bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Good Parent: Southern Italian Mothers’ Conceptualization of Good Parenting and Parent–Child Relationships
Authors: Lo Cricchio Maria Grazia , Lo Coco Alida , Cheah Charissa S. L. , Liga Francesca
Published: April 2019

Thirty mothers, ranging in age between 30 and 46 years, participated in seven focus groups aimed at analyzing perceptions and ideas of the characteristics of a good parent and parent–child relationship in southern Italy (Sicily). The discussions were transcribed and analyzed using the constant comparative analysis approach. Two major themes, discipline and affection, emerged from the discussions about the idea of a good parent, with seven further subthemes. In defining good parenting beliefs and practices, Sicilian mothers mostly believed that control, discipline, and demandingness were imperative and prioritized over warmth and responsiveness. Despite the importance given to demandingness, a good parent–child relationship was predominantly described as the result of a balance between love and control, mainly based on communication, confidence, and respect. Our findings were interpreted and discussed with consideration to the collectivistic and familistic nature of Sicilian society.
Redressing the balance: Lived experiences of the harms of visually mediated transgender identity
Authors: McBride Katie
Published: April 2019

Trans* identities have a history of being constructed, regulated and erased. Often a trans* individual’s social status is judged by others on the basis of their perception of that individual’s achievement of normative standards of gender. We are living through a time characterized by the prioritization of visual identity alongside intense scrutiny of trans* identities in relation to their authenticity and right to recognition. Research should support a reorientation of scrutiny towards these issues and acknowledge their relevance to lived experiences of the hegemonic discourse related to conceptualizations of gender as binary that engulf trans* individuals' lives. This paper is informed by empirical research undertaken at the University of Plymouth and in particular reflections on trans* individuals’ lived experiences of social harms. It contributes to victimology by presenting a discussion of cultural (re)presentations of the self and processes of othering in relation to trans* individuals. The adoption of participatory visual-narrative methods as a route through which to challenge these harmful discourses is proposed. Such methods can refocus our gaze away from trans* individuals as problematizing the world for others, and on to the lived experiences of the structures and processes that foster stigmatization and marginalization.
Full age spectrum equation versus CKD-EPI and MDRD equations to estimate glomerular filtration rate in adults with obstructive nephropathy
Authors: Cai Kedan , Chai Lingxiong , Luo Qun , Dai Zhiwei , Wu Lingping , Hong Yue
Published: April 2019

Objective

To compare the full age spectrum (FAS) equation with the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equations in predicting glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in patients with obstructive nephropathy.

Methods

Adult patients with obstructive nephropathy who had undergone a GFR measurement using technetium-99m diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid radioisotope renography were enrolled in the study. The measured GFR was taken as the reference value. Bias, precision and accuracy were compared between the three equations. Kappa test and the Bland–Altman method were used to evaluate the classification and the agreement. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to describe the diagnostic accuracy of each equation.

Results

A total of 327 patients were enrolled. The P30 value for the FAS equation was 60.2% in the overall study cohort. The FAS equation had the highest diagnostic accuracy (ROCAUC = 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84, 0.91) compared with the MDRD equation (ROCAUC = 0.86, 95% CI 0.82, 0.89). The median bias of the FAS equation was significantly higher than that of the MDRD equation (8.7 versus 7.6 ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively).

Conclusions

Despite the drawbacks associated with each equation, the FAS equation was probably closer to ideal to estimate GFR in patients with obstructive nephropathy.
Dentist-related factors influencing the use of vital pulp therapy: a survey among dental practitioners in China
Authors: Li Mengjie , Hu Xiaoli , Li Xiaolan , Lei Shuxiang , Cai Ming , Wei Xi , Deng Dongmei
Published: April 2019

Objective

To evaluate dentist-related factors associated with the use of vital pulp therapy (VPT) for the treatment of pulp exposures in permanent teeth.

Methods

This survey-based study sent an online questionnaire to collect data on the demographics of the respondents, the use of VPT and the choice of materials for VPT, to all members of the Society of Endodontology of Guangdong, China.

Results

A total 183 of 380 members responded (48.2%). The majority (89.6%; 164 of 183) had performed direct pulp capping (DPC) while 55.2% (101 of 183) had performed partial pulpotomy (PP) at least once. The most-cited reason for not performing VPT was unfamiliarity with the technique. Mineral trioxide aggregate was the most commonly used material for both DPC (67.1%; 110 of 164) and PP (73.3%; 74 of 101). Endodontists, compared with general practitioners, preferred to perform DPC and chose calcium silicate materials (CSMs) for VPT (odds ratios 5.81 and 8.07, respectively). DPC and CSMs for VPT were also favoured more by respondents who had practised for > 5 years. Senior respondents were more likely to use PP.

Conclusions

Speciality, years of practise and age of dentists influenced the decision making and the choice of materials for VPT. Continuing education is essential to promote the clinical use of VPT.
Preparation of Visible Light Photocatalytic Asphalt Pavement using Fe Doped g-C3N4 for Removal of Vehicular NO: Feasibility Study
Authors: Yang Xiaoyu , Cao Xuejuan , Tang Boming , Deng Mei , Shan Bailin
Published: April 2019

Photocatalytic pavement based on traditional photocatalyst has been proposed to cure the air pollution caused by automobile exhaust. However, the low degradation efficiency under visible light limits the application of photocatalytic pavement in practice. A visible light photocatalytic asphalt pavement with higher degradation efficiency was developed in this study using Fe doped g-C3N4 (Fe-C3N4) as photocatalyst. The photocatalyst was added to slurry seal with the aim of improving wear resistance of the photocatalytic coating. The modification mechanism of Fe-C3N4 was analyzed by combining the microscopic characterization and NO removal efficiency of photocatalyst. The photocatalytic performance, skid resistance, and wear resistance of asphalt pavement were studied under visible light. The results indicated that Fe element could be used as an effective electron receptor to capture electrons in the conduction band of g-C3N4, which lead to a lower recombination rate of photoinduced electron-hole pairs, and could enhance the absorption intensity and broaden the response of g-C3N4 to visible light. In addition, the slurry seal specimen using epoxy resin instead of emulsified bitumen as binder had better photocatalytic performance. The NO removal efficiency of the epoxy resin slurry seal specimen reached the highest level when the Fe-C3N4 content was up to 50% of the quality of mineral powder. Both skid resistance and wear resistance of the specimen met the standard requirements of pavement. The specimen still retained an effective photocatalytic ability after the abrasion test.
Impact Analysis of Extra Traffic Induced by Project Construction during Planned Special Events
Authors: Wang Zhongyu , Bai Yufang , Zhu Rui , Wang Yanli , Wu Bing , Wang Yinhai
Published: April 2019

The questions of how serious the extra traffic impact induced by project construction is on urban road networks and whether the construction should continue during planned special events represent a critical problem. In this paper, a framework of methodologies and workflow is presented in analyzing the project construction induced traffic impact during special events. We first analyze the characteristics of the traffic flow attracted by special events and project construction induced traffic flow. We then show how to evaluate the project construction induced traffic impact during special events and propose some quantitative analysis methods, which are different in nature from the traditional approach of traffic impact analysis. Some management and improvement strategies are subsequently proposed to mitigate the negative impact of project construction. A case study of a vertical construction during Expo 2010 in Shanghai is discussed as an application of the proposed framework. The results show that the traffic impact of this vertical construction during Expo is moderate. Through our subsequent monitoring of this vertical construction practice during Expo 2010, it can be concluded that the analysis method is reliable, the negative traffic impact of vertical construction to Expo is insignificant, and the suggested operation and management strategies are effective.
Comparing Machine Learning and Deep Learning Methods for Real-Time Crash Prediction
Authors: Theofilatos Athanasios , Chen Cong , Antoniou Constantinos
Published: April 2019

Although there are numerous studies examining the impact of real-time traffic and weather parameters on crash occurrence on freeways, to the best of the authors’ knowledge there are no studies which have compared the prediction performances of machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models. The present study adds to current knowledge by comparing and validating ML and DL methods to predict real-time crash occurrence. To achieve this, real-time traffic and weather data from Attica Tollway in Greece were linked with historical crash data. The total data set was split into training/estimation (75%) and validation (25%) subsets, which were then standardized. First, the ML and DL prediction models were trained/estimated using the training data set. Afterwards, the models were compared on the basis of their performance metrics (accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under curve, or AUC) on the test set. The models considered were k-nearest neighbor, Naïve Bayes, decision tree, random forest, support vector machine, shallow neural network, and, lastly, deep neural network. Overall, the DL model seems to be more appropriate, because it outperformed all other candidate models. More specifically, the DL model managed to achieve a balanced performance among all metrics compared with other models (total accuracy = 68.95%, sensitivity = 0.521, specificity = 0.77, AUC = 0.641). It is surprising though that the Naïve Bayes model achieved a good performance despite being far less complex than other models. The study findings are particularly useful, because they provide a first insight into performance of ML and DL models.
Optimal Urban Traffic Model Predictive Control for NEMA Standards
Authors: Wang Qichao , Abbas Montasir
Published: April 2019

Green splits are one of the three important types of control parameter in a modern traffic controller. Few studies have been done on coordinated optimal splits control under the National Electrical Manufacturing Association (NEMA) Standards. We proposed a virtual phase-link concept and used this concept to model urban traffic control under the NEMA Standards. We framed the coordinated optimal splits control problem as a linear quadratic programming problem and implemented the optimal feedback control with model predictive control. The outputs of the solution are timing plans that can be used in NEMA controllers. We conducted microscopic simulation studies to compare timing plans generated from the proposed method with those generated from a state-of-the-practice signal timing software. It was found that the proposed method significantly outperformed the benchmarking method under semi-actuated control settings. The evaluation of the optimization algorithm shows that the optimization process can be performed in a real-time manner, indicating that the proposed method can be implemented for large-scale urban traffic optimal splits control.
Snow Detection using In-Vehicle Video Camera with Texture-Based Image Features Utilizing K-Nearest Neighbor, Support Vector Machine, and Random Forest
Authors: Khan Md Nasim , Ahmed Mohamed M.
Published: April 2019

Snowfall negatively affects pavement and visibility conditions, making it one of the major causes of motor vehicle crashes in winter weather. Therefore, providing drivers with real-time roadway weather information during adverse weather is crucial for safe driving. Although road weather stations can provide weather information, these stations are expensive and often do not represent real-time trajectory-level weather information. The main motivation of this study was to develop an affordable in-vehicle snow detection system which can provide trajectory-level weather information in real time. The system utilized SHRP2 Naturalistic Driving Study video data and was based on machine learning techniques. To train the snow detection models, two texture-based image features including gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) and local binary pattern (LBP), and three classification algorithms: support vector machine (SVM), k-nearest neighbor (K-NN), and random forest (RF) were used. The analysis was done on an image dataset consisting of three weather conditions: clear, light snow, and heavy snow. While the highest overall prediction accuracy of the models based on the GLCM features was found to be around 86%, the models considering the LBP based features provided a much higher prediction accuracy of 96%. The snow detection system proposed in this study is cost effective, does not require a lot of technical support, and only needs a single video camera. With the advances in smartphone cameras, simple mobile apps with proper data connectivity can effectively be used to detect roadway weather conditions in real time with reasonable accuracy.
Incorporating Product Choice into Transit Fare Policy Scenario Models
Authors: Stuntz Andrew , Attanucci John , Salvucci Frederick P.
Published: April 2019

Customer fare product choices can affect both ridership and revenue, so they are strategically important for transit agencies. Nearly all major agencies offer choices between pay-per-use and pass products, and with each potential fare change, agencies face decisions about whether to modify pass “multiples”—the number of rides needed to “break even” on a pass purchase. However, the simple elasticity spreadsheet models often used to analyze the potential ridership and revenue impacts of fare changes make little or no adjustment for shifts in fare product choices. This paper reviews different options for incorporating product choice into fare policy scenario models, and it presents a ridership and revenue prediction procedure that combines a multinomial logit fare product choice model with the logic of an elasticity spreadsheet model. This combination facilitates evaluation of complex fare changes that are likely to alter fare product market shares while maintaining much of the flexibility and simplicity of a traditional spreadsheet model. Additionally, the proposed model uses only preexisting, revealed-preference automated fare collection data rather than requiring customer surveys. The proposed model is demonstrated using examples at the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). The CTA experienced a large shift from passes to pay-per-use following a fare change in 2013, illustrating the potential value of accounting for fare product choices in fare scenario evaluation.
Outcomes of Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery in Adolescents
Authors: Ouillette Ryan , Edmonds Eric , Chambers Henry , Bastrom Tracey , Pennock Andrew
Published: April 2019

Background:

Although primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions have been well studied in children and adolescents, the literature lacks information about revision ACL reconstructions in this population.

Purpose:

This study aims to analyze the outcomes of revision ACL surgeries in the pediatric population.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A retrospective study was performed on all revision ACL reconstructions performed at a single institution between 2009 and 2017. Patient demographic, injury, and operative data from both the initial surgery and the revision were documented. Outcome measures included the Lysholm score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score, Tegner activity score, visual analog scale for pain, Hospital for Special Surgery Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale score, patient satisfaction, ability to return to the same level of sport, and any additional injury and/or surgery. Outcomes of the revision surgeries were compared with our institution’s outcome database of primary ACL reconstructions.

Results:

During the study period, 60 revision ACL reconstructions were performed in 57 patients. Of these patients, 84% (n = 48) were available for a minimum 2-year follow-up and a mean follow-up of 4.4 years. A greater number of meniscal tears and cartilage injuries were documented in the revision cohort. Compared with the primary cohort, the revision cohort had lower SANE scores, Lysholm scores, and satisfaction. Furthermore, the revision cohort had a higher rate of graft failure than the primary cohort (21% vs 9%, respectively; P = .015), and only 27% of revision patients returned to the same level of sport. In a comparison of revision procedures performed with autograft versus allograft tissue, the autograft patients had higher Lysholm scores than the allograft patients (91 vs 83, respectively; P = .045) and trended toward a lower failure rate (11% vs 27%, respectively; P = .199).

Conclusion:

Adolescent patients undergoing revision ACL reconstruction had more meniscal and cartilage abnormalities, poorer functional outcomes, and higher graft failure rates than patients undergoing primary ACL reconstructions. Additionally, revision procedures performed with allograft tissue resulted in lower Lysholm scores and a trend toward higher failure rates. When an ACL graft fails in a young patient, strong consideration should be given to using autograft tissue for the revision.
Registered Reports, Replication, and the Canadian Journal of School Psychology: Improving the Evidence in Evidence-Based School Psychology
Authors: Shaw Steven R. , S. D’Intino Joseph , Lysenko Ekaterina
Published: April 2019

The Canadian Journal of School Psychology (CJSP) is offering scholars the opportunity to register research reports and make research protocols publicly available to promote replication, transparency, credibility, and utility for clinical practice. The purpose of this article is to outline the challenges regarding replication, reproducibility, and evidence-based practices, as well as describe the submission protocol and criteria for acceptance of registered reports. Advances and criticisms of the registered reports model are discussed. Although CJSP will accept submissions through the traditional peer-review model, registered reports and support of replication studies have the objective of promoting high-quality research to improve the research foundation for evidence-based practices in the profession of school psychology.
Increasing research impact with citizen science: The influence of recruitment strategies on sample diversity
Authors: Brouwer Stijn , Hessels Laurens K.
Published: April 2019

Despite the fact that citizen engagement in research is widely practised and regarded as one of the keys to maximizing the impact of research and innovation, empirical evidence on the value, potential and possibilities of engaging a broad diversity of citizens in practice is scant. The purpose of our article is twofold: (1) to provide more insight into the value and opportunities of engaging audiences that typically are not engaged with science and (2) to explore the effect of a targeted recruitment strategy versus a generic recruitment strategy on the profile, motivation and retainment of citizen science volunteers. Our empirical research is based on five citizen science projects in the domain of surface and drinking water research in the Netherlands. This article finds that using a targeted recruitment strategy, it is possible and worth to recruit a diverse sample of citizen science volunteers.
A novel self-healing composite made of thermally reversible polymer and shape memory alloy reinforcement
Authors: Saeedi Ali , Shokrieh Mahmood M
Published: April 2019

A novel self-healing polymer composite made of the thermally reversible polymer matrix and shape memory alloy reinforcement is introduced. The healing system is designed in such a way that by heating the structure, activation of shape recovery in shape memory alloy and chemical reversible reactions in polymer occur simultaneously. In the present healing method, the required crack closure force is provided by activating the embedded shape memory alloy wires in the polymer. Both superelastic and shape memory effects of shape memory alloy are considered on the fracture behavior of composites by investigating the passive and active reinforcement methods, respectively. Double cleavage drilled compression tests are utilized in order to study the fracture behavior and healing efficiency of composites. In the case of passive reinforcement, embedding 2% prestrained shape memory alloy wires caused 15% enhancement in the fracture toughness of composites. In this prestrain level, results of the micromechanical model are in good agreement with experiments. Promising results are also obtained for healing efficiency of composites in the case of active reinforcement. The average healing efficiency of 92% is achieved for shape memory alloy-reinforced thermally reversible epoxy composites. The excellent healing performance, without the necessity of external force and pressure, makes the present healing method as an ideal candidate for utilizing self-healing composite structures.
The Influence of Consanguinity on Familial Clefting Among Palestinians
Authors: Saeed Omar B. , Moore Meredith Grogan , Zawahrah H. , Tayem M. , Kavoosi Tazheh , van Aalst John A.
Published: April 2019

Introduction:

Orofacial clefts (OFC) are the most common congenital craniofacial anomaly. The relationship between intermarriage (consanguinity) and positive family history for OFC is not well described. Consanguinity rates in developed countries are <1% but are considerably higher in the Middle East (45%). Familial clefting rates in developed countries are under 20% but in the Middle East are reported at 30% or higher.

Objective:

To determine OFC demographics and to clarify the relationship between consanguinity and familial clefting among Palestinians.

Design:

The Palestinian Congenial Anomalies Database is based on a 700-question survey administered to mothers of children with congenital anomalies. Orofacial clefts were diagnosed in 540 children. All demographic data were analyzed using χ2 tests with a level of significance at α < .05.

Results:

Demographics for OFC among Palestinians were similar to other published reports. Overall consanguinity rate was 53% and familial clefting rate was 49%. Parental rates of consanguinity were significantly different for patients with cleft palate. Patients with consanguineous parents had a higher rate of positive family history of clefting (67%). Recurrence of clefts in siblings was significantly higher among those born to consanguineous parents (73%) when compared to nonconsanguineous parents.

Conclusion:

Consanguinity rates for Palestinians with OFC were higher than those reported in the Middle East. Familial clefting and sibling recurrence rates were also higher than expected. The risk of OFC may be mitigated with improved education about anticipated genetic consequences of consanguinity in high-risk populations such as the southern West Bank.
Relationship Between Sedentary Time and Sleep Duration Among Korean Adolescents
Authors: Choi Heeseung , Kim Chanhee , Ko Heesung , Park Chang Gi
Published: April 2019

Longer sedentary time and insufficient sleep are common and potentially serious problems among adolescents and have substantially adverse effects on their physical and mental health. In this school-based study, we conducted an ecological momentary assessment using actigraphy to examine the within-subject association between sedentary time and sleep duration among 80 Korean adolescents aged 12–17. Objectively measured sedentary time and sleep duration were recorded over 5 days; participants also completed a self-reported questionnaire and sleep logs. Using a generalized estimating equation, analysis revealed that daily sedentary time was significantly and negatively associated with sleep duration (β = −.36, p = .028). Additionally, the interaction between age and sedentary time significantly affected sleep duration (β = .03, p = .012). These findings suggest the need for school-based interventions that aim to reduce sedentary time and thereby improve sleep duration, helping adolescents, especially younger ones, to achieve a healthier lifestyle.
Meaning in Stroke Family Caregiving in China: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Zhang Jingjun , Lee Diana Tze Fan
Published: April 2019

Meaning in caregiving plays an influential role in stroke family caregiver’s perception and adaptation to caregiving. Although the role meaning plays in stroke family caregiving has been recognized, knowledge about this subject among the Chinese population is fragmented and sparse. Therefore, a hermeneutic phenomenological study was conducted as a first step in a program of research focused on Chinese caregivers utilizing a purposive sample of five stroke family caregivers living in China to explore the meaning of the lived caregiving experience. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed by a phenomenological hermeneutic interpretation. Meaning in stroke family caregiving was interpreted as suffering, an obligation, a personal choice, a meaningful opportunity, and a natural part of living. These meanings were dynamic and interconnected and were affected deeply by the Chinese culture in how caregivers experience, interpret, and cope with caregiving. Findings highlight the need to understand the culture-shaped meanings in caregiving to better support family caregivers and develop culturally tailored interventions.
Anesthesiological Management in Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair With MitraClip: Beyond the EVEREST Criteria
Authors: Mocavero Paola Elvira , Melillo Enrico , Esposito Clelia , Ascione Luigi , Crisci Mario , Cigala Emanuele , Piro Orlando , Monteforte Ida , Monda Vittorio , Caso Pio , Bonzani Giulio , Corcione Antonio
Published: April 2019

Percutaneous mitral valve repair with the MitraClip system recently emerged as a viable and less invasive therapeutic option in patients with severe mitral regurgitation deemed to be high-risk surgical candidates. Mitral valve morphology and geometry features are key elements for MitraClip eligibility. In the setting of functional mitral regurgitation, the presence of a leaflet coaptation gap due to advanced left ventricle remodeling can be a potential exclusion criterion for MitraClip therapy. In this article, the authors present a case of successful MitraClip implantation in a patient with severe functional mitral regurgitation and a significant coaptation gap. Periprocedural and intraoperative pharmacological and anesthesiological management were fundamental for successful grasping and procedural success.
Time to Use ANDs Instead of ORs? The Role of Business Schools in Advertising Education
Authors: Villegas Jorge
Published: April 2019

This brief essay argues for an interdisciplinary approach and discusses the benefits, issues, and constraints of business education as part of the endeavor to teach the next generation of advertisers.
Adherence and Continued Participation in a Wellness Class for Individuals with Disabilities
Authors: Ware Megan Elizabeth , deMarrais Kathleen B , McCully Kevin K
Published: April 2019

Background:

For individuals with disabilities, adherence and participation in wellness programs is a challenge. Adherence and participation were explored in a wellness class for people with disabilities.

Objective:

Understand what factors impact participant adherence and participation in the wellness class.

Methods:

Eight wellness class participants, who have been in the class for 6 to 36 months, were chosen for qualitative interviews. Interview responses were coded and analyzed for overarching themes.

Results:

A total of 77 codes were obtained from interview data. The primary theme identified from the codes was related to social interaction with the student-trainers, divided into subthemes of social accountability, motivation, supporting classroom environment, and participant-student interaction.

Conclusion:

The primary factor influencing adherence and participation was related to social interaction with student-trainers. These results suggest that social interaction can play a major role in continued participation in exercise as well as exercise adherence.
An aesthetics of the human: Peru’s Ojo que Llora memorial
Authors: Greeley Robin Adele , Orwicz Michael R
Published: April 2019

This article examines the role of an aesthetics of memorialization in symbolic reparations for victims of gross violations of human rights. By looking at the production, aesthetics and reception of the Ojo que Llora (Eye that Cries), a memorial cited as a symbolic reparation by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in the case of Castro Castro v Peru (2006), the authors investigate tensions around concepts of ‘victim’, ‘perpetrator’, and the blurring of the lines between those two categories. In doing so, the article considers how the Ojo que Llora came to embody varying definitions of victim, perpetrator, and the human as these came into tension across legal, political, social, and aesthetic fields.
Hispanic Community-Engaged Research: Community Partners as Our Teachers to Improve Diabetes Self-Management
Authors: Allen Nancy A. , Colicchio Vanessa D. , Litchman Michelle L. , Gibson Bryan , Villalta Jeanette , Sanchez-Birkhead Ana C.
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is a strategy often employed to address public health priorities. We explored how to build effective, trusting relationships with key community stakeholders and a group of Hispanic/Latinos with type 2 diabetes (T2D) to develop culturally appropriate projects.

Method

In the process of implementing a Patient-Centered Outcome Research Initiative (PCORI) award, our Community Advisory Board (CAB) met monthly to develop a set of comparative effectiveness research questions along with the interventions to develop specific strategies to improve Hispanic/Latino individuals’ self-management of T2D. An agenda was prepared for each meeting targeting the PCORI grant timeline. Notes were taken during these meetings and analyzed to determine effective strategies.

Results

Ten strategies were identified that led to the success of this CBPR project and to the current sustainability phase. Instrumental to our success was our partnership with a community health worker (CHW) who co-lead this research project. The CHW and CAB individualized general CBPR strategies to make this project successful in their community.

Conclusion

Our community partners became influential knowledge holders throughout this research process. They improved researchers’ understanding of how to address the needs of Hispanic/Latino individuals with T2D and how community members could become leaders within their community.
New and old biomarkers in the differential diagnosis of lung cancer: Pro-gastrin-releasing peptide in comparison with neuron-specific enolase, carcinoembryonic antigen, and CYFRA 21-1
Authors: Mauro Cristian , Passerini Rita , Spaggiari Lorenzo , Galetta Domenico , Radice Davide , Lentati Paola , Sandri M. Teresa
Published: April 2019

Background:

Testing for circulating biomarkers in lung cancer is hampered by the insufficient specificity. We aimed to assess the relative diagnostic accuracy of pro-gastrin-releasing peptide (ProGRP) for the differential diagnosis of small cell lung cancer and compare it with more conventional biomarkers.

Methods:

We enrolled a cohort of 390 patients with a clinical suspicion of lung cancer and for whom a histologic assessment was available. Serum or plasma samples were assessed for ProGRP, carcinoembryonic antigen, CYFRA 21-2, and neuron-specific enolase. The performance of each biomarker in discriminating the small cell lung cancer and squamous cell carcinoma/adenocarcinoma from non-malignant lung disease, and small cell lung cancer from squamous cell carcinoma/adenocarcinoma, was assayed by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results:

At the cut-off levels suggested by the manufacturers, ProGRP and neuron-specific enolase showed an almost identical sensitivity of 55.2% and 55.6%, respectively, in discriminating small cell lung cancer with respect to non-malignant lung disease. In order to quantify the added value of ProGRP to other conventional markers, we ran a multivariable logistic regression analysis, but the results showed that no markers improve the performance of ProGRP.

Conclusions:

ProGRP and neuron-specific enolase individually appear more accurate than other conventional biomarkers for small cell lung cancer, but the union of two markers does not increase the accuracy. The very small target group of patients with small cell lung cancer is a limitation of this study, which can explain why ProGRP alone does not show a sensitivity higher than neuron-specific enolase, as reported by other authors.
A review of mobile robots: Concepts, methods, theoretical framework, and applications
Authors: Rubio Francisco , Valero Francisco , Llopis-Albert Carlos
Published: April 2019

Humanoid robots, unmanned rovers, entertainment pets, drones, and so on are great examples of mobile robots. They can be distinguished from other robots by their ability to move autonomously, with enough intelligence to react and make decisions based on the perception they receive from the environment. Mobile robots must have some source of input data, some way of decoding that input, and a way of taking actions (including its own motion) to respond to a changing world. The need to sense and adapt to an unknown environment requires a powerful cognition system. Nowadays, there are mobile robots that can walk, run, jump, and so on like their biological counterparts. Several fields of robotics have arisen, such as wheeled mobile robots, legged robots, flying robots, robot vision, artificial intelligence, and so on, which involve different technological areas such as mechanics, electronics, and computer science. In this article, the world of mobile robots is explored including the new trends. These new trends are led by artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, network communication, cooperative work, nanorobotics, friendly human–robot interfaces, safe human–robot interaction, and emotion expression and perception. Furthermore, these news trends are applied to different fields such as medicine, health care, sports, ergonomics, industry, distribution of goods, and service robotics. These tendencies will keep going their evolution in the coming years.
Learning bi-utterance for multi-turn response selection in retrieval-based chatbots
Authors: Wang Shuliang , Li Dapeng , Geng Jing , Yang Longxing , Dai Tianru
Published: April 2019

Multi-turn response selection is essential to retrieval-based chatbots. The task requires multi-turn response selection model to match a response candidate with a conversation context. Existing methods may lose relationship features in the context. In this article, we propose an improved method that extends the learning granularity of the multi-turn response selection model to enhance the model’s ability to learn relationship features of utterances in the context, which is a key to understand a conversation context for multi-turn response selection in retrieval-based chatbots. The experimental results show that our proposed method significantly improves sequential matching network for multi-turn response selection in retrieval-based chatbots.
Trajectories of lower back, upper back, and pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy and early postpartum in primiparous women
Authors: Dunn Guinn , Egger Marlene J , Shaw Janet M , Yang Jingye , Bardsley Tyler , Powers Emily , Nygaard Ingrid E
Published: April 2019

Objective:

Most studies about truncal pain during and after pregnancy focus on low back pain, few prospectively define change in pain, and even fewer evaluate pain in all three major truncal areas: upper back, lower back, and pelvic girdle. Thus, the objective of this prospective cohort study was to describe, in primiparous women delivered vaginally, prevalence rates and severities of upper back, lower back, and pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy and 6–10 weeks postpartum and to describe the trajectory of pain constellations between time points.

Study design:

Participants completed questionnaires at each time point. Pain intensity was rated on a visual analogue scale ranging from 0 to 100.

Results:

Of the 288 participants, 94% reported truncal pain during pregnancy, while 75% did so postpartum. Prevalence rates of upper back, lower back, and pelvic girdle pain with or without other types of pain during pregnancy were 42%, 77%, and 74% and postpartum were 43%, 52%, and 41%, respectively. Pain severity was highest for women endorsing pain in three locations (median 55–60). Of women with the most common pain constellation during pregnancy, lower back and pelvic girdle (32%), 18% had persistent low back and pelvic girdle pain postpartum, 20% had no pain, and the remainder had pain in a different location. Of women with pain in all three locations during pregnancy (27%), 34% had persistent pain in three locations postpartum, 13% had no pain, and the remainder had pain in at least one location.

Conclusion:

More women experience pain in a constellation of locations than in a single location. Severity increases as number of pain sites increase. Women with pain in three sites during pregnancy are least likely to have pain resolve. Interventions should focus on the entire trunk and not simply one site of pain.
The new civics curriculum for high schools in Israel: The discursive construction of Palestinian identity and narratives
Authors: Pinson Halleli
Published: April 2019

The Israeli education system is divided and segregated along the lines of nationality and religiosity. While Israeli society and its education system, in particular, have generally been subjected to the influence of globalisation, including universal discourses of citizenship, in many ways it remains highly particularistic and nationalistic. To a large extent, what we see today in terms of school curricula in Israel stands in contradiction to the main trends in civic education in the developed world. It expresses a move towards neo-nationalistic religious (neo-Zionist) discourse which overtly gives preference to the Jewishness of the state over and above its commitment to democratic universal principles. This article will focus on these recent discursive changes. It will examine the space, or rather the lack of it, that is given to the Palestinian identity and narratives in the official civics textbook for high schools. The article explores several discursive practices adopted by the textbook in reinforcing the marginal position of Palestinian citizens, constructing them as the ultimate ‘others’ and undermining their civic status and rights.
The current evidence-based management of distal radial fractures: UK perspectives
Authors: Johnson Nick A. , Dias Joseph
Published: April 2019

Distal radial fractures are extremely common injuries, yet many basic questions remain unanswered about their optimum management. Recently in the United Kingdom several guideline development groups have produced national standards and best-practice guidelines based on review of the best available evidence and expert knowledge. All guideline groups agree that when surgery is needed for dorsally displaced distal radial fractures, that can be reduced closed, K-wire fixation and cast immobilization, should be offered. Further research questions have been identified. The important findings and recommendations are summarized in this article.
Lifestyle management in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Hindmarsh Major David , Nicholls Major Alex
Published: April 2019

Lifestyle management is a key component of care when managing patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). With appropriate alteration to lifestyle it is possible to significantly improve T2D and achieve remission. This article aims to give an overview of the evidence and recommendations on body composition, diet, smoking, alcohol and exercise. It will also cover consultation techniques and resources available to improve care.
Turkers of the World Unite: Multilevel In-Group Bias Among Crowdworkers on Amazon Mechanical Turk
Authors: Almaatouq Abdullah , Krafft Peter , Dunham Yarrow , Rand David G. , Pentland Alex
Published: April 2019

Crowdsourcing has become an indispensable tool in the behavioral sciences. Often, the “crowd” is considered a black box for gathering impersonal but generalizable data. Researchers sometimes seem to forget that crowdworkers are people with social contexts, unique personalities, and lives. To test this possibility, we measure how crowdworkers ( N = 2,337, preregistered) share a monetary endowment in a Dictator Game with another Mechanical Turk (MTurk) worker, a worker from another crowdworking platform, or a randomly selected stranger. Results indicate preferential in-group treatment for MTurk workers in particular and for crowdworkers in general. Cooperation levels from typical anonymous economic games on MTurk are not a good proxy for anonymous interactions and may generalize most readily only to the intragroup context.
Damage threat to sensitive structures of a thermal power plant from hard rock blasting operations in track hopper area: A case study
Authors: Singh Rakesh Kumar , Sawmliana Chhangte , Hembram Panchanan
Published: April 2019

The article deals with the development of controlled blast design patterns and methodologies for excavation of hard rock for foundation work of a track hopper in a running thermal power plant in close proximity of many sensitive structures. Test blasts were conducted with different blast geometries and charge loading patterns at selected locations. The results of the test blasts were analysed to evolve safe controlled blast design patterns and methodologies for completing the total excavation work. The threshold value of vibration for the safety of various structures/foundations present has been taken as 25 mm/s based on the dominant frequency content as well as guidelines from the regulatory authority. The dominant frequency content of the ground vibration waves was in the range of 10–40 Hz. Controlled blast design parameters, namely maximum explosive per delay, size of the blasts and blast geometry were formulated based on established ground vibration predictor equation and nearness of structures concerned from the blasting point. Two blasting zones were classified for safe excavation work. For the first zone within 20 m from the structures, controlled blasting using 32-mm diameter blast holes with small blast geometry was suggested, whereas for the second zone beyond 20 m, controlled blasting with 100-mm diameter holes with lesser hole depth and limited number of holes was suggested. The whole excavation work in the track hopper area was completed safely without causing any damage to the nearby sensitive structures of the running thermal power plant.
Predictors of hospital-based multidisciplinary rehabilitation effects in persons with multiple sclerosis: a large-scale, single-centre study
Authors: Groppo Elisabetta , Signori Alessio , Sormani Maria Pia , Grosso Cristina , Mantia Loredana La , Cattaneo Davide , Rovaris Marco
Published: April 2019

Background

Persons with multiple sclerosis may benefit from hospital-based multidisciplinary rehabilitation.

Objectives

To investigate the effects of hospital-based multidisciplinary rehabilitation and to identify their potential predictors in a large sample of persons with multiple sclerosis.

Methods

From the charts of 655 persons with multiple sclerosis consecutively admitted to our unit, disease profiles, modified Barthel index, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), pain numerical rating score and type of interventions were retrospectively collected. We defined an improvement at discharge as follows: modified Barthel index increase of at least 5 points, EDSS decrease of 1.0 if baseline score was 5.5 or less and of 0.5 if baseline score was greater than 5.5; any numerical rating score decrease.

Results

After a median admission period of 36 days, at discharge 65%, 22% and 89% of persons with multiple sclerosis improved for modified Barthel index, EDSS and numerical rating score, respectively. The modified Barthel index improvement was associated with shorter disease duration, lower EDSS at baseline and with access to psychological counselling. EDSS improvement was associated with shorter disease duration, relapsing–remitting course, female gender and longer duration of the admission period.

Conclusions

Inpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitation was associated with improved autonomy in activities of daily living in a relevant proportion of persons with multiple sclerosis. The effect seems to be more evident in individuals with shorter multiple sclerosis duration and relapsing–remitting disease course.
Correlation between expression levels of IL-37, GM-CSF, and CRP in peripheral blood and atherosclerosis and plaque stability
Authors: Zheng Tao , Zhou Qingyun , Chen Zhe , Wang Qinning
Published: April 2019

The study aimed to study the correlation between expression levels of interleukin-37 (IL-37), granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in peripheral blood and the status of atherosclerosis (AS) and plaque stability and to confirm the clinical significance of these inflammatory factors in the pathogenesis of AS. A total of 64 AS patients (case group) were selected and divided into unstable plaque group (group A, 28 cases) and stable plaque group (group B, 36 cases) according to the color ultrasonography results of arterial vessels. At the same time, 30 healthy subjects were classified into the control group. General information of the enrolled subjects was collected, including levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), CRP, and homocysteine (Hcy). The expression levels of IL-37 and GM-CSF in the serum of peripheral blood samples collected from these subjects were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). There was no significant difference between the case group and the control group in the levels of TC, TG, HDL, and LDL ( P > 0.05). However, the expression level of Hcy in the case group was significantly higher than that in the control group ( P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the expression levels of IL-37, GM-CSF, and CRP in the case group were significantly increased ( P < 0.05). In addition, compared with group B, the expression level of GM-CSF in group A was significantly increased ( P < 0.05), while no significant difference was detected between group A and group B in the expression levels of IL-37 and CRP ( P > 0.05). In conclusion, inflammatory factors IL-37, GM-CSF, CRP, and Hcy were all involved in the pathogenesis of AS, and the increased levels of GM-CSF were closely related to the progress of unstable plaques. These results may aid the early diagnosis/treatment of AS.