bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy and Principal Component Analysis for the Classification of Spectra from Gold-Bearing Ores
Authors: Diaz Daniel , Molina Alejandro , Hahn David W.
Published: October 2019

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and principal component analysis (PCA) were applied to the classification of LIBS spectra from gold ores prepared as pressed pellets from pulverized bulk samples. For each sample, 5000 single-shot LIBS spectra were obtained. Although the gold concentrations in the samples were as high as 7.7 µg/g, Au emission lines were not observed in most single-shot LIBS spectra, rendering the application of the usual ensemble-averaging approach for spectral processing to be infeasible. Instead, a PCA approach was utilized to analyze the collection of single-shot LIBS spectra. Two spectral ranges of 21 nm and 0.15 nm wide were considered, and LIBS variables (i.e., wavelengths) reduced to no more than three principal components. Single-shot spectra containing Au emission lines (positive spectra) were discriminated by PCA from those without the spectral feature (negative spectra) in a spectral range of less than 1 nm wide around the Au(I) 267.59 nm emission line. Assuming a discrete gold distribution at very low concentration, LIBS sampling of gold particles seemed unlikely; therefore, positive spectra were considered as data outliers. Detection of data outliers was possible using two PCA statistical parameters, i.e., sample residual and Mahalanobis distance. Results from such a classification were compared with a standard database created with positive spectra identified with a filtering algorithm that rejected spectra with an Au intensity below the smallest detectable analytical LIBS signal (i.e., below the LIBS limit of detection). The PCA approach successfully identified 100% of the data outliers when compared with the standard database. False identifications in the multivariate approach were attributed to variations in shot-to-shot intensity and the presence of interfering emission lines.
Measurement and Correction Model for Temperature Dependence of an Acousto-Optic Tunable Filter (AOTF) Infrared Spectrometer for Lunar Surface Detection
Authors: He Zhiping , Li Jinning , Li Chunlai , Xu Rui
Published: October 2019

The photoelectric response characteristics of an infrared spectrometer based on an acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) are greatly affected by the temperature change of the radio frequency power amplifier and shortwave infrared detector. If calibration is not conducted, that will affect the quantitative level of the data. This paper puts forward a measurement and correction method for the temperature characteristics of an AOTF infrared spectrometer which is used in lunar surface detection and sets up a temperature characteristics correction model. This model was applied to an AOTF infrared spectrometer mounted on China’s unmanned lunar rover. Laboratory tests show that the temperature causes an instrument variation of ∼20% when the temperature is between −20 ℃ and + 55 ℃, but this model reduces this variation to < 6%. Evaluating data from the lunar surface also verifies the effectiveness of this method.
Evaluation of a Thermoelectric Cooler as a Sample Pre-Treatment Method for Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) Analysis of Liquid Samples
Authors: Harun Hanin Athirah , Zainal Roslinda
Published: October 2019

In this study, the performance of a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) as a simple and easy-to-assemble freezing instrument has been evaluated. Experiments were carried out using samples with different viscosity ranging from 44.07 to 16 965.80 MPa. The analysis of sodium component of the samples by direct laser irradiation of frozen samples showed emission enhancement and higher signal-to-noise ratio compared to that of liquids. This work also focused on using chemometrics methods such as principal component analysis (PCA) to compare the principal component score separation and clustering pattern between frozen and liquid samples. The PCA was constructed by dividing the samples into two different categories: (i) type (paste, cream, gel, and oil) and (ii) viscosity (more than and less than 10 000 MPa). The frozen samples showed a more established separation and clustering compared to that acquired from the liquid samples. However, poorer clustering pattern of some frozen samples could be due to the heat transfer during laser–sample interaction inducing surface melting and splashing. The average laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) spectra were taken at as many different surface areas as possible to ensure the sample surface always maintain similar freezing temperature. This work showed that the TEC pre-treatment method had improved the LIBS measurement of the liquid samples.
Micro-Electro-Mechanical System Fourier Transform Infrared (MEMS FT-IR) Spectrometer Under Modulated–Pulsed Light Source Excitation
Authors: Othman Ahmed M. , Kotb Hussein E. , Sabry Yasser M. , Khalil Diaa
Published: October 2019

Miniaturized Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometers suffer from limited optical throughput due to their tiny aperture size. Therefore, coherent wideband sources with high brightness can provide an advantage over the wideband thermal radiation sources. However, the former ones are available based on pulsed operation. In this work, we present and study a miniaturized FT-IR spectrometer with pulsed light sources including chopped thermal source, semiconductor optical amplifier, Q-switched and femtosecond mode-locked laser sources. A system model for the FT-IR spectrometer system under a modulated input light source is presented. The model accounts for the relatively high scanning speed of the micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) interferometer. The signal-to-noise ratio of the spectrometer, due to the light source modulation, is calculated at different values of modulation repetition rate ranging from 20 Hz to 2 MHz, and duty cycle values ranging from 1% to 50%. An analytical expression for the worst-case repetition rate for the spectrometer system is derived. The model results are verified by experimental measurements showing good agreement with the theoretical expectations. Spectroscopic measurements for CO2 gas with pressure ranging from 300 mbar to 700 mbar are also performed using a high-repetition rate source, and the measured spectra agree with the simulation results demonstrating the utility of the spectrometer.
A Retrospective Study of Pediatric Medication Errors in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Egunsola Oluwaseun , Ali Sheraz , Al-Dossari Dalal S. , Alnajrani Rahsid Hamoud
Published: October 2019

Background: The peculiarities of medication errors (MEs) among the pediatric population in the Middle East have not been adequately explored. In this study, we describe the MEs reported at the largest tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study is a retrospective analysis of MEs reported by health care professionals at a large tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia between 2015 and 2016. Results: There were a total of 9123 MEs involving 84 different medications. In total, 109 382 drugs were ordered. Thus, 8.3 MEs per 100 prescriptions were reported during the study period. Thirty-nine errors (0.4%) reached the patient, but did not cause any harm. Transcribing errors accounted for more than half of the MEs (n = 4856, 53.2%). Physicians were the least likely to report an ME (n = 159, 1.7%), whereas pharmacists reported more MEs than any other health care professional (n = 4924, 54%). The most common drug causes of MEs were paracetamol, salbutamol, and amoxicillin, which accounted for 21.0%, 16.6%, and 12.4% of MEs, respectively, over the study period. Conclusions: Medication errors are common in pediatric care, especially for drugs such as paracetamol and amoxicillin that are frequently prescribed. Transcription error was common in this study and is more likely to be reported by pharmacists.
The Difficulty to Break a Relational Complexity Network Can Predict Air Traffic Controllers’ Mental Workload and Performance in Conflict Resolution
Authors: Zhang Jingyu , E Xiaotian , Du Feng , Yang Jiazhong , Loft Shayne
Published: October 2019

Objective

To test the network disentangling model for explaining air traffic controllers’ (ATCos) conflict resolution performance. The network rigidity index (NRI), and the steps to break the relational complexity network following a central-available-node-first rule, was hypothesized to explain the overall task demand, whereas marginal-effort-decrease rule was expected to explain the actual operational outcome.

Background

Understanding the conflict resolution process of ATCos is important for aviation safety and efficiency. However, linear models are insufficient. We proposed a new model that ATCos behavior can be largely considered as a process to break the relational complexity network, in which nodes represent the aircraft while links represent the cognitive complexity to understand the aircraft dyad relationship.

Method

Twenty-one professional ATCos completed 27 conflict resolution scenarios that varied in the NRI and other control variables. Multilevel regression analyses were performed to understand the influence of the NRI on the number of interventions, mental workload, and unresolved rate. A cross-validation was performed to evaluate the predictive power of the model.

Results

NRI influenced ATCos intervention number in a curvilinear manner, which further leads to ATCo’s mental workload. The deviance between the number of interventions and the NRI was strongly linked with unresolved rate. Cross-validation suggests that the models predictions are robust.

Conclusion

The network disentangling model provides a useful theory-driven way to explain controllers’ conflict resolution workload and other important performance outcomes such as intervention probability.

Application

The proposed model can potentially be used for workload management, sector design, and intelligent decision support tool development.
Integrated Conflict Management Systems Pay Off with Lower Levels of Formal Grievances and Lower Turnover Rates
Authors: Dunford Benjamin B. , Mumford Kevin J. , Boss R. Wayne , Boss Alan D. , Boss David S.
Published: October 2019

The authors analyze an eight-year, multi-source, longitudinal data set that followed a non-union health care system in the eastern United States as it implemented a major preventative conflict management initiative placing responsibility for conflict resolution directly in the hands of line managers and employees. The initiative was a system-wide implementation of conflict management interviews (CMIs) between employees and supervisors, designed to enable them to proactively resolve conflict and follow up on agreements for improving their working relationships. The authors investigate survey and personnel file data from 5,456 individuals from 2003 to 2010 and test key predictions of Integrated Conflict Management Systems (ICMS) theory. They find that employees whose managers provide high-quality CMIs have a lower likelihood of formal grievances, significantly more perceptions of participative department culture, and lower turnover rates. Collectively, these findings suggest that simply holding CMIs may not be sufficient; rather, the quality of CMIs may be the key to successful outcomes.
Mental Health and Wellbeing of South Sudanese-Australians
Authors: Abur William , Mphande Charles
Published: October 2019

The majority of South Sudanese-Australians arrived in Australia, and other host countries outside Africa, after spending a greater part of their lives in refugee camps or conflict-affected areas. In addition, refugees are often not able to return to their home countries because the causes of their departure (wars, insecurity, hunger) continue to apply in their country of origin. The purpose of this paper is to examine some of the mental health and wellbeing issues some South Sudanese-Australians experience as a result of settlement difficulties and their earlier experience of conflict. The study looks at experiences of resettlement and settlement difficulties, and, more importantly, mental health and wellbeing issues in the wake of the aforesaid challenges. The data was collected from a qualitative method which comprised a series of semi-structured, one-on-one interviews with a total of 20 South Sudanese-Australians living in Melbourne. There were 11 males and nine females, with ages ranging from 18 to 64 years, who volunteered to participate in this study. Findings indicated that, as with many other people from refugee backgrounds, South Sudanese-Australians face a range of settlement-related challenges, and a host of post-resettlement adaptation experiences such as limited change of gender roles, language proficiency, unemployment, host society unacceptance or intolerance, constrained recreational opportunities, lack of community connectedness and overall mental health and general wellbeing issues. Experiencing conflict can be traumatic and refuge in neighbouring countries that are socio-culturally different can be challenging. In conclusion, these issues can not only be troublesome on a day-to-day basis, but also adversely affect the long-term mental health and wellbeing of refugees.
Teacher Candidates’ Sense of Self-Efficacy Toward Classroom Management
Authors: Jackson Nykela , Miller Rachelle
Published: October 2019

The authors examined differences in self-efficacy regarding classroom management practices between alternative teacher candidates (alternative certification [AC]) and traditional teacher candidates (traditional certification [TC]) at one university. The Teachers’ Sense of Efficacy Scale was used as the pre-/post-instrument in a course on classroom management. Quantitative data indicated nonsignificant mean scores for engagement, instructional strategies, and classroom management. Classroom management tools, change in dispositions, and instructional strategies were identified as qualitative themes. Results suggested more ways to authentically involve candidates in understanding and implementing classroom management practices to enhance sense of self-efficacy should be included in teacher preparation programs and courses on classroom management.
Associations Between Musical Participation and Young Children’s Prosocial Behaviors
Authors: Ilari Beatriz , Helfter Susan , Huynh Tina
Published: October 2019

Collective music making has been associated with the emergence of prosocial behaviors in children and adults. Yet, the associations between participation in early childhood music education programs and prosocial skills in young children remain elusive. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine how children with varied amounts of music participation—in a formal program and in the home—performed in two prosocial tasks (i.e., instrumental helping and sharing) and how their parents rated their prosocial tendencies and interests for music. Thirty-six children (ages between 3 and 4 years) with varied amounts of participation in an early childhood music program completed prosocial tasks of instrumental helping and sharing. Results indicated that there were no significant age or sex differences in children’s prosocial responses. Instrumental sharing was positively correlated with time spent in the music program. Sharing scores, in turn, correlated with children’s active musical participation and parental prosocial ratings. These findings are discussed in light of theories of musical and prosocial development in childhood.
Support programmes and the diversity of young farmers in Thailand: A good match?
Authors: Phiboon Kassirin , Cochetel Cécile , Faysse Nicolas
Published: October 2019

Many countries have programmes to help young people start farming. However, some of the programmes have been criticized for not providing enough support, particularly because they do not adequately account for the diverse profiles of young farmers. The present study analyses the profiles of young farmers in Thailand and to what extent they benefit from support programmes. Eighty-four farmers under the age of 40 were interviewed in Chiang Mai and Prachinburi Provinces, along with 15 staff members of support programmes for young farmers. Five types of young farmers were identified, who differed in their motivation, farming systems and engagement in farming. Some farmers focused on economic profitability, while others considered environmentally sustainable farming practices to be important or were actively engaged in other activities at domestic or village level. This wide range of goals and situations entailed varying constraints during the first years of farming. The support programmes helped farmers overcome their lack of farming knowledge and helped them integrate into rural communities, but the support they provided in accessing land and capital was sometimes limited, and often non-existent. To improve support for young farmers in Thailand, the diversity of young farmers’ profiles should be accounted for not only in capacity-building activities but also to help them access other types of resources.
Academic Timing and the Relative Age Effect Among Male and Female Athletes in Canadian Interuniversity Volleyball
Authors: Safranyos Sabrina , Chittle Laura , Horton Sean , Dixon Jess C.
Published: October 2019

This study examined the moderating effects of academic timing on the relative age effect in men's and women's U Sports (formerly Canadian Interuniversity Sports) volleyball. Interuniversity sport exists within an academic setting and encompasses different age groups within a single team, making it necessary to account for the academic timing of student athletes when studying the relative age effect. To be considered “on-time,” a student athlete's birthdate and expected athletic eligibility status must coincide, while a “delayed” student athlete will have an athletic eligibility corresponding with a younger cohort. We collected birthdates and eligibility years from the U Sports eligibility certificates of 2,780 male and 3,715 female athletes for the years 2006–2007 through 2013–2014; we then classified athletes as either on-time or delayed. We used a chi-square (χ2) goodness-of-fit tests to compare the observed distributions of student athletes' actual versus “expected” births across each quartile. Our analyses demonstrated an advantage for athletes born in the first half of the selection year. These results suggest that delaying entry into university may help equalize the playing field for relatively younger athletes wishing to compete in U Sports volleyball.
Optimization and testing of suspension system of electric mini off-road vehicles
Authors: Yu Bin , Wang Zhice , Zhu Dayou , Wang Guoye , Xu Dongxin , Zhao Jie
Published: October 2019

Mini vehicles with a small wheelbase are extremely sensitive to road roughness. The aim of this study is to explore the influence of road information on ride comfort and enhance the ride comfort of mini vehicles. According to the 5-degree-of-freedom vibration model of an electric mini off-road vehicle, the partial differential matrix equation of system motion is established using the Lagrange method, and the frequency response characteristic of the system is analyzed. The input matrix of pavement unevenness is obtained by considering the mutual power spectrum density between front and rear wheels. Road surface roughness information is obtained using an instrument for measuring road roughness. A comprehensive objective function and a constraint condition are established for comfort and safety. Based on the parameters obtained through the optimum design of a 1/4 vehicle model, the optimized stiffness and damping coefficient of suspension are obtained using a MATLAB optimization program. The law of the vibration performance of off-road vehicles with respect to suspension stiffness and the damping coefficient is obtained through the analysis of optimized results. A driving simulation and a test are conducted on the electric mini off-road vehicle. The results show that the use of the measured pavement data as simulation input is closer to the actual situation and provides higher accuracy compared to the simulated pavement model. According to the optimization and test results, the parameters optimized by a 1/2 vehicle (5 degrees of freedom) vibration model are better than those optimized by the 1/4 vehicle vibration model. The optimization results confirm reduction in acceleration, acceleration power spectrum density, and the root mean square of the weighted acceleration of the seat. This shows that the electric mini off-road vehicle provides better ride comfortability after optimization.
Image retrieval of wool fabric. Part II: based on low-level color features
Authors: Zhang Ning , Xiang Jun , Wang Lei , Xiong Nian , Gao Weidong , Pan Ruru
Published: October 2019

Color is difficult to distinguish by human vision and is described by keywords, resulting in low efficiency of wool fabric retrieval in factories at present. To obtain the process sheets of existing products and reduce the work of color measurement in sample analysis, this paper proposes an effective method based on dominant colors (DCs) and color moments (CMs) for wool fabric image retrieval. Firstly, the image was scaled to reduce computational time. Then, the hue, saturation, value color space was divided into 128 parts by the fast color quantization algorithm to extract the DCs of the image. Meanwhile, the CMs based on image partition were calculated in CIE L* a* b* color space to describe the spatial color information. Subsequently, different similarity measure methods were carried out based on the DC feature and CM feature. Finally, experiments were conducted on a wool fabric image database with 20,000 images for parameter optimization and verification. The average precision and recall were up to 87% and 44%, respectively. Experimental results show that the proposed scheme can retrieve images with the same or similar colors quickly and effectively and it outperformed other methods, providing referential assistance for the factory worker when retrieving wool fabrics.
Significance and evolution characteristics of the isobutane/n-butane ratio of natural gas
Authors: Liu Nian , Qiu Nansheng , Li Zhenming , Cai Chuan , Shan Xinjie , Gao Ting , Wang Yuanjie
Published: October 2019

In previous studies, two conflicting conclusions existed, which were: (a) the isobutane/n-butane ratio of natural gas increases with the increasing maturity (Ro) of source rocks and (b) decreases with the increasing Ro. In this paper, the correlations between the isobutane/n-butane ratios, dryness of natural gases, and the Ro values of source rocks of 77 gas samples from Cretaceous and Tertiary in Kuqa Depression, Tarim Basin, Triassic Xujiahe Formation in central Sichuan Basin, Carboniferous–Permian in Sulige and Yulin gas field, Ordos Basin, China, and 80 shale gas samples from Mississippian Barnett Shale in the Fort Worth Basin, the United States are analyzed to reveal the evolution of the isobutane/n-butane ratios, then mathematical models of the isobutane/n-butane ratios and Ro are attempted to be established. Results show that the isobutane/n-butane ratio initially increases and then decreases with increasing Ro, both coal-derived gas and oil-type gas. Diverse types of kerogens may be responsible for the different corresponding Ro values when the isobutane/n-butane ratios of gases reach their maximum values. The initial increase in the isobutane/n-butane ratios with increasing Ro is the reason that isobutane is mainly generated at a higher rate by carbonium ion reaction of α-olefins with protons during kerogen primary cracking at lower maturity, whereas free radical reactions to form n-butane relatively quickly during oil cracking at higher maturity and isobutane cracked at a higher rate during the wet gas cracking stage may result in the terminal decreases in the isobutane/n-butane ratios. Besides, mathematical models of the isobutane/n-butane ratios of different types of natural gas and maturity are established. Therefore, the maturity of gas source rock can be obtained quickly based on the models using the isobutane/n-butane ratio combined with other component information (such as dryness, wetness, etc.), which is of great significance to the characterization of natural gas maturity and gas source rock correlation.
Mediatization of a card game: Magic: The Gathering, esports, and streaming
Authors: Švelch Jan
Published: October 2019

Magic: The Gathering is a household name among analog games. Its publisher, Wizards of the Coast, has experimented with digital adaptations since the late 1990s, however, it was only in 2018–2019 when the company announced a more radical push for the video game market, including a strategy for streaming and esports. By analyzing streaming content, paratextual elements, and online discussions leading up to the first major digital tournament, I explore the attempted and heavily promoted transition of Magic: The Gathering from a primarily analog card game toward a transmedia esports property. Beside conflicting reactions from players and fans to particular aspects of this transformation, this change brings along deepened mediatization of the game as a way to improve the spectator experience by following the media logics of streaming and esports. Professional players in the newly formed esports league along with other sponsored content creators were recruited to serve as advocates for this transition.
Missing data treatments in intervention studies: What was, what is, and what should be
Authors: Rioux Charlie , Little Todd D.
Published: October 2019

Missing data are ubiquitous in studies examining preventive interventions. This missing data need to be handled appropriately for data analyses to yield unbiased results. After a brief discussion of missing data mechanisms, inappropriate missing data treatments and appropriate missing data treatments, we review the current state of missing data treatments in intervention studies as well as how they have evolved over the years. Although missing data treatments have improved over the years, antiquated missing data treatments associated with biased results are still prevalent. Furthermore, many studies do not appropriately report their rates of missing data and missing data treatments. Using appropriate missing data treatments is elemental to accurately identify effective preventive interventions and properly inform practice and policy.
Application of apparent diffusion coefficient values derived from diffusion-weighted imaging for assessing different sized metastatic lymph nodes in cervical cancers
Authors: Zhang Aining , Song Jiacheng , Ma Zhanlong , Chen Ting
Published: October 2019

Background

Lymph nodes metastasis is an important factor affecting survival rate and recurrence in cervical cancer patients. Currently, diagnosis of metastatic lymph nodes is mainly based on morphological changes on imaging. However, it is difficult to differentiate normal-sized metastatic lymph nodes with short axis of 5-10mm.

Purpose

To assess the diagnostic value of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) for discriminating different-sized metastatic lymph nodes in patients with cervical cancers.

Material and Methods

Pathologically confirmed cervical cancer patients were documented from January 2013 to July 2018 in our hospital. A total of 133 patients who underwent conventional MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging with complete pathology were finally enrolled. A total of 157 lymph nodes were harvested and analyzed. All lymph nodes were divided into three groups according to pathology and their short axis (S) measured on axial T2-weighted imaging: normal-sized (5 mm<S<10 mm) benign lymph nodes (Group 1); normal-sized (5 mm<S<10 mm) metastatic lymph nodes (Group 2); enlarged (S≥10 mm) metastatic lymph nodes (Group 3). Mean ADC (ADCmean), minimum ADC (ADCmin), and maximum ADC (ADCmax) values of lymph nodes were analyzed and compared among the three groups.

Results

ADCmean of Groups 1 and 2 were significantly larger than those of Group 3 ( P<0.001, P=0.005, respectively). ADCmin of Group 1 were significantly larger than those of Groups 2 and 3 ( P<0.001, P<0.001, respectively). ADCmax was not statistically different among the three groups. ADCmean had the relatively highest area under the curve (AUC) of 0.644 for assessing enlarged metastatic lymph nodes, with a sensitivity of 64.4% and specificity of 67.9%. ADCmin had the highest AUC of 0.758 for assessing normal-sized metastatic lymph nodes, with a sensitivity of 84.7% and specificity of 60.7%.

Conclusion

Diffusion-weighted imaging can be used to differentiate enlarged metastatic lymph nodes from benign lymph nodes, and ADCmin can be further used to identify micro-metastasis in normal-sized lymph nodes.
Mutation analysis of SLC37A4 in a patient with glycogen storage disease-type Ib
Authors: Zhang Yamei , Sun Huihui , Wan Naijun
Published: October 2019

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between SLC37A4 gene mutation and clinical phenotype in a patient with glycogen storage disease-type I.

Methods

The clinical data of one patient with glycogen storage disease-type I accumulation syndrome and the results of SLC37A4 gene testing were analyzed. DNA from peripheral blood was used to analyze the SLC37A4 mutations of the patient and his parents.

Results

The patient carried a compound heterozygous mutation of SLC37A4, his mother was heterozygous for the c.572C > T (p.P191L) mutation, and his father was heterozygous for the c.359C > T (p.P120L) mutation.

Conclusion

The patient had two gene mutations: c.359C > T (p.P120L), which is closely related to glycogen storage disease-type I, and c.572C > T (p.P191L), which is a known mutation in the disease.
Occupational therapists’ perceptions of service transformation towards contemporary philosophy and practice in an acute specialist paediatric hospital
Authors: Murray Alice , Di Tommaso Amelia , Molineux Matthew , Young Anna , Power Penny
Published: October 2019

Introduction

The acute occupational therapy department at a specialist paediatric hospital in metropolitan Australia is undergoing a service transformation to increase their alignment with contemporary occupational therapy philosophy and practice. The purpose of this study was to explore occupational therapists’ current knowledge and skills regarding contemporary occupational therapy philosophy and practice, and their attitudes and motivation towards a service transformation.

Method

Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with eight occupational therapists. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed for thematic data analysis.

Findings

Four major themes were established: a glimmer of occupation; variability with recognising and articulating the core of occupational therapy; therapists externalising challenges; and the barriers and enablers to the transformation.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that therapists in acute settings are attempting to incorporate contemporary occupational therapy philosophies in practice. Therapists recognised the power of occupation and the benefits of an occupation-based approach, and hence were accepting of the service transformation; although the implementation of occupation-based practice appears to be inconsistent in acute settings. Findings highlight a need to enhance therapists’ knowledge of contemporary occupational therapy. However, therapists did not foresee this as a significant factor, leading to feeling a lack of control and externalising the barriers to service transformation.
Current understanding of premonitory networks in migraine: A window to attack generation
Authors: Schulte Laura H , Peng Kuan-Po
Published: October 2019

Aim

To describe neuronal networks underlying commonly reported migraine premonitory symptoms and to discuss how these might precipitate migraine pain.

Background

Migraine headache is frequently preceded by a distinct and well characterized premonitory phase including symptoms like yawning, sleep disturbances, alterations in appetite and food intake and hypersensitivity to certain external stimuli. Recent neuroimaging studies strongly suggest the hypothalamus as the key mediator of the premonitory phase and also suggested alterations in hypothalamic networks as a mechanism of migraine attack generation. When looking at the vast evidence from basic research within the last decades, hypothalamic and thalamic networks are most likely to integrate peripheral influences with central mechanisms, facilitating the precipitation of migraine headaches. These networks include sleep, feeding and stress modulating centers within the hypothalamus, thalamic pathways and brainstem centers closely involved in trigeminal pain processing such as the spinal trigeminal nucleus and the rostral ventromedial medulla, all of which are closely interconnected.

Conclusion

Taken together, these networks represent the pathophysiological basis for migraine premonitory symptoms as well as a possible integration site of peripheral so-called “triggers” with central attack facilitating processes.
Defining Minimal Clinically Important Difference and Patient Acceptable Symptom State After Isolated Endoscopic Gluteus Medius Repair
Authors: Okoroha Kelechi R. , Beck Edward C. , Nwachukwu Benedict U. , Kunze Kyle N. , Nho Shane J.
Published: October 2019

Background:

Endoscopic surgical repair has become a common procedure for treating patients with gluteus medius tears. However, meaningful clinical outcomes after the procedure have not been defined.

Purpose:

To (1) define the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) in patients undergoing endoscopic gluteus medius repair and (2) determine correlations between preoperative patient characteristics and achievement of MCID/PASS.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed of prospectively collected data from all patients undergoing primary endoscopic repair of gluteus medius tears between January 2012 and February 2017 with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Patient data collected included patient characteristics, radiographic parameters, preoperative clinical function scores, and postoperative patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Paired t tests were used to compare the differences in 2-year PROs. The MCID and PASS for each PRO were calculated and Spearman coefficient analysis was used to identify correlations between MCID, PASS, and preoperative variables.

Results:

A total of 60 patients were included in the study. A majority of patients were female (91.7%), with an average age and body mass index of 57.9 ± 9.91 years and 27.6 ± 6.1, respectively. The MCIDs of the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Sport-Specific (SS) subscales of the Hip Outcome Score (HOS) and the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) were calculated to be 15.02, 14.53, and 14.13, respectively. The PASS scores of HOS-ADL, HOS-SS, and mHHS were calculated to be 81.32, 67.71, and 77.5, respectively. In addition, 76.7% of patients achieved either MCID or PASS postoperatively, with 77.8% and 69.0% reaching at least 1 threshold score for achieving MCID and PASS, respectively, and 48.3% achieving both MCID and PASS. Smoking had a negative and weak association with achieving PASS ( r = −0.271; P = .039). No other patient characteristic variables were found to correlate with achieving MCID or PASS.

Conclusion:

In patients undergoing endoscopic gluteus medius repair, our study defined MCID and PASS for HOS-ADL, HOS-SS, and mHHS outcome scores. A large percentage of patients (76.7%) achieved meaningful clinical outcomes at 2 years after surgery.
Comparison of prostate cancer detection rates between the Vienna nomogram and the 10-core biopsy protocol
Authors: Arda Ersan , Demir Zafer , Yuksel Ilkan , Cek Mete
Published: October 2019

Objective:

To compare the Vienna nomogram and the 10-core prostate biopsy protocol regarding whether there is superiority in prostate cancer detection.

Methods:

Between January and December 2012, a total of 215 patients applying to our outpatient clinic with lower urinary tract symptoms were evaluated, prospectively. Patients with a prostate-specific antigen level of 2.5–10 ng/mL and/or suspicious digital rectal examination were included in the study. Exclusion criteria were determined as recent pelvic radiotherapy, lower urinary tract surgery, history of acute urinary retention, or indwelling urinary catheter. Biopsies were taken systematically with at least 10 cores considering prostate volume and patient age. According to Vienna nomogram, in patients requiring 6- or 8-core biopsies, tissue sampling was completed to 10 cores (our standard protocol), whereas in patients requiring more than 10 cores additional tissue sampling was performed.

Results:

After the determination of inclusion/exclusion criteria, 170 patients were enrolled in our study. The median (min–max) age, prostate-specific antigen value, and prostate volume were 65 (48–86) years, 7.6 ng/dL (2.5–10), and 55 cc (17–150), respectively. Prostate cancer was detected in 49 (28.8%) patients with transrectal ultrasound–guided prostate biopsy according to the Vienna nomogram. We found that our standard 10-core biopsy protocol would have diagnosed prostate cancer in 46 (27.1%) patients in the same study group showing no statistically significant difference (p > 0.005).

Conclusion:

The findings of this study suggest that considering cancer detection rates no statistically significant differences were found between both methods. Further prospective research in this aspect is needed to define the ultimate prostate biopsy protocol.
Contrary effects of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E after testicular ischemia/reperfusion in a rat model validated with glucose metabolism imaging
Authors: Arda Ersan , Yuksel Ilkan , Akdere Hakan , Akdeniz Esra , Yalta Tülin D , Aktoz Tevfik , Altun Gulay D
Published: October 2019

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy of antioxidants in cellular-level post-ischemia/reperfusion injury of the testis and to validate these effects with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography.

Methods:

Fifty-six adult male rats were randomly divided into seven groups—Group 1: sham; Group 2: ischemia/reperfusion only group; Group 3: ischemia was induced and vitamin E (100 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally 30 min before reperfusion; Group 4: vitamin E was given intraperitoneally without ischemia/reperfusion; Group 5: ischemia was induced and coenzyme Q10 (10 mg/body weight) was administered intraperitoneally 30 min before reperfusion; Group 6: coenzyme Q10 was administered intraperitoneally without ischemia/reperfusion; Group 7: ischemia was induced and coenzyme Q10 + vitamin E was administered intraperitoneally 30 min before reperfusion. After detorsion, fluorodeoxyglucose was applied to all groups according to the animals’ weight and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography was performed after 1 h. In pursuit of imaging, orchiectomy was performed for histopathological and biochemical evaluations.

Results:

A significant effect of group on catalase, maximum standardized uptake value, and seminiferous tubule diameters (p < 0.005) was observed. According to this, combining ischemia/reperfusion with vitamin E increased the maximum standardized uptake value significantly higher than in all other groups; in addition, catalase was significantly higher than in Groups 4–6. Histopathological outcomes revealed that “sham” had significantly larger seminiferous tubule diameter than Groups 2–4. Also, “ischemia/reperfusion” was the only group which had significantly smaller seminiferous tubule diameters than Groups 6 and 7.

Conclusion:

In contrast to vitamin E, coenzyme Q10 provided remarkable regression of oxidative stress–induced enzymes and revealed consistent effects on histopathological outcomes, which were validated with fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography imaging.
Macroscopic Models for Human Circadian Rhythms
Authors: Hannay Kevin M. , Booth Victoria , Forger Daniel B.
Published: October 2019

Mathematical models have a long and influential history in the study of human circadian rhythms. Accurate predictive models for the human circadian light response have been used to study the impact of a host of light exposures on the circadian system. However, generally, these models do not account for the physiological basis of these rhythms. We illustrate a new paradigm for deriving models of the human circadian light response. Beginning from a high-dimensional model of the circadian neural network, we systematically derive low-dimensional models using an approach motivated by experimental measurements of circadian neurons. This systematic reduction allows for the variables and parameters of the derived model to be interpreted in a physiological context. We fit and validate the resulting models to a library of experimental measurements. Finally, we compare model predictions for experimental measurements of light levels and discuss the differences between our model’s predictions and previous models. Our modeling paradigm allows for the integration of experimental measurements across the single-cell, tissue, and behavioral scales, thereby enabling the development of accurate low-dimensional models for human circadian rhythms.
Heterozygous Missense Pathogenic Variants Within the Second Spectrin Repeat of SPTBN2 Lead to Infantile-Onset Cerebellar Ataxia
Authors: Accogli Andrea , St-Onge Judith , Addour-Boudrahem Nassima , Lafond-Lapalme Joël , Laporte Alexandre Dionne , Rouleau Guy A. , Rivière Jean-Baptiste , Srour Myriam
Published: October 2019

The term spinocerebellar ataxia encompasses a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders due to pathogenic variants in more than 100 genes, underlying 2 major groups of ataxia: autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxias (ADCA, also known as spinocerebellar ataxias [SCAs]) due to heterozygous variants or polyglutamine triplet expansions leading to adult-onset ataxia, and autosomal recessive spinocerebellar ataxias (ARCAs, also known as SCARs) due to biallelic variants, usually resulting in more severe and earlier-onset cerebellar ataxia. Certain ataxia genes, including SPTBN2 which encodes β-III spectrin, are responsible for both SCA and SCAR, depending on whether the pathogenic variant occurs in a monoallelic or biallelic state, respectively. Accordingly, 2 major phenotypes have been linked to SPTBN2: pathogenic heterozygous in-frame deletions and missense variants result in an adult-onset, slowly progressive ADCA (SCA5) through a dominant negative effect, whereas biallelic loss-of-function variants cause SCAR14, an allelic disorder characterized by infantile-onset cerebellar ataxia and cognitive impairment. Of note, 2 heterozygous missense variants (c.1438C>T, p.R480 W; c.1309C>G, p.R437G), both lying in the second spectrin repeat of SPTBN2, have been linked to infantile-onset cerebellar ataxia, similar to SCAR14. Here, we report a novel de novo heterozygous pathogenic missense variant (c.1310G>A) in SPTBN2 in a child with infantile-onset cerebellar ataxia and mild cognitive impairment. This variant affects the same R437 residue of the second spectrin repeat but results in a different amino acid change (p.R437Q). We review previously reported cases and discuss possible pathomechanisms responsible for the early-onset cerebellar phenotype due to disease-causing variants in the second spectrin repeat.
Heat-curing polylactide for bone implants: Preparation and investigation on properties relevant to degradation
Authors: Tanodekaew Siriporn , Channasanon Somruethai , Kaewkong Pakkanun
Published: October 2019

Several processes have been used to produce polylactide for bone replacement. The challenge remains, however, to produce these devices by a simpler and more economical process. In this study, a method of combining powder and liquid parts was introduced. Star-shaped polylactides with molecular weights ranging from 3 to 16 kg/mol were synthesized and blended with a linear polylactide (Mw = 188 kg/mol) using the technique of emulsion solvent evaporation. The blends in a form of spherical powder were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, gel permeation chromatography, and particle size analysis. The heat-curing polylactide was fabricated by mixing the powder with triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, molded, and then heated in a hot water bath to solidify. The effects of powder composition in terms of amount and molecular weight of the star-shaped polylactide on mechanical properties were investigated. The results showed an increase in flexural strength with increase in the amount of star-shaped polylactide. The powder comprised star-shaped polylactide having the molecular weight of 10,770 g/mol, not less than 80wt%, offered the fabricated heat-curing polylactide with high strength ranging from 95 to 100 MPa. This formulation was further incorporated with hydroxyapatite to improve biocompatibility and subjected to degradation at 37°C. Mechanical test and weight loss determination together with biological test were conducted at certain times during degradation of the materials. Both materials with and without hydroxyapatite showed mechanical stability upon degradation for at least 6 months, but the one with hydroxyapatite revealed significantly better bioactivity at the end of 1-year follow-up study, making it the most promising material for bone implants.
Open or Closed? A Social Interaction Perspective on Line Managers’ Reactions to Employee Voice
Authors: Wåhlin-Jacobsen Christian Dyrlund
Published: October 2019

Few studies have explored how line managers respond to employees’ use of voice in interaction and the challenges facing the line managers in relation to voice. While some scholars have argued that managers’ reactions to voice are generally shaped by personal dispositions, such as the managers’ degree of “openness,” this study draws on the approach of discursive psychology to demonstrate that line managers’ responses are closely fitted to the organizational context and the unfolding interactional context. Through detailed analysis of a single episode from a voice activity in an industrial setting, the study exemplifies various rhetorical strategies used by the line managers and how these strategies may change as discussions proceed. The study also shows that psychological concepts such as openness should not be seen only as stable features of managers, but also as actively enacted in interaction. Various practical steps are suggested for improving both line managers’ and employees’ experiences with participating in formal voice activities.
State of the art in tilt-quadrotors, modelling, control and fault recovery
Authors: Al-Ali Ismail , Zweiri Yahya , AMoosa Nawaf , Taha Tarek , Dias Jorge , Senevirtane Lakmal
Published: October 2019

Research studies on quadrotors have recently drawn significant interest from academia and industry. Faults and failures handling are the major weaknesses of conventional quadrotor platforms; therefore, an innovative actuation mechanism was introduced to allow tilting the rotors. Tilting rotors of multirotor platforms provide high dexterity for flying between adjacent obstacles and assist the platforms in dealing with various failure scenarios. This paper reviews the state of the research on tilt-quadrotor platforms. Several platforms, software and hardware architectures, were discussed in the literature. Most of the latest developments were focused on conventional quadrotor modelling, combined with rotor tilting dynamics. On the other hand, controlling such platform was mainly studied using two types of controllers: Feedback Linearisation technique and Control Allocator. Recovery strategy in case of fault or failure has been covered extensively for conventional quadrotors, but very limited known work for tilt-quadrotor. This review concludes that the system dynamic modelling is relatively well covered compared to exploring new control techniques for more stringent requirements. However, recovery strategies as the main advantage of tilt-quadrotor platforms are not explored extensively and require more research attention.