bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MILLENNIAL TOURIST EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE IN TECHNOLOGICAL ENGAGEMENT AT DESTINATION
Authors: Mohd Nur Shuhadah , Ismail Hairul Nizam , Isa Norliza , Syed Jaafar Syed Muhammad Rafy
Published: April 2019

Millennial is known to be the generations that strongly empowered by technologies that apparently had altered the pattern of their consumption habits to shape a new form of tourist market. The great incursion of technology on Millennial does not only mediates the experience formation at destination, instead provide added value and emotional impact through its cognitive stimulation and experience co-creation possibilities. As the key instrument for experience enhancement, mobile technologies support users' needs of on-site information, virtually connect tourism providers and consumers, and unfold destination uniqueness. These in turn allow co-creation of tourist experience through satisfaction of Millennial's addiction of connectivity. Virtual connectivity seems to create new form of affective attachment, through which Millennial are emotionally bonded to the place due to the intensity of technological engagement. Consequently, instead of tourist-destination encounter per se, technological experience is potentially classified as the third aspects that dictate experience development, especially among Millennial travellers. Existing literatures indicates that Millennial strong engagement with virtual platform is capable to manipulate their on-site emotional experience, which apparently changing the conventional way of tourist experiencing the destination. Nevertheless, the significant of Millennial's technological engagement towards their destination emotional experience is still open for debates. Pertaining to this situation, this conceptual paper is attempted to understand the influence of technology in the enhancement of emotional experience, specifically among Millennial travellers, in better understanding the evolving demand of the new generations tourist from psychological perspective.
Optimization for Onshore Wind Farm Cable: Connection Layout using ACO-AIA algorithm
Authors: Tifroute Mohamed , Bouzahir Hassane
Published: April 2019

The wind farm layout optimization problem is similar to the classical mathematical problem of finding the Steiner Minimal Tree Problem (SMTP) of a weighted undirected graph. Due to the cable current-carrying capacity limitation, the cable sectional area should be carefully selected to meet the system operational requirement and this constraint should be considered during the SMTP formulation process. Hence, traditional SMTP algorithm cannot ensure a minimal cable investment layout. In this paper, a hybrid algorithm based on modified Ants Colony Optimization (ACO) and Artificial Immune Algorithm (AIA) for solving SMTP is introduced. Since the Steiner Tree Problem is NP-hard, we design an algorithm to construct high quality Steiner trees in a short time which is suitable for real time multicast routing in networks. After the breadth - first traversal of the minimal graph obtained by ACO, the terminal points are divided into different convex hull sets, and the full Steiner tree is structured from the convex hull sets partition. The Steiner points can then be vaccinated by AIA to get an optimal graph. The average optimization effect of AIA is shorter than the minimal graph obtained using ACO, and the performance of the algorithm is shown. We give an example of application in optimization for onshore wind farm Cable. The possibility of using different sectional area’s cable is also considered in this paper.
The Optimal Felling Rate in the Palm Oil Plantation System
Authors: Abd Aziz Mohd Ismail , Nasir Noryanti , Banitalebi Akbar
Published: April 2019

Successful palm oil plantation should have high returns profit, clean and environmental friendly. Since oil palm trees have a long life and it takes years to be fully grown, controlling the felling rate of the palm oil trees is a fundamental challenge. It needs to be addressed in order to maximize oil production. However, a good arrangement of the felling palm oil trees may still affect the amount of carbon absorption. The objective of this study is to develop an optimal felling model of the palm oil plantation system taking into account both oil production and carbon absorption. The model facilitates in providing the optimal control of felling rate that results in maximizing both oil production and carbon absorption. With this aim, the model is formulated considering palm oil biomass, carbon absorption rate, oil production rate and the average prices of carbon and oil palm. A set of real data is used to estimate the parameters of the model and numerical simulation is conducted to highlight the application of the proposed model. The resulting parameter estimation is solved that leads to an optimal control of felling rate problem.
The Laplacian Energy of Conjugacy Class Graph of Some Finite Groups
Authors: Mahmoud Rabiha , Ahmad Fadzil Amira Fadina , Sarmin Nor Haniza , Erfanian Ahmad
Published: April 2019

Let G be a dihedral group and its conjugacy class graph. The Laplacian energy of the graph, is defined as the sum of the absolute values of the difference between the Laplacian eigenvalues and the ratio of twice the edges number divided by the vertices number. In this research, the Laplacian matrices of the conjugacy class graph of some dihedral groups, generalized quaternion groups, quasidihedral groups and their eigenvalues are first computed. Then, the Laplacian energy of the graphs are determined.
Electrochemical Cells as Experimental Verifications of n-ary Hyperstructures
Authors: Al Tahan M. , Davvaz Bijan
Published: April 2019

Algebraic hyperstructures represent a natural extension of classical algebraic structures and they have many applications in various sciences. The main purpose of this paper is to provide a new application of $n$-ary weak hyperstructures in Chemistry. More precisely, we present three different examples of ternary hyperstructures associated with electrochemical cells. In which we prove that our defined hyperstructures are ternary $H_{v}$-semigroups.
Heart rate variability dynamics during treatment for exertional heat strain when immediate response is not possible
Authors: Flouris Andreas D. , Friesen Brian J. , Herry Christophe L. , Seely Andrew J. E. , Notley Sean R. , Kenny Glen P.
Published: April 2019

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Does a delay in cold water immersion treatment affect the cardiac autonomic control of exertionally heat‐strained individuals?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Cold water immersion is effective for treating exertionally heat‐strained individuals even when treatment is commenced with a significant delay. However, that treatment delay leads to only partial/transient restoration of cardiac autonomic control. Therefore, we recommend that exertional heatstroke patients are continuously monitored for several hours even after core temperature has returned to normal values.

Immediate cold water immersion (CWI) is the gold‐standard treatment for exertional heatstroke. In the field, however, treatment is often delayed, primarily owing to a delayed paramedic response and/or inaccurate diagnosis. We examined the effect of treatment (reduction of rectal temperature to 37.5°C) delays of 5 (short), 20 (moderate) and 40 (prolonged) min on cardiac autonomic control [as assessed via heart rate variability (HRV)] in eight exertionally heat‐strained (40.0°C rectal temperature) individuals. Eleven HRV indices were computed that have been described commonly in the literature and characterize almost all known domains of the variability and complexity of the cardiopulmonary system. We found that the cardiac autonomic control (as assessed via HRV) of exertionally heat‐strained individuals was significantly affected by the amount of time it took for the CWI treatment to be applied. Six out of 11 HRV indices studied, from all variability domains, displayed strong (P ≤ 0.005) time × delay interaction effects. Moreover, the number of significantly (P ≤ 0.005) abnormal (i.e. different from the short delay) HRV indices more than doubled (seven versus 15) from the moderate delay to the prolonged delay. Finally, our results demonstrated that a CWI treatment applied with delays of 20 and, primarily, 40 min did not lead to a full restoration of cardiac autonomic control of exertionally heat‐strained individuals. In conclusion, this study supports CWI for treating exertionally heat‐strained individuals even when applied with prolonged delay, but it highlights the importance of continued cardiac monitoring of patients who have suffered exertional heatstroke for several hours after restoration of core temperature to normal.
Profesores do ensino público superior: produtividades, produtivismo e adoecimento
Authors: Ferreira Borsoi Izabel Cristina , Silva Pereira Flavilio
Published: April 2019

O objetivo deste artigo é mostrar de que maneira a agenda de atividades no mundo acadêmico tem levado docentes do ensino público superior ao adoecimento. A análise foi baseada em informações colhidas por meio de questionário respondido por 98 professores de uma universidade pública federal e em entrevistas com 18 deles. Os resultados apontam que a procura de ajuda médica e/ou psicológica é mais frequente entre docentes de programas de pós-graduação, principalmente entre mulheres com maior número de orientandos; indicam, também, que é a diversidade de atividades –quase todas obrigatórias, delimitadas e consideradas parâmetro de avaliação do desempenho acadêmico individual e coletivo– que parece levar muitos desses professores ao sofrimento e ao adoecimento.
Adaptación y validación de la versión hispana del Cuestionario de Estilo Emocional
Authors: Guarino de Scremín Leticia
Published: April 2019

El presente trabajo reporta los resultados de la adaptación y validación de la versión hispana del Emotional Style Questionnaire (ESQ - Roger, Guarino y Olason, 2000), conducida con una muestra de estudiantes universitarios venezolanos. La escala original de 56 items denominada ECQ – Emocional Control Questionnaire (Roger y Najarian, 1989; Roger y Nesshoever, 1987) medía cuatro dimensiones de estilo emocional: rumiación, inhibición emocional, control de la agresión y control benigno. Sin embargo, basados en la revisión de las escalas, Roger, Guarino y Olason (2000) propusieron una versión abreviada de 39 items, en la cual sólo se mantuvieron las escalas de rumiación e inhibición emocional. La versión hispana de esta escala, junto con otras medidas de personalidad y de salud, fue administrada a una muestra de 419 estudiantes universitarios venezolanos y los resultados mostraron una estructura factorial casi idéntica a la de la versión anglosajona, con adecuadas consistencias internas. Los estudios de validez concurrente y predictiva apoyan la estructura teórica de cada dimensión. La versión hispana del ESQ puede asumirse como una escala válida y confiable para medir los estilos emocionales de respuesta en diferentes contextos de hispano parlantes.
Detección y descripción de rasgos psicopáticos en adolescentes utilizando el MACI
Authors: Vinet Eugenia V. , Alarcón Bañares Paula , Perez-Luco Arenas Ricardo
Published: April 2019

Este estudio reporta las características psicométricas de las dos escalas de psicopatía del MACI y evalúa su utilidad para pesquisar y describir a adolescentes con alta psicopatía. Cuatro grupos representantes del continuo adaptación – desadaptación social (n = 436) respondieron el MACI y un autoreporte de comportamiento social adolescente. El análisis factorial de las escalas determinó estructuras de dos y tres factores respectivamente que son respaldadas por los modelos de psicopatía de Hare y de Cookie y Michie. Un algoritmo desarrollado con las puntuaciones de estas escalas identificó y permitió caracterizar un grupo de 49 jóvenes (11.2% de la muestra) con alta psicopatía. Se discuten las características psicométricas y la utilidad de estas escalas para identificar a adolescentes con perfiles psicopáticos.
Adaptación de la Escala de Afectividad Positiva y Negativa (PANAS) a la población de Adultos de la ciudad de Córdoba: Análisis Psicométricos Preliminares
Authors: Moriondo Mónica , Palma Patricia , Medrano Leonardo , Murillo Pablo
Published: April 2019

El afecto o emoción como tema de investigación científica ha despertado un gran interés en los últimos años (Isen, 2007). Aunque las emociones experimentadas por las personas constituyen un tópico de gran relevancia actual y con múltiples y variadas repercusiones en el ejercicio profesional del psicólogo, en nuestro medio no se cuenta con instrumentos psicométricos adaptados que permitan medir de manera válida y confiable dicha variable. Tomando esto en consideración, el presente trabajo tuvo por objetivo realizar una adaptación psicométrica de la Escala de Afectividad Positiva y Negativa (PANAS; Watson & Clark, 1988) a la población de adultos de la ciudad de Córdoba. Con este fin, luego de realizar un estudio piloto, se administró el PANAS a una muestra de 205 adultos con edades comprendidas entre los 25 y 65 años. Los estudios de estructura interna realizados mediante el Análisis Factorial Exploratorio sugieren la existencia de dos dimensiones que explican un 39% de la variabilidad de la prueba. Se calculó además la correlación ítem total y el índice de discriminación de cada ítem y se examinó la consistencia interna de la escala utilizando el coeficiente Alfa de Cronbach (0.73; 0.82). Finalmente, se obtuvieron evidencias externas contrastando grupos según la edad, género y nivel de estudio de los participantes. Los resultados son similares a los observados en estudios antecedentes (Robles y Páez, 2003; Sandin et al, 1999). Aunque se requiere de investigaciones adicionales, los análisis preliminares efectuados sostienen el uso de la escala PANAS en la población de adultos de nuestro medio.
A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Spanish Language Version of the Attitudes Toward Lesbians and Gay Men (ATLG) Measure
Authors: Barrientos Delgado Jaime Eduardo , Cárdenas Manuel
Published: April 2019

This paper intends to validate the Attitudes toward Lesbians and Gay Men Scale (Herek, 1988). The starting point is the five dimensions reported in previous studies (Cardenas & Barrientos, 2008). No research has confirmed the hypothesized ATLG factor structure with a Spanish-language sample. This study tested three factor structures, results indicating that the two factor second-order model provides the best description of ATLG items. Additionally, psychometric properties were examined using a sample of 518 college students. ATLG proved reliable (α = 0.93) and valid for Chilean population.
Elaboración de una Escala de Apoyo Social (EAS) para adultos
Authors: Palomar Lever Joaquina , Matus García Graciela Lorena , Victorio Estrada Amparo
Published: April 2019

El apoyo social se ha definido como las transacciones interpersonales instrumentales que implican ayuda en todas sus vertientes, tales como emocional, económica, implícita, explícita, etc. La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo elaborar una escala que midiera el apoyo social para la población mexicana en situación de pobreza. Se tomaron como base dos instrumentos: la Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support y el Inventory of Socially Supportive Behaviors. La muestra la conformaron 913 personas de ambos sexos. Un análisis factorial permitió observar la emergencia de tres componentes: 1) apoyo social, 2) apoyo familiar y 3) apoyo de amigos. Los tres factores explican el 66.24 % de la varianza y tienen índices de confiabilidad adecuados que oscilan entre 0.71 y 0.94.
¿Es posible el empoderamiento en tiempos de crisis? Repensando el desarrollo humano en el nuevo siglo
Authors: Sánchez Alipio
Published: April 2019

Se hace una reflexión abierta sobre la viabilidad del empoderamiento psicosocial hoy. Tras examinar algunos efectos sociopsicológicos de la actual crisis económica, se proponen las cuestiones básicas (significado teórico-ideológico, viabilidad práctica, nivel operativo, carácter subjetivo u objetivo) implicadas en el empoderamiento y se describen las dificultades del empoderamiento microsocial frente a las tendencias (concentración, opacidad, lejanía, incomprensibilidad) del poder macrosocial en el mundo postindustrial. Se apuntan algunos retos prácticos del tema para la Psicología Comunitaria poniendo de relieve la limitación de sus medios (explicativos-ideológicos, técnicos, personales-morales, institucionales) en relación a los ambiciosos fines empoderadores y describiendo finalmente, los tres componentes (subjetivo-concienciador, interactivo-organizador, acción social) del proceso empoderador y las limitaciones (y posibilidades) de la acción psicosocial al respecto.
Idosos com diabetes mellitus tipo 2 e o desempenho cognitivo no teste Wisconsin de classificação de cartas(WCST)
Authors: Fernandes Lopes Regina Maria , Lima Argimon Irani
Published: April 2019

Estudos identificam a existência de uma conexão entre Diabetes Mellitus (DM) e demência. A hiperglicemia pode ser um fator significativo para incidência de Alzheimer e uma causa secundária de demência. Pesquisas revelaram que as funções executivas dos idosos com DM estavam mais prejudicadas do que naqueles sem DM. A Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2 (DM2) está associada a déficits cognitivos e funcionais, e um dos instrumentos que pode ser utilizado para avaliar funções executivas é o WCST. Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática com o objetivo de verificar as características das publicações indexadas nos últimos oito anos, que abordam os temas DM2, idosos, WCST, flexibilidade cognitiva, do pensamento e funções executivas. Os resultados demonstraram que estudos envolvendo DM2, idosos e WCST são reduzidos
Group A
Streptococcus
T Antigens Have a Highly Conserved Structure Concealed under a Heterogeneous Surface That Has Implications for Vaccine Design
Authors: Young Paul G. , Raynes Jeremy M. , Loh Jacelyn M. , Proft Thomas , Baker Edward N. , Moreland Nicole J.
Published: April 2019

Group A
Streptococcus
(GAS) (
Streptococcus pyogenes
) is an important human pathogen associated with significant global morbidity and mortality for which there is no safe and efficacious vaccine. The T antigen, a protein that polymerizes to form the backbone of the GAS pilus structure, is a potential vaccine candidate.
Evaluation of the Bio-Rad Geenius HIV 1/2 Assay as Part of a Confirmatory HIV Testing Strategy for Quebec, Canada: Comparison with Western Blot and Inno-Lia Assays
Authors: Serhir Bouchra , Desjardins Céline , Doualla-Bell Florence , Simard Marc , Tremblay Cécile , Longtin Jean
Published: April 2019

The rapid confirmatory Bio-Rad Geenius HIV 1/2 assay was evaluated as an alternative to the HIV-1 Western blot (WB) confirmatory assay. A total of 370 retrospective samples collected from 356 patients were tested.
Novel Insights into Conformational Rearrangements of the Bacterial Flagellar Switch Complex
Authors: Sakai Tomofumi , Miyata Tomoko , Terahara Naoya , Mori Koichiro , Inoue Yumi , Morimoto Yusuke V. , Kato Takayuki , Namba Keiichi , Minamino Tohru
Published: April 2019

The bacterial flagellar motor is a bidirectional rotary motor for motility and chemotaxis, which often plays an important role in infection. The motor is a large transmembrane protein complex composed of a rotor and multiple stator units, which also act as a proton channel. Motor torque is generated through their cyclic association and dissociation coupled with proton translocation through the proton channel. A large cytoplasmic ring of the motor, called C ring, is responsible for rotation and switching by interacting with the stator, but the mechanism remains unknown. By analyzing the structure and function of the wild-type motor and a mutant motor missing part of the C ring connecting itself with the transmembrane rotor ring while keeping a stator-interacting domain for bidirectional torque generation intact, we found interesting clues to the change in the C ring conformation for the switching and rotation involving loose and tight intersubunit interactions.
Core Fucosylation of Maternal Milk N-Glycan Evokes B Cell Activation by Selectively Promoting thel-Fucose Metabolism of GutBifidobacteriumspp. andLactobacillusspp
Authors: Li Ming , Bai Yaqiang , Zhou Jiaorui , Huang Wei , Yan Jingyu , Tao Jia , Fan Qingjie , Liu Yang , Mei Di , Yan Qiulong , Yuan Jieli , Malard Patrice , Wang Zhongfu , Gu Jianguo , Tanigchi Naoyuki , Li Wenzhe
Published: April 2019

This study provides novel evidence for the critical role of maternal milk protein glycosylation in shaping early-life gut microbiota and promoting B cell activation of neonates. The special core-fucosylated oligosaccharides might be promising prebiotics for the personalized nutrition of infants.
Neutral Processes Drive Seasonal Assembly of the Skin Mycobiome
Authors: Tong Xinzhao , Leung Marcus H. Y. , Wilkins David , Cheung Hedwig H. L. , Lee Patrick K. H.
Published: April 2019

Fungi are well recognized members of the human skin microbiota and are crucial to cutaneous health. Common cutaneous diseases such as seborrheic dermatitis and dermatophytes are linked to fungal species. Most studies related to skin microbial community dynamics have focused on Western subjects, while non-Western individuals are understudied. In this study, we explore the seasonal changes of the skin mycobiome in a healthy Chinese cohort and identify ecological processes that could possibly give rise to such variations. Our work reveals the dynamic nature of host skin fungal community, highlighting the dominant roles neutral forces play in the seasonal assembly of skin mycobiome. This study provides insight into the microbial ecology of the human skin microbiome and fills a knowledge gap in the literature regarding the dynamics of skin fungal community.
Spontaneous prostatic haematoma in a case of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Bansal Devanshu , Seth Amlesh
Published: April 2019

A 61-year-old man presented with urinary retention with obstructive uropathy (urea/creatinine: 126/9.2 mg/dL) secondary to a large prostatic haematoma while being medically managed for benign enlargement of the prostate. The patient did not have any fever or local symptoms and the prostate was enlarged and non-tender on examination. Ultrasound and MRI of the pelvis showed a 9.4×10.4×11.1 cm sized prostatic haematoma seen displacing and compressing the urinary bladder anteriorly with bilateral hydroureteronephrosis. The patient was managed with per-urethral catheterisation, haemodialysis and injectable antibiotics. Percutaneous pigtail placement into the prostatic haematoma led to gradual drainage of the haematoma with improvement in the renal parameters. Definitive surgery in the form of transurethral resection of the prostate was done at a later date. Intraoperatively multiple encapsulated cavities containing organised clots were deroofed. On follow-up, the patient did well and had good urinary flow and normal renal parameters.
What’s the rate of knee osteoarthritis 10 years after anterior cruciate ligament injury? An updated systematic review
Authors: Lie Marthe Mehus , Risberg May Arna , Storheim Kjersti , Engebretsen Lars , Øiestad Britt Elin
Published: April 2019

Background

This updated systematic review reports data from 2009 on the prevalence, and risk factors, for knee osteoarthritis (OA) more than 10 years after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear.

Methods

We systematically searched five databases (PubMed, EMBASE, AMED, Cinahl and SPORTDiscus) for prospective and retrospective studies published after 1 August 2008. Studies were included if they investigated participants with ACL tear (isolated or in combination with medial collateral ligament and/or meniscal injuries) and reported symptomatic and/or radiographic OA at a minimum of 10 years postinjury. We used a modified version of the Downs and Black checklist for methodological quality assessment and narrative synthesis to report results. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO.

Results

Forty-one studies were included. Low methodological quality was revealed in over half of the studies. At inclusion, age ranged from 23 to 38 years, and at follow-up from 31 to 51 years. Sample sizes ranged from 18 to 780 participants. The reported radiographic OA prevalence varied between 0% and 100% >10 years after injury, regardless of follow-up time. The studies with low and high methodological quality reported a prevalence of radiographic OA between 0%–100% and 1%–80%, respectively. One study reported symptomatic knee OA for the tibiofemoral (TF) joint (35%), and one study reported symptomatic knee OA for the patellofemoral (PF) joint (15%). Meniscectomy was the only consistent risk factor determined from the data synthesis.

Conclusion

Radiographic knee OA varied between 0% and 100% in line with our previous systematic review from 2009. Symptomatic and radiographic knee OA was differentiated in two studies only, with a reported symptomatic OA prevalence of 35% for the TF joint and 15% for PF joint. Future cohort studies need to include measurement of symptomatic knee OA in this patient group.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42016042693.
Economic impact of medication non-adherence by disease groups: a systematic review
Authors: Cutler Rachelle Louise , Fernandez-Llimos Fernando , Frommer Michael , Benrimoj Charlie , Garcia-Cardenas Victoria
Published: April 2019

Objective

To determine the economic impact of medication non-adherence across multiple disease groups.

Design

Systematic review.

Evidence review

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus in September 2017. Studies quantifying the cost of medication non-adherence in relation to economic impact were included. Relevant information was extracted and quality assessed using the Drummond checklist.

Results

Seventy-nine individual studies assessing the cost of medication non-adherence across 14 disease groups were included. Wide-scoping cost variations were reported, with lower levels of adherence generally associated with higher total costs. The annual adjusted disease-specific economic cost of non-adherence per person ranged from $949 to $44 190 (in 2015 US$). Costs attributed to ‘all causes’ non-adherence ranged from $5271 to $52 341. Medication possession ratio was the metric most used to calculate patient adherence, with varying cut-off points defining non-adherence. The main indicators used to measure the cost of non-adherence were total cost or total healthcare cost (83% of studies), pharmacy costs (70%), inpatient costs (46%), outpatient costs (50%), emergency department visit costs (27%), medical costs (29%) and hospitalisation costs (18%). Drummond quality assessment yielded 10 studies of high quality with all studies performing partial economic evaluations to varying extents.

Conclusion

Medication non-adherence places a significant cost burden on healthcare systems. Current research assessing the economic impact of medication non-adherence is limited and of varying quality, failing to provide adaptable data to influence health policy. The correlation between increased non-adherence and higher disease prevalence should be used to inform policymakers to help circumvent avoidable costs to the healthcare system. Differences in methods make the comparison among studies challenging and an accurate estimation of true magnitude of the cost impossible. Standardisation of the metric measures used to estimate medication non-adherence and development of a streamlined approach to quantify costs is required.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42015027338.
Increasing trends in hospitalisations due to atrial fibrillation in Australia from 1993 to 2013
Authors: Gallagher Celine , Hendriks Jeroen ML , Giles Lynne , Karnon Jonathan , Pham Clarabelle , Elliott Adrian D , Middeldorp Melissa E , Mahajan Rajiv , Lau Dennis H , Sanders Prashanthan , Wong Christopher X
Published: April 2019

Objective

The aim of this study is to characterise hospitalisations due to atrial fibrillation (AF) compared with two other common cardiovascular conditions, myocardial infarction (MI) and heart failure (HF), in addition to the associated economic burden of these hospitalisations and contribution of AF-related procedures.

Methods

The primary outcome measure was the rate of increase of AF, MI and HF hospitalisations from 1993 to 2013. The rate of increase of AF-related procedures including cardioversion and ablation were also collected, in addition to direct costs associated with hospitalisations for each of these three conditions.

Results

AF hospitalisations increased 295% over the 21-year period to a total of 61 424 in 2013. In comparison, MI and HF hospitalisations increased by only 73% and 39%, respectively, over the same period. Considering population changes, there was an annual increase in AF hospitalisations of 5.2% (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.052; 95% CI 1.046 to 1.059; p<0.001). In contrast, there was a 2.2% increase per annum for MI (IRR 1.022; 95% CI 1.017 to 1.027; p<0.001) and negligible annual change for HF hospitalisations (IRR 1.000; 95% CI 0.997 to 1.002; p=0.78). Cardioversion and AF ablation increased by 10% and 26% annually, respectively. AF hospitalisation costs rose by 479% over the 21-year period, an increase that was more than double that of MI and HF.

Conclusions

The burden of AF hospitalisations continues to rise unabated. AF has now surpassed both MI and HF hospitalisations and represents a growing cost burden. New models of healthcare delivery are required to stem this growing healthcare burden.
Spatial distribution of roadway environment features related to child pedestrian safety by census tract income in Toronto, Canada
Authors: Rothman Linda , Cloutier Marie-Soleil , Manaugh Kevin , Howard Andrew William , Macpherson Alison K , Macarthur Colin
Published: April 2019

Background

Investments in traffic calming infrastructure and other street design features can enhance pedestrian safety as well as contribute to the ‘walkability’ of neighbourhoods. Pedestrian–motor vehicle collisions (PMVCs) in urban areas, however, remain common and occur more frequently in lower income neighbourhoods. While risk and protective features of roadways related to PMVC have been identified, little research exists examining the distribution of roadway environment features. This study examined the relationship between roadway environment features related to child pedestrian safety and census tract income status in Toronto.

Methods

Spatial cluster detection based on 2006 census tract data identified low-income and high-income census tract clusters in Toronto. Police-reported PMVC data involving children between the ages of 5 and 14 years were mapped using geographical information system. Also mapped were roadway environment features (densities of speed humps, crossing guards, local roads, one-way streets and missing sidewalks). Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between roadway environment features (independent variables) and cluster income status (dependent variable), controlling for child census tract population.

Results

There were significantly fewer speed humps and local roads in low-income versus high-income clusters. Child PMVC rates were 5.4 times higher in low-income versus high-income clusters.

Conclusion

Socioeconomic inequities in the distribution of roadway environment features related to child pedestrian safety have policy and process implications related to the safety of child pedestrians in urban neighbourhoods.
Biological activity of Echinops spinosus on inhibition of paracetamol-induced renal inflammation
Authors: Hegazy Marwa G.A. , Emam Manal A. , Khattab Hemmat I. , Helal Nesma M.
Published: April 2019

This study was designed to evaluate the possible mechanisms through which Echinops spinosus (ES) extract demonstrates nephroprotective effect on the paracetamol acetominophen (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP)) induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Twenty-four Swiss albino rats were divided into four groups (six rats each). The placebo group was orally administered sterile saline, the APAP group received APAP (200 mg·kg–1·day–1 i.p.) daily, the ES group was given ES extract orally (250 mg/kg), and the APAP + ES group received APAP as for the APAP group and administrated the ES extract as for the ES group. Pretreatment of methyl alcohol extract of ES reduced the protein expression of inflammatory parameters including cyclooxygenase-2 and nuclear factor κB in the kidney. It also reduced the mRNA gene expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β. The ES extract compensated for deficits in the total antioxidant activity, suppressed lipid peroxidation, and amended the APAP-induced histopathological kidney alterations. Moreover, ES treatment restored the elevated levels of urea nitrogen in the blood and creatinine in the serum by APAP. The ES extract attenuated the APAP-induced elevations in renal nitric oxide levels. We clarified that the ES extract has the potential to defend the kidney from APAP-induced inflammation, and the protection mechanism might be through decreasing oxidative stress and regulating the inflammatory signaling pathway through modulating key signaling inflammatory biomarkers.
Relativistic point particles in external fields
Authors: Khorrami Mohammad
Published: April 2019

Motion of a point particle (a particle without any internal structure) in the context of special relativity is investigated. The study is based on the action principle with either time or the proper time regarded as the evolution parameter. Actions corresponding to the motion of particle in general external tensor fields are obtained.
Symmetry-breaking corrections to the form factors for heavy-to-heavy B-meson at large recoil
Authors: Shafaq Saba , Ahmed Ishtiaq , Aslam M. Jamil
Published: April 2019

The present study investigates the decay of B to heavy meson using the soft collinear effective theory. By assigning different loop momenta, the factorization has been tested and it is found to be valid to all orders in the perturbation theory. It is noted that theory contains one hard collinear and two soft modes depending upon virtuality of different momenta. In the next step, symmetry-conserving relations (in heavy quark limits) to the form factors have been studied. These relations are then used to parametrize the form factors to get symmetry-breaking corrections. These symmetry-breaking corrections can be calculated using perturbative (vertex corrections) as well as nonperturbative (hard spectator interactions) QCD. It is found that in the heavy quark limit, these symmetry contributions do not contribute to the form factors that appear in physical observables for the case of [Formula: see text] decays which are contrary to the heavy-to-light meson decays.
Effect of pitch-to-diameter ratio and row-spacing-to-diameter ratio of venting holes on evolution process of air film around a vertically launched underwater vehicle
Authors: Ma Guihui , Chen Fu , Yu Jianyang
Published: April 2019

Equipping a slice of air film on a vehicle’s exterior can realize the goal of load reduction and attitude control in the vertical water-emerging process. Similar to ventilated cavity, the performance of this air film depends on the venting structures and their arrangements. Based on the simulation of vehicle’s water-emerging processes with exhaust, the effect of pitch-to-diameter ratio [Formula: see text] and row-spacing-to-diameter ratio [Formula: see text] of venting structures on evolution process of air film is investigated. Results indicate that the increase of [Formula: see text] promotes the fast growth of air film, but makes the circumferential merging of adjacent air films slow. Two rows of inline-arrangement venting structures enhance the exhaust. And with the increase of [Formula: see text], the air film extends faster accompanied with its thickness enlarged. Further increase of [Formula: see text] for double-row-hole cases (based on the reasonable design of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) brings about little improvement to the air film, while, “more-smaller” hole1 can promote the circumferential coalescing of adjacent air films near venting structures, and provide more opportunities for hole2 being covered by air film considering the rotation of vehicle.
Single-wavelength-tunable and dual-wavelength-switchable Tm-doped fiber soliton laser based on single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Li Wenlei , Chen Guangwei
Published: April 2019

We propose a single-wavelength-tunable and dual-wavelength-switchable Tm-doped fiber soliton laser with single-walled carbon nanotubes. The laser can deliver single-wavelength mode-locked pulse tunable from 1892 nm to 1924 nm. Dual-wavelength mode-locking operation can also be achieved by increasing pump power and rotating the polarization controller (PC), meanwhile the wavelength can be switched between 1883/1894 nm and 1905/1910 nm. Both the tunable and switchable operations are realized with great ease by solely adjusting the parameters of PC. The proposed Tm-doped fiber laser can operate in two mode-locking states, which is helpful for further understanding of the mode-locking mechanism and useful for practical applications.
Pyroelectric response in the Langmuir–Blodgett fabricated artificial polymer multilayers
Authors: Tian Li , Sun Jing , Li Yanping , Zhang Xiang Hua
Published: April 2019

Ferroelectric poly(vinylidenefluoride-trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF-TrFE)] copolymer, poly(vinylidenefluoride-trifluoroethylene-chlorofloroethlene) [P(VDF-TrFE-CFE)] terpolymer and P(VDF-TrFE)/P(VDF-TrFE-CFE) multilayers were fabricated by Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) technique. The microstructure, ferroelectric and pyroelectric properties of these films were investigated. In [Formula: see text] multilayer, an enhancement of pyroelectric performance was observed compared with [Formula: see text] multilayer and P(VDF-TrFE-CFE) film. The results indicate that the internal electric field due to polarization mismatch has a dominating contribution from the view of electrostatic coupling.
Theory and Experiments on Multi-Ion Permeation and Selectivity in the NaChBac Ion Channel
Authors: Gibby W. A. T. , Barabash M. L. , Guardiani C. , Luchinsky D. G. , Fedorenko O. A. , Roberts S. K. , McClintock P. V. E.
Published: April 2019

The highly selective permeation of ions through biological ion channels is an unsolved problem of noise and fluctuations. In this paper, we motivate and introduce a non-equilibrium and self-consistent multi-species kinetic model, with the express aims of comparing with experimental recordings of current versus voltage and concentration and extracting important permeation parameters. For self-consistency, the behavior of the model at the two-state, i.e., selective limit in linear response, must agree with recent results derived from an equilibrium statistical theory. The kinetic model provides a good fit to data, including the key result of an anomalous mole fraction effect.
Some Leibniz bimodules of 𝔰𝔩2
Authors: Kurbanbaev T. , Turdibaev R.
Published: April 2019

We study complex finite-dimensional Leibniz algebra bimodule over [Formula: see text] that as a Lie algebra module is split into a direct sum of two simple [Formula: see text]-modules. We prove that in this case there are only two nonsplit Leibniz [Formula: see text]-bimodules and we describe the actions.
BIOMECHANICAL STUDY OF PEDICLE SCREW FIXATION STRENGTH: ASSOCIATION OF SCREW MALPOSITION AND SCREW INSERTION TORQUE
Authors: TSAI TSUNG-TING , CHEN YU-HUNG , LIAO CHAO-YAUG , LIN HSIN-TZU , LIU MU-YI , CHEN JIN-KAI , LAI PO-LIANG , TAI CHING-LUNG
Published: April 2019

Pedicle screws have been widely used for the treatment of spinal diseases, but improper screw placement is not uncommon and may lead to neurovascular injuries and reduced screw fixation strength. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using real-time screw insertion torque monitoring to prevent screw penetration. Commercially available synthetic L4 vertebrae were divided in to seven test groups based on different screw placements. Screw insertion torque and maximal pullout strength were compared among groups. The results indicated that the insertion torque gradually increased when the screw tip was within vertebral cancellous bone without penetration. However, an instantaneous decrease of torque value was observed once the screw tip penetrated the cortex wall. When compared to the control group, higher pullout strength was found for the groups with medial cortex penetration. However, vertebrae with medial cortex penetration may lead to the concern of neurovascular damage. Meanwhile, lower pullout strength was found for the groups with lateral cortex penetration and end-plate penetration, which may lead to the concern of screw loosening. We concluded that pedicle screw penetration can be judged using real-time screw insertion torque monitoring during surgery, which may aid surgeons in avoiding neurovascular injury and reduction of screw fixation strength.
Using Deep Learning with Large Dataset of Microscope Images to Develop an Automated Embryo Grading System
Authors: Chen Tsung-Jui , Zheng Wei-Lin , Liu Chun-Hsin , Huang Ian , Lai Hsing-Hua , Liu Mark
Published: April 2019

The assessment of embryo viability for in vitro fertilization (IVF) is mainly based on subjective visual analysis, with the limitation of intra- and inter-observer variation and a time-consuming task. In this study, we used deep learning with large dataset of microscopic embryo images to develop an automated grading system for embryo assessment.

This study included a total of 171,239 images from 16,201 embryos of 4,146 IVF cycles at Stork Fertility Center (https://www.e-stork.com.tw) from March 6, 2014 to April 13, 2018. The images were captured by inverted microscope (Zeiss Axio Observer Z1) at 112 to 116 hours (Day 5) or 136 to 140 hours (Day 6) after fertilization. Using a pre-trained network trained on the ImageNet dataset as convolution base, we applied Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) on embryo images, using ResNet50 architecture to fine-tune ImageNet parameters. The predicted grading results was compared with the grading results from trained embryologists to evaluate the model performance.

The images were labeled by trained embryologists, based on Gardner’s grading system: blastocyst development ranking from 3–6, ICM quality as A, B, or C; and TE quality as a, b, or c. After pre-processing, the images were divided into training, validation, and test groups, in which 60% were allocated to the training group, 20% to the validation group, and 20% to the test group. The ResNet50 algorithm was trained on the 60% images allocated to the training group, and the algorithm’s performance was evaluated using the 20% images allocated to the test group. The results showed an average predictive accuracy of 75.36% for the all three grading categories: 96.24% for blastocyst development, 91.07% for ICM quality, and 84.42% for TE quality.

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of an automatic embryo grading system using large dataset from Asian population. Combing the promising results obtained in this study with time-lapse microscope system integrated with IVF Electronic Medical Record platform, a fully automated and non-invasive pipeline for embryo assessment will be achieved.
Increased learning by using board game on muscular system physiology compared with guided study
Authors: Luchi Kelly Cristina Gavião , Cardozo Lais Tono , Marcondes Fernanda Klein
Published: April 2019

The aim of this work is to describe the “Muscular System Game,” created to assist in the teaching-learning process concerning the physiology of the muscular system, and to evaluate its effect on the learning of university students. Participating in this study were first-year undergraduate students of the pharmacy course (game group, n = 21, 5 men and 16 women, age 23.57 ± 4.92 yr) and the nursing course (control group, n = 22, 2 men and 20 women, age 22.90 ± 4.93 yr), who had the same level of preparation. After theoretical classes concerning the physiology of the muscular system, all students were instructed to study the topic. In the next week, the students of the game group performed the activity with the board game, and the students of the control group undertook a guided study activity, which contained a list of exercises with the same questions used in the game, to be answered by groups. In the week following these activities, all of the students answered evaluation questions about the topic. The scores obtained for the two groups in the evaluation were compared using Student’s t-test for unpaired samples, considering a significance level of 0.05. The score obtained for the control group (5.78 ± 0.38) was significantly lower than the score for the game group (7.50 ± 0.47; P < 0.05). The results obtained indicating that the use of an educational board game about the physiology of muscle contraction resulted in significantly improved learning, compared with the use of guided study.
Numerical Simulation of the Lorenz-Type Chaotic System Using Barycentric Lagrange Interpolation Collocation Method
Authors: Li Jun-Mei , Wang Yu-Lan , Zhang Wei
Published: April 2019

Although some numerical methods of the Lorenz system have been announced, simple and efficient methods have always been the direction that scholars strive to pursue. Based on this problem, this paper introduces a novel numerical method to solve the Lorenz-type chaotic system which is based on barycentric Lagrange interpolation collocation method (BLICM). The system (1) is adopted as an example to elucidate the solution process. Numerical simulations are used to verify the effectiveness of the present method.
Prospective Trial to Compare Direct and Indirect Laryngoscopy Using C-MAC PM® with Macintosh Blade and D-Blade® in a Simulated Difficult Airway
Authors: Raimann Florian Jürgen , Dietze Philipp Edmund , Cuca Colleen Elizabeth , Meininger Dirk , Kessler Paul , Byhahn Christian , Gill-Schuster Daniel , Zacharowski Kai , Mutlak Haitham
Published: April 2019

Objective. Evaluation of C-MAC PM® in combination with a standard Macintosh blade size 3 in direct and indirect laryngoscopy and D-Blade® in indirect laryngoscopy in a simulated difficult airway. Primary outcome was defined as the best view of the glottic structures. Secondary endpoints were subjective evaluation and assessment of the intubation process. Methods. Prospective monocentric, observational study on 48 adult patients without predictors for difficult laryngoscopy/tracheal intubation undergoing orthopedic surgery. Every participant preoperatively received a cervical collar to simulate a difficult airway. Direct and indirect laryngoscopy w/o the BURP maneuver with a standard Macintosh blade and indirect laryngoscopy w/o the BURP maneuver using D-Blade® were performed to evaluate if blade geometry and the BURP maneuver improve the glottic view as measured by the Cormack-Lehane score. Results. Using a C-MAC PM® laryngoscope, D-Blade® yielded improved glottic views compared with the Macintosh blade used with either the direct or indirect technique. Changing from direct laryngoscopy using a Macintosh blade to indirect videolaryngoscopy using C-MAC PM® with D-Blade® improved the Cormack-Lehane score from IIb, III, or IV to I or II in 31 cases. Conclusion. The combination of C-MAC PM® and D-Blade® significantly enhances the view of the glottis compared to direct laryngoscopy with a Macintosh blade in patients with a simulated difficult airway. Trial Registration Number. This trial is registered under number NCT03403946.