bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cochlear Implant Quality of Life (CIQOL): Development of a Profile Instrument (CIQOL-35 Profile) and a Global Measure (CIQOL-10 Global)
Authors: McRackan Theodore R. , Hand Brittany N. ,   Cochlear Implant Quality of Life Development Consortium, Velozo Craig A. , Dubno Judy R. 
Published: September 2019

Purpose
Valid, reliable, and efficient patient-reported outcome measures are needed to quantify quality of life (QOL) outcomes after cochlear implantation to supplement information obtained from performance-based outcomes. We previously developed the Cochlear Implant Quality of Life (CIQOL) item bank to serve as the source of items for subsequent instruments. This study reports the development and psychometric properties for 2 of these new instruments, the CIQOL-35 Profile and the CIQOL-10 Global.

Method

Cochlear implant (CI) users referred from the CIQOL Development Consortium (
n
= 371), consisting of 20 CI centers across the United States, provided responses to the 81-item CIQOL item bank, which are grouped into 6 QOL domains (communication, emotional, entertainment, environment, listening effort, and social). Responses to the 81 CIQOL items were analyzed using item response theory to determine individual item difficulty, discrimination, and model fit to select the set of items for the profile instrument and global measure that would optimize their measurement characteristics.

Results
The 35-item CIQOL-35 Profile instrument assesses outcomes represented in the 6 domains of the CIQOL final item pool. The 10-item CIQOL-10 Global measure produces a single, overall QOL score. After ensuring the upper and lower ends of the item difficulty continuum were represented (item difficulty range: −2.48 to 2.47), the items with the highest discrimination ability for each domain were selected for the CIQOL-35 Profile instrument (discrimination range: 0.67–1.37). Items were selected for the CIQOL-10 Global measure in a similar manner.

Conclusion
The CIQOL-35 Profile and CIQOL-10 Global instruments provide psychometrically sound and efficient measures that can be used to assess QOL in adult CI users in both clinical and research settings.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.9745010
Outbreak of Human Parainfluenza Virus Type 1 in a Kindergarten from China, 2018
Authors: Li Hong-Jun , Du Juan , Yang Yan-Na , Cui Yan , Xi Lu , Wang Shuai , Liu Ya-Qiong , Zhang Guo-Feng , Cui Fuqiang , Lu Qing-Bin 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Objective We reported an outbreak of human parainfluenza virus type 1 (HPIV1) in a kindergarten and explored the genetic characteristics of HPIV1 hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) and fusion (F) genes to provide more evidence about HPIV1 outbreaks.
Methods Suspected cases were the children with an influenza-like illness during June 20 to 26, 2018. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected and screened to determine the presence of respiratory pathogens by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The HN and F gene sequences of HPIV-positive samples were further amplified and sequenced to confirm the HPIV genotype and identify genetic characteristics. A phylogenetic tree, based on the HN and F genes, was reconstructed by maximum likelihood method.
Results Fourteen children in the outbreak were diagnosed as upper respiratory tract infection. The most common symptom was cough (10/14), followed by rhinorrhea (5/14), sore throat (4/14), headache (1/14), and abdominal pain (1/14). Eight patients were positive for HPIV1 and negative for other pathogens. Phylogenetic tree demonstrated that the eight strains from the year 2018 in our study located in the clade 2.3. Two specific substitutions (N333S and I509M) in the amino acids of the F protein and two substitutions (V19A and L436I) in the HN protein were different from other strains in the clade 2.
Conclusion HPIV1 was attributed to the outbreak, which may be related to the genetic variations of HPIV1.
Anti-Factor XII Autoantibodies in Patients with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Recognize the Second Epidermal Growth Factor–Like Domain
Authors: Sato Yoshihiro , Sugi Toshitaka , Sakai Rie 
Published: September 2019

Background Factor XII (FXII) deficiency and autoantibodies that bind to FXII (anti-FXII) have been described in patients with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including recurrent pregnancy loss. It has been reported that FXII functions not only as a coagulation protein but also as a growth factor.
Objectives We studied the association between anti-FXII and the epidermal growth factor (EGF) system in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss.
Patients/Methods We used synthetic peptides that span the second EGF-like domain in the heavy chain of FXII (EGF2) in inhibition and direct binding studies to determine if anti-FXII antibodies recognize EGF2. Furthermore, we examined whether anti-FXII antibodies, which recognize EGF2, also recognize recombinant EGF and heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF).
Results Among 100 patients with recurrent pregnancy loss, the plasma of 23 patients (23.0%) recognized the synthetic peptide ASQ41, which covers EGF2. Among the 23 anti-ASQ41-positive patients, plasma samples from 13 patients (56.5%) recognized the 22-residue segment C-terminal half of ASQ41. Among the 23 anti-ASQ41-positive patients, the plasma of 17 patients (73.9%) recognized recombinant human EGF. Affinity-purified anti-FXII antibodies, which recognize ASQ41, also recognized recombinant EGF family proteins such as EGF and HB-EGF.
Conclusions The autoantibodies in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss recognized the EGF2 domain in FXII and other proteins of the EGF family. Since proteins in the EGF family play an important role in normal pregnancy, autoantibody-associated disruption of the EGF system may cause pregnancy loss.
Ependymoma with Intraorbital Extracerebral Recurrence: Case Report
Authors: Macêdo Lívio Pereira de , Vale Benjamim Pessoa , Araújo Marx Lima de Barros , Vale João Cícero Lima , Ferreira Yally Dayanne Oliveira , Araújo Suelen Maria Silva de 
Published: September 2019

AbstractEpendymomas are rare neuroepithelial tumors that originate from a type of glial cell called ependymal cell. In general, they correspond to ∼ 1.2 to 7.8% of all intracranial neoplasms, and to ∼ 2 to 6% of all gliomas. Although it corresponds only to ∼2 to 3% of all primary brain tumors, ependymoma is the fourth most common cerebral neoplasm in children, especially in children younger than 3 years of age.1
2 In patients younger than 20 years of age, the majority (90%) of ependymomas are infratentorial, more precisely from the IV ventricle. In spite of this, in adults, medullary ependymomas are more frequent (60%). In this context, supratentorial and extraventricular ependymomas, as in the case reported in the present article, are infrequent in both adults and children.1
2 Both sexes are equally affected.3 Recurrence of intracranial ependymomas occurs in almost 50% of the cases, and the follow-up outcome is not favorable.4 In another perspective, the recurrence of extracerebral ependymomas is extremely rare, and even more unusual in the intraorbital site, as it occurred in the case in question.
High‐intensity interval neuromuscular training promotes exercise behavioral regulation, adherence and weight loss in inactive obese women
Authors: Batrakoulis Alexios , Loules Georgios , Georgakouli Kalliopi , Tsimeas Panagiotis , Draganidis Dimitrios , Chatzinikolaou Athanasios , Papanikolaou Konstantinos , Deli Chariklia K. , Syrou Niki , Comoutos Nikolaos , Theodorakis Yiannis , Jamurtas Athanasios Z. , Fatouros Ioannis G. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIt is unclear how high‐intensity, interval‐type nontraditional exercise training programmes can be feasible and effective options for inactive obese individuals. This randomized controlled trial investigated the hypothesis that a 10‐month high‐intensity, interval‐type neuromuscular training programme (DoIT) with adjunct portable modalities, performed in a small‐group setting, induces improvements in psychological well‐being, subjective vitality and exercise behavioural regulations in obese women. Associations between adherence, psychological and physiological indicators were also investigated. Forty‐nine previously inactive obese females (36.4 ± 4.4 yrs) were randomly assigned to three groups (control; N = 21, 10‐month training; N = 14, or 5‐month training plus 5 month‐detraining; N = 14). DoIT was a supervised, progressive, and time‐efficient (<30 min) programme that used 10–12 functional/neuromotor exercises and prescribed work and rest time intervals (20–40 sec) in a circuit fashion (1–3 rounds) for 10 months. Questionnaires were used to measure psychological distress, subjective vitality, and behavioural regulations in exercise at pre‐, mid‐, and post‐intervention. The 10‐month training reduced psychological distress (72%, p = 0.001), external regulation (75%, p = 0.011) and increased vitality (53%, p = 0.001), introjected regulation (63%, p = 0.001), intrinsic regulation (33%, p = 0.004), and identified regulation (88%, p = 0.001). A moderate to strong positive relationship was found between adherence rate and identified regulation scores (r = 0.59, p = 0.001) and between VO2peak and identified regulation scores (r = 0.59, p = 0.001). A mild dissociation between exercise intensity and perceived exertion was also observed. Our novel findings suggest that a 10‐month implementation of a high‐intensity interval neuromuscular training programme promotes positive psychological adaptations provoking exercise behavioural regulation and adherence while inducing weight loss in inactive obese women.
Impact of Surrounding Soils on Surface Water Quality in Sembrong River
Authors: Nur Fahirah Tuan Besar Syarifah , Sofik Syarifuddin , Mat Daud Azra Munirah 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Peatlands enclosed around 2.7 million ha in Peninsular Malaysia, 1.66 million ha in Sarawak, 0.8 million ha in Sabah, and are commonly found in Johor. Previous studies showed that waters in the peat soils area are acidic (pH 5.7 and pH 6.6). Anthropogenic activities such as mining and agriculture, will in turn impact water quality. Agriculture activities, through the usage of fertilizers, produces cadmium and zinc. Furthermore, soils in acidic conditions could liberate aluminum into the river. This study aims to characterize acidified peat soils based on geochemical properties (pH and heavy metals concentrations), identify the impact of the geochemical variability on surface water quality, and determine the effects of hydrologic cycle on the geochemical variability. Sembrong River was chosen as the study site; soils and water samples were collected nearby and from the river. Testing methods for soils and water covered both in-situ measurements and laboratory analyses. All parameters were taken thrice in each of the sampling point (labelled as S1, S2 and S3). The data of precipitation a week before sampling was recorded for early prediction of the water level. Real water level (depth of the river) was measured on the day of sampling. Based on the relation between month and geochemical properties according to water depth, results showed that the properties were affected by the rainfall intensities. Results also revealed the increased the water depth, the decreased the pH value for soil and water. The most acidic for pH value is peat soils with pH 2.52. Besides, the concentration of heavy metals in the surface water for Sembrong River followed the sequence: aluminum > iron > zinc. Overall results of this study have indicated that properties of peat soils, anthropogenic activities and hydrologic cycles have a major impacts on surface water quality of Sembrong River.
The Effectiveness of Raw and Dried Artocarpus Heterophyllus (Jackfruit) Seed as Natural Coagulant in Water Treatment
Authors: Mahmood N. A. C , Zaki Z. Z. M 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Coagulation is one of the process in water treatment that mainly reducing turbidity of water by adding the coagulant such chemical or natural coagulant. Chemical coagulant such as Alum is widely used as it is efficient in removing tubidity. However, there are some adversed impact of chemical as coagulant to human and environment specifically. In this study, the effectiveness of Artocarpus Heterophyllus seed as natural coagulant were measured. There are two types the natural coagulant from Artocarpus Heterophyllus were considered in this study such as raw and dried seed. Besides, two different extraction process of coagulant by using distilled water and Sodium Chloride (1M NaCl) were used to determine the efficiency. The result showed dried Artocarpus Heterophyllus seed (1M NaCl) at 20mg/L achieved the optimum dosage of coagulant compared to dried Artocarpus Heterophyllus seed (distilled water), raw Artocarpus Heterophyllus seed (distilled water) and raw Artocarpus Heterophyllus seed (1M NaCl) in removing turbidity. It reduced up to 50% turbidity, and 70 %suspended solid after the treatment process. It also showed that salt Sodium Chloride (NaCl) can be used as addictive in treating the water.
Preliminary Assessment of Teknologi Lake Quality Status at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) Campus in Parit Raja, Johor, Malaysia
Authors: Safwan Miswan Muhammad , Maya Saphira Radin Mohamed Radin , Ali Saeed Al-Gheethi Adel , Hashim Mohd Kassim Amir 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
A study was carried out to determine the status of the water quality condition in UTHM campus area located in Teknologi Lake, Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia. Sampling was conducted in two different times; the first sampling was in 22 March 2018 and the second sampling in 13 September 2018. A total of ten water quality parameters was selected, analyzed in-situ and exsitu, and classified based on NWQS Classifications. The status of lakes were determined by using Water Quality Index (WQI). Results for in-situ water quality parameters are: pH contents ranged from 6.42 to 6.61; DO from 9.0 to 9.8 mg/L; temperature from 28.7 to 28.9°C. Ex-situ water quality parameters are; BOD was ranged from 105.2 to 106.0 mg/L, COD was ranged from 1 to 19 mg/L, TSS was ranged from 19 to 20 mg/L, turbidity was ranged from 12 to 13 NTU, ammoniacal nitrogen from was ranged 3.6 to 4.3 mg/L, nitrite was ranged from 0.13 to 0.11 mg/L and nitrate was ranged from 1.4 to 1.5 mg/L. The observed values for seven parameters in both sampling period of Teknologi Lake were classified as IIA/B. The results of the lake can be used for recreational purposes and suitable for sensitive aquatic species. However, based on WQI calculated value, the status of the lake during the study period was indicated as slightly polluted for Teknologi Lake. Overall, Teknologi Lake was classified as class IV due to agricultural activites and the water suitable for irrigation uses only.
Green Design for the Comfort Environment of Kindergarten Building in Malaysia: A review
Authors: Mohd Shahli Fitrynadia , Abidin Akasah Zainal 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Public buildings such as kindergarten can be used as a potential educational spot in promoting environmental sustainability for the children. Most of the public kindergartens in Malaysia are facing uncomfortable issues, such as due to the poor air ventilation and inefficient design at the respective building and facilities. By promoting green design and sustainability, this paper presents the synthesis of other studies, which consist of the factors and aspect approaches towards the application of green design in developing development of kindergarten building. This paper will review different articles and studies, which have published within 2009 until recently from the selected online database. Through green design at kindergarten, it is hoped to be able to promote sustainability for the children and foster designers to design more friendly buildings for them.
Establishing the Level of BIM implementation – A Case Study in Melaka, Malaysia
Authors: Yahya Al-Ashmori Yasser , Bin Othman Idris , Bin Mohamad Hisham , Rahmawati Yani , Napiah Madzlan 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in Malaysian construction industry is considered very challenging. Although there is significant support from the government to enhance BIM adoption, the implementation of BIM is still in a very low level. Therefore, this paper is evaluating the level of BIM use among Malaysian construction companies. The research is based on a survey and observation conducted in the state of Melaka in which 90 Malaysian companies were surveyed. Based on the evaluation of 90 construction companies, 63 questionnaires were returned and only 46 were valid for further analysis which covered the main objectives of this research. Result revealed that there is a significant drawback of BIM implementation among construction companies due to the lack of awareness of application process and technology concept. The main factor responsible for the lack of awareness was found to be the delay of organizations to use BIM on their project practices. Hence, it is recommended that organizations should be practicing the BIM process within their company. Also, organizations should have the initiative to develop their roadmap for implementation and development of individual transformation plan that gradually overcomes challenges.
Performance of concrete containing mussel shell (Perna viridis) ash under effect of sodium chloride curing
Authors: Shabery Sainudin Muhammad , Hazurina Othman Nor , Shahidan Shahiron 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Mussel shell is a type of waste that consist large amounts of calcium content (CaCO3) (>95%). It is potentially to be used as concrete filler which can reduce porosity in concrete micro-structure (compacted concrete) and indirectly reduce quantity of water used to maintain concrete workability. This paper investigates the performance of mussel shell waste as an admixture in normal concrete. These waste were crushed using ball mill for 5 hour then sieved with 75μm sieve sizes. Five different percentages of mussel shell ash (MSA) were incorporated in concrete as an admixture 0%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% (S0, S1, S2, S3 and S4) base on w/c 0.5 according to DoE method with total of 90 samples. Specimens then were cured using 2.37% of sodium chloride (NaCl) solution for 7 and 28 days. Data were analysed according to physical, mechanical and its durability properties of materials and its specimens. Particle size analysis (PSD), specific gravity, SEM image and setting time are measured on MSA, OPC and samples MSA concrete included slump analysis for concrete workability. While it’s mechanical and durability properties of MSA concrete were analyses through compressive, split tensile and water capillary absorption. The result showed that increment percentages of MSA could effect on the strength of both compressive and split tensile. However, minimum percentages of MSA of 1% gained higher strength compared to control specimen. The differences between MSA percentages and its curing duration incorporated indicating an improvement while S1 and S3 indicates lower rate of capillary absorption for 7 and 28 days each. Overall, the results to establish concrete strength improvement of MSA in concrete should be limited to 1% uses. While S2 and S4 for concrete permeability and workability. With this percentages, concrete display an improvement behaviours according to its strength and durability towards sodium chloride exposure.
The Effect of Prefabricated Steel Framing System Towards Construction Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)
Authors: Ariff Mohd Amin Mohamad , Haslinda Abas Nor , Deraman Rafikullah 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Construction industry is known for its hazardous physical working environments and high accident risks. In reducing risk at the workplace, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is an important aspect. It is a standard which are set in legislation with the purpose to eliminate and reduce hazards at workplace. The objectives of this paper are to identify the major activities of the construction process in IBS residential and the OSH risks associated throughout the construction and to compare the impact of IBS construction with conventional method. This study involved field observation to one (1) construction sites that use IBS construction which are ‘prefabricated steel framing system’. Observations were also conducted at the manufacturing facilities of the prefabricated steel framing system. This also involved interview to the executive staff, operatives and supervisors and documenting analysis. The analysis is done by comparing the effect of IBS method with conventional method. In achieving this, one (1) case study was descriptively analyzed and availing a revelation exposure to UV and mobile plant risks as the main risk in IBS construction site. This paper intends to contribute in providing a way to integrate construction process knowledge to eliminate or reduce hazards during construction.
Identification of Construction Waste Generated at Precast Concrete Plants: Case study
Authors: Ashikin Suhaini Nurul , Haslinda Abas Nor , Nagapan Sasitharan , Nadarason Kageishieny 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The government of Malaysia has introduced Industrialised Building System (IBS) or commonly termed offsite construction in other countries to replace the conventional method of construction, as one of the initiatives to overcome the problems related to waste generation and negative environmental impact in the construction industry. There are few studies of the construction waste generation focus on the offsite, particularly at precast production plant as compared to the construction site. This study aims to investigate the significant type of construction waste generated at precast concrete plants in Johor. In order to identify the type of waste generated in the process of manufacturing the precast concrete component, this study involved field observation to three precast concrete plants in Johor, together with analysing the selected organisation’s document on the waste generation and management record. Interviews were also conducted with the production man-ager/engineer to support the data collection process. The findings revealed that, the types of construction waste that commonly found in the precast concrete plants are concrete and steel. The most significant type of waste generated at precast concrete factory is concrete (total 1,298.56 tonnes for 3 factories, followed by 820 tonnes, 350 tonnes and 128.56 tonnes). This study provides useful information concerning waste assessment data to achieve a better understanding of construction waste in the precast concrete manufacturing industry.
Research on optimization of low-frequency mechanical efficiency of Reciprocating Compressor for Refrigerator
Authors: H J Wei , Xiong K Q , Xu M , Yan Y Z 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Lubricating oil and bearing clearance are important parameters that affect the lubrication state of the compressor at this time. The main purpose of this paper is to study and optimize the influence of the lubricating oil and bearing clearance on the performance of the compressor. The losses of the different friction parts were obtained through simulation research. At the same time, via analysing the viscosity of the lubricating oil and the bearing clearance, this paper has got the best parameters and greatly improved the compressor low frequency efficiency. Through further experimental analysis, the results are in good agreement with the simulation analysis conclusions. This study is helpful to increase the low frequency efficiency in guiding the design of reciprocating compressors.