bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internet of Things (IoT)
Authors: Suresh P. , Koteeswaran S. , Malarvizhi N. , Aswathy R. H.
Published: April 2018

The physical world entities are communicated via advanced communication technologies without human intervention. Such an evolving advanced version of automation technology is internet of things (IOT), where each smart device is provided with unique identification. The integration part of such technology comprises key elements, protocols, applications, and research challenges. This chapter discusses such terms and addresses the research challenges. The concept of fog computing is analyzed by cognitive approach. Fog computing localizes the processing information and optimizes the communication and storage among enormous smart devices. In addition, it favourably mitigates the need of bandwidth size and delay in communication.
Fast Data vs. Big Data With IoT Streaming Analytics and the Future Applications
Authors: Jayanthiladevi A. , Surendararavindhan  , Sakthivel
Published: April 2018

Big data depicts information volume – petabytes to exabytes in organized, semi-organized, and unstructured information that can possibly be broken down for data. Fast data are facts streaming into applications and computing environments from hundreds of thousands to millions of endpoints. Fast data is totally different from big data. There is no question that we will continue generating large volumes of data, especially with the wide variety of handheld units and internet-connected devices expected to grow exponentially. Data streaming analytics is vital for disruptive applications. Streaming analytics permits the processing of terabytes of data in memory. This chapter explores fast data and big data with IoT streaming analytics.
Writings on the City Wall
Authors: Steinfeld Nili , Lev-On Azi
Published: April 2018

Municipality Facebook pages are significant social media arenas for maintaining contact between representatives and their constituencies. The authors use digital tools to collect and analyze some 24,000 posts from the Facebook pages of all Israeli municipalities in a six-month period. Following a purely automatic linguistic analysis of the texts of all posts published on the pages, this study moved to a manual coding of a sample of the most popular posts in the data in order to gain insight into the character of the discourse in these arenas; the actors; the format, type, and emotionality of the contents that attract the highest levels of engagement.
Examples of the Impact of Collaboration in Creative and Technological Practices
Authors: Cunningham Stuart , Earnshaw Rae A , Berry Dan , Excell Peter S , Thompson Estelle
Published: April 2018

Over recent years, the creative industries have continued to flourish, especially in the UK, where its economic growth and impact has bucked trends of national decline. One of the most identifiable characteristics of the creative industries is the range and diversity of people who work in the field. As such, it includes employees from many disciplines working in collaboration to achieve organizational goals. It is this creative collaboration, with a rich level of technological support in the background, which is the focus of discussion. This article describes an analysis of collaborative practices, followed by the formation of a model that attempts to capture and explain the relationship between the key features. This model is then applied as a lens to a small case study of 63 technology–related employees' perceptions of their employer in three successful companies who were in the top 5 of the 2017 Fortune 500 list, with the intention of determining how well their experiences map to the model. It was found that the six characteristics of the model were evident in each of the three organizations studied, but that one feature, organizational support, seemed to be more prevalent than the others. Consideration, via a second case study, is then given to creative multidisciplinary work, specifically in the field of crowd–accelerated development and the factors that surround it, leading us to devise a set of recommendations as to how future successful creative collaborations might be assessed and valued, along with a discussion of questions that have been identified for additional research and exploration. This is an extended version of a paper published at the Cyberworlds 2015 international conference.
Behind the Scenes
Authors: Anggraeni Adilla , Amelia Adilla
Published: April 2018

Delivering a satisfactory experience to the customers is an inseparable part of a service organization. This article investigates how two different groups of wayang orang (human wayang), a form of traditional art in Indonesia deliver service experiences to the audiences. Qualitative methods consisted of in-depth interviews and open-ended survey were utilized as the data collection method. The findings suggest that service experiences were delivered through the combination of various art elements in the performance, and some of the elements are considered to be more important than the others. Several barriers have also been identified as the barriers that inhibit consumption of this traditional art. Bharata and Swargaloka performing art groups were utilized as the context of this research. This article contributes to limited studies on traditional arts within the arts marketing domain, especially with regards to art experience delivery and art consumption.
Coordinative Optimization Control of Microgrid Based on Model Predictive Control
Authors: Hu Changbin , Bi Lisong , Piao ZhengGuo , Wen ChunXue , Hou Lijun
Published: April 2018

This article describes how basing on the future behavior of microgrid system, forecasting renewable energy power generation, load and real-time electricity price, a model predictive control (MPC) strategy is proposed in this article to optimize microgrid operations, while meeting the time-varying requirements and operation constraints. Considering the problems of unit commitment, energy storage, economic dispatching, sale-purchase of electricity and load reduction schedule, the authors first model a microgrid system with a large number of constraints and variables to model the power generation technology and physical characteristics. Meanwhile the authors use a mixed logic dynamical framework to guarantee a reasonable behavior for grid interaction and storage and consider the influences of battery life and recession. Then for forecasting uncertainties in the microgrid, a feedback mechanism is introduced in MPC to solve the problem by using a receding horizon control. The objective of minimizing the operation costs is achieved by an MPC strategy for scheduling the behaviors of components in the microgrid. Finally, a comparative analysis has been carried out between the MPC and some traditional control methods. The MPC leads to a significant improvement in operating costs and on the computational burden. The economy and efficiency of the MPC are shown by the simulations.
A Contribution to the Specification of Model Transformations with Metamodel Matching Approach
Authors: Berramla Karima , Deba El Abbassia , Benyamina Abou El Hassen , Benhamamouch Djilali
Published: April 2018

Model-driven engineering (MDE) is a paradigm based on the intensive use of models throughout the life cycle of an application, where model transformation plays an important role. Various model transformation approaches have been proposed, but developers are still faced with the complexity of model transformation specifications. Most of these approaches are based on the specification of transformation rules with a concrete syntax at a low level where the developer must master the transformation language. The question at this level is how to generate a model transformation specification that must be at a very abstract level, independent of any transformation language. This article aims to propose an approach to generate an abstract representation of transformation rules and these are used to produce a source code written in a chosen transformation language. The transformation rules are calculated semi-automatically by using a matching technique on elements of source and target metamodels. This idea is illustrated by different transformation examples.
Skipnet-Octree Based Indexing Technique for Cloud Database Management System
Authors: Malhotra Shweta , Doja Mohammad Najmud , Alam Bashir , Alam Mansaf
Published: April 2018

This article describes how data indexing plays a very crucial role in query processing. Systems based on traditional indexes like B-tree, R-tree, Bitmap, inverted indexing techniques are not suitable for efficient query evaluation as these systems are based on simple key-value pair and used only for point queries. In cloud data repositories, point queries are not sufficient for query as a cloud consists of multidimensional data. For multidimensional query processing, many techniques have been developed. In this article, a dynamic double layer indexing structure with the help of a Skipnet overlay for global indexing and an Octree index technique for local indexing has been proposed. It has been concluded from the experiments that Skipnet-Octree performs better than the previous double-layer indexing technique for complex queries.
Energy Efficient Scheduling for Multiple Workflows in Cloud Environment
Authors: Garg Ritu , Shukla Neha
Published: April 2018

Cloud computing makes utility computing possible with pay as you go model. It virtualizes the systems by polling and sharing the resources, thus we need to handle more than one workflow at the same time. Workflow is the standard to represent compute intensive applications in scientific and engineering domain. Hence, in this article, the authors presented the scheduling heuristic for multiple workflows running parallel in the cloud environment with the aim to reduce the energy consumption as it is one of the major concerns of cloud data centers along with the execution performance. In the proposed approach, first clustering is performed to minimize the energy consumption and execution time during communication corresponding to precedence constraint tasks. Then cluster are scheduled is on the best available energy efficient resources. Finally, DVFS is applied in order to reduce energy consumption further when the nodes are in the idle and communication stage. The simulation has been performed on CloudSim and the results show the reduction in energy consumption by up to 42%.
Real-Time Streaming Data Analysis Using a Three-Way Classification Method for Sentimental Analysis
Authors: Hiriyannaiah Srinidhi , Siddesh G.M. , Srinivasa K.G.
Published: April 2018

This article describes how recent advances in computing have led to an increase in the generation of data in fields such as social media, medical, power and others. With the rapid increase in internet users, social media has given power for sentiment analysis or opinion mining. It is a highly challenging task for storing, querying and analyzing such types of data. This article aims at providing a solution to store, query and analyze streaming data using Apache Kafka as the platform and twitter data as an example for analysis. A three-way classification method is proposed for sentimental analysis of twitter data that combines both the approaches for knowledge-based and machine-learning using three stages namely emotion classification, word classification and sentiment classification. The hybrid three-way classification approach was evaluated using a sample of five query strings on twitter and compared with existing emotion classifier, polarity classifier and Naïve Bayes classifier for sentimental analysis. The accuracy of the results of the proposed approach is superior when compared to existing approaches.
A Primer for Beginners in Pharmaceutical Care
Authors: Dias-Souza Marcus Vinícius
Published: April 2018

This article describes how pharmacists are highly accessible healthcare professionals, and their clinical services are among the most accessible healthcare assistance systems worldwide considering the availability, geographic distribution and location of compounding pharmacies, clinical laboratories and drugstores. Pharmacists need to move from the focus in administrative management to patient-oriented practice, such that the access and the quality of clinical services can be improved. Pharmaceutical Care can influence pharmaceutical services to become more accessible and with a broader coverage of patients. Here is presented an approach on the implementation of effective strategies to improve the quality of Pharmacists' performance as specialized healthcare providers.
Editorial
Authors: Drahaman Akram , Wazeer Zafarullah
Published: April 2018

No abstract available
Patient perception of usage of hearing aids and reasons for non-compliance in the adult population
Authors: Gunarathna C. K.
Published: April 2018

ObjectivesTo analyze the socio-demographic data, reasons for poor compliance, post introduction follow up status & user’s satisfaction. MethodologyThis was a prospective observational study of 6-month duration with non-randomized study population selected in two centers representing both government & Private sector with inclusion criteria. Data was collected by an Audiologist via structured questionnaire during the follow up. Data analysis was done using SPSS software package. ResultsThere were 102 patients. Only 60% had good compliance, while 48% expressed strong satisfaction about HA usage. 66% were not aware of the need for follow up after prescription; hence 68% had never come for adjustments and revealed a statistically significant correlation (P- 0.01) between patients’ awareness and regular follow up. ConclusionsA significant proportion of hearing aid users did not have good compliance. This study discusses methods to improve compliance emphasizing the necessity of a well-organized follow up setup.
Best technique for insect removal (Scelodonta stringicolis) at DGH Kilinochchi
Authors: Drahaman A. M. P. , Krishnalingam R.
Published: April 2018

No abstract available
A rare and interesting case of Rhinofacial Zygomycosis due to Conidiobolus coronatus
Authors: Jayasena K. D. N. U. D. , Dayarathne S. M.
Published: April 2018

We report a 53-year-old farmer, with right sided epiphorea, headache and nasal obstruction for 2 months. FONL revealed a growth beneath right inferior turbinate. He was diagnosed to have Rhinofacial Zygomycosis due to Conidiobolus coronata and treated with oral Itraconazole. He improved and is still on follow up.
Suture retraction technique in thyroid surgery
Authors: Zafarullah W.
Published: April 2018

No abstract available
Book Launch – Guide to Vertigo
Authors: Editors Co-
Published: April 2018

No abstract available
Resting sympatho-vagal balance is related to 10 km running performance in master endurance athletes
Authors: Cataldo Angelo , Bianco Antonino , Paoli Antonio , Cerasola Dario , Alagna Saverio , Messina Giuseppe , Zangla Daniele , Traina Marcello
Published: April 2018

Relationships between heart rate recovery after exercise (HRR, baseline heart rate variability measures (HRV), and time to perform a 10Km running trial (t10Km) were evaluated in "master" athletes of endurance to assess whether the measured indexes may be useful for monitoring the training status of the athletes. Ten “master” athletes of endurance, aged 40-60 years, were recruited. After baseline measures of HRV, the athletes performed a graded maximal test on treadmill and HRR was measured at 1 and 2 minutes from recovery. Subsequently they performed a 10Km running trial and t10Km was related to HRV and HRR indexes. The time to perform a 10Km running trial was significantly correlated with baseline HRV indexes. No correlation was found between t10Km and HRR. Baseline HRV measures, but not HRR, were significantly correlated with the time of performance on 10km running in “master” athletes. The enhanced parasympathetic function at rest appears to be a condition to a better performance on 10km running. HRV can be simple and useful measurements for monitoring the training stratus of athletes and their physical condition in proximity of a competition.
The effect of positive end-expiratory pressure during anesthesia on arterial oxygen saturation after surgery in patient undergoing cesarean section
Authors: Ganjifard Mahmood , Samii Masoumeh , Kouzegaran Samaneh , Sabertanha Amir
Published: April 2018

One of the major complications of general anesthesia in the recovery room is arterial oxygen desaturation and hypoxemia. Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) can improve arterial oxygen saturation by increasing FRC. This study aims to evaluate the effects of applying PEEP on arterial oxygen saturation and hemodynamic parameters in the patient undergoing cesarean section in VALIASR hospital. In this double blind clinical trial we randomly allocated 120 patients of class1 and 2 ASA scheduled to undergoing cesarean section into 3 group (in 40).Different levels of PEEP (0, 5 and 10 CmH2o) were applied to each group while zero PEEP was established as control. All other variables (anesthesia and surgery techniques) were the same for all patients SPO2, noninvasive mean arterial pressure and heart rate were measured before, during and after surgery (Recovery room). The comparison of noninvasive arterial blood pressure and heart rate during and after surgery did not show significant differences but mean o2 saturation in group B (5 cmH2o PEEP) and C (10 cm H2o PEEP) in PACU was higher than control group (98.30±0.93 and 98.50±0.90 as opposed to97.12±1.15 respectively) P0<001. In light of results applying PEEP is effective in preventing desaturation after surgery and improving respiratory indexes without the significant hemodynamic changes, the result of using five cmH2o PEEP is more efficient and satisfying.
The role of individual and social variables in predicting body dissatisfaction and eating disorder symptoms among Iranian adolescent girls: an expanding of the tripartite influence model
Authors: Shahyad Shima , Pakdaman Shahla , Shokri Omid , Saadat Seyed Hassan
Published: April 2018

The aim of the present study was to examine the causal relationships between psychological and social factors, being independent variables and body image dissatisfaction plus symptoms of eating disorders as dependent variables through the mediation of social comparison and thin-ideal internalization. To conduct the study, 477 high-school students from Tehran were recruited by method of cluster sampling. Next, they filled out Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSES), Physical Appearance Comparison Scale (PACS), Self-Concept Clarity Scale (SCCS), Appearance Perfectionism Scale (APS), Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI), Multidimensional Body Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ) and Sociocultural Attitudes towards Appearance Questionnaire (SATAQ-4). In the end, collected data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Findings showed that the assumed model perfectly fitted the data after modification and as a result, all the path-coefficients of latent variables (except for the path between self-esteem and thin-ideal internalization) were statistically significant (p<0.05). Also, in this model, 75% of scores' distribution of body dissatisfaction was explained through psychological variables, socio-cultural variables, social comparison and internalization of the thin ideal. The results of the present study provid experimental basis for the confirmation of proposed causal model. The combination of psychological, social and cultural variables could efficiently predict body image dissatisfaction of young girls in Iran. Key Words: Thin-ideal Internalization, Social comparison, Body image dissatisfaction, mediating effects model, eating disorder symptoms, psychological factors.
Acute effect of different concentrations of cayenne pepper cataplasm on sensory-motor functions and serum levels of inflammation-related biomarkers in healthy subjects
Authors: Šarabon Nejc , Löfler Stefan , Cvecka Jan , Hübl Wolfgang , Zampieri Sandra
Published: April 2018

Physical medicine therapies are often used in treating widespread musculoskeletal disorders, such as neck and low back pain. Herbal cataplasms containing rubefacient substances, such as Cayenne pepper, or galenic preparations like Munari cataplasm are commonly used as natural medications to treat painful areas. In this paper we show the effects of a 20-min application of Cayenne pepper and kaolin powder cataplasm (CPC) on healthy subjects. Treatment effects were evaluated by cold/hot feeling on visual analogue scale, blood pressure, body temperature, skin light touch sensations, two-point discrimination, and pain threshold to a mechanical stimulus, before and immediately after, 15 min after and 30 min after different concentration of Cayenne pepper in CPC preparation on healthy subjects. Maximal voluntary trunk extension force and trunk extension submaximal force matching error were also measured. In addition, the resulting optimal CPC mixture was tested for its safety by measuring changes in circulating levels of inflammatory-related biomarkers after 20-min application. The results indicate that the 5% concentration of Cayenne pepper in the preparation of CPC is the best choice, since no additional effects can be obtained with the 10% concentration, and the effects are higher than those observed at the 2.5% concentration. Importantly, 5% CPC application did not induce a significant increase of inflammatory-related biomarkers, suggesting that 20-min application has no negative side effects at systemic levels. Further studies are needed to investigate the immediate and long-term effects of repeated CPC applications as well as to understand the intersecting underlying mechanisms activated by Capsaicin and other identified factors, in order to be more extensively used in the field of physical medicine therapies.
Feeding patterns in Eubranchipus grubii (Dybowski 1860) (Branchiopoda: Anostraca) and its potential influence on the phytoplankton communities of vernal pools
Authors: Celewicz Sofia , Czyż Michał Jan , Gołdyn Bartłomiej
Published: April 2018

Filtration patterns in the fairy shrimp Eubranchipus grubii were analysed under laboratory conditions using water containing phytoplankton from their actual locality in western Poland. After 48 hours of feeding, we compared the structure of algal communities in water samples in treatments with males, females and control. The mean filtration rate for E. grubii was relatively high (14,488 mL h-1) in comparison to other crustacean filter feeders and was higher for females than for males. Fairy shrimps grazed effectively on all 11 dominant phytoplankton taxa and there was no sign of overall preferences with regard to taxon, cell volume, length or shape. Female fairy shrimps removed significantly more cells of three taxa (Cryptomonas erosa, C. ovata and Trachelomonas volvocina). The differences between sexes did not depend on the cell volume or length of particular phytoplankton taxa but were significantly related to their initial abundance, initial biomass and shape. The higher the abundance and biomass of the algal taxa, the more intensively it was grazed by females than by males. Females were also observed to graze more on spherical and elongated cells. In conclusion, our results show E. grubii to be an effective, generalist filter feeder capable of significantly influencing the phytoplankton community of a vernal pool. Possible implications of such grazing pressure are also discussed.
Degree of high phenotypic plasticity in wild populations of Daphnia in early spring
Authors: Nagano Mariko , Doi Hideyuki
Published: April 2018

Inducible defenses have been empirically known as defensive phenotypes that are triggered by predator kairomones. We hypothesized that morphological defense of wild Daphnia varies not only with predator density, but also with the predator regime in the field. We observed how the morphological defenses of two Daphnia species (D. ambigua and D. pulex) changed according to the population density in the water column at daytime of predatory insect larvae Chaoborus flavicans in Lake Fukami-ike, Japan, from February to July. In both Daphnia species, the inducible defense morphology was highly expressed in March and April. Its degree of expression decreased, and did not change with increases in predator density from May to July. These seasons are generally considered as when the number of the larvae and fish increases, and predation becomes more active due to their growth and breeding. We suggest that the degree of inducible defense of Daphnia is higher at the end of the overwintering season, when Chaoborus larvae began to inhabit the water column during the daytime and is constant in other seasons regardless of predators regime changes. Field observation of wild populations is important for understanding the seasonal changes in the morphology, and to provide more realistic explanations of phenomena in inducible defense.
Communication rehabilitation in sub-Saharan Africa: The role of speech and language therapists
Authors: Wylie Karen , McAllister Lindy , Davidson Bronwyn , Marshall Julie
Published: April 2018

Background: Workforce factors present a significant barrier to the development of rehabilitation services for people with communication disabilities in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Exploring how the work of speech and language therapists (SLTs) in the region is organised and delivered can provide insight into existing services, areas for future workforce development and improved rehabilitation access for people with communication disability.Objectives: This paper describes the employment and service provision patterns and work roles of a sample of SLTs in SSA.Method: A broad, purpose-designed, mixed-methods survey was designed to collect data from SLTs living in Anglophone countries of SSA. Descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis were undertaken. This paper reports on a subset of data from the wider survey.Results: A description of the employment and work roles of the 33 respondents to the survey and characteristics of their service users is presented. SLTs were commonly employed within private and not-for-profit sectors and frequently worked in temporary jobs. SLTs engaged in a range of work roles, including capacity building and training others. Services were provided by SLTs across age ranges, health conditions and settings, with paediatric, urban services commonly reported. Costs for service users and urban-centred services give indications of barriers to service access.Conclusion: Knowledge of the way in which speech and language therapy services are organised and provided has the potential to shape the development of communication disability rehabilitation in SSA. This research has identified a range of issues requiring consideration as the profession develops and grows.
Husbands’ participation in birth preparedness and complication readiness and associated factors in Wolaita Sodo town, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Tadesse Minyahil , Boltena Andualem T. , Asamoah Benedict O.
Published: April 2018

Background: The poor emphasis on the role of husbands in birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) is a major factor that should be addressed in tackling maternal mortality.Aim: To assess the level of husbands’ participation in BPCR and associated factors.Setting: Wolaita Sodo town, Southern Ethiopia.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 608 husbands of pregnant women and nursing mothers. Multivariate logistic regression model was used for the analysis.Results: Forty-five per cent of husbands studied had poor participation in BPCR. Out of the total husbands studied, 40% (235) did not identify transportation, 49% (291) did not accompany their wives to antenatal care (ANC) clinic, 59% (350) did not identify skilled birth attendant, 26% (155) did not identify health facility for delivery and 30% (179) did not save money for emergency. Only 42% (250) of husbands had awareness of emergency conditions, while 75% (444) did not make postpartum plan. Husbands who knew the place of birth of the baby [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 7.23; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.98–17.54] and those who discussed with their wives about birth preparedness (AOR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.37–3.02) were significantly more likely to participate in BPCR compared to those who did not.Conclusion: Participation of husbands in BPCR was poor in the study area. The level of participation in relation to selection of service provider and health facility, financial and transportation planning for delivery and identifying blood donor needs attention to achieve better husband participation in BPCR.
Factors influencing regular physical exercise among the elderly in residential care facilities in a South African health district
Authors: Aro Abiodun A. , Agbo Sam , Omole Olufemi B.
Published: April 2018

Background: Physical exercise plays an important role in healthy ageing, but the elderly do not engage in it regularly.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we sampled 139 residents of residential care facility. A questionnaire was used to obtain information on participants’ demography, health problems, nature, motivators and barriers to exercise. Chi-square test examined the relationship between participants’ characteristics and their engagement in regular exercise.Results: Of the 139 participants, the majority were females (71.9%), white people (82.7%), aged 70 years or more (70.5%), had at least one health problem (85.6%) and were overweight or obese (60.4%). Approximately 89.2% engaged in some form of physical activities but only 50.3% reported engaging regularly. Participant’s knowledge of the benefits of regular physical activities, opportunities to socialise, encouragement by health care workers and availability of exercise facilities and trainers promote regular physical exercise. Barriers to regular exercise included poor health status, lack of knowledge of the benefits of regular physical activities, lack of opportunities to socialise, lack of encouragement by health care workers and unavailability of exercise facilities and trainers. Factors that predicted exercise were age 60–69 years (p = 0.02), being Afrikaans speaking (p = 0.04) and completing high school (p = 0.03).Conclusion: A significant proportion of the elderly do not engage in regular physical exercise, and this behaviour is influenced by personal health status and systems-related motivators and barriers.
What are the indicators of a successful business rescue in South Africa? Ask the business rescue practitioners
Authors: Conradie Shaneen , Lamprecht Christiaan
Published: April 2018

Background: Business rescue, in terms of Chapter 6 of the Companies Act No 71 of 2008, is still relatively new to the South African business environment. The need for a successful business rescue regime is beyond doubt. However, a consistent manner to measure the success of the regime has not been determined. Previous research into possible indicators of business rescue success was based on a review of international business rescue regimes that share the same underlying philosophy as the South African business rescue regime. Aim and Setting: This study extends previous research efforts by soliciting the opinions of 16 South African, senior business rescue practitioners on the indicators of business rescue success. Method: The researchers used a qualitative research approach. The Delphi research technique was used to gather qualitative and quantitative empirical data from business rescue practitioners. Results: The experts reached a high level of consensus on various indicators of a successful business rescue. Most notable are that business rescue should save as many jobs as possible and that the actual outcome should be compared to that estimated in the business rescue plan. A novel indicator of success is the business rescue points saved or rescued, when using the public interest score. Conclusion: The study makes a valuable contribution to the debate on what constitutes a successful business rescue by adding the considered opinion on indicators of success by one group of experts in the field of business rescue, namely senior business rescue practitioners.
The association between asymptomatic and mild neurocognitive impairment and adherence to antiretroviral therapy among people living with human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Awori Violet , Mativo Peter , Yonga Gerald , Shah Reena C.
Published: April 2018

Background: Asymptomatic cognitive impairment in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients has recently been recognised as part of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. This has been implicated as one of the causes of poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART).Objective: To assess the association between neurocognitive impairment (asymptomatic and mild forms) and adherence to ART.Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey involving 218 participants consecutively sampled from those attending the HIV treatment clinic at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi. Data collected included quantitative primary data on pre-defined baseline characteristics, neurocognitive assessment by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) tool (Appendix 1), instrumental activities of daily living by Lawton score and objective and subjective adherence measures by medication possession ratio (MPR) and simplified medication adherence questionnaire (SMAQ) (see Appendix 2). Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted to determine the strengths of association between predictor and the outcome variables.Results: Among the 218 participants in the study, a total of 69% had asymptomatic to mild neurocognitive impairment as assessed by the MoCA tool, while a total of 66% were determined as being adherent to ART by objective measures (by MPR) compared to subjective rates of 77% as assessed by SMAQ. However, no statistically significant association was observed between the presence of asymptomatic or mild neurocognitive impairment and likelihood of adherence to ART (p > 0.05).Conclusion: Even though asymptomatic and mild forms of cognitive impairment are prevalent in the population studied, there was no significant association between cognitive impairment and adherence to treatment.
Making ward-based outreach teams an effective component of human immunodeficiency virus programmes in South Africa
Authors: Naidoo Nireshni , Railton Jean , Jobson Geoffrey , Matlakala Nthabiseng , Marincowitz Gert , McIntyre James A. , Struthers Helen , Peters Remco P.H.
Published: April 2018

The implementation of ward-based outreach teams (WBOTs), comprised of community health workers (CHWs), is one of the three interventions of the South African National Department of Health’s (NDoH) Primary Health Care (PHC) Re-engineering strategy for improving health outcomes. CHWs provide a necessary structure to contribute to successful implementation of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) programme in four ways: (1) prevention of HIV infection by health education, (2) linkage to care by health education and referrals, (3) adherence support and (4) identification of individuals who are failing treatment. However, CHW programme and HIV programme-specific barriers exist that need to be resolved in order to achieve maximum impact. These include a lack of stakeholder and community support for WBOTs, challenging work and operational environments, a lack of in-depth knowledge and skills, and socio-cultural barriers such as HIV-related stigma. Considering its promising structure, documentation of the WBOT contribution to healthcare overall, and the HIV programme in particular, is urgently warranted to successfully and sustainably incorporate it into the South African healthcare system.
Integration of social media with healthcare big data for improved service delivery
Authors: Mgudlwa Sibulela , Iyamu Tiko
Published: April 2018

Background: In the last decade, social media users across the world have crossed 1 billion, making it one of the fastest growing sources of big data. Also, people needing healthcare continue to increase in every society. Through accessibility, communication and interaction between health practitioners and patients, this type of ever-growing, social media subscriber–based platform can be of significant use in improving healthcare delivery to society. However, users encounter serious challenges in their attempts to make use of social media and big data for health-related services. The challenges are primarily caused by factors such as integration, complexity, security and privacy. The challenges are mainly owing to the sensitive nature of the healthcare environment, as a result of personalisation and privacy of information. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to examine and gain a better understanding of the complexities that are associated with the use of social media and healthcare big data, through influencing factors, and to develop a framework that can be used to improve health-related services to the patients. Methods: The interpretivist approach was employed, within which qualitative data were collected. This included documents and existing literature in the areas of social media and healthcare big data. To have a good spread of both previous and current state of events within the phenomena being studied, literature published between 2006 and 2016 were gathered. The data were interpretively analysed. Results: Based on the analysis of the data, factors of influence were found, which were used to develop a model. The model illustrates how the factors of influence can enable and at the same time constrain the use of social media for healthcare services. The factors were interpreted from which a framework was developed. The framework is intended to guide integration of social media with healthcare big data through which service delivery to patients can be improved. Conclusion: This study can be used to guide integration of social media with healthcare big data by health facilities in the communities. The study contributes to healthcare workers’ awareness on how social media can possibly be used to improve the services that they provide to the needy. Also, the study will benefit information systems and technologies and academic domains, particularly from the health services’ perspective.
Augmented Reality-Assisted Single-Incision Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy
Authors: Lin Mao-Sheng , Wu Jungle Chi-Hsiang , Wu Hurng-Sheng , Liu Jack Kai-Che
Published: April 2018

Objective:

The objective of this study was to evaluate augmented reality-assisted single-incision laparoscopic adrenalectomy (AR-SILA) and compare with pure SILA.

Materials and Methods:

Between January 2009 and March 2012, a total of 19 patients had received SILA. Eight cases were AR-SILA and the others were pure SILA.

Results:

Eight AR-SILA procedures and 11 SILA were successfully completed. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, body mass index, and tumor size. Operative times were shorter in the AR-SILA group (102.5 ± 12.8 vs. 150.9 ± 46.3, P = 0.005). The mean blood loss in the AR-SILA group was slightly less than that in the SILA group (60.0 ± 25.6 vs. 109.1 ± 80.1, P = 0.129). There was neither postoperative mortality nor morbidity at the time of discharge and during follow-up.

Conclusion:

AR-SILA provides important intraoperative information for surgeons to recognize where the pathological lesions and vessels are located beyond the surgeon's direct vision. It made SILA safer and easier.
Strategisch HR-beleid van Big 4-accountantsorganisaties
Authors: Taminiau Yvette , Heusinkveld Stefan , Visser Claudia , Verschoor Marlies
Published: April 2018

In dit exploratief onderzoek wordt geanalyseerd op welke wijze Big 4-accountantsorganisaties met hun HR-beleid strategisch reageren op de nieuwe wet- en regelgeving. Het onderzoek is gebaseerd op 24 diepte-interviews (merendeel met partners en HR-managers) binnen accountancy, consultancy en tax advisory. Uit ons onderzoek blijkt dat de gewijzigde wetgeving belangrijke implicaties heeft voor het HR-beleid op zowel korte als lange termijn. Tegelijkertijd laat het onderzoek zien dat de Big 4-accountantsorganisaties met dit HR-beleid een meer bureaucratische managementbenadering bevorderen in plaats van een benadering gebaseerd op professionaliteit. Deze meer bureaucratische benadering maakt het mogelijk om met hedendaagse institutionele druk om te gaan, maar zij creëert ook beperkingen voor het management van professionele organisaties.
Middle atmospheric ozone, nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen trioxide in 2002–2011: SD-WACCM simulations compared to GOMOS observations
Authors: Kyrölä Erkki , Andersson Monika E. , Verronen Pekka T. , Laine Marko , Tukiainen Simo , Marsh Daniel R.
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Most of our understanding of the atmosphere is based on observations and their comparison with model simulations. In middle atmosphere studies it is common practice to use an approach, where the model dynamics are at least partly based on temperature and wind fields from an external meteorological model. In this work we test how closely satellite measurements of a few central trace gases agree with this kind of model simulation. We use collocated vertical profiles where each satellite measurement is compared to the closest model data. We compare profiles and distributions of O3, NO2 and NO3 from the Global Ozone Monitoring by Occultation of Stars instrument (GOMOS) on the Envisat satellite with simulations by the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM). GOMOS measurements are from nighttime. Our comparisons show that in the stratosphere outside the polar regions differences in ozone between WACCM and GOMOS are small, between 0 and 6%. The correlation of 5-day time series show a very high 0.9–0.95. In the tropical region 10° S–10° N below 10 hPa WACCM values are up to 20 % larger than GOMOS. In the Arctic below 6 hPa WACCM ozone values are up to 20 % larger than GOMOS. In the mesosphere between 0.04 and 1 hPa the WACCM is at most 20 % smaller than GOMOS. Above the ozone minimum at 0.01 hPa (or 80 km) large differences are found between WACCM and GOMOS. The correlation can still be high, but at the second ozone peak the correlation falls strongly and the ozone abundance from WACCM is about 60 % smaller than that from GOMOS. The total ozone columns (above 50 hPa) of GOMOS and WACCM agree within ±2 % except in the Arctic where WACCM is 10 % larger than GOMOS. Outside the polar areas and in the validity region of GOMOS NO2 measurements (0.3–37 hPa) WACCM and GOMOS NO2 agree within −5 to +25 % and the correlation is high (0.7–0.95) except in the upper stratosphere at the southern latitudes. In the polar areas, where solar particle precipitation and downward transport from the thermosphere enhance NO2 abundance, large differences up to −90 % are found between WACCM and GOMOS NO2 and the correlation varies between 0.3 and 0.9. For NO3, we find that the WACCM and GOMOS difference is between −20 and 5 % with a very high correlation of 0.7–0.95. We show that NO3 values strongly depend on temperature and the dependency can be fitted by the exponential function of temperature. The ratio of NO3 to O3 from WACCM and GOMOS closely follow the prediction from the equilibrium chemical theory. Abrupt temperature increases from sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs) are reflected as sudden enhancements of WACCM and GOMOS NO3 values.
An assessment of aerosol optical properties from remote-sensing observations and regional chemistry–climate coupled models over Europe
Authors: Palacios-Peña Laura , Baró Rocío , Baklanov Alexander , Balzarini Alessandra , Brunner Dominik , Forkel Renate , Hirtl Marcus , Honzak Luka , López-Romero José María , Montávez Juan Pedro , Pérez Juan Luis , Pirovano Guido , San José Roberto , Schröder Wolfram , Werhahn Johannes , Wolke Ralf , Žabkar Rahela , Jiménez-Guerrero Pedro
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Atmospheric aerosols modify the radiative budget of the Earth due to their optical, microphysical and chemical properties, and are considered one of the most uncertain climate forcing agents. In order to characterise the uncertainties associated with satellite and modelling approaches to represent aerosol optical properties, mainly aerosol optical depth (AOD) and Ångström exponent (AE), their representation by different remote-sensing sensors and regional online coupled chemistry–climate models over Europe are evaluated. This work also characterises whether the inclusion of aerosol–radiation (ARI) or/and aerosol–cloud interactions (ACI) help improve the skills of modelling outputs.Two case studies were selected within the EuMetChem COST Action ES1004 framework when important aerosol episodes in 2010 all over Europe took place: a Russian wildfire episode and a Saharan desert dust outbreak that covered most of the Mediterranean Sea. The model data came from different regional air-quality–climate simulations performed by working group 2 of EuMetChem, which differed according to whether ARI or ACI was included or not. The remote-sensing data came from three different sensors: MODIS, OMI and SeaWIFS. The evaluation used classical statistical metrics to first compare satellite data versus the ground-based instrument network (AERONET) and then to evaluate model versus the observational data (both satellite and ground-based data).Regarding the uncertainty in the satellite representation of AOD, MODIS presented the best agreement with the AERONET observations compared to other satellite AOD observations. The differences found between remote-sensing sensors highlighted the uncertainty in the observations, which have to be taken into account when evaluating models. When modelling results were considered, a common trend for underestimating high AOD levels was observed. For the AE, models tended to underestimate its variability, except when considering a sectional approach in the aerosol representation. The modelling results showed better skills when ARI+ACI interactions were included; hence this improvement in the representation of AOD (above 30 % in the model error) and AE (between 20 and 75 %) is important to provide a better description of aerosol–radiation–cloud interactions in regional climate models.
Impacts of compound extreme weather events on ozone in the present and future
Authors: Zhang Junxi , Gao Yang , Luo Kun , Leung L. Ruby , Zhang Yang , Wang Kai , Fan Jianren
Published: April 2018

Abstract. The Weather Research and Forecasting model with Chemistry (WRF/Chem) was used to study the effect of extreme weather events on ozone in US for historical (2001–2010) and future (2046–2055) periods under RCP8.5 scenario. During extreme weather events, including heat waves, atmospheric stagnation, and their compound events, ozone concentration is much higher compared to non-extreme events period. A striking enhancement of effect during compound events is revealed when heat wave and stagnation occur simultaneously and both high temperature and low wind speed promote the production of high ozone concentrations. In regions with high emissions, compound extreme events can shift the high-end tails of the probability density functions (PDFs) of ozone to even higher values to generate extreme ozone episodes. In regions with low emissions, extreme events can still increase high ozone frequency but the high-end tails of the PDFs are constrained by the low emissions. Despite large anthropogenic emission reduction projected for the future, compound events increase ozone more than the single events by 10 % to 13 %, comparable to the present, and high ozone episodes are not eliminated. Using the CMIP5 multi-model ensemble, the frequency of compound events is found to increase more dominantly compared to the increased frequency of single events in the future over the US, Europe, and China. High ozone episodes will likely continue in the future due to increases in both frequency and intensity of extreme events, despite reductions in anthropogenic emissions of its precursors. However, the latter could reduce or eliminate extreme ozone episodes, so improving projections of compound events and their impacts on extreme ozone may better constrain future projections of extreme ozone episodes that have detrimental effects on human health.