bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Viewpoint: Defeating the water crisis: Community matters!
Authors: Jain Pragati , Jain Prerna
Published: December 2020

Community participation is critical in enhancing rural sustainability in terms of managing indigenous water harvesting structures. The long-standing illusion that the water crisis can only be tackled through a top down strategy design has been shattered by a successful community engagement model using the social, financial, and human capital of the community in the semi-arid village Laporiya of Rajasthan in India. The positive externalities created through the process of community engagement are not only via knowledge sharing but also water sharing with neighboring villages. The appropriate policy suggestion for the positive externalities so created is to build an extra market for ‘ideas’ creating incentives for these innovative practices in rural settings by allowing them to flourish in a hazard free manner, free from the risk of encroachment of common lands, or of future inter-sectoral resource conflict arising out of any industrial activity. The state-managed community participation has also been successful in reviving and creating water harvesting structures, but the sustainability of such program is at stake, in the absence of social capital. Communities do matter but in ways that sustain the local economy.
The impact of injury: The experiences of children and families after a child’s traumatic injury
Authors: Jones Samantha , Tyson Sarah , Yorke Janelle , Davis Naomi
Published: December 2020

Objective:

To explore the experiences of children and families after a child’s traumatic injury (Injury Severity Score >8).

Design:

Qualitative interview study.

Setting:

Two children’s major trauma centres in England.

Participants:

32 participants: 13 children with traumatic injuries, their parents/guardians ( n = 14) and five parents whose injured child did not participate.

Methods:

Semi-structured interviews exploring the emotional, social, practical and physical impacts of children’s injuries, analysed by thematic analysis.

Results:

Interviews were conducted a median of 8.5 months (IQR 9.3) post-injury. Injuries affected the head, chest, abdomen, spine, limbs or multiple body parts. Injured children struggled with changes to their appearance, physical activity restrictions and late onset physical symptoms, which developed after hospital discharge when activity levels increased. Social participation was affected by activity restrictions, concerns about their appearance and interruptions to friendships. Psychological impacts, particularly post-traumatic stress type symptoms often affected both children and parents. Parents’ responsibilities suddenly increased, which affected family relationships and roles, their ability to work and carry out daily tasks. Rapid hospital discharge was wanted, but participants often felt vulnerable on return home. They valued continued contact with a healthcare professional and practical supports from family and friends, which enabled resumption of their usual lives.

Conclusions:

Injured children experience changes to their appearance, friendships, physical activity levels and develop new physical and mental health symptoms after hospital discharge. Such challenges can be addressed by the provision of advice about potential symptoms, alternative activities during recovery, strategies to build resilience and how to access services after hospital discharge.
The Powers and Perils of Societal Advertising
Authors: Livas Christos
Published: December 2020

Despite the lack of consensus in existing literature regarding the societal functions of advertising, brands have been increasingly incorporating aspects of their stance on key social issues and/or contributions to societal wellbeing, into advertising messages. However, notable failures of contemporary societal advertising campaigns indicate that their effectiveness in achieving marketing objectives and advancing social causes remains ambiguous. To appraise the commercial and social consequences of societal advertising, the present research proceeds to examine its interrelationship with the social value system and conceptual differences with similar concepts. Although advertising is able to reflect and also reinforce a subset of existing social values, effective contribution to positive social change is likely to necessitate synergies between elements of the entire marketing process. Overall, given its risks and limitations, there is not sufficient evidence to posit that the practice of societal advertising is always for the best interest of business and society.
Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in correlation with tongue cancer stages
Authors: Chen Chih-Feng , Peng Shin-Lei , Lee Chen-Chang , Lui Chun-Chung , Huang Hsuan-Ying , Chien Chih-Yen
Published: December 2020

Background

Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) plays a significant role in tumor stage as it can be used to measure tissue perfusion and permeability of tumors.

Purpose

To investigate the relationships between both quantitative and semi-quantitative variables obtained from DCE-MRI and tongue cancer stages.

Material and Methods

Mean values of Ktrans, enhancement ratio (ER), wash-in slope (slope), and the 95th percentile (95%) values of the distribution for Ktrans, ER, and slope values (Ktrans (95%), ER (95%), and slope (95%), respectively) were calculated for 53 patients with tongue cancers (American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th Edition stage group: 10 in stages I and II, 14 in stage III, 21 in stage IVa, and eight in stage IVb as determined by histopathologic assessment). The relationship between tumor staging and each of the six DCE-MRI parameters was assessed separately using ordinal logistic regression.

Results

The logistic regression analysis revealed that both mean and 95th percentile values of Ktrans were significantly and positively correlated with tongue cancer stage ( P < 0.01). More aggressive tumor stages had larger kinetic parameter. Moreover, the semi-quantitative parameters, such as ER (95%) and slope (95%), may be more significant predictors for evaluating tongue cancer stages than the mean ER and mean slope.

Conclusion

Both quantitative and semi-quantitative imaging biomarkers are useful for evaluating the stages of tongue cancer, and the indices obtained from DCE-MRI were positively correlated with the tumor stages. These parameters have the potential to non-invasively evaluate the stages of tongue cancer in the clinical setting.
Differential diagnosis of fibroma of tendon sheath and giant cell tumor of tendon sheath in the finger using signal intensity on T2 magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Emori Makoto , Takashima Hiroyuki , Iba Kousuke , Sonoda Tomoko , Oda Takashi , Hasegawa Tadashi , Yamashita Toshihiko
Published: December 2020

Background

The differential diagnosis of fibroma of tendon sheath (FTS) and giant cell tumor of tendon sheath (GCTTS) on the basis of clinical and radiographic characteristics remains difficult.

Purpose

To evaluate the quantitative measurement of signal intensity (SI) obtained by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the differential diagnosis of FTS and GCTTS in just the finger.

Material and Methods

We retrospectively identified patients with FTS (n = 6) and GCTTS (n = 22) of the finger who were treated at our hospitals between April 2011 and August 2019. Two researchers independently reviewed the MRIs and measured the regions of interest (ROIs) in the tumor and flexor tendon from the same image. The SI ratio obtained for the tumor and tendon ROIs was measured and compared using receiver-operating characteristic curve analyses. Sensitivity and specificity analyses were performed.

Results

The SI ratios (mean ± SD) of FTS and GCTTS were 1.83 ± 0.64 and 6.34 ± 3.16 for researcher 1 and 1.82 ± 0.60 and 6.10 ± 3.22 for researcher 2, respectively. The areas under the curve were 0.970 and 0.970 for researchers 1 and 2, respectively. The cut-off values of the SI ratio as determined by researchers 1 and 2 for differentiating FTS from GCTTS were 3.00 and 3.00, respectively (sensitivity = 95.5%, specificity = 100%).

Conclusions

The SI ratio is useful for differentiating FTS from GCTTS independent of a combination of tumor signal and shape.
Interleukin-33 gene polymorphisms and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Xu Xia , Li Haijun , Liu Qixiao , Zhang Hongyu
Published: December 2020

Objective

To investigate the relationship between interleukin (IL)-33 gene polymorphisms rs928413 and rs7044343 with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the Chinese Han population.

Method

We assessed IL-33 rs928413 and rs7044343 polymorphisms by Sanger sequencing of PCR products amplified from the genomic DNA of 160 COPD patients and 123 healthy controls.

Results

There was no significant difference in the distribution of rs928413 AA, AG, or AA genotypes or rs7044343 CC, CT, or TT genotypes between the two groups. However, COPD patients had a significantly higher frequency of the rs928413 G allele G (14.1% vs 7.3%, respectively). This allele was significantly associated with susceptibility to COPD (odds ratio [OR]: 2.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12–3.57). The rs928413 dominant inheritance model was associated with COPD susceptibility (OR: 2.08, 95%CI: 1.09–4.04).

Conclusion

The G allele of rs928413 and the rs928413 dominant inheritance model were associated with susceptibility to COPD in the Chinese Han population.
Changes in serum serotonin levels in patients with acute coronary syndrome and stable angina undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Han Donghoon , Choi Jae Hyuk , Kim Sehun , Park Sang Min , Shin Dong Geum , Kang Min-Kyung , Choi Seonghoon , Lee Namho , Cho Jung Rae
Published: December 2020

Objective

Activated platelets release serotonin, causing platelet aggregation and vasoconstriction. Serotonin levels were investigated in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and chronic stable angina (CSA) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing PCI for either ACS or CSA were enrolled between July 2009 and April 2010. Patients were pre-treated with dual antiplatelet agents (aspirin and clopidogrel) before PCI. Serum serotonin levels, measured at baseline, pre- and post-PCI, and at 90 min, and 6, 12, 24 and 48 h following PCI, were compared between ACS and CSA groups.

Results

Sixty-three patients with ACS and 60 with CSA were included. Overall baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. Serotonin levels at post-PCI (55.2 ± 120.0 versus 20.1 ± 24.0) and at peak (regardless of timepoint; 94.0 ± 170.9 versus 38.8 ± 72.3) were significantly higher in the ACS versus CSA group. At 90 min and 6, 24 and 48 h post-PCI, serum serotonin was numerically, but not significantly, higher in patients with ACS. Serotonin levels fluctuated in both groups, showing an initial rise and fall, rebound at 24 h and drop at 48 h post-PCI.

Conclusions

In patients undergoing PCI, serum serotonin was more elevated in patients with ACS than those with CSA, suggesting the need for more potent and sustained platelet inhibition, particularly in patients with ACS.
Vitamin D deficiency in children with bronchial asthma in southern Jordan: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Al-Zayadneh Enas , Alnawaiseh Nedal Awad , Ajarmeh Salma , Altarawneh Areej Hamed , Albataineh Eman M , AlZayadneh Eyas , Shatanawi Alia , Alzayadneh Ebaa M
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To assess serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH vitamin D) levels in Jordanian children with bronchial asthma, and to examine correlations between 25-OH vitamin D levels and asthma severity and control.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Paediatric Chest Clinic, Al-Karak Governmental Hospital, Southern Jordan, between May 2015 and February 2016. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was determined in children aged 1–14 years diagnosed with bronchial asthma (6–14 years) or recurrent wheezing episodes (<6 years). Asthma severity was determined based on the Global Initiative for Asthma assessment, the Asthma Control Test, and the Childhood Asthma Control Test. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between patients with low and normal 25-OH vitamin D levels, and correlations between asthma severity and 25-OH vitamin D level were assessed.

Results

Out of 98 included children, 25-OH vitamin D levels were deficient and insufficient in 41 (41.8%) and 34 (34.7%) children, respectively. Only 23 (23.5%) had sufficient 25-OH vitamin D levels. A significant correlation was found between severity of asthma symptoms and 25-OH vitamin D deficiency.

Conclusion

25-OH vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in Jordanian children with bronchial asthma and correlates significantly with asthma severity.
Evaluation of transmitted glow point at a priori chosen depth (1 cm below vocal cords) for lightwand intubation: a prospective observational study
Authors: Cho Eunyoung , Kim Hyun-Chang , Lee Jung-Man , Park Ji-Hoon , Ha Najeong , Hong Ji Hee , Lee Jiwon
Published: December 2020

Objective

When performing lightwand intubation, an improper transmitted glow position before tube advancement can cause intubation failure or laryngeal injury. This study was performed to explore the transmitted glow point corresponding to a priori chosen depth for lightwand intubation.

Methods

Before lightwand intubation, we marked the transmitted glow point from a bronchoscope on the neck when it reached 1 cm below the vocal cords. Lightwand intubation was then performed using this marking point. The distances from the mark to the upper border of the thyroid cartilage, upper border of the cricoid cartilage, and suprasternal notch were measured.

Results

In total, 107 patients were enrolled. The success rate of lightwand intubation using the mark was 93.5% (95% confidence interval, 88.7%–99.2%) at the first attempt. The marking point was placed 12.0 mm (95% confidence interval, 10.6–13.4 mm) below the upper border of the cricoid cartilage.

Conclusion

Anaesthesiologists should be aware of the appropriate point of the transmitted glow on the patient’s neck when performing lightwand intubation. We suggest that this point is approximately 1 cm below the upper border of the cricoid cartilage. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03480035
Comparison of ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma injection and conventional physical therapy for management of adhesive capsulitis: a randomized trial
Authors: Thu Aung Chan , Kwak Sang Gyu , Shein Win Nyi , Htun La Min , Htwe Thae Thae Han , Chang Min Cheol
Published: December 2020

Objective

We evaluated the effect of ultrasound (US)-guided injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into the shoulder joint in patients with adhesive capsulitis (AC) and compared its effect with that of conventional physiotherapy (CPT).

Methods

Sixty-four subjects with AC were included and randomly allocated into two groups, as follows: PRP (n=32; intra-articular [IA] PRP [4 mL] was injected); and CPT (n=32; short wave diathermy and exercise therapy were performed at three sessions/week for 6 weeks). Treatment outcomes evaluated therapeutic effectiveness before and at 1, 3, and 6 weeks after PRP injection and CPT initiation.

Results

Subjects in both groups showed a significant decrease in the visual analogue scale score for pain and shoulder and hand scores, and they a significant increase in shoulder passive range of motion at all evaluation time points. There was no significant difference in the measured outcomes between the two groups. However, there was less acetaminophen consumption after IA PRP injection compared with that after CPT.

Conclusions

IA PRP injection is a useful option for treating patients with AC, particularly those who have low therapeutic compliance for exercise therapy or have contraindications for corticosteroid injection or oral pain reduction medication.
The Impact of Experimentally Induced Limb Ischemia on the Rubber Hand Illusion
Authors: Teaford Max , Fitzpatrick Jared , James Smart L.
Published: December 2020

The rubber hand illusion (RHI) is a perceptual illusion in which one experiences an object as part of their body when synchronous visuo-tactile stimulation is applied to one’s hand and the object. There are a variety of factors that can impact the occurrence of the RHI. In the present study, we demonstrate that experimentally induced peripheral ischemia can impact the RHI, namely it can result in larger alterations to the perceived position of one’s hand. This study suggests that alterations to the cardiovascular system may be a source of individual differences in the RHI literature. Future studies with samples of individuals with cardiovascular pathology are recommended.
Situational and Individual Risk Factors for Cybercrime Victimization in a Cross-national Context
Authors: Mikkola Marko , Oksanen Atte , Kaakinen Markus , Miller Bryan Lee , Savolainen Iina , Sirola Anu , Zych Izabela , Paek Hye-Jin
Published: December 2020

Routine Activity Theory (RAT) and the general theory of crime have been widely employed to understand cybercrime victimization. However, there is a need to integrate these theoretical frameworks to better understand victimization from a cross-national perspective. A web-based survey was conducted among participants aged 15 to 25 years from the U.S., Finland, Spain, and South Korea. Factors related to RAT were associated with increased victimization in all four countries although results varied between the countries. Low self-control was associated with victimization in the U.S., Finland, and Spain but not in South Korea. Using decomposition analysis, we discovered that the association between low self-control and victimization occurred both directly and indirectly through measures of RAT. Our study demonstrates the need to integrate theories to better understand the dynamics of victimization. Despite the usefulness of RAT, other theories should be taken into consideration when investigating cybercrime victimization.
Core Correctional Practices in Community Supervision: An Evaluation of a Policy Mandate to Increase Probation Officer Use of Skills
Authors: Viglione Jill , Labrecque Ryan M.
Published: December 2020

Community supervision officer training programs aim to translate core correctional practices into routine practice. These training programs emphasize skill-building designed to shift supervision strategies from law enforcement/compliance-oriented to a focus on promoting and supporting behavior change. Despite evidence of their effectiveness, research finds trained officers use newly learned skills infrequently. The current study examined the impact of a policy, implemented post-training, designed to encourage trained officers to use skills emphasized by the Staff Training Aimed at Reducing Rearrest (STARR) training program more frequently. The current study examined the effectiveness of this policy on the frequency and type of skills used by officers in their interactions with individuals on their caseload. Analyses suggested the policy mandate was effective in increasing skill use, however officers still used trained skills in less than half of their interactions. Implications and considerations for increasing the use of skills are discussed.
Understanding the history, needs and experiences of looked after children with African heritage: lessons from Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Akanle Olayinka , Ojuri Abiodun Tunde
Published: December 2020

Orphanages have traditionally played a key role in meeting the needs of abandoned and displaced children. This is still the case in many countries like Nigeria where they provide shelter for children of all ages presenting a variety of needs. For those defined as orphaned and vulnerable, there are few alternatives and no budgetary allocations for residential provision. In this situation, the management of orphanages has become a salient issue and the dearth of research is serious as social and family systems are under increasing pressures and more children from Africa are entering care in developed countries. This article provides an ethnographic and cross-sectional study of the current situation in one Nigerian city. It shows that residential institutions provide a comprehensive service for children requiring substitute care, fulfilling many different functions and meeting all needs. The homes are run by a mixture of state, voluntary and private organisations, leading to considerable variation in the resources available and the quality of care. Some of the reasons why children are admitted are now rare in developed countries and reflect the prevailing legislation, cultural values and poverty in the region. Given the rising number of children with African heritage entering care in the UK and the arrival of others via intercountry adoption, the article alerts social workers to information that might aid their understanding of these children's histories and the nature of the services they have received.
Assessing changes in the internal worlds of early- and late-adopted children using the Story Stem Assessment Profile (SSAP)
Authors: Hillman Saul , Hodges Jill , Steele Miriam , Cirasola Antonella , Asquith Kay , Kaniuk Jeanne
Published: December 2020

A growing body of literature has consistently shown how adopted children often have previous history of trauma and neglect, and in turn develop negative representations of the self and others. This study assesses the internal representations of three groups of children, as measured by the Story Stem Assessment Profile (SSAP). These were: (1) a maltreated, late-adopted (MLA) sample (n = 63); (2) a non-maltreated, early-adopted (EA) sample (n = 48); and (3) a non-maltreated community sample (COMM) (n = 80). In addition, it examined whether MLA and EA adopted children’s attachment and internal representations changed over time. Results showed that children in the MLA sample significantly displayed more disorganised, avoidant and negative representations and fewer representations characteristic of ‘secure’ attachment when compared with EA and, especially, COMM children. Longitudinal follow-up of both MLA and EA samples demonstrated significant changes over a two-year period in SSAP representation; secure representations increased while the avoidant and disorganised ones diminished. These findings are discussed and the limitations and implications of the study presented.
A walking bout reveals altered foot thermodynamics associated with unilateral transtibial amputation among individuals with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Leister Kyle R , Wurdeman Shane R
Published: December 2020

Background:

Increased foot temperature among individuals with type 2 diabetes can be predictive of diabetic foot ulcer development. A combination of physiological and mechanical deficiencies may contribute to elevations in intact foot temperature during gait for individuals with type 2 diabetes and transtibial amputation.

Objective:

This study evaluated plantar foot temperature differences between individuals with type 2 diabetes with and without transtibial amputation. We hypothesized that individuals with transtibial amputation maintain increased foot temperature compared to those without amputation.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional, case control.

Methods:

A sample of 16 participants with type 2 diabetes and transtibial amputation, and 16 age- and sex-matched participants with type 2 diabetes without amputation were recruited. Foot temperatures were measured during resting, walking, and cooldown periods. Peak temperature, mean temperature, and rate of temperature change were analyzed for each period, and compared between cohorts.

Results:

Participants with amputation exhibited increased mean foot temperature while at rest and during walking. Participants without amputation exhibited increased rate of change of foot temperature during walking. No differences in peak temperature or rate of temperature change were observed during the baseline or cooldown periods.

Conclusion:

The current findings of altered foot temperature for individuals with transtibial amputation and type 2 diabetes suggest a possible reason for the high rates of contralateral limb ulceration and amputation among this population.
Role of Uncertainty and Social Networks on Shadow Evacuation and Non-Compliance Behavior in Hurricanes
Authors: Ling Lu , Murray-Tuite Pamela , Lee Seungyoon , Ge Yue “Gurt” , Ukkusuri Satish V.
Published: December 2020

Shadow evacuation and non-compliance are among undesirable behaviors during hurricane events. Based on a post-Hurricane Matthew household survey, this study aims to understand the combined effects of information source and uncertainty on individual-level evacuate–stay decisions from the Jacksonville, Florida metropolitan area. A random parameter logit model is developed to capture the heterogeneous effects among individuals. The combined effects are substantial and distinct in the two cases and the study reveals several significant findings. First, consistent and sufficient warning information leads to better alignment with recommended actions. Second, larger social networks encourage compliance and induce shadow evacuation. Third, a highly diverse network induces compliance with the recommended actions, and isolated individuals should be provided with more information. Fourth, risk information from traditional media should be clearly delineated between the high-risk and low-risk areas for effective compliance. However, information from social media has a nonsignificant effect.
Smart Method for Self-Organization in Last-Mile Parcel Delivery
Authors: van Duin J.H.R. , Vlot T.S. , Tavasszy L.A. , Duinkerken M.B. , van Dijk B.
Published: December 2020

Parcel delivery operators experience an increasing pressure to meet the strongly growing demand for delivery services, while protecting city livability and the environment. Improving the performance of the last mile of delivery is considered key in meeting this challenge as it forms the most inefficient, expensive, and environmentally unfriendly part of delivery operations. A primary cause is a significant duplication of service areas, resulting in redundant vehicle kilometers traveled. In this paper, a new method is presented that allows for the allocation of parcels to delivery vehicles and construction of vehicle routes in real time through an auctioning system. These tasks are performed in a self-organizing manner by vehicles, parcels, and a supporting platform, to allow for collaborative and intermodal delivery. The performance of this new method is tested and compared against the currently used techniques using an agent-based simulation model. The new method manages to greatly improve the efficiency, robustness, and flexibility of delivery operations.
Improved hand prostheses control for transradial amputees based on hybrid of voice recognition and electromyography
Authors: Alkhafaf Omer Saad , Wali Mousa K , Al-Timemy Ali H
Published: December 2020

The control of prostheses and their complexities is one of the greatest challenges limiting wide amputees’ use of upper limb prostheses. The main challenges include the difficulty of extracting signals for controlling the prostheses, limited number of degrees of freedom (DoF), and cost-prohibitive for complex controlling systems. In this study, a real-time hybrid control system, based on electromyography (EMG) and voice commands (VC) is designed to render the prosthesis more dexterous with the ability to accomplish amputee’s daily activities proficiently. The voice and EMG systems were combined in three proposed hybrid strategies, each strategy had different number of movements depending on the combination protocol between voice and EMG control systems. Furthermore, the designed control system might serve a large number of amputees with different amputation levels, and since it has a reasonable cost and be easy to use. The performance of the proposed control system, based on hybrid strategies, was tested by intact-limbed and amputee participants for controlling the HANDi hand. The results showed that the proposed hybrid control system was robust, feasible, with an accuracy of 94%, 98%, and 99% for Strategies 1, 2, and 3, respectively. It was possible to specify the grip force applied to the prosthetic hand within three gripping forces. The amputees participated in this study preferred combination Strategy 3 where the voice and EMG are working concurrently, with an accuracy of 99%.
Real-time, non-invasive thrombus detection in an extracorporeal circuit using micro-optical thrombus sensors
Authors: Morita Nobutomo , Sakota Daisuke , Oota-Ishigaki Akiko , Kosaka Ryo , Maruyama Osamu , Nishida Masahiro , Kondo Kazuki , Takeshita Toshihiro , Iwasaki Wataru
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

Real-time, non-invasive monitoring of thrombus formation in extracorporeal circuits has yet to be achieved. To address the challenges of conventional optical thrombus detection methods requiring large devices that limit detection capacity, we developed a micro-optical thrombus sensor.

Methods:

The proposed micro-optical thrombus sensor can detect the intensity of light scattered by blood at wavelengths of 660 and 855 nm. Two thrombus sensors were installed on in vitro circuit: one at the rotary blood pump and one at a flow channel. To evaluate the variation in the ratio of incident light intensity at each wavelength of the two sensors, Rfluct (for 660 nm) and Ifluct (for 855 nm) were defined. Using fresh porcine blood as a working fluid, we performed in vitro tests of haematocrit (Hct) and oxygen saturation (SaO2) variation and thrombus detection. Thrombus tests were terminated after Rfluct or Ifluct showed a larger change than the maximum range of those in the Hct and SaO2 variation test.

Results:

In all three thrombus detection tests, Ifluct showed a larger change than the maximum range of those in the Hct and SaO2 variation test. After the tests, thrombus formation was confirmed in the pump, and there was no thrombus in the flow channel. The results indicate that Ifluct is an effective parameter for identifying the presence of a thrombus.

Conclusion:

Thrombus detection in an extracorporeal circuit using the developed micro-optical sensors was successfully demonstrated in an in vitro test.
Political discourse and mobility of worlds: Arguments for methodological narrative\institutional dualism
Authors: Smith Simon , Kabele Jiří
Published: December 2020

Methodological narrative\institutional dualism was developed as an epistemological strategy to facilitate an approach to the study of political discourse that incorporates figures of disorder into the construction of order. The symmetrization of various theories of narration and argumentation and related analytical research approaches enables an examination of how discursive world-making engages syncretically narrative and argumentative repertoires of rhetoric and hermeneutics to ensure interconnected discursive and organizational interventions. Actors strive to occupy a strategically important position in discourse-worlds as the prelude to their occupation of influential power positions in organizational fields. Such a two-fold – textual and pragma-dialectical – interventionism can be uncovered by a ‘perspective interplay’ between complementary research strategies, one based on a narrative\routine duality (focused on communicability by studying the textualized sequencing of speech acts), the other on a duality of the pragmatic use of plot\argument (focused on the pragmatic implications of speech acts by studying the political claim-making accompanying strategic maneuvering). Our efforts at theory-building are illustrated by an empirical probe into a moment in a Czech election campaign (a three-day media dialogical network) in which the metaphor of dinosaurs was deployed as a powerful trope by candidates, opponents and journalists in credibility and consistency tests with respect to qualification for political office.
Determining Gaze Behavior Patterns in On-Screen Testing
Authors: Pejić Marko , Savić Goran , Segedinac Milan
Published: December 2020

This study proposes a software system for determining gaze patterns in on-screen testing. The system applies machine learning techniques to eye-movement data obtained from an eye-tracking device to categorize students according to their gaze behavior pattern while solving an on-screen test. These patterns are determined by converting eye movement coordinates into a sequence of regions of interest. The proposed software system extracts features from the sequence and performs clustering that groups students by their gaze pattern. To determine gaze patterns, the system contains components for communicating with an eye-tracking device, collecting and preprocessing students’ gaze data, and visualizing data using different presentation methods. This study presents a methodology to determine gaze patterns and the implementation details of the proposed software. The research was evaluated by determining the gaze patterns of 51 undergraduate students who took a general knowledge test containing 20 questions. This study aims to provide a software infrastructure that can use students’ gaze patterns as an additional indicator of their reading behaviors and their processing attention or difficulty, among other factors.
The Gift of Data: Industry-Led Food Reformulation and the Obesity Crisis in Europe
Authors: Campbell Norah , Browne Sarah , Claudy Marius , Mialon Melissa , Hercberg Serge , Goiana-da-Silva Francisco , Finucane Francis
Published: December 2020

Ultraprocessed-food manufacturers have proposed product reformulation as a key strategy to tackle obesity. In determining the impact of reformulation on population dietary behaviors, policy makers often depend on data provided by these manufacturers. Where such data are “gifted” to regulators, there may be an implicit expectation of reciprocity that adversely influences nutrition policies. The authors aimed to assess Europe’s industry-led reformulation strategy in five countries deploying critical policy studies as an approach. They found that interim results on industry-led food reformulation did not meet the countries’ targets. Information asymmetries exist between food industry and policy makers: the latter are not privy to marketing intelligence and must instead rely on data that are voluntarily donated by food industry actors, which represent a distorted snippet of the marketing intelligence system from whence they came. Because these data indeed bear all the hallmarks of a gift, regulatory and public health authorities operate within a gift economy. The implications of this “data-gift economy” are strategic delay and the need to set goals when the field is not visible. Ultimately, this could diminish the implementation of public health nutrition policies that run counter to the commercial interests of ultraprocessed-food producers.
Identifying Clinical Clues in Children With Global Developmental Delay / Intellectual Disability With Abnormal Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Authors: Alamri Abdullah , Aljadhai Yaser I. , Alrashed Abdullah , Alfheed Bandar , Abdelmoaty Roba , Alenazi Shoaa , Alhashim Aqeela , Benini Ruba
Published: December 2020

Global developmental delay / intellectual disability are common pediatric conditions. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), although an important diagnostic tool in the evaluation of these patients, often requires general anesthesia. Recent literature suggests that unnecessary general anesthesia exposure should be avoided in early years because of possible long-term negative neurodevelopmental sequelae. This study sought to identify clinical clues associated with brain MRI abnormalities in children with global developmental delay / intellectual disability in an attempt to provide guidance to physicians on selecting patients who would benefit from an MRI. Retrospective chart review analysis was conducted for patients presenting to a pediatric neurology tertiary care center between 2014 and 2017 for a first clinic evaluation for global developmental delay / intellectual disability. Detailed clinical history and physical examination findings were analyzed and correlated with brain MRI findings. The majority (218/327, 67%) of children referred for evaluation of global developmental delay / intellectual disability underwent complete clinical and radiologic evaluations. Mean age was 37.9 months (±32.5 standard deviation) and 116 were males (53%). Motor deficits were predominant in most subjects (122/218, 56%). Abnormal MRI findings were observed in 153 children (70%), with the most prevalent abnormalities noted within the white matter (104/153, 68%), corpus callosum (77/153, 50%), and the hippocampus (50/153, 33%). Abnormal MRI findings were prevalent in children with predominant motor delay (84, 69%) and cognitive disability (3, 100%) as well as those with visual and hearing impairment ( P < .05). The presence of facial dysmorphisms (57/71, P = .02); cranial nerve abnormalities (79/100; P = .007) and abnormal reflexes (16, P = .01) on examination also correlated significantly with increased MRI abnormalities.
Acute Kidney Injury Following Pediatric Liver Transplant
Authors: Silver Layne J. , Pan Stephanie , Bucuvalas John C. , Reid-Adam Jessica A. , Oishi Kimihiko , Ofori-Amanfo George , Gangadharan Sandeep
Published: December 2020

Objective:

To determine the incidence, severity, and risk factors of postoperative acute kidney injury in pediatric liver transplant patients with and without inborn errors of metabolism.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Single-center PICU.

Patients:

All children less than or equal to 18 years old who received a liver transplant between January 2009 and July 2019.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

Following exclusion criteria there were 92 transplant encounters. After excluding patients who received combined kidney-liver transplantation, acute kidney injury occurred in 57% of patients (N = 49), with 25.6% (N = 22) stage 1, 15.1% (N = 13) stage 2, and 16.3% (N = 14) stage 3. In an adjusted analysis, metabolic indication for transplant was not significantly associated with presence of acute kidney injury (p = 0.45). For the subset of patients without inborn errors of metabolism, the odds of having acute kidney injury was 1.50 (95% CI: 1.00-2.26) for each 1-unit increase in preoperative INR after adjusting for the covariates of age, preoperative albumin, CMV status of donor, and preoperative creatinine. In the full cohort, as well as the sample of children without inborn errors of metabolism, presence of acute kidney injury was associated with longer total hospital stay as well as number of ICU days.

Conclusions:

Acute kidney injury in the early postoperative period is common in pediatric liver transplant patients (57%), 31.4% of whom had severe disease. In patients without inborn errors of metabolism, each unit increase in preoperative INR suggests a higher risk of acute kidney injury after adjusting for covariates including preoperative creatinine. This finding suggests an association between the severity of preoperative synthetic liver function and the risk of developing postoperative acute kidney injury which requires further investigation.
Association of Hyperchloremia and Acute Kidney Injury in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Yamane David P. , Maghami Sam , Graham Ada , Vaziri Khashayar , Davison Danielle
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

Hypertonic saline is often used to treat patients with traumatic brain injury. It carries the undesired side effect of hyperchloremia, which has been linked to acute kidney injury (AKI). We sought to evaluate the relationship of hyperchloremia and AKI in this population and whether the absolute exposure to hyperchloremia, including maximal hyperchloremia and duration of hyperchloremia were associated with AKI.

Methods:

A retrospective study of severe traumatic brain injury patients who received hypertonic saline at a single academic institution. Demographics, head abbreviated injury scale, development of hyperchloremia (Cl ≥ 115), duration of hyperchloremia, highest chloride level, duration of hypertonic saline use, admission GFR, and administration of nephrotoxic medications were abstracted. The outcome of interest was the association between renal function and hyperchloremia.

Results:

A total of 123 patients were included in the study. Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that only duration of hyperchloremia ( p = 0.014) and GFR on admission ( p = 0.004) were independently associated with development of AKI. The number of days of hypertonic saline infusion ( p = 0.79) without the persistence of hyperchloremia and highest serum chloride levels ( p = 0.23) were not predictive of AKI development.

Discussion:

In patients with traumatic brain injury, admission GFR and prolonged hyperchloremia rather than the highest chloride level or the duration of hypertonic saline infusion were associated with the development of AKI.
Improving Fluid Output Monitoring in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Kushnir Alexander , Palte Eytan , Morris Nadia , Shahabuddin Zoha A. , Hammond Jeffrey , Vukelic Sinisa , Rabbani LeRoy E.
Published: December 2020

Purpose:

To assess the potential clinical impact of an automated urine output (UOP) monitoring system in the intensive care unit.

Methods:

Frequency of UOP documentation during a 20-month period was assessed in records of inpatients on the medicine floor, cardiac intensive care (CCU), and cardiothoracic-intensive care units (CTICU). Documentation timeliness (time between expected and observed UOP recording) was assessed over a 3-month period. A novel reusable device that monitors UOP based on continuous analysis of the weight of a urine collection container was tested in the CCU/CTICU.

Results:

A total of 165,363 UOP measurements were recorded for 2,039 CCU/CTICU admissions. Sixty percent of CCU/CTICU admissions had UOP recorded in the electronic medical record (EMR) less than every 2 hours. One-third of CCU/CTICU measurements were documented more than 2 hours late, and only 10% were recorded less than 20 minutes late. Half of these patients had fewer than 2 measurements recorded per nursing shift and recordings were documented an average of 85 minutes late. There was no significant difference between daytime and nighttime shifts. UOP values obtained by the novel electronic monitoring device were within 27 ml (−224 ml, +228 ml) of nurses documented values, across 74 patients over a 24-hour period.

Conclusions:

Automating UOP monitoring using a reusable weight-based device is feasible and can improve timeliness of documentation and reduce nursing workload without compromising accuracy.
Data Collection Strategies for Sharing Lived Experiences: Low-Income Mothers’ Perceptions of Text (SMS) and Multimedia (MMS) Data Collection
Authors: Occhiuto Katherine
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study was to explore low-income lone mothers’ perceptions of their engagement with a text (SMS) and multimedia message (MMS) qualitative study. Study participants were asked to submit text and pictures via SMS and MMS that represented their reflections, observations, and experiences accessing community support services over a 6-week period. After engaging in the study, participants were asked to complete an evaluation questionnaire. The resoundingly positive feedback received in the evaluation—and the researchers’ satisfaction with the data collected—suggests that researchers should consider employing SMS and MMS data collection strategies to gain open-ended insights into the daily experiences of marginalized groups. This method may be particularly well suited to feminist research designs and research with populations underrepresented in the literature due to barriers presented by traditional data collection strategies.
Does Self-control Predict Crime, Delinquency, and Victimization in Immigrants? A Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Kundakova Makpal , Rima Dzhansarayeva , Atakhanova Gulzagira , Temirbolat Nuraisha , Beaver Kevin M.
Published: December 2020

Gottfredson and Hirschi’s theory of low self-control has generated a considerable amount of research and the results of these studies have shown that low levels of self-control are consistently associated with involvement in antisocial outcomes. Despite the empirical support for this theory, there still remain areas of it that need to be more fully evaluated. Once such area is whether self-control is associated with antisocial outcomes in samples of immigrants. The current study sought to address this gap in the literature. To do so, data drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) were analyzed. The results of the statistical models revealed that low levels of self-control were associated with increases in self-reported delinquency, being arrested, being convicted of a crime, being sentenced to probation, being incarcerated, and being victimized. Taken together, the results of this study show that self-control is a robust predictor of antisocial outcomes among immigrants. We conclude by identifying limitations of the current study and directions for future research.
Loving Your Parents and Treating Others Well: The Effect of Filial Piety on Cyberbullying Perpetration and Its Functional Mechanism Among Chinese Graduate Students
Authors: Wei Hua , Liu Meiting
Published: December 2020

Although a few studies have investigated the effect of family factors on cyberbullying perpetration, these studies have mainly focused on the roles of parents. Few studies have examined the roles of children. In traditional Chinese culture, the filial piety belief (FPB) refers to the viewpoint that considers the roles of children in a family context. We suggest that how children consider their roles in a family might also influence cyberbullying perpetration. Based on the dual filial piety model and social information processing model, this study examined the effect of FPB on cyberbullying perpetration and tested its mediation of hostile attribution bias. In total, 588 graduate students participated. The participants completed several questionnaires, including the FPB scale, the social information processing–attribution response questionnaire, and the cyberbullying scale. The results were as follows. First, reciprocal filial piety (RFP) was significantly negatively correlated with hostile attribution bias and cyberbullying perpetration, while authoritarian filial piety (AFP) was significantly positively correlated with hostile attribution bias and cyberbullying perpetration. Second, hostile attribution bias mediated the association between FPB (comprising AFP and RFP) and cyberbullying perpetration; RFP decreased hostile attribution bias, while AFP increased hostile attribution bias; and hostile attribution bias increased cyberbullying perpetration. The current study expands our understanding of the influential factors and formation mechanism of cyberbullying perpetration in Chinese culture.
Physico-mechanical properties and cell microstructure of cross-linked PVC/organoclay nanocomposite foams prepared at various processing conditions
Authors: Rezaei Pezhman , Rezaei Mostafa , Talebi Saeid , Babaie Amin
Published: December 2020

Cross-linked polyvinyl chloride (C-PVC) foams and their nanocomposite foams, containing Cloisite 30B nanoclays were prepared. The effects of compression molding pressure and time on the morphology and mechanical properties of different foams were studied. Increment of molding pressure led to higher apparent density, gel content, cell density, and expansion ratio, and wider cell size distribution, which improved the mechanical properties of the foams. Additionally, with the increasing of molding time, lower cell density and final expansion ratio, narrower cell size distribution, and higher gel content and mechanical properties could be obtained. Moreover, incorporation of Cloisite 30B nanoclay in a PVC matrix not only improved cellular microstructure and mechanical properties but also reduced water uptake ratios of nanocomposite foams.