bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AUTOMATIC INDOOR BUILDING RECONSTRUCTION FROM MOBILE LASER
SCANNING DATA
Authors: Xie L. , Wang R.
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Indoor reconstruction from point clouds is a hot topic in photogrammetry, computer vision and computer graphics. Reconstructing indoor scene from point clouds is challenging due to complex room floorplan and line-of-sight occlusions. Most of existing methods deal with stationary terrestrial laser scanning point clouds or RGB-D point clouds. In this paper, we propose an automatic method for reconstructing indoor 3D building models from mobile laser scanning point clouds. The method includes 2D floorplan generation, 3D building modeling, door detection and room segmentation. The main idea behind our approach is to separate wall structure into two different types as the inner wall and the outer wall based on the observation of point distribution. Then we utilize a graph cut based optimization method to solve the labeling problem and generate the 2D floorplan based on the optimization result. Subsequently, we leverage an α-shape based method to detect the doors on the 2D projected point clouds and utilize the floorplan to segment the individual room. The experiments show that this door detection method can achieve a recognition rate at 97% and the room segmentation method can attain the correct segmentation results. We also evaluate the reconstruction accuracy on the synthetic data, which indicates the accuracy of our method is comparable to the state-of-the art.
Fire danger rating over Mediterranean Europe based on fire radiative power derived from Meteosat
Authors: Pinto Miguel M. , DaCamara Carlos C. , Trigo Isabel F. , Trigo Ricardo M. , Turkman K. Feridun
Published: October 2017

Abstract. We present a procedure that allows the operational generation of daily forecasts of fire danger over Mediterranean Europe aiming to improve state-of-the art modelling skills for classes of high fire danger. The procedure combines historical information about radiative energy released by fire events with daily meteorological forecasts, as provided by the Satellite Application Facility for Land Surface Analysis (LSA SAF) and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). Fire danger is estimated based on daily probabilities of exceedance of daily energy released by fires occurring at the pixel level. Daily probability considers meteorological information by means of the Canadian Fire Weather Index (FWI) and is estimated using a Daily Model based on a Generalized Pareto distribution. Five classes of fire danger are then associated to daily probability estimated by the Daily Model. The model is calibrated using seven years of data (2010–2016) and validated against the period of January–August 2017. Results obtained show that about 80 % of events releasing daily energy above 10 000 GJ belong to the Extreme class of fire danger, a considerably high fraction that is more than the double of the values obtained when using the currently operational Fire Danger Forecast module of the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) or the Fire Risk Map (FRM) product disseminated by the LSA SAF. Besides assisting in wildfire management, the procedure is expected to help in decision making on prescribed burning within the framework of agricultural and forest management practices.
Multi-scale event synchronization analysis for unravelling climate processes: a wavelet-based approach
Authors: Agarwal Ankit , Marwan Norbert , Rathinasamy Maheswaran , Merz Bruno , Kurths Jürgen
Published: October 2017

Abstract. The temporal dynamics of climate processes are spread across different timescales and, as such, the study of these processes at only one selected timescale might not reveal the complete mechanisms and interactions within and between the (sub-)processes. To capture the non-linear interactions between climatic events, the method of event synchronization has found increasing attention recently. The main drawback with the present estimation of event synchronization is its restriction to analysing the time series at one reference timescale only. The study of event synchronization at multiple scales would be of great interest to comprehend the dynamics of the investigated climate processes. In this paper, the wavelet-based multi-scale event synchronization (MSES) method is proposed by combining the wavelet transform and event synchronization. Wavelets are used extensively to comprehend multi-scale processes and the dynamics of processes across various timescales. The proposed method allows the study of spatio-temporal patterns across different timescales. The method is tested on synthetic and real-world time series in order to check its replicability and applicability. The results indicate that MSES is able to capture relationships that exist between processes at different timescales.
How serious a problem is soil compaction in the Netherlands? A
survey based on probability sampling
Authors: Brus Dick J. , van den Akker Jan J. H.
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Although soil compaction is widely recognized as a soil threat to soil resources, reliable estimates of the acreage of overcompacted soil and of the level of soil compaction parameters are not available. In the Netherlands data on soil compaction were collected at 128 locations selected by stratified random sampling. A map showing the risk of soil compaction in five classes was used for stratification. Measurements of bulk density, porosity, clay content and organic matter content were used to compute the relative bulk density and relative porosity, both expressed as a fraction of a threshold value. A soil was classified as overcompacted if either the relative bulk density exceeds 1 or the relative porosity is below 1. The sample data were used to estimate the means of the two soil compaction parameters and the areal fraction overcompacted. The estimated global means of relative bulk density and relative porosity were 0.946 and 1.090, respectively. The estimated areal fraction of the Netherlands with overcompacted soils was 45 %. The estimates per risk map unit showed two groups of map units, a `low risk ' group (unit 1 and 2, covering only 4.6 % of the total area) and a `high risk' group (unit 3, 4 and 5). The estimated areal fraction overcompacted soil was 0 % in the `low risk' unit and 47 % in the `high risk' unit. The map contains no information about where overcompacted soils occur. This was caused by the poor association of the risk map units 3, 4 and 5 with the soil compaction parameters and soil overcompaction. This can be explained by the lack of time for recuperation.
How dynamic are ice-stream beds?
Authors: Davies Damon , Bingham Robert G. , King Edward C. , Smith Andrew M. , Brisbourne Alex M. , Spagnolo Matteo , Graham Alastair G. C. , Hogg Anna E. , Vaughan David G.
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Projections of sea-level rise contributions from West Antarctica's dynamically thinning ice streams contain high uncertainty because some of the key processes involved are extremely challenging to observe. An especially poorly observed parameter is sub-decadal stability of ice-stream beds. Only two previous studies have made repeated geophysical measurements of ice-stream beds at the same locations in different years, but both studies were limited in spatial extent. Here, we present the results from repeat radar measurements of the bed of Pine Island Glacier, West Antarctica, conducted 3–6 years apart, along a cumulative ~ 60 km of profiles. Analysis of the correlation of bed picks between repeat surveys show that 90 % of the ice-stream bed displays no significant change despite the glacier increasing in speed by up to 40 % over the last decade. We attribute the negligible detection of morphological change at the bed of Pine Island Glacier to the ubiquitous presence of a deforming till layer, wherein sediment transport is in steady state, such that sediment is transported along the basal interface without inducing morphological change to the radar-sounded bed. Significant change was only detected in one 500 m section of the bed where a change in bed morphology occurs with a difference in vertical amplitude of 3–5 m. Given the precision of our measurements, the maximum possible erosion rate that could go undetected along our profiles is 500 mm a-1, far exceeding erosion rates reported for glacial settings from proglacial sediment yields, but substantially below subglacial erosion rates of 1000 mm a-1 previously reported from repeat geophysical surveys in West Antarctica.
Environmentalism: Now With More Empathy for Conservatives
Authors: Thakar Justin
Published: October 2017

We live in an age where stories of war, disease, hatred and celebrity wardrobe decisions spread at the speed of light. Some activists see waste and ignorance that needs to be toppled — others among us see an opportunity to widely disseminate a story that also speaks to people’s fears, indignance and boredom, but swiftly moves them to an inspiring new vision of what is possible for them to create here and now. It appears we have the raw materials for such a thing: The task of turning cynicism and apathy around has, in fact, a grounding in recent Ivy-League, Nobel Prize-winning psychological research. Tesla Motors' slick electric cars make headlines and high stock prices, with promises of bigger industrial feats to come. Better Block’s citizen activist- entrepreneurs, though without explicitly environmental aims, take over and renovate abandoned lots and storefronts with a joyful and reckless glee that's already gone viral. The idea that one could wrap these names, and the stories they represent, into a bigger and more powerful narrative — a story that reframes environmentalism as a sane, responsible, happy, energetic, and even profitable endeavor that inspires even the most apathetic to act — is less unthinkable.
Rethinking Economics
Authors: Helgerman Thomas
Published: October 2017

Over the last five years, the field of economics has undergone a reconsideration of its role in society. With the exception of a select few (Rajan, 2005), most economists were blindsided by the housing crash in 2007 and subsequent financial meltdown. This has prompted both a rethinking of econoimc thought on the institutional and legislative curriculum, and the undergraduate economics curriculum, which has been led by Wendy Carlin at University College London and Diane Coyle of Enlightenment Economics. Additionally, students have begun to take important roles in the debate. In April, the student-run Post-Crash Economics Society (PCES) at the University of Manchester published a report titled Economics, Education and Unlearning, which provided a critique of economics education in the UK and at Manchester in particular. However, as the report points out, “the problems ... are certainly not limited to Manchester and are in fact international in scale”. While the report has its commendable strides, it falls short on two crucial aspects: the suggestion that economics cannot be a scientific discipline and the driving recommendation of the report for a move towards “pluralism” in the discipline. This essay will focus on these two issues and argue that they are fundamentally misguided.
Fighting For a Seat at the Table: Why Women Can Be Formidable in 2016 Elections
Authors: Lieberman Alyssa
Published: October 2017

It’s a matter of general consensus that Hillary Clinton is at the center of the 2016 presidential buzz and speculation. With near- celebrity status, unmatched qualifications and a brand name to boot, many believe that she’s the best candidate for the nation’s highest office and the key to the Democratic Party’s success in 2016. While Clinton is undoubtedly the most talked-about potential female candidate, she’s far from the sole woman in the Democratic Party that could launch a formidable campaign for the Oval Office. Though no female candidate has confirmed a 2016 presidential bid, a remarkable number of women are considered some of the most viable potential candidates for the Democratic nomination. These women are worth discussing not simply because of their gender, but because they happen to be some of the most legitimate candidates other than Clinton.
Charlie Hebdo and the Future of Free Speech
Authors: Glitz Henry
Published: October 2017

The Charlie Hebdo attack and its aftermath was the most significant France had experienced since a 1962 train bombing — related to the war in Algeria — outside Paris. Moreover, it seems altogether foreign and incomprehensible to the relatively liberal standards of our society that the motivation for such atrocious violence was vengeance for the mere act, conflated into a crime, of drawing a cartoon. While it may seem natural to most Westerners, the response to the Jan. 7 attacks looks almost absurd when approached from a different point of view. Rénald Luzier, the figure behind the cartoon that seemed to spur controversy, himself highlights the irony of Western leaders — who more often than not look at satirists like those employed at Charlie Hebdo as “agitators” — declaring the slain satirists “white knights defending free speech”. The definitive characteristic transformed a weekly burlesque, whose parent publication described itself as a “stupid and vicious magazine”, into a hero of modernity. This reflects, quite simply, a feeling throughout the Western world that intrinsic rights are under attack.
Isle of Misfit Ploys: The Cuban Embargo
Authors: Moret Matthew
Published: October 2017

The U.S.’s stance towards Cuba has historically used rhetoric about the lack of civil liberties, dictatorship, and security to defend the embargo put in place during the 1960s. Politicians of the era viewed communism in Cuba as an immediate threat that had to be snuffed out before it could infect the entire hemisphere. Their hope was that by isolating the island, Cuba’s citizens would be compelled to fight for reform and institute their own democracy. That approach, however, has backfired entirely. Neither government is innocent — Cuba’s human rights record remains as poor as ever and the U.S. has almost singlehandedly destroyed the country’s economy and health system. Though guilt is shared, the U.S. alone controls the relationship’s future. Reforms are in their infancy, but in light of the turbulent past, there has been progress.
Oil, Hard Power and U.S. Hegemony
Authors: Nelson Joshua
Published: October 2017

In late 2014 and early 2015, the United States dramatically increased its presence in the oil market. This tremendous increase in production, which placed the United States ahead of every OPEC country besides Saudi Arabia, caused a global change in supply and demand that dropped the price of crude oil to $58 per barrel. This translated to an average gasoline price of $2.55 per gallon nationally on Dec. 15, 2014. The price drop reverberated throughout the global economy, affecting countries from Malaysia to Norway. In Venezuela, for example, it is estimated that a one dollar drop in the price of oil will cost the country approximately $770 million in annual revenue. The United States’ decision to act influenced the entire world, and this is no surprise – economic control is just one of the many facets of hard power and hegemony.
Vouching for a Head Start Reformation
Authors: Polineni Sai
Published: October 2017

In the words of Jack Shonkoff, Director of Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child: the quality of the foundation built in early childhood, whether it is strong or fragile, affects future development, health, learning and economic success. With a strong foundation, babies move easily through more and more complex learning stages. And “although it’s never too late to learn new skills since the brain never stops developing, it’s just harder and less effective to build on a weak foundation than it is to get development right the first time”. This speaks to the growing trend and continuation of a national and international effort to restructure our orphanages and homes to better suit the proper developmental needs of children. In conjunction with these changes, the United States government has also increased its focus on improving early childhood education and interactions for those in communities usually bereft of these opportunities. One such program, Head Start, was created in 1965 to prepare low-income students for elementary school. It has evolved and changed over the last five decades and now faces a key juncture that will determine its future.
Has the Right to Breach Patient Confidentiality Created A Common Law Duty to Warn Genetic Relatives?
Authors: Nixson Wendy Jane
Published: October 2017

This paper discusses the conflict between a medical practitioner’s duty of care and duty to maintain patient confidentiality, and their statutory right to inform a relative about a possible genetic condition. The statutory right arguably creates a Rogers v Whitaker type duty to provide the same information a patient might require in order to make informed choices about testing and treatment. In the event that reasonable clinical judgment is not applied to disclosure, the genetic relative ought to be offered the opportunity to seek redress through the common law if they suffer harm as a result
Efectos del tipo de tratamiento y grupo de riesgo en la calidad de vida y la información en pacientes con cáncer de próstataEfectos del tipo de tratamiento y grupo de riesgo en la calidad de vida y la información en pacientes con cáncer de próstata
Authors: Oraá-Tabernero Natalia , Cruzado Rodríguez Juan Antonio , Ossola Lentati Gustavo , Martínez del Pino Natalia , Sánchez-Fuertes Montserrat , Martínez-Castellanos Fernando Javier
Published: October 2017

Objetivo: Comprobar las diferencias en la calidad de vida y la información de los pacientes con cáncer de próstata según el tratamiento y grupo de riesgo, y valorar su asociación con las variables sociodemográficas y clínicas. Metodo: entre 2015-2016, 176 hombres con cáncer de próstata seleccionados aleatoriamente, que habían recibido tratamientos locales, hormonales o combinados fueron evaluados mediante entrevista y los cuestionarios EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-PR25 y EORTC QLQ-INFO25. Resultados: La calidad de vida estaba más deteriorada en las escalas física, de rol, social y sexual en el grupo de riesgo avanzado y los tratados con hormonoterapia. La prostatectomía era la que producía más problemas urinarios, y los tratamientos combinados mayor sintomatología hormonal. Los tratados con radioterapia consideraban la información más útil y se sentían más informados sobre la enfermedad, pruebas médicas y tratamientos que los que recibían tratamiento hormonal y estaban más satisfechos que los intervenidos con prostatectomía. Los mayores o con estudios básicos recibieron menos información y la consideraron menos útil. Conclusiones: La calidad de vida es satisfactoria y la sintomatología baja. Los hombres en riesgo avanzado y/o los que reciben hormonoterapia presentan mayor déficit en la calidad de vida. La información es deficitaria, sobre todo en los hombres con problemas urinarios y con peor calidad de vida. Hay poca o ninguna información en las áreas “otros servicios”, “lugares de cuidado” y “pautas de autocuidado”. Es necesario evaluar y tratar a los hombres más vulnerables. Además de formar en información al personal sanitario.
Percepción de comportamientos de cuidado de pacientes y de enfermería oncológica: estudio comparativo
Authors: Santamaría Narda Patricia , Carrillo Gloria Mabel , Sánchez Herrera Beatriz , García Lilia Esperanza
Published: October 2017

Objetivo. Describir y comparar la percepción del comportamiento del cuidado de los pacientes y el personal de enfermería en servicios de hospitalización, hematología y urgencias en una institución de oncología de referencia de Bogotá. Metodología. Estudio descriptivo comparativo realizado con 131 pacientes y 78 integrantes del personal de enfermería en tres servicios oncológicos. La percepción de cuidado se valoró con el Instrumento comportamiento profesional de cuidado de Horner. La comparación se realizó con pruebas no paramétricas. Resultados. Los pacientes de 54 años en promedio, mayoría femenina, independientes, con baja escolaridad presentaron una percepción de comportamientos de cuidado de enfermería de 77,3% en promedio siendo mejor en hematología (81,3%), seguida de medicina interna (77,3%) y más baja en urgencias (73,3%). Ellos perciben en su orden atributos de cortesía, relación, compromiso e interacción. El personal de enfermería con el 19% profesional, 81% auxiliar, de mayoría femenina con más de 6 años de experiencia, presentó una percepción de comportamientos de cuidado de 85,9% siendo similar en los tres servicios. Conclusión: Las características de los pacientes y del personal de enfermería en los diferentes servicios son similares. Para los pacientes la percepción de comportamientos de cuidado de enfermería por servicios total y en las dimensiones interacción y compromiso es positiva y diferente (p < 0,05). Para el personal de enfermería la percepción de comportamientos de cuidado es similar entre servicios y superior a la de los pacientes en su totalidad y en las dimensiones cortesía e interacción.
„Der Mensch wird erst am Du zum Ich“. La construcción de identidad y alteridad en la novela Gehen, ging, gegangen de Jenny Erpenbeck
Authors: Vollmeyer Johanna
Published: October 2017

Los medios de comunicación se ven dominados hace meses en casi toda Europa por la crisis migratoria. También la novela Gehen, ging, gegangen de Jenny Erpenbeck trata la temática, pero no como una simple reacción a su presencia en los medios. A ella le inquieta más la pregunta cómo eran estas personas antes de convertirse en refugiados. Por lo tanto, las construcciones de identidad de los refugiados, pero también de los europeos, son el centro de interés. En este caso Alemania se convierte en el espacio de contacto entre lo foráneo y lo propio, entre identidad y alteridad. No obstante, no se contrapone ‘el otro’ al yo de manera dicotómica, sino el ‘no-yo’ es algo preexistente al yo como lo constató ya Adorno y se convierte por lo tanto, en una parte constitutiva de la propia identidad. Aparte de esta situación se analiza también la importancia de la narración para construcciones de identidades tanto individuales como colectivas, ya que especialmente la identidad colectiva puede ser interpretada como proceso retórico. Para ello se recurre a menudo a mitos para crear y afianzar construcciones de identidad.
Midterm results of trochanteric flip osteotomy technique for management of fractures around the hip
Authors: Trikha Vivek , Das Saubhik , Madegowda Arkesh , Agrawal Prabhat
Published: October 2017

Introduction:

In this study, we aimed to investigate safety and efficacy of the trochanteric flip osteotomy with surgical hip dislocation technique in selected displaced acetabular and femoral head fractures with clinico-radiological outcome and potential complications.

Materials and methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 32 patients from January 2009 to June 2014. Selected displaced acetabular fractures with comminution and/or cranial extension of posterior wall, marginal impaction, intraarticular fragment, femoral head fractures and hip fracture-dislocations were operated by this modified approach of trochanteric flip osteotomy and surgical hip dislocation. Patients were evaluated for fracture reduction, femoral head viability, trochanteric union, abduction power, and functional evaluation was done by Merle d’Aubigné-Postel scoring system. Minimum follow-up was 24 months.

Results:

Reduction was judged to be anatomical in 84.38% of cases, and within 1-3 millimetres in 9.38% of cases. All osteotomies healed in an anatomical position. Heterotopic ossification was found in 2 patients limited to Brooker class I. Osteonecrosis developed in 1 patient. 2 patients developed arthritis of the hip as sequelae of poor reduction. Abduction power was MRC 5/5 in all except in 1 patient (4/5). Mean Merle d’Aubigné-Postel score was 16.18; overall good to excellent result was achieved in 87.5% of cases.

Conclusions:

Trochanteric flip osteotomy with surgical dislocation allows better intraarticular assessment, control of intraarticular fragments, assists accurate reduction and the fixation of complex acetabular and femoral head fractures, without compromising femoral head vascularity and abductor strength. This technique has provided excellent midterm results in the management of complex injuries around the hip.
Evidence Based Recommendations for Reducing Head-Neck Taper Connection Fretting Corrosion in Hip Replacement Prostheses
Authors: Wight Christian M. , Lanting Brent , Schemitsch Emil H.
Published: October 2017

Introduction

This systematic review seeks to summarise the published studies investigating prosthetic design, manufacture and surgical technique's effect on fretting corrosion at the head-neck taper connection, and provide clinical recommendations to reduce its occurrence.

Methods

PubMed, MEDLINE and EMBASE electronic databases were searched using the terms taper, trunnion, cone and head-neck junction. Articles investigating prosthetic design, manufacture and surgical technique's effect on fretting corrosion were retrieved, reviewed and graded according to OCEBM levels of evidence and grades of recommendation.

Results

The initial search yielded 1,224 unique articles, and 91 were included in the analysis.

Conclusions

There is fair evidence to recommend against the use of high offset femoral heads, larger diameter femoral heads, and to pay particular consideration to fretting corrosion's progression with time and risk with heavier or more active patients. Particular to metal-on-metal hip prostheses, there is fair evidence to recommend positioning the acetabular component to minimise edge loading. Particular to metal-on-polyethylene hip prostheses, there is fair evidence to recommend the use of ceramic femoral heads, against use of cast cobalt alloy femoral heads, and against use of low flexural rigidity femoral stems. Evidence related to taper connection design is largely conflicting or inconclusive. Head-neck taper connection fretting corrosion is a multifactorial problem. Strict adherence to the guidelines presented herein does not eliminate the risk. Prosthesis selection is critical, and well-controlled studies to identify each design parameter's relative contribution to head-neck taper connection fretting corrosion are required.
Novel technique for intraoperative sciatic nerve assessment in complex primary total hip arthroplasty: a pilot study
Authors: Shemesh Shai S. , Robinson Jonathan , Overley Samuel , Bronson Michael J. , Moucha Calin S. , Chen Darwin
Published: October 2017

Introduction:

Sciatic nerve injury (SNI) is a potentially devastating complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Intraoperative neural monitoring has been found in several studies to be useful in preventing SNI, but can be difficult to implement. In this study, we examine the results of using a handheld nerve stimulator for intraoperative sciatic nerve (SN) monitoring during complex THA requiring limb lengthening and/or significant manipulation of the SN.

Methods:

A consecutive series of 11 cases (9 patients, 11 hips) with either severe developmental dysplasia of the hip (Crowe 3-4) or other underlying conditions requiring complex hip reconstruction involving significant leg lengthening and/or nerve manipulation. SN function was monitored intraoperatively by obtaining pre- and post-reduction thresholds during component trialing. The results of nerve stimulation were then used to influence intraoperative decision-making.

Results:

No permanent postoperative SN complications occurred, with an average increase of 28.5 mm in limb length, range (6-51 mm). In 2 out of 11 cases, a change in nerve response was identified after trial reduction, which resulted in an alternate surgical plan (femoral shortening osteotomy and downsizing femoral head). In the remaining cases, the stimulator demonstrated a response consistent with the baseline assessment, assuring that the appropriate lengthening was achieved without SNI. 1 patient had a transient motor and sensory peroneal nerve palsy, which resolved within 2 weeks.

Conclusions:

The intraoperative use of a handheld nerve stimulator facilitates surgical decision-making and can potentially prevent SNI. The real-time assessment of nerve function allows immediate corrective action to be taken before nerve injury occurs.
Advanced containment methods for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease: triple pelvic osteotomy versus Chiari osteotomy
Authors: Rosello Olivier , Solla Federico , Oborocianu Ioana , Chau Edouard , ElHayek Tony , Clement Jean-Luc , Rampal Virginie
Published: October 2017

Introduction:

The goal of intervention in Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) is to prevent femoral head deformation by containing the head within the acetabulum. Currently, surgical containment methods are the mainstay of treatment, and pelvic osteotomies have been shown to be successful. They include triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO), Salter osteotomy, Chiari osteotomy and shelf procedure. The purpose of this study was to compare clinical and radiologic results for Chiari osteotomy and TPO in LCPD.

Methods:

29 children treated between 1980 and 2010 for LCPD in 2 centres were reviewed. 19 underwent TPO, and 10, Chiari osteotomy. Two independent observers assessed sequential radiographs and medical data. Each hip was preoperatively classed by clinical data, Catteral, Herring and Salter-Thompson classification, centre-edge angle (CE), and acetabular index (AI). The 2 groups were first tested for their comparability. After surgery the hips were classified by Stulberg classification, CE, AI, Harris Hip Score (HHS) and performance of further surgery. Chiari osteotomy and TPO have been secondary compared on these data by Wilcoxon test.

Results:

Average follow-up was 4.2 years. The 2 groups were comparable before surgery. At first and last follow-up examination, statistically significantly superior results in patients with TPO regarding Stulberg classification (p = 0.01), AI (p = 0.002), pain (p = 0.02) and function (p = 0.01) in the HHS score were found. No differences were noticed concerning CE angle.

Conclusions:

In our series, TPO provided better radiologic and clinical outcomes compared to Chiari osteotomy, specially concerning the final Stulberg classification. We concluded that TPO should be preferred when indicated.
Effect of ZrB2 addition on the oxidation behavior of Si-SiC-ZrB2 composites exposed at 1500°C in air
Authors: D’Amico Claudio , Bianchi Giovanni , Padovano Elisa , Biamino Sara , Aversa Alberta , Badini Claudio , Ortona Alberto
Published: October 2017

Background:

Silicon carbide ceramics obtained by reactive infiltration of silicon (SRI) have many industrial applications especially involving severe and high temperature conditions. In this study, the oxidation behavior in air of Si-SiC-ZrB2 systems at a high temperature (1500°C) for dwelling times of up to 48 hours was examined.

Methods:

The oxidation process was analyzed on the basis of elemental maps and X-ray diffraction patterns taken, respectively, on the core and on the surface of the specimens, together with weight gains and the average thicknesses of the resulting scale. Further, flexural strength at room temperature was examined as a function of different oxidation times.

Results:

The main chemical reactions and phase transformations involved in the oxidation process are reported. Several oxides were detected on the surface: zirconia, silica, zircon and 3-zirconium monoxide. All of the samples showed a parabolic oxidation kinetics, suggesting that the controlling mechanism was the diffusion; however, even after 48 hours, the oxidation process was not finished – indeed, all of the samples continued to gain weight.

Conclusions:

The oxidation of Si-SiC-ZrB2 material produced via SRI was slower compared with previously investigated ZrB2-SiC composites processed with a different techniques and tested in similar conditions. The oxidation mechanism was found to be consistent with the convection cells model.
Preoperative Management of Arteriovenous Fistula (AVF) for Hemodialysis
Authors: Alfano Gaetano , Fontana Francesco , Iannaccone Mario , Noussan Patrizia , Cappelli Gianni
Published: October 2017

Native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the favorite access for hemodialysis (HD). The National Kidney Foundation's Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) recommends its creation in most patents with renal failure. Unfortunately, intensive efforts to promote native AVF in patents with marginal vessels have increased the rate of primary fistula failure. A non-functioning fistula prompts the use of central venous catheter (CVC) that, unlike AVF, has been associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality among patents receiving HD. We believe that successful and timely AVF placement relies on the development of a multidisciplinary integrated preoperative program divided into five stages: (i) management of patents with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), (ii) management of preoperative risk factors for AVF failure, (iii) planning of native AVF, (iv) assessment of patent eligibility and (v) preoperative vascular mapping. Focusing specifically on native AVF, we review scientific evidence regarding preoperative management of this vascular access in order to favor construction of long-term functioning fistula minimizing development of severe complications.
Actinic cystitis: causes, treatment and experience of a single centre in the last five years
Authors: Mangano Mario S. , De Gobbi Alberto , Ciaccia Matteo , Lamon Claudio , Beniamin Francesco , Maccatrozzo Luigino
Published: October 2017

Introduction:

Actinic cystitis (AC) is the manifestation of symptoms and signs following pelvic radiotherapy. Pelvic radiotherapy produces both acute and chronic damage and such damage may have a devastating impact on the quality and on the amount of life of the patient.

Objectives:

To evaluate the number of radical cystectomies that have become necessary in the last five years in our department for AC after radiation treatment.

Materials and methods:

From February 2012 to February 2017, 11 patients underwent “open” cystectomy for AC. All patients were studied with radiographic examinations and endoscopy prior to surgery. We retrospectively evaluated the type of primitive cancer, the radiation dose administered, the time between radiation treatment and cystectomy. We also studied the related symptoms that required surgery.

Results:

The mean age of patients at the time of cystectomy was 75 years. In six patients (54.4%) radiotherapy was performed for prostate cancer, for rectal cancer in two patients (18.1%), and for endometrial cancer in three patients (27.2%). Total radiant dose was different in different patients depending on the type and localization of cancer. The median time between radiotherapy and cystectomy was 111 months (24-256 months). All patients had symptoms before surgery. Seven patients (63.3%) with gross haematuria were treated with endoscopic clot evacuation and fulguration.

Discussion:

The first approach to patients with AC is often supportive care. Surgery remains the most invasive treatment in the management of those patients who are not responsive to conservative treatments.
Worldliness, Orientalism, Diaspora and Humanism: The Epistemological Radiance of Edward Said's Scholarship
Authors: Abu-Shomar Ayman
Published: October 2017

Since the publication of Orientalism in 1978, Edward Said has become an intellectual cause célèbre and, in some quarters, subversive forces have disavowed such a scholarship. Articles and monographs on his work continue to be written, from a variety of positions. Part of this furore involves renewed efforts to locate in his work a moral and humanistic epistemological stance that would balance the relationship between the post-colonial (peripheral) world and the Western canonical tradition as informed by Said's later works. This article engages with Said as the author of a radically secular body of work marked by as comportment towards being, and as an example of an “amateur” critic who “speak[s] truth to power”. It argues that Said instates a critically-interrogative epistemology as antidote to essentialist, politicised, determinist and hegemonic approaches to “reality” and meanings, which are paradigmatically informed by colonialist assumptions. While his theories have been pursued in myriad directions, Said's underlying epistemology remains a strikingly under-researched area. The article thus traces the trajectory of Said's epistemological stance, and argues that the seemingly embryonic nature of his theories is, in fact, rigorous, incremental and systematic in presenting the case for a humanist epistemology of Diaspora. It argues against the view that Said has moved from diagnosing Orientalism (as an essentialised and ideologically-laden project) to espousing Humanism (as a move to the ‘Occident’), and shows that Said's theoretical ardency is consistent and uninterrupted. To trace Said's theoretical trajectory is to rethink the post-colonial consciousness, by revising fundamental epistemic issues in recent interpretations of post-colonial theory and its relation to humanism and diaspora.
The Great War and Modern Amnesia: Studying Pennsylvania's Great War, Part 2
Authors: Gannon Barbara A.
Published: October 2017

This is an introduction to Pennsylvania History's second special edition on Pennsylvania in World War I. While it is uncertain how much residents of the Keystone State remember about the Great War, these volumes hope to remind them of this seminal moment in world history and Pennsylvania's place in it. This second edition highlights important historical issues in this period, including military history, medical history, and women's history. In addition to introducing the following fine articles, this introduction highlights ways we might commemorate the service, suffering, and sacrifices of Pennsylvanians, including use of digital archives in the classroom.
Synovial sarcoma of the parotid gland – case report
Authors: Zagacki Dawid , Niemczyk Kazimierz , Bruzgielewicz Antoni , Morawiec-Sztandera Alina , Braun Marcin , Niedźwiecka Izabela , Kubiak Marcin , Kaczmarczyk Dariusz
Published: October 2017

Salivary gland neoplasms represent about 3% of head and neck tumors. The area most affected by tumors is parotid
salivary gland (standing for about 80% of all cases). The most common type of the neoplasm is pleomorphic adenoma
(which accounts for 80-90% of all diagnoses). One of the rare diagnoses in this region comprises synovial sarcoma,
as it mainly occurs in lower extremities. In head and neck region it accounts for about 3% of all diagnoses. About
20 cases have been described in this region, so far. The etiology of the disease remains unknown, but there are reports
linking synovial sarcoma with the rearrangement in the gene responsible for chromosomal transcription t(X;18)
(p11,q11).
A Window Into Clinical Next-Generation Sequencing–Based Oncology Testing Practices
Authors: Nagarajan Rakesh , Bartley Angela N. , Bridge Julia A. , Jennings Lawrence J. , Kamel-Reid Suzanne , Kim Annette , Lazar Alexander J. , Lindeman Neal I. , Moncur Joel , Rai Alex J. , Routbort Mark J. , Vasalos Patricia , Merker Jason D.
Published: October 2017

Context.—

Detection of acquired variants in cancer is a paradigm of precision medicine, yet little has been reported about clinical laboratory practices across a broad range of laboratories.

Objective.—

To use College of American Pathologists proficiency testing survey results to report on the results from surveys on next-generation sequencing–based oncology testing practices.

Design.—

College of American Pathologists proficiency testing survey results from more than 250 laboratories currently performing molecular oncology testing were used to determine laboratory trends in next-generation sequencing–based oncology testing.

Results.—

These presented data provide key information about the number of laboratories that currently offer or are planning to offer next-generation sequencing–based oncology testing. Furthermore, we present data from 60 laboratories performing next-generation sequencing–based oncology testing regarding specimen requirements and assay characteristics. The findings indicate that most laboratories are performing tumor-only targeted sequencing to detect single-nucleotide variants and small insertions and deletions, using desktop sequencers and predesigned commercial kits. Despite these trends, a diversity of approaches to testing exists.

Conclusions.—

This information should be useful to further inform a variety of topics, including national discussions involving clinical laboratory quality systems, regulation and oversight of next-generation sequencing–based oncology testing, and precision oncology efforts in a data-driven manner.
Inter-observer reliability of Qualitative Behavioural Assessments (QBA) of housed sheep in Norway using fixed lists of descriptors
Authors: Muri K , Stubsjøen SM
Published: October 2017

Qualitative Behavioural Assessment (QBA) is a whole-animal approach used to quantify the expressive style of animals’ behaviour. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inter-observer reliability of principal components and individual descriptors from QBA of housed sheep in Norway using a fixed list of descriptors. In part 1, eight animal welfare inspectors from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority scored 12 two-minute video clips, using 12 pre-defined terms. In the second part, three of these observers visited ten sheep farms and scored the behaviour using a modified list of eight terms. The scores for all assessors within each part were analysed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The level of agreement for the first two components and for individual terms was assessed using Kendall's coefficient of concordance (W). In part 1, only seven observers were assessed for reliability of principal components due to missing data, and for these observers the agreement was high for PC1 and moderate for PC2. For the sub-group of three inspectors that also participated in part 2, the reliability was high for both components. In the on-farm assessments in part 2, these three observers obtained only moderate agreement for PC1 and low agreement for PC2. Results illustrate that good reliability can be achieved with QBA for housed sheep using videos, but that equally satisfactory reliability is more difficult to obtain using the method on-farm. The result in part 2 may be related to less-controlled circumstances concerning exactly what the observers see when sheep are kept indoors with high stocking densities, observer drift, and limited between-farm variation, which is a challenge for many types of reliability studies in field conditions.
Determination of swine euthanasia criteria and analysis of barriers to euthanasia in the United States using expert opinion
Authors: Mullins CR , Pairis-Garcia MD , George KA , Anthony R , Johnson AK , Coleman GJ , Rault J-L , Millman ST
Published: October 2017

Timely euthanasia on swine farms can help to reduce the incidence of poor welfare outcomes for compromised pigs (Sus scrofa) when recovery is prolonged or impossible. Timely euthanasia relies upon caretakers’ abilities to identify compromised pigs and administer euthanasia in various environments. To determine appropriate timelines and most common reasons for on-farm euthanasia, an online survey was conducted with members of the United States National Pork Board. Additionally, two focus groups were conducted to investigate barriers and possible solutions associated with timely euthanasia. Clinical signs related to poor locomotion (57.6%), prolapses (47.2%), and hernias (43.5%) were identified by the greatest percentage of respondents who believed immediate euthanasia was warranted, while a greater percentage of respondents believed euthanasia was not warranted for clinical signs related to the integumentary (90.3%), reproductive (75.8%), and respiratory (67.5%) systems. The most common reason for euthanasia was poor body condition in pre-weaned piglets and non-ambulatory or severely weak for both breeding and non-breeding pigs. In the focus groups, two themes were identified when evaluating barriers to euthanasia on-farm, and participants agreed that making timely decisions relies upon several dimensions of risk analysis. An unsupportive farm culture was identified as a critical barrier to timely euthanasia decision-making, suggesting that caretaker characteristics may play a role in the success of any timely euthanasia programme. This present study has highlighted areas for future research and demonstrated the need to extend educational efforts both to swine industry leaders and producers to improve overall animal welfare by ensuring timely euthanasia in swine.
Incorporating stakeholder perspectives into the assessment and provision of captive elephant welfare
Authors: Chadwick CL , Williams E , Asher L , Yon L
Published: October 2017

Recent concerns over the welfare of elephants in UK zoos have implications for their future in captivity, and it is clear that improvements in welfare should be made. Evidence suggests that the knowledge of experienced stakeholders is vital to captive animal welfare assessment. However, there have been few attempts to consult with zoo personnel and other stakeholders on the assessment of elephant welfare, and much of their valuable knowledge of routine husbandry has not been captured in the published literature. As part of a research project commissioned by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, open response focus groups and workshop discussions were conducted with representatives from 15 UK elephant-holding facilities, and other experts in the welfare and behaviour of captive or free-ranging elephants. Participants described three broad categories of welfare indicators: behavioural, physical and physiological. Resources perceived to be of importance to elephants included aspects of the physical environment, such as feeding opportunities and appropriate substrate, and aspects of the social environment, including group size and relatedness. The data obtained during this study can be used to develop an elephant welfare assessment strategy, informed by the knowledge and expertise of experienced stakeholders, and for consideration of potential changes to guidelines for managing elephants in captivity. Our approach to capturing the views of those who work closely with captive species could be applied elsewhere, in order to draw upon the extensive knowledge of expert stakeholders and consider ways to improve the welfare of captive animals.
EFEKTI RAZLIČITIH FITNES PROGRAMA NA INTEZITET OPTEREĆENJA I KALORIJSKU POTROŠNJU
Authors: Bjelica Bojan , Fulurija Dalibor , Ivanović Božica
Published: October 2017

Cilj ovog istraživanja je bio da se utvrdi uticaj različitih fitnes programa na intezitetopterećenja i kalorijsku potrošnju. Istraživanje je obuhvatilo 14 ispitanica, sedam ispitanicakoje su upražnjavale program fitnes plesa Zumba i sedam ispitanica učesnica programafitnesa sa dodatnim opterećenjem. Praćenjem monitoringa srčane frekvencije pomoću POLARpulsmetra i korišćenjem pedometra za praćenje kalorijske potrošnje, došlo se do rezultata dada se ispitani programi razlikuju po intenzitetu, samim tim i ukupnoj potrošnji kalorija,pređenim brojem koraka i ukupnoj udaljenosti. Međutim oba programa su podjednakokorisna, bez obzira na intenzitet i utrošak energetskih potencijala.