bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meta-Analyses of Predictors of Health Practices in Pregnant Women
Authors: Cannella Barbara L. , Yarcheski Adela , Mahon Noreen E.
Published: December 2017

The aims of this study were to identify predictors of health practices of pregnant women in the literature reviewed, to use meta-analysis to ascertain the mean effect size (ES) across studies between each predictor and health practices, and to examine four moderators on each predictor–health practices relationship. Using preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines for the literature assessed, 32 published studies or doctoral dissertations completed between 1992 and 2015 met the inclusion criteria. Twelve predictors were identified, and each predictor in relation to health practices was subjected to meta-analysis. One predictor (maternal–fetal attachment) of health practices had a large ES, two predictors (depression and stress) had medium ESs, six predictors (income, education, parity, social support, employment, and age) had small ESs, and three predictors (gestational age, marital status, and race) had trivial ESs. Findings are interpreted relative to health practices in pregnant women.
Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy and Professional Commitment Among Master Nursing Students
Authors: Wang Jingxia , Guo Rui , Liu Minhui , Zhang Xiaofei , Ren Lu , Sun Mei , Tang Siyuan
Published: December 2017

Developing countries face a shortage of nurses with higher education, such as those with a master’s degree. However, few studies have investigated the interaction between career decision and professional commitment (PC) of nursing students, especially for postgraduates. This study performed correlation analysis for career decision-making self-efficacy (CDMSE) and PC of 545 nursing postgraduate students from nursing schools at 19 universities or colleges throughout mainland China, who came from different regions, and possessed different years of study and different types of degrees as well as part-time job experiences. Data reliability and validity were confirmed for both Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy Scale for university students (CDMSE-R) and Professional Commitment Questionnaire (PCQ). We found positive correlations between factors of PC and CDMSE. The score of CDMSE was different between regions, degree types, grades, and part-time job experiences. According to our results, we suggest nursing education or career advisory services should promote the PC of nursing students according to factors of their CDMSE scores.
Operating Room Personnel Viewpoints About Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists
Authors: Hensel Desiree , Cooper Rachel , Craney Neil
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this project was to explore what attitudes physicians, nurses, and operating room technicians had about working with Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) to better understand practice barriers and facilitators. This Q methodology study used a purposive sample of operating room personnel from four institutions in the Midwestern United States. Participants completed a −4 to +4 rank-ordering of their level of agreement with 34 attitude statements representing a wide range of beliefs about nurse anesthetists. Centroid factor analysis with varimax rotation was used to analyze 24 returned Q sorts. Three distinct viewpoints emerged that explained 66% of the variance: favoring unrestricted practice, favoring anesthesiologist supervision, and favoring anesthesiologist practice. Research is needed on how to develop workplace attitudes that support autonomous nurse anesthetist practice and to understand preferences for restricted practice in team members other than physicians.
Impact of Volume Management on Volume Overload and Rehospitalization in CAPD Patients
Authors: Xu Yi , Yang Shen-Min , Wang Xiao-hua , Wang Hai-fang , Niu Mei-e , Yang Yi-qun , Lu Guo-yuan , Pang Jian-hong , Wang Fei , Li Lin
Published: December 2017

Heart failure due to volume overload is a major reason for rehospitalization in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients. Strict volume control provides better cardiac functions and blood pressure in this population. Volume management, which is a volume control strategy, may decrease volume overload and related complications. Using a quasi-experimental design, 66 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients were randomly assigned to the intervention group ( n = 34) and control group ( n = 32). The patients were followed up for 6 months with scheduled clinic and/or telephone visits; the intervention group adopted volume management strategy, while the control group adopted conventional care. Volume overload and cardiac function were compared between the two groups at the baseline and at 6 months. At Month 6, the intervention group resulted in significant improvement in volume overloaded status, cardiac function, and volume-overload-related rehospitalization. Volume management strategy allows for better control of volume overload and is associated with fewer volume-related readmissions.
Perceived Needs of Parents of Premature Infants in NICU
Authors: Wang Li , He Jun Li , Fei Shu Lan
Published: December 2017

To investigate the needs of parents of premature infants hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and explore associated factors. This study includes a convenience sample of 198 parents of premature infants hospitalized in a NICU in Chenzhou, Hunan province, China. Parents completed a study-specific questionnaire and the Chinese version of Critical Care Family Need Inventory (CCFNI). Analysis was conducted by multiple linear regression. Parents rated 30 of 45 items on the Chinese version of the CCFNI as important or very important. Items on the assurance, information, and proximity subscales were perceived as the most important, while items on the comfort subscale were the least important. Gender of parents and experience of visiting a NICU were significantly associated with the total needs of the parents. These insights should be used to inform clinical practice in the NICU.
The Symbolic Functions of Nurses’ Cognitive Artifacts on a Medical Oncology Unit
Authors: Blaz Jacquelyn W. , Doig Alexa K. , Cloyes Kristin G. , Staggers Nancy
Published: December 2017

Acute care nurses continue to rely on personally created paper-based tools—their “paper brains”—to support work during a shift, although standardized handoff tools are recommended. This interpretive descriptive study examines the functions these paper brains serve beyond handoff in the medical oncology unit at a cancer specialty hospital. Thirteen medical oncology nurses were each shadowed for a single shift and interviewed afterward using a semistructured technique. Field notes, transcribed interviews, images of nurses’ paper brains, and analytic memos were inductively coded, and analysis revealed paper brains are symbols of patient and nurse identity. Caution is necessary when attempting to standardize nurses’ paper brains as nurses may be resistant to such changes due to their pride in constructing personal artifacts to support themselves and their patients.
Symptoms-Based Phenotypes Among Women With Dysmenorrhea: A Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Chen Chen X. , Ofner Susan , Bakoyannis Giorgos , Kwekkeboom Kristine L. , Carpenter Janet S.
Published: December 2017

Dysmenorrhea is highly prevalent and may increase women’s risk for developing other chronic pain conditions. Although it is highly variable, symptom-based dysmenorrhea phenotypes have not been identified. The aims of the study were to identify symptom-based dysmenorrhea phenotypes and examine their relationships with demographic and clinical characteristics. In a cross-sectional study, 762 women with dysmenorrhea rated severity of 14 dysmenorrhea-related symptoms. Using latent class analysis, we identified three distinctive phenotypes. Women in the “mild localized pain” phenotype ( n = 202, 26.51%) had mild abdominal cramps and dull abdominal pain/discomfort. Women in the “severe localized pain” phenotype ( n = 412, 54.07%) had severe abdominal cramps. Women in the “multiple severe symptoms” phenotype ( n = 148, 19.42%) had severe pain at multiple locations and multiple gastrointestinal symptoms. Race, ethnicity, age, and comorbid chronic pain conditions were significantly associated with phenotypes. Identification of these symptom-based phenotypes provides a foundation for research examining genotype–phenotype associations, etiologic mechanisms, and/or variability in treatment responses.
Association of the Nurse Work Environment, Collective Efficacy, and Missed Care
Authors: Smith Jessica G. , Morin Karen H. , Wallace Leigh E. , Lake Eileen T.
Published: December 2017

Missed nursing care is a significant threat to quality patient care. Promoting collective efficacy within nurse work environments could decrease missed care. The purpose was to understand how missed care is associated with nurse work environments and collective efficacy of hospital staff nurses. A cross-sectional, convenience sample was obtained through online surveys from registered nurses working at five southwestern U.S. hospitals. Descriptive, correlational, regression, and path analyses were conducted ( N = 233). The percentage of nurses who reported that at least one care activity was missed frequently or always was 94%. Mouth care (36.0% of nurses) and ambulation (35.3%) were missed frequently or always. Nurse work environments and collective efficacy were moderately, positively correlated. Nurse work environments and collective efficacy were associated with less missed care (χ2 = 10.714, p = .0054). Fostering collective efficacy in the nurse work environment could reduce missed care and improve patient outcomes.
Comparison of Medical Therapy Alone to Medical Therapy with Surgical Treatment of Peritonsillar Abscess
Authors: Battaglia Alex , Burchette Raoul , Hussman Jacob , Silver Matthew A. , Martin Peter , Bernstein Paul
Published: December 2017

Objective

This study was performed to determine whether the efficacy and safety of medical management of uncomplicated peritonsillar abscess (PTA) presenting in the emergency department is equivalent to medical plus surgical therapy.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Southern California Permanente Medical Group (SCPMG).

Subjects and Methods

Upon successful completion of a prospective study comparing medical treatment (MT) to surgical treatment (ST) of PTA in 2008, MT was adopted by 12 SCPMG centers while 7 centers continued standard surgical drainage. Clinical outcomes are now reviewed on a random sampling of 211 patients with PTA treated with MT and 96 patients treated with ST between 2008 and 2013 at the respective medical centers. Patients were treated with intravenous (IV) fluids, weight‐appropriate IV ceftriaxone, clindamycin, and dexamethasone, and then discharged on clindamycin × 10 days (MT). Patients in the ST group received MT but also surgical drainage. Primary end points were complication rates and failure rates.

Results

MT and ST resulted in no significant difference in treatment success or complications. However, patients in the MT group obtained significantly less liquid opioid prescriptions (MT, 30.8 ± 5.65; ST, 77.75 ± 13.41; P <. 0001), reported fewer sore days (MT, 4.48 ± 0.27; ST, 5.77 ± 0.49; P =. 0004), and required less days off from work (MT, 3.4 ± 0.44; ST, 4.9 ± 0.82; P =. 044).

Conclusions

Compared to ST, MT appears to be equally safe and efficacious, with less pain, opioid use, and days off work, especially if patients with PTA present without trismus. MT for PTAs reduces the possibility of surgical complications, as well as the cost and inconvenience associated with ST.
Outcomes of Drug‐Induced Sleep Endoscopy–Directed Surgery for Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: He Shan , Peddireddy Nithin S. , Smith David F. , Duggins Angela L. , Heubi Christine , Shott Sally R. , Ishman Stacey L.
Published: December 2017

Objectives

To determine the effectiveness of pediatric drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE)–directed surgery for children with infant obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or OSA after adenotonsillectomy.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care pediatric hospital.

Subjects and Methods

We included 56 children undergoing DISE from October 2013 to September 2015 who underwent subsequent surgery to address OSA. The primary outcome was successful response to DISE‐directed surgery based on the postoperative obstructive Apnea‐Hypopnea Index (oAHI). Wilcoxon matched‐pairs signed‐ranks tests were used to compare polysomnography variables before and after surgery, and regression was used to model response to surgery.

Results

We evaluated 56 patients with a mean age of 5.9 ± 5.5 years (range, 0.1‐17.4) and mean body mass index of 21.2 ± 7.9 kg/m2 (percentile, 77 ± 30). The most commonly performed surgical procedures were adenoidectomy (48%, n = 27), supraglottoplasty (38%, n = 21), tonsillectomy (27%, n = 15), lingual tonsillectomy (13%, n = 7), nasal surgery (11%, n = 6), pharyngoplasty (7%, n = 4), and partial midline glossectomy (7%, n = 4). Mean oAHI improved from 14.9 ± 13.5 to 10.3 ± 16.2 events/hour, with 54% (30 of 56) of children with oAHI <5 and 16.1% (9 of 56) with oAHI <1. There was a significant improvement in oAHI (P =. 001) and saturation nadir (P <. 001) but not in time with end tidal carbon dioxide >50 mm Hg (P =. 14). Multivariable modeling, controlling for age, race, body mass index, sex, and baseline polysomnography variables, revealed that white race predicted success of DISE‐directed surgery.

Conclusion

Fifty‐four percent of children with infant OSA or persistent OSA after adenotonsillectomy had oAHI <5 events per hour after DISE‐directed surgery. Only white race was predictive of oAHI <5 events per hour.
Utility of Neck, Height, and Tonsillar Size to Screen for Obstructive Sleep Apnea among Obese Youth
Authors: Narang Indra , Al‐Saleh Suhail , Amin Reshma , Propst Evan J. , Bin‐Hasan Saadoun , Campisi Paolo , Ryan Clodagh , Kendzerska Tetyana
Published: December 2017

Objectives

To determine whether neck:height ratio combined with adenoid and tonsillar size is a good predictive tool for obstructive sleep apnea in obese youth.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Sleep clinics at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.

Subjects and Methods

Consented obese individuals aged 8 to 18 years were recruited between 2013 and 2015. Anthropometric measures were obtained by a trained research coordinator in a standardized manner. Otolaryngologists evaluated adenoid and tonsil sizes. Obstructive sleep apnea was diagnosed with an overnight polysomnogram as an obstructive apnea‐hypopnea index ≥2. Multivariable logistic regressions investigated the relationship between potential predictors and obstructive sleep apnea. The C‐statistic measured the predictive ability.

Results

Of the 53 subjects (median age, 13 years; 55% males), 28 (53%) were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, with a median index of 10.6 per hour. In a logistic regression controlling for adenoid size, enlarged tonsils were significantly associated with the presence of obstructive sleep apnea (P <. 01). Adding neck:height ratio into the model improved the model predictive ability (C‐index increased from 0.73 to 0.84). Controlling for tonsil and adenoid sizes, an increase in neck:height ratio was significantly associated with the presence of obstructive sleep apnea (P =. 01).

Conclusion

Our study suggests that neck:height ratio combined with tonsillar hypertrophy may have a strong predictive ability for obstructive sleep apnea and may be useful in an ambulatory setting to screen obese youth at high risk. These findings should be confirmed in a larger study.
Shaping interpersonal learning in the jazz improvisation lesson: Observing a dynamic systems approach
Authors: de Bruin Leon Rene
Published: December 2017

Music institutions predominantly utilize the one-to-one lesson in developing and supporting music students’ learning of skill and knowledge. This article explores the effect that interpersonal interaction plays in shaping pedagogical applications between teacher and student. Observing the learning of improvisation within this individualized social context, dynamic systems theory (DST) is used to explore how learning and development of musical improvisation skills are shaped by interpersonal behaviors and learning relationships. Through the dimensions of teacher “action” and “affiliation”, this phenomenological study investigates the interactive behaviors of five expert Australian educator/improvisers and their students. Interpretative phenomenological analysis is utilized to identify modes of behavioral interactions that evolve through dynamic and fluid interplay. Interactive behavior positions and facilitates the delivery of skill, knowledge, teacher attitudes and understandings of the improvisation process. An interpersonal model of behaviors within the instrumental music lesson is posited, and implications for ongoing critical reflection of interpersonal and pedagogical approaches in the one-to-one context are suggested.
Macadamia nutshells-derived activated carbon and attapulgite clay combination for synergistic removal of Cr(VI) and Cr(III)
Authors: Hlungwane Lindiwe , Viljoen Elvera Logie , Pakade Vusumzi Emmanuel
Published: December 2017

A physical mixture of Macadamia-derived activated carbon and cationic attapulgite clay was investigated for total chromium removal in aqueous solution. The parameters influencing the adsorption of chromium on the sorbents were investigated, and it was shown that pH 3, contact time 2 hours, concentration 50 mg L−1 and calculated adsorption capacity of 96.28 mg g−1 were the optimal parameters. The process of adsorption was better described by Freundlich adsorption isotherm, and the kinetic modelling data suggested a chemisorption mechanism described by pseudo-second-order (PSO) rate model. Ionic strength studies demonstrated that the removal of anionic Cr(VI) species was mostly affected by the presence of anions like Cl− and [Formula: see text], while the removal of the cationic Cr(III) species was affected largely by cations [Formula: see text]>Na+>K+. Overall, the removal mechanism involved adsorption, reduction and ion exchange processes.
Social support needs of breast cancer patients without partners
Authors: Ginter Amanda C. , Braun Bonnie
Published: December 2017

This qualitative study investigated how women without partners navigate social support challenges following their breast cancer diagnoses. In-depth interviews were used for collection. Twenty women without partners discussed the supportive and unsupportive roles their relatives, peers, and colleagues played during diagnoses and treatment. Family systems theory guided the construction of interview questions. Thematic analysis uncovered the following themes: reactions to diagnosis, managing social networks, negotiating appropriate forms of social support with loved ones, and expanding social networks postdiagnosis. Participants discussed the personal challenge of unexpectedly unsupportive friends and family and how they established boundaries with these individuals. Participants also discussed needing age-relevant and cancer stage-specific breast cancer support groups. These findings are relevant to oncology care providers and therapists. Additional implications of these findings for patients, practice, and research are discussed.
Screener tests need validation too: Weighing an argument for test use against practical concerns
Authors: Schmidgall Jonathan E. , Getman Edward P. , Zu Jiyun
Published: December 2017

In this study, we define the term screener test, elaborate key considerations in test design, and describe how to incorporate the concepts of practicality and argument-based validation to drive an evaluation of screener tests for language assessment. A screener test is defined as a brief assessment designed to identify an examinee as a member of a particular population or subpopulation. Consequently, its focus of measurement is to provide information that distinguishes the targeted subpopulations. Although the trade-off between measurement quality and practicality is an important consideration for any assessment (Bachman & Palmer, 1996), practicality is a particularly critical feature of low-stakes screener tests in language assessment given their use in routing examinees to other assessments, rather than serving as the basis for higher-stakes decision making. In order to demonstrate how an evaluation may be applied to a screener test, we describe the development and evaluation of a proposed screener test for the TOEFL Primary Reading test. The claims articulated through the development process and evidence collected throughout development and pilot testing enable a wide-ranging, comparative evaluation of five- and 10-item TOEFL Primary Reading screener tests that systematically incorporate the concepts of measurement quality, impact, and practicality.
Land quality and the city: Monitoring urban growth and land take in 76 Southern European metropolitan areas
Authors: Salvati Luca , Tombolini Ilaria , Ippolito Achille , Carlucci Margherita
Published: December 2017

Urban expansion determines socioeconomic and environmental changes with unpredictable impacts on peri-urban land, especially in ecologically fragile areas. The present study assesses the impact of dense and, respectively, discontinuous urban expansion on high-quality land consumption in 76 metropolitan regions of Southern Europe. Land quality indicators and land-use maps were considered together with the aim to analyze urban growth and land take processes in Portugal, Spain, Southern France, Italy and Greece. Differences in the rate of selective land take (high- vs. low-quality soils) were observed at the metropolitan scale depending on the size of urban regions, the average level of land quality and the percentage of built-up areas and cropland in the total landscape. Discontinuous residential settlements were more frequently developed on high-quality soils in respect to both dense and mixed residential settlements and service settlements. Urbanization – especially discontinuous urban expansion – consumed high-quality land mainly in Spain and Greece. The approach presented in this paper may inform joint policies for urban containment and the preservation of high-quality soils in peri-urban areas.
Understanding the lack of student engagement in Chinese library science undergraduate education
Authors: Zhou Lihong , Hu Yuerong , Xu Jie
Published: December 2017

This research study aimed to investigate the lack of student engagement in Chinese library science (LS) undergraduate education. Specifically, this study aimed to identify and understand the causes of the lack of student engagement and to articulate effective and pragmatic resolving strategies. This study adopted an inductive approach and a single case study design. The LS program at Wuhan University was employed as the case study, in which 29 full-time students were interviewed using a semi-structured question script. A thematic analysis of the interview transcripts pointed to 11 causes of the lack of student engagement. The conceptualisation of the research findings suggested revising the existing LS curricula and maintaining dynamic and interactive relationships among three main determinants of student engagement: curricular design, students’ individual interests, and career prospects. This study provides a perspective on the development and survival of LS education in China and shares important lessons and experiences for LS educators and policy makers across international borders.
To collaborate or not to collaborate, that is the question
Authors: Saurombe Nampombe , Ngulube Patrick
Published: December 2017

Public archives in east and southern Africa are functioning in a competitive information environment. Institutions such as libraries and museums also offer information, but fewer people utilise public archives. More effort is required to make archives a part of the daily lives of citizens in east and southern Africa. This study sought to explore whether or not public archives should collaborate with other information providers in their mission to increase social interaction with the archives. Directors of National Archives, archivists and members of the East and Southern Africa Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (ESARBICA) Board were invited to shed light on their experiences and views regarding collaboration in outreach initiatives. The directors completed a questionnaire, while the archivists and board members participated in face-to-face interviews. Country reports from the different ESARBICA member states were also reviewed. The findings indicate that collaboration in outreach initiatives took place to a certain extent, but libraries and museums were rarely part of this. This paper recommends that public archives play a stronger role in collaborative efforts to improve their visibility and widen their outreach to the public in east and southern Africa. The findings provide an overview on collaborative outreach projects from the perspective of selected archivists from this region, and therefore cannot be generalised to represent the common views of this entire region.
Palliative care service use by older people: Time trends from a mortality follow-back study between 2005 and 2014
Authors: Penders Yolanda WH , Gilissen Joni , Moreels Sarah , Deliens Luc , Van den Block Lieve
Published: December 2017

Background:

The need for increased use and timely initiation of palliative care for all people, not just those who die with cancer, has been advocated worldwide over the past decade.

Aim:

To investigate whether there has been a time trend in the use of palliative care services and the timing of their initiation for older people.

Design:

Mortality follow-back survey among general practitioners in a nationally representative Sentinel Network in 2005–2010, 2013 and 2014 in Belgium.

Setting/participants:

Of all their patients who died non-suddenly aged 65+ years, general practitioners reported sociodemographic and clinical data, use of any of the palliative care services available in Belgium and when the first of these services was initiated.

Results:

General practitioners identified 5344 deaths. Overall, palliative care service use increased from 39% in 2005 to 63% in 2014 ( p < 0.001). The use of a reference person for palliative care in a care home increased from 12% to 26% ( p < 0.001) and of a palliative homecare team from 14% to 17.5% ( p < 0.01), but hospital-based palliative care services did not increase. Controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, no differences were obtained over time in the proportion of cancer/non-cancer patients for whom they provided care. The timing of initiation of palliative care services remained unchanged at a median of 15 days before death.

Conclusion:

Palliative care service use has increased mostly in care homes, possibly as a result of policy changes, while hospital-based palliative care services lag behind. Contrary to recommendations, access for non-cancer patients may remain difficult and palliative care is often initiated late in the disease trajectory.
Predictors of Academic Success in 9- to 11-Year-Old Homeless Children: The Role of Executive Function, Social Competence, and Emotional Control
Authors: Lafavor Theresa
Published: December 2017

Widening achievement gaps between homeless and highly mobile (HHM) youth and their peers highlight the need for research to understand effects of risk and adversity on development to promote resilience and positive adaptation. Youth living under the poverty line experience more risk and adversity, leading to difficulty in multiple domains including academic achievement. Effortful control has been established as a protective factor among young HHM children; however, the impact of other factors including social competence and emotional control on functioning in early adolescence remains less clear. The current study examined effortful control, social competence, and emotional control in adaptive processes in 86 children, aged 9 to 11, living in an emergency homeless shelter. Consistent with expectations, emotional control and social competence each contributed to academic achievement, above and beyond effortful control and IQ. Emotional control moderated effortful control on reading ability. Implications of these findings, including policy and practice, are discussed.
Speaking Up and Activism Among Frontline Employees: How Professional Coping Influences Work Engagement and Intent to Leave Among Teachers
Authors: van Loon Nina M. , Heerema Madelon , Weggemans Marit , Noordegraaf Mirko
Published: December 2017

Demands that exceed time and resources place pressure on public professionals, resulting in coping behavior. This study aims to provide insight in the prevalence and consequences of taking a more active strategy, professional coping. Next to traditional forms of coping studied in public administration, studying active coping can result in more insight in when and with what consequences frontline employees speak up and resist pressures. We explore to what degree teachers use speaking out using professional norms as a way to tackle the pressures they face. Moreover, we analyze the relationship between professional coping, work engagement, and intent to leave as important indicators of how immersed frontline employees are in their work. Using survey data ( n = 1,270) from primary school teachers, we conclude that professional coping is in general regularly but not very often applied, but that professional coping is related to higher work engagement and lower intent to leave. We conclude that studying active coping strategies can not only be important for street-level literature in gaining insight in all types of behavior and their consequences but also for public service providers aiming for an engaged workforce.
Does County Form of Government Impact Economic Growth and Development Trends? The Case of Four States
Authors: Pink-Harper Stephanie A.
Published: December 2017

Counties have expanded the scope of their activities in the economic development process. However, limited research exists of the factors that influence economic growth and development trends of these unique communities. The primary focus of this case study analysis is to determine whether form of government has an impact on county economic growth and development trends while controlling for environmental context and demographic characteristics in Alabama, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Washington. To empirically test the impact that county form of government and environmental factors have on local economic growth and development trends, ordinary least squares regression is used. The results of this study show that form of government has only a marginal impact on county economic growth and development trends. County environmental factors are found to have a more substantive impact on the economic growth and development trends of counties across these four states.
Expression Versus Distraction
Authors: James Ciara , Drake Jennifer E. , Winner Ellen
Published: December 2017

While the benefit of distraction over expression as an emotion regulation strategy has been shown, it is not clear whether this benefit generalizes across a range of activities. To find out, we compared distraction versus expression in drawing, writing, talking, and thinking to oneself. We induced a negative mood in 160 participants by asking them to visualize an upsetting experience. Participants were randomly assigned to an emotion regulation strategy (express or distract) and an activity (draw, write, talk, or think). Positive and negative affect was measured before and after the mood induction and after the activity. Distraction boosted positive affect more than did expression for the draw and think activities, but distraction lowered negative affect more than did expression for all four activities. We conclude that distraction is a more effective emotion regulation strategy than expression in improving mood especially for activities that involve drawing and thinking.
Can the apparent diffusion coefficient differentiate the grade of endometrioid adenocarcinoma and the histological subtype of endometrial cancer?
Authors: Yan Bin , Zhao Tingting , Liang Xiufen , Niu Chen , Ding Caixia
Published: December 2017

Background

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) provides useful information for the identification of benign and malignant uterine lesions. However, the use of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) for histopathological grading of endometrial cancer is controversial.

Purpose

To explore the use of ADC values in differentiating the preoperative tumor grading of endometrioid adenocarcinomas and investigate the relationship between the ADC values of endometrial cancer and the histological tumor subtype.

Material and Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 98 patients with endometrial cancers, including both endometrioid adenocarcinomas (n = 80) and non-endometrioid adenocarcinomas (n = 18). All patients underwent DWI procedures and ADC values were calculated. The Kruskal–Wallis test and the independent samples Mann–Whitney U test were used to compare differences in the ADC values between different tumor grades and different histological subtypes.

Results

The mean ADC values (ADCmean) for high-grade endometrioid adenocarcinomas were significantly lower than the values for low-grade tumors (0.800 versus 0.962 × 10–3 mm2/s) ( P = 0.002). However, no significant differences in ADCmean and minimum ADC values (ADCmin) were found between tumor grades (G1, G2, and G3) of endometrial cancer. Compared with endometrioid adenocarcinomas, the adenocarcinoma with squamous differentiation showed lower ADC values (mean/minimum = 0.863/0.636 versus 0.962/0.689 × 10–3 mm2/s), but the differences were not significant ( Pmean = 0.074, Pmin = 0.441). Moreover, ADCmean for carcinosarcomas was significantly higher than the value for G3 non-carcinosarcoma endometrial cancers (1.047 versus 0.823 × 10–3 mm2/s) ( P = 0.001).

Conclusion

The ADCmean was useful for identifying high-grade and low-grade endometrioid adenocarcinomas. Additionally, squamous differentiation may decrease ADCmean and ADCmin of endometrioid adenocarcinoma, and carcinosarcomas showed relatively high ADCmean.
Diagnostic performance of CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic core needle biopsy using low tube voltage (100 kVp): comparison with conventional tube voltage (120 kVp)
Authors: Lee Han Na , Lee Sang Min , Choe Jooae , Lee Sang Min , Chae Eun Jin , Do Kyung-Hyun , Seo Joon Beom
Published: December 2017

Background

Computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous transthoracic core needle biopsy (PTNB) is typically performed at 120 kVp tube voltage. However, there is no study that has demonstrated diagnostic performance including ground-glass nodules and radiation dose reduction at lower tube voltage in large population.

Purpose

To retrospectively compare the diagnostic performance and radiation dose between 100 kVp and 120 kVp during CT-guided PTNB.

Material and Methods

This study included 393 PTNBs performed in 385 patients (Group I; 120 kVp) from March 2011 to September 2011 and 1368 PTNBs performed in 1318 patients (Group II; 100 kVp) from October 2011 to December 2013. The patients underwent CT-guided PTNB with the coaxial technique. Diagnostic performance, complication rate, and radiation dose were compared between two groups.

Results

Technical success was achieved in 391 of 393 PTNBs (99.5%) in Group I and in 1344 of 1368 PTNBs (98.2%) in Group II ( P = 0.09). The diagnostic accuracies for pulmonary lesions were not significantly different between two groups (97.1% [362/373] versus 96.2% [1202/1249], P = 0.458). Complication rate showed no significant differences between two groups in terms of pneumothorax (19.7% [77/391] versus 19.4% [261/1344], P = 0.904) and hemoptysis (2.3% [9/391] versus 3.2% [43/1344], P = 0.360). Among patients who developed pneumothorax, three patients (3.9%, 3/77) in Group I and eight patients (3.1%, 8/261) in Group II required treatment with drainage catheter. Nobody needed further treatment for hemoptysis in the two groups. The mean radiation dose was 1.5 ± 1.9 mSv in Group I and 0.7 ± 0.3 mSv in Group II ( P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The 100-kVp protocol for CT-guided PTNB showed significant benefit of radiation dose reduction while maintaining high diagnostic accuracy and safety.
Point of no return for improvement of cartilage quality indicated by dGEMRIC before and after weight loss in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a cohort study
Authors: Hangaard Stine , Gudbergsen Henrik , Skougaard Marie , Bliddal Henning , Nybing Janus D , Tiderius Carl Johan , Boesen Mikael
Published: December 2017

Background

It has been demonstrated that weight loss improves symptoms in obese subjects with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). A parallel change in cartilage morphology remains to be demonstrated.

Purpose

To demonstrate a parallel change in cartilage morphology.

Material and Methods

Obese patients with KOA were examined before and after weight loss over 16 weeks. Target knee joints were radiographically assessed by the Kellgren/Lawrence grading (KLG) system. Patients with KLG-1 and 2 changes in the lateral compartment were included. Delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC) was performed using intra-articular contrast.

Results

Nine patients with lateral KLG-1 and ten patients with lateral KLG-2 were studied. There were no group differences regarding the lateral compartment baseline dGEMRIC T1 values: median = 497 ms (KLG-1) and 533 ms (KLG-2) ( P = 0.12), or regarding reduction in body mass index (BMI) after 16 weeks: 12.8% versus 11.4% ( P = 0.74). In the KLG-1 group, several cases of increased dGEMRIC T1 values were seen and median value decreased significantly less than in KLG-2 group (15 ms versus 41 ms, P = 0.03) after weight loss.

Conclusion

Improvement of cartilage quality, assessed with dGEMRIC, after weight loss might be possible in early stage KOA (KLG-1), but not in later stage KOA (KLG-2). The results may suggest a point of no return for improvement of cartilage quality that should be tested in larger trials.
Older Men’s Social Integration After Prison
Authors: Wyse Jessica
Published: December 2017

This study explores the social integration processes older men experience following prison release. Semi-structured in-depth interviews and brief surveys were conducted with 20 men, 50 years of age and older, recently released from prison in a large, Eastern U.S. city. A follow-up interview was conducted with each participant. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze these data. Results show that while men are able to connect with and rely upon some family members and establish basic public benefits, older men’s release experience is nonetheless marked by pervasive disconnection from key desired social relationships and roles. Policies and programs designed to facilitate older men’s social integration are discussed.
Political geography III
Authors: Mountz Alison
Published: December 2017

This third report on the sub-discipline of political geography explores how geographers, of late, have approached, analyzed, de- and re-centered bodies in order to expand understandings of the relationship between the spatial and the political. After reviewing conceptual approaches and thematic areas of study related to the body, I discuss the implications of this work for the broader field of political geography and the importance of engagement with existing social movements that already center the politics of bodies.
Wŏnhyo's Theory of “One Mind”: A Korean Way of Interpreting Mind
Authors: Cho Eun-su
Published: December 2017

This paper outlines Wŏnhyo's theory of the One Mind as it is presented in his over 20 extant works. According to Wŏnhyo, the One Mind manifests itself in two aspects: “true-thusness” and “arising-and-ceasing.” In the first aspect, the One Mind is intrinsically pure and unchanging, able to see all things equally and without discrimination. However, in the second aspect the One Mind is subject to causality and manifests itself in various delusions, thereby appearing impure and ephemeral. Thus, the One Mind is the source of both enlightenment and delusion. We analyze the paradoxical relationship between these two aspects and how they open the path to enlightenment. Here Wŏnhyo distinguishes between original enlightenment, non-enlightenment and actualizing enlightenment. In the final section, we show what kind of subjective personhood is implied in Wŏnhyo's understanding of the One Mind and the various kinds of enlightenment.
Confirmation of the Data-Driven Decision-Making Efficacy and Anxiety Inventory’s Score Factor Structure Among Teachers
Authors: Walker David A. , Reeves Todd D. , Smith Thomas J.
Published: December 2017

The implementation of data-driven decision-making practices (DDDM) is a key component of contemporary teachers’ professional practice. As such, the measurement of DDDM and related constructs is important for multiple purposes in both research and practice (e.g., identifying teacher needs around DDDM, and monitoring teacher change in response to DDDM interventions). With the present study, we examined the score factor structure and reliability of the Data-Driven Decision-Making Efficacy and Anxiety Inventory (3D-MEA), an existing measure of data-driven decision-making–related self-efficacy and anxiety. Prior work with this instrument has provided some internal structure and reliability evidence in the context of teachers from the Pacific Northwest. Confirmatory factor analysis of 3D-MEA scores from a sample of Midwestern teachers replicates the initially hypothesized five-factor internal score structure. Our study also affords evidence of high score reliability within this population. Limitations, implications, and future directions are discussed.
The Behavioral and Emotional Screening System Student Form: Is There Evidence of a Global At-Risk Factor in a Sample of Predominantly African American Youth?
Authors: Naser Shereen , Hitti Aline , Overstreet Stacy
Published: December 2017

School-based universal screening for behavioral and emotional risk can serve as a foundation for effective multi-tiered service delivery systems. The current study examines the measurement and structure of one such universal screener, the Behavioral and Emotional Screening System Student Form (BESS SF). Four models were investigated including a unidimensional model, a multidimensional model, a second-order model, and a bifactor model. This study is the first to use a bifactor model in examining the structure of the BESS SF, and further adds to the literature by using bifactor modeling with a predominantly low-income, urban, African American sample. Results indicate that the bifactor model provided the best fit. Practically, results support interpretation of the global risk score as well as the domain-specific factors.
Best Practices in Local Government Wellness Programs: The Benefits of Organizational Investment and Performance Monitoring
Authors: Sabharwal Meghna , Kiel L. Douglas , Hijal-Moghrabi Imane
Published: December 2017

Over the last 25 years, municipal governments responded to an environment of increasing health care costs by implementing workplace wellness programs. Research reveals that workplace wellness programs can produce performance benefits ranging from reduced health care costs to productivity improvements. However, there is no systematic study of local government wellness programs that identifies the practices that produce cost reductions and productivity improvements. This article presents the results of a national survey of wellness programs in U.S. municipalities. We develop an index of program success using performance data from our sample. Statistical analysis reveals that targeted investments and performance monitoring, at both the individual and program level, serve to reduce costs and improve employee productivity. This research, thus, provides evidence for best practices in local government wellness programs. Given the array of potential benefits of wellness programs and the locus of employers in the provision of health care benefits, it is necessary to further investigate wellness programs in U.S. local governments.
Antecedents, Consequences, and Context of Employee Engagement in Nonprofit Organizations
Authors: Akingbola Kunle , van den Berg Herman A.
Published: December 2017

The article draws on Kahn and Saks to examine the extent to which specific nonprofit antecedents affect engagement and how engagement mediates employee and organizational consequences. Our findings suggest that the consequences of job and organization engagement are the behavioral outcomes—job satisfaction, commitment, and organization citizenship behavior—that nonprofits consider as critical to their organization and the employees emphasize. Perhaps the strongest evidence of the impact of engagement is the finding that nonprofit employees are more likely to experience these consequences and less likely to have intention to quit even if antecedents such as job characteristics and value congruence are less likely. Consistent with the literature, we also found that value congruence is a major antecedent in the relationship between nonprofit employees, their jobs, and the organization. Our research presents one of the first findings that result from empirically validated measures of engagement in nonprofits.
Exploring Metacognitive Strategies Utilizing Digital Books: Enhancing Reading Comprehension Among Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students in Saudi Arabian Higher Education Settings
Authors: Alsalem Majed A.
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine evidence-based practices related to reading comprehension through metacognitive strategies utilizing digital books among deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) in higher education. Previous literature has demonstrated that the major educational challenge for DHH students was developing reading comprehension skills. This issue becomes more complex when DHH students start their undergraduate education in Saudi Arabia due to the difficulty of understanding academic books and journals. Based on the preliminary data, an intervention was designed for DHH students with control and treatment groups ( n = 36). The control group was taught using metacognitive strategies-based printed books. By contrast, the treatment group received an intervention through metacognitive strategies-based digital books. The procedure of the study was designed through multiple measurements: The Achievement Test of Reading Comprehension was used as a baseline measurement. In addition, classroom observations were used during the study to ensure the fidelity of treatment, and students’ perspectives were collected through a survey at the end of the intervention for the social validity purpose. The results indicated significant improvement for both groups with the largest effect relating to the treatment group in reading comprehension and engagement level compared with that of the control group.
The Effects of Antecedent Exercise on Engagement During Large Group Activities for Young Children
Authors: Chazin Kate T. , Ledford Jennifer R. , Barton Erin E. , Osborne Kirsten C.
Published: December 2017

An antecedent exercise (AE) intervention was conducted with two young children who demonstrated challenging behaviors during a large group circle time activity in a preschool classroom; outcomes were evaluated in the context of alternating treatments designs. Results from the initial visual analysis suggested no overlap between conditions, with small, consistent effects favoring the AE condition. However, plotting reliability data suggested observer bias was present for one participant. Subsequently (post hoc), a blind observer coded data from all conditions for that participant. Results suggested that no functional relation was present for that participant. Implications include the need for blind data collectors and additional, highly rigorous studies assessing the effectiveness of AE.