bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic Review of Common Refractory Symptoms in the End-Of-Life Situation and Its Relation With Euthanasia
Authors: Lucena Alba , Yuguero Oriol
Published: April 2022

Aim

To analyse the available evidence regarding refractory symptoms to treatment in patients receiving palliative/terminal healthcare.

Design

A systematic review of various databases between September and December 2020; Pubmed; Cochrane; Scopus and ScienceDirect. Study eligibility criteria: Studies published between 1st January 2015 and 31st of March 2020, in Spanish, English or Catalan conducted in elderly people or terminal patients. The study included systematic reviews, clinical trials and interventions.

Results

The search returned 782 articles, of which 22 articles were finally reviewed. Of the selected articles, 16 were systematic reviews and three were clinical trials. Three refractory symptoms are notable; breathlessness, delirium and existential suffering. There are various therapeutic approaches for the first two symptoms, but palliative sedation seems to be most effective for existential suffering.

Conclusions

Although palliative care enables controlling these symptoms effectively, and following a multidisciplinary approach, there remains a group of patients for whom euthanasia could save foreseeable suffering that is difficult to manage.
Big Data Analysis of Terror Management Theory’s Predictions in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Chew Peter K. H.
Published: April 2022

The current study aimed to address the limitations of the terror management theory literature by using big data analysis to examine the theory’s predictions in the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, Google Trends were examined before and after the first COVID-19 case was identified in Singapore. The results showed that there was a significant increase in mortality salience, intergroup conflict, and prosocial behavior, and a significant decrease in materialism after the first COVID-19 case was identified. However, no significant differences were found for anxiety. Limitations include the assumption that search terms reflect intentions that would eventually lead to a relevant behavior and the lack of data from other sources to corroborate with the results from Google Trends. Future research could use data from other sources to examine the effects of COVID-19 on theoretically relevant behaviors.
Community College Entrance and Bachelor’s Degree Attainment: A Replication and Update
Authors: Pretlow Joshua , Cameron Margaux , Jackson Deonte
Published: April 2022

Objectives: We explore the influence of initial enrollment at a community college on the attainment of a bachelor’s degree. Methods: Using the Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS: 12/17) and propensity score analysis, we compare baccalaureate degree outcomes of recent high school graduates who reported their intention to earn a bachelor’s degree and initially enrolled at a community college to those students who began at a 4-year institution. Results: We found initial enrollment in a community college has a negative effect on bachelor’s degree attainment. Our findings are consistent across varying outcome and sample specifications. The magnitude of our findings is consistent with a recent meta-analysis. We found that almost two-thirds of our sample who started at a community college enrolled in a 4-year institution, a fact that has important implications for practice. Contributions: Given the recent research suggesting that more comprehensive programs can drastically increase community college students’ attainment (e.g., CUNY ASAP), we advocate for additional supports for bachelor’s degree-intending community college students. Since the majority of those who start their education at a community college enroll in a 4-year institution, we add to the growing call that discussions about ways to improve the success of bachelor’s degree-intending community college students must include 4-year institutions as partners.
Optimization of chiller sequencing control for district cooling system at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port
Authors: Kerrick Law Tin Chung , Wong Pui Kei Calvin , Ng Kar Wai Gordon
Published: April 2022

To mitigate the climate change issue, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) proposed the “Hong Kong Climate Change Plan 2030+” with an ambitious goal of reducing the carbon intensity to 65%–70% below 2005 levels by 2030. To achieve this target, the HKSAR Government has developed two District Cooling Systems (DCS) to promote the use of district energy system, enhancing the overall energy efficiency for cooling purpose. One of the government-owned DCSs is located at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port (HZMB-HKP), producing a total design cooling capacity of 24.16 MW to passenger clearance building and ancillary buildings there. This paper demonstrates how the DCS at HZMB-HKP could enhance overall energy efficiency for cooling purpose, through proper chiller sequencing control, and reduce CO2 emission significantly. An optimal seasonal chiller operation mode is also suggested to be adopted at the DCS at HZMB-HKP from cost-effectiveness perspective.

Practical application: District Cooling Systems are considered as a promising solution to alleviate the climate change issue. An optimized chiller sequencing control strategy of DCS can effectively reduce overall cooling energy consumption, so as to achieve carbon neutrality. This paper outlines a case study on a cost-effective operational control strategy of the DCS at HZMB-HKP. The analysis of both the theoretical and practical sequencing control strategy can be taken as a reference for DCS development in the future.
Trade unions facing a French industrial policy: The emergence of a medical imaging filière
Authors: Klebaner Samuel
Published: April 2022

The aim of this article is to analyze the power of trade unions to influence a French industrial policy. The study examines the case of the medical imaging industry, in which a trade union managed to convince both the firms and the government to invest in a new innovation center. Through a qualitative study, the author highlights step by step the power resources this trade union used to deploy multi-level ‘political work’. Through this lobbying process involving various actors, resources and institutions, the study examines participation of stakeholders in industrial policy formulation and implementation, questioning the possibilities for a trade union to be decisive in economic development. It is found that the lack of trade union structural power and institutional power (including investment capabilities) makes it difficult to successfully put an industrial project on the agenda and even more difficult to participate in the investment phase.
Imaginal Exposure for Disordered Eating Related Fears: An Initial Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Butler Rachel M. , Heimberg Richard G.
Published: April 2022

Exposure therapy has been investigated as a treatment for eating disorders, but prior research has largely neglected core fears underlying the disorder such as rejection, abandonment, disgust, and loss of control. We tested the feasibility and acceptability of using imaginal exposure to target disordered eating related fears by randomizing participants ( N = 47) with disordered eating to: imaginal exposure (IE), imaginal exposure preceded by a brief food exposure (IE + Food), or an assessment control. Participants attended two in-person visits and completed pretreatment, posttreatment, and one-month follow-up questionnaires. IE was rated more acceptable than IE + Food. Retention was high across conditions. Habituation occurred for subjective distress and believability of feared outcomes, suggesting that imaginal exposure effectively activates core fears. Distress tolerance and confidence in ability to change improved. Disordered eating symptoms, fears, preoccupations, and rituals decreased in all conditions, indicating that IE was not specifically responsible for improvement.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for the control of pulmonary artery hemorrhage
Authors: Hirata Yuichiro , Tayama Eiki , Nomura Ryuya , Fukuda Tomofumi , Onzuka Tatshushi , Furukawa Kojiro
Published: April 2022

We report a case of catheter-induced pulmonary hemorrhage, which had a favorable outcome on using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. This procedure helped shunt pulmonary blood flow and significantly reduced bleeding from the pulmonary artery. Massive hemoptysis was observed while weaning the patient off cardiopulmonary bypass. Thus, catheter-induced pulmonary hemorrhage was suspected. After the bronchial blocker was inserted, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was initiated to reduce pulmonary blood flow. The bronchial blocker was removed the day after the surgery, and the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was withdrawn on the fourth day after the surgery. Tracheal bleeding did not recur during the postoperative period.
Quality of life after stenting for chronic iliocaval obstruction
Authors: Tosenovsky Patrik , Vlaskovsky Philip
Published: April 2022

Background

Iliocaval stenting is widely used for treatment of symptomatic iliocaval obstruction. The aim of our study was to compare quality of life before and after iliocaval stenting.

Method

Prospectively collected data using CIVIQ20 questionnaire, Venous Clinical Severity Score (rVCSS) and Villalta-Prandoni score (VP) of patients following iliocaval stenting for non-thrombotic and post-thrombotic venous obstruction were analysed.

Result

One hundred and one limbs (87 patients) were stented between May 2017 and May 2019. Baseline CIVIQ20 median value was 50 (34–66); 1 month after surgery CIVIQ20 value was 36 (26–58) and the scores then remained steady for the rest of the first year. Both rVCSS and VP scores decrease by 3.09 (95% CI: 2.39, 3.89; p < .001) and 5.21 (95% CI: 4.14, 6.48; p < .001) units, respectively, throughout the first year.

Conclusion

Quality of life of patients with iliocaval obstruction significantly improves after successful percutaneous reconstruction. Severity of symptoms measured by rVCSS and VP scores decreases.
Patients with brain metastases from gastric cancer
Authors: Yang Yu , Yang Yang , Chen Zhendong
Published: April 2022

Introduction:

The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the treatment strategies and possible prognostic factors in patients with brain metastases from gastric cancers.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 24 patients with brain metastases from gastric cancer who were treated at our center between January 2014 and March 2020. Clinicopathological characteristics and clinical outcomes were analyzed.

Results:

The median follow-up time was six months (range, 1–40). The median survival time after diagnosis of brain metastases was six months (95% confidence interval: 1.33–10.66). The one- and two-year survival rates were 30.7% and 5.1%, respectively. On univariate analyses, absence of extracranial metastases was significantly associated with better overall survival (OS) but not intracranial progression-free survival (iPFS), while Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS), whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) and systemic treatments were significantly associated with better iPFS and OS. Multivariate analysis showed that ECOG PS, extracranial disease and systemic treatments were independent prognostic factors, while only systemic treatment influenced the iPFS. Two patients achieved partial response, 12 patients had progressive disease, and 10 patients remained stable. Local tumor control in our series was achieved in 50%. One patient, who received a combination of camrelizumab and apatinib therapy following whole brain radiotherapy, achieved an obvious partial response.

Conclusions:

ECOG PS, extracranial disease and systemic treatments were independent prognostic factors for gastric cancer patients with brain metastases. The present best treatment for this group of patients was individual comprehensive therapy according to the different situation of each patient.
Examining Patterns of Driving Avoidance Behaviors Among Older People Using Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Beck Laurie F. , Luo Feijun , West Bethany A.
Published: April 2022

Objectives: Some older drivers choose to avoid certain situations where they do not feel confident driving. Little is known about the process by which older drivers may use avoidance in transitioning to non-driving. Methods: We analyzed 2015 ConsumerStyles data for 1198 drivers aged 60+. Driving patterns were examined by sociodemographic and driving characteristics. Avoidance classes were characterized by latent class analysis. Results: Among drivers 60+, 79% reported driving 3+ days/week and 84% reported good to excellent health. We identified four driving avoidance classes (low, mild, moderate, and high). High- (versus low-) avoidance drivers were more likely female, 75+, not White/non-Hispanic, and to have income <$25,000/year. Discussion: Avoidance of selected driving behaviors may be one component of a multi-step process supporting the transition to non-driving. Drivers displaying avoidance behaviors may be receptive to resources to prepare for this transition and minimize negative health and quality of life outcomes that accompany driving cessation.
Intimate Partner Violence, Legal Systems and Barriers for African American Women
Authors: Gutowski Ellen R. , Freitag Stephanie , Zhang Shujing , Thompson Martie P. , Kaslow Nadine J.
Published: April 2022

Although many African American IPV survivors need services, they often do not access care. Hopelessness may partially explain low rates in help-seeking for this population and serve as a significant barrier to care for African American IPV survivors particularly those who have had prior legal system involvement. In a sample of 185 African American women, we first examined whether hopelessness mediated the relation between IPV and barriers to services. If such a mediation effect was found, we then would explore whether legal system involvement moderated the mediated effect of hopelessness on the relation between IPV and barriers to services. As anticipated, hopelessness partially served to explain (i.e., mediated) the relation between IPV and barriers to services. Further, this mediated effect was moderated by legal system involvement such that when legal system involvement was included as a moderator, hopelessness mediated the association between IPV and barriers to services only for those survivors who had been involved with the legal system. These results underscore the critical role of hopelessness as a barrier to accessing services for African American IPV survivors, especially those with prior involvement with the legal system. Recommendations are offered that underscore the importance of interventions that empower African American women who have survived violence instead of penalizing them.
Barriers and Facilitators to Lung Cancer Screening: A Physician Survey
Authors: Lowenstein Margaret , Karliner Leah , Livaudais-Toman Jennifer , Gregorich Steven , Velazquez Ana I. , Vijayaraghavan Maya , Walsh Judith M.E. , Kaplan Celia P.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To describe barriers to lung cancer screening (LCS) among family medicine and general internal medicine primary care physicians (PCPs) and assess the association of barriers with discussion and referral for screening.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Subjects and Settings

Random sample of primary care physicians (PCPs) in California.

Measures

PCP practices for discussion and referral for LCS and ratings of LCS barriers.

Analysis

We performed exploratory factor analysis to identify four barrier constructs: (1) Physician Visit-Level Barriers to screening referral; (2) Physician System and Evidence Barriers; (3) Patient Cost Barrier; and (4) Other Patient Barriers. We then performed multivariable logistic regression adjusted for physician and practice characteristics to assess the association between the physician-reported barriers and whether PCPs discussed or referred for LCS.

Results

368 physicians responded (response rate 42%). Most worked in large metropolitan areas (80%) and large health systems (59%). After adjusting for physician and practice characteristics, we found that physician-reporting of System and Evidence Barriers was associated with lower odds of discussion or referral for LDCT (aOR .18, 95% CI 0.09–0.37), while physician-reported Visit-Level Barriers were associated with increased odds discussion or referral (aOR 2.65, 95% CI 1.30–5.04).

Conclusions

While physicians reported numerous barriers to LCS, we found that barriers were differentially associated with discussion or referral for screening. As new LCS guidelines broaden screening eligibility, it is critical to address these barriers to achieve higher rates of evidence-based LCS.
A parametric study on the behavior of FMLs based on UHMWPE composite under high velocity impact loading
Authors: Mansoori Hassan , Zakeri Mahnaz , Zarei Hamid-Reza
Published: April 2022

Numerical parametric study is performed to investigate ballistic impact performance of a novel fiber metal laminate (FML) based on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber composite and aluminum 2024-T3 layers. A finite element modeling is developed and validated with experimental tests. A user-defined material subroutine based on continuum damage mechanics is used to define damage constitutive model of UHMWPE composite. High velocity impact simulations shows similar modes of failure to that observed in experiments. The effect of various parameters such as metal thickness, composite core thickness, metal volume fraction (MVF), and lay-up sequence on ballistic limit velocity, absorbed energy and specific perforation energy (SPE) of samples has been investigated. The results show that increasing the number of composite layers increases the SPE while increasing the thickness of metal layers decreases the SPE. Although, as the core thickness increases, the growth of SPE decreases. Changes in the lay-up sequence do not have much effect on ballistic velocity and absorbed energy. Whereas, the MVF is an important parameter in the high velocity impact performance of the PERALL specimens. In addition, with equal MVF, stacking sequence change has no significant effect on the ballistic limit velocity. Finally, a simple linear equation is suggested to describe the relationship between MVF and specific perforation energy.
Impact of Patient Assistance Programs on Hospital Visits in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or Asthma
Authors: Gallman Brooke N. , Huddleston J. Whitney , Ray Marianne E. , Smith Susan E.
Published: April 2022

Background: The inability to afford medications can lead to nonadherence and uncontrolled disease states. As a result, patients may require an increase in acute healthcare utilization to control potential complications. Qualifying patients can apply for patient assistance programs (PAPs) through various manufacturers to receive medications at little to no cost. Having consistent access to necessary medications can increase adherence and decrease acute care utilization. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of PAP enrollment on healthcare utilization in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Objectives: The primary objective was to compare the number of ED visits and hospitalizations before and after PAP enrollment. Secondary objectives were the estimated ED and hospitalization costs before and after PAP enrollment. Methods: The retrospective, observational cohort study included patients of Piedmont Athens Regional Community Care Clinic who received medications for asthma or COPD through PAPs from January 2018 to March 2019. Results: A total of 269 patients were screened, and 56 patients met inclusion criteria. Of these, 28 patients had at least one hospital encounter. Primary objective resulted in cumulative number of ED visits decreased from 54 to 7 ( P < 0.001) and cumulative hospitalizations decreased from 13 to 0 ( P < 0.001). Secondary objective showed patients with at least one hospital encounter had a median cost decrease from $4683 to $0 ( P < 0.001). The median hospital acquisition cost per person decreased from $351 to $0 ( P = 0.002). Conclusion: A decrease in use of acute healthcare services was observed after PAP enrollment. This was associated with cost savings for patients and the healthcare system.
Associations Between Cognitive Functioning and Mortality in a Population-Based Sample of Older United States Adults: Differences by Sex and Education
Authors: Adjoian Mezzaca Tamar , Dodds Leah V. , Rundek Tatjana , Zeki Al Hazzouri Adina , Caunca Michelle R. , Gomes-Osman Joyce , Loewenstein David A. , Schneiderman Neil , Elfassy Tali
Published: April 2022

Objective: To determine whether cognition is associated with mortality among older US adults. Methods: We studied 5,989 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey participants age 60+ in years 1999–2014 with mortality follow-up through 2015. Cognitive function was measured in one standard deviation decrements using the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Animal Fluency (AnFl), and two Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD) tests. Results: Each decrement in cognitive function was associated with increased risk of mortality overall (DSST HR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.25, 1.48), among women only (AnFl: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.02, 2.24), and among those with less than a high school education only (AnFl HR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.97; CERAD-WL HR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.67; and CERAD-DR HR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.82). Discussion: Among US adults, lower cognitive functioning was associated with mortality; associations were stronger among women and those with less education.
A polyimide/poly(N-vinylimidazole) membrane for CO2/CH4 separation with high selectivity and permeability
Authors: Yan Shuo , Yu Haibin , Chen Zan
Published: April 2022

Membranes with both good permeation and selectivity are highly desired for gas separations. In this study, we synthesized a new 6FDA-type polyimide copolymer 6FDA-BDTA-ODA, and then an organic polymer of poly ( N-vinylimidazole) was doped into the polyimide to prepare mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). We also studied the effect of poly ( N-vinylimidazole) contents on the separation performance of MMMs. The results showed that the ideal selectivity for CO2/CH4 was improved by adding the poly ( N-vinylimidazole) filler. The ideal selectivity reached 63.5 with 6 wt% poly ( N-vinylimidazole) loading with the permeability of 29.2 Barrer. The highly permeable MMMs showed a considerably enhanced performance for CO2/CH4 that close to the 2008 Robeson upper-bound. The gas separation performance of the prepared MMMs for CO2/CH4 was improved compared to that of the pure polymer membrane, indicating that the copolyimide/poly ( N-vinylimidazole) MMMs have promising applications in CO2/CH4 gas separation.
Design and analysis of a novel 3T1R four-degree-of-freedom parallel mechanism with infinite rotation capability
Authors: Li ZhiHao , Lu QuanGuo , Wang HongZhou , Huang YongDong , Liu JinFeng , Zou XiaoHui , Zhan XiaoHuang
Published: April 2022

A 4-degree-of-freedom (DOF) parallel mechanism with 3 translations and 1 rotation (3T1R) has wide application potential in the industry. However, most of the existing 3T1R parallel mechanisms have limited rotation capacity of the moving platform, which is usually less than ±90°. In this paper, a new type of 3T1R parallel mechanism is designed by configuration deduction method based on the 3T1R parallel mechanism studied at present. The structure of the parallel mechanism is simple and symmetrical, and the motion pairs are all rotating pairs, which have Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm motion and complete rotation capability. Firstly, the branch motion spiral system is established by using the screw theory, and then the constraint spiral of each branch to the motion platform is solved, and the constraint spiral system is analyzed, so as to determine the number of DOFs and properties of the mechanism. Secondly, the position, velocity, and singularity of the mechanism are analyzed, and the workspace of the mechanism is analyzed by the positive position solution. Then, the trajectory planning of operation space is completed, and a mathematical model of portal grasping trajectory is established. Thirdly, the kinematic simulation analysis of the mechanism is carried out. Finally, an equal scale physical model was made by 3D printing technology to verify the rationality of the design and the correctness of the theoretical analysis.
Loss evaluation and aerodynamics investigation of an aggressive intermediate turbine duct under off-design conditions
Authors: Geng Kaihe , Hu Chenxing , Yang Ce , Li Yanzhao , Yang Changmao
Published: April 2022

To maximize the performance of the intermediate turbine duct (ITD) under off-design conditions, the loss generation in a one-half stage turbine was quantified using entropy generation and the global entropy generation rate. The numerical results solved by the unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Strokes equations were first verified. Then, the aerodynamic losses within the high-pressure turbine stage were evaluated by efficiency loss under nine operating conditions composed of three rotor speeds and three rotor tip gaps. Finally, the disturbance modes caused by the upstream wake were captured by the dynamic mode decomposition method. Different from the influence of tip gaps, losses of the high-pressure turbine and the ITD are due to the swirl angle display an opposite trend. Under the influence of the interaction between the tip leakage flow and the shroud flow of the ITD, the viscous dissipation and turbulent dissipation increase with a larger tip gap owing to the dominant counter-rotating vortices and secondary flow occurring near the upstream of the ITD shroud. In addition, a large gap seems to enlarge the swirl component of the inflow angle, especially over 80% passage height, leading to greater dissipation losses in these areas. At the ITD inlet, two pairs of counter-rotating vortices at the shroud and the hub are, respectively, captured by the axial velocity mode. Large tip gaps enhance endwall vortices near the shroud and make the up vortex pairs merge into one pair.
MicroRNA-200b-3p as a biomarker for diagnosis and survival prognosis of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome caused by acute paraquat poisoning
Authors: Ding Minggang , Zhang Yi , Xu Weijun , Fang Chongtao , Zhang Kaitai
Published: April 2022

Background

Acute paraquat poisoning-induced multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) leads to the high mortality. This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of microRNA-200b-3p (miR-200b-3p), an upstream inhibitor of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), in acute paraquat poisoning patients for the prediction of MODS and survival.

Methods

This study enrolled 80 patients with MODS induced by paraquat and 94 healthy volunteers. The interaction between miR-200b-3p and HMGB1 was identified by luciferase reporter assay. miR-200b-3p levels were measured by quantitative real-time (QRT) PCR. High-mobility group box 1 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA). Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of miR-200b-3p in screening MODS patients. The relationship between miR-200b-3p and the 28-day survival of MODS patients was evaluated by Kaplan–Meier curves and log-rank test. Cox regression analysis was used to assess the prognostic value of miR-200b-3p. Correlation between miR-200b-3p and HMGB1 was confirmed by Pearson’s correlation analysis.

Results

miR-200b-3p directly target HMGB1. miR-200b-3p, decreased in MODS patients, had high diagnostic value to screen MODS patients from healthy controls. Additionally, serum miR-200b-3p was decreased in non-survivors, and patients with low miR-200b-3p level had poor 28-day survival. Serum miR-200b-3p could independently predict the survival prognosis. Moreover, serum HMGB1 level was increased in MODS patients, and was negatively correlated with miR-200b-3p level.

Conclusion

Decreased miR-200b-3p may function as a biomarker for the diagnosis and survival prognosis of MODS patients, and miR-200b-3p may be involved in the progression of acute paraquat-induced MODS via regulating inflammatory responses by targeting HMGB1.
Family Involvement in Ownership, Management and Firm Performance: Evidence from Indian Listed Companies
Authors: Chahal Himani , Sharma Anil K.
Published: April 2022

We studied the impact of family ownership and management on Indian family firm performance by using a sample of companies listed on the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) 500 from 2011–2020. The findings using panel data analysis demonstrate that family ownership positively impacts the accounting (ROA) and market (Tobin’s q) measures of firm performance in our sample. Further, there is empirical evidence that family management is positively associated with firm performance using ROA but negatively related to TQ with the study showing that founder-managed firms outperform descendent or professionally managed family firms in the Indian context. The study is unique in understanding the ways in which family businesses perform, behave and add value to the shareholders by analysing a dataset of listed companies for ten years.
Hospice Composition Based on Diagnosis is Associated with Caregiver-Reported Quality Measures
Authors: Alshakhs Sulaiman , Sweet Elisabeth , Luth Elizabeth , Reid M.C. , Henderson Charles R. , Phongtankuel Veerawat
Published: April 2022

Context: Given that the composition of hospice patients’ terminal diagnoses has become increasingly diverse, understanding whether hospices provide quality care to patients, regardless of disease, is important. However, data comparing diagnosis and caregiver-reported outcomes remain scarce. Objectives: To analyze the association between the composition of patients’ terminal diagnoses and caregiver-reported quality measures. Methods: Using cross-sectional, publicly available data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicare Services (CMS), we analyzed data collected from 2015–2019. We conducted general linear model analyses to identify associations between hospice characteristics/practices and caregiver-reported outcomes. Results: Of the 2810 hospices, those that cared for a greater percentage of dementia patients had fewer caregivers, on average, who rated hospice a 9 or 10 (where 0 = low, 10 = high; β = −.094; 95% CI = −.147, −.038), reported they always received help for pain and symptoms (β = −.106, CI = −.156, −.056), and reported definitely having received the training they needed (β = −.151, CI = −.207, −.095). Those caring for more stroke patients had fewer caregivers, on average, who rated hospice a 9 or 10 (β = −.184, CI = .252, −.115), reported they always received help for pain and symptoms (β = −.188, CI = −.251, −.126), reported definitely having received the training they needed (β = −.254, CI = −.324, −.184), and reported that the hospice offered the right amount of emotional/spiritual support (β = −.056, CI = −.093, −.019). Conclusion: Hospices that cared for a greater proportion of dementia and stroke patients had poorer scores on caregiver-reported quality measures. These findings support efforts to identify mechanisms underlying these differences and to design strategies to ensure optimal outcomes for hospice patients regardless of diagnosis.
Mothers’ knowledge and practices on breastfeeding and complementary feeding in an urban slum area and rural area in Kenya: A cross-sectional interview study
Authors: Uusimäki Kerttu , Schneider Lauriina , Lubeka Crippina , Kimiwye Judith , Mutanen Marja
Published: April 2022

Maternal breastfeeding and complementary feeding knowledge is an important determinant of childrens’ long-term health and development. This study aims to account for associations between knowledge and practices in Kenya and report the food consumption of children from birth to 18 months. In 2015 mother–child pairs were recruited from Mother-and-Child Health Centers; 415 in an urban slum in Nairobi and 364 in rural Machakos. Knowledge and practice scores were calculated from questionnaire variables and 24-h food frequency questionnaire. The associations of knowledge and practices were studied with regression analysis. Breastfeeding knowledge (Nairobi 6.3/9, Machakos 5.9/9) and practices (Nairobi 7.5/8, Machakos 7.2/8) were good in both areas. Complementary feeding knowledge was not as good (Nairobi 7.5/14, Machakos 7.1/14). Minimum meal frequency was reached by almost 80% of the children but dietary diversity was low (Nairobi 2.7 [SD 1.4], Machakos 2.4. [SD 1.3]). Only 27% of children in Nairobi and 13% in Machakos were fed a minimum acceptable diet. The complementary feeding knowledge score was associated only with minimum dietary diversity in Nairobi (OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.105–1.514). Infant and young child feeding knowledge and practices were on a similar level in both areas. Future interventions should focus on improving dietary diversity.
No more jokes: Comic complexity, Adult Swim and a political aesthetic model of humour
Authors: Holm Nicholas
Published: April 2022

For such a complex cultural form, the politics of humour have historically been understood in highly reductive terms: either as an abstract political function (e.g. carnival or ridicule) or as a simple formal flourish that can be pressed into the service of any cause. Drawing on the work of Raymond Williams and Jacques Rancière, I argue instead for a ‘political aesthetic’ model that grasps humour as a cultural formation, the politics of which cannot be determined in advance or in the abstract but only understood in relation to the political, economic and social elements of a wider conjuncture. This political aesthetic approach will be illustrated through a case study of the historical development of the internationally distributed Adult Swim programming block: an example of how shifts in economic and technological context can lead to shifts in the political meaning of a persistent comic aesthetic. At the forefront of an emergent comic formation in the early 2000s, Adult Swim’s once niche comic aesthetic now informs dominant models of online humour in ways that threaten to mitigate, or even reverse, the critical cultural politics of its earlier iterations.
Status-based coalitions: Hispanic growth affects Whites’ perceptions of political support from Asian Americans
Authors: Craig Maureen A. , Lee Michelle M.
Published: April 2022

Three experiments test whether considering a stereotypically lower status group’s social gains leads White Americans to expect political solidarity among stereotypically higher status groups. Information about Hispanic population growth (vs. current demographics) led White Americans to expect relative losses to both White and Asian Americans’ statuses (Study 1). Making growing Hispanic political power (vs. control information) salient led Whites to report that Asian Americans and White Americans would support one another’s policy positions more (Studies 2 and 3). Importantly, presenting information that Asian Americans oppose (vs. support) the racial status quo reduced Whites’ perceptions of a White–Asian status-based coalition in response to growing Hispanic power (Study 3), suggesting that disrupting beliefs that Asian Americans will maintain the racial hierarchy reduces expectations of a White–Asian coalition in response to Hispanic growth. This work highlights the utility of moving beyond dyadic conceptualizations of intergroup relations to understand how one group’s gains can shift coalitional expectations in diverse social hierarchies.
Backlash against the #MeToo movement: How women’s voice causes men to feel victimized
Authors: Lisnek Jaclyn A. , Wilkins Clara L. , Wilson Megan E. , Ekstrom Pierce D.
Published: April 2022

Three studies examined whether perceived increase in women’s “voice” (i.e., being heard and taken seriously about sexual assault) contributes to perceptions of bias against men. In Study 1, both men and women who perceived women to have a greater voice related to sexual assault, perceived greater victimization of men. This relationship was stronger for relatively conservative participants. In Study 2, relatively conservative (but not relatively liberal) participants who read about #MeToo perceived greater men’s victimization than those in the control condition. Study 3 examined responses to perceiving that men are victimized by #MeToo. For relatively conservative (but not liberal) men, perceptions of men’s victimhood led to less willingness to work alone with a woman and less willingness to combat sexual assault (relative to a control condition). Thus, while the #MeToo movement brings awareness of issues of sexual assault, it also generates a backlash among the more conservative, and may accentuate gender disparities.
A novel joint sparse regularization model to structural damage identification by the generalized fused lasso penalty
Authors: Li Rongpeng , Wang Fengdan , Deng Qingtian , Xiao Yuzhu , Li Xinbo , Li Haiyang , Song Xueli
Published: April 2022

The sparse regularization (SReg) model is widely used for structural damage identification by employing the sparsity peculiarity of the structural damage. The conventional SReg model often separately conducts damage identification on each measurement, while ignores the utilization of the similarity information among different measurements. In this paper, we propose a novel joint sparse regularization model for structural damage identification. In detail, combined with the sparsity of the structural damage by the conventional SReg model, our model employs the similarity of different measurements to further improve the damage identification performance, which is realized by the generalized fused lasso penalty. Numerical simulations on the six-bay planar truss structure and experimental studies on the cantilever beam structure illustrate that the damage identification accuracy of our model is promoted 3.59% and 20.75% than the conventional SReg one, respectively.
Effect of low temperature and high strain rate compression on the microstructure evolution and mechanical behavior of Mg-2Y-0.6Nd-0.6Zr alloy
Authors: Luo Mei , Li Wei , Li Aiwen , Chen Linbo
Published: April 2022

Mg-2Y-0.6Nd-0.6Zr alloy was implemented for compression test via split Hopkinson pressure bar under the conditions of low temperature and a high strain rate. The microstructure evolution and deformation mechanism of the processed material were characterized by optical microscopy (OM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) during the testing of low-temperature dynamic compression. As a result, Mg-2Y-0.6Nd-0.6Zr alloy exhibited a positive strain rate strengthening processed by low-temperature dynamic compression along the RD. In addition, the dynamic compressive strength and yield strength are significantly enhanced with the increasing strain rate, following the emerging of tension twins and a small amount of compression twins. The primary deformation mechanisms are the prismatic  slip system and {10[Formula: see text]2} tension twins. The Mg-2Y-0.6Nd-0.6Zr was fractured in a brittle manner at low temperature.
The consumer, the market and the universal aristocracy: The ideology of academisation in England
Authors: Hoctor Tom
Published: April 2022

In 2018, academies accounted for 72% of all English secondary schools, compared to 6% in 2009. English academy schooling conforms to marketizing trends in international education reform, but Conservative politicians have also attempted to promote particular moral values. This article analyses the tensions between neoliberalism and neoconservatism and applies this analysis to a concrete debate taking place within the Conservative Party in the 2000s and 2010s. It uses arguments made by an illustrative group of Conservative politicians to explore and analyse the tension between these two reform trends. The aim of this article is twofold. Firstly, it will present the key arguments which were marshalled by a selection of thinkers affiliated with the Conservative Party in favour of educational reform. It will do this by analysing Conservative articulations of the failure of state education; the role of the consumer and the relationship between democracy and the market. Secondly, it will explore the degree to which marketizing and traditionalist impulses in education reform should be considered complimentary or contradictory. I will conclude by arguing that the parent-consumer functions as a vanishing mediator between neoliberal and neoconservative ideological positions.
Initial Validation of the Weekly Calendar Planning Activity With Adolescents With ABI
Authors: Doherty Meghan , Dickerson Dawn , Kadela Kathryn , Noetzel Michael , Wolf Timothy J. , Berg Christine , Dodd Jonathan
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of the Weekly Calendar Planning Activity Middle/High School (WCPA) in adolescents with acquired brain injuries (ABI). We recruited neurotypical controls ( n = 27) and adolescents with ABI ( n = 14) to complete a 90-min battery of cognitive tests. Adolescents with ABI were further divided into mild and severe groups by Glasgow Coma Scale Score and compared with controls. Mann–Whitney U tests revealed significant differences ( p = .05) on the WCPA between groups in total time to complete and rules followed. Between the controls and severe group, a significant difference ( p = .05) was found for total time spent, errors, rules followed, strategies used, and accurate appointments ( p = .01). Moderate correlations were found between the WCPA and neuropsychological tests (ρ = .31–.45). The WCPA is a valid performance-based assessment of functional cognition that can be used to detect deficits in adolescents with severe ABI.
Strategies for Preventing Radicalisation: Insights from the Practitioner Perspective
Authors: Lobato Roberto M. , Ruipérez Javier , Marrero Inmaculada
Published: April 2022

Violent extremism is one of the biggest problems nowadays. Particularly, some characteristics of young people make them more vulnerable to radicalisation, so different prevention strategies have been developed. However, these strategies do not always take into consideration risk and protective factors, nor the skills that professionals should have. Therefore, this research aims at identifying prevention strategies through the reinforcement of protective factors that strength resilience against violent extremism considering the skills that professionals should have. A total of 70 professionals were interviewed on risk and protective factors in seven different countries of the European Union. After categorising these factors, a network analysis showed four clusters corresponding to four different prevention strategies: ‘empowering community identities’, ‘breaking out the brick wall’, ‘dismantling the extremist dynamics’, and ‘believing in higher values’. In summary, these four prevention strategies provide a conceptual framework of the skills needed to prevent adolescents from violent extremism.
Barriers to Surgical Innovation Research: A Canadian Study on Public Funding Trends
Authors: Wang Rachel , Kaarid Kaija P , Sanaee May
Published: April 2022

Background

A decline in research funding has been cited as a potential cause for limited surgical innovation in the United States. We aim to understand if this is a North American phenomenon and explore whether a lack of public funding is a barrier to surgical innovation in Canada.

Methods

Publicly available funding data from Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) were reviewed from 2008 to 2019 to determine the yearly funding distributed to surgical departments. Surgical innovation studies were identified and total yearly funding was calculated. All amounts were adjusted for inflation to reflect 2019 Canadian dollar value.

Results

From 2008 to 2019, surgical departments were granted 1.82–4.70% of total CIHR funding. In total, 902 grants were allocated to surgical departments and 126 (14.0%) met criteria for surgical innovation. Surgical innovation research was allocated a total annual amount ranging from 1.52 to 9.01 million CAD. There appears to be an upward trend in public funding for surgical innovation over this time period.

Discussion

Contrary to the landscape in the United States, there is no evidence of decreasing trends in public funding for surgical innovation in Canada. Considerations should be given to other potential barriers precluding surgeons from participating in innovation.

Conclusion

Only a small percentage of research dollars to departments in Canada are spent on innovation research, despite an overall increasing trend in total public research funding over the past 10 years. We need to foster an environment in which surgical innovation is encouraged through medical curriculum changes, multidisciplinary collaboration opportunities, and dedicated faculty resources.
Practicalities of Impracticability: An Interim Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Dhamanaskar Roma , Feldman William B. , Merz Jon F.
Published: April 2022

Impracticability is an ethical standard for waiver of informed consent in research. We examine how well the criterion of impracticability appears to have been fulfilled in a set of 36 completed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that secured consent from some subjects or LARs and employed waivers to enroll others. These trials were identified among 155 RCTs using waivers of consent in a convenience sample drawn from 7 systematic reviews. Recruitment data were available for 19 of the 36 trials, revealing an average of 41.6% of subjects (range 0.2–98.7%, 95% CI: 24.8–58.4%) were enrolled without consent. Six trials enrolled less than 10% of subjects without consent and an overlapping set of 9 trials sought consent from all subjects or LARs at some sites while waiving consent at other sites. We question whether these trials were practicable without waivers and identify issues for consideration by investigators and ethics review boards.
Low-velocity impact damages of filament-wound composite overwrapped pressure vessel (COPV)
Authors: Long Bing , Yang Ning , Cao Xia
Published: April 2022

Low-velocity impact tests were carried out on filament-wound composite overwrapped pressure vessel (COPV) specimens at different impact energies and impact points to determine the low-velocity impact damages of wound composite structures. The anti-impact performance of the filament-wound COPV was compared with that of composite laminated and filament-wound composite plates. Different impact damage modes and damage mechanisms inside the wound COPV were investigated through ultrasound scanning, X-ray, and scanning electron microscopy. Results showed that the impact force–time response curve of the wound COPV can be divided into an ascending area, a plateau area, and a descending area. The duration of the plateau area increased with the increase in impact energies. The impact resistance of the filament-wound COPV was the best, followed by that of the composite laminated plate, and the filament-wound composite plate was the worst. The major damage modes of the filament-wound COPV under low-velocity impact included matrix breakage, delamination, and fiber breakage. Delamination in the COPV tube section mainly occurred between the spiral wound and hoop layers. Delamination at the head of the COPV occurred between different winding layers. Fiber breakage inside the COPV mainly developed in the fiber overlapping zone inside the spiral layer. Results indicated that the fiber overlapping zone was the weak part in the filament-wound composite structure.