bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
QoS Priorities in ERP Implementation – A Study of Manufacturing Industry of Nepal
Authors: Giri Susan , Thakur Ram Naresh , Chatterjee Jyotir Moy
Published: February 2020

ERP, or Enterprise Resource Planning systems help business management, which consists of a well-designed interface that incorporates different programs to integrate and manage all company functions at intervals of a company, these sets incorporate applications for human resources, monetary and accounting, sales and distribution, project management, materials management, SCM, or Supply Chain Management and quality management. Currently, organizations are running to improve their ability to survive in the global market competitions of the 21st century. While the organizations try to advance in their level of agility, changing and modifying the process of decision-making to make it more efficient and effective to satisfy the successive variations of the market. Different views are gathered regarding ERP implementation of ERP in manufacturing. Even we have taken certain essential components of ERP for a better understanding of ERP. Ease of use, usefulness, quality, and trust on ERP services have been taken an independent variable that affects user’s decision to adopt ERP. The role of ERP technology in manufacturing facilities are broken into more categories for detail concept. Quantitative data analysis methods were usually used for questionnaire data analysis which was utilized to analyze statistical data and after that collection of interview data was done. A researcher has applied different statistical tools like Chi-Square Tests, Anova, etc. to analyze the collected data. A researcher essential portion is to analyze and interpret data that relates to modifying data which explains the solution to the research question with some additional future recommendation for more quality research.
Text and Voice Based Emotion Monitoring System
Authors: Naik Anil S
Published: February 2020

An Emotion monitoring system for a call-center is proposed. It aims to simplify the tracking and management of emotions extracted from call center Employee-Customer conversations. The system is composed of four modules: Emotion Detection, Emotion Analysis and Report Generation, Database Manager, and User Interface. The Emotion Detection module uses Tone Analyzer to extract them for reliable emotion; it also performs the Utterance Analysis for detecting emotion. The 14 emotions detected by the tone analyzer are happy, joy, anger, sad and neutral, etc. The Emotion Analysis module performs classification into the 3 categories: Neutral, Anger and Joy. By using this category, it applies the point-scoring technique for calculating the Employee Score. This module also polishes the output of the Emotion Detection module to provide a more presentable output of a sequence of emotions of the Employee and the Customer. The Database Manager is responsible for the management of the database wherein it handles the creation, and update of data. The Interface module serves as the view and user interface for the whole system. The system is comprised of an Android application for conversation and a web application to view reports. The Android application was developed using Android Studio to maintain the modularity and flexibility of the system. The local server monitors the conversation, it displays the detected emotions of both the Customer and the Employee. On the other hand, the web application was constructed using the Django Framework to maintain its modularity and abstraction by using a model. It provides reports and analysis of the emotions expressed by the customer during conversations. Using the Model View Template (MVT) approach, the Emotion monitoring system is scalable, reusable and modular.
Metges candidats a Acció Catalana Republicana.
Authors: CALBET i CAMARASA Josep M.
Published: February 2020

PHYSICIAN CANDIDATES FOR THE PARTY “ACCIÓ CATALANA REPUBLICANA”: Doctors were part, in the same proportion as other social sectors, of the origins of political Catalanism and we find them in the events of the nineteenth century as the Bases of Manresa. They were integrated into political parties and some of them, in the twenties of the twentieth century in the party Acció Catalana Republicana. The newspaper “La Publicitat” publishes the profile and the caricatures of those standing for the elections for Barcelona in 1931 by the Acció Catalana Republicana.
Bipartite Gaussian quantum steering, entanglement, and discord and their interconnection via a parametric down-converter
Authors: Sadia Qureshi Haleema , Ullah Shakir , Ghafoor Fazal
Published: February 2020

In this study, we quantify quantum steering, quantum entanglement, and
quantum discord and their interconnection using the technique of
parametric down-conversion. Initially, two single-mode Gaussian states
together with a non-linear crystal in a cavity are considered. The
behavior of the three kinds of quantum correlations depend on the
phase of the coherent pump field, purity, and non-classicality of the
input states, and the damping rates of the cavity. The amount and time
evolution of the quantum correlations enhances with the difference
between the non-classicality of the initial states. In presence of the
damping rates, the quantum steering and quantum entanglement (quantum
discord) increase (decreases) with the purity of the input cavity
field. We note that the amount and survival time of the quantum
correlations can be controlled by varying the relative phase
associated to the coherent pump field. The boundaries of the three
kinds of quantum correlations are defined and explained with respect
to each other, which form a hierarchy.
Generation of coherent broadband high photon flux continua in the XUV with a sub-two-cycle fiber laser
Authors: Klas Robert , Eschen Wilhelm , Kirsche Alexander , Rothhardt Jan , Limpert Jens
Published: February 2020

High harmonic sources can provide ultrashort pulses of coherent radiation in the XUV and X-ray spectral region. In this paper we utilize a sub-two-cycle femtosecond fiber laser to efficiently generate a broadband continuum of high-order harmonics between 70 eV and 120 eV. The average power delivered by this source ranges from > 0.2 µW/eV at 80 eV to >0.03 µW/eV at 120 eV. At 92 eV (13.5 nm wavelength), we measured a coherent record-high average power of 0.1 µW/eV, which corresponds to 7 · 109 ph/s/eV, with a long-term stability of 0.8% rms deviation over a 20 min time period. The presented approach is average power scalable and promises up to 1011 ph/s/eV in the near future. With additional carrier-envelop phase control even isolated attosecond pulses can be expected from such sources. The combination of high flux, high photon energy and ultrashort (sub-) fs duration will enable photon-hungry time-resolved and multidimensional studies.
Nanosecond-millisecond combined pulse laser drilling of alumina ceramic
Authors: Jia Xianshi , Dong Jing , Chen Yongqian , Wang Hailin , Zhu Guangzhi , Kozlov Aleksei , Zhu Xiao
Published: February 2020

A nanosecond-millisecond combined pulse laser (CPL) drilling method was proposed for drilling alumina ceramic. The total energy consumption of the CPL drilling was 1/7 of that of a conventional millisecond laser, and the drilling quality was better. The simulation results demonstrated that, due to the nonuniform reflection of the millisecond laser in the keyhole, the ellipse keyhole ablated by the off-axis incident nanosecond pulses had no effect on the circularity of the through hole. In addition, the multireflection of the laser in the keyhole enhanced the absorption, so the keyhole ablated by the nanosecond pulses could be used as a target for limiting the absorption of the subsequent millisecond pulses. In this context, the keyhole could be used to reduce the hole diameter if the subsequent millisecond laser had a bigger spot size, and this CPL drilling method could be used as an effective group hole drilling method.
Genotyping and phylogenetic analysis of canine parvovirus circulating in Egypt
Authors: Zaher Kawther Sayed , El-Dabae Wahid Hussein , El-Sebelgy Mostafa Mohamed , Aly Naglaa Ibrahim , Salama Zeinab Taha
Published: February 2020

Aim: This study aimed to detect and characterize current genotypes of canine parvovirus (CPV) in Egypt during 2018. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 fecal swabs were collected from clinically infected domestic dogs of 2-5 months of age, suspected to suffer from CPV infection, from Cairo and Giza Governorates. The samples were subjected to qualitative antigen detection using the rapid test, followed by isolation on Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells, molecular characterization with partial amplification of VP2 gene using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Results: Out of 50 fecal samples, 20 samples were positive (40%) by Rapid CPV/canine coronavirus Ag Test Kit. These positive samples were cultured successfully on MDCK cells. Nine randomly chosen samples out of 30 apparently negative samples were amplified using PCR with primers Hfor and Hrev to yield a typical 630 bp fragment. Then, six randomly chosen samples out of nine were amplified using PCR with primers Pbs and Pbas to yield a typical 427 bp fragment. Sequencing, BLAST analysis and assembly of the two fragments (630 bp and 427 bp) to produce 912 bp fragments, in the six samples, revealed two serotypes CPV-2b and CPV-2c. The obtained strains were submitted to GenBank and given accession numbers MK642272, MK642273, MK642274, MK642275, MK642276, and MK642277. Phylogenetic analysis of the Egyptian strains serotype 2b illustrated that they were closely related to Thailand strains (accession numbers KP715709, KP715694, KP715701, and KP715700); while Egyptian strains serotype 2c was closely related to Thailand strains (accession numbers MH711894 and MH711902), Taiwanese strain (KU244254), Chinese strain (MF467242), and Vietnamese strain (accession number LC216910). Conclusion: The current research recommends further epidemiological studies to assess the extent of the occurrence of different serotypes of CPV in Egypt and the efficiency of imported and locally produced vaccines in protection against CPV infection.
Diagnostics of Plasma Jet Generated in Water/Argon DC Arc Torch
Authors: Hurba O. , Hlína M. , Hrabovský M.
Published: February 2020

Thermal plasma jet generated by the torch with water/argon stabilized arc was investigated. Plasma torches of this type have been used for plasma spraying, waste treatment and gasification of organic materials. Electric probes, enthalpy probe, and schlieren photography were used for diagnostics of the jet in the region downstream of the torch exit. Information about structure and shape of plasma jet was evaluated from the measured data. Large extent of radial plasma spread and high level of turbulence were found from both the schlieren and the probe diagnostics. Plasma temperature corresponding to measured ion saturation currents was determined using calculated composition of plasma assuming ex-istence of local thermodynamic equilibrium.
Plasma Installation for TiO2 Fine Powder Production: Mathematical Simulation
Authors: Frolov V. , Ivanov D. , Shibaev M.
Published: February 2020

The scheme of an evaporator of TiO2 powder based on a plasma torch of combined type is presented. That scheme is characterized by reducing of the equipment cost by decreasing of RF power in comparison to application of usual ICP torches. An analysis of thermo-physical processes of plasma generation as well as heating of fine TiO2 particles is presented. The results were a basis for creating of equipment for the production of fine TiO2 materials and nanostructured TiO2 materials with lower radio frequency (RF) power consumption.
The Influence of CO2 Admixtures on Process in Titan's Atmospheric Chemistry
Authors: Torokova L. , Mazankova V. , Mason N. J. , Krcma F. , Morgan G. , Matejcik S.
Published: February 2020

The exploration of planetary atmosphere is being advanced by the exciting results of the Cassin-Huygens mission to Titan. The complex chemistry revealed in such atmospheres leading to the synthesis of bigger molecules is providing new insights into our understanding of how life on Earth developed. In our experiments Titan's atmosphere is simulated in a glow discharge formed from a mixture of N2:CH4:CO2 gas. Samples of the discharge gas were analysed by GC-MS and FTIR. The major products identified in spectra were: hydrogen cyanide, acetylene and acetonitrile. The same compounds were detected in the FTIR: hydrogen cyanide, acetylene and ammonia. Whilst many of these compounds have been predicted and/or observed in the Titan atmosphere, the present plasma experiments provide evidence of both the chemical complexity of Titan atmospheric processes and the mechanisms by which larger species grow prior to form the dust that should cover much of the Titan's surface.
Profil Vertikal Logam Berat Tembaga (Cu), Nikel (Ni), dan Mangan (Mn) di Core Sedimen Perairan Pantai Marunda, Teluk Jakarta
Authors: Darmansyah Kresna Rangga , Wulandari Sri Yulina , Marwoto Jarot , Supriyantini Endang
Published: February 2020

Heavy metals contained in the waste  enter to the Marunda coastal waters  in Jakarta Bay through the Tiram river, come from the Jabodetabek region which is an industrial and residential area.  They  will be deposited and accumulated in the bed sediments and potentially to cause contamination in the waters as well. The study was conducted to investigate vertical profiles  of heavy metals Cu, Ni, and Mn based on sediment depth and the correlation between the concentration of heavy metals and the grain size of sediments. Coring method was used for sampling the sediments at 1-3 cm, 4-6 cm and 7-9 cm of depths.  Samples were analyzed using AAS method to determine Cu, Ni, and Mn concentrations. Sieving and pipetting methods were used to determine the grain size of the sediments. The results showed that the average concentration of heavy metals Cu, Ni, and Mn in the top layer  was 7.74 ppm; 8.17 ppm; 1345.03 ppm. The middle layer was 6.91 ppm; 7.48 ppm; 1279.35 ppm. The bottom layer was 7.36 ppm; 7.79 ppm; 1413.66 ppm. The concentration of Cu heavy metal had a positive correlation with the sand fraction, while the heavy metals Ni and Mn  had a positive correlation with the mud fraction. Logam berat yang terkandung dalam limbah masuk ke perairan pantai Marunda di Teluk Jakarta melalui sungai Tiram, berasal dari daerah Jabodetabek yang merupakan kawasan industri dan pemukiman. Logam berat tersebut akan  mengendap dan terakumulasi di sedimen dasar perairan dan berpotensi menimbulkan pencemaran perairan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui profil logam berat Tembaga, Nikel, dan Mangan secara vertikal berdasarkan kedalaman sedimen dan korelasi antara konsentrasi logam berat dengan ukuran butir sedimen. Pengambilan sampel sedimen dilakukan menggunakan metode  coring untuk kedalaman 1-3 cm, 4-6 cm, dan 7-9 cm. Selanjutnya sampel sedimen dianalisis menggunakan metode AAS untuk mengetahui konsentrasi logam berat Cu, Ni, dan Mn. Metode sieving dan pipetting digunakan untuk mengetahui ukuran butir sedimen. Nilai konsentrasi rata-rata logam berat Cu, Ni, dan Mn  pada lapisan atas untuk setiap stasiun berurutan sebesar 7,74 ppm; 8,17 ppm; 1345,03 ppm. Lapisan tengah sebesar 6,91 ppm; 7,48 ppm; 1279,35 ppm. Lapisan bawah sebesar 7,36 ppm; 7,79 ppm; 1413,66 ppm. Konsentrasi logam berat Cu mempunyai korelasi positif terhadap fraksi pasir, sedangkan logam berat Ni  dan Mn mempunyai korelasi positif terhadap fraksi lumpur.
Mind the gap
Authors: Khayati Mourad , Lerner Alberto , Tymchenko Zakhar , Cudré-Mauroux Philippe
Published: February 2020

Recording sensor data is seldom a perfect process. Failures in power, communication or storage can leave occasional blocks of data missing, affecting not only real-time monitoring but also compromising the quality of near- and off-line data analysis. Several recovery (imputation) algorithms have been proposed to replace missing blocks. Unfortunately, little is known about their relative performance, as existing comparisons are limited to either a small subset of relevant algorithms or to very few datasets or often both. Drawing general conclusions in this case remains a challenge.

In this paper, we empirically compare twelve recovery algorithms using a novel benchmark. All but two of the algorithms were re-implemented in a uniform test environment. The benchmark gathers ten different datasets, which collectively represent a broad range of applications. Our benchmark allows us to fairly evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, and to recommend the best technique on a use-case basis. It also allows us to identify the limitations of the current body of algorithms and suggest future research directions.
Thiophene-based Schiff base ligand as ionophore for Ni(II)-selective polyvinyl chloride membrane electrode
Authors: Suman Shankar , Singh Ram
Published: February 2020

A synthesized Schiff base 2-acetylthiophene semicarbazone (3) was used for the preparation of Ni2+ selective polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane electrode. The prepared electrode with the optimized composition, PVC:3:sodium tetraphenylborate:di-n-butylphthalate as 33:6:3:58 exhibited a Nernstian response over the working range of 5.0 × 10−6–5.0 × 10−2 mol l−1 with a slope of 29.0 ± 0.3 mV/concentration. The electrode showed good selectivity towards Ni2+ with respect to several metal ions in the pH range of 2.5–10.0 in <15 s with a detection limit of 4.7 × 10−6 mol l−1. The electrode showed the additional benefit of working in partially nonaqueous media having up to 15% (v/v) methanol or ethanol. This electrode was also successfully applied in Ni2+ ion potentiometric titration with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as an indicator electrode.
Visual rhetoric based on triadic approach: Intellectual knowledge, visual representation and aesthetics as modality
Authors: Köksal Fatma Nazlı , İnatçı Ümit
Published: February 2020

The aim of the present study is to evaluate Sonja Foss’s Rhetorical Schema for the Evaluation of Visual Imagery (1994) as well as reflect upon several points for further consideration; and finally suggest a renewed triadic approach as a method for analyzing art-relevant visual imagery. The triadic approach to be discussed assumes three correlative layers: the intellectual knowledge, function of the artistic content as the visual representational component, and aesthetics as modality. This study will include the analysis of a print advertisement that used an artwork as its content of visual rhetoric, and this will inform further discussions on the proposed approach. The contribution of this renewed triadic approached to the field of visual rhetoric has the advantage of expanding and possibly improving rhetorical analysis methods of visual imagery.
Neoliberalism 4.0: The Rise of Illiberal Capitalism Comment on "How Neoliberalism Is Shaping the Supply of Unhealthy Commodities and What This Means for NCD Prevention"
Authors: Labonté Ronald
Published: February 2020

Neoliberal logic and institutional lethargy may well explain part of the reason why governments pay little attention to how their economic and development policies negatively affect health outcomes associated with the global diffusion of unhealthy commodities. In calling attention to this the authors encourage health advocates to consider strategies other than just regulation to curb both the supply and demand for these commodities, by better understanding how neoliberal logic suffuses institutional regimes, and how it might be coopted to alternative ends. The argument is compelling as possible mid-level reform, but it omits the history of the development of neoliberalism, from its founding in liberal philosophy and ethics in the transition from feudalism to capitalism, to its hegemonic rise in global economics over the past four decades. This rise was as much due to elites (the 1% and now 0.001%) wanting to reverse the progressive compression in income and wealth distribution during the first three decades that followed World War Two. Through three phases of neoliberal policy (structural adjustment, financialization, austerity) wealth ceased trickling downwards, and spiralled upwards. Citizen discontent with stagnating or declining livelihoods became the fuel for illiberal leaders to take power in many countries, heralding a new, autocratic and nationalistic form of neoliberalism. With climate crises mounting and ecological limits rendering mid-level reform of coopting the neoliberal logic to incentivize production of healthier commodities, health advocates need to consider more profound idea of how to tame or erode (increasingly predatory) capitalism itself
A Systems Thinking Approach to Inform Coherent Policy Action for NCD Prevention Comment on "How Neoliberalism Is Shaping the Supply of Unhealthy Commodities and What This Means for NCD Prevention"
Authors: Milsom Penelope , Smith Richard , Walls Helen
Published: February 2020

Lencucha and Thow tackle the enormous public health challenge of developing non-communicable disease (NCD) policy coherence within a world structured and ruled by neoliberalism. Their work compliments scholarship on other causal mechanisms, including the commercial determinants of health, that have contributed to creating the risk commodity environment and barriers to NCD prevention policy coherence. However, there remain significant gaps in the understanding of how these causal mechanisms interact within a whole system. As such, public health researchers’ suggestions for how to effectively prevent NCDs through addressing the risk commodity environment tend to remain fragmented, incomplete and piecemeal. We suggest this is, in part, because conventional policy analysis methods tend to be reductionist, considering causal mechanisms in relative isolation and conceptualizing them as linear chains of cause and effect. This commentary discusses how a systems thinking approach offers methods that could help with better understanding the risk commodity environment problem, identifying a more comprehensive set of effective solutions across sectors and its utility more broadly for gaining insight into how to ensure recommended solutions are translated into policy, including though transformation at the paradigmatic level.
Use of Evidence-Informed Deliberative Processes – Learning by Doing Comment on "Use of Evidence-informed Deliberative Processes by Health Technology Assessment Agencies Around the Globe"
Authors: Culyer Anthony J.
Published: February 2020

The article by Oortwijn, Jansen, and Baltussen (OJB) is much more important than it appears because, in the absence of any good general theory of "evidence-informed deliberative processes" (EDP) and limited evidence of how they might be shaped and work in institutionalising health technology assessment (HTA), the best approach seems to be to accumulate the experience of a variety of countries, preferably systematically, from which some general principles might subsequently be inferred. This comment reinforces their arguments and provides a further example.
Changing the Conversation, Why We Need to Reframe Corruption as a Public Health Issue Comment on "We Need to Talk About Corruption in Health Systems"
Authors: Clarke David
Published: February 2020

There has been slow progress with finding practical solutions to health systems corruption, a topic that has long languished in policy-makers "too difficult tray." Efforts to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) provide a new imperative for addressing the long-standing problem of corruption in health systems making fighting corruption at all levels and in all its forms a priority. In response, health system corruption should be classified as a risk to public health and addressed by adopting a public health approach. Taking a public health approach to health systems corruption could promote a new paradigm for working on health system anti-corruption efforts. A public health approach could increase the space for policy dialogue about corruption, focus work to address corruption on prevention, help generate and disseminate evidence about effective interventions strategies, and because of its focus on multisectoral action would provide new opportunities for promoting cooperation on anti-corruption work across multiple agencies and sectors. Using a public health approach to tackle health system corruption could help address the current inertia around the topic and create a new positive mindset among policy-makers who would come to see corruption as a manageable public health problem rather than an intractable one.
Does the Narrative About the Use of Evidence in Priority Setting Vary Across Health Programs Within the Health Sector: A Case Study of 6 Programs in a Low-Income National Healthcare System
Authors: Kapiriri Lydia
Published: February 2020

Background: There is a growing body of literature on evidence-informed priority setting. However, the literature on the use of evidence when setting healthcare priorities in low-income countries (LICs), tends to treat the healthcare system (HCS) as a single unit, despite the existence of multiple programs within the HCS, some of which are donor supported. Objectives: (i) To examine how Ugandan health policy-makers define and attribute value to the different types of evidence; (ii) Based on 6 health programs (HIV, maternal, newborn and child health [MNCH], vaccines, emergencies, health systems, and non- communicable diseases [NCDs]) to discuss the policy-makers’ reported access to and use of evidence in priority setting across the 6 health programs in Uganda; and (iii) To identify the challenges related to the access to and use of evidence. Methods: This was a qualitative study based on in-depth key informant interviews with 60 national level (working in 6 different health programs) and 27 sub-national (district) level policy-makers. Data were analysed used a modified thematic approach. Results: While all respondents recognized and endeavored to use evidence when setting healthcare priorities across the 6 programs and in the districts; more national level respondents tended to value quantitative evidence, while more district level respondents tended to value qualitative evidence from the community. Challenges to the use of evidence included access, quality, and competing values. Respondents from highly politicized and donor supported programs such as vaccines, HIV and maternal neonatal and child health were more likely to report that they had access to, and consistently used evidence in priority setting. Conclusion: This study highlighted differences in the perceptions, access to, and use of evidence in priority setting in the different programs within a single HCS. The strong infrastructure in place to support for the access to and use of evidence in the politicized and donor supported programs should be leveraged to support the availability and use of evidence in the relatively under-resourced programs. Further research could explore the impact of unequal availability of evidence on priority setting between health programs within the HCS.
Exploring a New Model of End-of-Life Care for Older People That Operates in the Space Between the Life World and the Healthcare System: A Qualitative Case Study
Authors: Dodd Steven , Preston Nancy , Payne Sheila , Walshe Catherine
Published: February 2020

Background: Innovative service models to facilitate end-of-life care for older people may be required to enable and bolster networks of care. The aim of this study was to understand how and why a new charitably funded service model of end-of-life care impacts upon the lives of older people. Methods: A multiple exploratory qualitative case study research strategy. Cases were 3 sites providing a new end-oflife service model for older people. The services were provided in community settings, primarily providing support in peoples own homes. Study participants included the older people receiving the end-of-life care service, their informal carers, staff providing care within the service and other stakeholders. Data collection included individual interviews with older people and informal carers at 2 time points, focus group interviews with staff and local stakeholders, nonparticipant observation of meetings, and a final cross-case deliberative panel discussion workshop. Framework analysis facilitated analysis within and across cases. Results: Twenty-three service users and 5 informal carers participated in individual interviews across the cases. Two focus groups were held with an additional 12 participants, and 19 people attended the deliberative panel workshop. Important elements contributing to the experience and impacts of the service included organisation, where services felt they were ‘outsiders,’ the focus of the services and their flexible approach; and the impacts particularly in enriching relationships and improving mental health. Conclusion: These end-of-life care service models operated in a space between the healthcare system and the person’s life world. This meant there could be ambiguity around their services, where they occupied a liminal, but important, space. These services are potentially important to older people, but should not be overly constrained or they may lose the very flexibility that enables them to have impact.
Independent Treatment Centres Are Not a Guarantee for High Quality and Low Healthcare Prices in The Netherlands – A Study of 5 Elective Surgeries
Authors: Tulp Anouk Dorine Maria , Kruse Florien Margareth , Stadhouders Niek Waltherus , Jeurissen Patrick P.T.
Published: February 2020

Background: Independent treatment centres (ITCs) are a growing phenomenon in many healthcare systems. Focus factory theory predicts that ITCs provide high quality healthcare with low prices, through specialisation, high-volume and routine. This study examines if ITC care outperforms general hospital (GH) care within a regulated competition system in the Netherlands, by focusing on differences in healthcare quality and price. Methods: The cross-sectional study combined publicly available quality data, list prices and insurer contracts for 2017. Clinical outcomes of 5 elective surgeries (total hip and knee replacement, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), cataract and carpal tunnel surgeries) were compared using zero-or-one inflated beta-regressions, corrected for underlying structural factors (ie, volume of care, process and structure indicators, and chain affiliation). Furthermore, price differences between ITCs and GHs were examined using ordinary least squares regressions. Lastly, we analysed quality of care in relation to the number of insurance contracts of the 4 largest Dutch insurance companies using ordered logistic regressions. Results: Quality differences between ITCs and GHs were found to be inconsistent across procedures. No facility type performed better overall. There were no differences exhibited in the list prices between ITCs and GHs. No consistent relationship was found between the underlying factors and quality or price, in different procedures and time. We found no indication for selective contracting based on quality within the ITC sector. Conclusions: This study found no evidence that ITCs outperform GHs on quality or price. This evidence does not support the focus factory theory. The substantial practice variation in quality of care may justify more evidence-based contracting within the market for elective surgery.
Defining Near-Term to Long-Term Research Opportunities to Advance Metrics, Models, and Methods for Smart and Sustainable Manufacturing
Authors: Shankar Raman Arvind , Haapala Karl R. , Raoufi Kamyar , Linke Barbara S. , Bernstein William Z. , Morris K. C.
Published: February 2020

Over the past century, research has focused on continuously improving the performance of manufacturing processes and systems—often measured in terms of cost, quality, productivity, and material and energy efficiency. With the advent of smart manufacturing technologies—better production equipment, sensing technologies, computational methods, and data analytics applied from the process to enterprise levels—the potential for sustainability performance improvement is tremendous. Sustainable manufacturing seeks the best balance of a variety of performance measures to satisfy and optimize the goals of all stakeholders. Accurate measures of performance are the foundation on which sustainability objectives can be pursued. Historically, operational and information technologies have undergone disparate development, with little convergence across the domains. To focus future research efforts in advanced manufacturing, the authors organized a one-day workshop, sponsored by the U.S. National Science Foundation, at the joint manufacturing research conferences of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and Society of Manufacturing Engineers. Research needs were identified to help harmonize disparate manufacturing metrics, models, and methods from across conventional manufacturing, nanomanufacturing, and additive/hybrid manufacturing processes and systems. Experts from academia and government labs presented invited lightning talks to discuss their perspectives on current advanced manufacturing research challenges. Workshop participants also provided their perspectives in facilitated brainstorming breakouts and a reflection activity. The aim was to define advanced manufacturing research and educational needs for improving manufacturing process performance through improved sustainability metrics, modeling approaches, and decision support methods. In addition to these workshop outcomes, a review of the recent literature is presented, which identifies research opportunities across several advanced manufacturing domains. Recommendations for future research describe the short-, mid-, and long-term needs of the advanced manufacturing community for enabling smart and sustainable manufacturing.
More than a Corepressor: The Role of CoREST Proteins in Neurodevelopment
Authors: Maksour Simon , Ooi Lezanne , Dottori Mirella
Published: February 2020

The molecular mechanisms governing normal neurodevelopment are tightly regulated by the action of transcription factors. Repressor element 1 (RE1) silencing transcription factor (REST) is widely documented as a regulator of neurogenesis that acts by recruiting corepressor proteins and repressing neuronal gene expression in non-neuronal cells. The REST corepressor 1 (CoREST1), CoREST2, and CoREST3 are best described for their role as part of the REST complex. However, recent evidence has shown the proteins have the ability to repress expression of distinct target genes in a REST-independent manner. These findings indicate that each CoREST paralogue may have distinct and critical roles in regulating neurodevelopment and are more than simply “REST corepressors,” whereby they act as independent repressors orchestrating biological processes during neurodevelopment.
Cortico-Thalamo-Cortical Circuits of Mouse Forelimb S1 Are Organized Primarily as Recurrent Loops
Authors: Guo KuangHua , Yamawaki Naoki , Barrett John M. , Tapies Martinna , Shepherd Gordon M. G.
Published: February 2020

Cortical projections to the thalamus arise from corticothalamic (CT) neurons in layer 6 and pyramidal tract-type (PT) neurons in layer 5B. We dissected the excitatory synaptic connections in the somatosensory thalamus formed by CT and PT neurons of the primary somatosensory (S1) cortex, focusing on mouse forelimb S1. Mice of both sexes were studied. The CT neurons in S1 synaptically excited S1-projecting thalamocortical (TC) neurons in subregions of both the ventral posterior lateral and posterior (PO) nuclei, forming a pair of recurrent cortico-thalamo-cortical (C-T-C) loops. The PT neurons in S1 also formed a recurrent loop with S1-projecting TC neurons in the same subregion of the PO. The PT neurons in the adjacent primary motor (M1) cortex formed a separate recurrent loop with M1-projecting TC neurons in a nearby subregion of the PO. Collectively, our results reveal that C-T-C circuits of mouse forelimb S1 are primarily organized as multiple cortical cell-type-specific and thalamic subnucleus-specific recurrent loops, with both CT and PT neurons providing the strongest excitatory input to TC neurons that project back to S1. The findings, together with those of related studies of C-T-C circuits, thus suggest that recurrently projecting thalamocortical neurons are the principal targets of cortical excitatory input to the mouse somatosensory and motor thalamus.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTBidirectional cortical communication with the thalamus is considered an important aspect of sensorimotor integration for active touch in the somatosensory system, but the cellular organization of the circuits mediating this process is not well understood. We used an approach combining cell-type-specific anterograde optogenetic excitation with single-cell recordings targeted to retrogradely labeled thalamocortical neurons to dissect these circuits. The findings reveal a consistent pattern: cortical projections to the somatosensory thalamus target thalamocortical neurons that project back to the same cortical area. Commonalities of these findings to previous descriptions of related circuits in other areas suggest that cortico-thalamo-cortical circuits may generally be organized primarily as recurrent loops.
Influence of Ferrofluid Lubrication on Longitudinally Rough Truncated Conical Plates with Slip Velocity
Authors: M M Munshi  , A R Patel  , G M Deheri
Published: February 2020

The study focuses on analyzing the effect of slip velocity in the case of a Ferrofluid squeeze film when the surface of truncated cone-shaped plates has a longitudinal roughness. Each oblique to the bottom plate was utilized by the external magnetic field. The bearing surface has a roughness that is designed with the help of a random stochastic variable having a nonzero mean, skewness and variance. The load carrying ability of a bearing system’s surface is determined by calculating the dispersal of pressure in the system, which is calculated by using the associated stochastically average Reynolds’ equation. The graphs obtained from the study shows that there is a correlation between the longitudinal surface roughness and the bearing system performance. The magnetic fluid lubrication has a positive impact on a system’s bearing capacity. However, the load bearing capacity declines as a result of the effect of slip. A high negative skewness of the surface roughness also has a positive impact on a bearing’s load carrying capacity. One interesting finding shows that contrasting to the results of transverse roughness, standard deviation positively impacts the load bearing capacity. This investigation suggests despite the im-portance of aspect ratio and semi vertical angle is significant for performance enhancement, it is also essential to maintain the slip at the lowest level.
Revisiting Parameters of Bioinspired Behavior Models in Group Foraging Modeling
Authors: Malyshev Alexander , Burgov Evgenii
Published: February 2020

Using bioinspired models and methods is one of approaches for solving tasks of swarm robotics. In this paper one of such tasks, modeling of foraging, and it’s solving by creating analogues of social structures of ants and models of feeding behavior are considered. The most important characteristics of ants’ colonies for modeling were defined – individuals number in society and it’s structure, workers’ speed, a communication distance and working area size. Besides, existing experimental basis (a group of robots and a polygon) was estimated for a usage as a hardware platform for experiments. Several models of feeding behavior were considered: a model without foragers’ functions differentiation and a model with differentiation on active and passive ones. Active foragers look for resources by themselves, then they involve passive foragers; passive foragers are settled on a base, while are not involved in harvesting.

A set of finite state machines describe the behavior of agents: basic automatons (provide basic behavior functions) and a meta- automaton, that switches with some conditions an execution of basic automatons. Basic movements were tested on experimental basis. A complex test of models were conducted in a simulation program Kvorum. An analogue of real polygon was made in the program. Modeling consists of series of experiments for every model in which agents must harvest resources. Series differ from each other by number of agents. For models’ quality estimation a ratio of received energy to average obtaining time. Experiments settle that model with functions differentiation works more effective.
A POLITECNIA NOS DEBATES PEDAGÓGICOS SOVIÉTICOS DAS DÉCADAS DE 20 E 30
Authors: Machado Lucília Regina de Souza
Published: February 2020

A Revolução Russa de 1917 possibilitou a discussão da teoria materialista da educação, ensejando, especialmente nas décadas de 20 e 30 – momentos de sistematização dos princípios básicos desse novo referencial –, um debate político-pedagógico bastante rico, que vale a pena ser recuperado face às discussões atuais sobre a experiência soviética, que inclui, por extensão, os aspectos educacionais. Neste artigo, pretende-se abordar o conteúdo deste debate, focalizando-se, especialmente, a questão do ensino politécnico, identificando-se as definições e decisões formuladas, as principais contribuições nesse processo de sistematização, bem como as condições objetivas que condicionaram a materialização destes propósitos naquele momento.
Maximizing Breast Cancer Therapy with Awareness of Potential Treatment-Related Blood Disorders
Authors: Kaplan Henry G. , Calip Gregory S. , Malmgren Judith A.
Published: February 2020

In this review we summarize the impact of the various modalities of breast cancer therapy coupled with intrinsic patient factors on incidence of subsequent treatment-induced myelodysplasia and acute myelogenous leukemia (t-MDS/AML). It is clear that risk is increased for patients treated with radiation and chemotherapy at younger ages. Radiation is associated with modest risk, whereas chemotherapy, particularly the combination of an alkylating agent and an anthracycline, carries higher risk and radiation and chemotherapy combined increase the risk markedly. Recently, treatment with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), but not pegylated G-CSF, has been identified as a factor associated with increased t-MDS/AML risk. Two newly identified associations may link homologous DNA repair gene deficiency and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor treatment to increased t-MDS/AML risk. When predisposing factors, such as young age, are combined with an increasing number of potentially leukemogenic treatments that may not confer large risk singly, the risk of t-MDS/AML appears to increase. Patient and treatment factors combine to form a biological cascade that can trigger a myelodysplastic event. Patients with breast cancer are often exposed to many of these risk factors in the course of their treatment, and triple-negative patients, who are often younger and/or BRCA positive, are often exposed to all of them. It is important going forward to identify effective therapies without these adverse associated effects and choose existing therapies that minimize the risk of t-MDS/AML without sacrificing therapeutic gain.

Implications for Practice

Breast cancer is far more curable than in the past but requires multimodality treatment. Great care must be taken to use the least leukemogenic treatment programs that do not sacrifice efficacy. Elimination of radiation and anthracycline/alkylating agent regimens will be helpful where possible, particularly in younger patients and possibly those with homologous repair deficiency (HRD). Use of colony-stimulating factors should be limited to those who truly require them for safe chemotherapy administration. Further study of a possible leukemogenic association with HRD and the various forms of colony-stimulating factors is badly needed.
Challenging the Status Quo of Physician Attire in the Palliative Care Setting
Authors: Azhar Ahsan , Tanco Kimberson , Haider Ali , Park Minjeong , Liu Diane , Williams Janet L. , Bruera Eduardo
Published: February 2020

Background, Aim, and Hypothesis

This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the impact of a physician's attire on the perceptions of patients with cancer of compassion, professionalism, and physician preference. Our hypothesis was that patients would perceive the physician with formal attire as more compassionate than the physician wearing casual attire.

Materials and Methods

One hundred five adult follow-up patients with advanced cancer were randomized to watch two standardized, 3-minute video vignettes with the same script, depicting a routine physician-patient clinic encounter. Videos included a physician in formal attire with tie and buttoned-up white coat and casual attire without a tie or white coat. Actors, patients, and investigators were all blinded to the purpose and videos watched, respectively. After each video, patients completed validated questionnaires rating their perception of physician compassion, professionalism, and their overall preference for the physician.

Results

There were no significant differences between formal and casual attire for compassion (median [interquartile range], 25 [10–31] vs. 20 [8–27]; p = .31) and professionalism (17 [13–21] vs. 18 [14–22]; p = .42). Thirty percent of patients preferred formal attire, 31% preferred casual attire, and 38% had no preference. Subgroup analysis did not show statistically significant differences among different cohorts of age, sex, marital status, and education level.

Conclusion

Doctors’ attire did not affect the perceptions of patients with cancer of physician's level of compassion and professionalism, nor did it influence the patients’ preference for their doctor or their trust and confidence in the doctor's ability to provide care. There is a need for more studies in this area of communications skills. Clinical trial identification number. NCT03168763

Implications for Practice

The significance of physician attire as a means of nonverbal communication has not been well characterized. It is an important element to consider, as patient preferences vary geographically, are influenced by cultural beliefs, and may vary based on particular care settings. Previous studies consisted of nonblinded surveys and found increasing confidence in physicians wearing a professional white coat. Unfortunately, there are no randomized controlled trials, to the authors’ knowledge, to confirm the survey findings. In this randomized, blinded clinical trial the researchers found that physician's attire did not affect patients’ perception of the physician's level of compassion and professionalism. Attire also did not influence the patients’ preferences for their doctor or their trust and confidence in the doctor's ability to provide care.
Managing uncertainty in fast-track construction projects: case study from South Africa
Authors: Laryea Samuel , Watermeyer Ron
Published: February 2020

While academic researchers have proposed various theories for managing risk and uncertainty in construction projects, most of the propositions are conceptual in nature and based on analytical modelling approaches rarely used in practice. This research was triggered by an observation in which a R1·5 billion (∼US$100 million) fast-track New Universities Project in South Africa was successfully delivered within budget despite up to 74% of the project scope not being capable of being priced by the contractor at the start of construction. The aim of this paper was to examine the client’s delivery-management approach used to manage uncertainty and deliver within budget successfully. The evidence from document analyses and interviews with the client delivery-management team members shows that setting a rigorous control budget, designing to the budget, working collaboratively, disciplined management of the control budget and continuous value engineering were the key client management techniques used to manage the high degree of uncertainty and deliver the project within budget successfully. Given that these are client-led delivery-management issues, the findings fill an important gap in the knowledge and understanding of how infrastructure project outcomes can be significantly improved on when the client functions as the leader of the infrastructure delivery process.