bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of North Atlantic Freshwater Forcing on the Pacific Meridional Overturning Circulation under Glacial and Interglacial Conditions
Authors: Kim Hyo-Jeong , An Soon-Il
Published: May 2019

The Pacific meridional overturning circulation (PMOC) is not well known compared to the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC), due to its absence today. However, considering PMOC development under different climate conditions shown by proxy and modeling studies, a better understanding of PMOC is appropriate to properly assess the past and future climate change associated with global ocean circulation. Here, the PMOC response to freshwater forcing in the North Atlantic (NA) is investigated using an Earth system model of intermediate complexity under glacial (i.e., Last Glacial Maximum) and interglacial [i.e., preindustrial with/without inflow through Bering Strait (BS)] conditions. The water hosing over NA led to the shutdown of the AMOC, which accompanied an active PMOC except for the preindustrial condition with the opening BS, indicating that the emergence of the PMOC is constrained by the freshwater inflow through the BS, which hinders its destabilization through enhancing ocean stratification. However, the closure of the BS itself could not explain how the sinking motion is maintained in the North Pacific. Here we found that various atmospheric and oceanic processes are involved to sustain the active PMOC. First, an atmospheric teleconnection associated with the collapsed AMOC encouraged the evaporation in the sinking region, causing buoyancy loss at the surface of the North Pacific. Second, the strengthened subpolar gyre transported saltier water northward, enhancing dense water formation. Finally, the vigorous upwelling in the Southern Ocean enabled a consistent mass supply to the sinking region, with the aid of enhanced westerlies.
Observed Kinematic and Thermodynamic Structure in the Hurricane Boundary Layer during Intensity Change
Authors: Ahern Kyle , Bourassa Mark A. , Hart Robert E. , Zhang Jun A. , Rogers Robert F.
Published: May 2019

The axisymmetric structure of the inner-core hurricane boundary layer (BL) during intensification [IN; intensity tendency ≥20 kt (24 h)−1, where 1 kt ≈ 0.5144 m s−1], weakening [WE; intensity tendency <−10 kt (24 h)−1], and steady-state [SS; the remainder] periods are analyzed using composites of GPS dropwindsondes from reconnaissance missions between 1998 and 2015. A total of 3091 dropsondes were composited for analysis below 2.5-km elevation—1086 during IN, 1042 during WE, and 963 during SS. In nonintensifying hurricanes, the low-level tangential wind is greater outside the radius of maximum wind (RMW) than for intensifying hurricanes, implying higher inertial stability (I2) at those radii for nonintensifying hurricanes. Differences in tangential wind structure (and I2) between the groups also imply differences in secondary circulation. The IN radial inflow layer is of nearly equal or greater thickness than nonintensifying groups, and all groups show an inflow maximum just outside the RMW. Nonintensifying hurricanes have stronger inflow outside the eyewall region, likely associated with frictionally forced ascent out of the BL and enhanced subsidence into the BL at radii outside the RMW. Equivalent potential temperatures (θe) and conditional stability are highest inside the RMW of nonintensifying storms, which is potentially related to TC intensity. At greater radii, inflow layer θe is lowest in WE hurricanes, suggesting greater subsidence or more convective downdrafts at those radii compared to IN and SS hurricanes. Comparisons of prior observational and theoretical studies are highlighted, especially those relating BL structure to large-scale vortex structure, convection, and intensity.
An overview of various kinds of wind effects on unmanned aerial vehicle
Authors: Wang Bo Hang , Wang Dao Bo , Ali Zain Anwar , Ting Ting Bai , Wang Hao
Published: May 2019

Attitude, speed, and position of unmanned aerial vehicles are susceptible to wind disturbance. The types, characteristics, and mathematical models of the wind, which have great influence on unmanned aerial vehicle in the low-altitude environment, are summarized, including the constant wind, turbulent flow, many kinds of wind shear, and the propeller vortex. Combined with the mathematical model of the unmanned aerial vehicle, the mechanism of unmanned aerial vehicle movement in the wind field is illustrated from three different kinds of viewpoints including velocity viewpoint, force viewpoint, and energy viewpoint. Some simulation tests have been implemented to show the effects of different kinds of wind on unmanned aerial vehicle’s path and flight states. Finally, some proposals are presented to tell reader in which condition, which wind model should be added to simulation, and how to enhance the stability of unmanned aerial vehicle for different kinds of wind fields.
A mobile/desktop application to integrative science, technology, engineering, and mathematics project-based learning curriculum for continuous improvement
Authors: Yeh Chi-Tsai , Chen Ming-Chih
Published: May 2019

This paper presents an information application, which utilizes undergraduate project-based learning curriculum for continuous improvement year by year. The project work curriculum of the undergraduates in engineering college fully complies with the concept and spirit of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. They practice all the learning in campus to analyze, plan, and solve the problems they meet in their projects. With the progression, the adviser/mentor of the projects should give them some suggestions timely to find out the right direction. This paper proposed an ubiquitous information application to support the integrative science, technology, engineering, and mathematics project-based learning curriculum for continuous improvement. Finally, we have also successfully implemented and applied this application in Shih-Chien University Kaohsiung Campus, Taiwan since 2012. It helps 11 teachers and 772 undergraduates cooperate 258 project works for 11 years (iterations) for continuous improvement.
Work fatalities, bereaved families and the enforcement of OHS legislation
Authors: Matthews Lynda R , Johnstone Richard , Quinlan Michael , Rawlings-Way Olivia , Bohle Philip
Published: May 2019

There has been considerable research and policy debate over the enforcement and decriminalization of occupational health and safety legislation, particularly regarding its capacity to deal with serious harm. Reference has been made to community attitudes to work fatalities, but the perspectives of those most directly affected, the bereaved families, have received little attention. Drawing on evidence from detailed interviews with 44 Australian family members, this article seeks to rectify this omission. Findings highlight the importance of investigative and prosecutorial processes to bereaved families who seek justice, some assurance that culpable behaviours are not condoned, and the implementation of measures to prevent a recurrence. However, reinforcing previous research critical of the degree of enforcement and advocating for a more readily implementable offence of industrial manslaughter, the vast majority of those interviewed were critical of the processes that occurred. Far from assisting, these processes generally left families very dissatisfied with their experiences.
Differential Odds of Employment and Estimation of Earnings Among Those With Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Krause James S. , Dismuke-Greer Clara E. , Jarnecke Melinda , Reed Karla S.
Published: May 2019

Our purpose was to identify demographic, educational, and injury-related characteristics associated with odds of employment and estimates of differential earnings among participants with spinal cord injury (SCI). Self-report assessments were obtained from 1,983 participants who had traumatic SCI, were 18+ years old, and less than 65 years of age. All were recruited into the current cross-sectional study from previous studies of health and aging from the Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Midwestern participants had 2.41 higher odds of employment. Older age at injury was associated with lower odds of employment. There were no sex differences in the odds of employment, but women had an estimated US$19,431 lower conditional earnings. Non-Hispanic Blacks had 69% lower odds of employment, and those working had an estimated US$12,058 lower earnings. Ambulatory participants had higher odds of employment (odds ratio [OR] = 4.66) and higher conditional earnings (US$17,277) than those with the most severe SCI. Those with 4-year or postgraduate degrees had substantially higher odds of employment (OR = 4.15, OR = 5.72, respectively) and higher conditional earnings (US$29,990, US$44,580, respectively) compared with those with a high school certificate or less. These findings underscore the importance of policies to promote the optimal quality employment outcomes for people with SCI.
Epidemiological Profile of Hemophilia in Baghdad-Iraq
Authors: Kadhim Kamal Abdul Razzaq , Al-Lami Faris Hasan , Baldawi Kadhim Hussein
Published: May 2019

Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder that mainly affects males. Globally, there are about 400 000 people with hemophilia and only 25% of them receive adequate treatment. There is insufficient epidemiological data on hemophilia in Iraq; so, this study was conducted to determine the trend of the prevalence and incidence and to identify certain clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with hemophilia in Baghdad, Iraq, 2016. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the 4 hemophilia centers in Baghdad. The data were compiled by reviewing all hemophilia patients’ records and the centers’ registry books between 2007 and 2016. Corresponding population data of Baghdad were obtained from the Ministry of Health. The total number of currently registered patients who are residents of Baghdad was 654. The prevalence of hemophilia increased from 7.2/100 000 males in 2007 to 15.9/100 000 males in 2016. Similarly, the incidence of hemophilia had increased from 8.4/100 000 livebirths in 2007 to 16.3/100 000 livebirths in 2016. Severe hemophilia represented 63.4% of all types. The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and HIV infections were 22.9%, 0.9%, and 0.2%, respectively. Clotting factor inhibitors were positive in 11.6% and target joints were found among 45.1% of patients. About 27% were on prophylactic therapy. Only one death was recorded in 2016. The prevalence and incidence of hemophilia in Baghdad was doubled in 10-year period. The prevalence of different complications was almost close to the rates in the neighboring countries.
What Are the Risk Factors of Negative Patient Experience? A Cross-Sectional Study in Chinese Public Hospitals
Authors: Xie Jinzhu , Hu Yinhuan , Lu Chuntao , Fu Qiang , Carbone Jason T. , Wang Liuming , Deng Lu
Published: May 2019

Hospitals are struggling to involve patients and learn from their experience. The risk factor of patient experience is increasingly recognized as a critical component in improving patient experience. Our study explored risk factors of negative patient experience in order to improve the health-service quality of public hospitals. We conducted a cross-sectional study in Hubei province, China. A total of 583 respondents were surveyed by the Outpatient Experience Questionnaire with good validity and reliability in July 2015. T-tests were conducted to compare the experience scores among different outpatient groups. Multiple linear regression was performed to determine the significant factors that influenced the outpatient experience. Outpatients between 18 and 44 years old had the lowest experience scores (65.89 ± 0.79), whereas outpatients completely paying out-of-pocket had the lowest experience scores (64.68 ± 0.81) among all participants. Outpatients with poor self-rated health status had the lowest experience scores (66.14 ± 1.61) among different self-rated health status groups. While age, type of payment, and self-rated health status were significantly risk factors that influenced outpatient experience in the multiple linear regression. Thus, health-care providers should pay more attention to outpatients who are young (age <45), completely out-of-pocket and poor health status, and provide precision health care to improve outpatient experience.
The Iowa Gambling Task in Violent and Nonviolent Incarcerated Male Adolescents
Authors: Umbach Rebecca , Leonard Noelle R. , Luciana Monica , Ling Shichun , Laitner Christina
Published: May 2019

Previous studies have found impaired affective decision-making, as measured by the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), in various antisocial populations. This is the first study to compare the IGT in violent and nonviolent incarcerated American youth. The IGT was administered to 185 incarcerated adolescent male offenders charged with either nonviolent (38.4%) or violent (61.6%) crimes. General linear mixed models and t tests were used to assess differences between the groups. The full sample performed worse than if they had selected from the decks at random. The violent offenders performed more poorly than the nonviolent offenders overall, primarily because they preferred “disadvantageous” Deck B to a greater degree; however, they did demonstrate some degree of learning by the final block of the task. Adolescent offenders demonstrate impaired affective decision-making. Behavior suggested preferential attention to frequency of loss and amount of gain and inattention to amount of loss.
A cost effective power meter for lift systems based on a novel definition of total power factor
Authors: Chan Wai Lok , So Albert
Published: May 2019

Most lift systems are fed by a 3-Phase-3-Wire (3P3W) supply with unbalanced line currents and slightly unbalanced line voltages, as experienced by the authors. Then, power meters available in the market may not give a consistent total power factor (TPF), one important electrical parameter to describe how well the supply feeds its load for lift systems because existing definitions have not been developed to take care of such situations. The main problem is related to the estimation of the apparent power, S, of an unbalanced 3P3W system. A new definition mainly for 3P3W lift systems was previously proposed from the supply perspective, with a new method to convert the measurable three line voltages into hypothetical 3-phase voltages of such 3P3W system. This definition was recently adopted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government in the latest building energy code. In this article, the following contributions are made. The method of conversion was shown to bear a special meaning in geometry, where the sum of magnitudes of the three hypothetical phase voltages is minimum. A new definition of TPF from the load point of view was proposed and compared with that from the supply point of view. For the sake of statutory implementation of the definition in Hong Kong, a new digital power meter specialized for a lift or escalator system was developed. Such power meter is of low cost and optimal design due to the use of only four channels of data sampling versus the six channels of meters commonly available in the market.
Determining the impact of air-side cleaning for heat exchangers in ventilation systems
Authors: Abdul Hamid Akram , Johansson Dennis , Lempart Michael
Published: May 2019

Cleaning coils can be an efficient way to reduce the need for reparations and maintain the functionality of a ventilation system. This study builds upon existing knowledge concerning the contamination of heat exchangers. Through field measurements on coils and heat-recovery units, a laboratory experiment on a coil, and a generic calculation example, this study determines the impact of sustained contamination on heat-recovery units with regards to energy use. Field measurements made before and after cleaning of heat exchangers show an average increase in the pressure drop by 12% and decrease in the thermal exchange efficiency by 8.1% due to mass deposited on the surface of the heat exchangers. Results from a laboratory test show a correlation between the mass deposited on a coil and (1) the increase in pressure drop over the coil, as well as (2) a diminishing heat exchange. Accumulating contamination on heat-recovery units in residential and commercial buildings (over time) is then linked to increasing pressure drop and diminishing thermal efficiency. With models based on these links, energy loss over time is calculated based on a generic calculation example in a realistic scenario.

Practical application: The results from this study emphasize the need for maintenance of buildings with ventilation systems with coils, but more so those with heat-recovery units. The presented field measurements and laboratory study correlate energy loss with sustained accumulation of contaminants on coils and heat-recovery units. These results should serve as a recommendation to property owners considering maintenance of such units in their buildings.
Modified Infrahyoid Myocutaneous Flap for Laryngopharyngeal Reconstruction
Authors: Yan Danqing , Zhang Jian , Min Xiang
Published: May 2019

The laryngopharyngeal reconstruction in patients with pyriform sinus carcinoma continues to be a challenge for surgeons. In this article, we describe our experience with laryngopharyngeal reconstruction in patients with pyriform sinus carcinoma using the modified infrahyoid myocutaneous flap (IHMCF). The modified incision design for the modified IHMCF and clinical outcomes are also detailed here. Between January 2012 and February 2018, 10 patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent laryngopharyngeal reconstruction using the modified IHMCF after hemicricolaryngopharyngectomy were included in this study. The drainage vessels of the modified IHMCF, oncological outcomes, and functional reservation of the larynx were recorded. All of the flaps survived well. No flap necrosis or other major complications occurred during follow-up. None of the patients remained on nasogastric feeding for more than 4 weeks postoperatively. The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 73 months (mean, 36 months). In our series, 6 patients were successfully decannulated and 5 had received radiation therapy. We roughly assessed the speech and swallowing functions, and the outcomes seemed acceptable in all of the patients after surgery. Laryngoscopic examination showed that the modified IHMCF survived well and the new glottis provided excellent function and good ventilation results. In our experience, the modified IHMCF is a safe and viable procedure that can serve as a valid alternative to free flaps and the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap to reconstruct laryngopharyngeal defects.
‘That’s not necessarily for them’: LGBTIQ+ young people, social media platform affordances and identity curation
Authors: Hanckel Benjamin , Vivienne Son , Byron Paul , Robards Brady , Churchill Brendan
Published: May 2019

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and other non-heterosexual and gender diverse (LGBTIQ+) young people utilise a range of digital media platforms to explore identity, find support and manage boundaries. Less well understood, however, is how they navigate risk and rewards across the different social media platforms that are part of their everyday lives. In this study, we draw on the concept of affordances, as well as recent work on curation, to examine 23 in-depth interviews with LGBTIQ+ young people about their uses of social media. Our findings show how the affordances of platforms used by LGBTIQ+ young people, and the contexts of their engagement, situate and inform a typology of uses. These practices – focused on finding, building and fostering support – draw on young people’s social media literacies, where their affective experiences range from feelings of safety, security and control, to fear, disappointment and anger. These practices also work to manage boundaries between what is ‘for them’ (family, work colleagues, friends) and ‘not for them’. This work allowed our participants to mitigate risk, and circumnavigate normative platform policies and norms, contributing to queer-world building beyond the self. In doing so, we argue that young people’s social media curation strategies contribute to their health and well-being.
Gaining trust: the articulation of transparency by You Tube fashion and beauty content creators
Authors: Dekavalla Marina
Published: May 2019

This article proposes a new typology of transparency markers in fashion and beauty You Tube videos. It looks at how online content creators disclose the process of selecting and featuring products in their videos and analyses their discursive performance of transparency. It argues that these content creators employ a mix of routines of transparency, authenticity and independence, which they perform simultaneously, constructing themselves as trustworthy. The article suggests that, although restricted in both their extent and regularity, these tactics are complex and offer a glimpse on some of the processes that shape content in beauty and fashion media, which are not normally acknowledged in the magazine press. The article contributes to a better understanding of the manifestation of transparency in new media forms.
Does violence beget violence? The role of family ethnic socialization and intergroup bias among youth in a setting of protracted intergroup conflict
Authors: Taylor Laura K. , McKeown Shelley
Published: May 2019

Does violence beget violence among youth in a setting of protracted conflict? Framed by a developmental intergroup approach, this paper examines the mediating roles of family ethnic socialization and intergroup bias. Two time points from 466 (50% female/50% male, 51% Catholic/49% Protestant) 14- to 16-year-olds in Northern Ireland were analyzed. Bootstrapped chain mediation found that previous experience with sectarianism, or intergroup violence, was positively related to family ethnic socialization, which predicted later intergroup bias, which was related to higher levels of adolescent participation in sectarian antisocial behavior. Findings identify the importance of family processes in the link from experiencing to committing sectarian acts. Implications for preventing youth participation in sectarianism are discussed.
Two-stage weaning strategy using veno-veno-arterial perfusion for patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation following cardiogenic shock
Authors: Haldenwang Peter Lukas , Baumann Andreas , Elghannam Mahmoud , Schlömicher Markus , Buchwald Dirk , Klak Krzysztof , Strauch Justus Thomas
Published: May 2019

Objectives:

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation represents the last therapy option in refractory cardiogenic shock. Successful weaning becomes difficult if the myocardial function recovers but pulmonary impairment persists. We present our experience with a new weaning strategy, using a stepwise mode-switch from veno-arterial to veno-veno-arterial and veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation setting for patients with primary cardiogenic shock and subsequent respiratory failure.

Methods:

From 81 patients treated with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation following acute cardiogenic shock between January 2014 and April 2018, eight patients with cardiac and pulmonary failure were identified to be treated using the following protocol: patients were put on veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, a second inflow cannula was inserted via the right jugular vein and cardiac weaning was performed via veno-veno-arterial support. Finally, patients were pulmonary weaned via veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation mode.

Results:

In the mode-switch group, etiologies of cardiogenic shock were cardiac arrest (12.5%), myocardial infarction (12.5%) and post-cardiotomic heart failure (75%). Mean time between onset of cardiogenic shock and start of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was 76 ± 117 min. At implantation, lactate and pH values were 9.5 ± 5.0 mmol/L and 7.2 ± 0.2. Total extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-time was 9.3 ± 4.7 days, with a mode-switch from veno-arterial to veno-veno-arterial after 3.9 ± 2.7 days. The weaning rate in the mode-switch group was 75% (vs. 41% in the entire cohort) and the 30-day survival was 50% (vs 32% in the cohort). 38% of the patients presented a favorable neurological outcome.

Conclusion:

Mode-switch from veno-arterial to veno-veno-arterial and weaning via veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation mode is feasible for combined cardiac and pulmonary failure, with promising results due to an optimized pre-pulmonary oxygenation.
User testing of the psychometric properties of pictorial-based disability assessment Longshi Scale by healthcare professionals and non-professionals: a Chinese study in Shenzhen
Authors: Wang Yulong , Guo Shanshan , Zheng Jiejiao , Wang Qing Mei , Zhang Yuling , Liang Zhenwen , Zhang Lihai , Yang Yi , Zhai Haohan , Chen Miaoling , Wang Yuzhen , Li Yawei , Lyu Xing , Li Xuhui , Geng Hongli , Zhu Xiaolong , Yu Fei , Yuan Jian , Zhou Jing , Liu Fang , Luo Haoming , Long Jianjun , Chen Wensheng , Li Hua , Fu Guanqi , Zhou Chunxiu , Zhang Jiehong , Wang Yao , Huo Yongyang , Ke Xiujun , Zeng Yuanyuan , Liu Jiayu , Xing Hailan , Xiao Huixiang , Jiao Rui , Wu Miao , Tang Qiang , Luo Xun
Published: May 2019

Objective:

The aim of this study was to validate a novel pictorial-based Longshi Scale for evaluating a patient’s disability by healthcare professionals and non-professionals.

Design:

Prospective study.

Setting:

Rehabilitation departments from a grade A, class 3 public hospital, a grade B, class 2 public hospital, and a private hospital and seven community rehabilitation centers.

Subjects:

A total of 618 patients and 251 patients with functional disabilities were recruited in a two-phase study, respectively.

Main measures:

Outcome measure: pictorial scale of activities of daily living (ADLs, Longshi Scale). Reference measure: Barthel Index. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to analyze the validity of Longshi Scale against Barthel Index.

Results:

In phase 1 study, from March 2016 to August 2016, the results demonstrated that the Longshi Scale was both reliable and valid (intraclass correlation coefficient based on two-way random effect (ICC2,1) = 0.877–0.974 for intra-rater reliability; ICC2,1 = 0.928–0.979; κ = 0.679–1.000 for inter-rater reliability; intraclass correlation coefficient based on one-way random effect (ICC1,1) = 0.921–0.984 for test–retest reliability and Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.836–0.899). In the second phase, in March 2018, results further demonstrated that the Longshi Scale had good inter-rater and intra-rater reliability among healthcare professionals and non-professionals including therapists, interns, and personal care aids (ICC1,1 = 0.822–0.882 on Day 1; ICC1,1 = 0.842–0.899 on Day 7 for inter-rater reliability). In addition, the Longshi Scale decreased assessment time significantly, compared with the Barthel Index assessment ( P < 0.01).

Conclusion:

The Longshi Scale could potentially provide an efficient way for healthcare professionals and non-professionals who may have minimal training to assess the ADLs of functionally disabled patients.
Learning to guide task and motion planning using score-space representation
Authors: Kim Beomjoon , Wang Zi , Kaelbling Leslie Pack , Lozano-Pérez Tomás
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we propose a learning algorithm that speeds up the search in task and motion planning problems. Our algorithm proposes solutions to three different challenges that arise in learning to improve planning efficiency: what to predict, how to represent a planning problem instance, and how to transfer knowledge from one problem instance to another. We propose a method that predicts constraints on the search space based on a generic representation of a planning problem instance, called score-space, where we represent a problem instance in terms of the performance of a set of solutions attempted so far. Using this representation, we transfer knowledge, in the form of constraints, from previous problems based on the similarity in score-space. We design a sequential algorithm that efficiently predicts these constraints, and evaluate it in three different challenging task and motion planning problems. Results indicate that our approach performs orders of magnitudes faster than an unguided planner.
A dataset of daily interactive manipulation
Authors: Huang Yongqiang , Sun Yu
Published: May 2019

Robots that succeed in factories may struggle to complete even the simplest daily task that humans take for granted, because the change of environment makes the task exceedingly difficult. Aiming to teach robots to perform daily interactive manipulation in a changing environment using human demonstrations, we collected our own data of interactive manipulation. The dataset focuses on the position, orientation, force, and torque of objects manipulated in daily tasks. The dataset includes 1,603 trials of 32 types of daily motions and 1,596 trials of pouring alone, as well as helper code. We present our dataset to facilitate the research on task-oriented interactive manipulation.
Individualized contrast agents injection protocol tailored to body surface area in coronary computed tomography angiography
Authors: Yu Yitong , Yin Weihua , Liao Kai , Liu Ting , Wang Ximing , Sun Kai , Lu Bin
Published: May 2019

Background

The degree of intravascular enhancement influences the diagnosis of plaque in coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA).

Purpose

To evaluate whether the protocol tailored to body surface area (BSA) achieving identical enhancement in different habitus patients receiving different concentration contrast agents (CA) in coronary CTA.

Material and Methods

Patients undergoing coronary CTA randomly received a different concentration of CA with a protocol adapted to BSA. Attenuation and standard deviation were measured at ascending aorta (AAo), left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD), right coronary artery (RCA), paraspinal muscle and peri-coronary adipose tissue. Attenuation and Contrast-to-Noise-Ratio (CNR) were compared among CA groups and BMI-subgroups. Data were compared using ANOVA one-way test, paired Student t test, chi-square test and Kappa test.

Results

In different CA concentration groups, there were no significant differences in attenuation of AAo (477.72, 486.98, 474.50 HU, P = 0.29), LAD proximal (478.47, 487.50, 476.21 HU, P = 0.25) and distal portion (448.81, 451.94, 443.83 HU, P = 0.28), RCA proximal (463.11, 465.60, 479.66 HU, P = 0.09) and distal portion (438.90, 441.36, 448.49 HU, P = 0.27). The enhancement of coronary distal portion were lower than proximal portion (all P < 0.01). No significant differences in CNR of LAD (43.24, 47.37, 44.47, P = 0.12) and RCA (51.74, 50.86, 51.86, P = 0.77) were found among CA groups. There were no significant differences in vascular enhancement among BMI-subgroups (all P > 0.05). Overall subjective image quality and agreement were good.

Conclusion

With the CA injection protocol tailored to BSA, it is feasible to obtain consistent contrast enhancement and image quality in coronary CTA, regardless of CA concentration and patient habitus.
Unusual rapid resolution of postsclerectomy exudative retinal detachment with topical NSAIDs therapy in a case of nanophthalmos
Authors: Tong Boding , Wang Chao , Qi Xin
Published: May 2019

Nanophthalmos is a developmental ocular malformation that has been associated with high risks of uveal effusion syndrome and exudative retinal detachment (ERD). A variety of surgical procedures and systemic/topical steroids have been described as effective for treatment of ERD. However, the possibility of side effects should be considered. Here, we describe a patient with nanophthalmos who was treated for recurrent ERD during long-term follow-up, and we discuss non-surgical treatment options that are available in such cases. A 43-year-old woman with bilateral nanophthalmos exhibited ERD in her right eye for one month. After partial thickness sclerectomy with central sclerostomy, the retina was completely reattached. However, ERD recurred 3 years later. The patient refused surgery; therefore, we employed conservative treatment of topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and observation. One month later, the retina was completely reattached. To the best of our knowledge, no previous report has described resolution of recurrent ERD in a patient with nanophthalmos using NSAIDs during long-term follow-up after successful surgical treatment. Our success using this approach suggests that it could be used as alternative treatment for ERD in patients with nanophthalmos before application of further treatments.
Women Released From Custody: Investigating Risk Factors and Reoffending
Authors: De Rooy Kathleen , Bennett Sarah , Sydes Michelle
Published: May 2019

This article draws on life-course and desistance theory to explore the relationship between the factors of age, ethnicity, offence type, and incarceration history for a sample of 1,035 women released from custody between January 2013 and January 2014, data gathered from the Australian Queensland Corrective Services administrative dataset. It also explores their impact on recidivism and the time between release and reoffending (known as “time to failure”) until September 2017. The data indicate substantial rates of reoffending with 70% of the sample reoffending (a return to custody/parole/probation) within the 2- to 4-year observation period. Notably, 50% of women reoffended in their first year post-release, 36% within 6 months, and 23% within the first 3 months. Regression results show that violent offenders are considerably more likely to be recidivists and older offenders are less likely to be recidivists; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander offenders were also more likely to reoffend. Incarceration history is significantly associated with reoffending and “time to failure”. It is clear that there needs to be increased intervention and support for female offenders during the first 2 years post-release from custody. This is particularly important for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and those with an extensive history of incarceration.
Trends in evapotranspiration and its drivers in Great Britain: 1961 to 2015
Authors: Blyth Eleanor M , Martínez-de la Torre Alberto , Robinson Emma L
Published: May 2019

In a warming climate, the water budget of the land is subject to varying forces such as increasing evaporative demand, mainly through the increased temperature, and changes to the precipitation, which might go up or down. Using a verified, physically based model with 55 years of observation-based meteorological forcing, an analysis of the water budget demonstrates that Great Britain is getting warmer and wetter. Increases in precipitation (2.96.0 ± 2.03 mm yr–1 yr–1) and air temperature (0.20 ± 0.13 K decade–1) are driving increases in runoff (2.18 ± 1.84 mm yr–1 yr–1) and evapotranspiration (0.87 ± 0.55 mm yr–1 yr–1), with no significant trend in the soil moisture. The change in evapotranspiration is roughly constant across the regions, whereas runoff varies greatly between regions: the biggest change is seen in Scotland (4.56 ± 2.82 mm yr–1 yr–1), where precipitation increases were also the greatest (5.4 ± 3.0 mm yr–1 yr–1), and the smallest trend (0.33 ± 1.50 mm yr–1 yr–1, not statistically significant) is seen in the English Lowlands (East Anglia and Midlands), where the increase in rainfall is not statistically significant (1.07 ± 1.76 mm yr–1 yr–1). Relative to its contribution to the evapotranspiration budget, the increase in interception is higher than the other components. This is due to the fact that it correlates strongly with precipitation, which is seeing a greater increase than the potential evapotranspiration. This leads to a higher increase in actual evapotranspiration than the potential evapotranspiration, and a negligible increase in soil moisture or groundwater store.
Evidence on compensation consultant fees and CEO pay
Authors: Grosse Matthew , Ma Nelson , Scott Tom
Published: May 2019

Regulators and previous research have expressed concern about the effect of compensation consultants on CEO pay. We use the Australian setting, where fees for both compensation and other consulting services supplied by compensation consultants are mandated disclosures for all firms, to provide evidence on the role of compensation consultants on CEO pay. We find that the use of compensation consultants or remuneration advisers, fees for compensation services and positive residual compensation service fees are associated with higher CEO pay. In contrast, both the provision and the proportion of fees from other services provided by compensation consultants are not. Furthermore, these positive associations are not observed when a Big 4 accounting firm is the compensation consultant.

JEL Classification: G38, M12, M48, M52
Updating Annual Average Daily Traffic Estimates at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings with Geographically Weighted Poisson Regression
Authors: Liu Huiyuan , Lee Myungwoo , Khattak Aemal J.
Published: May 2019

Highway-rail grade crossings (HRGCs) are unique nodes in the transportation system that facilitate the movement of rail and highway traffic. Various mathematical models are available that provide safety assessments of HRGCs. A chief ingredient of these models is the annual average daily traffic (AADT). One of the main sources of data for such models is the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)’s Grade Crossing Inventory. A substantial portion of the AADT data in the inventory is outdated. This paper investigates the effects of using out-of-date rather than up-to-date AADT values, using two safety assessment models to isolate the differences. Results show that the use of out-of-date AADT data generates biased rankings of HRGCs based on safety considerations. Since collection of AADT data is resource-intense, a methodology based on a geographic information system for estimating updated AADT is presented. This methodology utilizes limited traffic counts that are supplemented with additional publicly available data. An application using a geographically weighted Poisson regression model for 14 HRGCs gave results that closely matched AADT values based on 2018 field traffic counts at those HRGCs. This method provides an alternative to costly field-data-based updating of AADT in the relatively extensive Grade Crossing Inventory database. Limitations of the research and suggestions for future research complete this paper.
Case Study of Crash Severity Spatial Pattern Identification in Hot Spot Analysis
Authors: Lee Myungwoo , Khattak Aemal J.
Published: May 2019

Traffic crash hot spot analyses allow identification of roadway segments that may be of safety concern. Understanding geographic patterns of existing motor vehicle crashes is one of the primary steps for geostatistical-based hot spot analysis. Much of the current literature, however, has not paid particular attention to differentiating among cluster types based on crash severity levels. This study aims at building a framework for identifying significant spatial clustering patterns characterized by crash severity and analyzing identified clusters quantitatively. A case study using an integrated method of network-based local spatial autocorrelation and the Kernel density estimation method revealed a strong spatial relationship between crash severity clusters and geographic regions. In addition, the total aggregated distance and the density of identified clusters obtained from density estimation allowed a quantitative analysis for each cluster. The contribution of this research is incorporating crash severity into hot spot analysis thereby allowing more informed decision making with respect to highway safety.
Design of a Dual-Modal Signal Progression Model for Urban Arterials Accommodating Heavy Transit and Passenger Car Flows
Authors: Cheng Yao , Kim Hyeonmi , Chang Gang-Len
Published: May 2019

Despite extensive studies aiming at contending with congestion on urban arterials, an effective model to produce optimal signal progression for an arterial experiencing heavy bus and passenger car flows remains unavailable. In response to such needs, this study presents a bandwidth maximization model that can offer concurrent progression to both modes or to a selected mode(s) in a selected direction(s), based on traffic volume, bus ratio, and geometric conditions. To capture the operational features of both modes, the proposed model has effectively taken into account all critical issues that may result in mutual impedance between them, which include the potential blockage by passenger car queues of roadside bus stops, the excessive start-up delays caused by transit vehicles queueing at the intersection stop line, and the reduced travel lanes for progressing flows caused by buses dwelling at roadside stations with limited storage capacity. In addition, by weighting the bandwidths with the passenger volumes by mode and by direction, the proposed model is capable of offering progression only to the mode(s) and the direction(s) for which it is justified from the perspective of maximizing the benefits to all arterial users. The numerical analysis results have confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed model in producing concurrent progression bands for both modes under various realistic constraints and volume levels. Further evaluation with extensive simulation experiments has also demonstrated that the benefits offered by the proposed model will not be at the cost of other measures of effectiveness.
Estimating Benefits of Automated Commercial Vehicle Enforcement
Authors: Forlines Grayson L. , Martin S. Andrew , Keathley Valerie , Kissick Jerry , Walton Jennifer
Published: May 2019

Automated enforcement of commercial vehicle regulations is one potential method through which states can generate revenue and improve safety compliance by more efficiently directing the attention of law enforcement and state Department of Transportation (DOT) officials to non-compliant carriers and identifying carriers who may be evading taxes. This paper estimates the potential benefits of remote enforcement of weight–distance tax regulations in Kentucky, United States (U.S.) using data from camera-equipped Kentucky Automated Truck Screening (KATS) systems and PrePass weigh stations in Kentucky, and links these data sources with administrative tax returns and Kentucky State Police citation data. This research estimates that remote enforcement and identification of tax evaders could generate up to $10.4 million annually in revenue. Implementation of KATS weigh stations increases monthly impounds by approximately $5,000 per station, or about 160%. Overall, the results indicate that remote enforcement can assist state DOTs and law enforcement agencies targeting non-compliant carriers and may be an effective tax enforcement tool for states.
Comparative Effectiveness of Cartilage Repair With Respect to the Minimal Clinically Important Difference
Authors: Jones Kristofer J. , Kelley Benjamin V. , Arshi Armin , McAllister David R. , Fabricant Peter D.
Published: May 2019

Background:

Recent studies demonstrated a 5% increase in cartilage repair procedures annually in the United States. There is currently no consensus regarding a superior technique, nor has there been a comprehensive evaluation of postoperative clinical outcomes with respect to a minimal clinically important difference (MCID).

Purpose:

To determine the proportion of available cartilage repair studies that meet or exceed MCID values for clinical outcomes improvement over short-, mid-, and long-term follow-up.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods:

A systematic review was performed via the Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases. Available studies were included that investigated clinical outcomes for microfracture (MFX), osteoarticular transfer system (OATS), osteochondral allograft transplantation, and autologous chondrocyte implantation/matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI/MACI) for the treatment of symptomatic knee chondral defects. Cohorts were combined on the basis of surgical intervention by performing a meta-analysis that utilized inverse-variance weighting in a DerSimonian-Laird random effects model. Weighted mean improvements in International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm, and visual analog scale for pain (VAS pain) scores were calculated from preoperative to short- (1-4 years), mid- (5-9 years), and long-term (≥10 years) postoperative follow-up. Mean values were compared with established MCID values per 2-tailed 1-sample Student t tests.

Results:

A total of 89 studies with 3894 unique patients were analyzed after full-text review. MFX met MCID values for all outcome scores at short- and midterm follow-up with the exception of VAS pain in the midterm. OATS met MCID values for all outcome scores at all available time points; however, long-term data were not available for VAS pain. Osteochondral allograft transplantation met MCID values for IKDC at short- and midterm follow-up and for Lysholm at short-term follow-up, although data were not available for other time points or for VAS pain. ACI/MACI met MCID values for all outcome scores (IKDC, Lysholm, and VAS pain) at all time points.

Conclusion:

In the age of informed consent, it is important to critically evaluate the clinical outcomes and durability of cartilage surgery with respect to well-established standards of clinical improvement. MFX failed to maintain VAS pain improvements above MCID thresholds with follow-up from 5 to 9 years. All cartilage repair procedures met MCID values at short- and midterm follow-up for IKDC and Lysholm scores; ACI/MACI and OATS additionally met MCID values in the long term, demonstrating extended maintenance of clinical benefits for patients undergoing these surgical interventions as compared with MFX.
Neighborhoods, Work, and Health: Forging New Paths Between Social Determinism and Well-Being
Authors: Terry Paul E.
Published: May 2019

Tribalism in America and our polarized body politic has, sadly, become part of our daily digest. Is it possible that place-based discrimination will be shown to be an even more powerful impediment to our collective well-being than other formidable health influencers like race or income? If so, how would such a social diagnosis inform strategic planning in health promotion? Waddell and Reed wrote about “possible causal pathways” that show the interaction effects, both positive and negative, between work, health, and well-being. That businesses have focused on individual choices, rather than social influences, is not merely a philosophical leaning of the private sector. Individualism has dominated collectivism in the health care, health research, and health promotion sectors as well. Of the $36 billion approved this year to fund the National Institutes of Health, most will go to biomedical research and a paltry $11 million will be allocated to worksite health promotion. Similarly, in spite of the training of public health professionals about the primacy of social determinants as a predictor of well-being, health education and behavior research over the past 2 decades has overwhelmingly focused on individual interventions and interpersonal characteristics. A new federal survey of worksite health promotion in America shows modest growth in the past decade in the number of companies sponsoring comprehensive approaches to worksite health promotion. However, of the 5 elements constituting a comprehensive approach, the greatest gain in the past two decades has been the increase in companies offering a supportive social and physical environment. This editorial argues that we must think more deliberately about the causal chain that links neighborly social support and collective well-being if we are ever to solve for related issues like obesity, mental illness, and addiction.