bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Multimodal Intervention for Improving the Mental Health and Emotional Well-being of College Students
Authors: Morton Darren P. , Hinze Jason , Craig Bevan , Herman Wendi , Kent Lillian , Beamish Peter , Renfrew Melanie , Przybylko Geraldine
Published: October 2017

This study examined the effectiveness of a 10-week multimodal intervention for improving the mental health and emotional well-being of college students when included as a mandatory component of the students’ course of study. A total of 67 students (20.9 ± 5.4 years, 30 male/37 female) participated in the intervention that introduced a variety of evidence-based strategies for improving mental health and emotional well-being from the Lifestyle Medicine and Positive Psychology literature. Significant reductions were recorded in symptoms of depression (−28%, P < .05), anxiety (−31%, P < .05), and stress (−28%, P < .01), whereas significant improvements were observed in mental health (18%, P < .01), vitality (14%, P < .01) and overall life satisfaction (8%, P < .05). Effect sizes were larger than those reported by studies that have examined the individual effectiveness of the strategies incorporated into the intervention, suggesting a compounding effect. Stratified analyses indicated that participants with the lowest measures of mental health and emotional well-being at baseline experienced the greatest benefits. The findings of the study suggest that meaningful improvements in the mental health and emotional well-being of college students can be achieved, and potentially magnified, by utilizing a multidisciplinary approach involving evidence-based strategies from Lifestyle Medicine and Positive Psychology.
Treatment of cranial dural arteriovenous fistulas with exclusive cortical venous drainage: A single-center cohort of 35 patients
Authors: Kortman HG , Bloemsma G , Boukrab I , Peluso JP , Sluzewski M , van der Pol B , Beute GN , Majoie CB , van Rooij WJ
Published: October 2017

Background and purpose

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) with cortical venous drainage often present with hemorrhage or neurological deficits and prompt treatment is indicated. Disconnection of the draining vein is considered curative. We present the multimodality treatment results of 35 patients with cranial DAVFs with exclusive cortical venous drainage.

Materials and methods

Between January 2010 and January 2017, 35 consecutive patients with cranial dural fistulas with exclusive cortical venous drainage were treated. There were 27 men and eight women, mean age 68 years (range 45–87). Clinical presentation was hemorrhage in 23 (66%), pulsatile bruit in two (6%), seizures in one (3%) and blurred vision in one (3%). In eight patients (22%), the DAVF was an incidental finding. Location of the DAVFs was convexity in 25 (71%), posterior fossa in eight (23%) and tentorium in two (6%).

Results

Surgery was performed in four patients with anterior cranial fossa fistulas and in one patient with a tentorial dural fistula. In 30 patients, embolization with Onyx via the arterial route was the primary treatment with complete obliteration in one session in 25 patients. Additional surgical or endovascular sessions were necessary in five patients after incomplete embolization and in one patient after incomplete surgery. Obliteration was confirmed with angiography after three months. There were no procedural complications.

Conclusions

Patients with dural fistulas with cortical venous drainage were cured with a strategy of arterial endovascular treatment with Onyx and surgery. These techniques were either primarily successful or complementary. There were no complications of treatment.
Ready or not? Pharmacist perceptions of a changing injection scope of practice before it happens
Authors: Foong Esther Ai-Leng , Edwards David J. , Houle Sherilyn , Grindrod Kelly A.
Published: October 2017

Background:

Since 2012, Ontario pharmacists have been authorized to administer the influenza vaccine. In April 2016, the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) proposed to expand the Pharmacy Act to allow pharmacists to vaccinate against 13 additional conditions. The OCP held an online public consultation and invited pharmacists, members of the public and organizations to weigh in on the proposed changes. Our objective was to explore the factors influencing how Ontario pharmacists may adopt or reject an expanding scope of practice, using data from the public consultation.

Methods:

We coded the responses to the public consultation in 2 ways: 1) sentiment analysis and 2) an integrative approach to coding using Rogers’s diffusion of innovations theory across 5 domains: relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability and observability.

Results:

Responses from pharmacists, the public and organizations were moderately positive on average. Pharmacists most commonly mentioned relative advantages, including benefits for patients, pharmacists, physicians and the health system. Positive responses focused on accessibility for patients, improved vaccine coverage, lower health care spending and freed physician time but cited lack of prescribing privileges as a barrier to the proposed changes. Negative responses focused on increased workload, patient safety concerns and the complexity of travel medicine.

Conclusions:

The expanded immunization services are likely to be well received by most pharmacists. Convenience and accessibility for patients were commonly cited benefits, but the changes will be only a slight improvement over the current system unless pharmacists can prescribe these vaccines. Although employers responded positively, the question remains whether they will support pharmacists in a way that aligns with pharmacists’ values and expectations. Decision makers must pay close attention to the pharmacy infrastructure and how this will affect uptake of these services. Recognition of this, combined with pharmacists’ positive perceptions of the expanded scope, will facilitate smooth integration of this legislation into Ontario pharmacy practice.
Implications of façades’ visual reflectance for buildings’ thermal performance
Authors: Azarnejad Araz , Mahdavi Ardeshir
Published: October 2017

The surface properties of building façades have implications for thermal performance of buildings and might also influence outdoor thermal comfort conditions for pedestrians. A surface property, which is frequently used by building engineers and specially architects, is the visual reflectance. In this article, effects of façades’ visual reflectance on thermal aspects of building performance have been investigated in two parts. In the first part, the result of a field study is presented. The study explores the relationship between the visual reflectance of actual building façades and the corresponding surface temperatures. A number of buildings with diverse façade colors were selected. Surface temperatures were measured via infrared thermography. Façades’ visual reflectance was derived via simultaneous measurement of the illuminance on the façades and their luminance. Furthermore, incident solar radiation, ambient air temperature, and relative humidity were measured. The results of the field study display a non-random relationship between the building façades’ visual reflectance and their surface temperatures. The second part of the research involved the deployment of a calibrated simulation tool toward exploring the impact of façades’ visual reflectance on thermal performance of buildings. The results suggest that the magnitude of visual reflectance has little impact on indoor temperature and heating demand in case of façades with external insulation layer but may influence cooling loads in case of non-insulated buildings.
Comparison of impact performance between youth and varsity football helmets
Authors: Sproule David W , Rowson Steven
Published: October 2017

Current youth football helmets, intended for players under the age of 14 years, are similar in design and are tested according to the same standards as varsity football helmets. This study evaluated the impact performance of comparable youth and adult varsity football helmets. Eight youth and eight varsity helmet models were evaluated using an impact pendulum with a modified National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment medium-sized headform mounted on a Hybrid III 50th percentile neck. Four locations on the helmet shell were tested at three impact velocities for three trials, totaling 576 impact tests. Linear acceleration, rotational acceleration, and a concussion correlate were recorded for each test and a comparison between the youth and varsity helmets was made. Results showed that the age group the helmet is intended for did not have a significant effect on the impact performance of the helmet in linear acceleration, rotational acceleration, or concussion correlate. These results are likely due to the similarities in helmet design resulting from being tested to the same standard. Although it is unknown how a youth helmet should differ from a varsity helmet, differences in impact exposure, anthropometry, physiology, and injury tolerance are factors to consider. These data serve as a reference point for future youth-specific helmet design and helmet standards.
A concentric tube anchor system for fiber-reinforced polymer retrofit of reinforced concrete structural walls under extreme loads
Authors: Lau David T , Woods Joshua E
Published: October 2017

In reinforced concrete elements strengthened with fiber-reinforced polymer sheets, premature debonding of the fiber-reinforced polymer from the concrete substrate occurs due to lack of anchorage, which reduces the efficiency of the retrofitting system. This article reviews several common anchor systems and describes the development, optimization, and testing of a steel tube anchor in retrofit of reinforced concrete structural elements using externally bonded fiber-reinforced polymer sheets suitable for application to improve resistance against extreme load conditions (e.g. blast, impact, or an earthquake). A detailed review of common anchor designs including the proposed tube anchor based on previous studies on flexure-dominated fiber-reinforced polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete shear walls is presented. In this study, finite element analysis is conducted to verify the observed behavior and better understand the deformation mechanisms of the tube anchor. Finite element modeling is then used to evaluate the influence of different design parameters on its performance and propose a design methodology that can be used to optimize the tube anchor design. To verify the performance of the optimized tube anchor, it is tested in an experimental program on the in-plane seismic strengthening of two shear-dominated squat walls strengthened using fiber-reinforced polymer sheets. Experimental results reveal that the optimized tube anchor performs well in preventing premature debonding and allows the fiber-reinforced polymer composite to achieve a higher level of strain when compared to an alternative anchor system. Finally, a set of design steps for the implementation of the tube anchor in fiber-reinforced polymer retrofit applications for reinforced concrete shear walls are presented.
Food for Life: evaluation of the impact of the Hospital Food Programme in England using a case study approach
Authors: Gray Selena , Orme Judy , Pitt Hannah , Jones Matthew
Published: October 2017

Objectives

To evaluate the impact and challenges of implementing a Food for Life approach within three pilot NHS sites in 2014/2015 in England. Food for Life is an initiative led by the Soil Association, a non-governmental organisation in the UK that aims to encourage a healthy, sustainable food culture across communities.

Design

A case-study approach was undertaken using semi-structured interviews with staff and key stakeholders together with analysis of relevant documents such as meeting minutes, strategic plans and reports.

Setting

Three NHS Trusts in England.

Participants

Staff and key stakeholders.

Main outcome measures

Synthesis of key findings from semi-structured interviews and analysis of relevant documents.

Results

Key themes included the potential to influence contracting processes; measuring quality; food for staff and visitors; the role of food in hospitals, and longer term sustainability and impact. Participants reported that adopting the Food for Life approach had provided enormous scope to improve the quality of food in hospital settings and had provided levers and external benchmarks for use in contracting to help drive up standards of the food provided by external contractors for patients and staff. This was demonstrated by the achievement of an FFLCM for staff and visitor catering in all three organisations.

Conclusions

Participants all felt that the importance of food in hospitals is not always recognised. Engagement with Food for Life can produce a significant change in the focus on food within hospitals, and help to improve the quality of food and mealtime experience for staff, visitors and patients.
Surgical Management of Neonatal Ebstein’s Anomaly Associated With Circular Shunt
Authors: Elzein Chawki , Subramanian Sujata , Ilbawi Michel
Published: October 2017

Ebstein’s anomaly is a rare congenital cardiac malformation that may present in the neonatal period with life-threatening physiologic derangement, especially when it is associated with circular shunt. Urgent surgical intervention is critical for survival because of hemodynamic compromise. We review our experience with surgical management of neonates with Ebstein’s anomaly associated with circular shunt and review the literature for similar reported cases. The underlying pathophysiology and different options of treatment are discussed.
Annulo-Nucleoplasty Using Disc-Fx in the Management of Degenerative Lumbar Disc Pathology: How Long Can the Effect Last?
Authors: Kumar Naresh , Zaw Aye Sandar , Kumar Nishant , Sonawane Dhiraj , Hey Hwee Weng Dennis , Kumar Aravind
Published: October 2017

Study Design:

Prospective analysis.

Objectives:

To evaluate 2-year clinical outcomes in patients undergoing Disc-FX for the management of low back pain (LBP) due to degenerate disc (DD) or contained lumbar disc herniation (CLDH). To study salient factors that can potentially influence the clinical outcomes.

Methods:

We analyzed the prospectively collected data of 51 patients who underwent Disc-FX procedure for DD or CLDH, nonresponsive to 6 months of nonoperative treatment. Clinical outcome measures collected were visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and MacNab scores. These preoperative values were compared with respective values at immediate, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperation. Minimum clinically important difference values for these outcomes in accordance with previously published data was used to evaluate the effectiveness of Disc-FX intervention.

Results:

Of 51 patients, 84% had DD and 16% had CLDH. Significant improvement ( P < .01) in VAS and ODI scores was observed at all assessment periods compared to the respective preoperative values. Based on the MacNab scores, there was significant increase ( P < .01) in the proportion of patients with excellent/good MacNab outcomes at each time point after the procedure; 78% achieving excellent/good outcomes at 2-year follow-up. Ease of access to the disc space was significantly influencing VAS, ODI, and MacNab scores at 1-year and 2-year follow-ups. VAS and MacNab scores were negatively influenced by high body mass index and smoking status at 6 and 12 months postoperation.

Conclusions:

Our data suggests that Disc-FX may be helpful in selected patients with symptomatic degenerative disc disease providing favorable outcomes lasting up to 2 years or more. The results were more favorable in patients with easier access to disc space.
Consistent Condom Use with Paying and Nonpaying Partners among Female Sex Workers in Iran: Findings of a National Biobehavioral Survey
Authors: Karamouzian Mohammad , Sadeghirad Behnam , Sharifi Hamid , Sedaghat Abbas , Haghdoost Ali Akbar , Mirzazadeh Ali
Published: October 2017

Objectives:

Little is known about the dynamics of condom use among female sex workers (FSWs) in Iran. We investigated the correlates of consistent condom use (CCU) among FSWs, using data from a national biobehavioral surveillance survey in 2010.

Methods:

A total of 872 FSWs were recruited using a facility-based sampling strategy from 21 sites in 13 cities in Iran. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a standardized questionnaire.

Results:

Overall, 33.6% and 17.3% of FSWs reported CCU with paying and nonpaying sex partners, respectively. Consistent condom use with paying partners was significantly associated with temporary marriage, accessing family planning services and history of working in brothels. Conversely, temporary marriage or married status, condom rupture/slippage, and HIV seropositivity remained independently significantly associated with CCU with nonpaying sex partners.

Conclusion:

Our findings indicated the urgent need for scaling up condom promotion interventions catered toward FSWs and their sex partners to practice safe sex consistently.
The roles of capitals in building capacity to address urban flooding in the shift to a new water management approach
Authors: Plummer Ryan , Renzetti Steven , Bullock Ryan , Melo Zurita Maria de Lourdes , Baird Julia , Dupont Diane , Smith Timothy , Thomsen Dana
Published: October 2017

Stresses on water resources are considerable and will intensify in the future due to climatic and non-climatic drivers. The emerging shift from science-based command and control ‘old’ water management approach to a dynamic and integrative systems view of water—a ‘new’ water management approach—was explored using the concept of capacity, operationalized using the livelihoods capitals approach (i.e. physical, natural, financial, human and social capitals), as a conceptual lens in a multiple case study of notable cases of urban flooding from Canada and Australia. The findings show that there are changing conceptualizations of capacity in both cases over time. Physical and financial capitals have been emphasized for decades and are associated with the old water management approach, responding to major flood events with the construction of large control structures. While the importance of these capital inputs persists, the approach to building capacity under the emergence of the new water management approach places an increasing relative emphasis on social and human capitals. The lack of emphasis on natural capital persisted over time and should be considered explicitly in flood management. This study demonstrates how the capitals approach contributes to the very much needed understanding of how the shift from the old to a new water management approach is being expressed for both present-day decisions and long-term trajectories.
Applying a statistical method in transvaginal ultrasound training: lessons from the learning curve cumulative summation test (LC-CUSUM) for endometriosis mapping
Authors: Eisenberg Vered H. , Alcazar Juan L. , Arbib Nissim , Schiff Eyal , Achiron Reuven , Goldenberg Motti , Soriano David
Published: October 2017

Background

Methods available for assessing the learning curve, such as a predefined number of procedures or direct mentoring are lacking. Our aim was to describe the use of a statistical method to identify the minimal training length of an experienced sonographer, newly trained in deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) mapping by evaluating the learning curve of transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) in the preoperative assessment of endometriosis.

Methods

A retrospective study in a tertiary referral center for endometriosis. Reports and stored data from TVUS scans performed by one operator with training in general gynecological ultrasound, but not in endometriosis mapping, were analyzed retrospectively for patients who subsequently underwent laparoscopy, which served as a reference standard. The performance of TVUS was assessed for the following sites: endometriomas, bladder, vagina, pouch of Douglas, bowel and uterosacral ligaments, and correlated with laparoscopic findings. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy were calculated, and the operator’s diagnostic performance was assessed using the learning curve cumulative summation test (LC-CUSUM).

Results

Data from 94 women were available for analysis. The learning curve using the LC-CUSUM graph showed that the sonographer reached the predefined level of proficiency in detecting endometriosis lesions after 20, 26, 32, 31, 38, and 44 examinations for endometriomas, bladder nodules, vaginal nodules, pouch of Douglas obliteration, bowel nodules, and uterosacral ligament nodules, respectively.

Conclusions

LC-CUSUM allows monitoring of individual performance during the learning process of new methodologies. This study shows that a sonographer trained in general gynecologic ultrasonography, who devotes time to learn TVUS for DIE mapping, can achieve proficiency for diagnosing the major types of endometriotic lesions after examining less than 50 patients who subsequently undergo surgery in a training setting.
An anelliptic approximation for geometric spreading in transversely isotropic and orthorhombic media
Authors: Xu Shibo , Stovas Alexey , Sripanich Yanadet
Published: October 2017

The relative geometric spreading along the raypath contributes to the amplitude decay of the seismic wave propagation that needs to be considered for amplitude variation with offset or other seismic data processing methods that require the true amplitude processing. Expressing the P-wave geometric spreading factor in terms of the offset-traveltime-based parameters is a more practical and convenient way because these parameters can be estimated from the nonhyperbolic velocity analysis. We have developed an anelliptic approximation for the relative geometric spreading of P-wave in a homogeneous transversely isotropic medium with vertical symmetry axis (VTI) and an orthorhombic (ORT) medium under the acoustic anisotropy assumption. The coefficients in our approximation are only defined within the symmetry planes and computed from fitting with the exact parametric expression. For an ORT model, due to the symmetric behavior in different symmetry planes, the other coefficients in the approximation can be easily obtained by making corresponding changes in indices from the computed coefficients in one symmetry plane. From the numerical examples, we found that for a homogeneous VTI model, the anelliptic approximation is more accurate than the generalized nonhyperbolic moveout approximation form for larger offset. For a homogeneous ORT model, our anelliptic approximation is more accurate than its traveltime-based counterparts. Using the Dix-type equations for the effective parameters, our anelliptic form approximation is extended to a multilayered VTI and ORT models and has accurate results in both models.
Physiological mechanisms constraining ectotherm fright-dive performance at elevated temperatures
Authors: Rodgers Essie M. , Franklin Craig E.
Published: October 2017

Survival of air-breathing, diving ectotherms is dependent on their capacity to optimise the time available for obligate underwater activities, such as predator avoidance. Submergence times are thermally sensitive, with dive durations significantly reduced by increases in water temperature, deeming these animals particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The physiological mechanisms underlying this compromised performance are unclear but are hypothesised to be linked to increased oxygen demand and a reduced capacity for metabolic depression at elevated temperatures. Here, we investigated how water temperature (both acute and chronic exposures) affected the physiology of juvenile estuarine crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) performing predator avoidance dives (i.e. fright-dives). Diving oxygen consumption, ‘fright’ bradycardia, haematocrit and haemoglobin (indicators of blood oxygen carrying capacity) were assessed at two test temperatures, reflective of different climate change scenarios (i.e. current summer water temperatures, 28°C, and ‘high’ climate warming, 34°C). Diving oxygen consumption rate increased threefold between 28 and 34°C (Q10=7.4). The capacity to depress oxygen demand was reduced at elevated temperatures, with animals lowering oxygen demand from surface levels by 52.9±27.8% and 27.8±16.5% (means±s.e.m.) at 28°C and 34°C, respectively. Resting and post-fright-dive haematocrit and haemoglobin were thermally insensitive. Together these findings suggest decrements in fright-dive performance at elevated temperatures stem from increased oxygen demand coupled with a reduced capacity for metabolic depression.
Molecular plasticity and functional enhancements of leg muscles in response to hypergravity in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Schilder Rudolf J. , Raynor Megan
Published: October 2017

Studies of organismal and tissue biomechanics have clearly demonstrated that musculoskeletal design is strongly dependent on experienced loads, which can vary in the short term, as a result of growth during life history and during the evolution of animal body size. However, how animals actually perceive and make adjustments to their load-bearing musculoskeletal elements that accommodate variation in their body weight is poorly understood. We developed an experimental model system that can be used to start addressing these open questions, and uses hypergravity centrifugation to experimentally manipulate the loads experienced by Drosophila melanogaster. We examined effects of this manipulation on leg muscle alternative splicing of the sarcomere gene troponin T (Dmel\up; Fbgn0004169, herein referred to by its synonym TnT), a process that was previously demonstrated to precisely correlate with quantitative variation in body weight in Lepidoptera and rat. In a similar fashion, hypergravity centrifugation caused fast (i.e. within 24 h) changes to fly leg muscle TnT alternative splicing that correlated with body weight variation across eight D. melanogaster lines. Hypergravity treatment also appeared to enhance leg muscle function, as centrifuged flies showed an increased negative geotaxis response and jump ability. Although the identity and location of the sensors and effectors involved remains unknown, our results provide further support for the existence of an evolutionarily conserved mechanism that translates signals that encode body weight into appropriate skeletal muscle molecular and functional responses.
Controlling thoracic pressures in cetaceans during a breath-hold dive: importance of the diaphragm
Authors: Lillie Margo A. , Vogl A. Wayne , Raverty Stephen , Haulena Martin , McLellan William A. , Stenson Garry B. , Shadwick Robert E.
Published: October 2017

Internal pressures change throughout a cetacean's body during swimming or diving, and uneven pressures between the thoracic and abdominal compartments can affect the cardiovascular system. Pressure differentials could arise from ventral compression on each fluke downstroke or by a faster equilibration of the abdominal compartment with changing ambient ocean pressures compared with the thoracic compartment. If significant pressure differentials do develop, we would expect the morphology of the diaphragm to adapt to its in vivo loading. Here, we tested the hypothesis that significant pressure differentials develop between the thoracic and abdominal cavities in diving cetaceans by examining diaphragms from several cetacean and pinniped species. We found that: (1) regions of cetacean diaphragms possess subserosal collagen fibres that would stabilize the diaphragm against craniocaudal stretch; (2) subserosal collagen covers 5–60% of the thoracic diaphragm surface, and area correlates strongly with published values for swimming speed of each cetacean species (P<0.001); and (3) pinnipeds, which do not locomote by vertical fluking, do not possess this subserosal collagen. These results strongly suggest that this collagen is associated with loads experienced during a dive, and they support the hypothesis that diving cetaceans experience periods during which abdominal pressures significantly exceed thoracic pressures. Our results are consistent with the generation of pressure differentials by fluking and by different compartmental equilibration rates. Pressure differentials during diving would affect venous and arterial perfusion and alter transmural pressures in abdominal arteries.
Treatment of Spent Ion Exchange Resins in Nuclear Industry
Authors: Строкин А. , Strokin A. , Валов А. , Valov A.
Published: October 2017

This work is devoted to development of domestic technology for ion exchange resins treatment (conditioning) in the nuclear industry. In the work has been carried out the analysis of a number of domestic technologies applied to treatment of liquid radioactive waste for the purpose of their knots use for developed technological chain’s cost reduction. The analysis of perspective foreign technologies which are already used for ion exchange resins conditioning has been carried out as well. According to analysis report has been proposed the domestic technology for ion exchange resins conditioning with application of polymeric binding. The resulting experimental conditioned matrix obtained with this technology meets the modern requirements imposed to the final product of treatment, is convenient during the transporting and storage, at the same time it is close to foreign samples on key parameters.
Science metering analysis of science intensive technologies development for physic-chemical treatment
Authors: Моргунов Юрий , Morgunov Yuryi
Published: October 2017

A science metering analysis of the dynamics of science intensive technologies development in mechanical engineering is shown. It is shown, that a new scientific direction – a cluster of methods and technologies of material physic-chemical treatment is formed. It is shown, that under conditions of limited resources a choice of priority directions of development becomes urgent as never before. The absence of objective criteria in the assessment and procedure of the priority directions choice affects financing research works and rates of separate technological directions development.
Statistical Analysis of Annual Floods in Amur River’s Downstream on Long-Term Data
Authors: Косыгин Владимир , Kosygin Vladimir , Махинов А. , Mahinov A. , Ахтямов М. , Ahtyamov M. , Катин В. , Katin V.
Published: October 2017

The statistical analysis of annual floods (annual extremely high levels of floods) in the Amur River’s downstream for all period of instrumental observations from 1896 till 2016 has been carried out. It has been demonstrated, that the general totality of floods extreme levels has the first type of probability distribution for maximum values. Have been defined analytical expressions for probability distribution functions of levels’ general totalities for the period of intensive economic development of the Amur River basin (1961–2016), period of its small economic development (1896–1960), and for all period of water levels’ instrumental observations (1896–2016). Comparison of the Amur River basin’s small and intensive economic development periods has shown that at the intensive economic development risks of large-scale floods on the Amur River exceeding levels of 6.00 and 8.08 meters have decreased approximately two times, and these floods’ average recurrence intervals have increased approximately two times. Thus, intensive economic activity during the period from 1961 till 2016 has improved the flood situation on the Amur River. In addition, the intensive economic development of the Amur River basin has resulted in the most probable water level decrease by 0.5 meter.
The Main Indicators of the Teacher Growth Model, Aimed at Supporting Schools with Low Educational Outcomes
Authors: Курносова С. , Kurnosova S. , Шевелева Н. , Sheveleva N. , Баграмян Э. , Bagramyan E.
Published: October 2017

One of the topical problems of Russian education is to improve the quality of education in schools with low educational outcomes. Important factors in improving the quality of training and education of the younger generation are the professional growth of teachers, their career and social growth. The article presents indicators and factors of the eff ectiveness of the implementation of the model of teacher growth in schools with low educational outcomes. The material was prepared in the framework of the event 2.2 “Improving the quality of education in schools with low learning outcomes and in schools operating under adverse social conditions through the implementation of regional projects and dissemination of their results”, tasks 2 “Development of modern mechanisms and technologies of general education” of the Federal Target Program Development of education for 2016-2020.
Topicality, Tendencies and Problems of Introduction of the Concept of Development of Technological Education in General Education System of the Russian Federation
Authors: Бершадская Е. , Bershadskaya E. , Бершадский М. , Bershadskiy M. , Лутцева Е. , Lutceva E. , Семибратов Алексей , Semibratov Aleksey , Осипова М. , Osipova M.
Published: October 2017

The article considers trends in technological education in the Russian Federation and urgent problems of introduction of the subject Concept. The analysis of the necessary normative-legal support of introduction of Concepts and training programs for compliance Concept is presented.
Vungle Inc. Improves Monetization Using Big Data Analytics
Authors: De Reyck Bert , Fragkos Ioannis , Grushka-Cockayne Yael , Lichtendahl Casey , Guerin Hammond , Kritzer Andrew
Published: October 2017

The advent of big data has created opportunities for firms to customize their products and services to unprecedented levels of granularity. Using big data to personalize an offering in real time, however, remains a major challenge. In the mobile advertising industry, once a customer enters the network, an ad-serving decision must be made in a matter of milliseconds. In this work, we describe the design and implementation of an ad-serving algorithm that incorporates machine-learning methods to make personalized ad-serving decisions within milliseconds. We developed this algorithm for Vungle Inc., one of the largest global mobile ad networks. Our approach also addresses other important issues that most ad networks face, such as user fatigue, budget restrictions, and campaign pacing. In an A/B test versus the company’s legacy algorithm, our algorithm generated a 23 percent increase in revenue per 1,000 impressions. Across the company’s network, this increase represents a $1 million increase in monthly revenue.
Optimization of Multidisciplinary Staffing Improves Patient Experiences at the Mayo Clinic
Authors: Sir Mustafa Y. , Nestler David , Hellmich Thomas , Das Devashish , Laughlin Michael J. , Dohlman Michon C. , Pasupathy Kalyan
Published: October 2017

Common approaches to emergency department (ED) staffing are to optimize shifts based on historical patient volume or arrival patterns. The former is problematic because historical patient volumes are based on the volumes during existing shifts. Therefore, optimizing shifts based on these volumes can replicate the inefficiencies in these shifts. The latter approach ignores queueing effects. To address the shortcomings of these commonly used approaches, we use classification and regression trees to identify thresholds for patient-to-staff ratios, which split the patient subpopulations into two groups that have different empirical cumulative distribution functions (ecdfs) for patients’ lengths of stay in the ED; one has an extended length and the other has a shorter length. We apply these thresholds and ecdfs to historical patient volumes to calculate an ideal patient volume. After accounting for arrival patterns of ED patients, ideal patient volumes represent the load on the entire ED if patient-to-staff ratios are always kept under the identified thresholds. We then use a mixed-integer programming model to minimize understaffing with respect to the ideal patient volumes. The ED at Mayo Clinic Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, a trauma center for both adults and pediatrics, implemented the new shift templates in the fourth quarter of 2015. The templates resulted in statistically significant improvements in several patient-centered metrics. In particular, the median length of stay, door-to-provider time, and door-to-bed time decreased by 11, 2.7, and 3 minutes, respectively, despite a six percent increase in patient volume.
Distribution Strategies Toward Nanostores in Emerging Markets: The Valencia Case
Authors: Boulaksil Youssef , Belkora M. Jaafar
Published: October 2017

In many megacities in emerging markets, customers typically buy products for their daily needs from small retailers (nanostores). Distributing these products, such as water, soap, and cooking oil, to the nanostores is a challenging task, mainly because the nanostores have limited cash availability and they make decisions randomly. In this paper, we compare the performance of two commonly used distribution strategies: the presales strategy and the van sales strategy. Our analysis is based on a study we conducted in Casablanca in collaboration with Valencia, a fruit juice manufacturer. The study reveals several insights that are useful to manufacturers who face challenges in distributing goods in large cities in emerging markets.
Developing A Service Improvement System for the National Dutch Railways
Authors: Verhoef Peter C. , Heijnsbroek Martin , Bosma Joost
Published: October 2017

Customer satisfaction is essential for public and railway services, because firms in these industries have contracts with governments requiring them to achieve specific customer satisfaction targets. In this paper, we describe a National Dutch Railways project in which we identify the major determinants of customer satisfaction. By combining multiple data sources, we link operational and marketing data to customer satisfaction. Our models show that train punctuality and sufficient seating within a train are important factors in customer satisfaction, as are other service elements, such as the availability of Wi-Fi in a train and the condition of facilities at a station. Drawing on the model results, the National Dutch Railways pursued initiatives to increase customer satisfaction. Among these initiatives is the development of an application that allows passengers to check seating availability, the design of a marketing dashboard reflecting developments in customer satisfaction, and the creation of a tool to identify the most critical determinants of customer satisfaction.
The use of intense pulsed light therapy in the treatment of acne vulgariss
Authors: Grove Jodie
Published: October 2017

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is not the single most effective treatment for acne vulgaris. However, light therapy can result in a significant short-term improvement in symptoms, making IPL a low-risk, accessible treatment modality for this skin condition. Research is starting to show the benefits of tailoring or combining IPL with other treatments; although undoubtedly an important factor in the effectiveness of any IPL treatment remains the competency of the practitioner themselves. The ability to take a holistic overview of the patient's symptoms, and then customise and target interventions, is key to a treatment plan optimally tailored to meet individual needs. The majority of studies in this area have involved small sample groups and reviewed short-term outcomes. With this in mind, more in-depth studies are required if aesthetic practitioners are to understand the full potential of IPL in the treatment of acne.
Assessment and management of the mature female face with dermal fillers
Authors: Rahe Emma
Published: October 2017

The assessment and management of the mature female face can often pose a challenge with regard to treatment planning, with so many procedures now available to aesthetic practitioners and patients. This article discusses considerations that should be taken into account when treating this patient group with dermal fillers and attempts to give clarity and guidance on the vast array of available treatments. Techniques such as needle vs cannula are discussed and both techniques have their unique benefits; however, cannulas are widely recommended for the more mature face, to provide natural results. Product choice is also discussed; the author shares her experience with a range of hyaluronic acid fillers, broadly discussing rheological differences between products and outlining the reasons for choice of filler for one particular mature female patient. The author provides an outline of the anatomy of the ageing face and how these changes can help practitioners decide on practical applications of dermal fillers. It is hoped that this article will give a helpful overview of the treatment of the mature female, which is very relevant to most practitioners, given that a large proportion of patients fit into this category.
Early identification of wound infection: understanding wound odour
Authors: Ousey K , Roberts D , Gefen A
Published: October 2017

Malodorous wounds can be distressing for patients and their families, negatively impacting on quality-of-life outcomes. For health professionals malodorous wounds can also cause distress manifesting in feelings of disgust when faced with a wound emitting an unpleasant or repulsive odour. There has been investigation into the management of controlling odour particularly in relation to fungating wounds. However, there is limited research that explores techniques for early identification and recognition of wound odours that may be indicative of infection. Electronic nose technology has received some attention, but to date has not been integrated into either diagnostics of infection in wounds or education of health professionals to prepare them for the realities of clinical practice.
An Automated Complex Word Identification from Text: A Survey
Authors: Singh Jaspreet , Singh Gurvinder , Virk Rajinder Singh
Published: October 2017

Complex Word Identification (CWI) is the process of locating difficult words from a given sentence. The aim of automated CWI system is to make non-native English user understand the meaning of target word in the sentence. CWI systems assist second language learners and dyslexic users through simplification of text. This study introduces the CWI process and investigates the performance of twenty systems submitted in the SemEval -2016 for CWI. The G-score measure which is harmonic mean of accuracy and recall is taken for the performance evaluation of systems. This paper explores twenty CWI systems and identifies that why sv000gg system outperformed with highest G-score as 0.773 and 0.774 for the two respective submissions.
A Soft Approach to Estimate Woody Volume of a Live Tree
Authors: SINGLA NIKITA , SINGH DERMINDER
Published: October 2017

Tree volume is one of the oldest areas of interest and is a crucial task in tree management system. Estimating the woody volume of a live tree is important for economic, scientific purposes and provides a tool to researcher/grower. It provides the useful information about the commercial value of wood to the potential buyer/seller. However, manual methods are being used largely to calculate woody volume of a tree. These methods are based on different log rules, cumbersome and laborious. The present work proposed a digital image processing technique to estimate the woody volume of a live tree. The developed program successfully determines the woody volume of standing tree trunk with MATLAB image processing techniques. In this method three parameters an individual tree were extracted from digital images of the tree. Calibration factor was also calculated to make the method independent of camera distance from the tree. The method was tested on several samples of trees and compared to experimental results. The soft approach generates information about height, diameter and volume of the tree. The percentage error of height, diameter at breast height and volume of standing tree by proposed method and experimental results was found to be less than 6.65%.
Development of Program in VB to Compute Tractor Parameters on Automatic Steering
Authors: Parmar Raghuvirsinh , Karwasra Nitin , Verma Aseem , Dogra Baldev
Published: October 2017

A comprehensible Visual Basic (VB) computer program is developed to find out the tractor parameters for an automated steering system. Tractor parameters such as real wheel and front wheel trajectory coordinates, clockwise front and rear wheel angle and corrected front and rear wheel angle can be calculated. Front wheel trajectory data, rear wheel trajectory, distance between front and rear wheel(X13), Tractor velocity vector(V) and Tractor turning angle with center line are input variables for developed software. The tractor parameters are being calculated with the help of mathematical model which are already fed in program. The developed program successfully calculates the tractor parameters on automated steering . This developed software could guide an autonomous agricultural tractor in the field. Furthermore, software navigates agricultural tractor both in straight or curved path at normal field operational speed.
Performance Analysis, Comparative Survey of Various Classification Techniques in Spam Mail Filtering
Authors: Priti Dr. , Uma Uma
Published: October 2017

One of the most common methods of communication involves the use of e-mail for personal messages or for business purposes. One of the major concerns of using the emails is the problem of e-mail spam. The worst part of the spam emails is that, these are invading the users without their consent and bombarding of these spam mails fills up the whole email space of the user along with that, the issue of the wasting the network capacity and time consumption in checking and deleting the spam mails makes it even more concerning issue. With the increasing demand of removing the e-mail spams the area has become magnetic to the researchers. This paper intends to present the performance comparison analysis of various pre-existing classification technique. This paper discusses about spam mails in section (I), In section (II) various feature selection methods are discussed , In section (III) classification techniques concept in spam filtering has been elaborated, In section (IV) existing algorithms for classification are discussed and are compared. In section (V) concludes the paper giving brief summary of the work.
PENGARUH PENERAPAN E-TICKETING TERHADAP TINGKAT KEPUASAN DAN LOYALITAS PENGGUNA JASA KERETA
Authors: Surniandari Artika , Hasan Haryani
Published: October 2017

Tiket merupakan syarat untuk dapat menggunakan fasilitas perjalanan kereta.  Pada perkembangannya sistem ticketing kereta api mengalami beberapa perubahan. Kereta api jabodetabek pun tak luput dari perubahan, saat ini tiket terbagi 2 jenis yaitu tiket untuk satu kali perjalanan dan kartu berlangganan. Pada kesempatan ini kami mencoba membuat penelitian yang akan menyajikan data pengaruh penerapan e-ticketing pada kereta commuterline jabodetabek terhadap tingkat kepuasan dan loyalitas pengguna jasanya yang dalam hal ini adalah pengguna kartu berlangganan atau yang dikenal dengan kartu Multitrip. Dengan menggunakan metode Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) dengan software AMOS yang dapat mengistemasi model pada model persamaan struktural (SEM). Dengan penelitian ini diharapkan dapat dianalisa apakah penerapan e-ticketing pada commuterline jabodetabek menjadikan para penumpangnya merasakan manfaatnya dan memilih untuk menjadi pelanggan tetap dan memilih tiket multitrip sebagai tiket disetiap perjalannya dengan menggunakan jasa commuterline.

Kata Kunci : Kepuasan dan Loyalitas, Kereta Jabodetabek