bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved self‐perceived performance for continence problems in patients with Parkinson's disease after deep brain stimulation
Authors: Nakamura Kumiko , Yamanaka Yoshitaka , Higuchi Yoshinori , Hirano Shigeki , Kuroiwa Ryota , Abe Midori , Murata Astushi , Iwadate Yasuo , Kuwabara Satoshi , Yamamoto Tatsuya 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundDeep brain stimulation (DBS) is known to improve motor complications in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD); however, we lack information on how it changes self‐perceived performance for activities of daily living.AimWe assessed the degree of change in self‐perceived performance for activities of daily living after DBS.MethodWe applied the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) in 21 patients with PD who underwent DBS before and 1 year after surgery and examined the relationship among the COPM score, motor and cognitive functions, and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).ResultsPatients prioritized continence problems, gait, and household work. Self‐perceived performance satisfaction (5.46→8.38, P = 0.02) and execution (5.85→8.88, P = 0.01) for continence problems improved significantly after surgery. Self‐perceived performance satisfaction for gait tended to improve after surgery. Self‐perceived performance for household work did not change after surgery. Self‐perceived performance for continence problems negatively correlated with PD questionnaire (PDQ‐39; r = −0.827, P = 0.007) before surgery and Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE; r = −0.918, P = 0.028) after surgery.ConclusionThe self‐perceived performance for continence problems improved significantly after DBS and was associated with HRQoL before surgery and MMSE after surgery.
Chinese adults' nutrition label literacy in Hong Kong: Implications for nurses
Authors: Law Queenie Pui Sze , Yau Alice Hoi Ying , Chung Joanne Wai Yee 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe study aimed to investigate Chinese adults' nutrition label literacy in Hong Kong. It employed a web‐based survey with structured questions. A total of 368 Chinese adults aged 18‐59 participated in the survey and their nutrition label literacy was measured by the Newest Vital Sign (NVS). About two‐thirds (68%) of the participants had limited nutrition literacy skills. Although they were able to identify correctly the calorie and sugar content of food products, 44% and 48% of them had difficulty in determining the consumption of calories and serving food sizes respectively. Another finding from the survey was that those with lower education level and of older age had significantly lower mean nutrition label literacy scores, which indicated that they were at higher risk for food insecurity. The findings showed that the nutrition label literacy level of Hong Kong's general public is quite low. This study can provide insights for nurses and healthcare professionals on how to educate people with lower education level and/or of advanced age to use nutrition labels more effectively and to further nutrition label literacy study and research, particularly in Hong Kong.
Forest diversity effects on insect herbivores: do leaf traits matter?
Authors: Muiruri Evalyne W. , Barantal Sandra , Iason Glenn R. , Salminen Juha‐Pekka , Perez‐Fernandez Estefania , Koricheva Julia 
Published: October 2018

Summary

Insect herbivore damage and abundance are often reduced in diverse plant stands. However, few studies have explored whether this phenomenon is a result of plant diversity effects on host plant traits.

We explored indirect effects of tree species diversity on herbivory via changes in leaf traits in a long‐term forest diversity experiment in Finland. We measured 16 leaf traits and leaf damage by four insect guilds (chewers, gall formers, leaf miners and rollers) on silver birch (Betula pendula) trees growing in one‐, two‐, three‐ and five‐species mixtures.

A decline in the frequency of birch in mixed stands resulted in reduced leaf area. This, in turn, mediated the reduction in chewing damage in mixed stands. In contrast, associational resistance of birch to leaf miners was not trait‐mediated but driven directly by concurrent declines in birch frequency as tree species richness increased.

Our results show that leaf trait variation across the diversity gradient might promote associational resistance, but these patterns are driven by an increase in the relative abundance of heterospecifics rather than by tree species richness per se. Therefore, accounting for concurrent changes in stand structure and key foliar traits is important for the interpretation of plant diversity effects and predictions of associational patterns.
Fracking Bad Guys: The Role of Narrative Character Affect in Shaping Hydraulic Fracturing Policy Preferences
Authors: Zanocco Chad , Song Geoboo , Jones Michael 
Published: October 2018

Recent growth in unconventional oil and gas development is controversial, fueling an ongoing U.S. policy debate. Central to these discussions is hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” a well‐stimulation technique that has become synonymous with unconventional oil and gas extraction methods. This research applies the Narrative Policy Framework (NPF) to explore how culturally nuanced narratives shape individuals' policy preferences toward fracking regulations. A census‐balanced internet panel from Oregon and Arkansas (n = 1,145) is used to conduct a survey experiment where participants are randomly assigned to four groups and exposed to information regarding fracking practices. The control group receives a baseline fact list while three treatment groups are exposed to one of three culturally distinct narratives: an egalitarian narrative, a hierarch narrative, or an individualist narrative. Applying ANOVA and causal mediation analysis to this experimental data, we show that while there is nodirecteffect of narrative treatments on the formation of individuals' fracking policy preferences, culturally nuanced narrativesdoinfluence attitudes on fracking policiesindirectlythrough their effects on individuals' reactions towardsvillaincharacters presented in the narratives. These findings describe a more complex cognitive interplay between narrative communication and policy preference formation than depicted in extant NPF scholarship, thereby challenging commonly held NPF assertions.
Health system decentralization and recentralization in Italy: Ideas, discourse, and institutions
Authors: Terlizzi Andrea 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis paper explores the dynamics of health system decentralization and recentralization in Italy, investigating why and how the territorial organization of the health system has changed over time. Drawing from discursive and historical institutionalism, the explanatory framework revolves around the role of ideational and institutional factors. The methods include process tracing and interpretive‐discourse analysis. Empirical material is drawn from documents and in‐depth interviews to experts and decision‐makers. Through the analysis of the reform trajectories in light of decentralization and recentralization processes, the paper shows that the territorial organization of the Italian health system has changed through a mechanism of gradual transformative change that I here call ideational and institutional bricolage, which involves the interplay between ideas, discourse, and institutions.
Micro‐relief analysis with skin capacitive imaging
Authors: Bontozoglou Christos , Zhang Xu , Xiao Perry 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundIn this study, the performance of capacitive imagining in skin micro‐relief analysis was investigated. This measurement principle has been used for skin hydration measurements over the last decade and it is commercially available by various manufacturers. Strengthening its potential for new applications could offer an affordable and portable multi‐purpose device for in vivo skin research. Previous studies in the literature have used a wide range of optical devices to determine how the skin surface topographic features are affected by chronological age, environmental influences and living habits.Material and methodsA capacitive system was used in order to capture hydration images from the middle volar forearm of twelve volunteers. The visual output of the system was studied and image processing algorithms were adapted to automatically extract skin micro‐relief features. The change in the skin network of lines during arm extension, the lines’ anisotropy index and the number of closed polygons per skin surface area were plotted against the subjects’ chronological age. The results were compared with optical measurements from the literature to validate our algorithms and evaluate the capacitive imaging in skin micro‐relief analysis.ResultsThe change in the intensity of primary and secondary lines during arm extension and the number of closed polygons per surface area were in agreement with the literature. The anisotropy index output gave inconclusive results.ConclusionsThe experimental results show that the capacitive systems could only extract two‐dimensional skin topographic features.
Teachers’ gender considerations during elementary mathematics lesson design
Authors: Amador Julie M. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAs teachers design lessons, their considerations influence their instructional practice. Researchers have found that teachers often have preconceived ideas about gender and large‐scale assessment data show gender differences in mathematics achievement. Given the differences in gender performance, and recognizing the role that gender considerations may play in teaching, this study focuses on teachers’ considerations of gender during the lesson planning and implementation process. Findings indicate that teachers in the study minimally consider gender when planning lessons and evidence shows a lack of explicit gender considerations during instructional practice and in conversations about teaching. Results imply that considerations of gender may be quite implicit, which raises concerns about the implications of gender perceptions for student learning in mathematics.
Urban‐rural and sex differentials in tuberculosis mortality in Bangladesh: results from a population‐based survey
Authors: Sarker Malabika , Homayra Fahmida , Rawal Lal B. , Kabir Razin , Aftab Afzal , Bari Rahmatul , Dzokoto Agnes , Shargie Estifanos Biru , Islam Shayla , Islam Akramul , Mahbub Latif A. H. M. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo assess tuberculosis mortality in Bangladesh through a population‐based survey using a Verbal Autopsy tool.MethodsNationwide mortality survey employing the WHO‐recommended Verbal Autopsy (VA) tool, and using InsilicoVA, a data‐driven method, to assign the cause of death. Using a three‐stage cluster sampling method, 3997 VA interviews were conducted in both urban and rural areas of Bangladesh. Cause‐specific mortality fractions (CSMF) were estimated using Bayesian probabilistic models.Results6.8% of total deaths in the population were due to TB [95% CI: (5.1, 8.9)], comprising 12.0% [95% CI: (11.1, 12.8)] and 6.42% [95% CI: (5.4, 7.3)] of total male and female deaths, respectively. This proportion was highest among adults age 15–49 years [12.2%, 95% CI: (9.4, 14.6)]. The urban population is more likely to die from TB, and urban males have highest CSMF [13.6%, 95% CI: (9.1, 16.9)].ConclusionOur survey results show that TB is the fifth major cause of death in the general population and that sex and place of residence (urban/rural) have a significant effect on TB mortality in Bangladesh. The underlying causes of higher rates of TB‐related deaths in urban areas and particularly among urban males, who have better knowledge and higher enrollment in the DOTS Program, need to be explored.
Packed red cells versus whole blood transfusion for severe paediatric anaemia, pregnancy‐related anaemia and obstetric bleeding: an analysis of clinical practice guidelines from sub‐Saharan Africa and evidence underpinning recommendations
Authors: Kohli Neeraj , Bhaumik Soumyadeep , Jagadesh Soushieta , Sales Reneepearl Kim , Bates Imelda 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveBlood component transfusion is increasingly promoted in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), but is resource‐intensive so whole blood is often used. We examined SSA recommendations about whole blood and packed red cell transfusions for pregnancy‐related bleeding or anaemia, and paediatric anaemia, and evaluated the evidence underpinning these recommendations.MethodRelevant SSA guidelines were identified using five electronic databases, websites for SSA Ministries of Health, blood transfusion services and WHO. To facilitate comparisons, indications for transfusing packed red cells or whole blood within these guidelines and reasons given for these recommendations were recorded on a pre‐designed matrix. The AGREE II tool was used to appraise guidelines that gave a reason for recommending either packed red cells or whole blood. We systematically searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, Global Health, Cochrane library and NHSBT Transfusion Evidence Library, using PRISMA guidelines, for clinical studies comparing whole blood with packed red cells or combined blood components in obstetric bleeding or anaemia, or paediatric anaemia. Characteristics and findings of included studies were extracted in a standardised format and narratively summarised.Results32 English language guidelines from 15 SSA countries mentioned packed red cell or whole blood use for our conditions of interest. Only seven guidelines justified their recommendation for using packed red cells or whole blood. No recommendations or justifications had supporting citations to research evidence. 33 full‐text papers, from 11 234 citations, were reviewed but only one study met our inclusion criteria. This was a single‐centre study in post‐partum haemorrhage.ConclusionEvidence comparing whole blood and packed red cell transfusion for common paediatric and maternal indications is virtually absent in SSA. Therefore, it is unclear whether policies promoting red cells over whole blood transfusion are clinically appropriate. Building a relevant evidence base will help develop effective policies promoting the most appropriate use of blood in African settings.
Systematic reviews of guidelines and studies for single versus multiple unit transfusion strategies
Authors: Shih Andrew W. , Liu Aixin , Elsharawi Radwa , Crowther Mark A. , Cook Richard J. , Heddle Nancy M. 
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUNDRecent recommendations indicate that one red blood cell (RBC) unit should be transfused at a time, with reassessment after each transfusion, which may be extrapolated from literature supporting restrictive transfusion triggers rather than specific evidence. Therefore, two systematic reviews were performed to identify the following: 1) RBC transfusion guidelines and review articles to determine if single‐ or multiple‐unit transfusion strategies are recommended and 2) studies comparing strategies for evidence of benefit.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSMEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, National Guideline Clearinghouse, and Trip Database were searched (inception to June 2017). For the first review, the proportion of articles with single/multiple‐unit recommendations was assessed and stratified by article type. For the second review, the primary outcome was RBC use. Secondary outcomes included proportion of transfusion episodes using a single‐unit strategy, length of stay, and mortality.RESULTSThe first review identified 145 articles for analysis, with 51 transfusion guidelines. Only 14 guidelines (27%) made a recommendation, with most (93%) recommending single‐unit transfusions. The second review identified seven cohort studies comparing preimplementation and postimplementation of a policy encouraging single‐unit transfusion strategies. Meta‐analysis could not be performed for outcomes given inconsistencies in reporting. RBC use decreased by approximately 10 to 41% across studies.CONCLUSIONTransfusion guidelines lack recommendations to transfuse to a single‐unit strategy. Mostly retrospective cohort studies (six of seven) are inconsistent in outcome reporting but suggest improved RBC use. Further high‐quality studies could identify the benefits of a single‐unit transfusion strategy, determine the applicability to different clinical settings, and inform future practice guidelines.
Uncertainty analysis of parameters in non‐point source pollution simulation: case study of the application of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool model to Yitong River watershed in northeast China
Authors: Yan Xueman , Lu Wenxi , An Yongkai , Chang Zhenbo 
Published: October 2018

AbstractUncertainty analysis of the model parameters in non‐point source pollution (NPSP) simulation is important because of its great effects on predictions and decision‐making. Understanding the main parameters that effect the uncertainty of NPSP is necessary to provide the basis for formulating control measures. In this study, two methods were applied to conduct parameter uncertainty analysis for Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Sobol’ method was used to screen out the model parameters with great effects on the runoff, sediment, total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP). The results obtained by sensitivity analysis were used subsequent model calibration and further uncertainty analysis. Monte Carlo (MC) method was employed to analyse the effects of parameter uncertainty on the model outputs. However, such problems are time‐consuming because the MC method required to invoke simulation model thousands of times. To address this challenge, a kriging surrogate model was developed to improve the overall calculation efficiency. The results obtained by sensitivity analysis showed that curve number value (CN2), soil evaporation compensation factor (ESCO), universal soil loss equation support practice factor (USLE_P) and initial organic nitrogen concentration in soil layer (SOL_ORGN) had significant effects on the SWAT outputs. The uncertainty analysis results showed that the uncertainty of runoff is the lowest, followed by TP and TN, and the uncertainty of sediment was the greatest. The kriging surrogate model has the ability to solve this time‐consuming problem rapidly with a high degree of accuracy, and thus it is very robust.
A conceptual model of riparian forest restoration for natural flood management
Authors: Dixon Simon J. , Sear David A. , Nislow Keith H. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThere is an increasing emphasis on using natural processes, including riparian forest restoration, to enhance the ecological, hydrological and geomorphological functioning of watercourses. However, we have insufficient knowledge on how the supply and retention of in‐channel wood from riparian forest stands changes with age, with inferences typically based on data from terrestrial forests. This presents a challenge in estimating the efficacy and functional lifespan of restoration projects. In this paper, we use a riparian forest growth model to show there is a lag of up to 40–50 years between the start of forest growth and trees delivering wood to the channel that is large enough to resist fluvial transport, anchor logjams and so increase channel complexity and hydraulic resistance. Resource managers need to account for realistic timescales over which changes promoted by riparian woodland restoration will occur and may need to consider using interim engineered logjams as the forest develops.
The
2010 Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico: Flow-Rate Estimation Based on Satellite-Images Analysis1
Authors: Giraldo Diego
Garcia , Yeung Ronald W. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
The Deepwater Horizon Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU) was one of several classes of floatable drilling systems. The explosion on April 20, 2010 led to fatalities and the worst oil spill in the U.S. We present an independent estimate of the oil-flow rate into The Gulf caused by the drill-pipe rupture. We employed the NASA Moderate-Resolution Imaging-Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite photographs, starting from the days immediately following the disaster, to determine the magnitude of spill. From these images, we obtained the surface area of the spill and calculated the oil flow rate by two different methods based on contrasting luminance within that area. The first assumes a constant thickness for the total area with upper and lower bounds for the thickness. The second separates the area into different patches based on the luminance levels of each. The probability density function (PDF) of such luminance plots showed natural groupings, allowing patches be identifiable. Each patch maps to a specific thickness. This second approach provides a more accurate average thickness. With the assumption that evaporation and other loss amounted to ∼40% of the spill, we obtained, from the first method, a flow rate ranging from 9,300 barrels per day (BPD) to 93,000 BPD. A value of 51,200 BPD was obtained using patch-separation method. This latter estimate was a plausible value, obtained from the current analysis, but with no details presented in an Extended Abstract in OMAE2012, is remarkably consistent with the “official U.S.-Govt. estimates.”
The Performance Impact of Integrating Water Storage Into a Chiller-Less Data Center Design
Authors: Rose Isaac , Wemhoff Aaron P. , Fleischer Amy S. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Data centers consume an extraordinary amount of electricity, and the rate of consumption is increasing at a rapid pace. Thus, energy efficiency in data center design is of substantial interest since it can have a significant impact on operating costs. The server cooling infrastructure is one area which is ripe for design innovation. Various designs have been considered for air-cooled data centers, and there is growing interest in liquid-cooled server designs. One potential liquid-cooled solution, which reduces the cost of cooling to less than 5% of the information technology (IT) energy use, is a chiller-less or warm water-cooled system, which removes the chiller from the design and lets the cooling water supply vary with changes in the outdoor ambient conditions. While this design has been proven to work effectively in some locations, environmental extremes prevent its more widespread implementation. In this paper, the design and analysis of a cold water storage system are shown to extend the applicability of chiller-less designs to a wider variety of environmental conditions. This can lead to both energy and economic savings for a wide variety of data center installations. A numerical model of a water storage system is developed, validated, and used to analyze the impact of a water storage tank system in a chiller-less data center design featuring outdoor wet cooling. The results show that during times of high wet bulb operating conditions, a water storage tank can be an effective method to significantly reduce chip operating temperatures for warm water-cooled systems by reducing operating temperatures 5–7 °C during the hottest part of the day. The overall system performance was evaluated using both an exergy analysis and a modified power usage effectiveness (PUE) metric defined for the water storage system. This unique situation also necessitates the development of a new exergy definition in order to properly capture the physics of the situation. The impacts of tank size, tank aspect ratio, fill percentage, and charging/discharging time on both the chip temperature and modified PUE are evaluated. It is determined that tank charging time must be carefully matched to environmental conditions in order to optimize impact. Interestingly, the water being stored is initially above ambient, but the overall system performance improves with lower water temperatures. Therefore, heat losses to ambient are found to beneficial to the overall system performance. The results of this analysis demonstrate that in application, data center operators will see a clear performance benefit if water storage systems are used in conjunction with warm water cooling. This application can be extended to data center failure scenarios and could also lead to downsizing of equipment and a clear economic benefit.