bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factorial analyses of treatment effects under independent right-censoring
Authors: Dobler Dennis , Pauly Markus
Published: March 2019

This paper introduces new effect parameters for factorial survival designs with possibly right-censored time-to-event data. In the special case of a two-sample design, it coincides with the concordance or Wilcoxon parameter in survival analysis. More generally, the new parameters describe treatment or interaction effects and we develop estimates and tests to infer their presence. We rigorously study their asymptotic properties and additionally suggest wild bootstrapping for a consistent and distribution-free application of the inference procedures. The small sample performance is discussed based on simulation results. The practical usefulness of the developed methodology is exemplified on a data example about patients with colon cancer by conducting one- and two-factorial analyses.
Regional labour flows between manufacturing and business services: Reciprocal integration and uneven geography
Authors: Henning Martin
Published: March 2019

This article uses Statistics Sweden’s full-population geo-coded register data for Swedish workers and their labour market moves, between 2010 and 2014, to analyse regional flow patterns of employees between manufacturing, general business services and knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS). The findings generally show that labour flows between manufacturing and services have important bi-directional features, even with manufacturing generally declining. There is no staff exodus from manufacturing to services, but rather an exchange suggesting skill interdependencies, especially between high-tech manufacturing and KIBS. However, there are strong geographical dimensions to this, emphasising a reinforcement of the spatial division of labour patterns. In trend terms, the decline of manufacturing is rather similar across all regional types; however, business services are growing much faster in metropolitan regions. The labour flow between manufacturing and KIBS is more likely in metropolitan regions, but far more often additionally involves geographical mobility, either between or towards the metropolitan regions. Thus, the major challenge facing less dense and peripheral regions is not necessarily the decline of manufacturing per se, but that (a) the low levels of transition into business services are insufficient to make up for employment losses in manufacturing and (b) the fact that there is considerable out-migration of experienced and skilled workers from manufacturing, who are joining the growing numbers of business services in metropolitan regions.
Aid-Growth Association and Role of Economic Policies: New Evidence from South and Southeast Asian Countries
Authors: Sharma Rajesh , Kautish Pradeep
Published: March 2019

The present article aims to study the implications of foreign aid on GDP per capita in the seven middle-income countries of South and Southeast Asia from 1990 to 2016. The influence of foreign aid on GDP per capita is studied in a policy-driven environment, for which a policy index using government consumption expenditure, inflation and trade openness is constructed. The outcomes of the study confirm that aid–policy interaction has a significant and positive impact on economic growth in the region. The results are calculated using the two-stage least-squares model, as foreign aid is included as an endogenous variable in the study. This approach enables us to assess the indirect effect of monetary, fiscal and trade policies on GDP per capita, as the constructed policy index is used as an instrument for foreign aid. The results of the study ascertain that besides current aid–policy interaction, the preceding years’ aid–policy interaction also has a positive and significant impact on GDP per capita in the region. The inclusion of a policy index in the analysis enables us to evaluate the effectiveness of economic policies while determining the level of GDP per capita in South and Southeast Asian countries. Therefore, the study proposes that while assessing the influence of aid-financed programmes on GDP growth of a country, the economic policies of recipient countries need to be considered. The bottom line is that foreign aid, economic policies and economic growth of aid-recipient countries are inextricably linked.
Book review: S. K. Kulshrestha, Urban Renewal in India: Theory, Initiatives and Spatial Planning Strategies
Authors: Kumar Avanish
Published: March 2019

S. K. Kulshrestha, Urban Renewal in India: Theory, Initiatives and Spatial Planning Strategies, 2018, Delhi: SAGE Publications, 271 pp., ₹950. ISBN: 978-93-528-0637-9.
Henry George and Mohring–Harwitz Theorems: Lessons for Financing Smart Cities in Developing Countries*
Authors: Mishra Alok Kumar
Published: March 2019

Developing countries are embarking on ‘smart city’ programmes to rejuvenate their cities as engines of economic growth, applying smart solutions and managerial innovations. However, they ignore the powerful externalities of cities and are far from adopting ‘smart’ ways of financing urban infrastructure and services based on known theories and international practices. This article combines the Henry George Theorem (HGT) from Urban Economics and Mohring–Harwitz Theorem (MHT) from Transport Economics to suggest a robust strategy of financing infrastructure in cities. While the HGT emphasizes the taxation of urban land value, the MHT advocates the pricing of congestion externalities. The article suggests that if ‘beneficiaries pay’ and ‘congesters pay’ principles are combined, cities in developing countries like India can generate adequate revenues to service long-tenor debt incurred for core infrastructure facilities. It presents a toolbox of instruments to finance urban infrastructure.
Personal Choice or Political Provocation: Examining the Visual Framing and Stereotyping of the Burkini Debate
Authors: Bowe Brian J. , Gosen Joe , Fahmy Shahira
Published: March 2019

The burkini, a modest swimsuit marketed to Muslim women, was at the center of controversy in France when it was banned from the beaches in dozens of cities. This research examines how the three leading international newswires (Agence France-Presse/Getty Images, Associated Press, and Reuters) visually framed this debate and whether they visually stereotyped women wearing the burkini. Using a mixed-method approach, this study unpacks the role of news agency photography in visual representation. The analysis examines four visual frames: Mediated Solidarity, Administrative Response, Symbolic Fashion, and Active Liberation.
Pharmacist-led patient education and adverse event management in patients with non-small cell lung cancer receiving afatinib in a community-based, real-world clinical setting
Authors: Khrystolubova Natasha , Shieh Monica , Patel Anjan J , Bailey Ray
Published: March 2019

Purpose

To describe the outcomes of a pharmacist-led multi-center, collaborative patient education and proactive adverse event management program in a community-based oncology setting.

Methods

Patients with EGFR mutation-positive ( EGFRm+) non-small cell lung cancer, newly prescribed with oral afatinib, and monitored as part of the Florida Cancer Specialists patient management program, were included in a retrospective, observational analysis. During follow-up, data were collected on adverse event frequency, and changes in afatinib dosing. Data analyses were descriptive and exploratory in nature.

Results

The mean age of the 123 patients included in the analysis was 69 years, and 78% were female. At the time of the analysis, 3 patients had discontinued before receiving treatment, 89 patients had discontinued afatinib treatment, and 31 patients were continuing to receive afatinib treatment. The most common afatinib-related adverse events were diarrhea (85%), rash/skin reactions (58%), stomatitis/mucositis (19%), and paronychia (16%). Overall, 13% of patients discontinued due to afatinib-related adverse events. The median duration of treatment was 4 months in patients who discontinued due to adverse events, 6 months in those who discontinued for other reasons, and 18 months in those who were continuing to receive therapy. Afatinib dose-reductions were more frequent in patients continuing treatment versus those who discontinued due to adverse events (77% vs. 42%, respectively).

Conclusions

Findings suggest that adverse events in patients with EGFRm + non-small cell lung cancer receiving afatinib can be successfully managed in a community-based, real-world setting with the help of collaborative pharmacist-led patient education, adverse event monitoring, and continuous support.
Sensory impact of three different conching times on white chocolates with spray-dried and freeze-dried açai (Euterpe oleracea)
Authors: Augusto PPC , Vissotto FZ , Bolini HMA
Published: March 2019

Nutritional profile of white chocolate is discussed for its high contents of sugar and fat, without benefits provided by cocoa polyphenols present in milk and dark chocolate. Thus, fruit addition may increase its nutritional characteristics. In this study, white chocolates with freeze-dried and spray-dried açai ( Euterpe oleracea) were developed and their sensory characteristics were mapped through quantitative descriptive analysis and consumers' acceptance. Samples were submitted to three different conching times (6, 12, and 18 hours). Quantitative descriptive analysis results suggest type of dehydrated açai had much greater impact over samples' sensory characteristics than conching time, freeze-dried açai samples having greater intensity of açai sensory features, while spray-dried açai samples showing predominance of white chocolate sensory characteristics. Conching time had impact over texture of freeze-dried açai samples, since assessors considered sample conched for only 6 h was significantly harder and less melting than samples conched for 12 and 18 h. Consumer’s acceptance analysis results showed that freeze-dried açai samples were more widely accepted by consumers for appearance, aroma, and texture, and exhibited segmentation of acceptance for flavor and overall liking, although freeze-dried açai samples conched for 12 and 18 h were more accepted than sample conched only for 6 h.
Ophthalmic medicine regulatory approvals through the European Centralised Procedure, 1999–2017: Clinical efficacy considerations
Authors: Morgan-Warren Peter J
Published: March 2019

Objectives:

Regulatory approval of new medicines requires a thorough assessment of the potential clinical benefits and risks. Study end-points are expected to demonstrate a clinically relevant treatment effect that will translate into direct patient benefits. This study sought to review the ophthalmic medicines with European Union–wide approval granted via the Centralised Procedure and characterise the key efficacy end-points underpinning the demonstration of clinical benefit.

Methods:

This study was a retrospective review of published data pertaining to the European regulatory authorisation of centrally approved ophthalmic products between 1999 and 2017, inclusive. All sources and data consulted are in the public domain. European Public Assessment Reports published by the European Medicines Agency were consulted for data concerning the pivotal clinical efficacy studies supporting the applications. Data analyses were descriptive.

Results:

The European Medicines Agency have authorised 30 products via the Centralised Procedure between 1999 and 2017. For these products, a total of 24 additional approvals for line extensions or additional therapeutic indications were granted. Four products have been approved for orphan indications, including one approval ‘under exceptional circumstances’ and one ‘Conditional Marketing Authorisation’. Approvals for products in retina (36%) and glaucoma (28%) indications together accounted for the majority of authorisations, with trial end-points predominantly based on visual acuity and intraocular pressure parameters, respectively. Products were also approved for indications in ocular surface disease, inflammation, optic neuropathy and surgical adjuncts, with a range of functional and anatomical end-points.

Conclusion:

Approvals for ophthalmic medicines have been granted for a range of clinical indications, representing a considerable portion of available major therapeutics for practitioners. Benefit–risk assessments rely on clinical trial data demonstrating a clearly relevant patient benefit.
Comparison of intraocular pressure using Goldmann applanation tonometry versus non-contact tonometry in eyes with high-viscosity silicone oil
Authors: Pagoulatos Dionysios D , Kapsala Zoi G , Makri Olga E , Georgalas Ilias G , Georgakopoulos Constantinos D
Published: March 2019

Background:

To compare intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements using Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) and air tonometer (non-contact tonometry [NT]) in vitrectomized eyes with high-viscosity silicone oil tamponade, as well as in normal eyes.

Patients and Methods:

In this prospective comparative study, 32 eyes with silicone oil tamponade of high viscosity (5700 CS) and 32 normal fellow eyes were included. IOP was measured by GAT and air tonometer 30 ± 12 days after vitrectomy, while measurements of central corneal thickness (CCT) were also obtained.

Results:

In eyes with silicone oil, IOP was 20.09 ± 4.91 mmHg and 16.75 ± 3.86 mmHg using contact tonometer and air tonometer, respectively ( p < 0.0001). In normal eyes, IOP was 16.41 ± 2.15 mmHg and 16.31 ± 2.49 mmHg using the same tonometry techniques and this difference was not statistically significant ( p = 0.598). In addition, no significant correlation was detected between IOP measurements using both techniques and age, gender, CCT, and type of lens.

Conclusions:

It seems that GAT overestimates IOP in eyes with high-viscosity silicone oil compared with NT, while both IOP measurement techniques in normal eyes provide similar values. Further assessment of available IOP measurement methods could possibly establish the most accurate technique for IOP estimation in vitrectomized eyes with silicone oil tamponade.
Analysis of anatomical biomarkers in subtypes of diabetic macular edema refractory to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treated with dexamethasone implant
Authors: Castro-Navarro Verónica , Cervera-Taulet Enrique , Navarro-Palop Catalina , Hernández-Bel Laura , Monferrer-Adsuara Clara , Mata-Moret Lucía , Montero-Hernández Javier
Published: March 2019

Introduction:

To analyze functional and anatomical outcomes in subtypes of diabetic macular edema treated with a single dexamethasone implant and to assess the usefulness of a pro-re-nata treatment among subtypes.

Methods:

Retrospective study in morphologic patterns of diabetic macular edema (diffuse retinal thickening n = 15; cystoid macular edema n = 38, and serous retinal detachment n = 17) recalcitrant to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor, treated with dexamethasone implant. Examinations included timing to recidive of diabetic macular edema, best-corrected visual acuity, and central subfield macular thickness at 2, 4, and 6 months.

Results:

In previously treated patients with a mean of 6.64 ± 3.69 anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections, the best-corrected visual acuity improved from 61.64 ± 13.71 to 65.71 ± 14.65 as per the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study protocol (p = 0.009) and central subfield macular thickness change from 447.46 ± 110.82 to 354.39 ± 80.46 µm (p < 0.005). The best-corrected visual acuity improvement was better in the diffuse retinal thickening group (68.67 ± 13.81 vs 65.26 ± 14.04 in cystoid macular edema and vs 64.12 ± 17.06 in serous retinal detachment), whereas higher central subfield macular thickness thinning was observed in serous retinal detachment group (368.47 ± 29.96 to 310.27 ± 67.47 in diffuse retinal thickening, vs 445.92 ± 105.06 to 364.39 ± 80.28 and 520.59 ± 122.96 to 370.94 ± 81.73 in cystoid macular edema and serous retinal detachment, respectively). Cystoid macular edema group was the group with more recurrences after 6 months (86.8% vs 66.7% in diffuse retinal thickening and 70.6% in serous retinal detachment).

Conclusion:

Dexamethasone implant is effective for all persistent diabetic macular edema subtypes with sustained functional and morphologic gains in the first 6 months.
Bilateral Levofloxacin-Induced Achilles Tendon Rupture: An Uncommon Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Fernández-Cuadros Marcos Edgar , Casique-Bocanegra Luz Otilia , Albaladejo-Florín María Jesús , Gómez-Dueñas Sheila , Ramos-Gonzalez Carmen , Pérez-Moro Olga Susana
Published: March 2019

Since the introduction of Fluoroquinolones (FQ) in 1960s, these antibiotics have been used in airway and urinary tract infections, due to absorption, biodisponibility, posology and long half-life time properties. However, several reports state that FQ can cause tendinopathy and rupture. These adverse effects can occur within hours after initial treatment to up to 6 months after withdrawal. FQ-induced tendinopathy was first reported in 1983; since then more than 100 cases have been published. FQ usage can lead to complete tendon rupture and no more than 8 to 15 cases are reported worldwide. Most of rupture cases have been associated to corticoid use and rheumatic, vascular or renal disease. The purpose of this case report is to present the challenging diagnosis of a bilateral rupture of Achilles tendon in an old patient, because of the uncommon of the presentation and to review the current literature on such a debilitating condition.
The economic value and determinants of tourists’ counterfeit purchases: The case of Hong Kong
Authors: Pratt Stephen , Zeng Christine YH
Published: March 2019

Counterfeiting of fashion brands is a multi-billion dollar industry with an increasing number of goods being counterfeited. This research takes a demand-side approach to measuring counterfeiting activity among tourists in Hong Kong. Non-deceptive counterfeit purchases by tourists in Hong Kong amount to US$761.32 million per year. Tourists’ decision of whether to purchase counterfeit goods depended on a mix of extrinsic and intrinsic factors including psychometric variables, trip-related characteristics, and sociodemographics. Lowering the prices of genuine goods and explaining the risks of purchasing counterfeit goods would be the most effective anti-counterfeit measures. However, lowering the price of genuine goods can diminish the brand image of these luxury items.
The dance of the lines: On the rhythms of making petroglyphs
Authors: Vergara Francisco
Published: March 2019

One of the main routes that anthropology has taken to study the production of material culture has been the anthropology of techniques. Although different scholars had recognized several problems and elaborated proposals to overcome them, it is still possible to recognize a temporal, spatial and technical conception grounded on a modern ontology that emphasizes a metronomic, abstract and mechanical understanding of them. To overcome this problem, this article proposes introducing the idea of rhythm into the analysis of the production of material culture. In order to do so, the author first elaborates a rhythmical approach to techniques. After which, the article’s focus falls on the rhythms of making petroglyphs in Cuesta Pabellón, a rock art site located in the Limarí Valley, Chile. The results suggest that rock art production is a rhythmical practice that involves a bodily itineration along different gestures, intensities, pauses, disruptions and spatial orientations which resonate and correspond with the way people produce this element of material culture. It is argued that the production of rock art resembles a way of dancing in which the engraver, the emerging line, and the previous lines made by others enter into the process of correspondences in which rhythms play a substantial role.
Is Bangladesh’s Economy Approaching the Lewis Turning Point?
Authors: Bairagi Subir , Kamal Muntaseer
Published: March 2019

During the last decade, Bangladesh economy grew consistently over 6 per cent annually; however, growth rate in the agriculture sector declined. Labour away from agriculture is evident; it is also evident real wages in the agriculture sector are rising. This could be an indication that Bangladesh is moving to a different stage of economic development. This article investigates whether Bangladesh is approaching a stage of economic development where marginal productivity of labour equals its price, called the Lewis turning point (LTP). We find that the reallocation of labour away from agriculture has had a positive but insignificant impact on economic growth in Bangladesh. We also find that the surplus agricultural labour has not fully been absorbed by the economy. Therefore, we conclude Bangladesh has yet to reach the LTP and suggest initiating policies (e.g., job creation in the service sector) that might speed up the country’s movement to the LTP.

JEL: O11, O17, O41, O53
Nonoperative management of solid abdominal organ injuries: From past to present
Authors: Leppäniemi A.
Published: March 2019

Background and aims:

Today, a significant proportion of solid abdominal organ injuries, whether caused by penetrating or blunt trauma, are managed nonoperatively. However, the controversy over operative versus nonoperative management started more than a hundred years ago. The aim of this review is to highlight some of the key past observations and summarize the current knowledge and guidelines in the management of solid abdominal organ injuries.

Materials and Methods:

A non-systematic search through historical articles and references on the management practices of abdominal injuries was conducted utilizing early printed volumes of major surgical and medical journals from the late 19th century onwards.

Results:

Until the late 19th century, the standard treatment of penetrating abdominal injuries was nonoperative. The first article advocating formal laparotomy for abdominal gunshot wounds was published in 1881 by Sims. After World War I, the policy of mandatory laparotomy became standard practice for penetrating abdominal trauma. During the latter half of the 20th century, the concept of selective nonoperative management, initially for anterior abdominal stab wounds and later also gunshot wounds, was adopted by major trauma centers in South Africa, the United States, and little later in Europe. In blunt solid abdominal organ injuries, the evolution from surgery to nonoperative management in hemodynamically stable patients aided by the development of modern imaging techniques was rapid from 1980s onwards.

Conclusion:

With the help of modern imaging techniques and adjunctive radiological and endoscopic interventions, a major shift from mandatory to selective surgical approach to solid abdominal organ injuries has occurred during the last 30–50 years.
Analytical optimization of IMC-PID design based on performance/robustness tradeoff tuning strategy for the modified Smith structure
Authors: Li-Ye Liu , Qi-Bing Jin
Published: March 2019

In this paper, a modified two degrees of freedom Smith control structure is proposed to realize tradeoff tuning strategy between the dynamic performance and system robustness based on analytical optimization of internal model control proportion integration differentiation design method. By analyzing the stability performance of the modified Smith control structure, the control characteristic between the modified Smith control structure and two adjustment parameters is obtained. The different input responses are discussed based on the performance of modified control system. Moreover, the set point response and the disturbance response of the closed-loop system are adjusted by two parameters, respectively. The multiplicative uncertainty plant is imposed into the modified Smith control system to analyze the system robustness from the aspect of the structure uncertainty. The proposed control strategy is applied to the second order plus delay time plant. The simulation result reflects that the modified Smith control structure is the method which is based on the tradeoff between the performance and the robustness tuning strategy.
Adult education and migration in Cyprus: A critical analysis
Authors: Gravani Maria N , Hatzopoulos Pavlos , Chinas Christina
Published: March 2019

Migration as a political process and migrants as political subjects or as active participants in the educational process are largely absent from the adult education system in the Cypriot context. This article attempts to inquire on this absence by offering a critical analysis of key policy texts and proposals as well as prominent programmes and initiatives that have shaped the recent transformations of adult education in Cyprus. On the one hand, it is important to reflect on the gaps, mishaps and silences of Cypriot educational policies in relation to the challenges posed by migration in the era of globalised mobility. On the other, it is also critical to highlight the connections between adult education policies and the formulation of the state’s policy towards adults’ migration and its concrete initiatives towards fostering a politics of integration. The article offers a critique of the presence situation in Cyprus, arguing that it confines adult migrants to a position where they cannot play a significant role in co-shaping how adult learning is organised, structured and implemented in Cyprus.
Pastors’ Perceptions of the Black Church’s Role in Teen Pregnancy Prevention
Authors: Wright LaNita S. , Maness Sarah , Branscum Paul , Larson Daniel , Taylor E. Laurette , Mayeux Lara , Cheney Marshall K.
Published: March 2019

Objective. To identify pastors’ perceptions of the Black Church’s role in promoting adolescent sexual health and preventing teen pregnancy. The Black Church and pastor are important partners in addressing health disparities in the Black community, especially those addressing sensitive issues as teen pregnancy. Methods. Semistructured interviews ( n = 31) were conducted with Black Church pastors in two southwestern U.S. cities from September 2014 to July 2015. The question path was developed based on interviews with local leaders, literature searches, and key informant pastor interviews. Questions included knowledge/beliefs about sexuality education, church’s role in preventing teen pregnancy, and implementation obstacles. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed. Results. (1) All pastors believed that the Black Church should address teen pregnancy with parents and congregants. (2) Two major obstacles emerged: (a) all pastors perceived social consequences, including resistant parents and (b) discomfort discussing contraceptives/condoms. (3) All pastors were willing to partner with organizations, but most had reservations based on conflicting missions/values. Conclusions. Black Church pastors support teen pregnancy prevention programs in the church; however, public health partners must be willing to address the church’s unique needs and mission.
Situation Awareness in Aircraft Ground Handling: The Impact of Auditory and Visual Notification Cues
Authors: Nadj Mario , Maedche Alexander
Published: March 2019

In aircraft ground handling, ramp agents manage the teams on the airport apron who prepare aircraft for the next takeoff. We examined the impact of using auditory and visual notification cues (NC) in an information system for supporting ramp agents, measuring the users’ situation awareness (SA), task performance, and perceived ease of use. Eighty-eight participants took part in a laboratory experiment and performed a realistic dispatching task of a ramp agent. Results showed that auditory cues facilitate superior SA compared with the application of visual cues or their absence. Our findings may serve as a foundation for future work aiming to design more effective notification systems to support SA.
Power Play: An Assistant Principal’s Dilemma and Unexpected Rise to School Leadership
Authors: Gonzales Miguel M.
Published: March 2019

This case describes the dilemma of recently hired assistant principal, Fred Bates, who finds himself in a school with a negative and unsupportive school climate. There are significant trust issues between the teachers and principal. Bates struggles to navigate various obstacles and works to establish positive relationships with both his principal and the teachers. He begins to question his loyalty to the principal, and has ethical concerns as he realizes that the school principal has abused his power and damaged, at times intentionally, the trust and respect of the teachers. The principal reaps the repercussions of his unethical actions and is dismissed from the school. Bates is then appointed as the new interim principal, and he is left with the daunting task of rebuilding the trust and confidence of the teachers.
Research on the visual cognition patterns of exit guide sign viewing on freeway interchanges
Authors: Ren Guichao , Zhao Xiaohua , Lin Zhanzhou , Xu Wenxiang
Published: March 2019

The development of freeway construction and the increasing coverage of the road network have led to increasing requirements for guide signs. This article investigated drivers’ visual cognition pattern regarding exit guide signs on freeway interchanges. A static visual cognition experiment with 32 participants was carried out. The route information volume (four levels) and destination information volume (seven levels) were selected as the variables. An eye-tracking system was utilized to record drivers’ eye movement indicators, such as eye movement time, saccade frequency, seek time, and fixation duration. The results indicated that the eye movement time, saccade frequency, and seek time are highly correlated with information volume and increase significantly with the increases in information volume; although the fixation duration has no correlation with information volume, the fixation duration value, saccade frequency, and seek time of destination information are significantly higher than those of route information, and the destination information fulfills a stronger guiding function during the driver’s trip. The corresponding threshold values of destination information are 5, 5, 4, and 3 under the four levels of route information, and the threshold value of route information is 3.
Frequency estimator by combination of phase difference method and interpolation algorithm
Authors: Xu Haitao , Han Leng , Huang Qingqing , Feng Song , Cao Junhui
Published: March 2019

In the traditional time-shifting based phase difference method, considerable errors may be introduced by wrapped phase problem as long as translation coefficient tends to one even in a small-scale turbulence noise. In this paper, an improved frequency estimator is proposed to overcome the problem of wrapped phase by combination of phase difference method and interpolation algorithm. Compared with the traditional method of phase difference based on time-shifting, the improved algorithm can obtain an accurate estimate when translation coefficient exceeds one. Comparative studies were done by means of root-mean-square error over Cramer–Rao lower bound. According to the computer simulations, it is demonstrated that root-mean-square errors can cross Cramer–Rao lower bound if the translation coefficient is properly selected even in the case of the low signal-to-noise ratio, which implies that the proposed algorithm has a strong noise immunity. Finally, the advantage of the proposed algorithm is illustrated for the simulation signal which contained strong local random noise.
Visualisation and knowledge production in international relations: The role of emotions and identity
Authors: Reinke de Buitrago Sybille
Published: March 2019

Emotions, and linked national identity, play a significant role in how we make sense of the world and in knowledge production in international relations. How we understand international relations is also shaped by our emotions and identity through their role in sense and meaning making of visual representation, such as political cartoons. This article analyses how political cartoons with portrayals of interstate relations are interpreted, and which emotions and elements of national identity are evoked and give meaning to interpretations. Cartoons from US media were shown to US and German viewers. In a two-stage process, viewers addressed evoked emotions and then critically discussed emotions, identity and representations. Focusing on commonalities and differences in how viewers read and felt visual content, the article enables insights on how emotions and identity add to knowledge production in international relations and how they do so differently with viewers of different identity backgrounds.
Sex identification of pigeons using polymerase chain reaction analysis with simple DNA extraction
Authors: Liang Shao-jie , Chen Ming-xia , Gao Chun-qi , Yan Hui-chao , Zhang Guo-long , Wang Xiu-qi
Published: March 2019

Sex identification plays an important role in avian production. Hitherto, it is difficult to distinguish the sexes of monomorphic birds based on their external features. The chromo-helicase-DNA-binding genes contain CHD-W gene and CHD-Z gene, which are located on the W chromosome and Z chromosome, respectively. Since CHD-W gene is unique to females, the polymerase chain reaction can be used for sex identification. However, extracting DNA procedures for verifying the sex is tedious and expensive. To address these disadvantages, the objective of this study was to develop a simple DNA extraction assay to efficiently process blood, liver, and feather samples. The results showed that 2% dimethylsulfoxide was suitable for processing blood, and phosphate-buffered saline was suitable for processing liver and feather samples. The specific primers were designed, and the length of the targets is 474 bp on Z chromosome and 319 bp on W chromosome. The pigeons were identified as females based on the presence of two bands on the gel, and as males based on the presence of one band. Taken together, our results suggested that feather samples were more appropriate than blood or liver for sex identification of pigeons. Compared to the traditional DNA extraction, this method shortened the assay time and reduced the cost.
Effectiveness and safety of certolizumab pegol in rheumatoid arthritis patients in Canadian practice: 2-year results from the observational FαsT-CAN study
Authors: Bessette Louis , Haraoui Boulos , Chow Andrew , Fortin Isabelle , Dixit Sanjay , Khraishi Majed , Haaland Derek , Elmoufti Sami , Staelens Fabienne , Bogatyreva Irina , Syrotuik Jerry , Shaikh Saeed
Published: March 2019

Background:

The aim of this study was to assess the real-world effectiveness and safety of certolizumab pegol (CZP) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and the impact on patients’ productivity, pain, and fatigue, in Canadian practice.

Methods:

FαsT-CAN, a 2-year prospective, observational study, evaluated CZP use in Canadian adults with moderate to severe, active RA. The primary objective was to assess the proportion of patients achieving 28-joint Disease Activity Scores (DAS28) <2.6 at Week 104. Secondary and additional endpoints assessed the improvements in Patients’ Assessment of Arthritis Pain (PtAAP), fatigue, Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI), and the proportion of patients achieving minimal clinically important differences (MCID) in HAQ-DI. Validated arthritis-specific Work Productivity Surveys (WPS-RA) assessed the RA-associated impact on productivity. Incidence of CZP-related treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) was reported for patients receiving ⩾1 dose of CZP (safety set).

Results:

The full analysis set (baseline DAS28 ⩾ 2.6, ⩾1 dose of CZP and ⩾1 valid post-baseline DAS28 measurement) included 451 of the 546 patients recruited into the study; a total of 229/451 (50.8%) patients completed Week 104. At Week 104, 90/451 (20.0%) patients achieved DAS28 < 2.6. Rapid improvements in disease activity, pain, and fatigue were observed. At Week 104, 66.2% of patients achieved HAQ-DI MCID. Patients employed at Week 104, reported reduced absenteeism, and improved productivity. CZP-related TEAEs were consistent with the known CZP safety profile.

Conclusions:

CZP was an effective RA treatment in Canadian practice, and no new CZP-related safety signals were identified. The improvements in household and workplace productivity are the first observations in a real-world Canadian setting.
Measuring Landscape Connectivity for Baird’s Tapir Conservation in Fragmented Areas of Calakmul, Mexico
Authors: Carrillo Natalia , Naranjo Eduardo J. , Cortina-Villar Sergio , Reyna-Hurtado Rafael , Mendoza Eduardo
Published: March 2019

Extensive, unprotected tracts of tropical forests remain in community territories of the Calakmul region, in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. These forest tracts face deforestation mainly due to agricultural development. Based on the graphic theory and using the CONEFOR SENSINODE 2.2 program, we analyzed the landscape connectivity between the forests of two communities and Calakmul Biosphere Reserve. Derived from vegetation cover and land use classification, the landscape was characterized considering Baird’s tapir habitat preferences. The indices used showed a loss of connectivity between community territories and Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, making it difficult for tapirs to move outside the continuous forests. We detected a few important nodes for landscape connectivity and a reduced number of connections allowing potential tapir dispersal in each study site. Despite the evident trends of forest fragmentation across the Calakmul region, our results suggest that the landscapes of our study sites are not optimal, but still usable for tapirs, which are able to move throughout habitat mosaics of forests and agricultural areas. We recommend that farming practices should be encouraged over mechanized agriculture to mitigate deforestation and tapir habitat loss in the study area.
Representation of Threatened Biodiversity in Protected Areas and Identification of Complementary Areas for Their Conservation: Plethodontid Salamanders in Mexico
Authors: García-Bañuelos Paulina , Rovito Sean M. , Pineda Eduardo
Published: March 2019

Protected areas (PAs) have been the most important conservation instrument worldwide and are reaching the coverage percentage suggested internationally (17%), but with the risk of not being ecologically representative, which is particularly concerning for threatened species. Using a database of records from museums, literature, and our fieldwork, we evaluated the representation of 132 plethodontid salamander species, a highly threatened group, in the PAs of Mexico. We assessed the importance of PAs, according to the type of governance, to represent the salamander species diversity, estimating the proportion of suitable habitat within PAs where salamanders occur and detecting potential areas to protect threatened species that are outside of PAs. Approximately 40% of plethodontid species, including threatened species, have not been recorded in PAs. A set of federal PAs harbor the greatest number of species, while state, community, and private PAs have different species composition and a high complementariness to federal areas. In 82% of PAs with plethodontid records, suitable habitat covers more than half of their extent. To protect the 36 threatened plethodontid species that have not been recorded in any PA, we detected 26 potential sites, as well as 12 close and suitable established PAs, to complement the protection of threatened species. Different types of governance of PAs are highly complementary to protect threatened species, but not all PAs seem to have the proper conditions for their survival.
A prospective study on aetiology and outcome of haemospermia from a urology unit in Sri Lanka
Authors: Sivanandan Sopan , Wijayarathna Suranga N , Balagobi Balasingam , Kumara M G Sagara R , Ambegoda A L A Madura C , Abeygunasekera Anuruddha M
Published: March 2019

Introduction:

Haemospermia is an alarming symptom for ordinary members of the public. The worry become greater as it has been described as a warning sign of a prostate cancer in the media.

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to identify the aetiological factors and outcome of haemospermia in a cohort of patients.

Methods:

All patients with newly diagnosed haemospermia treated at the urology unit of Colombo South Teaching Hospital over a period of 5 years (2013–2018) constituted the study sample. Data related to demographics, symptomatology, clinical findings, investigations, treatment given and outcome during follow-up were recorded prospectively.

Results:

There were 94 men with haemospermia who sought treatment during the study period. Mean age was 43.7 years (range: 23–67, median = 41). Twenty-seven (29%) patients had clinical evidence of prostatitis and/or a positive seminal fluid culture. One patient each had prostate carcinoma, prostatic cyst, severe hypertension, sclerotherapy for haemorrhoids, post-chemotherapy and post-epididymectomy. The patient who had high blood pressure (220/150 mmHg) was found to have mesangio-proliferative glomerulonephritis. In 61 (65%) patients, there was no identifiable cause.

Conclusion:

The majority of patients with haemospermia are aged < 45 years and have a benign aetiology. As haemospermia is self-limiting in the majority of cases, extensive investigations are unnecessary. Advanced and invasive tests should be confined to those with abnormal clinical findings, and to those with persistent or recurrent haemospermia.

Level of evidence:

Level IV.
Meaning in life experienced by parents of children living with diabetes
Authors: Bekker Christiaan I , Deacon Elmari , Segal David
Published: March 2019

In this study, nine parents of children living with well-controlled diabetes participated in semi-structured interviews to explore how they make meaning of living with a child with diabetes. Creating a state of normalcy that incorporates the diabetes care plan, empowering their children to successful transition to independent care, positive relationships with their medical team as well as acquiring and sharing diabetes-related knowledge and skills add to the meaning in life of these parents. Health practitioners should facilitate conversations with parents to help them realise their motivation for adhering to the diabetes care plan.
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing—A Valuable Tool, Not Gatekeeper When Referring Patients With Adult Congenital Heart Disease for Transplant Evaluation
Authors: Menachem Jonathan N. , Reza Nosheen , Mazurek Jeremy A. , Burstein Danielle , Birati Edo Y. , Fox Arieh , Kim Yuli Y. , Molina Maria , Partington Sara L. , Tanna Monique , Tobin Lynda , Wald Joyce , Goldberg Lee R.
Published: March 2019

Introduction:

Treatment of patients with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) with advanced therapies including heart transplant (HT) is often delayed due to paucity of objective prognostic markers for the severity of heart failure (HF). While the utility of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) in non-ACHD patients has been well-defined as it relates to prognosis, CPET for this purpose in ACHD is still under investigation.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective cohort study of 20 consecutive patients with ACHD who underwent HT between March 2010 and February 2016. Only 12 of 20 patients underwent CPET prior to transplantation. Demographics, standard measures of CPET interpretation, and 30-day and 1-year post transplantation outcomes were collected.

Results:

Patient Characteristics. Twenty patients with ACHD were transplanted at a median of 40 years of age (range: 23-57 years). Of the 12 patients who underwent CPET, 4 had undergone Fontan procedures, 4 had tetralogy of Fallot, 3 had d-transposition of the great arteries, and 1 had Ebstein anomaly. Thirty-day and one-year survival was 100%. All tests included in the analysis had a peak respiratory quotient _1.0. The median peak oxygen consumption per unit time (_VO2) for all diagnoses was 18.2 mL/kg/min (46% predicted), ranging from 12.2 to 22.6.

Conclusion:

There is a paucity of data to support best practices for patients with ACHD requiring transplantation. While it cannot be proven based on available data, it could be inferred that outcomes would have been worse or perhaps life sustaining options unavailable if providers delayed referral because of the lack of attainment of CPET-specific thresholds.
Comparing 3 Different Techniques of Patella Fracture Fixation and Their Complications
Authors: Shea Graham Ka-Hon , Hoi-Ting So Karen , Tam Kin-Wai , Yee Dennis King-Hang , Fang Christian , Leung Frankie
Published: March 2019

Introduction:

Patella fractures managed by fixation with metal implants often cause local soft tissue irritation and necessitate implant removal. An alternative is to utilize suture-based fixation methods. We have adopted suture and hybrid fixation in the routine management of patella fractures. Here, we compare the results of 3 fixation techniques.

Materials and Methods:

Eighty-seven eligible patients underwent patella fracture fixation over a 3-year period. As determined by fracture configuration, patients received (1) suture fixation (transosseous sutures and figure-of-eight tension banding with FiberWire), (2) hybrid fixation (transosseous FiberWire sutures and metal tension banding), or (3) metal fixation. Primary outcome measures included reoperation rate and soft tissue irritation. Secondary outcomes included surgical complications, radiological, and functional parameters.

Results:

Reoperation rate was highest for metal fixation (25/57, 43.9%) and lowest for suture fixation (2/13, 15.4%). Soft tissue irritation necessitating implant removal was the predominant reason for reoperation and was significantly less prevalent following suture fixation (1/13, 7.7%, P < .01). Hybrid fixation resulted in similar rates of soft tissue irritation (6/17, 35.3%) and implant removal (7/17, 41.2%) as compared to metal fixation. There was a significant increase in patella baja (13/17, 76.5%) and reduction in Insall-Salvati ratio (0.742; 95% confidence interval: 0.682-0.802) following hybrid fixation as compared to the other 2 fixation methods ( P < .05).

Discussion:

Suture fixation results in the least amount of soft tissue irritation and lowest reoperation rate, but these advantages are negated with the addition of a metal tension band wire. Hybrid fixation also unbalances the extensor mechanism.

Conclusion:

Patients should be counseled as to the expected sequelae of their fixation method. Suture fixation is the favored means to fix distal pole fractures of the patella. An additional metal tension band loop may confer additional stability but should be applied with caution.
Should and Does Compulsory Voting Reduce Inequality?
Authors: Kouba Karel , Mysicka Stanislav
Published: March 2019

The principal defense of compulsory voting suggests that it bridges socioeconomic inequalities by fostering a higher, and hence less socioeconomically biased, turnout. However, this article argues that this does not automatically translate into a less biased political voice because compulsory voting also generates socioeconomically biased invalid votes, which is demonstrated on the case of Ecuador. Normatively, we deny the existence of a general moral and legal duty to vote, which would justify compelling a citizen to vote. Achieving higher levels of social equality does not automatically take priority over a citizen’s rights to liberty and conscience. Furthermore, we object in general to the paternalistic justification of compulsory voting made by its defenders. Thus, we find that instituting compulsory voting as an instrument of reducing class inequalities is unwarranted both empirically and normatively.