bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Facilitators and barriers to leadership and career opportunities in minority nurses in public health departments
Authors: Fowler Barbara A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectivesElicit information from minority public health nurses regarding experiences and opportunities for leadership development and career advancement in public health departments (PHDs).DesignQualitative research design to determine minority nurses' experiences of opportunities and barriers influencing leadership development and career advancement in PHDs.SampleThirty‐nine minority nurses from all regions of the United States participated in a telephone interview. Demographics reveal that 46% were African American or Mixed Race, 31% were Hispanic/Latina, 18% were Asian, and 5% were Indian heritage.MeasurementsParticipants completed the researcher‐designed, open‐ended interview which was audio‐recorded. The researcher conducted all interviews. Transcriptions were coded for major concepts and then codes were collapsed into major themes by the researcher and consultant in qualitative research.ResultsSix themes were identified from the data: commitment to public health, motivation for leadership development, barriers for leadership development, racism: influence on nurses from minority backgrounds, supports for leadership development, and survival skills.ConclusionsParticipants desired an opportunity for career advancement and leadership development, but encountered entrenched systemic/organizational barriers and obstacles in fulfilling this important role impacting healthcare delivery of minority and underrepresented groups. Public health officials and administrators are challenged to strengthen opportunities for career advancement and leadership development for minority nurses in PHDs.
Etiology and prognosis for dogs with abnormal blood glucose concentrations evaluated in an emergency room
Authors: Hagley Simon P. , Hopper Kate , Epstein Steven E. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of glucose abnormalities in nondiabetic dogs presenting to a veterinary emergency room (ER) and their association with underlying disease processes, previous glucocorticoid administration, and overall mortality.DesignSingle‐center, retrospective study from January 2013 to December 2014.SettingUniversity Teaching Hospital.AnimalsA total of 660 dogs presenting to an ER with a blood glucose concentration measured within 6 hours of presentation.InterventionsNone.Measurements and main resultsMedical records from dogs with a blood glucose concentration measured within 6 hours of hospital admission were reviewed. Medications administered prior to blood sampling, the presence of shock, final clinical diagnosis, and survival were recorded. Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia were defined as a blood glucose <4.4 mmol/L (80 mg/dL) and >6.7 mmol/L (120 mg/dL), respectively. Diabetic patients were removed from analysis. Hyperglycemia was found in 40.1% of dogs, whereas hypoglycemia was present in 9.0%. Hyperglycemia was most often associated with gastrointestinal disease, trauma, neoplasia, and respiratory disease. The most common diseases associated with hypoglycemia were sepsis, gastrointestinal disease, and neoplasia. Dogs in shock or with hyperlactatemia had higher blood glucose values than dogs with normal perfusion and plasma lactate concentrations (P = 0.016 andP < 0.0001, respectively). Mortality was higher in dogs with hyperglycemia (33.2%,P = 0.03) or hypoglycemia (44.6%,P = 0.0024) compared to those with normoglycemia (24.9%).ConclusionDysglycemia in nondiabetic dogs evaluated in an ER was associated with a higher mortality rate than dogs in the same population with normoglycemia. Hyperglycemia in this population was common and may represent a stress response.
In vitro evaluation of the modified forwarder knot used to end a continuous suture pattern in large‐gauge suture
Authors: Gillen Alex , Munsterman Amelia , Barrett Erin , Caston Stephanie , Kersh Kevin , Tatarniuk Dane , Swor Tamara , Hanson R. Reid 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the strength and size of forwarder end (FE) knots modified to end continuous suture lines compared with Aberdeen (AB), square (SQ), and surgeon's (SU) knots.Study designIn vitro mechanical study.Study populationKnotted suture.MethodsKnots were tied with 2 USP (United States Pharmacopeia) polydioxanone, 2 USP, and 3 USP polyglactin 910 and tested on a universal testing machine under linear tension. Mode of failure and knot holding capacity (KHC) were recorded, and relative knot security (RKS) was calculated. Knot volume and weight were determined by digital micrometer and balance. Knot holding capacity, RKS, size, and weight between knot type, number of throws, and suture type and size were compared by using analysis of variance testing, with P < .05 considered significant.ResultsIn all suture types and number of throws, FE knot KHC/RKS was 28% to 66.99% (1.2‐1.6 fold) stronger compared with SQ/SU knots (P < .001). For 2 USP polydioxanone, FE knots had 10% (1.1 fold) higher KHC/RKS compared with AB knots (P < .042). However, in 2 and 3 USP polyglactin 910, FE knot KHC/RKS values were not different from those of AB knots (P > .080). Forwarder end/AB knots failed by suture breakage at the knot, whereas some SQ/SU knots unraveled. Forwarder end knots in 2 and 3 USP polyglactin 910 were 21.1% to 44.4% (1.2‐1.4 fold) smaller compared with SQ/SU knots (P < .028). Forwarder end knots in 2 and 3 USP polyglactin 910 were 40% to 99% (1.4‐2.0 fold) larger compared with AB knots (P < .001).ConclusionForwarder end knots provided increased KHC/RKS compared with SQ/SU knots.Clinical relevanceForwarder end knots should be considered for closures when suture is placed under tension.
SEA LEVEL ANOMALY ASSESSMENT OF SARAL/ALTIKA MISSION USING HIGH AND LOW RESOLUTION DATA
Authors: Sheng How Goh , Md Din Ami Hassan , Hamden Mohammad Hanif , Uti Mat Nizam , Mohd Adzmi Nadia Hartini 
Published: September 2020

Peninsular Malaysia is located at the focal point of Sunda Shelf, encompassed by the South China Sea to the East and by Andaman Sea at Indian Ocean in the west that causes various phenomena relevant to sea level along Malaysian coast. When the monsoons strike, the effect of wind and other factors will change the variability of Sea Level Anomaly (SLA) along coastal Malaysia. Traditionally, sea level change is observed using tide gauge installed along Malaysian coastal area. However, the data obtained is limited to the tide gauge station area, the sea level data for the deep sea cannot be obtained and there is no long-term record of observation. Therefore, satellite altimeter is used as a new alternative which enables sea level data to be obtained from space observation and to monitor SLA via SARAL/AltiKa which available since 2013, thus complementing the tide gauge. The aim of this study is to derive SLA parameter from high and low resolution of satellite altimetry data. This study involved the acquisition of SLA data by using RADS and PEACHI (AVISO) database system from satellite mission SARAL/AltiKa. Sequentially, SLA data has been analysed and evaluated based on tide gauge data provided by using UHSLC system. Comparison between the high resolution (PEACHI) and low resolution (RADS) data has been made to evaluate the density of altimetry data in term of distance to coast. As a result, high resolution (PEACHI) data are more accurate for coastal application with root mean square error (RMSE) of ±0.14 metre level. The analysis shows that the footprint of high resolution altimetry data is denser than the low resolution altimetry data. Data from distance to coast for PEACHI achieved a satisfactory standard deviation of residual, which is ranged between 0cm to 1.04cm as compared to altimetry RADS which is ranged 0.34cm to 12.57cm. The results can be used by various agencies in planning and developing Malaysian coastal areas as well as in assisting the development of community economies such as fishery and tourism activities.
THE INFLUENCE OF RIVER AND VOLCANIC SAND AS COATINGS ON POLYPROPYLENE WASTE COARSE AGGREGATE TOWARDS CONCRETE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
Authors: Pamudji Gandjar , Satim Madsuri , Chalid Mochamad , Purnomo Heru 
Published: September 2020

One of the most important factors used to determine the compressive strength of concrete is its aggregate and matrix adhesion. This study examines the surface properties of polypropylene (PP) waste coarse aggregate (PWCA) to determine the influence of sand. The PWCA was made from the PP waste and different types of coating such as PWCA-R (river sand) and PWCA-V (volcanic sand), with experimental tests conducted on the physical properties of sand and PWCA, while the compressive strength, FESEM and density of polypropylene waste coarse aggregate concrete (PWCAC). Concrete specimens were prepared by replacing natural coarse aggregate with PWCA in percentages of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, varying the water-cement ratio by 0.3 and 0.42 and using polypropylene (PP) waste coarse aggregate (PWCA-R and PWCA-V) as the coating material. The results showed that fineness modulus (F.M) and water absorption of the river sand was higher compared to volcanic sand. The PWCA-V had higher density and specific gravity compared to PWCA-R. On the other hand, water absorption of the PWCA-V was lower than PWCA-R. The PWCA concrete had density which varies from 1740 kg/m3 to 2074 kg/m3. For both, the PWCA concrete compressive strength at 28 days with a 100% replacement ratio was reduced by 43% to 55% compared to the natural coarse aggregate (NCA) concrete with 0.3 and 0.42 water-cement ratios. Also, the structural efficiency of PWCAC decreased with an increase in replacement ratio. River sand adhered to the PWCA surface resulted in a better compressive strength value compared to the volcanic sand.
Computational Cost Reduction of MIMO Controllers for Active Magnetic Bearing Systems
Authors: Sahinkaya Alican , Hawkins Larry , Sawicki Jerzy T. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Generalized multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) controllers such as H∞ and μ have not been widely adopted in the magnetic bearing industry, partially due to high computational cost relative to simpler single-input-single-output schemes. Computational cost is important to industrial magnetic bearing vendors as their controller hardware is based on embedded processors that have limited bandwidth. Studies to mitigate the problem of high-order controllers show the limit of the existing methods in order reduction while still maintaining satisfying robust performance. A novel method is proposed to reduce the computational cost of robust controllers by identifying bounds in their dynamic response, such that an implementation of a controller within those bounds results in the robust performance. The bounds are used to develop two computational cost reduction schemes for controller implementation, i.e., (1) identifying a dual-rate implementation of a single-rate controller which uniformly reduces the computational cost via interlacing technique, and (2) redesign of a controller by identifying its negligible dynamics based on the identified bounds in the controllers' dynamic response. The results of both approaches are demonstrated on two active magnetic bearing (AMB) systems, a model of a 300 kW turbine generator with permanent magnet biased AMBs, and an experimental high-speed AMB machining spindle. μ-synthesis controllers are designed for both systems, and the proposed method and schemes are applied accordingly. The comparison of standard implementations of the synthesized controllers and the proposed new implementations is presented. The results demonstrate considerable reduction in the computational cost in terms of required number of multiply accumulate (MAC) operations.
Constrained Quasi-Spectral MPSP With Application to High-Precision Missile Guidance With Path Constraints
Authors: Mondal Sabyasachi , Padhi Radhakant 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
This paper extends the recently developed quasi-spectral model predictive static programming (QS-MPSP) to include state and control path-constraints and yet retain its computational efficiency. This is achieved by (i) formulating the entire problem in the control variables alone by (a) converting the system dynamics to an equivalent algebraic constraint and (b) converting the state constraints to equivalent control constraints, both of which is done by manipulating the system dynamics, (ii) representing the control variables in Quasi-spectral form, which makes the number of free-variables independent of time-grids and (iii) using a computationally efficient optimization algorithm to solve this low-dimensional problem. This generic computationally efficient technique is utilized next as an effective lead angle, and lateral acceleration constrained optimal missile guidance to intercept incoming high-speed ballistic targets with high precision successfully. Both of these constraints, as well as near-zero miss-distance, are of high practical significance for this challenging problem. Extensive three-dimensional simulation studies show the effectiveness of the newly proposed constrained QS-MPSP guidance algorithm. Six degrees-of-freedom simulation studies have also been carried out using autopilot in the loop to validate the results more realistically.
Resuscitation of non-vigorous neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid: post policy change impact analysis
Authors: Oommen Vinod Idicula , Ramaswamy Viraraghavan Vadakkencherry , Szyld Edgardo , Roehr Charles Christoph 
Published: September 2020

BackgroundWe investigated the impact of policy change in delivery room resuscitation from routine endotracheal (ET) suctioning of non-vigorous neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) to immediate non-invasive respiratory support.DesignSingle-centre cohort study. Prospective group (October 2016–September 2017)—non-vigorous neonates born through MSAF managed according to the current (2015) guidance of commencing respiratory support without prior suctioning. Retrospective group (August 2015–July 2016)—non-vigorous neonates born through MSAF who underwent routine ET suctioning.Results1138 neonates born through MSAF were analysed. No differences in the incidence of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), requirement of mechanical ventilation, inhaled nitric oxide or surfactant therapy were found between groups. Less neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions were necessary in the prospective cohort compared with the retrospective group (19.1% vs 55.6%, respectively; p<0.05).ConclusionThe policy change towards not routinely suctioning non-vigorous neonates born through MSAF at birth was not associated with an increase in the local incidence of MAS and was associated with fewer NICU admissions.
Referenced scans improve the repeatability of optical coherence tomography angiography measurements in normal and glaucoma eyes
Authors: Rao Harsha Laxmana , Dasari Srilakshmi , Riyazuddin Mohammed , Lavanya Raghavan , P Narenda K , Pradhan Zia Sultan , Moghimi Sasan , Mansouri Kaweh , Webers Carroll A B , Weinreb Robert N 
Published: September 2020

Aim
To compare the repeatability of peripapillary perfusion density and flux index measurements on referenced and non-referenced optical microangiography (OMAG) scans in normal, glaucoma suspect and glaucoma eyes.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, 48 eyes (33 subjects) underwent three repeat, non-referenced peripapillary OMAG scans in the same session and 43 eyes (25 subjects) underwent three referenced peripapillary OMAG scans. In the referenced scan group, repeat scans (second and the third scan) were acquired exactly on the baseline (first) scan using the ‘track to prior scan’ option on the device. Repeatability estimates of the mean and four-sector (temporal, superior, nasal and inferior) OMAG measurements on the non-referenced and referenced scans were assessed using within-subject coefficient of repeatability (CR
w
) and variation (CV
w
).

Results

CR
w
(%) of peripapillary perfusion density measurements (range: 2.0–4.1) on non-referenced scans were significantly higher than that on referenced scans (range: 1.4–2.7). CV
w
(%) on non-referenced and referenced scans ranged from 1.7 to 3.1 and from 1.2 to 2.1, respectively . CR
w
of flux index on non-referenced and referenced scans ranged from 4.4 to 5.8 and from 3.6 to 4.8, respectively. CV
w
on non-referenced and referenced scans ranged from 4.1 to 5.2 and from 3.3 to 4.5, respectively.

Conclusions
Repeatability estimates of OMAG measurements were better on referenced scans compared with non-referenced scans. Perfusion density measurements had lower variability than flux index. OCTA-measured perfusion density of referenced scans is preferable for monitoring vascular change in glaucoma.
Keratitis occurring in patients treated with miltefosine for post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis
Authors: Kusumesh Rakhi , Ambasta Anita , Arya Lalan Kumar , Mohan Nilesh , Sinha Bibhuti Prassan , Ravidas Vidyanand 
Published: September 2020

Aim
To describe the characteristic clinical features and management of keratitis in the patients receiving miltefosine for post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL).

Methods
The medical records of five patients with PKDL who presented with keratitis were reviewed retrospectively from April 2018 to December 2019. The evaluation included a thorough medical history including details on drugs used, particularly miltefosine. The drug causality assessment was also performed. The clinical and microbiological characteristics of keratitis were noted.

Results
The ocular symptoms included pain, redness, watering, photophobia and diminution of vision. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy revealed peripheral, paralimbal, ring-shaped, full-thickness stromal infiltration resulting in ulcerative keratitis in all cases. Two patients had unilateral keratitis, while three had bilateral keratitis. All five patients received miltefosine for an average period of 48 days before the onset of keratitis. The corrected distance visual acuity at presentation ranged from hand movement to 20/125. The causality assessment revealed a ‘probable’ association between the adverse drug reaction and miltefosine in all patients. Discontinuation of miltefosine and initiation of corticosteroid therapy resulted in resolution of keratitis in all cases. The unilateral keratitis treated with topical corticosteroids had improved outcomes, but poor outcomes were found in the bilateral keratitis.

Conclusion
These observations indicate that prolonged use of miltefosine might cause keratitis that resembles infectious keratitis. Early diagnosis with discontinuation of the drug and initiation of corticosteroid therapy are the key to successful management.
Bile acid diarrhoea: pathophysiology, diagnosis and management
Authors: Farrugia Alexia , Arasaradnam Ramesh 
Published: September 2020

The actual incidence of bile acid diarrhoea (BAD) is unknown, however, there is increasing evidence that it is misdiagnosed in up to 30% with diarrhoea-predominant patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Besides this, it may also occur following cholecystectomy, infectious diarrhoea and pelvic chemoradiotherapy.BAD may result from either hepatic overproduction of bile acids or their malabsorption in the terminal ileum. It can result in symptoms such as bowel frequency, urgency, nocturnal defecation, excessive flatulence, abdominal pain and incontinence of stool. Bile acid synthesis is regulated by negative feedback loops related to the enterohepatic circulation, which are dependent on the farnesoid X receptor and fibroblast growth factor 19. Interruption of these feedback loops is thought to cause bile acid overproduction leading to BAD. This process may occur idiopathically or following a specific trigger such as cholecystectomy. There may also be an interplay with the gut microbiota, which has been reported to be significantly different in patients with severe BAD.Patients with suspected BAD are investigated in various ways including radionucleotide imaging such as SeHCAT scans (though this is not available worldwide) and blood tests. However, other methods such as bile acid measurement in stool (either spot test or 48 hours samples) and urine tests have been explored. Importantly, delay in diagnosis and treatment of BAD greatly affects patient’s quality of life and may double the overall cost of diagnosis.
Asthma and all-cause mortality in children and young adults: a population-based study
Authors: Caffrey Osvald Emma , Bower Hannah , Lundholm Cecilia , Larsson Henrik , Brew Bronwyn K , Almqvist Catarina 
Published: September 2020

BackgroundStudies suggest an increased all-cause mortality among adults with asthma. We aimed to study the relationship between asthma in children and young adults and all-cause mortality, and investigate differences in mortality rate by also having a life-limiting condition (LLC) or by parental socioeconomic status (SES).MethodsIncluded in this register-based study are 2 775 430 individuals born in Sweden between January 1986 and December 2012. We identified asthma cases using the National Patient Register (NPR) and the Prescribed Drug Register. Those with LLC were identified using the NPR. Parental SES at birth (income and education) was retrieved from Statistics Sweden. We estimated the association between asthma and all-cause mortality using a Cox proportional hazards regression model. Effect modification by LLC or parental SES was studied using interaction terms in the adjusted model.ResultsThe adjusted hazard rate (adjHR) for all-cause mortality in asthma cases versus non-asthma cases was 1.46 (95% CI 1.33 to 1.62). The highest increased rate appeared to be for those aged 5–15 years. In persons with asthma and without LLC, the adjHR remained increased at 1.33 (95% CI 1.18 to 1.50), but differed (p=0.002) from those with asthma and LLC, with an adjHR of 1.87 (95% CI 1.57 to 2.22). Parental SES did not alter the association (income, p=0.55; education, p=0.83).ConclusionThis study shows that asthma is associated with an increased mortality in children and young adults regardless of LLC or parental SES. Further research is warranted to investigate the possible mechanisms for this association.
Polar form of spinor fields from regular to singular: the flag-dipoles
Authors: Fabbri Luca , Rogerio Rodolfo José Bueno 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we perform the polar analysis of the spinorial fields, starting from the regular cases and up to the singular cases: we will give for the first time the polar form of the spinorial field equations for the singular cases constituted by the flag-dipole spinor fields. Comments on the role of further spinor sub-classes containing Majorana and Weyl spinors will be sketched.
Single production of vector-like bottom quark at the LHeC
Authors: Gong Xue , Yue Chong-Xing , Yu Hai-Mei , Li Dong 
Published: September 2020

AbstractExistences of vector-like quarks (VLQs) are predicted in many new physics scenarios beyond the Standard Model (SM). We study the possibility of detecting the vector-like bottom quark (VLQ-B) being the SU(2) singlet with electric charge $$-1/3$$

-
1
/
3

at Large Hadron electron Collider (LHeC) in a model-independent framework. The decay properties and single production of VLQ-B at the LHeC are explored. Three types of signatures are investigated. By carrying out a fast simulation for the signals and the corresponding backgrounds, the signal significances are obtained. Our numerical results show that detecting of VLQ-B via the semileptonic channel is better than via the fully hadronic or leptonic channel.