bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teaching for a Data-Driven Future: Intentionally Building Foundational Computing Skills
Authors: Johnson Amy L. , Gleit Rebecca D.
Published: August 2021

Despite the centrality of data analysis to the discipline, sociology departments are currently falling short of teaching both undergraduate and graduate students crucial computing and statistical software skills. We argue that sociology instructors must intentionally and explicitly teach computing skills alongside statistical concepts to prepare their students for participation in a data-driven world. We illuminate foundational concepts for computing in the social sciences and provide easy-to-integrate recommendations for building competency with these concepts in the form of a workshop designed to introduce sociology undergraduate and graduate students to the logic of statistical software. We use our workshop to show that students appreciate and gain confidence from being taught how to think about computing.
Schedule Thinning Following Functional Communication Training: Effects of Chained and Multiple Schedules
Authors: Nuhu Nadrat N. , Pence Sacha T.
Published: August 2021

Functional communication training (FCT) is used to reduce rates of problem behavior by teaching communicative responses that access functionally equivalent reinforcers. During FCT, the communicative response is typically placed on a dense schedule of reinforcement that is unlikely to be maintained in the natural environment. Experiment 1 evaluated the effects of two schedule-thinning procedures (chained schedules and multiple schedules) on problem behavior maintained by escape from demands for three participants following FCT. The chained and multiple-schedule procedures were effective in reducing rates of problem behavior. Compliance increased under both schedules, but the chained schedule resulted in higher levels of compliance with two participants. In Experiment 2, participants’ preference for the chained or multiple-schedule procedure was evaluated using a modified concurrent-chain procedure. One participant preferred the chained schedule. One participant preferred the multiple schedule. One participant did not appear to discriminate between conditions.
Partner–Child Relationship Satisfaction and Marital Satisfaction: Do Impressions Spill Over?
Authors: Kincaid Reilly
Published: August 2021

Whereas childcare responsibilities are temporary, relationships with children are lifelong. This study examines how parents’ satisfaction with their partners’ relationships with offspring (i.e., “partner–child relationship satisfaction”) influences marital satisfaction, how this compares to the influence of satisfaction with the division of childcare, and how these processes work differently by gender. The author theorizes that partner–child relationship satisfaction shapes marital satisfaction through “impression spillover,” whereby one’s feelings about a relationship between other individuals transfer into feelings about one’s own relationship with one of those individuals. Hypotheses are tested with fixed effects regression using matched-partner data from four waves of the HILDA Survey ( N=3804 person-years). Findings suggest that partner–child relationship satisfaction is associated with marital satisfaction, especially among women. Women’s marital satisfaction is influenced more by partner–child relationship satisfaction than by division of childcare satisfaction; conversely, for men, there is little distinction between the two associations. Findings offer support for impression spillover.
How Do Human Resource Management Practices Affect Innovation of Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises in a Transition Economy?
Authors: Nam Vu Hoang , Luu Hiep Ngoc
Published: August 2021

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are one of the engines for inclusive economic growth. Yet little is known about the contribution of human resource management (HRM) practices to the success of SMEs. This study empirically examines how HRM practices determine different categories of innovation of SMEs in the context of a transition economy. Using a longitudinal dataset and applying the instrumental variable methodology to correct for endogeneity problems, our study uncovers that HRM practices positively affect the quality of employed human and physical capital assets of SMEs. More importantly, we find that that HRM practices significantly contribute to the launch of new products and improvement of existing products. In addition, we also find that the adoption of HRM practices facilitate labour productivity and value added. Taken together, these findings highlight that HRM practices are a strategic resource for innovation and development of SMEs in transition economies by rewarding them with higher-quality capital assets.

JEL: L25, O15, O31
China’s Post-Socialist Governmentality and the Garlic Chives Meme: Economic Sovereignty and Biopolitical Subjects
Authors: Laikwan Pang
Published: August 2021

This article analyzes a popular meme that has spread rapidly among Chinese internet users in the last few years, ‘garlic chives’ ( jiucai), as a self-mockery of the bio-economic subject in contemporary China. This metaphor refers to those ordinary Chinese people who are constantly lured to participate in all kinds of economic activities, but whose investments are destined to be consumed by the establishment. Through a close study of this popular meme and the social conditions from which it arises, this article demonstrates two main features of the Chinese economic subject that supports the state’s economic sovereignty: the thriving of self-sufficient and rule-abiding individuals, and the quality of these individuals as hard working and capable of producing wealth on their own. This article offers a critique of PRC’s post-socialist governmentality, and it provides insights about the relation between the biological and the political in our complicated world order.
Takotsubo Syndrome Associated with a New Onset Manic Episode: A case report
Authors: Shen Shin-Heng , Liu Hao-Tien
Published: August 2021

Takotsubo syndrome is a condition that mimics acute coronary syndrome. The exact pathogenesis of the condition is unclear but it tends to occur more frequently in elderly women and a large proportion of cases have acute, former, or chronic neurologic or psychiatric disorders. Here we describe a 55-year-old female patient, who was brought to the emergency department presenting with a new-onset manic episode characterized by grandiosity, distractibility, decreased need for sleep, and increased goal-directed behaviours. She experienced chest pain approximately two days later, and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction was observed. The emergent coronary angiogram showed patent coronary arteries, and a diagnosis of Takotsubo syndrome was made. We suggest clinical multidisciplinary vigilance for somatic complaints, especially cardiac ones, in people with psychiatric disorders in order to make timely therapeutic interventions.
Airway management in the adult patient with COVID-19: High flow nasal oxygen or not? A summary of evidence and local expert opinion
Authors: Lee Sarah , Bradley W Pierre L , Brewster David J , Chahal Rani , Poon Laurence , Segal Reny , Totonidis Savas , Tsang David , Ng Mark
Published: August 2021

The use of high flow nasal oxygen in the care of COVID-19-positive adult patients remains an area of contention. Early guidelines have discouraged the use of high flow nasal oxygen therapy in this setting due to the risk of viral spread to healthcare workers. However, there is the need to balance the relative risks of increased aerosol generation and virus transmission to healthcare workers against the role high flow nasal oxygen has in reducing hypoxaemia when managing the airway in high-risk patients during intubation or sedation procedures. The authors of this article undertook a narrative review to present results from several recent papers. Surrogate outcome studies suggest that the risk of high flow nasal oxygen in dispersing aerosol-sized particles is probably not as great as first perceived. Smoke laser-visualisation experiments and particle counter studies suggest that the generation and dispersion of bio-aerosols via high flow nasal oxygen with flow rates up to 60 l/min is similar to standard oxygen therapies. The risk appears to be similar to oxygen supplementation via a Hudson mask at 15 l/min and significantly less than low flow nasal prong oxygen 1–5 l/min, nasal continuous positive airway pressure with ill-fitting masks, bilevel positive airway pressure, or from a coughing patient. However, given the limited safety data, we recommend a cautious approach. For intubation in the COVID-positive or suspected COVID-positive patient we support the use of high flow nasal oxygen to extend time to desaturation in the at-risk groups, which include the morbidly obese, those with predicted difficult airways and patients with significant hypoxaemia, ensuring well-fitted high flow nasal oxygen prongs with staff wearing full personal protective equipment. For sedation cases, we support the use of high flow nasal oxygen when there is an elevated risk of hypoxaemia (e.g. bariatric endoscopy or prone-positioned procedures), but recommend securing the airway with a cuffed endotracheal tube for the longer duration procedures when theatre staff remain in close proximity to the upper airway, or considering the use of a surgical mask to reduce the risk of exhaled particle dispersion.
Reading and Print Cultures in Waterford, 1865–1939
Authors: Toms David
Published: August 2021

This article sets out to explore the emergence of reading and print cultures in Waterford over the period from the opening of the city’s Free Public Library to the outbreak of the Second World War in the twentieth century. It is intended to add to the growing body of writing emerging on reading and books in Ireland by honing in on the development of a local reading culture in an era of more democratic access to books, periodicals and other printed matter. By surveying the development of various lending and circulation libraries up to the establishment of the Waterford Free Public Library in 1896 and beyond into the Free State era, the argument will be made that many of the concerns around self-improvement and literacy remained constant despite the shift from member-run libraries to municipal libraries and from Victorian concerns about moral self-improvement to early Irish state concerns about nation-building and Catholic morality in the 1920s and 1930s. The article will also explore the publishing and book trade in the city throughout the same period. This small but significant industry provided employment for some of the very people who were the target of self-improvement and concerns about their ability to consume ‘morally dubious’ literature.
An Integrated Territory Planning and Vehicle Routing Approach for a Multi-Objective Residential Waste Collection Problem
Authors: Hurkmans Sarah , Maknoon M. Yousef , Negenborn Rudy R. , Atasoy Bilge
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we address a multi-objective residential waste collection problem with an integrated territory planning and vehicle routing approach. Dividing the problem into territories enables drivers to carry out the same route every week so they get familiar with it and residents put out their bins at the appropriate time. Another benefit is to reduce the computation time for large problems, since the complex characteristics of the involved vehicle routing problem make it otherwise difficult to solve. There are three characteristics that are important for good territory planning: minimum overlap, minimum travel time, and balanced workload. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence these three objectives have on each other, since they might be contradictory. Moreover, an Adaptive Large Neighborhood Search (ALNS) algorithm is developed for this specific problem which uses a K-means algorithm to generate the initial solution for territories. The results with the three objectives are shown to be useful for planners seeking to make informed decisions through the trade-off across different solutions with the Pareto frontiers provided. Moreover, the ALNS algorithm is shown to find good quality solutions in a reasonable computational time.
Outcome of simultaneous angioembolization and nephron sparing surgery in large renal angiomyolipomas
Authors: Malik Abdul Rouf , Ali Shayesta , Kumar Venkatesh , Sharma Mahendra , Rawat Vijay , Agarwal Anshuman
Published: August 2021

Aim:

To study the outcome of simultaneous angioembolization and nephron sparing surgery in large renal angiomyolipomas.

Materials and methods:

A prospective study of carried out from 2016 to 2019. A total of 15 patients were included in the study with a lesion (angiomyolipoma) more than 10 cm in size, suitable for nephron sparing surgery. The workup of the patients included history, baseline blood investigations, ultrasonography, and CT urography including angiographic films. All the patients were taken up for selective of angioembolization of the feeding vessels of the AML carried out by the interventional radiologist followed by nephron sparing surgery in the same sitting. The short term outcomes studied were warm ischemia time, average blood loss, and length of post-operative hospital stay. The oncological outcome was evaluated by noting the surgical margins of histopathological specimen and functional outcome by assessing the function of the preserved renal parenchyma.

Results:

Twelve out of fifteen cases were female. The mean age was 42.25 years. All the patients had lesion more than 10 cm with seven tumors located at the lower pole, four at mid-pole, and four at upper pole. Eight patients had low complexity score on RENAL score (i.e. 4–6), five patients medium complexity score (i.e. 7–9), and two had high complexity score (i.e. ⩾10). Average blood loss was 200 ml, warm ischemia time was 18.46 min and postoperative stay was 3.55 days. All the 15 specimens sent for histopathology were confirmed as AML (angiomyolipomas) with margins free of tumor. Follow up CECT done at 4 months postoperatively revealed functioning residual renal parenchyma with prompt excretion of contrast.

Conclusion:

Large AML’s are also amenable to nephron sparing surgery. However patient should always be warned about the possibility of total nephrectomy. Selective angioembolization helps in reducing the blood supply and risk of torrential bleeding thus facilitates in the removal of the tumor and increasing the chances of nephron sparing surgery.
Downregulation of miR-29b is associated with Peyronie’s disease
Authors: dos Santos Vinicius Genuino , dos Santos Gabriel Arantes , Neto Cristóvão Barbosa , Viana Nayara Izabel , Pimenta Ruan , Guimarães Vanessa Ribeiro , Candido Patrícia , Romão Poliana , de Camargo Juliana A. , Leite Katia Ramos Moreira , Srougi Miguel , Cury José , Nahas William C. , Reis Sabrina Thalita
Published: August 2021

Background:

Peyronie’s disease (PD) is characterized by the formation of fibrous plaque in tunica albuginea, causing several problems in patients. The etiology of this disease is not fully understood, and there are few effective treatments. To better understand the molecular pathways of PD, we studied miR-29b, a microRNA that could be involved with this illness. MicroRNAs are endogenous molecules that act by inhibiting messenger RNA. MiR-29b regulates 11 of 20 collagen genes and the TGF-β1 gene, which are related to PD progression.

Methods:

We compared miR-29b expression in 11 patients with PD and 14 patients without PD (control group). For the patients with PD, we utilized samples from the fibrous plaque ( n = 9), from the tunica albuginea ( n = 11), and from the corpus cavernosum ( n = 8). For the control group, we utilized samples from the tunica albuginea ( n = 14) and from the corpus cavernosum ( n = 10). MiR-29b expression was determined by q-PCR.

Results:

We found a downregulation of miR-29b in the fibrous plaque, tunica albuginea and corpus cavernosum of patients with PD in comparison with the control group ( p = 0.0484, p = 0.0025, and p = 0.0016, respectively).

Conclusion:

Although our study has a small sample, we showed for the first time an evidence that the downregulation of miR-29b is associated with PD.
Patterns of Fitbit Use and Activity Levels Among African American Breast Cancer Survivors During an eHealth Weight Loss Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ferrante Jeanne M. , Lulla Aaron , Williamson Julie D. , Devine Katie A. , Ohman-Strickland Pamela , Bandera Elisa V.
Published: August 2021

Purpose:

This study examined adherence with a physical activity tracker and patterns of activity among different subgroups of African American/Black breast cancer survivors (AABCS).

Design:

Secondary analysis of weight loss trial that used an activity tracker (FitBit) with or without a commercial eHealth program (SparkPeople) over 12 months.

Setting and Subjects:

AABCS (N = 44) in New Jersey.

Measures and Analysis:

Adherence with tracker use, steps per day, and active minutes per week were compared by demographic and clinical characteristics using nonparametric statistics.

Results:

Median adherence was over 6 days per week throughout the 12-months. Adherence was significantly correlated with steps and active minutes (p < 0.015). Groups with lower adherence included: those with 5 or more conditions (p = 0.039), had higher number of household members (p = 0.008), and younger than 60 years (p = 0.044). Median number of steps per day remained consistently around 7000 throughout 12 months. Factors associated with lower activity included: age > 60; retirement; higher number of household members, comorbidity, or baseline BMI; and those in the SparkPeople + Fitbit group. Self-monitoring, goal setting, and self-efficacy were significantly correlated with activity levels (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Use of a physical activity tracker may help increase activity levels in AABCS. Certain subgroups, e.g. those older than age 60 years, retired, with BMI over 40, higher number of comorbidities or more household members, may require additional interventions.
Analysis of the free-space acoustic signature of a BBMF Rolls-Royce Merlin engine from 842 rpm to 2740 rpm
Authors: Bennett John C
Published: August 2021

A technique has been developed to analyse the free-space acoustic signature of the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine in order to provide diagnostic information relating to its performance. The work is motivated by a need to maintain the reliability and maximise the lifetime of this historic engine which is an important component of the aircraft operated by the UK Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF). For convenience, the data were extracted from the soundtrack of a video recording made whilst the aircraft was undergoing a full-power ground-run. The aim of the work is to generate information relating the individual firings of each cylinder and this is presented as a multi-level colour image. Here, the ignition time history for two revolutions (six ignitions) is shown vertically and corresponds to the bank of exhaust ports facing the microphone. Subsequent similar histories are presented along the horizontal time axis. The results are sensitive to engine speed variations, and a correlation between successive vertical columns is carried out to quantify this drift and adjust the data accordingly. Seven engine speeds from 842 to 2740 rpm are examined. The processed data illustrate that some speeds exhibit well-defined, single ignitions whereas others show varying degrees of after-firing type effects. At the higher engine speeds, it would seem that the cylinder ignition amplitudes become much more irregular, and the results for 2740 rpm indicate a breakdown in engine performance. The coefficient of variation (Cv) has been demonstrated as a measure of these factors. Finally, a technique has been proposed and demonstrated for the identification of individual cylinders in the firing sequence. The data acquisition process is relatively straight-forward and should not demand excessive time to cover a full range of engine speeds. With further investigations, it could be possible to readily relate the imaging results to specific engine faults.
Observer-based finite-time control for trajectory tracking of lower extremity exoskeleton
Authors: Wang Jie , Liu Jiahao , Chen Lingling , Guo Shijie
Published: August 2021

In this article, an advanced observer-based finite-time trajectory tracking controller is investigated for lower extremity exoskeleton without available joint angular velocities to improve the movement ability of dependent persons, which is robust against uncertain dynamics, human active joint torque and external disturbances. First, the Lagrange principle is applied to analyze the dynamic properties of lower extremity exoskeleton driven by artificial pneumatic muscles, and its swing phase model is established. After that, a novel finite-time extended state observer is proposed to observe the lumped disturbances and unavailable angular velocities of the lower limb exoskeleton simultaneously. Furthermore, a finite-time sliding mode controller of exoskeleton is designed based on the extended state observer, and the finite-time convergence of tracking error is rigorously demonstrated based on the Lyapunov theory. Finally, the control system simulation is established and experimental tests are conducted with a voluntary subject during flexion of wearer’s knee and hip joints, the obtained results demonstrate fast and high-precision tracking performance of the proposed approach.
Command filtered adaptive backstepping control for high-accuracy motion tracking of hydraulic systems with extended state observer
Authors: Xie Hui , Tang Yu , Shen Gang , Li Xiang , Bai Deen , Sa Yunjie
Published: August 2021

High-accuracy motion tracking of hydraulic systems is of great significance in industrial applications. Nevertheless, dynamic nonlinearity, modeling uncertainty, generalized disturbance, and measurement noise are inevitably existed in hydraulic systems, which severely deteriorates the practical control performance. Aimed at enhancing the motion-tracking accuracy of hydraulic systems, a novel command filtered adaptive backstepping controller with extended state observer is proposed in this article. On the basis of the established system’s nonlinear model, the extended state observer utilizing only position output feedback information is first designed to estimate the system’s unmeasurable states, and time-varying disturbances of the hydraulic system are also obtained for subsequent active disturbance compensation. Next, a second-order command filter is constructed to generate specific command signals and their derivatives, which significantly simplifies the controller design process by avoiding complicated analytical differential calculations in contrast to traditional adaptive backstepping algorithm. Subsequently, with consideration of system’s nonlinearity, parametric uncertainty, and time-varying disturbance, the developed extended state observer and command filter are introduced into the adaptive backstepping design process of the proposed controller, and theoretical stability of the proposed controller is guaranteed via Lyapunov analysis. Finally, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed controller are demonstrated by comparative experimental results.
Assessment of ethical competence among clinical nurses in health facilities
Authors: Maluwa Veronica Mary , Maluwa Alfred Ochanza , Mwalabu Gertrude , Msiska Gladys
Published: August 2021

Background:

Ethical competence in nursing practice helps clinical nurses to think critically, analyse issues, make ethical decisions, solve ethical problems and behave ethically in their daily work. Thus, ethical competence contributes to the promotion of high-quality care. However, studies on ethical competence in Malawi are scanty.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to explore ethical competence among clinical nurses in selected hospitals in Malawi.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in four selected hospitals in Malawi with a sample of 271 clinical nurses. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires, which included a Moral Competence Scale for Home Care Nurses. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were computed for the dataset using STATA version 12.0.

Ethical consideration:

The study protocol complied with all ethical requirements and was approved by the College of Medicine Research Ethics Committee under the University of Malawi.

Results:

The clinical nurses in Malawi are ethically competent. However, there is a significantly high number (p < 0.05) of nurses 57% (n = 135) with low ethical competence. There was no significant association between respondents’ demographic variables and level of ethical competence (p > 0.05). Three determinants of high ethical competence level (strong will, judgement skills and recognition of discrepancy of intention) were identified through a reduced model after stepwise logistic regression analysis. Furthermore, results show that indicators of ethical competence include caring, confidentiality and observance of nurses dressing code. The study has also confirmed that the Moral Competence Scale for Home Care Nurses is a reliable tool to assess ethical competence in low-resource settings.

Conclusion:

The majority of nurses who completed the survey had low ethical competence. However, clinical nurses with high ethical competence level are required to competently manage complex ethical challenges in health facilities. Strategies for enhancing ethical competence such as continuing ethics education, establishment of ethics committees and provision of supportive supervision are recommended to enable nurses in Malawi attain a high level of ethical competence.
Intergenerational Mentorship on Character Traits Among Disadvantaged Primary School Students: A Controlled Pretest–Posttest Study
Authors: Cheung Justin Chun Ting , Sun Qian , Wan Ngai Teck , Wong Shum Yee , Lou Vivian Wei Qun
Published: August 2021

Purpose: “Teach with Fun After-School Care Service (TWF)” was an educational mentoring program developing character traits among primary school students in the form of school-based mentorship, provisioned under a wider intergenerational project. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of the program on character traits development among primary students. Methods: Two multi-school controlled pretest–posttest trials were conducted in primary one through three across two school years between 2016 and 2018. Among students, 37 (34.6%) were of ethnic minority and with special educational needs. Treatment group of 107 students were compared with 53 in comparison group on traits of self-control, responsibility, cooperation, kindness, and courtesy. Results: Results demonstrated interaction effects between time and group for self-control ( p = .026), responsibility ( p = .038), and courtesy ( p = .042). Discussion: This research provides evidence for TWF’s intervention model and offers implications for intergenerational programs. Findings enrich cumulative knowledge about desirable social outcomes in education setting.
Respiratory Distress in Hospitalized Non-Mechanically Ventilated COVID-19 Adults: A Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Liberman Tara , Lopez Santiago , Roofeh Regina , Izard Stephanie , Parikh Sima , Burns Edith
Published: August 2021

Background:

COVID-19 typically presents with respiratory symptoms which may progress with severe disease. There are standard guidelines for managing respiratory distress (e.g. opioids, anxiolytics) and palliative care teams are well versed in managing these symptoms.

Aim:

Determine the extent to which hospitalized COVID-19 patients with moderate respiratory distress received medications or palliative consultation for symptom management and if these interventions had any association with outcomes.

Design:

Retrospective chart review for hospitalized COVID-19+ patients from March 2-April 30, 2020.

Setting:

Large integrated health system in the New York Metropolitan area.

Patients:

312 adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19 with an order for a non-rebreather mask and meeting criteria for moderate respiratory distress on the Respiratory Distress Observation Scale: concurrent respiratory rate ≥30 and heart rate ≥110 at any point during hospitalization. Patients receiving mechanical ventilation or intensive care were excluded.

Results:

Most COVID-19 patients experiencing moderate respiratory distress did not receive medications or palliative consultation for symptom management. Patients who received medications were predominantly white, older, and had a Do-Not-Resuscitate order. Patients who received a palliative consultation were more likely to be older, female, and white, with a Do-Not-Resuscitate order. Mortality was similar between those receiving medication and those who did not.

Conclusion:

Medications and palliative expertise for symptom management were underused for patients with moderate respiratory distress due to COVID-19. Education and triggers may help providers to identify moderate respiratory distress and consider symptomatic treatment and palliative consultation when appropriate.
Remote Delivery of Services for Young Children With Disabilities During the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States
Authors: Steed Elizabeth A. , Phan Ngoc , Leech Nancy , Charlifue-Smith Renee
Published: August 2021

This study used a nationally distributed survey to explore how classroom-based early childhood personnel delivered remote services to young children with disabilities and their families during the early months of the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic. A concurrent equal status fully mixed-method approach was used to analyze 221 participants’ responses to closed- and open-ended survey questions. Findings indicated that children with disabilities received modified special education services during school closures; most comments noted that early childhood personnel shifted to provide remote coaching to families. Other comments mentioned one-on-one services and accommodations for remote learning. Personnel described some benefits of remote services such as improved partnerships with families. Top reported challenges included children not receiving the same quality of services and high levels of educator stress. These and other study findings are discussed regarding the implications of COVID-19 for providing services to young children with disabilities and their families.
Editorial
Authors: Steiner Pierre , Gapenne Olivier , Lenay Charles
Published: August 2021

This editorial presents the context of the special issue and some basic elements of John’s Stewart biography.
Feline urinary incontinence: a retrospective case series (2009–2019)
Authors: Mérindol Isabelle , Dunn Marilyn , Vachon Catherine
Published: August 2021

Objectives

The objective of this retrospective study was to describe the feline population presented for urinary incontinence at a veterinary teaching hospital between 2009 and 2019, with a particular focus on cats with a non-neurologic underlying cause.

Methods

The medical records of cats diagnosed with urinary incontinence were retrospectively evaluated. Signalment, clinical presentation, results of diagnostic tests, diagnosis of the underlying cause and treatments were recorded. When information was available, outcome was recorded and follow-ups divided into three time frames (0–1 week, 1 week to 3 months and >3 months).

Results

Thirty-five cats were presented with urinary incontinence. Of these, 18 cats with complete medical records presented urinary incontinence of non-neurologic origin. The most common clinical signs at presentation were urine leakage while resting (12/18), urine-soiled perineum (8/18), urine dribbling (8/18) and no spontaneous micturition (5/18). The most common underlying cause was urethral obstruction (67%; 12/18), with a majority due to urethral strictures (58%; 7/12). Other causes were suspected inflammation (2/12), neoplasia (1/12), urolithiasis (1/12) and foreign body (1/12). In 8/10 cats in which it was performed, cystoscopy and contrast cystourethrography were the methods that led to the diagnosis. Twelve cats with urethral obstruction underwent interventional procedures, resulting in complete resolution of incontinence in 7/12 and improvement in 1/12. Urinary tract infection was a common complication after 3 months (4/18).

Conclusions and relevance

When incontinence of non-neurologic origin is suspected in a cat, urethral obstruction should be considered. Advanced imaging studies (cystoscopy and contrast studies) are useful for diagnosis. A good prognosis was reported in cats undergoing interventional procedures with no long-term treatment.
The Content and Implementation of Policies and Programs on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health in Vietnam: Results and Challenges
Authors: Khanh Chi Hoang , Thanh Thuy Hua , Thi Kim Oanh Luu , Quynh Anh Tran , Duc Vinh Nguyen , Thi Xuan Hanh Nghiem , Thanh Huong Nguyen
Published: August 2021

In Vietnam, great efforts have been made in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information provision, education, communication, as well as service provision for the adolescent and youth (A&Y) over the last 10 years. This paper aimed to examine the content and implementation of SRH policies for A&Y between 2006 and 2017. Case studies were conducted, including interviews and historical documentation. Qualitative data were collected in Hai Duong, Hue, and Dong Thap provinces through 34 in-depth interviews with representatives of central/provincial agencies and 9 focus group discussions with representatives of communal agencies and beneficiaries. SRH policies for A&Y during 2006 to 2017, along with other related national policies, were developed cohesively, however, the gaps in information provision, education, communication as well as service provision remained unresolved. The contents of policies and program implementation did not cover comprehensively, especially regarding disadvantaged groups such as disabled people, migrants, ethnic minorities, and people aged 10 to 14 years. The A&Y SRH policies and program implementation had faced some challenges relating to governance, service delivery, health workforce, health information system, and health financing. The SRH policy for A&Y in the next period needs to be focused on interventions/services for disadvantaged groups. While the human resource is of great importance for the capacity and feasibility to tackle SRH’s challenges, strengthening the advocacy to ensure policies/programs should be prioritized and committed for effective implementation. An appropriate financing system to run information provision, education, communication, and support services for A&Y must be considered during policy development and implementation.
A review of thermal properties of timber and char at elevated temperatures
Authors: Shi Long , Chew Michael Y. L.
Published: August 2021

Timber is one of the most frequently adopted combustible materials in the built environment. The thermal properties are the determining factors for assessing the fire risk in a building. The main thermal properties of timber and their char are reviewed, especially those temperature-dependent and moisture-dependent properties, including kinetic properties, ignition properties, thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, effective heat of combustion and thermal diffusivity. The study has collected and summarized various thermal properties data and empirical models of hardwood and softwood with different mass percentages in cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, as temperature increases. The average ignition temperature and effective heat of combustion of softwood are about 12.9% and 9.5% higher than those of hardwood, respectively. From most of the previous models, the thermal conductivity of timber char increases as temperature rises. Cellulose with a high density shows a higher thermal conductivity, but its impacts on the specific heat capacity are limited. Models to predict the main thermal properties of the hardwood, softwood and char are recommended. The collected data, together with those empirical models, can provide useful data resources and tools for the related fire risk assessments.
50 Shades of Red: Recreational Communism in Post-Socialist Vietnam
Authors: Peyvel Emmanuelle
Published: August 2021

Using a post-socialist framework, this article analyzes recreational communism, that is, the commodification of communism through commercial places that use Bao Cấp (subsidy period in Vietnam) for tourism and leisure. These places include cafés, restaurants, souvenir shops, art galleries, or flea markets. Why do places dedicated to pleasure make use of such a painful period? I propose to go beyond this paradox by focusing not only on the economic, but also the emotional, political, and memorial value of Bao Cấp, both in the way they are designed by their owners and practiced by customers. The visual descriptions and interviews I accumulated since 2006 allow me to address the dynamics of social interactions between people, place, and space. The spatial analysis of this material explores recreational communism as a practice of social distinction in the sense that it involves upper classes within the most globalized cities of the country.
Experiences of people with dementia and their caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic in India: A mixed-methods study
Authors: Rajagopalan Jayeeta , Arshad Faheem , Hoskeri Rakshith Maneshwar , Nair Vasundharaa S , Hurzuk Saadiya , Annam Harikrishna , Varghese Feba , BR Renuka , Dhiren Shah R , Ganeshbhai Patel V , Kammammettu Chandrasekhar , Komaravolu Shashidhar , Thomas Priya T , Comas-Herrera Adelina , Alladi Suvarna
Published: August 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has unprecedented consequences for the management of chronic diseases such as dementia. However, limited evidence exists on the condition of persons with dementia and their caregivers during the pandemic in lower-middle-income countries (LMICs). The study aimed to provide insights into the experiences of persons with dementia and their families during the early phases of the pandemic in India.

Methods

This study adopted a mixed-method approach. One hundred and four persons with dementia and their caregivers were evaluated via telephone using validated instruments and a semi-structured interview guide. We used the quantitative data collected to establish a baseline, whereas qualitative data were analysed thematically.

Results

The study revealed that persons with dementia and their caregivers experienced difficulties during the pandemic, which included worsening of behaviour, problems in accessing care, disruptions in functional activities and struggles in enforcing infection prevention contributing to caregiver distress. An important finding that emerged was the unchanging reality of caregiving for families. The relative success of the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic contrasted with the lack of awareness and formal support for dementia.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities of persons with dementia and their caregivers. This calls for a collaborative reframing of medical care and public health policies to address dementia care.
Resilience and supporting people living with dementia during the time of COVID-19; A qualitative study
Authors: Hanna Kerry , Giebel Clarissa , Butchard Sarah , Tetlow Hilary , Ward Kym , Shenton Justine , Cannon Jacqueline , Komuravelli Aravind , Gaughan Anna , Eley Ruth , Rogers Carol , Rajagopal Manoj , Limbert Stan , Callaghan Steve , Whittington Rosie , Shaw Lisa , Donnellan Warren , Gabbay Mark
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To explore the different factors of resilience for people living with dementia and unpaid carers, in response to sudden changes in care and lifestyle during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Unpaid carers and people living with dementia were offered telephone interviews in April 2020 to discuss their experiences since the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were asked about the benefits and challenges of accessing dementia support, as well as coping, symptoms, strategies and impacts. Each transcript was analysed using inductive and deductive thematic analysis by two researchers.

Findings

Semi-structured interviews from 50 participants ( n = 42 unpaid carers and n = 8 people living with dementia) reported protective and risk factors of resilience concerning (1) communication, (2) adaptations, (3) support networks and (4) lifestyle factors and coping mechanisms.

Conclusions

Resilience factors considered both organisational factors for external support, along with individual coping mechanisms. Organisations and social support services should consider resilience factors in future service planning, to better support people living with dementia, or caring someone living with dementia, during times of great stress. The ecological model of resilience established from this research refers to resilience during times of unexpected change in the COVID-19 pandemic; however, it could be considered relevant in other periods of high stress within this cohort.
Adaptation of a Dietary Screener for Asian Americans
Authors: Beasley Jeannette M. , Yi Stella , Lee Matthew , Park Agnes , Thorpe Lorna E. , Kwon Simona C. , Rummo Pasquale
Published: August 2021

No brief dietary screeners are available that capture dietary consumption patterns of Asian Americans. The purpose of this article is to describe the cultural adaptation of the validated Dietary Screener Questionnaire (DSQ) for use by clinicians, researchers, and community-based partners seeking to understand and intervene on dietary behaviors among English-speaking Asian Americans, for the six largest Asian subgroups (Chinese, Filipino, Asian Indian, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese) in the United States. This was mainly accomplished by adding culturally specific examples of foods to the questionnaire items via searching online databases and soliciting input from members of our community partner network representing each of the six largest Asian subgroups. Over half of the 26 items on the DSQ were modified to include more culturally specific foods. Developing high-quality tools that reflect the diversity of the U.S. population are critical to implement nutrition interventions that do not inadvertently widen health disparities.
John Philip Sousa’s Historic Resistance to Technology in Music Learning
Authors: Thibeault Matthew D.
Published: August 2021

In this article, I explore John Philip Sousa’s historic resistance to music technology and his belief that sound recordings would negatively impact music education and musical amateurism. I review Sousa’s primary arguments from two 1906 essays and his testimony to the US Congress from the same year, based on the fundamental premise that machines themselves sing or perform, severing the connection between live listener and performer and thus rendering recordings a poor substitute for real music. Sousa coined the phrase “canned music,” and I track engagement with this phrase among the hundreds of newspapers and magazines focused on Sousa’s resistance. To better understand the construction of Sousa’s beliefs, I then review how his rich musical upbringing around the US Marine Band and the theaters of Washington DC lead to his conception of music as a dramatic ritual. And I examine the curious coda of Sousa’s life, during which he recanted his beliefs and conducted his band for radio, finding that in fact these experiences reinforced Sousa’s worries. The discussion considers how Sousa’s ideas can help us better to examine the contemporary shift to digital music by combining Sousa’s ideas with those of Sherry Turkle.
Utility of quantitative magnetic resonance angiography and non-invasive optimal vessel analysis for identification of complications and long-term hemodynamic changes in post-pipeline embolization patients
Authors: Ryu Brendan , White Timothy G , Shah Kevin A , Turpin Justin , Link Thomas , Dehdashti Amir R , Katz Jeffrey M , Black Karen , Woo Henry H
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Quantitative magnetic resonance angiography and non-invasive optimal vessel analysis serve as powerful tools to collect and analyze hemodynamic data from pipeline embolization patients. At our institution, patients receive post-embolization quantitative magnetic resonance angiography within 24 h of treatment and within 6 months for follow-up to evaluate pipeline patency. Here, we aim to elucidate the long-term hemodynamic changes following pipeline embolization device placement and report two cases in which in-stent stenosis was detected.

Methods

Medical records of patients who underwent pipeline embolization device placement for an internal carotid artery aneurysm between 2017 and 2019 were reviewed. Patients who received post-procedure NOVA and follow-up NOVA were included in the study ( n = 32). Location and size of aneurysm, number of pipeline embolization device deployed, and complications were collected along with the non-invasive optimal vessel analysis report (flow volume rate (ml/min), mean, systolic, and diastolic flow velocities (cm/s), and vessel diameter (mm)). Internal carotid artery vessel flow rate was measured proximal to the pipeline embolization device. Derivations of hemodynamic parameters (pulsatility index, Lindegaard ratio, and wall shear stress) were calculated.

Results

The middle cerebral artery mean and diastolic flow velocities were significantly lower on the follow-up NOVA compared to the post-procedure NOVA. Moreover, follow-up NOVA demonstrated lower middle cerebral artery wall shear stress on the side with flow diversion compared to the post-procedure NOVA. In-stent stenosis, requiring intervention, was detected in two patients on follow-up NOVA. One patient had a successful balloon angioplasty of the stented internal carotid artery that resolved her stenosis. However, the second patient developed progressive stenosis and expired despite intervention.

Conclusion

Long-term hemodynamic adaptations post-pipeline embolization device demonstrate decreased wall shear stress and decreased mean and diastolic flow velocities in the distal middle cerebral artery, which suggest decreasing velocity of blood flow with endothelialization of the device. Furthermore, follow-up NOVA is a useful tool for detecting potential flow-related complications such as in-stent stenosis.
Augmented reality enhanced tele-proctoring platform to intraoperatively support a neuro-endovascular surgery fellow
Authors: Hassan Ameer E , Desai Sohum K , Georgiadis Alexandros L , Tekle Wondwossen G
Published: August 2021

Background

Remote tele-proctoring has been conducted in neuro-endovascular surgery, however, evidence to support its use in the fellowship training is limited. We demonstrate a novel augmented reality tele-proctoring platform to enable a remote attending to guide a fellow.

Methods

A consecutive series of neuro-endovascular cases were performed by a neuro-endovascular fellow with remote guidance from an attending surgeon. The fellow and attending were connected using a commercially available cloud-based platform designed to capture and stream up to four live video feeds from a clinical environment to a remote user. In this setting, two video streams were obtained directly from the anteroposterior and lateral cameras on the biplane. Additional video of the operator from a telescopic camera was streamed live to the remote attending surgeon. The attending could provide immediate vocal feedback and also deploy the platform's augmented reality tools to communicate with the fellow in the angiography suite.

Results

A total of 10 cases were performed on eight patients utilizing the cloud-based tele-proctoring platform to facilitate instruction. The series included diagnostic angiograms and interventions such as intracranial balloon angioplasty, carotid stenting, and intracranial stenting. All cases were a technical success. No complications or deaths occurred. When compared to similar cohort of 10 cases prior to these which utilized a traditional instruction paradigm; we saw no differences in contrast use ( p = 0.38), fluoroscopy time ( p = 0.85), or technical success.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates successful use of an augmented reality tele-proctoring platform to guide a neuro-endovascular fellow through complex neuro-interventional procedures from a remote setting.