bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating nurses’ quality of life and work‐life balance statuses in Singapore
Authors: Kowitlawkul Y. , Yap S.F. , Makabe S. , Chan S. , Takagai J. , Tam W.W.S. , Nurumal M.S. 
Published: April 2018

AimsTo investigate the key determinants of nurses’ quality of life and work‐life balance statuses in a tertiary hospital in Singapore.BackgroundNurses’ quality of life can directly and indirectly impact patients’ safety and quality of care. Therefore, identifying key factors that influence nurses’ quality of life is essential in the healthcare delivery system.MethodsA descriptive quantitative study design was adopted, and validated questionnaires were used. Data were collected in a period of 3 months (March to May 2014) at a 600‐bed tertiary hospital in Singapore. One thousand and forty nurses participated in the study.ResultsSocial support and sense of coherence were found to be significant predictors for high quality of life in all domains. Most nurses in this study spent more time on work than their private lives. However, there was no significant difference in job satisfaction among the four groups of nurses’ proportions of percentages of actual time spent on work and private life.ConclusionsCultivating social support from family, friends/colleagues and supervisors can help an individual cope with stress and enhance a nurse's quality of life.Implications for nursing policy and practiceEven though nurses who spent more time at work were still satisfied with their job, they might need to be aware of their physical health and work environment. Nursing policy related to nurses’ physical health and environment should be established. Health promotion programmes such as physical exercise and mindfulness interventions should be conducted to promote nurses’ well‐being and healthy workplace environments to enhance nurses’ quality of life.
Enhanced pyroelectric properties in (Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3–BiAlO3–NaNbO3 ternary system lead‐free ceramics
Authors: Peng Ping , Nie Hengchang , Liu Zhen , Cao Fei , Wang Genshui , Dong Xianlin 
Published: April 2018

AbstractHigh pyroelectric performance and good thermal stability of pyroelectric materials are desirable for the application of infrared thermal detectors. In this work, enhanced pyroelectric properties were achieved in a new ternary (1−x)(0.98(Bi0.5Na0.5)(Ti0.995Mn0.005)O3–0.02BiAlO3)–xNaNbO3 (BNT–BA–xNN) lead‐free ceramics. The effect of NN addition on the microstructure, phase transition, ferroelectric, and pyroelectric properties of BNT–BA–xNN ceramics were investigated. It was found that the average grain size decreased as x increased to 0.03, whereas increased with further NN addition. The pyroelectric coefficient p at room temperature (RT) was significantly increased from 3.87 × 10−8Ccm−2K−1 at x = 0 to 8.45 × 10−8Ccm−2K−1 at x = 0.03. The figures of merit (FOMs), Fi, Fv and Fd, were also enhanced with addition of NN. Because of high p (7.48 × 10−8Ccm−2K−1) as well as relatively low dielectric permittivity (~370) and low dielectric loss (~0.011), the optimal FOMs at RT were obtained at x = 0.02 with Fi = 2.66 × 10−10 m/V, Fv = 8.07 × 10−2 m2/C, and Fd = 4.22 × 10−5 Pa−1/2, which are superior to other reported lead‐free ceramics. Furthermore, the compositions with x ≤ 0.03 exhibited excellent temperature stability in a wide temperature range from 20 to 80°C because of high depolarization temperature (≥110°C). Those results unveil the potential of BNT–BA–xNN ceramics for infrared detector applications.
Fast preparation of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 and CuIn(S,Se)2 bulk materials by combustion synthesis
Authors: Liu Guanghua , Chen Kexin , Li Jiangtao , Li Laifeng 
Published: April 2018

AbstractCuIn1‐xGaxSe2 and CuIn(SySe1‐y)2 bulk materials with relative densities of 93.4%‐96.2% have been prepared by combustion synthesis, from elementary reactants and in a reaction time of a few seconds. The samples have a chalcopyrite lattice structure, and the lattice parameters decrease with increasing x and y. The substitution of In with Ga and Se with S in CuInSe2 causes an increase in the bandgap. In combustion synthesis, the high temperature accelerates the reaction and results in fast densification, the high heating rate simplifies the reaction path and avoids the formation of intermediate compounds, and the gas pressure depresses the evaporation of reactants. As a fast, furnace‐free, and scalable technique, combustion synthesis may offer a low‐cost way to produce CuInSe2‐based materials and bring new possibilities to their commercial applications.
Nonstoichiometry and Li‐ion transport in lithium zirconate: The role of oxygen vacancies
Authors: Zhan Xiaowen , Cheng Yang‐Tse , Shirpour Mona 
Published: April 2018

AbstractUnderstanding Li‐ion migration mechanisms and enhancing Li‐ion transport in Li2ZrO3 (LZO) is important to its role as solid absorbent for reversible CO2 capture at elevated temperatures, as ceramic breeder in nuclear reactors, and as electrode coating in high‐voltage lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Although defect engineering is an effective way to tune the properties of ceramics, the defect structure of LZO is largely unknown. This study reports the defect structure and electrical properties of undoped LZO and a series of cation‐doped LZOs: (i) depending on their charge states, cation dopants can control the oxygen vacancy concentration in doped LZOs; (ii) the doped LZOs with higher oxygen vacancy concentrations exhibit better Li+ conductivity, and consequently faster high‐temperature CO2 absorption. In fact, the Fe (II)‐doped LZO shows the highest Li‐ion conductivity reported for LZOs, reaching 3.3 mS/cm at ~300°C that is more than 1 order of magnitude higher than that of the undoped LZO.
Efficacy of the Otago Exercise Programme to reduce falls in community‐dwelling adults aged 65–80 years old when delivered as group or individual training
Authors: Albornos‐Muñoz Laura , Moreno‐Casbas María Teresa , Sánchez‐Pablo Clara , Bays‐Moneo Ana , Fernández‐Domínguez Juan Carlos , Rich‐Ruiz Manuel , Gea‐Sánchez Montserrat ,   the Otago Project Working Group
Published: April 2018

AbstractAimThis study will compare how falls can be reduced in non‐institutionalized older Spanish adults aged 65–80 years by providing group or individual exercise sessions using the Otago Exercise Programme.BackgroundThe Otago Exercise Programme is a progressive home‐based exercise programme, where trained health professionals help people engage in strength, balance and endurance exercises. Its format is based on the evidence from four clinical trials. The benefits of the Otago Exercise Programme are the same for people who have and have not suffered falls and it can also be used for visually impaired people.DesignA multicentre, simply blinded, randomized, non‐inferiority clinical trial, with two arms—group training and individual training—that started in January 2017 and will continue until December 2019.MethodsEach study group has 364 subjects, who will take part in four individual or group sessions delivered mainly by nurses over an 8‐week period, with a reinforcement session 6 months later. Data will be collected at baseline and after 6 and 12 months. The fall percentage will be the most relevant clinical variable and we will also consider safety, viability, compliance, economic analysis and therapeutic value.Approval and funding was granted in December 2016 for this 3‐year study by the Spanish Health Research Fund (PI16CIII/00031).DiscussionOlder people from 65–80 years old tend to be more isolated and tackling worries about falls can improve social activities and independence. It has been shown that group training provides better adherence to exercise than individual training and this study will test that hypothesis for the Otago Exercise Programme.
Renal impairment markers in type 2 diabetes patients with different types of hyperuricemia
Authors: Gao Zhongai , Zuo Minxia , Han Fei , Yuan Xinxin , Sun Mengdi , Li Xiaochen , Liu Ran , Jiang Wenhui , Zhang Liyi , Chang Baocheng , Yang Juhong 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAims/IntroductionHyperuricemia (HUA) occurs because of decreased excretion of uric acid, increased synthesis of uric acid or a combination of both mechanisms. The proportions of these three types of HUA in type 2 diabetes patients are not known. In the mean time, we assume that different types of HUA might manifest with different renal damage, even in patients with normal renal filtration function.Materials and MethodsWe included 435 inpatients with type 2 diabetes at the Metabolic Disease Hospital of Tianjin Medical University from 2015 to 2016. Based on the clearance of uric acid, 90 patients with HUA were divided into three types: synthesis‐increased HUA, excretion‐decreased HUA and mixed type of HUA.ResultsPatients with the mixed type of HUA had the severest kidney injury manifested by a high level of 24 h urinary microalbumin, urinary immunoglobulin G, transferrin, α‐galactosidase and β2‐microglobulin compared with the normal uric acid group. Urinary immunoglobulin G, transferrin and α‐galactosidase were also increased in patients with synthesis‐increased HUA compared with the normal uric acid group. Patients with excretion‐decreased HUA did not have an increased level of renal impairment markers; however, these patients had an increased body mass index, which might cause dysfunction of kidney excretion.ConclusionsExcretion‐decreased HUA is a more common type of HUA in type 2 diabetes patients that might be caused by dysfunction of tubular excretion instead of structural damage. The mixed type of HUA patients had the severest kidney glomerular and tubular damage compared with the normal uric acid group. Clinically, different types of hyperuricemia should be given individualized treatment according to their own characteristics.
Basal cell carcinoma: the utility of in vivo and ex vivo confocal microscopy
Authors: Longo C. , Borsari S. , Pampena R. , Benati E. , Bombonato C. , Raucci M. , Mirra M. , Di Stefani A. , Peris K. , Pellacani G. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe use of confocal microscopy is possible using two different modalities: first, at patient's bedside for a rapid in vivo diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma and second, in the operating room directly on freshly excised specimen for a fast ex vivo margin‐controlled surgery. In the current review, we report the main application of confocal microscopy for basal cell carcinoma diagnosis and management in both modalities.
Impact of intraduodenal acetic acid infusion on pancreatic duct cannulation during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: A double‐blind, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fang Jun , Wang Shu‐Ling , Zhao Sheng‐Bing , Hu Liang‐Hao , Yao Jun , Shen Zhen , Gu Lun , Xia Tian , Cai Qiang , Li Zhao‐Shen , Bai Yu 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackground and AimEndoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is associated with risk of complications. Methods to facilitate ductal cannulation may reduce complications. Intraduodenal acid infusion is a physiological approach to stimulate secretin release in human body and may facilitate cannulation. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of intraduodenal acid infusion on pancreatic duct cannulation during ERCP.MethodsIt was a single center, double‐blind, randomized controlled trial. Consecutive patients undergoing first ERCP for pancreatic diseases were randomized toreceive 50 mL acetic acid intraduodenal infusion at ERCP (acetic acid group) or 50 mL saline (control group). The primary outcome, difficult cannulation rate (cannulation time >5 min), in the two groups was compared.ResultsTwo hundred ten patients were included in the final analysis (105 in each group). The difficult cannulation rate were 39.1% in the control group and 20.9% in the acetic acid group, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.004). The overall successful deep cannulation rate was 89.5% and 85.7%, respectively (P = 0.402). The cannulation time was remarkably shortened (182 vs 286 s, P = 0.018), and the cannulation attempts were significantly decreased (3.4 vs 4.4, P = 0.008). The fluoroscopy time was also significantly reduced (60 vs 86 s, P = 0.028). The incidence of post‐ERCP pancreatitis and hyperamylasemia was comparable (7.6% vs 10.5% and 10.5% vs 19.1%, P > 0.05).ConclusionIntraduodenal acetic acid infusion can significantly decrease difficult pancreatic cannulation rate, facilitate pancreatic duct cannulation, and reduce radiation exposure (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02800772).
Nephrologists' perspectives on cancer screening in patients with chronic kidney disease: An interview study
Authors: James Laura , Wong Germaine , Craig Jonathan C. , Howard Kirsten , Howell Martin , Tong Allison 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTAimPatients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have an increased risk of cancer compared with the general population. Despite this, there is considerable variability in cancer screening practices among nephrologists that may reflect uncertainties about the benefits and harms of screening, the additional costs, and competing priorities among the complex issues that patients are confronted with. We aimed to describe nephrologists' perspectives and approaches to cancer screening in CKD.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with 29 nephrologists from 15 units across Australia and New Zealand. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed.ResultsFive themes were identified: empowering patients to make informed decisions (respecting patient preferences, communicating evidence‐based recommendations, creating awareness of consequences, preparing for transplantation); justifiable risk taking (avoiding undue consequences in vulnerable populations, balancing the costs and benefits, warranted by long term immunosuppression, assurance of reasonable survival gains); ambiguity of evidence in supporting decisions (absence of standardized recommendations, limited transferability of population‐based data); depending on a shared multidisciplinary approach (collaboration with primary health care, access to coordinated skin cancer clinics); and prioritizing current or imminent complications.ConclusionNephrologists approach decisions about cancer screening in patients with CKD based on patient preferences, assessment of risk, justifiable survival gains, and current health priorities. Evidence‐based guidelines, communication frameworks and specialist clinics may support informed and shared decision making about cancer screening in CKD.
Identification of novel mutations and risk assessment of Han Chinese patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Zhang Mingchao , Liu Shuaimei , Xia Xinyi , Cui Yingxia , Li Xiaojun 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTAimAutosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common hereditary renal disease in humans and is caused by mutations in the PKD1 or PKD2 gene. ADPKD is heterogeneous with regard to locus and allele heterogeneity and phenotypic variability.MethodsUsing targeted capture associated with next generation sequencing (NGS), we performed a mutational analysis of Han Chinese patients with ADPKD from 62 unrelated families. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard modelling of their different clinical characteristics and mutation classes was performed.ResultsThe detection rate for a PKD1 and PKD2 mutation in the Chinese ADPKD patients was 95.2% (59/62). We identified pathogenic mutations in 64.4% (38/59) of patients, including 32PKD1 mutations (15 nonsense mutations, 15 frameshift mutation, one splice mutation, and one large deletion) and six PKD2 mutations (three nonsense mutations and three frameshift mutations). Of the pathogenic variants we identified, 50% (19/38) were novel variants and 50% (19/38) were known variants. Patients with PKD2 mutations had milder and indistinguishable phenotypes. Significant phenotypic differences were observed among the various types of PKD1 mutations.ConclusionOur results show that targeted capture associated with next‐generation sequencing is an effective strategy for genetically testing ADPKD patients. This mutation analysis of ADPKD in Han Chinese extends our understanding of the genetic diversity of different ethnic groups, enriches the mutation database, and contributes to the genetic counselling of ADPKD patients.
The relationship between masking and short‐term consolidation during recall from visual working memory
Authors: Ricker Timothy J. , Sandry Joshua 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe presentation of a similar but irrelevant stimulus immediately following presentation of a memory item is called masking. Masking is known to reduce performance on working memory tests. This is the type of memory used to hold information in mind for brief periods of time for use in ongoing cognition. Two approaches to understanding masking effects have been proposed in different literatures. Working memory researchers often assume that the reduction in working memory performance after masking is because masking interferes with a transient sensory representation that is needed to complete consolidation into a working memory state. Researchers focused on the attentional blink, a finding that attention cannot be directed to new stimuli during working memory consolidation, have an alternative theory. Attentional blink researchers assume that masking slows the short‐term consolidation process, thereby extending the length of the attentional blink. In two experiments, we contrast these two approaches to explaining masking effects and investigate the validity of both hypotheses. Some aspects of both approaches are validated, but neither theoretical perspective alone sufficiently explains the entire pattern of results.
Once daily oral extended‐release hydrocodone as analgesia following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy in dogs
Authors: Heffernan Ann E. , Katz Erin M. , Sun Yiwen , Rendahl Aaron K. , Conzemius Michael G. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the efficacy of oral extended‐release hydrocodone compared with oral firocoxib for analgesia following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy surgery in dogs in a hospital setting.Study designProspective, randomized, blinded, clinical trial.AnimalsThirty‐six client‐owned dogs weighing 25‐43 kg with unilateral hindlimb lameness and cranial cruciate ligament rupture.MethodsDogs were assigned to 1 of 2 groups (n = 18/group). Group 1 received hydrocodone 3 mg/kg orally every 24 hours, and group 2 received firocoxib 5 mg/kg orally every 24 hours. Both hydrocodone and firocoxib (according to group assignment) were provided as preemptive analgesia 10 hours before induction to anesthesia and then every 24 hours for the remainder of the study period The level of analgesia was compared between treatments on the basis of a modified Glasgow Composite Pain Score (mGCPS) in each dog, the number of dogs requiring rescue analgesia (hydromorphone 0.05 mg/kg subcutaneously), pressure platform stance data, and number of adverse events.ResultsNine of 18 dogs that received hydrocodone and 2/18 dogs that received firocoxib had an mGCPS ≥6 (P = .02). Two dogs had an mGCPS ≥6 three times, and 1 had an mGCPS ≥6 two times; all 3 of these dogs were in the hydrocodone group. Average postoperative peak pressure placed on the affected limb was lower in dogs that received hydrocodone (P = .01). Regurgitation and decreased appetite were more common in the dogs that received hydrocodone.ConclusionDogs that were treated with hydrocodone exhibited higher pain scores and lower limb function than dogs treated with firocoxib under the conditions of our study.Clinical significanceOur results do not provide evidence to justify the administration of extended‐release hydrocodone at 3 mg/kg orally every 24 hours rather than firocoxib at 5 mg/kg orally every 24 hours in dogs undergoing tibial plateau leveling osteotomy.
Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) – based, tunable passively Q switched thulium-fluoride fiber (TFF) laser
Authors: Reduan Siti Aisyah , Ahmad Harith 
Published: April 2018

We demonstrated the tunable passively Q-switched Thulium-Flouride Fiber (TFF) laser based on exfoliated MoS2 saturable absorber (SA). The generation of Q-switched pulses of the proposed experiment favors the tunable operation from 1460.0 nm to 1506.0 nm, with range of 46.0 nm. The achievable maximum repetition rate and maximum pulse energy in the experiment are 35.1 kHz and 63.2 nJ, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, the first reported tunable passively Q-switched TFF laser using exfoliated MoS2 as saturable absorber has been demonstrated.
On the commutativity degree of metacyclic groups of 5-power order using conjugation action
Authors: Zamri Siti Norziahidayu Amzee , Sarmin Nor Haniza , Khasraw Sanhan Muhammad Salih , El-Sanfaz Mustafa Anis , Rahmat Hamisan 
Published: April 2018

An extension of the concept of commutativity degree named the probability that an element of a group fixes a set was introduced in 2013. Suppose is a metacyclic 5-group and is the set of all ordered pairs (x,y) in G*G such that lcm(|x|,|y|)=5, xy=yx and x is not equal to y. In this paper, the probability that an element of a metacyclic 5-group fixes the set is computed by using conjugation action.
Strain analysis in ferritic filler weldment by using the modified Williamson-hall method
Authors: Dani Mohammad , Jahja Aziz Khan , Parikin Parikin , Insani Andon , Iskandar Riza 
Published: April 2018

A strain analysis study of the Fe-Cr-Ni based low carbon steel for welding application prepared by a thermal-induction furnace were performed using a modified Williamson-Hall (MHW) method. Three different models, uniform deformation (UDM), the uniform deformation stress (UDSM), and the the uniform deformation energy density (UDEDM) models. The optimal results showed by calculation result using UDM method indicate that uniform deformation was present on analyzed material. Based on UDM method, the welded material contains smaller grain size than the based materials. The calculated of average microstrain values of 7.6351×10-4 and -9.21×10-4 for based and welded materials respectively suggest different strain phenomena occurs during welding processes. Microstructure analysis by means of transmission electron microscopy reveal that based material consist of grains in 50-100 nm sizes and with planar defects are also detected.
MILP model for integrated line balancing and model sequencing problems for Mixed-Model Two-Sided Assembly Line
Authors: Mohd Azmi Nur Intan Liyana , Zainuddin Zaitul Marlizawati , Zainuddin Zaitul Marlizawati , Ahmad Rashidah , Ahmad Rashidah 
Published: April 2018

This research explores two interrelated problems in Mixed-Model Two-Sided Assembly Line (MMTSAL), which are line balancing and model sequencing. These two problems are solved simultaneously using Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) with the objectives of minimizing total utility work and idle time by considering various practical constraints. The problem is analyzed using small-size to large-sized test cases using General Algebraic Modelling System (GAMS) with the solver CPLEX. Experimental results indicate that integrating the problems help to minimize the proposed objective function. Also, it is found that the feasible solution for model sequence with the assignment of tasks to assembly line is optimal.