bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Team Membership Change “Events”: A Review and Reconceptualization
Authors: Trainer Hayley M. , Jones Justin M. , Pendergraft Jacob G. , Maupin Cynthia K. , Carter Dorothy R.
Published: March 2020

Driven by views of teams as dynamic systems with permeable boundaries, scholars are increasingly seeking to better understand how team membership changes (i.e., team members joining and/or leaving) shape the functioning and performance of organizational teams. However, empirical studies of team membership change appear to be progressing in three largely independent directions as researchers consider: (a) how newcomers impact and are impacted by the teams they join; (b) how teams adapt to member departures; or (c) how teams function under conditions of high membership fluidity, with little theoretical integration or consensus across these three areas. To accelerate an integrative stream of research on team membership change, we advance a conceptual framework which depicts each team membership change as a discrete team-level “event” which shapes team functioning to the extent to which it is “novel,” “disruptive,” and “critical” for the team. We use this framework to guide our review and synthesis of empirical studies of team membership change published over the past 20 years. Our review reveals numerous factors, across conceptual levels of the organization, that determine the strength (i.e., novelty, disruptiveness, criticality) of a team membership change event and, consequently, its impact on team functioning and performance. In closing, we provide propositions for future research that integrate a multilevel, event-based perspective of team membership change and demonstrate how team membership change events may impact organizational systems over time and across levels of observation.
Autoimmune hypophysitis secondary to therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors: Four cases describing the clinical heterogeneity of central endocrine dysfunction
Authors: Hartmann Amelie , Paparoupa Maria , Volkmer Bjoern G , Rompel Rainer , Wittig Andreas , Schuppert Frank
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are becoming increasingly important in oncology. Immune-related adverse events, including autoimmune hypophysitis, have been reported before.

Case report

We present a case series of three males and one female, suffering from either malignant melanoma or renal cell carcinoma, who developed hypophysitis under Nivolumab and/or Ipilimumab. A wide range of clinical manifestations from asymptomatic hypophysitis, headache, general weakness, loss of appetite, visual field impairment, and confusion to acute life-threatening Addison crisis was observed. Management and outcome: All patients received corticosteroids. Immune checkpoint inhibitors were discontinued in three cases until resolution of symptoms.

Discussion

The objective of our report is to raise the awareness of physicians, regarding this rare clinical entity, which may become life-threatening, if not promptly recognized and properly treated.
Access-Based Services as Substitutes for Material Possessions: The Role of Psychological Ownership
Authors: Fritze Martin P. , Marchand André , Eisingerich Andreas B. , Benkenstein Martin
Published: March 2020

Access-based services (ABS)—in which consumers do not physically own material goods but gain access to services by registering with the provider—have risen in popularity as an alternative to individual ownership and conventional consumption. Yet companies still face key challenges in promoting these services. Prior research indicates that consumers assign significant importance to their material possessions; the current study investigates how psychological ownership, the mental state of perceiving something as one’s own, attained through ABS might lead customers to increase their service use and forgo material ownership. With four studies, using cross-sectional, longitudinal, and experimental data, as well as combined self-reports with usage data, we theorize and demonstrate this effect. Firms that offer ABS can increase customers’ service psychological ownership, which acts as a psychological substitute for physical ownership and increases ABS use. The results suggest ways managers can leverage the psychological power of ownership feelings, rather than try to fight the lack of actual ownership, in access-based consumption contexts.
A case of unexpected peripherally inserted central catheter removal from a colorectal cancer patient with cetuximab-induced skin toxicity and contact dermatitis at the peripherally inserted central catheter insertion site: Should we recommend the patient to choose subcutaneous port preferentially?
Authors: Yang Hui , Rui Yuanyi , Wang Guorong
Published: March 2020

Introduction:

Obtaining central venous access is one of the most commonly performed procedures in cancer patients. However, there are very limited data to guide clinicians when selecting a device for metastatic colorectal cancer patients who received cetuximab.

Case description:

A 54-year-old male patient with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with cetuximab plus FOLFIRI used peripherally inserted central catheter as intravenous pathway. After eight cycles, the patient suffered cetuximab-induced grade 2 skin toxicity and grade 3 contact dermatitis at the peripherally inserted central catheter insertion site. Finally, he removed the peripherally inserted central catheter and accepted subcutaneous port instead for 2 years without implantation cutaneous complication.

Conclusions:

We suggest that metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with cetuximab should be recommended to choose subcutaneous port preferentially to avoid potential risk of unexpected peripherally inserted central catheter removal due to cetuximab-induced skin toxicity or contact dermatitis. Further clinical practices and researches are needed for more profound evidences for better practical suggestions.
Exploring User-Related Drivers of the Early Acceptance of Certified Digital Stress Prevention Programs in Germany
Authors: Apolinário-Hagen Jennifer , Hennemann Severin , Kück Christina , Wodner Alexandra , Geibel Dorota , Riebschläger Marlies , Zeißler Martin , Breil Bernhard
Published: March 2020

Electronic mental health services represent innovative instruments to increase the dissemination of stress programs in primary prevention. However, little is known about facilitators of their uptake. This study aimed to explore determinants of the acceptance of centrally certified digital stress coping programs and preferences for service delivery modes among adult members of German statutory health insurances. Participants completed a multi-construct 45-item questionnaire covering acceptance of digital stress prevention (behavioral use intention) and potential predictors we assessed using hierarchical regression analysis—(1) socio-demographic variables and time spent online, (2) openness to experience, (3) perceived stress, and (4) attitudes toward e-mental health. Preferences in terms of the willingness to use online, face-to-face and blended programs were analyzed using paired t-tests. Participants (N = 171, 66% female, 18-69 years) reported a moderate acceptance of digital stress management ( M = 2.76, SD = 1.16, range: 1-5). We identified younger age (ß = -0.16, P = .009), openness to experience (ß = 0.17, P = .003), and positive attitudes (ß = 0.61, P < .001) as predictors of acceptance ( R2 = .50, P < .001). Face-to-face was preferred over online (d = 0.40) and blended (d = 0.33), and blended over stand-alone online delivery mode (d = 0.19; all P < .001). Our findings indicate that promoting favorable attitudes toward digital stress prevention through tailored information may be a starting point to facilitate their adoption.
Size and survival of the hospitality industry: The case of Spain
Authors: Belda Paz Rico , Cabrer-Borrás Bernardí
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study is to analyse the determinants of survival of the hospitality industry. The study pays particular attention to the size of the enterprises since the majority of Spanish hospitality enterprises are microenterprises. Two approaches are considered. The first approach uses a binary choice model to analyse the determinants of survival probability as well as the Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition, proposed by Yun (2004), to quantify the difference between enterprises according to their size and what proportion of this difference is due to observed factors or unobserved factors. The second approach is a survival analysis, carried out through the Cox proportional hazard model, which identifies the determinants of the duration of business activity of a hospitality enterprise. The empirical results show that enterprises without employees encounter less favourable conditions for survival than enterprises with employees and the risk of not surviving decreases as the size of the enterprise increases.
Experimental and numerical investigation on the vertical bearing behavior of discrete connected new-type precast reinforced concrete floor system
Authors: Pang Rui , Zhang Yibo , Dang Longji , Zhang Lanbo , Liang Shuting
Published: March 2020

This article proposes a new type of discrete connected precast reinforced concrete diaphragm floor system that consists of precast flat slabs and slab joint connectors. An experimental investigation of discrete connected new-type precast reinforced concrete diaphragm under a vertical distributed static load was conducted, and the effect of slab joint connectors on the load-bearing capacity was evaluated. Then, a finite element analysis of discrete connected new-type precast reinforced concrete diaphragm, precast reinforced concrete floors without slab connectors, and cast-in-situ reinforced concrete floor were performed to understand their working mechanism and determine the differences in load-bearing behavior. The results indicate that the load-bearing capacity and stiffness of discrete connected new-type precast reinforced concrete diaphragm increase considerably as the hairpin and cover plate hybrid slab joint connectors can efficiently connect adjacent precast slabs and enable them to work together under a vertical load by transmitting the shear and moment forces in the orthogonal slab laying direction. The deflection of discrete connected new-type precast reinforced concrete diaphragm in orthogonal slab laying direction is mainly caused by the opening deformation of the slab joint and the rotational deformation of the precast slabs. This flexural deformation feature can provide reference for establishing the bending stiffness analytical model of discrete connected new-type precast reinforced concrete diaphragm in orthogonal slab laying direction, which is vitally important for foundation of the vertical bearing capacity and deformation calculation method. The deflection and crack distribution patterns infer that the discrete connected new-type precast reinforced concrete diaphragm processes the deformation characteristic of two-way slab floor, which can provide a basis for the theoretical analysis of discrete connected new-type precast reinforced concrete diaphragm.
Why vote when you cannot choose? EU intervention and political participation in times of constraint
Authors: Turnbull-Dugarte Stuart J
Published: March 2020

This article analyses how economic intervention affects individuals’ political behaviour by assessing the impact of intervention on aggregate and individual turnout. The intervention of the European Union in a selection of member states is viewed as having negative consequences for democratic choice, reducing the ability of voters to select between distinct policy alternatives, resulting in the absence of the primary benefit of voting: choice. It is argued that when voters are faced with electoral choices without the ability to shape policy alternatives, they are less likely to vote. Moreover, the negative effect of intervention is found to be conditioned by both individuals’ level of education and ideological identification. Voters on the centre and the left who feel abandoned by left-leaning parties, who have prioritised being responsible to their European paymasters, are significantly more likely to abstain when exposed to intervention. Empirical support for the argument is found via the analysis of aggregate turnout as well as individual level data from the European Social Survey from across fifteen Western European states.
Strengthening the empowerment approach in social work practice: An EPS model
Authors: Kam Ping Kwong
Published: March 2020

Since the mid-1980s, social work has been recognised as an empowering profession. This article proposes that two more concepts, namely, participation and a strengths perspective, must be taken into account to strengthen and advance the empowerment approach. An integrated intervention model linking empowerment, participation and a strengths perspective, called the EPS model, is developed. Theoretical advances: Although the concepts of participation and strengths perspective have been mentioned separately in literature about the promotion of empowerment, discussion of the integration of all three concepts is limited. The EPS model goes some way to filling this theoretical and practice gap. It affirms that these three concepts are interrelated and must be closely interlinked. The model links the three concepts by proposing that practice should be based on a strengths perspective and use participation as the method to achieve the goal of empowering service users. The EPS model serves as a framework through which social workers can oversee the application and connection of the three concepts in practice.

Applications

As the EPS model incorporates the principles of the World Health Organization age-friendly cities initiative, it is suited to the implementation of a community project in Hong Kong aimed at enhancing the age-friendliness of the city’s transport system. This case study illustrates how the EPS model was applied and how the outcomes resulted in empowerment of the participants and realised benefits for older people in Hong Kong.
Influence of perspectives on user adoption of wander-management strategies
Authors: Neubauer Noelannah A , Liu Lili
Published: March 2020

Sixty-percent of Canadians with dementia will wander and become lost. Strategies, such as wall murals that camouflage doors, and locator devices, offer proactive options for keeping persons with dementia who wander safer. Information that describes available strategies to mitigate this issue is diverse and inconsistent, creating challenges for caregivers and persons living with dementia when choosing helpful strategies. This project aimed to describe the spectrum of risks and risk mitigation strategies associated with dementia-related wandering. Thirty-eight phone interviews from across Canada were conducted with stakeholders including persons with dementia, paid and family caregivers, health professionals, law enforcement, and Alzheimer societies. Interviewees were asked about strategies that they have used to manage dementia-related wandering, and how their perceptions of risk, culture, stigma and geographical location may influence strategy adoption. Overall, a wide range of high- and low-tech solutions were used or suggested by participants, and factors such as risk, culture, geography and stigma were considered essential elements to successful adoption of these strategies. Results from this study highlight the need for unique combinations of strategies based on the type of stakeholder and influencing factors involved.
From Sherbrooke to Stratford and back again: Team teaching and experiential learning through “Shakesperience”
Authors: Riddell Jessica , Murray Shannon , Dickson Lisa
Published: March 2020

Attempting to teach theater in an English Literature course is a daunting prospect. A far cry from the highly individual experience of reading a novel or poem, theater is both a visual and communal kind of engagement. It is a challenge to capture this medium in a traditional lecture-based classroom and harder still to convey its three-dimensionality to undergraduate students. In this paper, we argue that experiential learning and team teaching are especially resonant in the exploration of Shakespearean studies because of the active and collaborative nature of his theater and plays. This paper draws out avenues for experiential learning in the humanities that should have broad applicability and interest a wide range of readers. Framing our design, implementation, and critical reflection in the relevant research, we provide an example of how to anchor experiential learning in the humanities in practice. The case study outlines a compact spring session course on Shakespeare’s plays and performance that includes in-class, online, and field study components. Our research reveals that this approach mirrors in several key ways the collaborative work at the heart of Shakespearean drama and of theater more generally: students are exposed to the plays on the page, on the stage, and behind the scenes; they are offered a model of collaborative knowledge-making both in the theater and in the team-based course design and delivery; and, with these examples before them, they are encouraged to take risks, to collaborate, and to form communities of their own in their learning. In the conclusion we devote attention to funding and the cost associated with experiential learning and field courses. This paper explores experiential learning and field-based immersive learning into the context of disciplinary-specific humanities classrooms with the goal of increasing interaction among students and enhancing students’ learning ( Béchard and Pelletier, 2001 ).
Video dispatch from the borderscape: toward a diplomatic geography
Authors: Constantinou Costas M
Published: March 2020

This article should be read together with watching the video Lines (2019). Video and text explore the complex Cypriot borderscape that crisscrosses over four rival zones of control and jurisdiction. The article reflects on videographic methods and the challenges faced in filming the borderscape. In addition, video and text highlight the relevance of the emerging field of diplomatic geography, approaching diplomacy not merely as something that happens out-there-in-the-world but as something that is taking place, always within a habitat of relations and spaces scripted with meaning and a plurality of forces and potentialities that require negotiation and balancing. The article explores how meaning and materiality are implicated in the production and transformation of the place of diplomacy, with implications for both how we practice diplomacy across spaces and microgeographies and how we study place-specific and plural practices of diplomacy that go beyond the formal state-centric diplomatic culture and capture the cultural worlds and informal diplomacies of everyday life.
Concentration effect of Chromolaena odorata (Siam weed) crude extract on size and properties of gelatin nanofibers fabricated by electrospinning process
Authors: Barnthip Naris , Paosoi Jarinee , Pinyakong Onruthai
Published: March 2020

Gelatin nanofibers containing Chromolaena odorata (C. odorata) crude extract were fabricated via electrospinning process to study the effect of C. odorata concentration on their size and properties for biomedical applications, especially for the purpose of wound healing and covering. C. odorata extracts, 0–20% weight by volume (w/v), in 20% (w/v) gelatin solutions, were spun at an operating voltage of 8 kV and flow rate of 0.5 mL/h. The distance between the needle tip and collector was fixed at 10 cm. The average diameters of the electro-spun fibers obtained did not exhibit significant difference when the concentration of the C. odorata extract was equal to or less than 10% (w/v). This was true in the case of both cross-linked and uncross-linked fibers with 0.04% (w/w) glutaraldehyde. The average diameters of the fibers obtained increased significantly when the concentration of the C. odorata extract was increased from 10% to 20% (w/v). All the uncross-linked fibers had smaller average diameters than those of the cross-linked fibers under all conditions. An increase in the C. odorata content of the fibers provided more hydrophilicity to the fiber surfaces. The novel finding from this study was that the gelatin fibers fabricated with C. odorata extract exhibited 180 times greater water adsorption than those of the commercial healing and covering films used presently. Moreover, all the fibers collected showed excellent antimicrobial activity against the Gram-positive bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus, but not against the Gram-negative bacterium, Escherichia coli.
Sociology Applied to Planning: Robert K. Merton and the Columbia–Lavanburg Housing Study
Authors: Fox Kenneth
Published: March 2020

In 1944, the Fred L. Lavanburg Foundation resolved to fund sociological research of value to planners of housing projects and communities for low-income families. Columbia University sociologist Robert K. Merton directed the project. Two communities were studied: Winfield Park, NJ, a free-standing town constructed under the New Deal’s Mutual Home Ownership Plan, and Addison Terrace, a federally constructed housing project managed by the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Housing Authority. Findings evaluated effects of site layout and building design in fostering patterns of friendships, creating local social structures. A book-length report manuscript that has never been published is described and discussed.
LMX Differentiation and Voice Behavior: A Resource-Conservation Framework
Authors: Dong Yanan , Jiang Jing , Rong Yan , Yang Baiyin
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this article is to investigate how and when leader–member exchange (LMX) differentiation influences employees’ voice behavior by examining trust as a psychological process and two types of leader power as opposite moderators. Based on a sample of 61 teams from an energy corporation in China, we tested a moderated mediation model using multilevel structural equation modeling. The results show that LMX differentiation is negatively related to employees’ trust in leaders and, in turn, reduces employees’ voice behavior. Moreover, leader reward power negatively moderates the influence of LMX differentiation on employees’ trust in leaders such that the relationship is stronger when leader reward power is low but not significant when leader reward power is high. Leader coercive power positively moderates the relationship such that it is stronger when leader coercive power is high but not significant when leader coercive power is low. Furthermore, these two types of power moderate the indirect relationship between LMX differentiation and employees’ voice via their trust in leaders. This study is the first to unpack the mechanism that links LMX differentiation and voice behavior and the conditions under which LMX differentiation can exert influence. This study delineates a resource-based process with conservation of resources theory through which employees appraise the social stressor (LMX differentiation), perceive the value of future resource investment (trust), strategically respond to resource signals (leader power), and finally make resource investment decisions (voice behavior).
A force–voltage responsivity stabilization method for piezoelectric-based insole gait analysis for high detection accuracy in health monitoring
Authors: Chen Junliang , Zhang Min , Dai Yanning , Xie Yuedong , Tian Wenbin , Xu Lijun , Gao Shuo
Published: March 2020

Gait analysis has become a hot spot in recent years, because it is proven that the status of a vast number of chronic diseases can be reflected by changes in gait. Furthermore, gait analysis can also help in improving the performance of athletes. Among the diverse gait analysis techniques, the piezoelectric-based insole technique has received broad attention due to its merits such as passive detection, high sensitivity, and low power consumption. However, the key coefficient of detecting plantar normal stress, the piezoelectric d33 coefficient, relies on the force frequency, which occupies a relatively wide bandwidth (1 Hz–1 kHz) during walking events. In order to get the frequency information of the signal, in this work, empirical mode decomposition is used to separate the gait signal into several intrinsic mode functions, and then the frequency information of each function is interpreted using the normalized Hilbert transform. In this way, the piezoelectric d33 coefficient is calibrated at every moment, obtaining higher accuracy (2.65% maximum improvement) in gait signal detection, promoting the development of gait analysis–based disease diagnosis and treatment.
Sound absorption properties of multi-layer structural composite materials based on waste corn husk fibers
Authors: Lyu Lihua , Lu Jing , Guo Jing , Qian Yongfang , Li Hong , Zhao Xinyi , Xiong Xiaoqing
Published: March 2020

In order to find a reasonable way to use the waste corn husk, waste degummed corn husk fibers were used as reinforcing material in one type of composite material. And polylactic acid particles were used as matrix material. The composite materials were prepared by mixing and hot-pressing process, and they were processed into the micro-slit panel. Then, the multi-layer structural sound absorption composite materials were prepared sequentially by micro-slit panel, air cavity, and flax felt. Finally, the sound absorption properties of the multi-layer structural composite materials were studied by changing flax felt thickness, air cavity depth, slit rate, and thickness of micro-slit panel. As the flax felt thickness varied from 0 to 10 mm in 5 mm increments, the peak of sound absorption coefficient shifted to low frequency. The sound absorption coefficient in the low frequency was improved with the air cavity depth varied from 0 to 10 mm in 5 mm increments. With the slit rate increased from 3% to 7% in 2% increments, the peak of sound absorption coefficient shifted to high frequency. With the thickness of micro-slit panel increased from 2 to 6 mm in 2 mm increments, the sound absorption bandwidth was broaden, and the peak of sound absorption coefficient was increased and shifted to low frequency. Results showed that the highest sound absorption coefficient of the multi-layer structural composite materials was about 1 under the optimal process conditions.
Adhesion of three-dimensional printing on textile fabrics: Inspiration from and for other research areas
Authors: Kozior Tomasz , Blachowicz Tomasz , Ehrmann Andrea
Published: March 2020

Combining textile fabrics with three-dimensional printed items can be a good approach to save time and money as compared with purely three-dimensional printed large-scale objects, to reach desired position-dependent mechanical properties, for design and technological purposes. The main challenge in such bi-material systems is the adhesion between both partners of the composites. Although some experimental research on this topic has been performed during the last years, only few theoretical investigations exist which may support striving for material combinations with higher adhesion. Here, we give an overview of the recent state of experimental research on adhesion in textile/polymer composites as well as of theoretical investigations on adhesion inside the three-dimensional printed part. Combining both topics, we suggest further research approaches to increase the textile/polymer adhesion.
Analysis of solar radiation heat transfer of architectural fabric membrane material
Authors: Tian Guo-ji , Fan Yue-sheng , Zhang Xin , Wang Huan , Xie Wei , Peng Kai
Published: March 2020

In recent years, the application of membrane structures in industrial storage buildings has been widely praised due to its light weight, high transparency, self-cleaning, and other advantages. The textile membranes consist of polyester fiber substrate and polyvinyl chloride or polyvinylidene fluoride flame-retardant coatings. It occupies the main market of architectural membrane materials in China. However, the fabric membrane material has high heat transfer coefficient, poor thermal insulation, and high light transmittance performance, being affected significantly by solar radiation intensity. These thermal optical properties are lead to a poor indoor thermal environment of industrial storage buildings. This article aims to overcome the difficulties in analyzing the fabric membrane materials solar radiation heat transfer. The complexity of heat transfer is mainly caused by the hourly solar radiation and the curved roofing of fabric membrane structure industrial storage building. Therefore, a solar radiation heat transfer model was established using MATLAB program. In this article, the different directions hourly heat gained of an actual membrane structures storage building located at Wuhan in China was calculated. The calculation results of solar radiation heat gained between the grid generation method with MATLAB and the projection method were compared. This study may provide a reference for analyze the solar radiation heat transfer and design of the practical fabric membrane structures building application.
Equivalent substitution criteria of aluminum for steel and its application in automobile structures
Authors: Li Song , Bai Jiantao , Wang Xinchen , Song Limin , Luo Kai , Zuo Wenjie
Published: March 2020

Lightweight automobile body structure, made of aluminum, can extend the endurance mileage of electric automobile. However, the mechanisms for the application of aluminum in automobile body structure are not clear until now. The main contribution of this work is to propose a method of equivalent substitution criteria of aluminum for steel. This method researches small deformation and large deformation under bending mode. First, formulations of cross-sectional properties, including open, single-cell, double-cell, three-cell, and four-cell sections, are derived, and equivalent substitution criteria in the case of small deformation, which include equal stiffness design and equal strength design, are initially proposed. Second, in the case of large deformation, the steel circular tube and channel tube are substituted by aluminum tube under equivalent stiffness. The bending resistance of five types of tubes, including rectangular hollow section, rectangular hollow section with double-cell, rectangular hollow section with triple-cell, mild steel, and high-strength steel tube, are, respectively, compared considering crashworthiness under equal mass. Third, the side frame and chassis frame examples verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, which is universal and can also be applied in aerospace structures.
Research and development of monitoring system and data monitoring system and data acquisition of CNC machine tool in intelligent manufacturing
Authors: Guo Yuan , Sun Yu , Wu Kai
Published: March 2020

Intelligent manufacturing as the development direction of the new generation manufacturing system has become a hot research topic. Computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools are the core manufacturing equipment in discrete manufacturing enterprises, collecting and monitoring the data is an important part of intelligent manufacturing workshops. It has a great significance to improve the production efficiency of enterprises and eliminate information islands. The purpose of this article is to solve the problems of data acquisition and monitoring of CNC machine tools in the manufacturing workshop of enterprises. This article uses FOCAS data acquisition method to research and develop the data acquisition and monitoring system of CNC machine tools in intelligent manufacturing workshop. The research results show that the equipment information model based on MTConnect protocol and FOCAS can solve the data acquisition and storage functions of CNC machine tools well. Using the object-oriented Petri net model, it can solve various uncertain factors in numerical control (NC) machining tasks and realize the monitoring function of CNC machining tasks in the workshop. Based on the NC program analysis, the calculation method of machining time in the NC program can determine the preventive maintenance cycle of the machine based on the machine fault information. Based on VS2013 development environment, Qt application framework and SQL Server 2012 database, the numerical control machine tool data acquisition and monitoring prototype system was developed, and the system was verified in the workshop to prove the effectiveness of the system.
Backstepping active disturbance rejection control for trajectory tracking of underactuated autonomous underwater vehicles with position error constraint
Authors: Xie Tianqi , Li Ye , Jiang Yanqing , An Li , Wu Haowei
Published: March 2020

In this article, the three-dimensional trajectory tracking control of an autonomous underwater vehicle is addressed. The vehicle is assumed to be underactuated and the system parameters and the external disturbances are unknown. First, the five degrees of freedom kinematics and dynamics model of underactuated autonomous underwater vehicle are acquired. Following this, reduced-order linear extended state observers are designed to estimate and compensate for the uncertainties that exist in the model and the external disturbances. A backstepping active disturbance rejection control method is designed with the help of a time-varying barrier Lyapunov function to constrain the position tracking error. Furthermore, the controller system can be proved to be stable by employing the Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, the simulation and comparative analyses demonstrate the usefulness and robustness of the proposed controller in the presence of internal parameter uncertainties and external time-varying disturbances.
Non-vascularized toe phalanx transfer for correction of severe clinodactyly of the thumb in Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome
Authors: Le Mapihan Marie , Badina Alina , Pannier Stéphanie , Salon Arielle , Glorion Chrisophe , Guero Stéphane
Published: March 2020

In Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome, patients may have a particularly severe clinodactyly of the thumb. We evaluated a new method for correction of these severe clinodactylies using non-vascularized toe phalanx transfer as a replacement for the abnormal delta phalanx. Results of the new technique are presented, together with those of an osteotomy technique. We retrospectively recorded the angle of the clinodactyly before and after surgery and at long-term follow-up of 11 osteotomies and five transfers in nine patients from 1990 to 2017. The pre-operative angle of clinodactyli was similar between the two groups with a mean of 59°. After surgery, the correction was equivalent (7° and 11°). At the last follow-up (7 and 18 years), the relapse of clinodactyly was 17° for osteotomies and 1° for phalanx transfers. We noticed growth of the transferred phalanx, resulting in an excellent thumb length. We conclude that non-vascularized toe transfer can be an effective correction of severe clinodactyly and may be more stable than osteotomy in the long-term.

Level of evidence: IV
Comorbidity in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis - what can biomarkers tell us?
Authors: Alfaro Tiago M. , Robalo Cordeiro Carlos
Published: March 2020

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by progressive parenchymal scarring, leading to dyspnoea, respiratory failure and premature death. Although IPF is confined to the lungs, the importance of IPF comorbidities such as pulmonary hypertension and ischaemic heart disease, lung cancer, emphysema/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, gastroesophageal reflux, sleep apnoea and depression has been increasingly recognized. These comorbidities may be associated with increased mortality and significant loss of quality of life, so their identification and management are vital. The development of good-quality biomarkers could lead to numerous gains in the management of these patients. Biomarkers can be used for the identification of predisposed individuals, early diagnosis, assessment of prognosis, selection of best treatment and assessment of response to treatment. However, the role of biomarkers for IPF comorbidities is still quite limited, and mostly based on evidence coming from populations without IPF. The future development of new biomarker studies could be informed by those that have been studied independently for each of these conditions.

For now, clinicians should be mostly attentive to clinical manifestations of IPF comorbidities, and use validated diagnostic methods for diagnosis. As research on biomarkers of most common diseases continues, it is expected that useful biomarkers are developed for these diseases and then validated for IPF populations.

The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.
Improving primary healthcare for the homeless
Authors: Krishnan Aarathi , Metcalfe Neil H
Published: March 2020

Homelessness is an increasing problem in the UK. One of the biggest issues faced by the homeless is their health; they have greater healthcare needs and significantly higher morbidity and mortality rates compared with the general population. However, the homeless population is far less likely to engage with community healthcare services, including general practice. Despite measures to help GPs treat the homeless population, there is still a lack of knowledge about how best to manage the health of the homeless within the community setting. This article aims to inform GPs about effective measures to improve the health of homeless patients.
Dual-procedural separation of CTCs in cutaneous melanoma provides useful information for both molecular diagnosis and prognosis
Authors: Tucci Marco , D’Oronzo Stella , Mannavola Francesco , Felici Claudia , Lovero Domenica , Cafforio Paola , Palmirotta Raffaele , Silvestris Franco
Published: March 2020

Background:

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have recently emerged as a new dynamic soluble marker for several malignancies including cutaneous melanoma (CM) and are suitable for prognostic evaluations and treatment monitoring. However, to date many limitations still hamper the wide-scale application of CTCs in CM setting, including the lack of standardized methods as well as both low levels and heterogeneity of these cells.

Methods:

We developed a protocol for CTC detection in CM based on immune-magnetic sorting to deplete CD45-, CD31- or CD34-positive cells, followed by dielectrophoretic DEPArray separation according to cell morphology and immunophenotype. To this end, we explored the expression of melanoma stem cell antigens (CD271, ABCB5, and RANK) and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers (N-Cad, -CD44, and -MCAM/CD146) on CTCs from 17 stage IV CM patients, and investigated their BRAF mutational status by droplet digital PCR.

Results:

The number of CTCs isolated from CM patients ranged from 2 to 91 cells (38 ± 6.4) with respect to healthy donors ( p < 0.0002). To confirm the melanoma origin of isolated cells, we observed an 80% agreement between their BRAFV600 mutational status and matched primary tumors. The characterization of the immune phenotype of isolated cells revealed high interindividual and intraindividual heterogeneity that was found to correlate with the clinical outcome.

Conclusions:

The dual-step protocol of immune-magnetic sorting and subsequent dielectrophoretic DEPArray separation, turned out to be a suitable method to isolate viable CTCs from stage IV melanoma patients and enabled quantitative and qualitative analyses on these cells, which may deserve prospective evaluation for potential use in the clinical practice.
Strategists Are Not Heroes: On Stars, Mountains, Chess Boards
Authors: Ballantyne Joe
Published: March 2020

This piece offers a set of brief reflections on Tibbs’ paper “Making the Future Visible.” It looks at the experience of using the model in a commercial setting and also reflects on the way in which Tibbs’ work situates the strategic journey within the wider context of European myth and culture.
Rediscovering the art of medicine, rewards, and risks: Physicians’ experience of providing medical assistance in dying in Canada
Authors: Beuthin Rosanne , Bruce Anne , Hopwood Marie-clare , Robertson W David , Bertoni Katherine
Published: March 2020

Background:

Medical assistance in dying opens up uncharted professional territory for Canadian physicians extending their practices to include assisting and hastening death for eligible patients.

Objectives:

To understand physicians’ experience of participating in assisted dying and the emotional and professional impact.

Methods:

An interpretive descriptive methodology and thematic analysis were used for this research. We interviewed eight physicians engaged in assessing and providing medical assistance in dying. Data were collected through audio taped, semi-structured interviews in person or by phone.

Results:

Three overarching themes included (1) rediscovering the art of medicine, (2) unexpected rewards, and (3) negotiating risks and challenges. Each theme has accompanying sub-themes.

Conclusion:

Medical assistance in dying is markedly different from other physicians’ practices in that it has an enriched capacity for caring. The process brings deep satisfaction characterized by intimate, personalized contact with patients and families. The professional rewards of providing medical assistance in dying outweigh the challenges, offering an alternative narrative to more publicly accepted views of assisting someone to die.
Second illness due to subsequent Cytauxzoon felis infection in a domestic cat
Authors: Cohn Leah A , Shaw Dan , Shoemake Catherine , Birkenheuer Adam J
Published: March 2020

Case summary

A castrated male domestic shorthair cat from a wooded area in Missouri had recovered from typical severe cytauxzoonosis at 4 years of age, after intensive in-hospital supportive care and administration of atovaquone and azithromycin. At 11 years of age, the same cat again experienced an acute febrile illness compatible with cytauxzoonosis. Intraerythrocytic piroplasms typical of Cytauxzoon felis were identified by cytology. The owners opted for euthanasia but allowed collection of splenic and hepatic tissue for histopathologic examination. Schizont-laden macrophages were identified in both tissue specimens, confirming active cytauxzoonosis at the time of the cat’s death.

Relevance and novel information

Although cats that have recovered from cytauxzoonosis can harbor red blood cell piroplasms for many years without apparent clinical illness, repeat illness owing to either disease recrudescence or repeat infection has never been documented. In fact, recovered cats have been thought to be resistant to reinfection and subsequent illness. This report describes a cat that had recovered from documented cytauxzoonosis 7 years previously and then developed a subsequent clinical illness typical of cytauxzoonosis, which was accompanied not only by intraerythrocytic piroplasms, but also by schizont-laden tissue macrophages pathognomonic of clinical cytauxzoonosis.
Development of a New Therapy-Oriented Classification of Intervertebral Vacuum Phenomenon With Evaluation of Intra- and Interobserver Reliabilities
Authors: Camino Willhuber Gaston , Bendersky Mariana , De Cicco Franco L. , Kido Gonzalo , Pereira Duarte Matias , Estefan Martin , Petracchi Matias , Gruenberg Marcelo , Sola Carlos
Published: March 2020

Study Design:

Diagnostic study, level of evidence III.

Objectives:

Low back pain is a common cause of disability among elderly patients. Percutaneous discoplasty has been developed as a tool to treat degenerative disease when conservative management is not successful. Indications for this procedure include low back pain and the presence of vacuum phenomenon. The objective of this study was to describe a new classification of vacuum phenomenon based on computed tomography scan in order to improve the indications for percutaneous discoplasty.

Methods:

We developed a classification of vacuum phenomenon based on computed tomography scan images. We describe 3 types of vacuum based on the relationship between vacuum and the superior/inferior endplates and 2 subtypes based on the presence of significant subchondral sclerosis. A validation study was conducted selecting 10 orthopedic residents with spine surgery training to analyze 25 vacuum scenarios. Inter- and intraobserver reliabilities were assessed through the Fleiss’s and Cohen’s kappa statistics, respectively.

Results:

The overall Fleiss’s κ value for interobserver reliability was 0.85 (95% CI 0.82-0.86) in the first reading and 0.93 (95% CI 0.92-0.95) in the second reading. Cohen’s κ for intraobserver reliability was 0.88 (95% CI 0.77-0.99).

Conclusion:

The new classification has shown almost perfect inter- and intraobserver reliabilities for grading the vacuum phenomenon and could be an important tool to improve the indications for percutaneous cement discoplasty.
The Impact of Job Role on Health-Care Workers’ Definitions of Patient-Centered Care
Authors: Moreau Jessica L , Hamilton Alison B , Yano Elizabeth M , Rubenstein Lisa V , Stockdale Susan E
Published: March 2020

While patient-centered care (PCC) is a widely accepted aspect of health-care quality, its definition is still the subject of debate. We investigated health-care workers’ definitions of PCC by level of patient contact in job roles. Our qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with key stakeholder employees (n = 66) at 6 Veterans’ Affairs health-care locations in Southern California. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded for definitions of PCC, and analyzed by participants’ self-described level of patient contact. Stakeholders whose role primarily involved patient contact tended to define PCC through: patient as a person, patient preferences, and shared decision-making. Stakeholders whose role did not primarily involve patient contact tended to define PCC through: patient-centered redesign, customer service, and access to services. Stakeholders with more patient contact emphasized patient-level and interpersonal concepts, while those with less patient contact emphasized system-level and business-oriented concepts. The focus on PCC-as-access may reflect influence of changing institutional climate on definitions of PCC for some stakeholders. To facilitate successful PCC efforts, health-care systems may need to leverage differing but complementary definitions of PCC within its workforce.
The invisible commodity: Local experiences with forest carbon offsetting in Indonesia
Authors: Miles Wendy B.
Published: March 2020

A core component of the Paris Agreement is reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+). Originally envisioned as a form of payments for ecosystem services, REDD+ has played out in a myriad of ways on the ground. Examining the transition of REDD+ from theory to practice, this article provides an ethnographic account of local experiences with the Kalimantan Forests and Climate Partnership in Indonesia. Challenges with the invisibility of “carbon” as a resource—both literally and figuratively—was a common theme as community members questioned the feasibility of carbon as a commodity and expressed concerns that if REDD+ did succeed, their land rights might be usurped by more powerful interests. Concurrent to REDD+, communities were navigating imminent threats from forest fires and oil palm expansion. Village government leaders saw REDD+ as a potential buffer against these threats, but due to a history of failed development interventions they proceeded carefully in REDD+. Because the Kalimantan Forests and Climate Partnership was funded by bi-lateral aid, it was less susceptible to fluctuations in the carbon market but more vulnerable to changes in Australia’s administration and aid priorities, which ultimately led to the project’s closure in 2014. Since the project’s closure, villages have experienced the expansion of oil palm plantations onto community lands, and local forests and croplands have been engulfed in massive peatland fires—both threats that REDD+ was designed to confront. A key lesson from the Kalimantan Forests and Climate Partnership is that if the international community wants to work with local communities to make a lasting impact, it is essential that their engagement be built upon commitment, transparency, and trust.