bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modified Delphi Consensus on Developing Home Care Service Quality Indicator for Stroke Survivor in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Chayati Nur , Effendy Christantie , Setyopranoto Ismail
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND: Assessing the quality of health services provided at home (home care) is a challenge. The formulation of indicators requires open-minded people, who able to formulate several purposes objectively, and play an active role in decision making.
PURPOSE: To test the face validity of the home care quality indicator in stroke patients with the modified Delphi method.
METHOD: Eighty-one indicators generated from previous studies were assessed using 3 processes to get the final results: 1) conducted modified Delphi in two rounds, namely rating or scoring by experts (using median scores); 2) reviewing qualitative suggestions from experts during the Delphi process (using comments from both Delphi rounds); 3) sorting out and correcting the grammar of the appropriate indicator (based on the median score > 7, and no disagreement).
RESULT: Eighty-seven experts were involved in the first round Delphi and 34 experts in the second round. The experts were home care team selected from health care institutions in Yogyakarta with various professional backgrounds. Delphi process resulted in 67 indicators from 81 indicators which were divided into 10 domains: 1) Personal (2 indicators), 2) Documents (13 indicators), 3) Professionalism development (3 indicators), 4) Supporting facilities (8 indicators), 5) Administrative activities (4 indicators), 6) Health workers interaction with patients and families (15 indicators), 7) Physical conditions (2 indicators), 8) Self-actualization (1 indicator), 9) Psychological condition (5 indicators), 10) Family independent and coping (14 indicators). Selected indicators got to score more than 7 and no disagreement at all.
CONCLUSION: Sixty-seven indicators of the quality of home care, which were generated from modified Delphi consensus, were face validated. Further research could be conducted particularly on the trial process of these indicators at the actual home dwelling service setting.
Atorvastatin in Combination with Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin Provided High Rate of Sustained Virological Response in Patients with Genotype 3 Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Todorovska Beti , Caloska-Ivanova Viktorija , Dimitrova-Genadieva Magdalena , Trajkovska Meri , Popova-Jovanovska Rozalinda , Grivceva-Stardelova Kalina , Licoska-Josifovic Fana , Andreevski Vladimir , Curakova-Ristovska Elena , Joksimovic Nenad
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis C virus infection represents a more frequent cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Statins, inhibit HCV replication in vitro, enhance the antiviral effect of the already known antiviral drugs and reduce their resistance.
AIM: To determine the impact of additional therapy (treatment with Atorvastatin 20 mg) to the standard antiviral therapy (pegylated interferon alpha-peg-IFN α and ribavirin) on achieving sustained virological response (SVR).
MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the study which is comparative, open-label, prospective-retrospective, 70 patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C virus infection who met criteria for treatment with standard antiviral therapy combined with anti-lipemic therapy (Atorvastatin 20 mg) were included. Patients in the study were divided into two groups: one group of 35 patients receiving combination therapy (Atorvastatin + peg-IFN α + Ribavirin) and another group of 35 patients received only standard antiviral therapy. Those parameters were followed in all patients: genotyping, quantification of the virus, histological assessment of liver inflammation and fibrosis degree (before starting treatment), the presence of steatosis, laboratory analysis: hematology, liver, lipid and carbohydrate status, insulin blood level (the calculation of HOMA-IR) and body mass index (BMI) calculation. The overall treatment of the patients depends from the virus genotype, thus, patients with genotype 1 and 4 received 48 weeks standard antiviral therapy, but patients with genotypes 2 and 3 received 24 weeks of antiviral therapy. SVR was considered an undetectable level of HCV RNA levels 24 weeks after completion of antiviral therapy. The results were statistically analysed, and all results for p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
RESULTS: Combination therapy leads to a slightly higher percentage of SVR (85.71%) in patients with chronic hepatitis C versus standard therapy (74.29%), but in a group of patients with genotype 3 this rate of SVR amounting to 95.83%. Combination therapy leads to significant improvement of lipid and glucose status after treatment, and in terms of side effects, there was no appearance of serious adverse events that would be a reason for discontinuation of the therapy.
CONCLUSION: Combination therapy Atorvastatin + pegylated interferon alpha + Ribavirin leads to high rate of SVR of 95.83% in patients with chronic hepatitis C, genotype 3. Statins can be used safely in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
Facing of Family Doctor with Hantavirus Infection
Authors: Risteska-Nejasmic Valentina , Ristikj-Stomnaroska Daniela , Bosevska Golubinka , Papa Anna , Stojkovska Snezhana
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND: Hantavirus infection is manifested as an urgent, severe and life-threatening disease caused by Hantavirus. The virus affects human endothelial cells. The natural reservoir of the Hantaviruses is chronically infected rodents. Human infection is accidental. Occurs by intake of contaminated food or inhalation of contaminated secretion from infected rodents' excretions have an increased risk of contamination. The most affected persons are people who work in nature. The virus causes haemorrhages, fever and acute renal failure. The disease appears more frequently in endemic regions with the lethality of 6-15%. The disease can surprise doctors with severity, urgency and undefined clinical picture. Fast clinical evaluation, proper and urgent diagnosis and treatment can improve the safe life of these patients.
CASE REPORT: We report a case of 45 -year-old male patient worked as a shepherd on mountain Babuna near the city of Veles in the Republic of Macedonia at the end of the summer in the year 2017, presented with prolonged hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. The clinical presentation and lab findings support the diagnosis of Hantavirus infection with acute renal failure.
CONCLUSION: It is necessary to raise the awareness of the family doctors for the hantavirus disease, especially in countries with sporadic cases, as in our country. It needs for prompt and timely diagnosis, timely hospitalisation and initiation of therapy.
Hindlimb abnormality reduces locomotor performance in Pelobates cultripes metamorphs but is not predicted by larval morphometrics
Authors: Zamora-Camacho Francisco Javier , Aragón Pedro
Published: May 2019

Locomotor performance is a fundamental feature commonly related to many animals’ fitness. In most cases, locomotor performance is closely related to morphology of the structures responsible for it, which is therefore under strong selective pressure. Hence, limb abnormality could hinder locomotion and, for that reason, be eradicated by selection, which could explain its overall low prevalence that makes proper research difficult. Here, we took advantage of the moderately high prevalence of hindlimb abnormality in a sample of Iberian spadefoot (Pelobatescultripes) metamorphs developed from tadpoles captured and transferred to the laboratory before selection could act against metamorph abnormality. We tested the hypothesis that limb abnormality impairs locomotor performance. Moreover, we measured several larval and metamorph morphometrics, and checked for differences between normal and abnormal-limbed individuals. We also assessed correlations between hindlimb ratio (hindlimb length/SVL) and jumping performance in normal and abnormal-limbed metamorphs. Larval traits measured could not predict hindlimb abnormality. In metamorphs, only hindlimb ratio differed between normal and abnormal-limbed individuals, being shorter in the latter. Abnormal-limbed metamorphs jumped considerably shorter distances than normal-limbed conspecifics. Therefore, selection against reduced locomotor performance could eliminate limb abnormality from populations. Hindlimb ratio was included in the model as a covariable, and thus controlled for. Consequently, other factors besides shorter hindlimbs, probably hindlimb abnormality itself, could play a role in worse jumping capability of abnormal-limbed individuals. Hindlimb ratio was positively related to jumping distance in both groups, although the relationship was weaker in abnormal-limbed metamorphs.
An updated checklist of the scarab beetle fauna of Asinara Island, Sardinia, Italy (Coleoptera: Trogidae, Geotrupidae, Scarabaeidae, Aphodiidae, Cetoniidae, Dynastidae, Hybosoridae)
Authors: Treitler Julia T. , Carpaneto Giuseppe M. , Dellacasa Marco , Buse Jörn
Published: May 2019

The island of Asinara, located in the northwest of Sardinia, is characterized by a large number of feral grazing mammals belonging to four herbivorous species (horse, donkey, mouflon, and goat) and an omnivorous one (wild boar). Hand-collections of scarabs in 2014 and the examination of unpublished records revealed the presence of five species new for Asinara (Trox nodulosus, Ateuchetus laticollis, Sisyphus schaefferi, Caccobius schreberi and Cetonia carthami). Based on all records (published and unpublished) we present a new checklist of the scarab beetle fauna of Asinara which increased from 30 to 43 species belonging to seven families: 2 Trogidae, 2 Geotrupidae, 13 Scarabaeidae, 19 Aphodiidae, 5 Cetoniidae, 1 Dynastidae, and 1 Hybosoridae
Notes on the distribution and habitat of Ochthebius lobicollis Rey, 1885, a poorly known north-western Mediterranean coastal species (Coleoptera: Hydraenidae)
Authors: Ribera Ignacio , Hernando Carles
Published: May 2019

Ochthebius (Ochthebius) lobiccoastal habitatsollis Rey, 1885 is recorded for the first time from the Iberian Peninsula (Girona) and the island of Corsica; new records are also given for the islands of Menorca and Sardinia. The species is known only from coastal habitats through the Gulf of Lion and the Ligurian and Balearic seas, typically living in rockpools of different salinity or small trickles or freshwater runoffs. Genetic data of the cytochrome oxidase 1 gene from Iberian, Menorcan and Sardinian specimens shows less than 1% divergence, suggesting lack of isolation between populations.
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in elderly. From pathophysiology to treatment: an unresolved problem
Authors: Beltrami Matteo , Fumagalli Carlo
Published: May 2019

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has a significant impact on healthcare resources and while its occurrence in the elderly is increasing, its prognosis has not improved. Despite the prevalence of HFpEF, the understanding of its pathophysiology is still incomplete, and optimal treatment remains largely undefined. The net clinical benefit of medical treatment with ACE inhibitors, ARBs, MRAs and beta-blockers has led to the incorporation of these drugs into HF clinical practice guidelines. However, little or no progress has been done for patients with HFpEF and there are no convincing and validated therapies able to reduce mortality or morbidity. HFpEF is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome embracing varieties of phenotypes and could benefit from a phenotype-specific approach. In the era of precision medicine, targeted approaches have proved effective in various disciplinary medical settings and for this reason this modern approach should be encouraged also in cardiology. In elderly patients, multi-level strategies and interventions aimed at improving adherence to guidelines and tailoring therapy, could be the key to improving outcome, and to reducing costs related to HF-related re-admissions. In the present review we briefly discuss current information available regarding pathophysiology, outcome, treatment and safety of the most common drugs used in this “geriatric syndrome”.
El “todo en uno” del cinemagraph: fotografía, vídeo y diseño en un solo recurso gráfico para la comunicación visual persuasiva
Authors: Martorell Sandra
Published: May 2019

La contemporaneidad se caracteriza por la hibridación en sus diferentes facetas y ámbitos, algo que se extiende también al universo gráfico. Un ejemplo es el cinemagraph, recurso gráfico de apariencia fotográfica caracterizado por el movimiento en una pequeña región que contrasta con el estatismo del resto de la imagen. Esto es fruto de la confluencia de diferentes disciplinas como la fotografía o el vídeo, con el fin de potenciar su efectividad visual. En este artículo revisamos las características del cinemagraph y hacemos una propuesta de sus dimensiones de uso desde una perspectiva teórica.
Os aspectos “ver e ver-como” e o número de ouro na perspectiva wittgensteiniana da linguagem
Authors: Sousa Neto Pablo Roberto de , Abreu da Silveira Marisa Rosâni , Silva Melo Luciano Augusto da
Published: May 2019

O presente texto tem o objetivo de apresentar a perspectiva wittgensteiniana acerca das expressões ver e ver-como, com foco voltado para o ensino e aprendizagem da matemática, em particular, da geometria. Nesse sentido, procuramos destacar o conceito de número de ouro, na perspectiva da linguagem, a partir de um breve histórico e sua constituição como objeto matemático propriamente dito, além de suas aplicações em outros ramos do conhecimento. Para tanto, discorremos sobre a percepção de aspectos visuais, com ênfase na segunda fase da filosofia de Wittgenstein, no intuito de mostrar que as interpretações subjetivas de objetos matemáticos, por parte dos estudantes, muitas vezes são investigadas em detrimento da linguagem. Fizemos, portanto, algumas analogias no âmbito da Educação Matemática, cujas observações nos permitiram destacar que a má compreensão dos conceitos matemáticos pode estar associada à carência de perspicuidade. Por conseguinte, ressaltamos que os aspectos ver e ver-como podem ser entendidos como técnicas subjacentes às atividades docentes evidenciadas por meio de jogos de linguagem no ensino da matemática.
Ecos Abstratos ) ) ) ) Experiências sensibilizadas com matemática e com arte
Authors: Kerscher Mônica Maria , Flores Cláudia Regina
Published: May 2019

Este artigo trata dos ecos que ressoam com uma pesquisa que, entre conexões, envolveu matemática e arte abstrata geométrica e educação e experiência e oficinas e crianças e visualidades... Insiste-se nos movimentos, que remexem o pensamento ao per-correr com crianças, experiências de oficinas que se misturam na abstração daquilo que reverbera com o conceito de abstrato. Aqui registram-se fragmentos de coisas que afetam, borbulham, formigam, ecoam, experimentam, irrompendo pelo meio e fazendo emergir algo que force o pensamento pensar de novo, e novamente, provocando possibilidades para uma educação matemática trans-formadora.
Tradução do Hibridismo: Análise da Versão Portuguesa de “The Joy Luck Club” de Amy Tan
Authors: Hu Zhihua , Teresa Roberto Maria
Published: May 2019

As a writer of American literature, while being of Chinese extraction, Amy Tan was born and raised in the United States. In her works, we sometimes notice the appearance of marks of the Chinese language, which is sometimes evident in the discourse of a bilingual person. In addition, her works are also full of cultural words strongly linked to traditional Chinese culture that, when translated, find lexical gaps in the target language, producing divergence and loss of meaning. Through the analysis of linguistic and cultural hybridity in the Portuguese translation of The Joy Luck Clubby her, we intend to highlight how these hybrid phenomena are transposed from the source text to the target text, to help readers better understand the functions and translational results of these hybrid phenomena.
A tradução como mediação cultural: as traduções da obra de Junot Diaz
Authors: Santos de Souza Livia
Published: May 2019

This article has as its object the translations of the Dominican American writer Junot Díaz to Spanish, with special emphasis on the work of the Cuban-born translator Achy Obejas. Author of a short but remarkable work, Díaz elaborates his narratives in a variety of English that often incorporates elements of Spanish. His writing poetics includes the lexicon of Caribbean Spanish and syntactic structures and proper rhythm of his native language, which results in a strongly hybrid text. The translation of this text into a language that is so intensely present in the original is a challenge. To understand how the construction of this translation is processed, this article tries to analize the strategies used to try to keep up with the translinguistic character of these narratives. In order to reach this objective, some theoretical references are used, concepts such as the foreignizing translation, by Lawrence Venuti; translingualism; and D'Amore's considerations on translations of texts originally written in Spanglish. The analysis makes it clear that the work of Achy Obejas was largely able to give the texts in Spanish the same hybrid character present in the original ones.
Dois projeto de tradução para A República dos Sonhos, de Nélida Piñon
Authors: Rimoli Esteves Lenita
Published: May 2019

After a brief presentation of the novel A república dos sonhos, by Nélida Piñon, this paper analyzes its translations into English and Spanish and, through this analysis, aims to shed some light on what were the presuppositions guiding each translation project. The study is based on the hypothesis that, even before starting a translation, translators must make several decisions concerning the very conception of the text to be produced. These decisions are generally related to characteristics of the source text that are closely linked to the culture, the history and the language of the source country, and each translation project will search for the best way to make these characteristics known to the reader of the translation. The paratextual elements (GENETTE, 2009), which are a fundamental part of any translation project, will be analyzed together with the text itself, with special emphasis on the covers.
Tradução automática e poesia: o caso do inglês e do português
Authors: Humblé Philippe
Published: May 2019

This article sets out to analyse the translations into Portuguese of three poems written I English, “A Letter is a Joy of Earth” by Emily Dickinson, “To a Stranger” by Walt Whitman and “Sandra” by Charles Bukowski. Three translations by three human translators, Geir Campos, Pedro Gonzaga and Jorge de Sena, are compared to the translations made by Google Translate in order to evaluate machine translation quality. This research shows that machine translations are less “ludicrous” than some would think and are in fact quite acceptable. In the cases investigated, machine translations are sometimes as acceptable as the ones made by the professional translators, and they could even help them to make mistakes through a lack of attention or by ignoring all the possibilities in the case of polysemous words. The Google translations are obviously plainer and there are a number of mistakes in them of the kind one expects: wrong concordances, wrong interpretations of polysemous words, wrong interpretation of gendered words. However, overall the results are far more satisfying than forecast. Google Translate, or similar programmes, may help translators with different, albeit sound alternatives. Additionally, machine translations provide a useful tool to analyse the idiosyncrasies of translators.
The retranslation of Wallace Stevens' "Of mere being"
Authors: Britto Paulo Henriques
Published: May 2019

An analysis of the 2017 retranslation into Brazilian Portuguese of a poem by Wallace Stevens originally translated in 1987, with a detailed contrastive study of the two versions of the poem’s last line, which had been inadequately translated in 1987.
A COMPARISON OF SINGLE PHOTON AND FULL WAVEFORM LIDAR
Authors: Mandlburger G. , Lehner H. , Pfeifer N.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Single photon sensitive LiDAR sensors are currently competing with conventional multi-photon laser scanning systems. The advantage of the prior is the potentially higher area coverage performance, which comes at the price of an increased outlier rate and a lower ranging accuracy. In this contribution, the principles of both technologies are reviewed with special emphasis on their respective properties. In addition, a comparison of Single Photon LiDAR (SPL) and FullWaveform LiDAR data acquired in July and September 2018 in the City of Vienna are presented. From data analysis we concluded that (i) less flight strips are needed to cover the same area with comparable point density with SPL, (ii) the sharpness of the resulting 3D point cloud is higher for the waveform LiDAR dataset, (iii) SPL exhibits moderate vegetation penetration under leaf-on conditions, and (iv) the dispersion of the SPL point cloud assessed in smooth horizontal surface parts competes with waveform LiDAR but is higher by a factor of 2–3 for inclined and grassy surfaces, respectively. Still, SPL yielded satisfactory precision measures mostly below 10 cm.
UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE LASER SCANNING FOR EROSION MONITORING IN ALPINE GRASSLAND
Authors: Mayr A. , Bremer M. , Rutzinger M. , Geitner C.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. With this contribution we assess the potential of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) based laser scanning for monitoring shallow erosion in Alpine grassland. A 3D point cloud has been acquired by unmanned aerial vehicle laser scanning (ULS) at a test site in the subalpine/alpine elevation zone of the Dolomites (South Tyrol, Italy). To assess its accuracy, this point cloud is compared with (i) differential global navigation satellite system (GNSS) reference measurements and (ii) a terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) point cloud. The ULS point cloud and an airborne laser scanning (ALS) point cloud are rasterized into digital surface models (DSMs) and, as a proof-of-concept for erosion quantification, we calculate the elevation difference between the ULS DSM from 2018 and the ALS DSM from 2010. For contiguous spatial objects of elevation change, the volumetric difference is calculated and a land cover class (bare earth, grassland, trees), derived from the ULS reflectance and RGB colour, is assigned to each change object. In this test, the accuracy and density of the ALS point cloud is mainly limiting the detection of geomorphological changes. Nevertheless, the plausibility of the results is confirmed by geomorphological interpretation and documentation in the field. A total eroded volume of 672 m3 is estimated for the test site (48 ha). Such volumetric estimates of erosion over multiple years are a key information for improving sustainable soil management. Based on this proof-of-concept and the accuracy analysis, we conclude that repeated ULS campaigns are a well-suited tool for erosion monitoring in Alpine grassland.
POINTNET FOR THE AUTOMATIC CLASSIFICATION OF AERIAL POINT CLOUDS
Authors: Soilán M. , Lindenbergh R. , Riveiro B. , Sánchez-Rodríguez A.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. During the last couple of years, there has been an increased interest to develop new deep learning networks specifically for processing 3D point cloud data. In that context, this work intends to expand the applicability of one of these networks, PointNet, from the semantic segmentation of indoor scenes, to outdoor point clouds acquired with Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) systems. Our goal is to of assist the classification of future iterations of a national wide dataset such as the Actueel Hoogtebestand Nederland (AHN), using a classification model trained with a previous iteration. First, a simple application such as ground classification is proposed in order to prove the capabilities of the proposed deep learning architecture to perform an efficient point-wise classification with aerial point clouds. Then, two different models based on PointNet are defined to classify the most relevant elements in the case study data: Ground, vegetation and buildings. While the model for ground classification performs with a F-score metric above 96%, motivating the second part of the work, the overall accuracy of the remaining models is around 87%, showing consistency across different versions of AHN but with improvable false positive and false negative rates. Therefore, this work concludes that the proposed classification of future AHN iterations is feasible but needs more experimentation.
ASSESSMENT OF LANDSLIDE-INDUCED DISPLACEMENT AND DEFORMATION OF ABOVE-GROUND OBJECTS USING UAV-BORNE AND AIRBORNE LASER SCANNING DATA
Authors: Zieher T. , Bremer M. , Rutzinger M. , Pfeiffer J. , Fritzmann P. , Wichmann V.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Multi-temporal 3D point clouds acquired with a laser scanner can be efficiently used for an area-wide assessment of landslide-induced surface changes. In the present study, displacements of the Vögelsberg landslide (Tyrol, Austria) are assessed based on available data acquired with airborne laser scanning (ALS) in 2013 and data acquired with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a laser scanner (ULS) in 2018. Following the data pre-processing steps including registration and ground filtering, buildings are segmented and extracted from the datasets. The roofs, represented as multi-temporal 3D point clouds are then used to derive displacement vectors with a novel matching tool based on the iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm. The resulting mean annual displacements are compared to the results of a geodetic monitoring based on an automatic tracking total station (ATTS) measuring 53 retroreflective prisms across the study area every hour since May 2016. In general, the results are in agreement concerning the mean annual magnitude (ATTS: 6.4 cm within 2.2 years, 2.9 cm a−1; laser scanning data: 13.2 cm within 5.4 years, 2.4 cm a−1) and direction of the derived displacements. The analysis of the laser scanning data proved suitable for deriving long-term landslide displacements and can provide additional information about the deformation of single roofs.
SOIL MOISTURE ANALYSIS USING MULTISPECTRAL DATA IN NORTH CENTRAL PART OF MONGOLIA
Authors: Natsagdorj E. , Renchin T. , De Maeyer P. , Tseveen B. , Dari C. , Dashdondog E.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Soil moisture (SM) content is one of the most important environmental variables in relation to land surface climatology, hydrology, and ecology. Long-term SM data-sets on a regional scale provide reasonable information about climate change and global warming specific regions. The aim of this research work is to develop an integrated methodology for SM of kastanozems soils using multispectral satellite data. The study area is Tuv (48°40′30″N and 106°15′55″E) province in the forest steppe zones in Mongolia. In addition to this, land surface temperature (LST) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) from Landsat satellite images were integrated for the assessment. Furthermore, we used a digital elevation model (DEM) from ASTER satellite image with 30-m resolution. Aspect and slope maps were derived from this DEM. The soil moisture index (SMI) was obtained using spectral information from Landsat satellite data. We used regression analysis to develop the model. The model shows how SMI from satellite depends on LST, NDVI, DEM, Slope, and Aspect in the agricultural area. The results of the model were correlated with the ground SM data in Tuv province. The results indicate that there is a good agreement between output SM and SM of ground truth for agricultural area. Further research is focused on moisture mapping for different natural zones in Mongolia. The innovative part of this research is to estimate SM using drivers which are vegetation, land surface temperature, elevation, aspect, and slope in the forested steppe area. This integrative methodology can be applied for different regions with forest and desert steppe zones.
PLANETARY3D: A PHOTOGRAMMETRIC TOOL FOR 3D TOPOGRAPHIC MAPPING OF PLANETARY BODIES
Authors: Hu H. , Wu B.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Planetary remote sensing images are the primary datasets for high-resolution topographic mapping and modeling of the planetary surfaces. However, unlike the mapping satellites for Earth observations, cameras onboard the planetary satellites generally present special imaging geometries and configurations, which makes the stereo photogrammetric process difficult and requires a large number of manual interactions. At the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, we developed a unified photogrammetric software system, namely Planetary3D, for 3D topographic mapping modeling of various planetary bodies using images collected by various sensors. Planetary3D consists of three modules, including: (1) the pre-processing module to deliver standardized image products, (2) the bundle adjustment module to alleviate the inconsistencies between the images and possibly the reference frame, and (3) the dense image matching module to create pixel-wise image matches and produce high quality topographic models. Examples of using three changeling datasets, including the MRO CTX, MRO HiRISE and Chang’E-2 images, have revealed that the automatic pipeline of Planetary3D can produce high-quality digital elevation models (DEMs) with favorable performances. Notably, the notorious jitter effects visible on HiRISE images can be effectively removed and good consistencies with the reference DEMs are found for the test datasets by the Planetary3D pipeline.
LATERAL VARIATIONS IN BULK DENSITY AND POROSITY OF THE UPPER LUNAR CRUST FROM HIGH-RESOLUTION GRAVITY AND TOPOGRAPHY DATA: COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES
Authors: Wahl D. , Oberst J.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. We map lateral variations in bulk density of the upper lunar highland crust using the most recent GRAIL gravity field solution of degree and order 1500 in combination with LOLA topography data, both truncated to an upper limit of degree and order 700. Our maps have a spatial resolution of 0.75°, where each grid point was calculated using circular analysis regions of 3° radius. We apply two methods, which yield similar results for most parts of the study area. The first method minimizes the correlation between topography and Bouguer anomalies, the second maximizes the smoothness of the Bouguer anomalies. Both approaches suffer in the case that terrain is flat and lacks topographic features; consequently, this is where results from the two methods differ. We also mapped porosity of the crust using grain densities derived from Lunar Prospector spectrometry and sample analysis. It appears that variations in bulk density are mostly related to differences in crustal porosity. We find that high porosity is often associated with areas of impact basins. This confirms earlier studies, that impacts changed the geophysical characteristics of the lithosphere sustainably and that the high porosity of the upper lunar crust is most likely impact induced.
The Illicit Distribution of Precursor Chemicals in China: A Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Zhao Minqi
Published: May 2019

China has been marked as a source country from which large volumes of precursor chemicals are shipped to foreign drug markets for synthetic drug production. However, the basic patterns of illicit distribution remain unclear. Data from closed criminal cases were extracted from legal files to develop an objective understanding of illicit distribution patterns in China. The sample consisted of 534 illicit supply cases involving 1481 individuals, three groups of precursor chemicals and 102 chemical manufacturing companies. The offenders could be categorised as lower-class offenders, occupational offenders and corporate offenders based on their profiles and criminal behaviours. Significant differences between the three groups of offenders and their specific patterns of chemical supply suggest a diverse, dynamic and complex nationwide supply network. To better understand this phenomenon in China’s rapidly transitioning society, we provide a description of cultural, legal and political backgrounds, which may provide some explanations at the macro level.
International Students and the Canadian University
Authors: Zip Stacey
Published: May 2019

This paper explores the dynamic international student populations within Canadian academic institutions and their relationship with the academic library. The international student body has evolving needs that must be adequately addressed by the library and institution if growing numbers are to continue being supported. Plagiarism, language barriers, and an unawareness of library services are well-known barriers to success, while more current issues such as changing technologies are equally problematic. Through such efforts as hiring an international student librarian, academic libraries may discover the specific issues facing their institution’s international students and begin the process of addressing them in a tailored manner. Data collection would be a priority for better understanding the international students, as would partnering with professors and student organizations to market library services and promote information literacy in a Canadian context. The international student librarian may also provide continued outreach to this demographic that is inclusive, proactive, and collaborative, which would in turn create an atmosphere that fosters international student success and is able to support rising numbers.
Mending Seams: A Study of Information Barriers Related to Textile Artists
Authors: Vander Kooy S. A.
Published: May 2019

An important aspect of studying information behaviour is understanding the various barriers that can impede an individual’s efforts to seek and find specific information. Yet, when it comes to artists, the focus of such research has consistently veered away from the topic. This article explores the information and resource needs of textile artists and the barriers that prevent them from meeting those needs. A semi-structured interview of an experienced textile artist was conducted and directed as well as conventional content analysis was used to examine the data. The data revealed six sources textiles artists utilize for locating resources and eight information barriers that influence their ability to meet their information needs. The significance of these findings is then discussed and potential solutions are presented for information professionals – particularly public librarians – to implement.
Epidemiology as a Practical Resource to Examine the Hype & Deliver Reliable Messages
Authors: Anyatonwu Sophia
Published: May 2019

ObjectiveEpidemiologists will be better prepared to serve as a practical resource within their communities and spheres of influence by taking the time to examine data sources behind and implications of news stories and studies that are being widely circulated.IntroductionIt can be difficult to distinguish between truth, half-truth, fiction, and misinformation as we watch the news, read headlines, and scroll through various social media feeds. Fortunately, epidemiologists have the tools needed to serve as a practical resource for colleagues, partners, and communities. The Scrutinizer Challenge is an opportunity for epidemiologists to tackle at least one news story or study a month that is relevant to public health. The goal is that we would do the research necessary to examine data sources and implications of news stories and studies. This process can help us deliver consistent and reliable messages to share with colleagues, partners, and communities. It also provides an opportunity for epidemiologists that practice in different settings to consolidate resources and develop working relationships that may be needed to more thoroughly examine issues.MethodsThe Scrutinizer Challenge project was launched in January 2018 and introduced to Texas Public Health Association (TPHA) Epidemiology Section members. Participants were asked to select a headline or study to scrutinize. They were provided a guidance document with 10-25 questions to help identify and determine the credibility of data sources, compare these sources to claims being made, and assess overall implications of the news story or headline. Lastly, participants were asked to submit an actionable summary or end product that could be shared with colleagues, a local partner, or the general public. Scrutinizer Challenge project submissions were shared in the Epidemiology Section Newsletter or distributed to members as an educational resource.ResultsThree Scrutinizer Challenges were submitted between January 2018 and July 2018. News stories and study topics that were scrutinized addressed maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States, social media and population-level behavior change, and supplemental vitamins and minerals for disease prevention and treatment. The actionable summaries that were submitted were aimed at healthcare providers, researchers, and the general public. Limited but positive feedback was provided for each submission. Sources were found to be mostly credible for each news story or study, however, 2 out of 3 headlines did not support the claims made in the news story or study.ConclusionsThe Scrutinizer Challenges that have been submitted so far indicate that headlines can make incomplete or inaccurate claims even when credible sources are provided. This preliminary finding supports the need for epidemiologists to serve as a practical resource in their spheres of influence and communities, so that they can help cut through the hype and share reliable messages.
Evaluation of First Electronic Case Reports received in Illinois
Authors: Hoferka Stacey
Published: May 2019

ObjectiveComparison of content in eCR and ELR cases reportingReview technical challenges and strategies for data managementIntroductionCommunicable disease reporting from providers can be a time-consuming process that results in delayed or incomplete reporting of infectious diseases, limiting public health's ability to respond quickly to prevent or control disease. The recent development of an HL7 standard for automated Electronic initial case reports (eICR) represents an important advancement for public health surveillance. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) participated in a pilot with the Public Health Informatics Institute and an Illinois-based provider group to accept eICR reports for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia.MethodsThe provider group working with their EHR vendor submitted a batch of CT and GC reports directly to IDPH in September 2017 according to the published eICR standard. A summary of the provider and PHII work has been presented previously in the STI eCR Learning Community. The eICR reports received from the provider were compared to case report data in the communicable disease surveillance system, I-NEDSS. Data was extracted from I-NEDSS that included race and ethnicity, timing of specimen collection, result, ELR submission surveillance action and treatment.ResultsIDPH received a batch of 89 files containing 77 unique persons, with 54 chlamydia (CT), 13 Gonorrhea (GC) and 10 co-infected case reports. The communicable disease surveillance system had captured 76 (98.7%) of the persons reported in the pilot. Among those, an Electronic Laboratory Report (ELR) was received for 72 (95%) cases, on average within 1 day of the lab report date. Data in I-NEDSS had a completion of 45% for race and ethnicity compared to 99% for race and 92% for ethnicity in the eICR files. Information on treatment in the surveillance system was reported for 18 (24%) cases compared to 67 (87%) cases.ConclusionsThis pilot was the first submission of real patient data submitted using the eICR standard to IDPH. Data was more complete from provider eICR reports for key demographic of race and ethnicity and treatment. A comparison with the current surveillance system showed near complete and timely case capture from ELR data. Integrated reporting of both ELR and eICR can produce a more complete case report through automated submissions and potentially reduce burden of data collection on health department communicable disease investigators. As public health reporting moves in this direction, public health agencies will have some substantial tasks to correctly ingest, map and interpret the increased amounts of information that are contained in the eICR. Further, the advantages of case reporting will be dependent on automated processes within the communicable disease system to merge data and apply business rules to automatically process completed case reports for high volume diseases, such as STIs. This work will continue as providers are ready to submit reports from different vendor products from a near real-time production environment.
Forming Collaborations through the Data Quality Committee to Address Urgent Incidents
Authors: Collier Krystal S. , Crossen Sophia , Fitzgerald Courtney , Ciampaglio Kaitlyn , Radhakrishnan Lakshmi , Baber Jill
Published: May 2019

ObjectiveThe National Syndromic Surveillance Program (NSSP) Community of Practice (CoP) works to support syndromic surveillance by providing guidance and assistance to help resolve data issues and foster relationships between jurisdictions, stakeholders, and vendors. During this presentation, we will highlight the value of collaboration through the International Society for Disease Surveillance (ISDS) Data Quality Committee (DQC) between jurisdictional sites conducting syndromic surveillance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) NSSP, and electronic health record (EHR) vendors when vendor-specific errors are identified, using a recent incident to illustrate and discuss how this collaboration can work to address suspected data anomalies.IntroductionOn November 20, 2017, several sites participating in the NSSP reported anomalies in their syndromic data. Upon review, it was found that between November 17-18, an EHR vendor’s syndromic product experienced an outage and errors in processing data. The ISDS DQC, NSSP, a large EHR vendor, and many of the affected sites worked together to identify the core issues, evaluate ramifications, and formulate solutions to provide to the entire NSSP CoP.DescriptionOn November 20, 2017, several sites participating in the NSSP reported anomalies in their syndromic data. Upon review, it was found that between November 17-18, an EHR vendor’s syndromic product experienced an outage and errors in processing data. The ISDS DQC, NSSP, a large EHR vendor, and many of the affected sites worked together to identify the core issues, evaluate ramifications, and formulate solutions to provide to the entire NSSP CoP.How the Moderator Intends to Engage the Audience in Discussions on the TopicFollowing presentation of this information, the presenters will lead a discussion on how to improve the response, provide resolution, communicate expectations, and decrease the time required to resolve issues should a similar event happen in the future. Participants from all three stakeholder groups, sites conducting syndromic surveillance, the NSSP, and vendor representatives, will be invited to share their experiences, successes, and concerns.
Improving Varicella Investigation Completeness in Pennsylvania
Authors: Long Jonah , Fleming Wayne , Strick Janine
Published: May 2019

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of efforts made to improve the completeness of select varicella (chickenpox) case investigation variables.IntroductionRoutine childhood administration of varicella-containing vaccine has resulted in the number of varicella (chickenpox) cases in Pennsylvania falling from nearly 3,000 cases in 2007 to less than 400 cases in 2017. Prior to 2018, the completeness of varicella case investigation data documented in Pennsylvania’s electronic disease surveillance system (PA-NEDSS) was not routinely monitored by Department of Health (DOH) staff. A pilot project was initiated in April 2018 to monitor and improve completeness of select varicella case investigation variables.MethodsVaricella cases reported to PA-NEDSS during MMWR year 2018 (MMWR weeks 1 – 26) in Pennsylvania (excluding Philadelphia County) with a classification status of probable or confirmed were included in the pilot project (n=223). DOH epidemiology staff prioritized 11 key varicella investigation variables and developed a SAS program to identify cases with missing data, which were summarized in weekly reports and provided to DOH immunization staff for follow-up. DOH immunization staff reviewed missing data reports and communicated with case investigators to reconcile missing data. Varicella case data from the project period were compared with a 10-year baseline to evaluate the 11 targeted variables for change in percent completion.ResultsPercent completion of all 11 variables improved during the intervention period, with a median relative increase of 10.2% (range: 4.2% — 25.5%) compared to baseline. All but two variables (pregnancy status and number of days hospitalized) exhibited a statistically significant (p<0.05) improvement in percent completion. In addition, among eight variables that include an unknown response option, only one variable (number of varicella vaccine doses received) measured an increase in the percentage of unknown responses during the project period compared with baseline; however, this increase was not statistically significant (p=0.180).ConclusionsPrioritization of key varicella investigation variables for improved completion was successful and did not result in significant increases of unknown responses. As varicella cases become less common, varicella case investigation data become increasingly important. Increased completeness of these data will enhance DOH communication of varicella surveillance findings, particularly for severe cases. Based on the success of this interagency collaboration, similar efforts are being developed for additional reportable conditions.
C. burnetii Shedding Study In Domestic Animals in Georgia
Authors: Nikolaishvili Marine
Published: May 2019

ObjectiveQ fever is poorly understood in Georgia and its prevalence is largely underestimated in both humans and animals.One of the main goal of the project was shedding study in domestic animals – isolation of C. burnetii from suspected seropositive animal blood, milk samples.IntroductionQ fever is a zoonotic bacterial disease resulting from infection by Coxiella burnetii. Domestic ruminants (cattle, sheep, and goats) are considered the main reservoir for the pathogen, which can also infect humans. Q fever is poorly understood in Georgia and its prevalence is largely underestimated in both humans and animals.In Georgia Q fever laboratory diagnostic was started and implemented at the Laboratory of the Ministry of Georgia (LMA) within GG20 ,,Prevalence, Epidemiological Surveillance, and Laboratory Analysis of Coxiella burnetii in Georgia’’.MethodsLMA conducted Coxiella burnetii shedding evaluation in three specific farms from Kvemo Kartli (Tsalka, Dmanisi) and Mtskheta-Mtianeti (Dusheti). Seropositive cattle and small ruminants were sampled per week. Sampling lasted 7 weeks and totally 581 samples samples (blood, milk and swab) were tested. Testing were conducted in a BSL3 laboratory under BSL3 working conditions. ACCM medium was used (2XACCm-2 acidified Citrate Cysteine Medium PH-4.75G N NaOH). The samples were incubated at 37°C using CO2.ResultsAs a result of the study, one culture was bacteriologically isolated from seropositive cattle milk sample ( the sample was taken on the third week of the study in Beshtasheni farm, Tslka, Kvemo Kartli) and confirmed by Molecular biology (PCR).ConclusionsThe study confirmed Q fever existence in Georgia. Traditionally considered an obligate intracellular agent, the requirement to be grown in tissue culture cells, embryonated eggs, or animal hosts has made it difficult to isolate C. Burnetii strains. Within the study one culture was isolated from the seropositive animal milk sample that was collected in the third week of the study. shedding of Coxiella burnetii in milk by infected cows appeared to be the most frequent positive sample for the bacterium.