bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Texton Noise
Authors: Galerne B. , Leclaire A. , Moisan L. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractDesigning realistic noise patterns from scratch is hard. To solve this problem, recent contributions have proposed involved spectral analysis algorithms that enable procedural noise models to faithfully reproduce some class of textures. The aim of this paper is to propose the simplest and most efficient noise model that allows for the reproduction of any Gaussian texture. Texton noise is a simple sparse convolution noise that sums randomly scattered copies of a small bilinear texture called texton. We introduce an automatic algorithm to compute the texton associated with an input texture image that concentrates the input frequency content into the desired texton support. One of the main features of texton noise is that its evaluation only consists to sum 30 texture fetches on average. Consequently, texton noise generates Gaussian textures with an unprecedented evaluation speed for noise by example. A second main feature of texton noise is that it allows for high‐quality on‐the‐fly anisotropic filtering by simply invoking existing GPU hardware solutions for texture fetches. In addition, we demonstrate that texton noise can be applied on any surface using parameterization‐free surface noise and that it allows for noise mixing.
Expanding the Protected Area Network in Antarctica is Urgent and Readily Achievable
Authors: Coetzee Bernard W.T. , Convey Peter , Chown Steven L. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe terrestrial protected areas of Antarctica are generally small, unrepresentative of the continent's biodiversity, and at risk from a range of pressures. While some consider the whole Antarctic region as a protected area, we demonstrate that the evidence does not support this view. The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty recognizes that a systematic environmental‐geographical framework provides a quantitative approach to inform expansion of the current Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA) network. We review the progress thus far and challenges facing the establishment of protected areas in terrestrial Antarctica when adopting best practice approaches, an assessment that is lacking for the region to date. Encouragingly, because of the historical investment in Antarctic biodiversity science, and the existence and implementation of defined processes to identify and designate ASPAs, the opportunity exists to rapidly expand the current ASPA network. However, challenges remain. Foremost among these is the adoption of a comprehensive systematic conservation plan by stakeholders. We outline a strategy for the Antarctic Treaty Parties to provide the equitable, effective, transparent, and scientifically founded expansion of protected areas that Antarctica urgently requires. We also highlight where opportunities for colearning may lie in conservation planning and policy development in the Antarctic and other commons or commons‐like areas.
myTREEHOUSE Self‐Concept Assessment: preliminary psychometric analysis of a new self‐concept assessment for children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Cheong Sau Kuan , Lang Cathryne P , Hemphill Sheryl A , Johnston Leanne M 
Published: January 2017

AimTo evaluate the preliminary validity and reliability of the myTREEHOUSE Self‐Concept Assessment for children with cerebral palsy (CP) aged 8 to 12 years.MethodThe myTREEHOUSE Self‐Concept Assessment includes 26 items divided into eight domains, assessed across three Performance Perspectives (Personal, Social, and Perceived) and an additional Importance Rating. Face and content validity was assessed by semi‐structured interviews with seven expert professionals regarding the assessment construct, content, and clinical utility. Reliability was assessed with 50 children aged 8 to 12 years with CP (29 males, 21 females; mean age 10y 2mo; Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] level I=35, II=8, III=5, IV=1; mean Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children ‐ Fourth Edition [WISC‐IV]=104), whose data was used to calculate internal consistency of the scale, and a subset of 35 children (20 males, 15 females; mean age 10y 5mo; GMFCS level I=26, II=4, III=4, IV=1; mean WISC‐IV=103) who participated in test–retest reliability within 14 to 28 days.ResultsFace and content validity was supported by positive expert feedback, with only minor adjustments suggested to clarify the wording of some items. After these amendments, strong internal consistency (Cronbach's α 0.84–0.91) and moderate to good test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.64–0.75) was found for each component.InterpretationThe myTREEHOUSE Self‐Concept Assessment is a valid and reliable assessment of self‐concept for children with CP aged 8 to 12 years.
The Spread of the Learning Outcomes Approaches across Countries, Sub‐systems and Levels: A special focus on teacher education
Authors: Halász Gábor 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThis article is based on the outcomes of the study entitled “The application of learning outcomes approaches across Europe”, which was funded by Cedefop and completed in 2015 (Wiśniewski et al,). The study, aiming at exploring the implementation of the learning outcomes approach in European countries, addressed two major questions: (1) to what extent and how the shift to learning outcomes has been influencing education and training policies and strategies at macro (national) level and teaching practices at micro (institutional) level in EU and EFTA member countries, and (2) to what extent and how political priority given to learning outcomes has influenced institutional practices in the training of education and training professionals. The study, covering 33 EU and EFTA member countries and all sub‐systems of education, used empirical evidence from country case studies and also from a limited number of institutional case studies focusing on initial teacher education. The study demonstrated a significant progress in the use of the learning outcomes approach in most countries and in all sub‐systems, but also major implementation challenges. This article presents the outcomes of the study using an analytical framework combining three analytical perspectives: (1) curriculum development and delivery (2) European integration, and (3) governance and policy implementation.
The effects of power toothbrushing on periodontal inflammation in a Canadian nursing home population: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lavigne SE , Doupe MB , Iacopino AM , Mahmud S , Elliott L 
Published: January 2017

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate whether twice‐daily use of a rotating‐oscillating power toothbrush (Oral‐B Professional Care 1000™) in nursing home (NH) residents over a 6‐week period, compared to usual care (UC), would reduce periodontal inflammation.MethodsIn this repeated measures single‐blinded randomized controlled trial, 59 residents of one NH in Winnipeg, Canada, were randomized to receive either twice‐daily tooth brushing with a rotating‐oscillating power toothbrush (PB) or UC by caregivers. Consent was obtained from residents or their proxies. Participants had some natural teeth, periodontal inflammation, non‐aggressive behaviour, no communicable diseases, were non‐smokers and non‐comatose. Outcomes were measured at baseline and 6 weeks, which included: inflammation (MGI, Lobene), bleeding (PBI, Loesche) and Plaque (Turesky). Comparisons of group changes in outcomes were analysed using an ANOVA with a repeated measure.ResultsOf 59 original study participants, one withdrew, one died prior to study commencement and three died before study completion. All oral parameters improved significantly for the remaining 54 residents over time (P<.0001), with no differences between groups.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that it is possible for caregivers to improve periodontal inflammation of residents over a 6‐week period. Despite no significant group differences, periodontal inflammation of all study participants improved significantly, particularly in the reduction of bleeding, a direct measure of periodontal inflammation, which is a unique finding.
Longer‐lasting Al2O3‐SiCw‐TiC cutting tools obtained by spark plasma sintering
Authors: Gutiérrez‐González Carlos F , Pozhidaev Serghei , Rivera Sergio , Peretyagin Pavel , Solís Washington , Díaz Luis Antonio , Fernandez Adolfo , Torrecillas Ramón 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIn this work, an electrically conductive powder mixture of alumina, silicon carbide whiskers, and titanium carbide has been used to obtain cutting tools with a standard SNGN geometry after machining spark plasma sintered disks with 150 mm in diameter and 10 mm height. The obtained cutting inserts from the sintered blanks were used in real conditions in order to make a wear study of this composition compared to the alumina‐silicon carbide whiskers inserts available in the market. In parallel, pin on disk wear studies were performed. Results are discussed in terms of the different properties and microstructural features of the different ceramic composites.
Bronchial thermoplasty in severe asthma in Australia
Authors: Langton David , Sha Joy , Ing Alvin , Fielding David , Wood Erica 
Published: January 2017

BackgroundBronchial thermoplasty (BT) is an approved bronchoscopic intervention for the treatment of severe asthma. However, limited published experience exists outside of clinical trials regarding patient selection and outcomes achieved.AimsTo evaluate the effectiveness and safety of BT in patients with severe asthma encountered in clinical practice.MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of the first ‘real world’ data from Australia. The following outcomes were measured prior to, and 6 months following BT: spirometry, Asthma Control Questionnaire‐5 (ACQ‐5) score, reliever and preventer medication use and exacerbation history.ResultsTwenty patients were treated from June 2014 to December 2015 at three university teaching hospitals. All subjects met the European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society definition of severe asthma. Mean pre‐bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s was 62.8 ± 16.6% predicted (range: 33–95%). All patients were being treated with high dose inhaled corticosteroids, long‐acting beta2 agonists and long‐acting muscarinic antagonists. Ten patients (50%) were taking maintenance oral prednisolone. Most subjects also required at least one of montelukast (65%), omalizumab (30%) and methotrexate (20%). ACQ‐5 improved from 3.6 ± 1.1 at baseline to 1.6 ± 1.2 at 6 months, P < 0.001. Short‐acting reliever use decreased from a median of 8.0–0.25 puffs/day, P < 0.001, and exacerbations requiring corticosteroids also significantly reduced. Five of 10 patients completely discontinued maintenance oral corticosteroids. Ten patients with a baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 s of <60% predicted significantly improved from 49.2 ± 9.6% to 61.8 ± 17.6%, P < 0.05. Only two procedures required hospitalisation beyond the planned overnight admission.Conclusion
BT is a safe procedure which can achieve clinical improvement in those with uncontrolled symptoms and severe airflow obstruction.
Developing a cultural competence inventory for nurses in China
Authors: Cai D. , Kunaviktikul W. , Klunklin A. , Sripusanapan A. , Avant P.K. 
Published: January 2017

AimTo develop and psychometrically test the Cultural Competence Inventory for Nurses in China.BackgroundCultural competence is expected worldwide from nurses due to the increasing cultural diversity of people in healthcare establishments. Yet, no cultural competence framework or instrument for nurses has been identified to guide nursing practice in China where the cultural diversity of the populations and the characteristics of the healthcare system are different from those of the West.MethodsA review of literature and individual interviews among nurse experts generated 74 items, which were evaluated by six experts in transcultural nursing. A stratified random sampling technique was used to recruit 520 Chinese nurses for the field test. Construct validity and internal consistency reliability of the instrument were estimated by exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha, respectively. The data were collected from May 2015 to January 2016.ResultsThe final instrument consists of 29 items in five dimensions, namely ‘cultural awareness, cultural respect, cultural knowledge, cultural understanding and cultural skills’. Cronbach's alpha for the instrument was 0.94, with a range of 0.79–0.92 for the individual dimensions. The evidence for contrast‐group validity (P < 0.001) was also obtained.ConclusionThe study provides evidence that the Cultural Competence Inventory for Nurses in China is reliable, valid and culturally sensitive for measuring nurses’ cultural competence. The instrument development process facilitates the understanding of cultural competence globally.Implications for nursing and nursing policyCultural competence of nurses can be evaluated for self‐development, workforce management and quality assurance. The instrument can also serve as the foundation to develop education curricula and nursing procedures or protocols to improve culturally competent nursing practice.
Solubility limits and LaGaO3 compatibility in the LaO1.5‐GaO1.5‐NiO ternary system
Authors: Duffy Patrick K. , Beal Rachel A. , Layton Carys E. , Barnett Scott A. , Mason Thomas O. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPhase compatibility and solubility limits in the LaO1.5‐GaO1.5‐NiO system at 1400°C were measured using phase analysis and disappearing phase methods, focusing on compatibility of LaGaO3 with NiO and Lan+1NinO3n+1 Ruddlesden‐Popper phases. For the first time, it was observed that, similar to La4Ni3O10, the incorporation of gallium stabilized La3Ni2O7 over a narrow composition range. The compositional limits of stability involving LaGaO3 were determined in detail, and the full quasiternary diagram is presented as a best estimation that is consistent with the observations of this study. LaGaO3 showed compatibility with NiO, with gallium and nickel substituting for each other in both phases. The lowest attainable amount of nickel in LaGaO3 in equilibrium with gallium‐saturated NiO was measured to be around 7% nickel on gallium sites. Of the Ruddlesden‐Popper phases, only La4Ni3O10 showed compatibility with LaGaO3, with the two‐phase region spanning between ~40%‐55% gallium on nickel sites in La4Ni3O10 and ~20%‐50% nickel on gallium sites in LaGaO3. The electrical conductivity of La4(Ni1−xGax)3O10 was also measured, and found to decrease monotonically with the addition of gallium. Implications relating to fabrication of solid oxide fuel cells with Sr‐ and Mg‐doped LaGaO3 electrolytes are discussed.
Editorial: Making clinical trials smarter (and more interesting)
Authors: Fearon R. M. Pasco 
Published: January 2017

At its heart, the field of child psychology and psychiatry is geared towards using science to develop interventions that promote children's healthy development and treat behavioural and emotional difficulties when they arise. While there have been some successes (e.g. stimulant medication for ADHD, parent training for child conduct problems, Fonagy et al., ) serious challenges lie ahead if we are to achieve reliable and lasting improvements for a larger number of children, and for a broader spectrum of problems.
Medication administration errors and related deviations from safe practice: an observational study
Authors: Blignaut Alwiena J , Coetzee Siedine K , Klopper Hester C , Ellis Suria M 
Published: January 2017

Aims and objectivesTo determine the incidence of medication administration errors, medication administration‐related deviations from safe practice as well as factors associated with these errors in medical and surgical units of public hospitals in the Gauteng Province of South Africa.BackgroundSeveral studies have been published on the incidence of medication administration errors, but only a few have studied the incidence of medication administration‐related deviations from safe practice. Context‐specific research on the incidence of medication administration errors and associated factors (patient acuity, bed occupancy, staffing levels, medication administrators’ qualifications, dose calculation skills, level of hospital, unit type, medication administration route and interruptions) within the continent of Africa is lacking.DesignA cross‐sectional, observational design.MethodsDirect observation was conducted incorporating a previously validated checklist based on basic medication guidelines including the five rights, asepsis and medication documentation. In addition, a knowledge test on dose calculations was performed. Medication administration to 315 patients (1847 medications administered) was observed between February–August 2015 in medical and surgical units from eight public hospitals. Twenty‐five medication administrators completed dose calculations.ResultsIn total, 296 medication errors were identified, of which most were wrong‐time errors and omissions. Interruptions and patient acuity were significantly associated with wrong‐dose and wrong‐route errors, respectively. Most medication administration‐related deviations from safe practice were related to patient identification or asepsis. Sixteen of 50 dosage calculations were answered incorrectly. Incorrect answers most often occurred in the calculation of parenteral dosages.ConclusionsMedication administration errors, especially wrong‐time errors and omissions, are prevalent in public hospitals in the Gauteng Province. Interruptions lower the risk of wrong‐dose errors, while patient acuity exacerbates this risk.Relevance to clinical practiceFactors associated with wrong‐time errors and omissions should be addressed. Patient identification and asepsis protocols should be adhered to. Dosage calculation training is indicated.
ARE GREEN CAR DRIVERS FRIENDLY DRIVERS? A STUDYOF TAIWAN'S AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE MARKET
Authors: Huang Jerry S. , Wang Kili C. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTBy integrating claims data from Taiwan's compulsory liability insurance with a unique data set on driving mileage records for each car, this article examines whether green car drivers have lower accident risk. We find that after controlling for the mileage driven per car, the traffic accident risk of green car drivers is significantly lower. Our empirical evidence also confirms that green car drivers are, on average, high‐mileage drivers. Moreover, driving more results in a higher accident probability for green car drivers despite their being lower‐risk drivers. The policy implications are discussed.
The Effects of Hospital Characteristics on Delays in Breast Cancer Diagnosis in Appalachian Communities: A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Louis Christopher J. , Clark Jonathan R. , Hillemeier Marianne M. , Camacho Fabian , Yao Nengliang , Anderson Roger T. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPurposeDespite being generally accepted that delays in diagnosing breast cancer are of prognostic and psychological concern, the influence of hospital characteristics on such delays remains poorly understood, especially in rural and underserved areas. However, hospital characteristics have been tied to greater efficiency and warrant further investigation as they may have implications for breast cancer care in these areas.MethodsStudy data were derived from the Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, and Pennsylvania state central cancer registries (2006‐2008). We then linked Medicare enrollment files and claims data (2005‐2009), the Area Resource File (2006‐2008), and the American Hospital Association Annual Survey of Hospitals (2007) to create an integrated data set. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to regress the natural log of breast cancer diagnosis delay on a number of hospital‐level, demographic, and clinical characteristics.FindingsThe baseline study sample consisted of 4,547 breast cancer patients enrolled in Medicare that lived in Appalachian counties at the time of diagnosis. We found that hospitals with for‐profit ownership (P < .01) had shorter diagnosis delays than their counterparts. Estimates for comprehensive oncology services, system membership and size were not statistically significant at conventional levels.ConclusionsSome structural characteristics of hospitals (eg, for‐profit ownership) in the Appalachian region are associated with having shorter delays in diagnosing breast cancer. Researchers and practitioners must go beyond examining patient‐level demographic and tumor characteristics to better understand the drivers of timely cancer diagnosis, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Lung microdialysis study of florfenicol in pigs after single intramuscular administration
Authors: Yang B. , Gao J. D. , Cao X. Y. , Wang Q. Y. , Sun G. Z. , Yang J. J. 
Published: January 2017

For most bacterial lung infections, the concentration of unbound antimicrobial agent in lung interstitial fluid has been considered as the gold standard for estimating the antibacterial efficacy. In this study, the pharmacokinetics of florfenicol (FF) in porcine lung interstitial fluid was investigated after single intramuscular administration at two different doses (20 and 50 mg/kg). Twelve pigs underwent thoracotomy under general anesthesia. Then, the CMA/30 probe was implanted into the lung and perfused at 1 μL/min. The microdialysis (MD) samples were collected on a preset schedule and analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis was performed. FF exhibited rapid distribution and slow elimination in porcine lung interstitial fluid. The main pharmacokinetic parameters at 20 and 50 mg/kg were 4.88 ± 0.54 and 10.36 ± 2.52 μg/mL for the maximum concentration (Cmax), 3.25 ± 0.32 and 3.50 ± 0.27 h for the time to Cmax (Tmax), 9.47 ± 6.84 and 7.75 ± 3.23 h for the half‐life (t1/2), 0.10 ± 0.06 and 0.10 ± 0.04 1/h for the terminal elimination rate constant (λz), 13.85 ± 7.97 and 11.42 ± 2.79 h for the mean residence time (MRT), 37.77 ± 8.13 and 71.15 ± 16.99 h·μg/mL for the area under the curve from time 0 to 18.25 h (AUC0–18.25), and 51.18 ± 20.11 and 88.78 ± 27.58 h·μg/mL for the area under the curve from time 0 to infinity (AUC0–∞), respectively.
Ritualized fights among foraging cattle egrets following Père David's deer in Dafeng Nature Reserve
Authors: Fernandez E. V. , Shi X. , Li Z. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe outcome success of animals competing for food resources may be influenced by their differences in resource holding potential and motivation to acquire these resources. This study investigated the naturally occurring aggressive interactions during ritualized fights of the cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) foraging with Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus). The study was conducted in the first core zone of Dafeng Père David's Deer National Nature Reserve, Jiangsu, China during the summers of 2012 and 2013. The foraging and vigilance variables of resident cattle egrets feeding with a deer with and without intrusion were calculated and compared. Cases of ritualized fights between residents and intruders were recorded in naturally occurring aggressive interactions. The prey capture success rate and the total foraging earnings of resident cattle egrets following a deer with intrusion were significantly higher than those of resident foragers without intrusion. The resident status did not affect the outcomes of the ritualized fights of the cattle egrets, although adult residents or intruders had more cases of winning in contesting ownership of the deer. Thus, age is the major resource holding factor in foraging cattle egrets competing for host ownership.