fan Hongwu
Published: May 2020

Osteosarcoma (OS) originating from mesenchyme is one of the most common invasive tumors of bone, and has an extremely high mortality rate. Previous studies have reported that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play essential roles in the tumorigenesis and progression of a multitude of human cancers. The lncRNA DSCAM-AS1 has been reported to be an oncogenic gene in many cancers. However, the roles and regulatory mechanisms of DSCAM-AS1 in OS have not been deeply investigated. In this study, our findings prove that DSCAM-AS1 is highly expressed in OS cells. Knockdown of DSCAM-AS1 suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasiveness, and induced cell apoptosis in OS. Additionally, knockdown of DSCAM-AS1 inactivated the Wnt–β-catenin signaling pathway. Moreover, research into its molecular mechanisms confirmed that DSCAM-AS1 functions as a sponge for miR-101-3p, and that ubiquitin-specific peptidase 47 (USP47) is a target gene of miR-101-3p. Furthermore, a negative relationship between miR-101-3p and DSCAM-AS1 or USP47 was discovered. The results from our rescue assays suggest that DSCAM-AS1 regulates the progression of OS through binding with miR-101-3p to control the expression of USP47. Finally, we discovered that AKT–mTOR signaling pathway mediates the activity of DSCAM-AS1 in OS. Taken together, our results show that DSCAM-AS1 accelerates the progression of OS via the miR-101-3p–USP47 axis, which could present a new potential therapeutic treatment for OS.
A graduate student perspective on overcoming barriers to interacting with open-source software
Authors: Cereceda Oihane , Quinn Danielle E.A.
Published: May 2020

Computational methods, coding, and software are important tools for conducting research. In both academic and industry data analytics, open-source software (OSS) has gained massive popularity. Collaborative source code allows students to interact with researchers, code developers, and users from a variety of disciplines. Based on the authors’ experiences as graduate students and coding instructors, this paper provides a unique overview of the obstacles that graduate students face in obtaining the knowledge and skills required to complete their research and in transitioning from an OSS user to a contributor: psychological, practical, and cultural barriers and challenges specific to graduate students including cognitive load in graduate school, the importance of a knowledgeable mentor, seeking help from both the online and local communities, and the ongoing campaign to recognize software as research output in career and degree progression. Specific and practical steps are recommended to provide a foundation for graduate students, supervisors, administrators, and members of the OSS community to help overcome these obstacles. In conclusion, the objective of these recommendations is to describe a possible framework that individuals from across the scientific community can adapt to their needs and facilitate a sustainable feedback loop between graduate students and OSS.
Effects of nonlinearity of f(R) gravity and perfect fluid in Kaluza–Klein models with spherical compactification
Authors: Canay Ezgi , Eingorn Maxim , Zhuk Alexander
Published: May 2020

We study the effects associated with nonlinearity of f(R) gravity and of the background perfect fluid manifested in the Kaluza–Klein model with spherical compactification. The background space-time is perturbed by a massive gravitating source which is pressureless in the external space but has an arbitrary equation of state (EoS) parameter in the internal space. As characteristics of a nonlinear perfect fluid, the squared speeds of sound are not equal to the background EoS parameters in the external and internal spaces. In this setting, we find exact solutions to the linearized Einstein equations for the perturbed metric coefficients. For nonlinear models with $$f^{\prime \prime }(R_0)\ne 0$$f″(R0)≠0, we show that these coefficients acquire correction terms in the form of two summed Yukawa potentials and that in the degenerated case, the solutions are reduced to a single Yukawa potential with some “corrupted” prefactor (in front of the exponential function), which, in addition to the standard 1/r term, contains a contribution independent of the three-dimensional distance r. In the linear $$f''(R)=0$$f′′(R)=0 model, we generalize the previous studies to the case of an arbitrary nonlinear perfect fluid. We also investigate the particular case of the nonlinear background perfect fluid with zero speed of sound in the external space and demonstrate that a non-trivial solution exists only in the case of $$f''(R_0)=0$$f′′(R0)=0.
Comparative analysis of layered structures in empirical investor networks and cellphone communication networks
Authors: Wang Peng , Ma Jun-Chao , Jiang Zhi-Qiang , Zhou Wei-Xing , Sornette Didier
Published: May 2020

Empirical investor networks (EIN) proposed by Ozsoylev et al. are assumed to capture the information spreading path among investors. Here, we perform a comparative analysis between the EIN and the cellphone communication networks (CN) to test whether EIN is an information exchanging network from the perspective of the layer structures of ego networks. We employ two clustering algorithms (k-means algorithm and $H/T$H/T break algorithm) to detect the layer structures for each node in both networks. We find that the nodes in both networks can be clustered into two groups, that one has a layer structure similar to the theoretical Dunbar Circle that alters in ego networks exhibit a four-layer hierarchical structure with the cumulative number of 5, 15, 50 and 150 from the inner layer to the outer layer, and the other one has an additional inner layer with about 2 alters compared with the Dunbar Circle. We also find that the scale ratios, which are estimated based on the unique parameters in the theoretical model of layer structures, conform to a log-normal distribution for both networks. Our results not only deepen our understanding on the topological structures of EIN, but also provide empirical evidence of the channels of information diffusion among investors.
Effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on skeletal muscle size and function in patients with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy
Authors: Toth Michael J. , Voigt Thomas B. , Tourville Timothy W. , Prior Shannon M. , Guigni Blas A. , Schlosberg Axel V. , Smith Isaac B. , Forest Taylor J. , Kaufman Peter A. , Wood Marie E. , Rehman Hibba , Dittus Kim
Published: May 2020

This is the first study to evaluate whether neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can be used as an exercise surrogate to improve skeletal muscle fiber size or function in cancer patients receiving treatment. We show that NMES promoted muscle fiber hypertrophy and fiber types shift but had minimal effects on single-fiber contractility and reduced subsarcolemmal mitochondria.
Sorafenib‐Loaded Long‐Circulating Nanoliposomes for Liver Cancer Therapy
Authors: Ye Haiwei , Zhou Liping , Jin Haili , Chen Yunhua , Cheng Die , Jiang Ying
Published: May 2020

A type of sorafenib‐ (SOR‐) loaded long‐circulating nanoliposome was constructed, and the targeting performance and antitumor effects of the prepared liposome were evaluated in the present study. Polyethylene glycol‐ (PEG‐) modified long‐circulating nanoliposomes (LC‐NPs) were designed and prepared using reverse evaporation, and the LC‐NPs were used for delivering sorafenib (LC‐PEG‐SOR‐NPs). Then, the anti‐VEGFR antibody as a targeting moiety was chemically coupled with LC‐PEG‐SOR‐NPs to form liver cancer‐targeted nanoliposomes (anti‐VEGFR‐LC‐PEG‐SOR‐NPs). The drug entrapment and loading efficiency were measured. And the cancer‐targeting performance and therapeutic efficiency were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. The anti‐VEGFR‐LC‐PEG‐SOR‐NPs with an average of 119.8 ± 4.2 nm showed a uniform spherical structure. The drug entrapment and loading efficiency were 92.5% and 18.5%, respectively. The killing efficiency of anti‐VEGFR‐LC‐PEG‐SOR‐NPs was up to 18% after incubating with liver cancer cells for 72 h. Furthermore, the anti‐VEGFR‐LC‐PEG‐SOR‐NPs could actively target at the tumor region and could efficiently inhibit tumor growth with negligible side effects. This newly designed nanoliposomes had desirable dispersibility, high drug entrapment efficiency, tumor targeting and therapeutic efficiency, and good safety. As a biocompatible nanocomposite, it was promising to become a novel and useful tumor‐targeting nanodrug for liver cancer therapy.
Comparative Pharmacokinetics of Geniposidic Acid, Genipin‐1‐β‐Gentiobioside, Geniposide, Genipin, and Crocetin in Rats after Oral Administration of Crude Gardeniae Fructus and Its Three Processed Products Using LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Yang Xuejing , Li Jin , Yang Xi , He Jun , Chang Yan-Xu
Published: May 2020

The extract of Gardeniae Fructus (GF) with different processing methods processed the different medicinal properties and efficacy. Crude GF (CGF) could be processed into stir‐frying GF (SGF), gancao mix‐frying GF (GCGF), and ginger mix‐frying GF (GIGF) in practice. An LC‐MS/MS method was established for simultaneous quantification of geniposidic acid, geniposide, genipin‐1‐β‐gentiobioside, genipin, and crocetin in the rat plasma. The LLOQs for determination of all five components were 10 ng/mL. The accuracies of intraday and interday were in the range of 91%–105%. The recoveries of 5 analytes ranged from 81.0% to 114% with RSD less than 14%. The results showed that the AUCs (area under the plasma concentration‐time curve) and Cmax (maximum plasma concentration) of geniposidic acid, genipin‐1‐β‐gentiobioside, and geniposide after oral administration of the CGF extract were apparently higher than those after oral administration of other processed extracts. Cmax of geniposide in plasma after administration of GIGF significantly decreased (p < 0.01). Genipin was not detected in rat plasma after administration of the GIGF extract, but it can be detected in plasma after administration of CGF, SGF, and GCGF extract. Furthermore, crocin I and crocin II were not detected in plasma samples. Crocetin had higher concentration in rat plasma versus lower contents in extract. It was demonstrated that the different processing methods might influence the pharmacokinetics of geniposidic acid, genipin‐1‐β‐gentiobioside, geniposide, genipin, and crocetin.
Mechanical Fault Diagnosis of an On-Load Tap Changer by Applying Cuckoo Search Algorithm-Based Fuzzy Weighted Least Squares Support Vector Machine
Authors: Gao Shuguo , Zhou Cong , Zhang Zhigang , Geng Jianghai , He Ruidong , Yin Qingdong , Xing Chao
Published: May 2020

To improve adaptability, feature resolution, and identification accuracy when diagnosing mechanical faults in an on-load tap changer (OLTC) of a transformer, in the present research, wavelet packet energy entropy is used to describe the information comprising vibration signal in the switch process of an OLTC, and a fuzzy weighted least squares support vector machine (CSA-fuzzy weighted LSSVM) model based on the cuckoo search algorithm is proposed to identify mechanical fault types. Specifically, according to the different importance of the sample data in different periods, the idea of fuzzy weighting of training samples is proposed. The cuckoo search algorithm is used to optimise regularisation parameters, kernel function width, and weight control factor of CSA-fuzzy weighted LSSVM. Finally, the real experimental platform for typical mechanical faults of an OLTC is established, and the vibration signals of several typical mechanical faults under different degrees of fatigue are obtained. The results show that the new method achieves a higher accuracy rate of fault identification compared with other common methods. It can better deal with small sample and nonlinear prediction problems and shows higher fitting accuracy than CSA-LSSVM, single LSSVM, and radial basis neural network methods and is thus better suited for mechanical fault diagnosis in OLTCs. This paper presents a new intelligent diagnosis scheme for mechanical faults of on-load tap changers, which can achieve noninterruption and nonintrusive detection. The proposed diagnosis method would change the traditional diagnosis method of the on-load tap changer and improves the power supply quality and the detection efficiency under the premise of ensuring the safety of the staff.
A Noncontact Method for Locating Radial Artery above Radial Styloid Process in Thermal Image
Authors: Geng Xingguang , Liu Su , Zhang Yitao , Hou Jiena , Zhang Shaolong , Zhang Jun , Zhang Haiying
Published: May 2020

A radial artery above the radial styloid process is called GUAN and is a critical position for collecting pulse wave in traditional Chinese medicine theory. Locating GUAN is a precondition for collecting radial pulse wave. However, existing methods for locating GUAN lead to large deviations. This paper proposes a novel nontouch method for locating GUAN based on thermal imaging and image processing. This method consists of three parts: the infrared thermal imaging location imaging platform, the wrist edge contour extraction algorithm based on arbitrary angle edge recognition, and radial protrusion recognition algorithm (x coordinate identification algorithm of GUAN) and radial artery fitting algorithm (y coordinate identification algorithm of GUAN). The infrared thermal imaging positioning imaging platform is used to ensure that the wrist of the subject enters the fixed imaging area in a fixed position during each measurement and transmits the thermal imaging images carrying the image information of radial processes and radial arteries to the upper computer. Arbitrary angle edge recognition algorithm is used to extract wrist contour and radial artery edge information. The x‐axis coordinates of the radial artery were provided by the identification algorithm, and the y‐axis coordinates of the radial artery were provided by the fitting algorithm. Finally, the x and y coordinates determine the GUAN position. The algorithm for locating GUAN could provide repeatable and reliable x and y coordinates. The proposed method shows that relative standard deviation (RSD) of x distance of GUAN is less than 9.0% and RSD of y distance of GUAN is less than 5.0%. The proposed method could provide valid GUAN coordinates and reduce deviations of locating GUAN.
A Nonlinear Adaptive Observer-Based Differential Evolution Algorithm to Multiparameter Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Yang Xiaoliu , Li Zetao , Zhang Qingfang , Wu Qinmu , Yang Linli
Published: May 2020

In this paper, a novel adaptive diagnosis scheme is proposed for multiparametric faults of nonlinear systems by using the model and intelligent optimization-based approaches. The key idea of the proposed method is to analyze the correlation of the output signals between the real system and the fault identification system instead of residual. A new adaptive scheme is built based on an adaptive observer and differential evolution algorithm. Meanwhile, the conditions of detectability and identifiability of faults are analyzed. The isolation and estimation of the multiparametric fault are formulated as the solution of an optimization problem that is solved by using a differential evolutionary algorithm (DE). The fitness function of DE is constructed by the correlation coefficient equations in which the faulty components are contained. The application on a coupled three water tank model attests the feasibility and validity of the suggested approach. Simulation and experimental results show that the developed method is applicable to diagnose either single or multiparameter faults on-line.
Effects of Graphene Oxide Dispersion on Salt‐Freezing Resistance of Concrete
Authors: Xu Yihong , Fan Yingfang
Published: May 2020

In order to study the effects of different amounts of graphene oxide dispersion on the salt‐freezing resistance of concrete, graphene oxide lamellar dispersion with a concentration of 5 mg/ml was prepared by the improved Hummers’ method and the ultrasonic dispersion method. Graphene oxide (GO) was characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The mechanical properties and durability of the salt‐frozen concrete with different GO contents were examined, and its salt‐freezing resistance mechanism was analyzed by microscopic tests. With the increasing salt‐freezing time, the deterioration of GO concrete occurred under a combination of different modes, such as mortar shedding, microcrack propagation, denudation, and massive shedding. The optimum content of GO was detected as 0.03%. In comparison to the reference specimen, the compressive strength of GO concrete increased by 34.83% after 200 salt‐freezing cycles, and consequently loss rate and dynamic elastic modulus were found to be the smallest. The microscopic test results revealed the optimum GO content promoted the hydration of cement, regulated its microstructure, effectively hindered the destruction of concrete micromorphology during salt‐freezing, and slowed down the initiation and propagation of internal microcracks. Hence, the mechanical and endurance properties of GO concrete were significantly improved after salt‐freezing.
Link Loss Inference Algorithm with Network Topology Aware in Communication Networks
Authors: Zhang Shunli
Published: May 2020

When there are many suspected loss links, the links in the path with a higher pass rate are assumed to be nondrop packet links or assuming that the link with the largest number of shares is a loss link, but this assumption lacks valid proof. In order to overcome these shortcomings, this paper proposes a link loss inference algorithm with network topology aware. The network model is established based on the historical data of the network operation and network topology characteristics. A weighted relative entropy ranking method is proposed to quantify the suspected packet loss links in each independent subset. The packet loss rate of the packet loss link is obtained by solving the unique solution of the simplified nonsingular matrix. Through simulation experiments, it is verified that the proposed algorithm has achieved better results in terms of congestion link determination and link loss rate estimation accuracy.
Multistroke Grouping of Online Freehand Axonometric Sketches for Mechanical Models
Authors: Wang Shouxia , Wang Shuxia , He Weiping
Published: May 2020

Multistroke drawing occurs frequently in conceptual design sketches; however, it is almost unsupported by the current sketch-based user interfaces. We proposed a sketch recognition system based on the multistroke primitive grouping method. Based on grouping the strokes that lie within the mutual boundaries between adjacent regions, we create line drawings from online freehand axonometric sketches of mechanical models. First, closed regions and their boundary bands of the sketch were extracted. Then, the strokes that cross the boundary bands of two or more closed regions are segmented, and the strokes that lie within the intersection of two adjacent boundary bands are grouped. Finally, grouped strokes are simplified into a new single stroke and then fitted as a geometric primitive; thus, the input sketches are recognized to the line drawings. We developed a prototype of the sketch recognition system to evaluate the proposed method. The results showed that the input sketches are simplified into the accurate line drawings efficiently. The proposed method can be applied to both multistroke overtracing and nonovertracing sketches.
Blood Management and Risk Assessment for Transfusion in Pediatric Spinal Deformity Surgery
Authors: Fernandes Pedro , Soares do Brito Joaquim , Flores Isabel , Monteiro Jacinto
Published: May 2020

Objectives. Evaluate the impact of a Quality and Safety Program (QSP) on the reduction of blood loss and transfusion needs in pediatric spinal deformity surgery, while defining risk factors for transfusion. Background. Multimodal plan aiming to minimize transfusion needs has been shown to reduce transfusions and index rates in spinal deformity surgery. Anticipating blood loss and transfusion may help direct resources to patient needs or encourage reconsideration of the surgical plan. Methods. This is a single-center retrospective study of prospectively collected data. Impact of this multimodal plan was studied on idiopathic deformities (Group A, 109 patients) and scoliosis associated with syndromic, neuromuscular, and muscular dystrophies (Group B, 100 patients), both before and after QSP. Results. A decrease in total estimated blood loss was observed. In Group A, transfused patients decreased from 83.7% to 28% (p<0.001, odds: 0.077), and, in Group B, from 98.7% to 66% (p<0.01, odds: 0.038). Pearson’s correlation identified patient body weight (r = 0.245, p=0.001) and Cobb angle (r = 0.175, p=0.017) as factors related to blood loss. A linear regression model to estimate hematic losses revealed that only body weight and transfusion showed predictive power, resulting in a low predictive model (R2 = 0.156; F(3,167) = 15.483, p<0.001). A mediated model to explain blood loss was built based on a set of variables influencing transfusion which is, in turn, related to blood loss. Conclusion. Transfusion needs in scoliosis surgery can be substantially reduced following a multimodal approach. The success of a program is strongly dependent on team effort, and the introduction of a risk assessment tool for transfusion needs indirectly assesses surgical risk, thus allowing relocation of resources to decrease blood loss.
Analysis of MHD Fluids around a Linearly Stretching Sheet in Porous Media with Thermophoresis, Radiation, and Chemical Reaction
Authors: Jabeen K. , Mushtaq M. , Akram Muntazir R. M.
Published: May 2020

This paper presents the comparative analysis of MHD boundary layer fluid flow around a linearly stretching surface in the presence of radiative heat flux, heat generation/absorption, thermophoresis velocity, and chemical reaction effects in a permeable surface. The governing equations are highly nonlinear PDEs which are converted into coupled ODEs with the help of dimensionless variables and solved by using semianalytical techniques. The numerical and graphical outcomes are observed and presented via tables and graphs. Also, the Nusselt and Sherwood numbers and skin friction coefficient are illustrated by tables. On observation of heat and mass transfer, it was noticed that Maxwell fluid dominates the other fluids such as Newtonian, Williamson, and Casson fluid due to high rate of thermal conductivity, and hence, Maxwell fluid has better tendency for heat and mass transfer than other Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids.
The Dysregulated Pharmacology of Clinically Relevant ESR1 Mutants is Normalized by Ligand-activated WT Receptor
Authors: Andreano Kaitlyn J. , Baker Jennifer G. , Park Sunghee , Safi Rachid , Artham Sandeep , Oesterreich Steffi , Jeselsohn Rinath , Brown Myles , Sammons Sarah , Wardell Suzanne E. , Chang Ching-yi , Norris John D. , McDonnell Donald P.
Published: May 2020

The estrogen receptor (ER/ESR1) is expressed in a majority of breast cancers and drugs that inhibit ER signaling are the cornerstone of breast cancer pharmacotherapy. Currently, aromatase inhibitors are the frontline endocrine interventions of choice although their durability in metastatic disease is limited by activating point mutations within the ligand-binding domain of ESR1 that permit ligand-independent activation of the receptor. It has been suggested that the most commonly occurring ESR1 mutations would likely compromise the clinical activity of selective estrogen receptor downregulators and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) when used as second-line therapies. It was unclear, however, how these mutations, which are likely coexpressed in cells with ERWT, may impact response to ER ligands in a clinically meaningful manner. To address this issue, we dissected the molecular mechanism(s) underlying ESR1-mutant pharmacology in models relevant to metastatic disease. These studies revealed that the response of ESR1 mutations to ligands was dictated primarily by the relative coexpression of ERWT in cells. Specifically, dysregulated pharmacology was only evident in cells in which the mutants were overexpressed relative to ligand-activated ERWT; a finding that highlights the role of allelism in determining ER-mutant pharmacology. Importantly, we demonstrated that the antagonist activity of the SERM, lasofoxifene, was not impacted by mutant status; a finding that has led to its clinical evaluation as a treatment for patients with advanced ER-positive breast cancer whose tumors harbor ESR1 mutations.
Unsolved Problem: (Isolated) Systolic Hypertension with Diastolic Blood Pressure below the Safety Margin
Authors: Koracevic Goran , Stojanovic Milovan , Kostic Tomislav , Lovic Dragan , Tomasevic Miloje , Jankovic-Tomasevic Ruzica
Published: May 2020

The problem of high systolic blood pressure (sBP) combined with low diastolic blood pressure (dBP) requires attention because sBP is directly and continuously related to the most important criterion, i.e., all-cause mortality, whereas dBP becomes inversely related to it after the age of 50–60 years. The European Society of Cardiology and European Society of ­Hypertension (ESC/ESH) 2018 guidelines for hypertension (HTN) are helpful because they recommend a lower safety cut-off for in-treatment dBP. To prevent tissue hypoperfusion, these guidelines recommend that dBP should be ≥70 mm Hg during treatment. A patient with very elevated sBP (e.g., 220 mm Hg) and low dBP (e.g., 65 mm Hg) is difficult to treat if one strictly follows the guidelines. In this situation, the sBP is a clear indication for antihypertensive treatment, but the dBP is a relative contraindication (as it is <70 mm Hg, a safety margin recognized by the 2018 ESC/ESH guidelines). The dilemma about whether or not to treat isolated systolic hypertension (SH) patients with low dBP (<70 mm Hg) is evident from the fact that almost half (45%) remain untreated. This is a common occurrence and identifying this problem is the first step to solving it. We suggest that an adequate search and analysis should be performed, starting from the exploration of the prognosis of the isolated (I)SH subset of patients with a very low dBP (<70 mm Hg) at the beginning of already performed randomized clinical trials.
Longitudinal Microvascular Changes on Optical Coherence Tomographic Angiography after Macula-Off Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Repair Surgery
Authors: Nam Sang Hyu , Kim Kiyoung , Kim Eung Suk , Kim Do Gyun , Yu Seung-Young
Published: May 2020

Purpose: To investigate longitudinal changes and associated factors for microvascular parameters in macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) after repair surgery. Methods: This is a retrospective study of 34 eyes with macula-off RRD. The foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area and parafoveal vessel density were recorded every 3 months for 1 year after surgery. We analyzed 3 × 3 mm and 6 × 6 mm swept-source optical coherence tomographic (OCT) angiography images to quantify microvascular parameters. Individual clinical factors and pre- and postoperative OCT images were analyzed to find factors associated with changes in the FAZ area and vessel density 12 months after surgery. Results: The differences in FAZ area and vessel density between the operated and fellow eye at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively were 0.127 ± 0.05, 0.111 ± 0.06, 0.108 ± 0.07, and 0.105 ± 0.06 mm2 and 4.33 ± 1.42, 3.56 ± 2.05, 2.73 ± 1.72, and 2.61 ± 1.71/mm. Preoperative sensory retina thickness and surgical methods significantly correlated with decreased vessel density at 12 months. Surgical method-based analysis found that postoperative vessel density damage in the pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) group was more prominent than in the buckling group. Conclusion: After macula-off RRD surgery, microvascular parameters were impaired after successful anatomical repair but recovered over 12 months. The PPV group exhibited significantly lower postoperative parafoveal vessel density than the buckling group.
Acceptance of mobile payments by retailers using UTAUT model
Authors: Mohd Ariffin Nor Hapiza , Ahmad Fauziah , Mohd Haneef Umar
Published: May 2020

Mobile payment is a form of payment transaction processing where the payer utilizes mobile communication methods together with mobile devices to initiate, authorize or complete payment. Hence, with the huge increase in mobile device usage, the retail sector will be able to collect large volumes of data. Unfortunately, most Malaysians still do not make full use of digital payments or cashless payments. Consumers in South East Asia still tend to use money or bank cards, and companies have been "limitedly effective" in encouraging a cashless revolution. The objective of this study was to identify the acceptance of mobile payment by retailers, the factors that contribute to the acceptance of mobile payment and the relationship between the factors were also the aim of this research. Several factors were contributing to mobile payments such as performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, habit, privacy, perceived security and intentions which was based on the UTAUT model. This study used questionnaires to collect data and the data analysis was carried out using SPSS software. Based on the analysis that has been conducted, it can be seen that all the hypotheses of this research have a significant relationship except for the relationship between privacy and intentions that has a negative linear relationship. It is hoped that this research will give values to retailers with an understanding of the contributing factors that affect their acceptance of mobile payment technology in the retailing business.
Classification of healthy and white root disease infected rubber trees based on relative permittivity and capacitance input properties using LM and SCG artificial neural network
Authors: Suhaimi Sulaiman Mohd , Saad Zuraidi
Published: May 2020

White root disease is one of the most serious diseases in rubber plantation in Malaysia that originally infects on the root surface of the rubber tree. So, prevention is important compared to treatment. The classification system proposed in the research had the ability of detecting the disease by classifying between healthy rubber trees and white root disease infected rubber trees. 600 samples of latex from healthy rubber trees and white root disease infected rubber trees were taken from the RRIM station in Kota Tinggi, Johor. These samples were measured based on its relative permittivity and capacitance. All of the measurement inputs from the experiment were tested using statistical analysis. These measurement input were then went through the process of classification in ANN to generate the optimized models by using LM and SCG algorithm. There were four optimized models selected from the classification process. The accuracy from the selected most optimized models were greater than 70%. The selected most optimized models were then used to classify between healthy trees and white root infected trees based on single input categories. 
Competitive analysis of single and multi-path routing protocols in mobile Ad-Hoc network
Authors: Ahmed Jubair Mohammed , Hamid Hassan Mustafa , A. Mostafa Salama , Mahdin Hairulnizam , Mustapha Aida , Hanif Audah Luqman , Sijal Shaqwi Farooq , Hashim Abbas Ali
Published: May 2020

A Mobile Ad-hoc Network (MANET) refers to a dynamic and wireless network, which can be designed without an existing infrastructure as every node serves as a router. A MANET is a self-configuring system of mobile nodes that are connected wirelessly. Every node serves as a sink, as well as a router to send packets. The movement of the nodes is not restricted as they can move in any direction, and they have the ability to get organized into a network. Due to their free and independent movement, they do not have a fixed position; they often change positions. In this study, the Dynamic Source Routing (DSR) and Ad-hoc On Multipath Demand Distance Vector (AOMDV) protocols are compared using Network Simulator NS2.35. DSR is a reactive gateway discovery algorithm whereby the connection of a MANET mobile device is established only on demand. Basically, AOMDV was specially tailored for ad-hoc networks that are highly dynamic to respond to link failures and breakages in the network. It ensures that the paths for destinations are sustained, and it defines the new routing information using destination serial numbers to ensure loop freedom always while avoiding problems. More so, it is a protocol that is based on a timer that can discover ways through which the mobile nodes respond to link breakages and change in topology. A comparison of protocols has been carried out individually and jointly with the aim of evaluating their performance. The performance is measured in terms of End-to-End Delay, Packet Delivery Ratio, Packet Loss Ratio, and Routing Overhead Ratio. The performance of the routing protocols was done using two scenarios; when there is a change in the simulation time and when there is a change in the number of nodes.
Job satisfaction evaluation based on fuzzy conjoint method with continuous fuzzy sets
Authors: Shahari Nor Azni , Rasmani Khairulanwar
Published: May 2020

Fuzzy conjoint method (FCM) is one of the available methods suggested for job satisfaction evaluation. The main feature of job satisfaction evaluation is the use of rating of agreement to indicate employee feelings and beliefs about their job. Currently the linguistic terms used for rating of agreement in FCM are represented in the form of discrete fuzzy sets.  This paper investigates the potential use of continuous fuzzy sets to represent linguistic terms used in the FCM process. To investigate the consistency of the decision outcomes produced by the proposed approach, four different types of fuzzy similarity measures were used: similarity based on Matching Function, similarity based on Euclidean Distance, similarity based on Set-Theoretic and similarity based on vector. These classification outcomes are also compared with classification drawn on the basis of statistical inference.  The finding of this study shows that both discrete fuzzy sets and continuous fuzzy sets produce consistent results regardless of whether the fuzzy similarity measure was used. Hence, the inclusion of other methods in FCM is particularly very useful for calculating the closeness coefficients and specifically addresses the shortcoming in FCM for job satisfaction evaluation. 
Climate change detection in penang island using deterministic interpolation methods
Authors: Kok Yang Chang , Pei Shan Fam , Lea Tien Tay
Published: May 2020

This paper presents detection of climate change in Penang Island by using precipitation data based on interpolation technique. Climate change brings about vast and everlasting effects on all living creatures on the Earth. These effects are especially detrimental towards heritage sites, landscapes and businesses based in Penang Island, Malaysia. This study focuses mainly on investigating the indication of climate change in Penang Island over the period of 2003-2018 by utilising sound application procedures of proven analysis methods. Two deterministic interpolation methods are used to produce new estimation points based on the precipitation data to enrich the monitoring network of rainfall stations in Penang Island. Monthly and monthly-average precipitation maps for Penang Island are produced by using inverse distance weighting interpolation method. Results reveal that seven out of twelve months of a year show increasing precipitation trends over the period of study and March is the only month that shows a decreasing trend in precipitation. Monthly-average precipitation in Penang Island also displays a gradual trend of precipitation increase over the period of study, further conforming the finding of monthly precipitation increase over the period of study. The finding of this study provides insight for local agriculturists and ministry to make better decision in response to climate change in Penang.
Student online marketplace for university community
Authors: Fahmi Ismail Mohd , Abdul Aziz Maslina , Syuhada Mohd Nor Fatin Nur , Syed Aris Syaripah Ruzaini , Zambri Suzana
Published: May 2020

This research presents student online marketplace for university community. In this study, we identify current issues faced by university students while starting their business. Based on the preliminary investigation, it was found out that there are a number of students doing part-time jobs and doing business to support their living expenses. There are varieties of businesses and services offered among students especially students staying in colleges. However, the main problem faced by students either as the buyer or the seller is there is no business platform to promote their products or services. Al-so, there is a lack of information regarding the business or services since most communications are done through h instant messaging apps such as WhatsApp and social media. By having a student online marketplace, the exchange of goods and services take place by having buyers and sellers being in contact with one another. This student online marketplace also helps small businesses to boost their sales, encourage new business start-up and inspire students who have business idea to help them to kick-start their business. Students are able to perform their business in a safe and secure environment.