Proposition of a simple binary grading of estimated blood loss during colon surgery

Purpose Intraoperative estimated blood loss (EBL) is often reported in nearly all surgical papers; however, there is no consensus regarding its measurement. The aim of this study was to determine whether EBL (ml) is as reliable and reproducible in predicting complications as a simple binary grading of EBL. Methods All consecutive patients undergoing colectomies between January 2015 and December 2018 were included. EBL was assessed prospectively by the surgeon and anaesthesiologist in ml and with a binary scale: bleeding “as usual” versus “more than usual” by the surgeon. Differences between pre- and post-operative haemoglobin levels (ΔHb g/dl) were correlated to EBL. Blood loss impact on 30-day postoperative morbidity was analysed. Results A total of 270 patients were included, with a mean age of 65 years (SD 17). Mean EBL documented by surgeons correlated to EBL by anaesthesiologists (79.5 ml, SD 99 vs. 84.5 ml, SD 118, ϱ = 0.926, p < 0.001). Surgeons and anaesthesiologists’ EBL correlated also with ΔHb (ϱ = − 0.273, p = 0.01 and ϱ = − 0.344, p = 0.01, respectively). Patient with surgeon EBL ≥ 250 ml or graded as “more than usual” bleeding had significantly more severe complications (8% vs. 20%, p = 0.02 and 8% vs. 27%, p = 0.001, respectively). Conclusion Anaesthesiologist and surgeon’s EBL correlated with ΔHb. Simple grading of blood loss as “usual” and “more than usual” predicted severe complications and higher mortality rates. This simple binary grading of blood loss in colon surgery could be an alternative to the estimation of blood loss in ml as it is easy to apply but needs to be validated externally.

Applications of Laplacian spectrum for the weighted scale-free network with a weight factor

Laplacian spectrum gives a lot of useful information about complex structural properties and relevant dynamical aspects, which has attracted the attention of mathematicians. We introduced the weighted scale-free network inspired by the binary scale-free network. First, the weighted scale-free network with a weight factor is constructed by an iterative way. In the next step, we use the definition of eigenvalue and eigenvector to obtain the recursive relationship of its eigenvalues and multiplicities at two successive generations. Through analysis of eigenvalues of transition weight matrix we find that multiplicities of eigenvalues 0 of transition matrix are different for the binary scale-free network and the weighted scale-free network. Then, we obtain the eigenvalues for the normalized Laplacian matrix of the weighted scale-free network by using the obtained eigenvalues of transition weight matrix. Finally, we show some applications of the Laplacian spectrum in calculating eigentime identity and Kirchhoff index. The leading term of these indexes are completely different for the binary and the weighted scale-free network.

MEZZANINE FINANCING INSTRUMENTS IN COMPARISON TO THE CLASSIC FINANCING SOURCES

The paper deals with innovated financing in the form of mezzanine financing instruments (sources). The authors aimed to identify, characterize, and assess mezzanine financing instruments in comparison to the classic corporate financing sources. Mezzanine financing represents an innovated form of financing interconnecting the features of equity and debt. The paper specifies the sources and characterizes and assesses pros and cons of each of them. Subsequently, it presents an overall evaluation of mezzanine financing instruments in comparison to the selected equity and debt financing sources. This evaluation was performed on the basis of 14 set criteria using a binary scale.

Summer temperature and precipitation govern bat diversity at northern latitudes in Norway

This study investigated bat diversity in a temperature and precipitation gradient in fiord and valley landscapes of western Norway about 62° N. Equipment for automatic recording of bat calls was distributed in areas ranging from lowlands to alpine habitats with a mean July temperature range of 8–14°C. A general description of species distribution was given and diversity was analysed using both a generalised linear model (GLM) and a mixed-effects model (GLMM). With regard to the sampling design, the data were analysed on a binary scale, where presence or absence of any species other than the northern bat

PENGARUH RESISTANCE BARRIERS DAN FAKTOR DEMOGRAFI TERHADAP RESISTENSI INOVASI MOBILE BANKING DI KOTA MATARAM

This study is aimed to examine variables that determine mobile banking resistance among banking customer in Mataram. The study included independent variables to a logistic regression model to predict mobile banking adoption or non-adoption. Referring Theory of Innovation Resistance that proposed by Ram and Sheth’s (1989), the study examined the effect of resistance barriers variables i.e. usage barrier, value barrier, risk barrier, tradition barrier and image barrier on mobile banking resistance. In addition, the study examined demographic factors i.e. gender, age, level of education and household income. Total respondents were 234, who were of customers of BRI, BCA and Mandiri in Mataram who use mobile devices (cellular phones, smartphones, tablets). Data were analyzed using Binary Logistic Regression because the dependent variable i.e. mobile banking resistance is measured by a binary scale, 0 for “user” and 1 for “non-user”. The results showed that usage barrier, value barrier, and risk barrier had a positive significant effect on mobile banking resistance. Among demographic variables, only gender and age had a significant effect on mobile banking resistance, while household income and level of education had a non-significant effect.Keywords: mobile banking, resistance barriers, innovation resistance, logistic regression

Binary Scale Time Windows FFT for Harmonic Analysis

Various harmonics exist in the electrical power system, and the harmonics include both integer harmonics and non-integer harmonics. It is hard to analyze all the harmonics accurately. In order to improve the precision of harmonic analysis and the minimum resolution, this paper presents a new algorithm named binary scale time windows FFT based on traditional algorithm.This algorithm considers the calculative time and precision well. The results of the test indicate that this algorithm can both guarantee the accuracy and raise the resolving power in the harmonic analysis without increasing the hardware level and the time of calculation obviously. It can restrain the increasingly serious harmonic pollution in power system effectively.