bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A qualitative study into the impact of fasting within a large tertiary hospital in Australia – the patients’ perspective
Authors: Carey Sharon K , Conchin Simone , Bloomfield‐Stone Susan
Published: May 2015

Aims and objectives

This qualitative study aims to explore the physical and emotional impact of fasting from the patients’ perspective.

Background

Fasting patients in hospital is common practice and generally viewed as necessary for symptom management or for safety of healthcare provision. Negative impacts of repeated or prolonged fasting on nutritional status have been well researched, but little is documented as to how fasting impacts an individual patient's psyche.

Design

Qualitative descriptive design within a tertiary hospital in Sydney, Australia.

Methods

Twelve patients having had prolonged periods of continuous or intermittent fasting were invited to participate in a semi‐structured interview between January–September 2012. Questions for interview explored each patient's experience of fasting, including physical and emotional impacts, interpretation of communication regarding fasting and the process of recommencing on fluids or foods. An inductive thematic analysis approach was used.

Results

Analyses showed six main themes: physical impacts; emotional impacts; food as structure; nil by mouth as jargon; fear of food re‐introduction; and dissatisfaction regarding unnecessary fasting. Overwhelmingly, thirst was reported as the worst physical effect of fasting. In the first few days of fasting, patients became emotionally fixated on food. This quickly dissipated leading to a lack of appetite and fear of starting to eat again.

Conclusions

Discomfort experienced by patients coupled with lack of appetite resulting from prolonged fasting and difficulty with food re‐introduction strengthens the argument for reducing fasting times in hospital. When patients are fasted, proper hydration and establishing alternate routes of medication administration should be a priority.

Relevance to clinical practice

It is well recognised that fasting for prolonged periods is detrimental to health outcomes, but this study also shows the distress that fasting can cause. Inadequate hospital systems and out‐dated practices need to be replaced with evidence‐based, patient‐centred governance, addressing the physical, emotional and psychosocial impact of fasting.
How Childhood Circumstances Moderate the Long‐Term Impact of Divorce on Father–Child Relationships
Authors: Kalmijn Matthijs
Published: May 2015

Using retrospective survey data collected in the Netherlands in 2012, the author examined how childhood circumstances moderate the effect of an early parental divorce on relationships between fathers and adult children. Using adult children's reports about the frequency of contact and the quality of the relationship, he found strong negative effects of parental divorce. These effects are moderated by 3 childhood conditions. The more fathers were involved in childrearing during marriage, the less negative the divorce effect on father–child relationships. Father's resources also moderated the effect, with a smaller divorce effect for more highly educated fathers. Finally, high levels of interparental conflict reduce the impact of divorce as well, generalizing the stress relief effect to a new outcome. In general, the study shows that the impact of divorce is heterogeneous; that childhood circumstances play an important role in this; and that, under specific conditions, there is virtually no negative effect of parental divorce.
Extending the Intergenerational Stake Hypothesis: Evidence of an Intra‐individual Stake and Implications for Well‐being
Authors: Birditt Kira S. , Hartnett Caroline Sten , Fingerman Karen L. , Zarit Steven H. , Antonucci Toni C.
Published: May 2015

The intergenerational stake hypothesis suggests that parents are more invested in their children and experience better quality parent–child ties than do their children. In this study the authors examined variation in reports of relationship quality regarding parents and children intra‐individually (do people report better quality ties with their children than with their parents?) and whether within‐person variations have implications for well‐being. Participants age 40–60 (N = 633) reported on their relationship quality (importance, positive quality, and negative quality) with their parents and adult children. Individuals reported their relationships with children were more important and more negative than relationships with parents. Individuals with feelings that were in the opposite direction of the intergenerational stake hypothesis (i.e., greater investment in parents than children) reported poorer well‐being. The findings provide support for the intergenerational stake hypothesis with regard to within‐person variations in investment and show that negative relationship quality may coincide with greater feelings of investment.
Immediate versus Delayed Treatment in the Anterior Maxilla Using Single Implants with a Laser‐Microtextured Collar: 3‐Year Results of a Case Series on Hard‐ and Soft‐Tissue Response and Esthetics
Authors: Guarnieri Renzo , Belleggia Fabrizio , Grande Maurizio
Published: May 2015

Purpose

To compare peri‐implant marginal bone loss, soft tissue response, and esthetics following single immediate implant treatment (IIT) and delayed implant treatment (DIT) in the esthetic zone of the maxilla in well‐selected patients.

Materials and Methods

Adequate bone volume and ideal soft tissue level/contour were considered requirements for implant therapy, with additional prerequisites for IIT of residual alveolar bone wall integrity and a thick gingival biotype. IIT included immediate placement and provisionalization, while DIT included extraction socket preservation followed by implant placement and provisionalization 4 months later. Cortical bone levels and peri‐implant mucosal conditions were evaluated at regular intervals. The esthetic outcome was objectively rated after 3 years using the pink esthetic score (PES) and white esthetic score (WES).

Results

Twelve patients received an immediate Laser‐Lok® implant, and 13 patients received a delayed Laser‐Lok® implant. No significant differences were found between the study groups regarding survival rate (100%). The mean bone level from the implant/abutment interface was 0.35 ± 0.18 mm for IIT and 0.42 ± 0.21 mm for DIT after 3 years (p> 0.05). Mesial and distal papillae remained stable over time in DIT. A tendency for regrowth of mesial and distal papillae was found following IIT (p< 0.05). Midfacial soft tissues remained stable over time following DIT and IIT.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study (e.g., small sample size, short follow‐up duration), the results suggest that regarding success rate, hard/soft tissue responses, and esthetics, DIT and IIT with single Laser‐Lok® implants in the anterior maxilla are comparable and predictable options for well‐selected patients.
Effects of feeding different levels of corn steep liquor on the performance of fattening lambs
Authors: Azizi‐Shotorkhoft A. , Sharifi A. , Mirmohammadi D. , Baluch‐Gharaei H. , Rezaei J.
Published: May 2015

This study was conducted to assess the effect of feeding corn steep liquor (CSL) on in vivo digestibility, ruminal pH, ammonia and hydrolytic enzyme activities, blood metabolites, feed intake (FI) and growth performance in fattening lambs. The CSL is a by‐product of wet milling process of maize starch industry. The crude protein (CP), rumen‐degradable protein (RDP), lactic acid and metabolisable energy contents of this by‐product were 420, 324, 200 g/kg dry matter (DM) and 12.6 MJ/kg DM respectively. Twenty‐seven male Moghani lambs were assigned randomly into three groups of nine lambs each in a completely randomised design. Three iso‐energetic and iso‐nitrogenous diets containing different levels (0, 50 or 100 g/kg dry matter) of CSL were offered ad libitum three times a day. Forage to concentrate ratio of the diets was 30:70. With inclusion of CSL in diet, the contents of canola meal, fish meal, wheat bran, corn grain and sugar beet pulp were decreased. The contents of DM, ash‐free neutral detergent fibre (NDFom), ether extract, starch, Ca and S were numerically lower, but soluble protein, RDP and non‐fibre carbohydrates were greater in the diets containing CSL in comparison with the control diet. The lambs fed with the diets containing CSL had lower [linear (L), p < 0.06] digestibility coefficients of DM and NDFom as compared to those fed with the diet free of CSL. Ruminal ammonia‐N concentration increased (L, p < 0.05), but pH decreased (L, p < 0.05) with raising CSL level in diet. Carboxymethyl cellulase and filter paper‐degrading activities decreased (L, p < 0.05), while proteases activity increased (L, p < 0.05) as dietary rates of CSL increased. Microcrystalline cellulase and ɑ‐amylase activities were similar among the treatments. Within blood metabolites, only urea‐N concentration increased (L, p < 0.05) in the lambs receiving CSL as compared to those fed with diet without CSL. Dietary inclusion of CSL resulted in linear decreases (L, p < 0.05) in the intakes of DM, organic matter, CP, NDFom and ash‐free acid detergent fibre, and average daily gain. However, the feed conversion ratio was similar among the experimental animals. Overall, feeding CSL up to 100 g/kg diet DM in lamb resulted in reductions of rumen fibrolytic microbial enzyme activities, in vivo digestibility, FI and growth performance, but rumen proteases activity increased.
Health screening to identify opportunities to improve preventive medicine in cats and dogs
Authors: Diez M. , Picavet P. , Ricci R. , Dequenne M. , Renard M. , Bongartz A. , Farnir F.
Published: May 2015

OBJECTIVES

To describe the results of a prevention campaign in terms of participation and pet health status and to identify opportunities to improve preventive medicine in cats and dogs.

METHODS

An awareness campaign was designed to highlight the role of veterinarians and emphasise the benefits of a veterinary visit. Owners were invited to make an appointment for a free pet health check in a voluntarily participating veterinary clinic. Observations recorded by the veterinarians were entered in a database and subsequently analysed using simple descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

A total of 5305 completed health check forms were analysed. The percentages of overweight and obese dogs and cats were 34 and 36%, respectively; this was the most common finding, followed by dental calculus (31% in dogs, 21% in cats). In total 67% of cats did not undergo flea control and 59% were not vaccinated.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Opportunities for increased quality of care are numerous given the high percentage of intact, unvaccinated or non‐permanently identified pets and the low level of worm and flea control. Animal health should benefit from preventive measures, and improved management can be undertaken after early detection of diseases.
Migration‐related phenotypic divergence is associated with epigenetic modifications in rainbow trout
Authors: Baerwald Melinda R. , Meek Mariah H. , Stephens Molly R. , Nagarajan Raman P. , Goodbla Alisha M. , Tomalty Katharine M. H. , Thorgaard Gary H. , May Bernie , Nichols Krista M.
Published: May 2015

Migration is essential for the reproduction and survival of many animals, yet little is understood about its underlying molecular mechanisms. We used the salmonid Oncorhynchus mykiss to gain mechanistic insight into smoltification, which is a morphological, physiological and behavioural transition undertaken by juveniles in preparation for seaward migration. O. mykiss is experimentally tractable and displays intra‐ and interpopulation variation in migration propensity. Migratory individuals can produce nonmigratory progeny and vice versa, indicating a high degree of phenotypic plasticity. One potential way that phenotypic plasticity might be linked to variation in migration‐related life history tactics is through epigenetic regulation of gene expression. To explore this, we quantitatively measured genome‐scale DNA methylation in fin tissue using reduced representation bisulphite sequencing of F2 siblings produced from a cross between steelhead (migratory) and rainbow trout (nonmigratory) lines. We identified 57 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between smolt and resident O. mykiss juveniles. DMRs were high in magnitude, with up to 62% differential methylation between life history types, and over half of the gene‐associated DMRs were in transcriptional regulatory regions. Many of the DMRs encode proteins with activity relevant to migration‐related transitions (e.g. circadian rhythm pathway, nervous system development, protein kinase activity). This study provides the first evidence of a relationship between epigenetic variation and life history divergence associated with migration‐related traits in any species.
Detection of (1→3)‐β‐D‐glucan in same‐day urine and serum samples obtained from patients with haematological malignancies
Authors: Raggam Reinhard B. , Fischbach Lara M. L. , Prattes Juergen , Duettmann Wiebke , Eigl Susanne , Reischies Frederike , Wölfler Albert , Rabensteiner Jasmin , Prueller Florian , Krause Robert , Hoenigl Martin
Published: May 2015

Serum 1,3‐beta‐d‐glucan (BDG) testing is an established diagnostic marker for invasive fungal infections (IFI) among patients with haematological malignancies. In contrast limited data exist regarding the application of urine BDG testing. Same‐day midstream urine and serum screening samples were collected in adult patients with underlying haematological malignancies. A total of 80 urine samples from 46 patients were investigated: Twenty‐six had positive corresponding serum BDG >120 pg ml−1, 27 intermediate (60–80 pg ml−1), and 27 negative serum BDG (<25 pg ml−1). A significant positive correlation between BDG in serum and urine samples was observed (P = 0.025; r = 0.252). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value (compared with same‐day serum results) were: 42%, 76%, 46%, 73% when using an 80 pg ml−1 urine cut‐off, and 35%, 96%, 82%, 75% for a 250 pg ml−1 cut‐off. Urine BDG seemed to be higher in samples obtained from patients with probable IFI (n = 13, median 145, IQR 22–253) compared to those from patients without IFI (n = 56, median 24, IQR 15–88) but the difference was not significant (P = 0.069). Overall correlation of same‐day urine BDG and serum BDG was moderate. However, urine BDG testing may warrant further investigation in larger studies, as high‐positive urine results correlated with high‐positive corresponding serum levels and clinical performance was comparable to serum BDG.
FCRL regulation in innate‐like B cells
Authors: Davis Randall S.
Published: May 2015

Coelomic cavity–derived B‐1 and splenic marginal zone (MZ) B lymphocytes play principal roles in frontline host protection at homeostasis and during primary humoral immune responses. Although they share many features that enable rapid and broad‐based defense against pathogens, these innate‐like subsets have disparate B cell receptor (BCR) signaling features. Members of the Fc receptor–like (FCRL) family are preferentially expressed by B cells and possess tyrosine‐based immunoregulatory function. An unusual characteristic of many of these cell surface proteins is the presence of both inhibitory (ITIM) and activating (ITAM‐like) motifs in their cytoplasmic tails. In mice, FCRL5 is a discrete marker of splenic MZ and peritoneal B‐1 B cells and has both ITIM and ITAM‐like sequences. Recent work explored its signaling properties and identified that FCRL5 differentially influences innate‐like BCR function. Closer scrutiny of these differences disclosed the ability of FCRL5 to counter‐regulate BCR activation by recruiting SHP‐1 and Lyn to its cytoplasmic motifs. Furthermore, the disparity in FCRL5 regulation between MZ and B‐1 B cells correlated with relative intracellular concentrations of SHP‐1. These findings validate and extend our understanding of the unique signaling features in innate‐like B cells and provide new insight into the complexity of FCRL modulation.
Eye size and shape in newborn children and their relation to axial length and refraction at 3 years
Authors: Lim Laurence Shen , Chua Sharon , Tan Pei Ting , Cai Shirong , Chong Yap‐Seng , Kwek Kenneth , Gluckman Peter D. , Fortier Marielle V. , Ngo Cheryl , Qiu Anqi , Saw Seang‐Mei
Published: May 2015

Purpose

To determine if eye size and shape at birth are associated with eye size and refractive error 3 years later.

Methods

A subset of 173 full‐term newborn infants from the Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) birth cohort underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure the dimensions of the internal eye. Eye shape was assessed by an oblateness index, calculated as 1 − (axial length/width) or 1 − (axial length/height). Cycloplegic autorefraction (Canon Autorefractor RK‐F1) and optical biometry (IOLMaster) were performed 3 years later.

Results

Both eyes of 173 children were analysed. Eyes with longer axial length at birth had smaller increases in axial length at 3 years (p < 0.001). Eyes with larger baseline volumes and surface areas had smaller increases in axial length at 3 years (p < 0.001 for both). Eyes which were more oblate at birth had greater increases in axial length at 3 years (p < 0.001). Using width to calculate oblateness, prolate eyes had smaller increases in axial length at 3 years compared to oblate eyes (p < 0.001), and, using height, prolate and spherical eyes had smaller increases in axial length at 3 years compared to oblate eyes (p < 0.001 for both). There were no associations between eye size and shape at birth and refraction, corneal curvature or myopia at 3 years.

Conclusions

Eyes that are larger and have prolate or spherical shapes at birth exhibit smaller increases in axial length over the first 3 years of life. Eye size and shape at birth influence subsequent eye growth but not refractive error development.
Problems in comparisons of data for the prevalence of myopia and the frequency distribution of ametropia
Authors: Plainis Sotiris , Charman W. Neil
Published: May 2015

Purpose

There is currently great interest in comparing data for the prevalence of myopia in different parts of the world, particularly in view of the suggestion that, in recent decades, marked increases have occurred in prevalence among children and young adults in some areas. This work investigates the factors that affect the comparison and interpretation of sets of myopia prevalence data for different age groups, locations and dates.

Recent findings

Using data from the literature, the problems caused by the effect of the reliability and validity of the method used to measure refraction, the threshold chosen to define an eye as myopic are discussed. The influence of slow drifts in refraction with age is considered and it is recommended that if mean refractions at different ages are to be compared, the interpretation of the results should take account of the normal age‐dependent trends in refraction. The value of specifying the distribution of refractive errors, rather than simply their mean and standard deviation, is emphasised and possible parametric fits to describe these distributions are reviewed.

There remains a need for greater standardisation in sampling strategies, refractive measurement procedures and definition of myopia in prevalence studies. The use of an ex‐Gaussian or other approximations to describe the refractive error distribution appears to give useful insights into the nature of the changes that may occur with age and other factors.
The psychophysiology of mixed emotional states: Internal and external replicability analysis of a direct replication study
Authors: Kreibig Sylvia D. , Samson Andrea C. , Gross James J.
Published: May 2015

The replicability of emotion‐related physiological changes constitutes a fundamental issue in affective science. We undertook a direct replication of the physiological differentiation of amusement, disgust, and a mixed emotional state as previously reported (Kreibig, Samson, & Gross, 2013). In the current study, 48 women watched 54 amusing, disgusting, and mixed emotional film clips while cardiovascular, electrodermal, and respiratory measures were obtained. Primary analyses indicated physiological differentiation of the mixed emotional state from amusement and disgust. We evaluated (a) the probability that future replications of the current study would yield similar results using bootstrapped confidence intervals of effect sizes, and (b) the stability of results of physiological reactivity between actual replications using correlation and regression analyses. Findings suggest replicable differentiation of amusement, disgust, and a mixed emotional state.
Offsetting or Enhancing Behavior: An Empirical Analysis of Motorcycle Helmet Safety Legislation
Authors: Lee Jonathan M.
Published: May 2015

This study uses state‐level panel data from a 33‐year period to test the hypotheses of offsetting and enhancing behavior with regards to motorcycle helmet legislation. Results presented in this article find no evidence of offsetting behavior and are consistent with the presence of enhancing behavior. State motorcycle helmet laws are estimated to reduce motorcycle crashes by 18.4% to 31.9%. In the absence of any behavioral adaptations among motorcyclists mandatory helmet laws are not expected to have any significant impact on motorcycle crash rates. The estimated motorcycle crash reductions do not appear to be driven by omitted variable bias or nonclassical measurement error in reported crashes. Overall, the results strongly suggest that mandatory helmet laws yield significant changes in motorcycle mobility in the form of reduced risk taking and/or decreased utilization.
Equal Parenting when Families Break Apart: Alternating Residence and the Best Interests of the Child in Sweden
Authors: Blomqvist Paula , Heimer Maria
Published: May 2015

Shared, or alternating, residence for children when their parents separate is increasingly common. Sweden adopted a new policy in 1998 (modified in 2006) which gave courts the mandate to order 50/50 alternating residence against the will of one parent. Since then, the 50/50 alternating residence has become the legal norm in Sweden in cases of disputed custody. In this article, we ask how Swedish policymakers reasoned in relation to the potentially conflicting values of equal parenting post‐separation and the interests of children. More specifically, we investigate how they addressed some of the most common objections to court‐ordered alternating residence. We found that all three issues were discussed extensively during the policy‐making process, but that, in the end, none of them was seen as contradictory to the goal of promoting more equal parenting roles post‐separation through the introduction of court‐ordered alternating residence. This policy outcome, we argue, should be seen in light of Sweden's long‐standing commitment to strengthening the role of fathers in the care of children.
Preliminary findings on the effect of melatonin on the clinical outcome of cataract surgery in dogs
Authors: Sande Pablo H. , Álvarez Javier , Calcagno Javier , Rosenstein Ruth E.
Published: May 2015

Objective

Cataract is the most prevalent cause of blindness in dogs. Phacoemulsification (PE) is currently the surgical treatment of choice to remove the opaque lens; however, it is associated with varying degrees of postoperative inflammation. We assessed the effect of melatonin on postoperative complications of canine cataract surgery.

Animal studied

Eleven diabetic and thirteen healthy owned dogs with cataracts.

Procedures

All dogs underwent cataract surgery by PE. The anti‐inflammatory effect of melatonin was compared with the reference treatments: nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for diabetic dogs, and dexamethasone for nondiabetic dogs. Eyes were examined by means of clinical evaluation and intraocular pressure (IOP).

Results

In diabetic dogs, melatonin was more effective than topical and systemic NSAIDs in reducing the clinical score at 2, 7, and 20 days postsurgery, while it showed a similar efficacy to topical dexamethasone in dogs with hereditary cataracts. IOP decreased in all groups at 2 days postsurgery, but this decrease reached statistical significance only in diabetic dogs treated with NSAIDs, and persisted at 7 days postsurgery in this group. Afterward, IOP returned to normal values in all groups. Melatonin decreased the occurrence of surgical sequelae in diabetic and nondiabetic dogs.

Conclusions

These results indicate that melatonin might constitute a useful tool for reducing postoperative PE complications in dogs.
Effects of Buerger Exercise Combined Health‐Promoting Program on Peripheral Neurovasculopathy Among Community Residents at High Risk for Diabetic Foot Ulceration
Authors: Chang Chyong‐Fang , Chang Chang‐Cheng , Hwang Su‐Lun , Chen Mei‐Yen
Published: May 2015

Background

Peripheral neuropathy and vasculopathy are important risk factors for diabetic foot ulceration (DFU). Buerger exercises for patients with arterial occlusive disease have previously been noted; however, current evidence to support this intervention is limited.

Aim

We established a standardized procedure for Buerger exercises combined with a health‐promoting program and investigated its effectiveness in reducing peripheral neurovasculopathy among rural Taiwanese residents with type 2 diabetes who were at high risk of developing DFU.

Methods

A one group quasi‐experimental pretest–posttest design was used. The Buerger exercise protocol composed of a three‐step posture change with 9 minutes for each cycle. The health‐promoting program composed of six dimensions of healthy habits. Outcome measurements 1 year after the beginning of the intervention included the ankle brachial pressure index (ABI), the Michigan neuropathy screening instrument (MNSI), blood pressure, frequency of self‐reported leg discomfort, and a type 2 Diabetes Health Promoting Score.

Findings

Thirty‐one of 66 (47%) subjects completed this study. Buerger exercises combined with the health‐promoting program significantly improved (a) the ABI in the legs, (b) health‐promoting behaviors, (c) MNSI values, and (d) leg discomfort symptoms.

Linking Evidence to Action

This study supports the use of Buerger exercises combined with the health‐promoting program to improve symptoms of peripheral neuropathy and peripheral circulation in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Effect of Solvent Diffusion on Crack-Tip Fields and Driving Force for Fracture of Hydrogels
Authors: Bouklas Nikolaos , Landis Chad M. , Huang Rui
Published: May 2015

Hydrogels are used in a variety of applications ranging from tissue engineering to soft robotics. They often undergo large deformation coupled with solvent diffusion, and structural integrity is important when they are used as structural components. This paper presents a thermodynamically consistent method for calculating the transient energy release rate for crack growth in hydrogels based on a modified path-independent J-integral. The transient energy release rate takes into account the effect of solvent diffusion, separating the energy lost in diffusion from the energy available to drive crack growth. Numerical simulations are performed using a nonlinear transient finite element method for center-cracked hydrogel specimens, subject to remote tension under generalized plane strain conditions. The hydrogel specimen is assumed to be either immersed in a solvent or not immersed by imposing different chemical boundary conditions. Sharp crack and rounded notch models are used for small and large far-field strains, respectively. Comparisons to linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) are presented for the crack-tip fields and crack opening profiles in the instantaneous and equilibrium limits. It is found that the stress singularity at the crack tip depends on both the far-field strain and the local solvent diffusion, and the latter evolves with time and depends on the chemical boundary conditions. The transient energy release rate is predicted as a function of time for the two types of boundary conditions with distinct behaviors due to solvent diffusion. Possible scenarios of delayed fracture are discussed based on evolution of the transient energy release rate.
System-Based Safety Tenets Applied to the Extra-High Voltage Transmission Line Design for Common Uses of Highway Right-of-Way
Authors: Abou Seraphin C. , Saad Maarouf
Published: May 2015

The rapidly increasing demand for electricity in recent years resulted in increasing needs of electrical system capacity and deployment for alternate uses of highway right-of-way (ROW) for the purpose of electric power generation, transmission, and distribution. In this framework, a systems approach—fundamental principles of system dynamics for identifying, understanding, and analyzing safety requirements of the extra-high voltage power line (EHV)—is used to objectively focus on two main safety issues related to the design and the risk of the EHV transmission line within highway ROW: (1) assess the design and the operation, and (2) evaluate causally related impacts on the public and workers’ safety that matter. A generalized model of the electromagnetic fields distribution and the clearance model are developed for the analysis of the causally related impacts of a conceptual design and the reliability of materials of construction of the electric systems by introducing the number of exposed individuals and the level of the environmental impacts as a second dimension in addition to the risk factors. A worst-case design scenario is evaluated. Sensitivity analysis of effects of the design attributes such as the route configuration, over voltages, and conductor clearance is performed by determining the magnitude of the electromagnetic field strengths and predicting the resulting maximum voltage. Information obtained on the structural design scenario, conductor size and configuration, insulators, and connectors is of value in determining the safety of the design for operation at extra-high voltages within highway ROW.
Computation of measure-valued solutions for the incompressible Euler equations
Authors: Lanthaler Samuel , Mishra Siddhartha
Published: May 2015

We combine the spectral (viscosity) method and ensemble averaging to propose an algorithm that computes admissible measure-valued solutions of the incompressible Euler equations. The resulting approximate young measures are proved to converge (with increasing numerical resolution) to a measure-valued solution. We present numerical experiments demonstrating the robustness and efficiency of the proposed algorithm, as well as the appropriateness of measure-valued solutions as a solution framework for the Euler equations. Furthermore, we report an extensive computational study of the two-dimensional vortex sheet, which indicates that the computed measure-valued solution is non-atomic and implies possible non-uniqueness of weak solutions constructed by Delort.
On the large time behavior of the compressible gas–liquid drift-flux model with slip
Authors: Evje Steinar , Wen Huanyao
Published: May 2015

The main purpose of this work is to study the long-time behavior of a compressible gas–liquid model based on the drift-flux formulation. The model is composed of two mass conservation equations and one mixture momentum equation. The flow domain is closed at one end and involves a free gas–liquid interface at the other where both phases vanish. The model includes a slip between the gas and liquid phases, i.e. they move with different velocities. This is a main reason why the model is useful for many industrial applications. We introduce a reformulation of the model based on the gas velocity. This gives rise to new nonlinear terms in the mixture momentum equation which account for the difference in the gas and liquid velocity. New challenges in the mathematical analysis will then appear. In particular, under appropriate smallness conditions on initial data (initial energy) various time-independent estimates of gas and liquid masses, as well as fluid velocities, are obtained. Novel upper and lower bounds on masses are provided that contain precise information about the time-dependent decay rate. Hence, the long-time behavior can be directly extracted from these estimates.
Optimum Time-Censored Modified Ramp-Stress ALT for the Burr Type XII Distribution with Warranty: A Goal Programming Approach
Authors: Srivastava P. W. , Gupta T.
Published: May 2015

Accelerated life tests (ALTs) are used to make timely assessments of the life time distribution of highly reliable materials and components. Much of the previous work on ALTs has focused on constant-stress, step-stress, ramp-stress schemes and their various combinations. In the literature ramp-stress ALTs that have been formulated can be conducted when more than one test chambers are available; installation of which may prove to be costly. Even when one test chamber is used the stress rate remains constant throughout the duration of the experiment. It is not only necessary but imperative to examine if the test specimen is able to withstand differing stress conditions with the passage of time. This paper therefore, presents an optimal design of multi-objective modified ramp-stress ALT model with weighted goal programming approach. The modified ramp-stress uses one test chamber in place of the various chambers used in simple ramp-stress ALT thus saving experimental cost. With the market being increasingly competitive the emphasis today is on goal attainment with minimum deviations. Goal programming is a method to solve multi-objective problems that has applications in varied fields of engineering and operational research. The optimal plan consists in finding out relevant experimental variables, namely, stress rate, stress rate change point and warranty period, by using goal programming on weighted sum of variance of reliability function and expected warranty cost with pre-specified mission time under normal operating conditions. The Burr type XII life distribution and time-censored data have been used for the purpose. Burr type XII life distribution has been found appropriate for accelerated life testing experiments. The method developed has been explained using a numerical example and sensitivity analysis carried out. Comparative study has also been done to highlight the merits of the proposed model.
THE INFLUENCE OF TRUNK BRACING ON TIME, SPATIAL PARAMETERS, SYMMETRY OF GROUND REACTION FORCE AND LOADING RATE IN ADOLESCENT IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS
Authors: KARIMI MOHAMMAD TAGHI , KAVYANI MAHSA , FATOYE FRANCIS , DAMNEH EBRAHIM SADEGHI , ETEMADIFAR MOHAMMAD REZA
Published: May 2015

Background: Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) leads to change between body segments, right-left trunk symmetry and produce pathological gait pattern. The influence of trunk bracing on symmetry of ground reaction force components and loading rate on idiopathic scoliosis has not been well documented. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of trunk bracing on symmetry of forces in adolescent with idiopathic scoliosis. Method: A total of 10 patients with AIS and 10 healthy subjects with comparable age, height and weight were recruited in this study. The force applied on the right and left sides in both groups of subjects were recorded by use of a Kistler force plate while walking. The peak of the vertical force (the first and second peaks) and the force applied on the leg in anteroposterior direction (progression and breaking forces) and mediolateral force were collected in this study. Results: The results of this study showed that there was a significant difference between the asymmetry index of anteroposterior force of normal and scoliotic patients [Formula: see text]. Moreover, trunk bracing decreased asymmetry index of loading rate of scoliotic patients significantly [Formula: see text]. There was no significant difference between the other examined kinetic variables. Conclusion: There are some degrees of asymmetry between the forces applied on the leg in scoliotic subjects. Orthosis decreased the forces applied on the leg in patients with scoliosis. Clinicians are to be aware of these findings as orthotic devices may be of value to patients with idiopathic scoliosis.
DETERMINANTS OF BUSINESS PERFORMANCE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZE ENTERPRISES IN RWANDA
Authors: MUTANDWA EDWARD , TAREMWA NATHAN KANUMA , TUBANAMBAZI THEONESTE
Published: May 2015

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are often identified as one of the most important strategies for enhancing the livelihoods of people in Rwanda. This research analyzed the factors influencing the performance of SMEs in the Musanze district in the Northern Province. A survey was conducted with 52 registered SMEs selected from three sectors of Musanze. The sample was obtained by using proportional allocation sampling where the number of SMEs within each sector was considered. Both quantitative and qualitative data from SMEs were collected using structured questionnaires. Factor analysis and bivariate correlation analysis were used to facilitate data analysis. The results of this study showed that starting SMEs incurred a mean annual net income loss of -185,965Rwf (-295US$). However, the average net annual income increased to 970,820Rwf (1540US$). There was a positive correlation between annual net income, business experience and asset size (p < 0.05). Three factors that determined the performance of SMEs are marketing and entrepreneurship skills, working environment and materials and infrastructure availability. Future policy interventions should consider these strategic areas for enhanced visibility of SMEs.
Double-AOTF-based aberration-free spectral imaging endoscopic system for biomedical applications
Authors: Machikhin Alexander , Pozhar Vitold , Batshev Vladislav
Published: May 2015

The problem of in vivo photoluminescence diagnostics of the tissues accessible by endoscopes is discussed. The spectral imaging module attachable to conventional rigid and flexible medical endoscopes is developed and described. It is based on a double acousto-optical tunable filter (AOTF) and a specialized optical coupling system. The module provides wide field of view (FOV), absence of image distortions, random spectral access, fast spectral image acquisition at any wavelength in the visible range and accurate measurement of reflectance spectrum in each pixel of the image. Images of typical biomedical samples are presented and discussed. Their spectra are compared to the reference data.
Preemptive Uniprocessor Scheduling of Mixed-Criticality Sporadic Task Systems
Authors: Baruah Sanjoy , Bonifaci Vincenzo , D'angelo Gianlorenzo , Li Haohan , Marchetti-Spaccamela Alberto , Van Der Ster Suzanne , Stougie Leen
Published: May 2015

Systems in many safety-critical application domains are subject to certification requirements. For any given system, however, it may be the case that only a subset of its functionality is safety-critical and hence subject to certification; the rest of the functionality is non-safety-critical and does not need to be certified, or is certified to lower levels of assurance. The certification-cognizant runtime scheduling of such mixed-criticality systems is considered. An algorithm called EDF-VD (for Earliest Deadline First with Virtual Deadlines) is presented: this algorithm can schedule systems for which any number of criticality levels are defined. Efficient implementations of EDF-VD, as well as associated schedulability tests for determining whether a task system can be correctly scheduled using EDF-VD, are presented. For up to 13 criticality levels, analyses of EDF-VD, based on metrics such as processor speedup factor and utilization bounds, are derived, and conditions under which EDF-VD is optimal with respect to these metrics are identified. Finally, two extensions of EDF-VD are discussed that enhance its applicability. The extensions are aimed at scheduling a wider range of task sets, while preserving the favorable worst-case resource usage guarantees of the basic algorithm.
Model Reconstruction for Moment-Based Stochastic Chemical Kinetics
Authors: Andreychenko Alexander , Mikeev Linar , Wolf Verena
Published: May 2015

Based on the theory of stochastic chemical kinetics, the inherent randomness of biochemical reaction networks can be described by discrete-state continuous-time Markov chains. However, the analysis of such processes is computationally expensive and sophisticated numerical methods are required. Here, we propose an analysis framework in which we integrate a number of moments of the process instead of the state probabilities. This results in a very efficient simulation of the time evolution of the process. To regain the state probabilities from the moment representation, we combine the fast moment-based simulation with a maximum entropy approach for the reconstruction of the underlying probability distribution. We investigate the usefulness of this combined approach in the setting of stochastic chemical kinetics and present numerical results for three reaction networks showing its efficiency and accuracy. Besides a simple dimerization system, we study a bistable switch system and a multiattractor network with complex dynamics.
Water Wave Animation via Wavefront Parameter Interpolation
Authors: Jeschke Stefan , Wojtan Chris
Published: May 2015

We present an efficient wavefront tracking algorithm for animating bodies of water that interact with their environment. Our contributions include: a novel wavefront tracking technique that enables dispersion, refraction, reflection, and diffraction in the same simulation; a unique multivalued function interpolation method that enables our simulations to elegantly sidestep the Nyquist limit; a dispersion approximation for efficiently amplifying the number of simulated waves by several orders of magnitude; and additional extensions that allow for time-dependent effects and interactive artistic editing of the resulting animation. Our contributions combine to give us multitudes more wave details than similar algorithms, while maintaining high frame rates and allowing close camera zooms.
Text and Data Mining Techniques in Adverse Drug Reaction Detection
Authors: Karimi Sarvnaz , Wang Chen , Metke-Jimenez Alejandro , Gaire Raj , Paris Cecile
Published: May 2015

We review data mining and related computer science techniques that have been studied in the area of drug safety to identify signals of adverse drug reactions from different data sources, such as spontaneous reporting databases, electronic health records, and medical literature. Development of such techniques has become more crucial for public heath, especially with the growth of data repositories that include either reports of adverse drug reactions, which require fast processing for discovering signals of adverse reactions, or data sources that may contain such signals but require data or text mining techniques to discover them. In order to highlight the importance of contributions made by computer scientists in this area so far, we categorize and review the existing approaches, and most importantly, we identify areas where more research should be undertaken.
Integrating a Location-Based Mobile Game in the Museum Visit
Authors: Rubino Irene , Barberis Claudia , Xhembulla Jetmir , Malnati Giovanni
Published: May 2015

Location-based systems currently represent a suitable solution to enhance cultural experiences inside museums, as they can satisfy visitors’ needs through the provision of contextualized contents and services. In this framework, a promising approach to captivate the attention of teenagers—a hard to please target audience—is represented by mobile serious games, such as playful activities aiming to primarily fulfil educational purposes. The use of a mobile digital tool during the visit definitely discloses new opportunities for contextual learning scenarios; however, so far, only a few studies have analysed the impact of different communication approaches on visitors’ degree of exploration and acquisition of knowledge. This work aims to enrich this field of research, presenting the conceptual framework; the design principles; and the evaluation results of “Gossip at palace,” a location-based mobile game integrating a storytelling approach. The game was developed for an Italian historical residence to communicate its 18th-century history to teenagers, capitalizing on narrative and game mechanics to foster young visitors’ motivations to explore the museum and facilitate their meaning-making process. Following a mixed-methods perspective, the article firstly describes to what extent the components of the application were appreciated by teenagers as well as by other visitor segments. Secondly, it provides an insight on the effectiveness of the game in facilitating the acquisition of historical knowledge by participants, enriched by considerations on the methods to be adopted when evaluating mobile learning in informal educational settings. Thirdly, players’ degree of use of the digital game throughout the visit is compared to analogous patterns registered for people using a multimedia mobile guide in the same venue. On the one hand, the study pointed out that the game facilitated a wider exploration of the museum; on the other, it highlighted that players mainly gained a superficial knowledge of the proposed contents.
LOD Generation for Urban Scenes
Authors: Verdie Yannick , Lafarge Florent , Alliez Pierre
Published: May 2015

We introduce a novel approach that reconstructs 3D urban scenes in the form of
levels of detail
(LODs). Starting from raw datasets such as surface meshes generated by multiview stereo systems, our algorithm proceeds in three main steps: classification, abstraction, and reconstruction. From geometric attributes and a set of semantic rules combined with a Markov random field, we classify the scene into four meaningful classes. The abstraction step detects and regularizes planar structures on buildings, fits icons on trees, roofs, and facades, and performs filtering and simplification for LOD generation. The abstracted data are then provided as input to the reconstruction step which generates watertight buildings through a min-cut formulation on a set of 3D arrangements. Our experiments on complex buildings and large-scale urban scenes show that our approach generates meaningful LODs while being robust and scalable. By combining semantic segmentation and abstraction, it also outperforms general mesh approximation approaches at preserving urban structures.
Using Nesterov's Method to Accelerate Multibody Dynamics with Friction and Contact
Authors: Mazhar Hammad , Heyn Toby , Negrut Dan , Tasora Alessandro
Published: May 2015

We present a solution method that, compared to the traditional Gauss-Seidel approach, reduces the time required to simulate the dynamics of large systems of rigid bodies interacting through frictional contact by one to two orders of magnitude. Unlike Gauss-Seidel, it can be easily parallelized, which allows for the physics-based simulation of systems with millions of bodies. The proposed
accelerated projected gradient descent
(APGD) method relies on an approach by Nesterov in which a quadratic optimization problem with conic constraints is solved at each simulation time step to recover the normal and friction forces present in the system. The APGD method is validated against experimental data, compared in terms of speed of convergence and solution time with the Gauss-Seidel and Jacobi methods, and demonstrated in conjunction with snow modeling, bulldozer dynamics, and several benchmark tests that highlight the interplay between the friction and cohesion forces.