bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving accuracy of road projects’ estimates in the Ghanaian construction industry
Authors: Akinradewo Opeoluwa Israel , Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis , Oke Ayodeji Emmanuel 
Published: July 2020

Purpose
The inaccuracy of preliminary estimates sometimes results in wasted development effort if the project is abandoned. To curb this menace, this study aims to assess the different measures to improve the accuracy of road project estimates.

Design/methodology/approach
Quantitative research design was used for this study, and questionnaire was designed to retrieve data from the target population. Engineers and quantity surveyors in Accra, Ghana formed the target population and were contacted by using an e-questionnaire through their professional bodies owing to location constraints. Descriptive and exploratory factor analyses were used in analysing the retrieved data. Mann–Whitney U non-parametric test was also used to compare the opinions of the respondents.

Findings
The study revealed that factors categorised as due diligence by estimator should be given more attention for accuracy of estimates to be improved.

Research limitations/implications
This study was limited to Accra, Ghana owing to time and distance constraint.

Practical implications
Proper consideration must be given to preliminary site investigation when preparing the estimates for road projects. This will provide the estimator with information on the physical features of the project environment.

Originality/value
Defined clusters of measures to improve estimate accuracy as highlighted in this study rather than merely ranked variables which are done by previous research studies will set the tone and provide insights for effective stakeholders’ actions. The study also bridges the gap between theory and practice by outlining how the findings can be implemented practically to achieve more accurate preliminary estimate for road projects. With efforts aligned with the core characteristics of each cluster, accuracy can be improved.
A trait‐based approach to assessing resistance and resilience to wildfire in two iconic North American conifers
Authors: Rodman Kyle C. , Veblen Thomas T. , Andrus Robert A. , Enright Neal J. , Fontaine Joseph B. , Gonzalez Angela D. , Redmond Miranda D. , Wion Andreas P. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractOngoing changes in fire regimes have the potential to drive widespread shifts in Earth's vegetation. Plant traits and vital rates provide insight into vulnerability to fire‐driven vegetation shifts because they can be indicators of the ability of individuals to survive fire (resistance) and populations to persist (resilience) following fire.In 15 study sites spanning climatic gradients in the southern Rocky Mountains, USA, we quantified variation in key traits and vital rates of two co‐occurring, widely distributed conifers (Pinus ponderosaDouglas ex. P. Lawson & C. Lawson andPseudotsuga menziesii(Mirb.) Franco). We used mixed‐effects models to explain inter‐ and intraspecific variation in tree growth, survival, bark thickness and seed cone production, as a function of species, tree life stage (i.e. diameter, height and age), average climate, local competition and site conditions.Pinus ponderosawas predicted to survive low‐severity fire at a 23% earlier age thanP. menziesii.Pinus ponderosahad thicker bark and more rapid juvenile height growth, traits conferring greater fire resistance. In contrast,P. menziesiiwas predicted to produce seed cones at a 28% earlier age thanP. ponderosa. For both species, larger individuals were more likely to survive fire and to produce cones. ForP. ponderosa, cone production increased where average actual evapotranspiration (AET) was higher and local competition was lower. More frequent cone production on productive sites with higher AET is an important and underappreciated mechanism that may help to explain greater resilience to fire in these areas.Synthesis. Our analyses indicated that many plant traits and vital rates related to fire differed betweenPinus ponderosaandPseudotsuga menziesii, with trade‐offs between investment in traits that promote individual defence to fire and those that promote recolonization of disturbed sites. Future changes in fire regimes will act as a filter throughout North American forests, with our findings helping to infer which individuals and populations of two iconic species are most vulnerable to future change and offering a framework for future inquiry in other forests facing an uncertain future.
Effect of root litter addition on nitrogen mineralization rate under laboratory low‐temperature conditions in soil from a Japanese northern hardwood forest
Authors: Hosokawa Nanae , Isobe Kazuo , Urakawa Rieko , Tateno Ryunosuke , Fukuzawa Karibu , Watanabe Tsunehiro , Shibata Hideaki 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSoil freeze–thaw can alter the soil nitrogen (N) mineralization rate by increasing root litter. However, the mechanism remains unclear. We compared the effect of adding root litter from two plant species on soil production rate and soil production rate under low‐temperature conditions in laboratory incubation. Root litter of oak (Quercus crispula) or dwarf bamboo, Sasa (Sasa nipponica) was added to soil and incubated under nonfrost and soil freeze–thaw treatments. We monitored temporal change of net/gross production rate and production rate throughout the soil frost period and the following melting period. We measured dissolved organic N (DON) in root litter leachate under the two temperature treatments. The soil N mineralization with Sasa root litter was higher than that with oak root litter in the two temperature treatments. The DON in root litter leachate of Sasa was larger than that of oak. The effect of root litter addition on net production rate was larger than that on net production rate. The higher net production rate of soil with Sasa was considered to be caused by higher DON in leachate from root litter of Sasa. The higher inducement of N mineralization of Sasa root litter than oak root litter was related to quantity of organic N in the root litter leachate.
Regulating incoming international search and rescue teams in the response phase
Authors: Okita Yosuke , Shaw Rajib , Minato Yusuke 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe paper explores the reason why International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) introduced the classification system for international search and rescue (SAR) teams, INSARAG External Classification (IEC), by reviewing the INSARAG’s lessons‐learned process. The past lessons show that there was a need to register qualified SAR teams that meet the operational standards agreed by the international SAR network and to ensure that these qualified teams are ready to respond. The paper also provides some recommendations to improve the system, such as more awareness and support for receiving countries is necessary so that the IEC as a system fully works.
Comparing cataract surgery complication rates in veterans receiving VA and community care
Authors: Rosen Amy K. , Vanneman Megan E. , O'Brien William J. , Pershing Suzann , Wagner Todd H. , Beilstein‐Wedel Erin , Lo Jeanie , Chen Qi , Cockerham Glenn C. , Shwartz Michael 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo compare 90‐day postoperative complication rates between Veterans receiving cataract surgery in VA vs Community Care (CC) during the first year of implementation of the Veterans Choice Act.Data SourcesFiscal Year (FY) 2015 VA and CC outpatient data from VA’s Corporate Data Warehouse (CDW) 10/01/14‐9/30/15). FY14 data were used to obtain baseline clinical information prior to surgery.Study DesignRetrospective one‐year study using secondary data to compare 90‐day complication rates following cataract surgery (measured using National Quality Forum (NQF) criteria) in VA vs CC. NQF defines major complications from a specified list of Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. We ran a series of logistic regression models to predict 90‐day complication rates, adjusting for Veterans’ sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, preoperative ocular conditions, eye risk group, and type of cataract surgery (classified as routine vs complex).Data CollectionWe linked VA and CC users through patient identifiers obtained from the CDW files. Our sample included all enrolled Veterans who received outpatient cataract surgery either in the VA or through CC during FY15. Cataract surgeries were identified through CPT codes 66 984 (routine) and 66 982 (complex).Principal FindingsOf the 83,879 cataract surgeries performed in FY15, 31 percent occurred through CC. Undergoing complex surgery and having a high‐risk eye (based on preoperative ocular conditions) were the strongest clinical predictors of 90‐day postoperative complications. Overall, we found low complication rates, ranging from 1.1 percent in low‐risk eyes to 3.6 percent in high‐risk eyes. After adjustment for important confounders (eg, race, rurality, and preoperative ocular conditions), there were no statistically significant differences in 90‐day complication rates between Veterans receiving cataract surgery in VA vs CC.ConclusionsAs more Veterans seek care through CC, future studies should continue to monitor quality of care across the two care settings to help inform VA’s “make vs buy decisions.”
Association between specialist compensation and Accountable Care Organization performance
Authors: Ganguli Ishani , Lupo Claire , Mainor Alexander J. , Orav Endel John , Blanchfield Bonnie B. , Lewis Valerie A. , Colla Carrie H. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo determine if Medicare Shared Savings Program Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) using cost reduction measures in specialist compensation demonstrated better performance.Data SourcesNational, cross‐sectional survey data on ACOs (2013‐2015) linked to public‐use data on ACO performance (2014‐2016).Study DesignWe compared characteristics of ACOs that did and did not report use of cost reduction measures in specialist compensation and determined the association between using this approach and ACO savings, outpatient spending, and specialist visit rates.Principal FindingsOf 160 ACOs surveyed, 26 percent reported using cost reduction measures to help determine specialist compensation. ACOs using cost reduction in specialist compensation were more often physician‐led (68.3 vs 49.6 percent) and served higher‐risk patients (mean Hierarchical Condition Category score 1.09 vs 1.05). These ACOs had similar savings per beneficiary year (adjusted difference $82.6 [95% CI −77.9, 243.1]), outpatient spending per beneficiary year (−24.0 [95% CI −248.9, 200.8]), and specialist visits per 1000 beneficiary years (369.7 [95% CI −9.3, 748.7]).ConclusionIncentivizing specialists on cost reduction was not associated with ACO savings in the short term. Further work is needed to determine the most effective approach to engage specialists in ACO efforts.
Mites (Acari) as a Relevant Tool in Trace Evidence and Postmortem Analyses of Buried Corpses
Authors: Rai Jas K. , Amendt Jens , Bernhardt Victoria , Pasquerault Thierry , Lindström Anders , Perotti M. Alejandra 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis report interprets the presence of mite species in three clandestine graves in Europe, evaluating their potential use as trace evidence or markers. Grave 1 (Sweden): Two mite speciesRhizoglyphus robiniClaparède, 1869 andParasitus loricatus(Wankel, 1861) were recovered from the surface of a body buried in a shallow grave in an area surrounded by trees, in close vicinity to house gardens. Grave 2 (Germany): Phoretic deutonymphs ofGamasodes spiniger(Trägårdh, 1910) were attached to an adult fly (Diptera: Sphaeroceridae) found within a shallow grave containing two human bodies covered in soil and dung. Grave 3 (France):P. loricatuswere recovered from the soil around a body buried in a deep grave (80 cm under). In graves 1 and 3 both corpses were undergoing advanced decay and skeletization, the locations match with the subterranean habit ofP. loricatus, highlighting the value of this species as a marker of graves or burials in soil and during late decomposition.R. robiniis a soil mite that feeds on decayed roots and bulbs; this mite species confirms the location of the corpse within top soil, agreeing with a more specific type of superficial burial, a shallow grave. In case 2, the presence of both coprophiles, the miteG. spinigerand the carrier fly confirm association of remains with dung or animal feces. The three mite species are reported for the first time in human graves. There are no previous records ofR. robinifrom Sweden.
Prenatal cranial MR findings in fetuses with suspected CMV infection: Correlation with postnatal outcome and differential diagnostic considerations
Authors: Goergen Stacy , Lim Zhengjie , Clark Jenni , Teoh Mark , Humnabadkar Kedar , Fahey Michael , Giles Michelle 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPurposeTo: (1) Evaluate intrauterine MRI (iuMRI) findings in fetuses with suspected cCMV and correlate these with final diagnosis(es). (2) Correlate iuMRI in cases of confirmed cCMV with clinical outcomes.MethodsRetrospective cohort of iuMRI referrals for suspected cCMV between 2010 and 2018. Confirmed cCMV defined as positive amniotic fluid or postnatal CMV polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test and excluded cCMV defined by negative postnatal PCR.ResultsTwenty‐nine singleton fetuses had iuMRI for suspected cCMV (median gestation 28 weeks (IQR 24–32). No postnatal outcome (n = 6) and no cCMV ascertainment (n = 5) provided 18 cases for analysis. cCMV positive (n = 11): three fetal deaths occurred, one spontaneous and two terminations of pregnancy (TOP), one for microcephaly and one for extensive polymicrogyria; 4/ 8 survivors had normal US and iuMRI with normal newborn hearing screen (AABR)/ neurological examination; two had polymicrogyria and cerebral palsy (CP) GMFCS II and V; 1 had isolated ventriculomegaly and failed newborn AABR; 1 had ventriculomegaly with germinolytic cysts, normal AABR and development at 3/12. cCMV negative (n = 7): Germinolytic cysts were present in 4 cases with 2/4 also having callosal hypogenesis and postnatal genetic and clinical diagnosis of mitochondrial disorder. The third and fourth had a normal newborn metabolic screen and neurological examination. Three deaths were due to toxoplasmosis (n = 1), TOP for severe ventriculomegaly (n = 1) and bilateral schizencephaly (n = 1).ConclusionsPolymicrogyria in fetuses with cCMV, undetected with prenatal US, was associated with CP. Germinolytic cysts were non‐specific for cCMV and due to mitochondrial disorders when callosal hypogenesis was present.
Tumour–capsule interface measured on 18F‐DCFPyL PSMA positron emission tomography/CT imaging comparable to multi‐parametric MRI in predicting extra‐prostatic extension of prostate cancer at initial staging
Authors: Brauchli Damian , Singh Dalveer , Chabert Charles , Somasundaram Arjuna , Collie Leesa 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIntroductionNerve‐sparing prostatectomy is recommended in cases of organ‐confined prostate cancer but is generally contraindicated in patients with suspected extra‐prostatic extension (EPE). PSMA ligand imaging has been shown to be valuable in predicting EPE when performed on a hybrid PET/MRI scanner; however, the majority of PSMA PET imaging is performed using PSMA‐PET. To our knowledge, there are no established PET/CT criteria for assessing EPE. In this study, we aim to provide a reproducible method for evaluating EPE on PSMA‐PET/CT imaging and assess its utility compared with MRI.MethodsImaging findings and histopathology were reviewed for 100 consecutive patients who underwent a radical prostatectomy after imaging with MRI and 18F‐DCFPyL PSMA‐PET/CT.ResultsA broad tumour–capsule interface measured using a standardised technique on fused PSMA‐PET/CT imaging is associated with a higher risk for established EPE (P < 0.001). In our cohort, applying the criteria of tumour–capsule contact ≥ 10 mm measured on PET/CT was as sensitive as applying PI‐RADS version 2 criteria to mpMRI imaging for predicting EPE (74% and 79%, respectively, P = 0.11) and had superior specificity (86% and 61%, respectively, P = 0.035). 93% of MRI‐occult lesions were visualised on PSMA‐PET/CT. Applying the proposed PET/CT criteria for EPE to this subgroup of 14 patients yielded a sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 92%.ConclusionOur results suggest that tumour–capsule interface measured on fused F18‐DCFPyL PSMA‐PET/CT imaging is comparable to MRI criteria for predicting the presence of EPE. Applying PET/CT criteria may be of particular benefit in predicting EPE in patients with MRI‐occult prostate cancer.
Ankylosing spondylitis is associated with an increased risk of dementia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ponvilawan Ben , Charoenngam Nipith , Rittiphairoj Thanitsara , Ungprasert Patompong 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and risk of dementia.MethodsPotentially eligible studies that compared the risk of developing dementia between patients with AS and individuals without AS were identified from MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from inception to May 2019 using a search strategy that comprised terms for “dementia” and “ankylosing spondylitis”. Eligible studies could be either cohort studies or case‐control studies. For cohort design, eligible studies included patients with AS and comparators without AS and followed them for incident dementia. For case‐control design, eligible studies included cases with dementia and controls without dementia and explored prior history of AS in both groups. Effect estimate and standard error from each study were extracted and combined together using the random effect, generic inverse variance. Funnel plot was used to assess for publication bias.ResultsA total of 7091 articles were identified using the aforementioned search strategy. After 2 rounds of independent review by 3 investigators, 4 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included into the meta‐analysis. The risk of developing dementia was significantly higher among patients with AS than individuals without AS with the pooled relative risk of 1.19 (95% CI 1.01‐1.41; I2 = 76%). The funnel plot was relatively symmetric and was not suggestive of presence of publication bias.ConclusionA significantly 1.2 fold higher risk of developing dementia among patients with AS was demonstrated by this systematic review and meta‐analysis.
The conundrum of juvenile spondyloarthritis classification: Many names for a single disease? Lesson learned from an instructive clinical case
Authors: Maniscalco Valerio , Marrani Edoardo , Lamot Lovro , Lionetti Paolo , Simonini Gabriele 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPediatric rheumatic diseases are often characterized by an evolving phenotype, resulting in diagnostic dilemma for physicians involved in their management. Although several classification criteria are used in childhood to uniform patients’ diagnoses, several conditions share similar clinical features and therefore their classifications may overlap or be ambiguous. This is particularly paradigmatic for the classification of juvenile spondyloarthritis (JSpA), as the currently available criteria do not encompass their complexity. The differential diagnosis of sacroiliitis is often challenging for clinicians and requires considering several conditions, which include infective, neoplastic and rheumatic diseases. We report the case of a 13‐year‐old boy with an evolving clinical phenotype; its progression shows the wide differential diagnosis required in pediatric rheumatic diseases and emphasizes the issues of the actual classification system.
Trends in incidence and mortality of esophageal cancer in Inner Mongolia, 2010–2015
Authors: Xi Yunfeng , Dong Weiqi , Qiao Liying , Han Ke , Chen Wenjie , Wang Wenrui 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundEsophageal cancer is among the leading cancer types in Inner Mongolia. This study aimed to investigate the incidence and mortality rates of esophageal cancer in 2015 and the trends in these rates in the 2010–2015 period in this region.MethodsNational Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCR) screening methods and criteria were used to extract data from 10 cancer registries stratified by area (urban/rural), sex, and age group. The Chinese standard population in 2000 and Segi's world population were used to calculate age‐standardized rates. The annual percentage change (APC) in these rates was calculated using the Joinpoint Regression Program.ResultsIn 2015, Inner Mongolia had 4324 new cases (4027 male vs. 297 female patients) and 3559 deaths (3300 male vs. 259 female patients) from esophageal cancer. The crude incidence, age‐standardized incidence by Chinese population, age‐standardized incidence by world population, and cumulative incidence were 13.45/100 000, 9.92/100 000, 10.18/100 000, and 1.30%, respectively. The corresponding figures for mortality were 11.32/100 000, 8.35/100 000, 8.53/100 000, and 1.04%. The incidence and mortality increased with age between 40 and 80 years. The rates in rural dwellers, especially men, showed negative APC (−13.25% vs. −11.08%; P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe incidence and mortality rates of esophageal cancer in Inner Mongolia increased between 2010 and 2015. The rates were higher in men in rural areas, middle‐aged and elderly individuals. Prevention and control programs focused on these groups, in addition to early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer, are needed to reduce these rates.Key pointsSignificant findings of the study: In Inner Mongolia, incidence and mortality rates of esophageal cancer were higher in urban areas than in rural areas and in men than in women between 2010 and 2015, and in middle‐aged and elderly than in younger people.What this study adds: Prevention and control programs, in addition to early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer, should be tailored to specifically target men in rural areas and middle‐aged and elderly individuals in order to reduce the incidence and mortality rates of this pathology.