bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Should all other biologists follow the lead of virologists and stop italicizing the names of living organisms? A proposal
Authors: CALISHER CHARLES H. , VAN REGENMORTEL MARC H. V.
Published: July 2019

As thousands of viruses were discovered over the years, they were given common names in English and in other languages. Then, about 20 years ago, the category “species” was introduced in virology and the vernacular names of viruses were adopted for use as species nomina and were italicized to indicate that they then referred to taxonomic entities. As a result, virologists should write that a patient was infected “with measles virus” but not “with the species Measles virus” nor with “the genus Morbillivirus”, since taxonomic classes cannot cause infections. In other fields of biology the great majority of organisms only have Latin species nomina, written in italics, and no vernacular name. As a result, it will be said that a patient was infected with Bacillus anthracis, as though that taxonomic entity were able to cause a disease. What is meant, of course, is that the infection was caused by a bacterium that is a member of the species Bacillus anthracis. Attributing the infection to a species instead of an organism arises because of the absence of vernacular names for many organisms. However, this logical muddle could be avoided if the writer would use the species nomina of the disease-causing organisms but wrote them in unitalicized Roman letters, as is done with viruses. To do away with logically ill-formed statements, we propose that the names of all biological entities for which there is no common name be derived from the species nomen but written in unitalicized Roman letters. The italicized style would then be reserved for the species to which the entity belongs.
Coastal fish diversity of the Socotra Archipelago, Yemen
Authors: ZAJONZ UWE , LAVERGNE EDOUARD , BOGORODSKY SERGEY V. , SAEED FOUAD NASEEB , AIDEED MOTEAH SHEIKH , KRUPP FRIEDHELM
Published: July 2019

The Socotra Archipelago, located in the eastern Gulf of Aden, has a unique marine environment which combines tropical and ‘pseudo-temperate’ elements. Studies on the fish biogeography of the archipelago, partially framed in regional studies, have substantially outpaced critical elementary research on the archipelago’s fish diversity. The present study seeks to close this gap and identifies the Socotra Archipelago as a major hotspot of coastal fish diversity in the Indian Ocean.       The archipelago supports unique coastal fish assemblages which are predominantly composed of coral-associated (“reef”) species, in spite of the limited biogenic reef frameworks. A Preliminary Checklist comprises 682 species with confirmed records and a “Working List” includes an additional 51 records, totalling 733 faunal records in 108 families. The family Labridae is the most speciose, followed by Gobiidae, Pomacentridae, Serranidae and Chaetodontidae. The species richness of the archipelago is the highest when compared to adjacent Arabian ecoregions. The richness of the Acanthuridae, Chaetodontidae, Labridae, Pomacentridae and Pseudochromidae stand out as particularily high, and the richness of several families is as high as or higher than in the entire Red Sea. The total archipelagic richness is extrapolated at up to 875 species based on incidence-based richness models and expert opinion. Inshore fish inventories, covering 497 species, found between 14 and 132 species per site (x̄ = 66). Site diversity decreased across the archipelago from west to east and from north to south. Total fish diversity was highest around Socotra Island, followed by Abd al-Kuri & Kal Farun and Darsa & Samha. Occurrence frequencies were very unevenly distributed and dominated by Pomacentrus caeruleus and Thalassoma lunare, whilst many species were infrequent. The fish assemblages are dominated by species from the Indo-West Pacific and the north-western Indian Ocean. The assemblages are rich in rare species and hybrids, and include a low number of endemics (4–5), and a high number of species with far-reaching and Western Indian Ocean ranges.
Applying Unidimensional Models for Semiordered Data to Scale Data With Neutral Responses
Authors: Cohn Sophie , Huggins-Manley Anne Corinne
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether a recently developed semiordered model can be used to explore the functioning of neutral response options in rating scale data. Huggins-Manley, Algina, and Zhou developed a class of unidimensional models for semiordered data within scale items (i.e., items with both ordered response categories and an additional nominal response category) and found promising results when applying them to scale data with Not Applicable response categories. In this study, we extended the application of the semi–partial credit model (PCM) to evaluate whether the semi-PCM can be used to calibrate potentially unordered neutral responses in rating scale data, and if so, how the approach compares with alternate methods of dealing with the neutral response option. Findings indicate that the semi-PCM can (a) assist practitioners in evaluating the ordered or unordered nature of neutral responses and (b) provide a viable alternative for θ estimation in the presence of an unordered neutral category. The process used in this study also provides a methodological framework for researchers and practitioners to use when dealing with neutral responses in their own data.
“One Out of Ten Ain’t Going to Make It”: An Analysis of Recovery Capital in the Rural Upper Midwest
Authors: Palombi Laura , Hawthorne Amanda N. , Irish Andrew , Becher Emily , Bowen Elizabeth
Published: July 2019

Substance use and associated fatalities are disproportionately experienced by rural communities. This study used consensual qualitative research methodology to analyze focus group data from individuals in short- and long-term recovery in rural Michigan and Minnesota. Coding was conducted within a recovery capital framework to improve understanding of the resources and barriers participants experienced in their recovery. Key findings included barriers related to transportation, as well as access to and availability of sober meetings and sober living activities. Participants perceived connections to culturally appropriate treatment as particularly important. A reconstruction of social networks from those promoting addiction to those supporting recovery was also prominently emphasized. Recovery capital appears to be a useful framework for assessing how rural communities are experiencing substance use crises, in addition to identifying areas of low capital and high need in supporting long-term recovery.
A Comparative Analysis Between Primary and Secondary Nasal Tip Drooping
Authors: Min Hyun Jin , Lee Sae Bin , Kim Kyung Soo
Published: July 2019

Objective:

Recently, many commercial one-piece alloplastic materials are used in nasal dorsum augmentation and increased nasal tip projection, but there is no study about their effects with regard to size on nasal shape so far. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of oversized one-piece alloplastic implant on nasal tip projection.

Methods:

We categorized nasal tip drooping as primary (group 1: no rhinoplasty or trauma history) and secondary (group 2: previous history of augmentation rhinoplasty with one-piece alloplastic materials), and retrospectively compared the characteristics of primary and secondary nasal tip drooping on the basis of pre- and postoperative rhinological parameters (nasolabial angle [NLA], rotation angle, nasofrontal angle [NFA], and Goode ratio).

Results:

A total of 50 patients were enrolled and completely reviewed. The mean age was 27.46 years (ranging from 19 to 49 years) in group 1 and 31.33 years (ranging from 20 to 47 years) in group 2. The postoperative NLA and rotation angle were not statistically different between 2 groups, but the postoperative NFA and postoperative Goode ratio were statistically different between 2 groups by independent t test. When we further performed univariate and multivariate analysis, the postoperative Goode ratio was the only factor that was significantly different between the 2 groups.

Conclusion:

Insertion of one-piece alloplastic implants from nasal tip glabella to dome of nasal tip may induce secondary nasal tip drooping. The degree of recovery of nasal tip projection is different between 2 groups and may be obtained by a more delicate surgical techniques.
Political participation under conditions of (democratic) duress
Authors: Pham Lien , Kaleja Ance
Published: July 2019

Drawing on Amartya Sen’s concept of agency and capability, this article explores political participation in three dimensions: individual dispositions, opportunities for participation, and processes of participation. It presents an analytical approach that examines these dimensions in relation to practices of participation as interactions between the State and citizens within and outside of political institutions. Two examples are used to illustrate the utility of this approach in states where democratic institutions are deficient. The first example historically traces the evolution of tribal informal institutions in Jordan to demonstrate how and why they mediate people’s participation in the public sphere. The second example uses narrative inquiry to explore community activists’ aspiration for and commitment to political expression through social media in Vietnam. Both examples suggest that a country’s political institutions and its rule of law may shape political cultures and societal values of participation, but it is the individuals’ recognition and response to these structures that ultimately create their motivations and the opportunities for them to participate. The article emphasises the importance of understanding the contexts in which the respective tradition of political participation takes place in order to understand the outcomes as well as the conditions for participation, especially in contexts that theoretically qualify as authoritarian.
Comparison of financial support for family caregivers of people at the end of life across six countries: A descriptive study
Authors: Gardiner Clare , Taylor Beth , Robinson Jackie , Gott Merryn
Published: July 2019

Background:

Family caregivers of people at the end of life can face significant financial burden. While appropriate financial support can reduce the burden for family caregivers, little is known about the range and adequacy of financial support, welfare and benefits for family caregivers across countries with similarly developed health care systems.

Aim:

The aim is o identify and compare sources of financial support for family caregivers of people approaching the end of life, across six countries with similarly performing health care systems (Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States).

Design:

A survey of financial support, welfare and benefits for end of life family caregivers was completed by 99 palliative care experts from the six countries. Grey literature searches and academic database searches were also conducted. Comparative analyses of all data sources documented financial support within and between each country.

Results:

Some form of financial support for family caregivers is available in all six countries; however the type, extent and reach of support vary. Financial support is administered by multiple agencies, eligibility criteria for receiving support are numerous and complex, and there is considerable inequity in the provision of support.

Conclusion:

Numerous barriers exist to the receipt of financial support, welfare and benefits. We identified several areas of concern, including a lack of clarity around eligibility, inconsistent implementation, complexity in process and limited support for working carers. Nonetheless, there is significant potential for policymakers to learn from other countries’ experiences, particularly with regard to the scope and operationalisation of financial support.
The Rate of Profit, Aggregate Demand, and the Long Economic Expansion in the United States since 2009
Authors: Kotz David M.
Published: July 2019

The current economic expansion in the United States, which began in the summer of 2009, has lasted for more than nine years as of this writing, making it the second longest expansion since the end of World War II. The previous two expansions, of the 1990s and 2000s, were prolonged by big asset bubbles, which have played a key role in the neoliberal era in promoting long economic expansions. However, the current expansion has not seen an asset bubble large enough to significantly affect the macroeconomy. This paper examines the expansion since 2009 by analyzing the movements of the rate of profit, and its determinants, and the role of aggregate demand, with the aim of determining the factors that have kept crisis tendencies at bay so far.

JEL Classification: E32, E30, E11, E02
The Role of Father Involvement and Intimate Partner Violence on Postnatal Depression Among Women With Unintended Pregnancy
Authors: Chan Ko Ling
Published: July 2019

This study set out to fill the research gap by including various aspects of father involvement and intimate partner violence (IPV) in the examination of the association between unintended pregnancy and maternal postnatal depression (PND). This study aimed to examine the effect of father involvement and IPV on the association between unintended pregnancy and PND. A sample of 1,083 pregnant women who attended antenatal clinic at selected hospitals in Hong Kong completed two surveys to report on their pregnancy intention, antenatal depression, PND, IPV during pregnancy, their partner’s (i.e., father’s) involvement during pregnancy and after childbirth, and perceived social support. Comparisons were made between women with unintended pregnancy and those with intended pregnancy, and the effects of unintended pregnancy, father involvement, IPV, and other factors on maternal PND were examined. Results show that women with unintended pregnancy were more likely to report PND, IPV, fear, postnatal stress, lower degree of father involvement, and lower level of social support. Unintended pregnancy independently increased the risk of PND by 1.95 times (95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.15, 3.28]), after adjustment for all other variables. When father involvement was included in the regression model, the negative effects of IPV and the related fear on PND became nonsignificant. The positive association between unintended pregnancy and PND was robust. Father involvement might help promote maternal health by reducing the negative effects of IPV on PND.
Ecosystem turnover in palaeoecological records: The sensitivity of pollen and phytolith proxies to detecting vegetation change in southwestern Amazonia
Authors: Plumpton Heather , Whitney Bronwen , Mayle Francis
Published: July 2019

Identification of ecosystem turnover in the palaeo-vegetation record is important for understanding the resilience of ecosystems to past environmental change. There is uncertainty over the ability of different types of palaeo-vegetation proxies to detect ecosystem turnover. The aim of this paper is to compare the sensitivity of two palaeo-vegetation proxies – pollen and phytoliths – to changes within and between three key tropical South American ecosystems: evergreen forest, dry forest and savannah. A quantitative approach is used to assess the sensitivity of these two proxies to vegetation changes, based on the variability of proxy assemblages from 1-ha ecological plots in ecotonal south-west Amazonia. This modern dataset of proxy variability within evergreen forest, dry forest and savannah plots is then used to define thresholds for proxy variability which differentiate floristic changes within an ecosystem from ecosystem turnover. These thresholds are applied to two palaeo-vegetation records from NE Bolivia. Our results show that pollen is more sensitive than phytoliths to changes within evergreen forest, but phytoliths are more sensitive than pollen to changes within dry forest. Both proxies were equally sensitive to changes within the savannahs. These are important considerations for palaeoecologists selecting proxies for the study of ecosystem turnover in the palaeo-record. Application of the thresholds to the palaeo-record demonstrated the utility of this quantitative approach for assessing the magnitude of vegetation change in the palaeo-record. This quantitative approach is therefore a useful tool to improve the identification of ecosystem turnover in the palaeo-record.
Remission and long-term outcomes of proliferative lupus nephritis: retrospective study of 96 patients from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almalki A H , Alrowaie F A , Alhozali H M , Almalki N K , Alsubei A I , Alturki M S , Sadagah L F
Published: July 2019

Background

Few data are available about the rate of short-term remission and its impact on the long-term outcomes of proliferative lupus nephritis in the Middle East.

Methods

An observational study was carried out involving 96 adult patients with biopsy-proven focal or diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis (PLN) from four different hospitals. Data on induction, remission and long-term outcomes were collected and analyzed.

Results

Among the 96 patients with biopsy-proven PLN (median age 27 (IQR: 21,34) years, 85% women and median duration of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) prior to diagnosis 27 (IQR: 11, 55) months), 67% developed remission at 6 months (proportion 0.67; 95% CI 0.57, 0.76). Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) was used in 45/96 (47%), CYC in 41/95 (43%) and other agents in 10/96 (10%). The choice of MMF as induction agent has increased in recent years. Among baseline characteristics, only histologic activity was found to have a significant association with remission, with active lesions more likely to remit than active/chronic and chronic lesions (AOR 6.5, 95% CI 1.44–29.39, p = 0.015). Based on Kaplan–Meier analysis, the 5-year renal survival rate without doubling serum creatinine was 73.8%. Compared to patients with complete remission, lower long-term renal survival rates were observed in patients with no remission (89.7 versus 43%, p = 0.001) and partial remission (89.7 versus 77.6%, p = 0.256). The cumulative rate of doubling serum creatinine, dialysis, relapse and death was 23%, 11%, 10% and 5%, respectively, at 48-month median follow up.

Conclusion

Approximately two-thirds of patients with PLN develop remission in response to standard induction therapy. Remission was negatively associated with the presence of chronic changes in renal biopsy. Overall, MMF is the most commonly used agent to induce remission; however, with more severe disease CYC, is used more frequently. PLN is associated with significant long-term renal outcomes including a 26% cumulative rate of doubling of serum creatinine at 5 years. Initial remission predicts this long-term renal survival.
A combined experimental and numerical study on shape memory alloy rods under torsion
Authors: Fahimi Pouya , Zakerzadeh Mohammad Reza , Baghani Mostafa
Published: July 2019

In this article, a study on modeling and experimental characterization of a shape memory alloy rod undergoing torsional loading is presented. According to former studies, the direction of twist is effective on the response of a shape memory alloy rod. Accordingly, we used Brinson’s improved model and adapted it for torsional loading. Referring a twist deformation in the clockwise direction to a positive twist and a twist deformation in the counter clockwise direction to a negative twist, the asymmetric response of the shape memory alloy rod is studied. The material parameters for Brinson model are derived from the experimental tests and there is a good agreement between the present asymmetric model and the experimental data. Also, material parameters are verified due to the experimental test in different temperatures. In one of the case studies, the average error of asymmetric and symmetric models with respect to the experimental test is 4% and 15%, respectively. A parametric study along with a study on the hysteresis inner loops in addition to model prediction for different temperatures is reported in the result section.
Key Information in the New Common Rule: Can It Save Research Consent?
Authors: King Nancy M. P.
Published: July 2019

Informed consent in clinical research is widely regarded as broken, but essential nonetheless. The most recent attempt to reform it comes as part of the first revisions to the Common Rule since it became truly “common” in 1991. This change, the addition of a “key information” requirement for most consent forms, is intended to support and promote a reasoned decision-making process by potential subjects. The key information requirement is both promising and problematic. It is promising because it encourages clarity and honesty about research participation, creativity in information disclosure, and mutual learning through the investigator-subject relationship. It is problematic because those goals — which have remained aspirational since the beginning — may be difficult to achieve in what has become an excessively compliance-oriented regulatory regime.
Implementing Regulatory Broad Consent Under the Revised Common Rule: Clarifying Key Points and the Need for Evidence
Authors: Lynch Holly Fernandez , Wolf Leslie E. , Barnes Mark
Published: July 2019

The revised Common Rule includes a new option for the conduct of secondary research with identifiable data and biospecimens: regulatory broad consent. Motivated by concerns regarding autonomy and trust in the research enterprise, regulators had initially proposed broad consent in a manner that would have rendered it the exclusive approach to secondary research with all biospecimens, regardless of identifiability. Based on public comments from both researchers and patients concerned that this approach would hinder important medical advances, however, regulators decided to largely preserve the status quo approach to secondary research with biospecimens and data. The Final Rule therefore allows such research to proceed without specific informed consent in a number of circumstances, but it also offers regulatory broad consent as a new, optional pathway for secondary research with identifiable data and biospecimens. In this article, we describe the parameters of regulatory broad consent under the new rule, explain why researchers and research institutions are unlikely to utilize it, outline recommendations for regulatory broad consent issued by the Secretary's Advisory Committee on Human Research Protections (SACHRP), and sketch an empirical research agenda for the sorts of questions about regulatory broad consent that remain to be answered as the research community embarks on Final Rule implementation.
Requiring a Single IRB for Cooperative Research in the Revised Common Rule: What Lessons Can Be Learned from the UK and Elsewhere?
Authors: Dove Edward S.
Published: July 2019

This article argues in general support of the sIRB rule, but also draws on recent empirical research to highlight several residual weaknesses in the US regulatory structure for research ethics review, and suggests ways in which these weaknesses might be addressed in future regulatory reforms to improve upon the sIRB rule.
Geographic Location and Moral Arbitrariness in the Allocation of Donated Livers
Authors: MacKay Douglas , Fitz Samuel
Published: July 2019

The federal system for allocating donated livers in the United States is often criticized for allowing geographic disparities in access to livers. Critics argue that such disparities are unfair on the grounds that where one lives is morally arbitrary and so should not influence one's access to donated livers. They argue instead that livers should be allocated in accordance with theequal opportunity principle, according to which US residents who are equally sick should have the same opportunity to receive a liver, regardless of where they live. In this paper, we examine a central premise of the argument for the equal opportunity principle, namely, that geographic location is a morally arbitrary basis for allocating livers. We raise some serious doubts regarding the truth of this premise, arguing that under certain conditions, factors closely associated with geographic location are relevant to the allocation of livers, and so that candidates' geographic location is sometimes a morally non-arbitrary basis for allocating livers. Geographic location is morally non-arbitrary, we suggest, since by taking it into account, the UNOS may better fulfill its central goals of facilitating the effective and efficient placement of organs for transplantation and increasing organ donation.
Healthy Spaces: Legal Tools, Innovations, and Partnerships
Authors: Brady Rita-Marie A. , Stettner Joanna L. , York Liz
Published: July 2019

This article explores innovative legal tools in built environment settings. Using tangible examples, the discussion will leverage the authors' expertise in the law, public health, and architecture to explore strategies in domestic and international settings to explain how healthy spaces make a direct public health impact on people's lives.
State Approaches to Addressing the Overdose Epidemic: Public Health Focus Needed
Authors: Davis Corey , Green Traci , LaSalle Lindsay , Beletsky Leo
Published: July 2019

States have implemented a variety of legal and policy approaches to address the overdose epidemic. Some approaches, like increasing access to naloxone and connecting overdose survivors with evidence-based treatment, have a strong public health foundation and a compelling evidence base. Others, like increasing reliance on punitive criminal justice approaches, have neither. This article examines law and policy changes that are likely to be effective in reducing overdose-related harm as well as those that are likely to increase it.
Cross Sector Data Sharing: Necessity, Challenge, and Hope
Authors: Schmit Cason , Kelly Kathleen , Bernstein Jennifer
Published: July 2019

Existing data sources have tremendous potential to inform public health activities. However, a patchwork of data protection laws impede data sharing efforts. Nevertheless, a data-sharing initiative in Peoria, IL was able to overcome challenges to set up a cross-sectoral data system to coordinate mental health, law enforcement, and healthcare services.
Multimodal imaging of pre-Descemet corneal dystrophy
Authors: Alafaleq Munirah , Georgeon Cristina , Grieve Kate , Borderie Vincent M
Published: July 2019

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to assess structural and histological changes associated with pre-Descemet corneal dystrophy with multimodal in vivo imaging.

Methods:

Retrospective case series including eight corneas from four unrelated male patients with pre-Descemet corneal dystrophy characterized by the presence of punctiform gray opacities located just anterior to the Descemet membrane at slit-lamp examination of both eyes. In vivo confocal microscopy images were obtained in the central, paracentral, and peripheral corneal zones from the superficial epithelial cell layer down to the corneal endothelium in both eyes. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography scans (central and limbal zones) and mapping of both corneas were acquired.

Results:

Diffuse small extracellular stromal deposits, presence of enlarged hyperreflective keratocytes in the posterior stroma with either hyperreflective or hyporeflective intracellular dots, and presence of activated keratocytes in the very anterior stroma were observed in all corneas with in vivo confocal microscopy. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography scans showed a hyperreflective line anterior to Descemet’s membrane running from limbus to limbus and associated with a second thinner hyperreflective line just beneath Bowman’s layer. Fine hyperreflective particles were observed in the posterior, mid, and anterior stroma on optical coherence tomography scans.

Conclusion:

The clinical presentation and structural anomalies found in isolated sporadic pre-Descemet corneal dystrophy are in favor of a degenerative process affecting corneal keratocytes with no epithelial or endothelial involvement. The maximum damage is found just anterior to the Descemet membrane resulting in pre-Descemet membrane location of stromal opacities. Multimodal imaging of cornea reveals that the disorder affects the whole stroma and it permits better understanding of pre-Descemet corneal dystrophy pathophysiology together with ascertained diagnosis.
A woman’s worth: The psychological impact of beliefs about motherhood, female identity, and infertility on childless women with endometriosis
Authors: Facchin Federica , Buggio Laura , Dridi Dhouha , Vercellini Paolo
Published: July 2019

In this study, we examined whether beliefs regarding motherhood, female identity, and infertility affected the psychological health of 127 childless endometriosis patients. Anxiety and depression were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, while self-esteem was assessed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. A set of six Likert-type items (1 = “Not at all”; 5 = “To a very great extent”) was developed to explore women’s beliefs. Women who were more likely to believe that childless and infertile women were less appreciated by others reported poorer psychological health. Patients’ beliefs should be explored during psychological counseling. Dysfunctional beliefs about female identity, especially as regards others’ perceptions, should be restructured to improve patients’ psychological health.
Screening of problem gambling among a homeless population in Warsaw
Authors: Wieczorek Łukasz , Stokwiszewski Jakub , Klingemann Justyna I
Published: July 2019

Background:

While homelessness and problem gambling are both recognised as social and public health concerns and the prevalence of addictive disorders among homeless populations tends to be high. These questions have been studied predominantly independently.

Aim:

The aim of the study was to explore the co-occurrence of the two phenomena among the homeless population using shelters and night shelters in Warsaw, and, more specifically, to provide information about the forms and frequency of gambling in this homeless population.

Method:

Homeless persons ( N = 690) were interviewed in rehabilitation-shelters ( n = 17) and night-shelters ( n = 2) in Warsaw from November 2015 until January 2016. The core component of the questionnaire was a screening test (Problem Gambling Severity Index). In addition, data regarding the intensity of gambling and various types of games or settings were collected.

Results:

The prevalence of problem gambling in this population of homeless people was 11.3%, whereas the prevalence of problem gambling in the general population in Poland is much lower (0.7%). Similarly to the general population, the most prevalent gambling games in the homeless population were lotteries; however, homeless people gambled in lotteries almost three times more often compared to the general population.

Conclusions:

This is the first study examining the prevalence of problem gambling in the homeless population in Poland. The findings of the study suggest that problem gambling among the homeless is a significant social and public health concern. High rates of problem gambling in the homeless population show the need to identify and monitor this problem in shelters and consequently to provide easier access to gambling treatment or prevention programmes.
Wireless sensor network for structural health monitoring: A contemporary review of technologies, challenges, and future direction
Authors: Abdulkarem Mohammed , Samsudin Khairulmizam , Rokhani Fakhrul Zaman , A Rasid Mohd Fadlee
Published: July 2019

The importance of wireless sensor networks in structural health monitoring is unceasingly growing, because of the increasing demand for both safety and security in the cities. The speedy growth of wireless technologies has considerably developed the progress of structural monitoring systems with the combination of wireless sensor network technology. Wireless sensor network–based structural health monitoring system introduces a novel technology with compelling advantages in comparison to traditional wired system, which has the benefits of reducing installation and maintenance costs of structural health monitoring systems. However, structural health monitoring has brought an additional complex challenges in network design to wireless sensor networks. This article presents a contemporary review of collective experience the researchers have gained from the application of wireless sensor networks for structural health monitoring. Technologies of wired and wireless sensor systems are investigated along with wireless sensor node architecture, functionality, communication technologies, and its popular operating systems. Then, comprehensive summaries for the state-of-the-art academic and commercial wireless platform technologies used in laboratory testbeds and field test deployments for structural health monitoring applications are reviewed and tabulated. Following that, classification taxonomy of the key challenges associated with wireless sensor networks for structural health monitoring to assist the researchers in understanding the obstacles and the suitability of implementing wireless technology for structural health monitoring applications are deeply discussed with available research efforts in order to overcome these challenges. Finally, open research issues in wireless sensor networks for structural health monitoring are explored.
Numerical analysis of stochastic SIR model by Legendre spectral collocation method
Authors: Khan Sami Ullah , Ali Ishtiaq
Published: July 2019

This article represents Legendre spectral collocation method based on Legendre polynomials to solve a stochastic Susceptible, infected, Recovered (SIR) model. The Legendre polynomials on stochastic SIR model that convert it to a system of equations has been applied and then solved by the Legendre spectral method, which leads to excellent accuracy and convergence by implementing Legendre–Gauss–Lobatto collocation points permitting to generate coarser meshes. The numerical results for both the deterministic and stochastic models are presented. In case of probably small noise, the verge dynamics is analyzed. The large noise will show eradication of disease, which controls disease spreading. Various graphical results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method to SIR model.
Repair of a true extracranial internal carotid artery aneurysm with transposition surgery in a pediatric patient: A rare case
Authors: Ada Fatih , Polat Vural
Published: July 2019

Objectives

Atherosclerosis is the most common etiologic factor for extracranial carotid artery aneurysm in adults, while in childhood, connective tissue diseases, peritonsillar abscess and infections are the most common. Congenital carotid artery aneurysms are rarely reported in the literature.

Methods

We present a 10-year-old girl with congenital extracranial left internal carotid artery aneurysm and the treatment management.

Results

Computed tomography angiography at six months showed that internal carotid artery segments were normal. There was no obstruction or aneurysm recurrence.

Conclusions

Although extracranial carotid artery aneurysms are rare, they can cause complications such as rupture and thromboembolism with high mortality and morbidity. Therefore, the treatment of extracranial carotid artery aneurysms is recommended.
Isolation of the Major Phenolic Compounds in the Pits of Brined Green Olive Drupes: Structure Elucidation by Comprehensive 1H/13C-NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Khallouki Farid , Hull William E. , Würtele Gerd , Haubner Roswitha , Erben Gerhard , Owen Robert W.
Published: July 2019

Pits of representative green olive drupes from Italy and Greece were evaluated for their content of phenolic compounds. The major purified polyphenols quantitated in mg/kg in the Italian and Greek pit varieties, respectively, were tyrosol (157 and 523), hydroxytyrosol (3 386 and 1723), vanillin (151 and 83), vanillic acid (58 and 101), phloretic acid (85 and 0), (+)-pinoresinol (954 and 877), (+)-1-acetoxypinoresinol (114 and 105), dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol (340 and 386) and the corresponding aldehyde (398 and 553), the erythro and threo isomers of guaiacylglycerol- β-coniferol ether (78 and 147) and (93 and 273) and their corresponding aldehydes (238 and 349) and (232 and 537), and finally nüzhenide (186 and 364). The data indicate that the waste products of olive mills should be a rich source of a variety of polyphenolic compounds. Detailed 1H- and 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance data are presented, representing the most comprehensive and unambiguous results available to date for the compounds studied.
Translating Provider and Staff Engagement Results to Actionable Planning and Outcomes
Authors: Cardarelli Roberto , Slimack Madeline , Gottschalk Ginny , Ruszkowski Michael , Sass Jessica , Brown Kristen , Kikendall Rachel , Allard John J , Burgess Kelly , Luoma Maggie , Gonsalves Wanda
Published: July 2019

Staff and provider engagement leads to better quality and experience of care and less turnover and burnout. In this program, we describe an approach to better understand underlying factors that lead to low staff and provider engagement and address such factors by creating actionable plans that drive improved engagement measures. Focus groups were conducted with staff, advance practice providers, and faculty to better understand low scored areas in an annual third-party engagement survey. Focus group results were analyzed, and thematic action plans were then developed by a leadership team. These plans and the status of addressing the identified issues were published and disseminated back to all staff and providers using a “stoplight report.” The leadership team met every 2 to 4 weeks until all issues were addressed and communicated back to the department. The subsequent year’s engagement scores statistically increased across all engagement score domains for both staff and faculty. We conclude that using a qualitative approach to understanding low-scored engagement domains will allow a deeper and authentic understanding of the root factors that drive low engagement scores. This approach allows teams to develop responsive action plans, resulting in higher engagement scores, which will eventually lead to better service and care to patients.
The footwear experiences of people with gout: a qualitative study
Authors: Frecklington Mike , Williams Anita , Dalbeth Nicola , McNair Peter , Gow Peter , Rome Keith
Published: July 2019

Background

Footwear is an important concern for people with gout, who often describe difficulty finding suitable footwear. Previous studies have identified footwear as a major concern for people with gout. The aim of this study was to carry out an exploration of the footwear experiences of people with gout.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive methodological approach was used for both data collection and analysis. A purposive sampling strategy was adopted with semi‐structured interviews conducted, involving 11 participants with gout. Thematic analysis was employed to identify key meanings and patterns within the data.

Results

Four key themes derived from interviews included; (1) comfort as a priority, (2) knowing what to buy, (3) knowing what to wear, and (4) challenges of different environments. Footwear comfort was of great importance and linked to characteristics of footwear, with uncomfortable footwear negatively influencing participation in daily activities. The balancing of comfort, appearance and cost, led to less options and reduced confidence when shoe shopping. Footwear use was further limited by the presence of foot tophi and flares, resulting in compromise of footwear choice. Environments such as formal settings and the workplace, led to different footwear requirements.

Conclusion

People with gout experience problems with footwear which can impact many aspects of life. Health care professionals should consider these footwear‐related issues to help facilitate those with gout in finding appropriate footwear.
Objective digital phenotypes of worry severity, pain severity and pain chronicity in persons living with HIV
Authors: Jacobson Nicholas C. , O'Cleirigh Conall
Published: July 2019

Persons living with HIV report experiencing disproportionally severe and chronic pain and worry. However, no objective biomarkers of these subjective experiences have been developed. To address the lack of objective measures and assist in treatment planning, this study examined whether digital biomarkers of pain severity, pain chronicity and worry could be developed, using passive wearable sensors that continuously monitor movement. Results suggest that digital biomarkers can predict pain severity (r[35] = 0.690), pain chronicity (74.63% accuracy) and worry severity (r[65] = 0.642) with high precision, suggesting that objective digital biomarkers alone accurately capture internal symptom experiences in persons living with HIV.

Declaration of interest

N.C.J. is the owner of a free application published on the Google Play Store entitled ‘Mood Triggers’. He does not receive any direct or indirect revenue from his ownership of the application (i.e. the application is free, there are no advertisements and the data is only being used for research purposes). C.O. has no conflicts to declare.
The Stratigraphy of Compound Sand Blows at Sites of Recurrent Liquefaction: Implications for Paleoseismicity Studies
Authors: Maurer Brett W. , Green Russell A. , Wotherspoon Liam M. , Bastin Sarah
Published: July 2019

Paleoliquefaction studies provide valuable information for seismic hazard analyses in areas where the return period of moderate to large events is longer than the duration of the historical earthquake catalog (e.g., Central-Eastern and Pacific Northwest United States). Toward this end, paleoliquefaction studies require accurate and detailed assessments of individual features and of the extent of the paleoliquefaction field for the event, with the difficulty of accurately interpreting field observations increasing in areas where recurrent liquefaction was triggered by spatiotemporally clustered paleo events. Accordingly, undisturbed features formed by recurrent liquefaction during the 2010–2011 Canterbury, New Zealand, earthquake sequence were studied to facilitate interpretation of paleoliquefaction analogs. Silt drapes demarcated multiple episodes of liquefaction in the sand blows, with the thickness of the silt drapes correlating to the fines content of the liquefied source stratum. However, no ubiquitous trends in the spatial sorting of grain sizes in the coarser fraction of the ejecta underlying silt drapes were observed. This study provides a modern analog to recurrent paleoliquefaction evidence and has important implications for interpretation of seismic hazards.
Normal values and test–retest variability of stimulated-echo diffusion tensor imaging and fat fraction measurements in the muscle
Authors: Farrow Matthew , Grainger Andrew J , Tan Ai Lyn , Buch Maya H , Emery Paul , Ridgway John P , Feiweier Thorsten , Tanner Steven F , Biglands John
Published: July 2019

Objectives:

To assess the test–retest variability of both diffusion parameters and fat fraction (FF) estimates in normal muscle, and to assess differences in normal values between muscles in the thigh.

Methods:

29 healthy volunteers (mean age 37 years, range 20–60 years, 17/29 males) completed the study. Magnetic resonance images of the mid-thigh were acquired using a stimulated echo acquisition mode-echoplanar imaging (STEAM-EPI) imaging sequence, to assess diffusion, and 2-point Dixon imaging, to assess FF. Imaging was repeated in 19 participants after a 30 min interval in order to assess test–retest variability of the measurements.

Results:

Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for test–retest variability were 0.99 [95% confidence interval, (CI): 0.98, 1] for FF, 0.94 (95% CI: 0.84, 0.97) for mean diffusivity and 0.89 (95% CI: 0.74, 0.96) for fractional anisotropy (FA). FF was higher in the hamstrings than the quadriceps by a mean difference of 1.81% (95% CI:1.63, 2.00)%, p < 0.001. Mean diffusivity was significantly lower in the hamstrings than the quadriceps (0.26 (0.13, 0.39) x10-  3 mm2s−1, p < 0.001) whereas fractional anisotropy was significantly higher in the hamstrings relative to the quadriceps with a mean difference of 0.063 (0.05, 0.07), p < 0.001.

Conclusions:

This study has shown excellent test-retest, variability in MR-based FF and diffusion measurements and demonstrated significant differences in these measures between hamstrings and quadriceps in the healthy thigh.

Advances in knowledge:

Test–retest variability is excellent for STEAM-EPI diffusion and 2-point Dixon-based FF measurements in the healthy muscle. Inter- and intraobserver variability were excellent for region of interest placement for STEAM-EPI diffusion and 2-point Dixon-based FF measurements in the healthy muscle. There are significant differences in FF and diffusion measurements between the hamstrings and quadriceps in the normal muscle.
The evolution of nasopharyngeal carcinoma staging
Authors: Guo Rui , Mao Yan-Ping , Tang Ling-Long , Chen Lei , Sun Ying , Ma Jun
Published: July 2019

The prevalence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is characterized by an unbalanced distribution: the disease is particularly prevalent in East and Southeast Asia. In this article, we review the evolution of the International Union Against Cancer/American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. With the increasing using of newer imaging methods, more advanced radiotherapy techniques and systemic chemotherapy, we also discuss newer clinical features that might affect staging. Finally, we propose the future direction of staging and potential prognostic factors that have a major influence on the treatment outcomes of this disease.
Economics of education: workshop
Authors: Столяров Владимир , Stolyarov Vladimir , Поздняк Светлана , Pozdnyak Svetlana
Published: July 2019

The textbook is part of the educational complex IO discipline "Economics of education." It implements the applied, practical orientation of the educational process, has no analogues. The most important problems of the modern economy of national education are considered. The system of practical training productively developing orientation, including training tasks of different levels of complexity, including for independent work, as well as the original structure of methodological support. Special attention is paid to the formation of students ' skills of analytical, research, project, prognostic activity, improving the skills of discussion, reasoning, as well as generalization of domestic and foreign experience of economic activity in various educational organizations. The combination of theoretical provisions with practical experience facilitates students ' understanding of the essence of economic relations and processes in educational institutions, forms the necessary competence, the foundations of economic culture.
Meets the requirements of the Federal state educational standard of higher education of the last generation.
For students and teachers of higher pedagogical education. It can be useful for graduate students, practitioners and managers of educational organizations, anyone interested in modern economic problems of education. Will assist in self-education.