bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clodomiro Almeyda and Roger Vekemans: The tension between autonomy and political commitment in the institutionalization of Chilean sociology, 1957–1973
Authors: Cortés Alexis
Published: July 2020

This article reviews the tension between autonomy and politicization during the institutionalization of Chilean sociology (1957–1973), based upon the career trajectories of two of its main actors: Clodomiro Almeyda (University of Chile, UCH) and Roger Vekemans (Catholic University, CU) and the reassessment of accounts given by the first practitioners of Chilean sociology. Almeyda played a pivotal role as director of the UCH School of Sociology, while maintaining a strong political-militant commitment as leader of the Socialist Party. Meanwhile, Vekemans, the founder and first director of the CU School, was an exceptional example of intersecting theoretical contributions and public-political advocacy, being a bridge between the social sciences and the social doctrine of the Catholic Church. Both men’s career trajectories are a good reflection of the politicization prevalent in the discipline at the time of its institutionalization. However, their career trajectories simultaneously show an ambivalent effect of politics in the consolidation of the sociological field, for, although they assumed a certain degree of influence from exogenous factors on the nomos of sociology, they also facilitated a strong connection between society and sociology at the time.
Informality in action: A relational look at informal work
Authors: Lee Byoung-Hoon , Swider Sarah , Tilly Chris
Published: July 2020

We conceptualize informal work in relational terms, examining informality through the relations and interactions between and among a set of actors: capitalists, the state, organizations of informal workers, traditional trade unions, individual informal workers. We consider the leading explanations of the persistent growth of informal employment around the world, suggest that three such explanations (survivalist, structuralist, and “disembedded”) are most compelling, and reframe them in terms of key actors and their relations. Finally, we take a closer act at the agency and strategies of each of those key actors. Throughout, we illustrate with examples from the articles in this special issue.
The effect of childhood trauma on age of onset in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: İngeç Cem , Evren Kılıçaslan Esin
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

Childhood trauma (CT) has been shown to affect the etiology and clinical features of schizophrenia. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of CT on the age of onset (AoO) and clinical features of the disease by considering factors such as family history, head trauma, birth trauma, alcohol and substance abuse that may affect AoO of the disease.

Methods:

The sample comprising 200 patients admitted to the outpatient and inpatient care at the Izmir Katip Çelebi University, Atatürk Education and Research Hospital psychiatry clinic, were included in the study. Socio-demographic information form, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF) and subscale of Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) were applied.

Results:

All types of trauma, except physical abuse, were found related to the disease onset age earlier. It was also detected that the factors of head trauma, birth complication, presence of an individual diagnosed with schizophrenia in the family and migration history were not related to AoO of the disease. On the other hand, it was found that physical, emotional and sexual abuses lead to more positive psychotic symptoms, and all types of CT increase the severity of disease and the risk of suicide.

Conclusion:

This study draws attention to the etiological importance of CT in schizophrenia as an environmental factor by showing that it affects AoO of the disease along with symptomatology. Future studies should focus on the pathogenesis of CT in schizophrenia and the interaction between CT and biological and genetic predisposition.
How Teachers Experience Collaboration
Authors: Tallman Tamara Olena
Published: July 2020

Collaboration has been found to be a powerful tool for professional development and central for creating opportunities for teachers to reflect on their practice. However, school districts continue to have difficulty both implementing and sustaining collaboration. The purpose of this research was to investigate the experience of the teacher in a creative, instructional collaboration. The teachers in this study found that teacher-initiated collaboration offered them trust and they were more open with their partners. The results also supported the claim that teacher collaboration can facilitate school reform. Participating teachers felt less isolation and developed more teacher knowledge.
When a virus (Covid-19) attacks human rights: The situation of asylum seekers in the medico-legal setting
Authors: Lanzarone A , Tullio V , Argo A , Zerbo S
Published: July 2020

The Covid-19 pandemic is a global health emergency that requires immediate, effective action by governments to protect the health and basic human rights of everyone’s life. Refugees and migrants are potentially at increased risk because they typically live in overcrowded conditions often without access to basic sanitation. Since the beginning of the official lockdown for Covid-19, the medico-legal assessment of physical violence related to obtaining status or other forms of human protection has been frozen.
Oncologists’ Experience of Delivering Bad News in Korea
Authors: Yi Jaehee , Kim Min Ah , Choi Kwon Ho , Bradbury Laura
Published: July 2020

This study explored oncologists’ experiences of delivering bad news to patients with cancer and their families. Nine oncologists recruited from three superior hospitals in Korea completed in-depth interviews. The results of thematic analyses identified four themes: precursors to bad news delivery, why it is difficult to deliver bad news, when it is more difficult to deliver bad news, and strategies of delivering bad news. The participants felt unprepared for the task and stressed because breaking bad news goes against their responsibility to do no harm and their professional objective to promote healing. Although they were unclear about best practices regarding communication styles, they individualized their communication style to meet the needs of their patients, who have an array of cultural, social, and spiritual backgrounds. Understanding oncologists’ perceptions of bad news delivery can inform culturally appropriate interventions for alleviating their stress and improving patient–physician relationships in communication of bad news.
Effectiveness of Short-term Medical Missions on Chronic Disease in Underserved Communities
Authors: Watson Sherylyn M. , Ferrillo Heather
Published: July 2020

A retrospective chart review study was conducted to evaluate health outcomes after a nurse-led short-term medical mission group provided free health care in four communities in Kingston, Jamaica over a four-year period. Participants were adult patients who had visited short-term medical mission clinics at least twice and were diagnosed with hypertension and/or diabetes. Blood pressure (BP) and blood sugar (BS) results along with factors including adherence and control per guidelines were analyzed using descriptive, t-tests and chi-square analysis. The data revealed that overall BP and BS measurements trended down, and there was a significant decrease in BP in patients with uncontrolled hypertension at the first visit. Medication adherence between the visits and gender had a statistically significant impact on BP and BS control. Outcomes suggest short-term medical missions are an effective model to address hypertension and diabetes in developing countries when using a sustainable approach.
The African Epistemic Logic of Peacemaking: A Model for Reconciling the Sub-Saharan African Christians and Muslims
Authors: Dama Daniel
Published: July 2020

It is becoming evident that failure to reconcile African Christians and Muslims is partly due to the misinterpretation of the African epistemology of peace. This work argues that Christian-Muslim peacemaking must be conceived apart from the Western epistemology (thinking pattern) whereby conferences, lectures, chart signing, religious fora, and systematic military strategies are common practices (Pezard and Shurkin, 2015). For Africans, peacemaking involves creating a space where members of a community connect with each other at a deeper level. This paper explores the process of reconciling African Christians and Muslims, not exclusively from a diplomatic tact and religious slant, but from intrinsic cultural constituents like the African ubuntu (Murithi, 2006), Fulbe’s pulaaku (Mogensen, 2000), and the Ethiopian medemer (Esler, 2019) which are entrenched in the notion of kinship. A Fulbe proverb constitutes a tool for illustrating kinship and peace.
The language, literacy and mental health profiles of adolescents in out-of-home care: An Australian sample
Authors: Snow Pamela , McLean Emina , Frederico Margarita
Published: July 2020

Adolescents in the care of the state have complex developmental needs that include low academic attainment. The aim of this study was to describe the language and literacy profiles of adolescents (aged 13–19) in out-of-home care (‘looked after children’). Mental health status, biopsychosocial history, and education and employment histories were also documented. Twenty-six adolescents were assessed by a speech and language therapist. Ninety-two percent had oral language skills below the average range on the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals: 4th edition, with 62% scoring two or more standard deviations below the mean. Ninety-two percent of participants scored below the average range on two or more subtests of the Test of Language Competence: Expanded edition. On the York Assessment of Reading Comprehension, 92% scored in the very low range and 65% were below-average on single-word reading. Fifty percent of participants reported a diagnosis/symptoms of depression and 54% reported a diagnosis/symptoms of anxiety. The correlation between oral language and literacy was modest but significant ( r = 0.502; p ⩽ 0.05); no significant correlations were found between oral language, literacy and mental health status, suggesting that mental health problems are a comorbidity rather than a correlate of language and literacy difficulties. Language and literacy difficulties are highly prevalent in this population. Language disorders are likely to be undiagnosed in the context of significant mental health problems, and disrupted schooling and accommodation. Speech-language therapy scope of practice needs to include out-of-home care populations in order to foster developmentally appropriate language and literacy skills that maximize school success, both academically and socially.
Traffic Flow Breakdown Prediction using Machine Learning Approaches
Authors: Filipovska Monika , Mahmassani Hani S.
Published: July 2020

Traffic flow breakdown is the abrupt shift from operation at free-flow conditions to congested conditions and is typically the result of complex interactions in traffic dynamics. Because of its stochastic nature, breakdown is commonly predicted only in a probabilistic manner. This paper focuses on using stationary aggregated traffic data to capture traffic dynamics, developing and testing machine learning (ML) approaches for traffic breakdown prediction and comparing them with the traditionally used probabilistic approaches. The contribution of this study is three-fold: it explores the usefulness of temporally and spatially lagged detector data in predicting traffic flow breakdown occurrence, it develops and tests ML approaches for traffic breakdown prediction using this data, and it compares the predictive power and performance of these approaches with the traditionally used probabilistic methods. Feature selection results indicate that breakdown prediction benefits greatly from the inclusion of temporally and spatially lagged variables. Comparing the performance of the ML methods with the probabilistic approaches, ML methods achieve better prediction performance in relation to the class-balanced accuracy, true positive rate (recall), true negative rate (specificity), and positive predictive value (precision). Depending on the application of the prediction approach, the method selection criteria may differ on a case-by-case basis. Overall, the best performance was achieved by the neural network and support vector machine approaches with class balancing, and with the random forest approach without class balancing. Recommendations on the choice of prediction approaches based on the specific application objectives are also given.
Evaluating Traffic Efficiency and Safety by Varying Truck Platoon Characteristics in a Critical Traffic Situation
Authors: Faber Timo , Sharma Salil , Snelder Maaike , Klunder Gerdien , Tavasszy Lóránt , van Lint Hans
Published: July 2020

Truck platooning is the application of cooperative adaptive cruise control where multiple trucks are electronically linked using vehicle-to-vehicle communication. Although truck platoons might bring fuel savings and emission reductions, their interactions with surrounding traffic and resulting impact on traffic operations and safety are not fully understood. The objective of this paper is to evaluate traffic efficiency and safety in a critical traffic situation when truck platoons are introduced in the system. This paper presents a case study of a merging section, located on A15 motorway, near the port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. We consider two scenarios: platoons on a mainline carriageway and platoons merging onto a mainline carriageway. We simulate the movements of truck platoons in a microscopic traffic simulator. Longitudinal and lateral controllers for truck platoons, proposed in this paper, can ensure their collision-free, string-stable, and smooth driving behavior. Simulation experiments are conducted by varying platoon characteristics such as market penetration, length, intra-platoon headway, platoon speed, and their ability to create a gap for changing lanes. The results suggest that truck platoons on the mainline carriageway may be detrimental to traffic efficiency and safety in high traffic intensity, whereas truck platoons originating from an on-ramp produce limited impacts. Further, we conduct both local and global sensitivity analyses to analyze the impact of platoon characteristics on traffic efficiency and safety. The findings emphasize that uncertainty in traffic efficiency and safety strongly depends on the interactions among platoon characteristics, traffic demand, and traffic scenarios.
Estimating Truck Traffic Generated from Well Developments on Low-Volume Roads
Authors: Tsapakis Ioannis
Published: July 2020

Recent advances in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing technologies have allowed producers to extract oil and gas from thin reservoirs that may not be economically viable through vertical drilling. While the new hydraulic fracturing technologies have resulted in substantial economic benefits for the state of Texas, they tend to generate high volumes of truck traffic that diversely affect the transportation system. Many of the affected roads were designed and built several decades ago to meet low traffic demand levels and not heavy repetitive truck loads. The goal of this study is to enhance state agencies’ ability to determine the truck traffic associated with fracking in existing and new wells based on several well characteristics. This paper explores spatio-temporal trends in hydraulic fracturing in Texas and develops a methodology that agencies can use to estimate the amount of water and the number of trucks needed to frack and fully develop a well. The analysis revealed that fracking horizontal wells generates eight times more water and, therefore, truck traffic than vertical wells. The relationship between water volume versus well length is non-linear. The length of laterals has a very strong correlation with frack water (0.818) and sand (0.763), while the vertical well depth has a weak to negligible relationship with fracking materials. The two prediction models presented in the paper produced statistically similar results with average errors of less than 20%. The paper explains how the predicted water volumes can be converted into the number of trucks needed to frack and fully develop a well.
Pediatric to Adult Transitions of Ketogenic Dietary Therapy for Epilepsy
Authors: Seaborg Kristin , Wang Xing , Olson Clara , Felton Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2020

Ketogenic therapy is now an accepted treatment for pediatric and adult patients with medically refractory epilepsy.1-3 However, young adults treated with a ketogenic diet face unique challenges when transitioning to adult neurology providers.4 The variable acceptance of dietary therapy, paucity of nutritionists and adult neurology providers educated in dietary therapy, and lack of insurance coverage for dietary education may interfere with transition to adult care. In addition, patients in this life stage may just begin to independently seek medical care, cook meals, and manage medications, making strict dietary limitations difficult.4 In this worldwide study, we surveyed 191 pediatric and adult neurology providers who prescribe ketogenic dietary therapy for epilepsy. Our response rate was 39% with a total of 74 valid surveys received. Our goal was to identify perceived barriers that inhibit effective transition and successful continuation of dietary therapy during transition to adult care. We found that dietary therapy is a more accepted treatment of intractable epilepsy in children (84%) than adults (17%) in all geographic areas. Although half of pediatric neurology providers (50%) transition their young adult patients on dietary therapy to adult providers, only 23% have a documented transition plan or a formal transition protocol. Most (87%) pediatric providers who prescribe the ketogenic diet feel the lack of sufficient adult providers who prescribe dietary therapy as a barrier to transitioning adolescent and young adult patients.
Editors’ Notes: Advancing Design Scholarship in Textiles and Apparel
Authors: Haar Sherry J. , Bye Elizabeth K.
Published: July 2020

The past 20 years have seen growth in exposure and academic outlets for design scholarship through new journals, special topics sessions and conferences, and PhD programs. Yet, there is a lack of strong published examples of design scholarship in textiles and apparel as designer scholars and administrators still struggle to understand how to conduct, document, and evaluate design scholarship. This issue, long overdue, looks at the current state of design research in our textile and apparel discipline and provides examples that begin to fill the gap in our shared understanding of a way forward.
Between Ethnic Group and Nation: Mihail Çakir’s Histories of the Gagauz
Authors: Grigoriadis Ioannis N. , Shahin Evgeniia
Published: July 2020

Following the 1918 annexation of Bessarabia to Romania, the Gagauz minority remained disconnected from centers of knowledge because of linguistic and institutional barriers. In this context, Mihail Çakir, an Orthodox priest of Gagauz origin, manifested a rare capacity of introducing the Gagauz people to Romanian- and Gagauz-speaking audiences through his multilingual work on the history and the culture of the Gagauz. This article embarks from Anthony Smith’s work on ethnicity and nation-building and Benedict Anderson’s work on imagined communities to explore Çakir’s two main works and their contribution to the crystallization of Gagauz ethnic identity and its eventual transformation to a national one.
The bonding strength of polyamide-6 direct adhesion with anodized AA5754 aluminum alloy
Authors: Du Kunpeng , Huang Jin , Li Cha , Chen Jing , Li Youbing , Yang Chaolong , Xia Xiaochao , Sheng Xumin
Published: July 2020

With the application of hot-pressing technology, polyamide 6 (PA6) was successfully directly adhered to the aluminum alloy. The relationship between the bonding property and microstructures of PA6 and anodized AA5754 aluminum alloy hybrid were explored in the paper. The results showed that the honeycomb-like porous oxide film was prepared by anodic oxidation, which resulted in the decreased surface energy of the aluminum alloy, so that PA6 easily wetted on the aluminum alloy surface, and the maximum tensile shear strength and fracture work reached 8.24 MPa and 9.27 kJ m−2, respectively. Improved bonding strength was attributed to micro- and nanoscale honeycomb-like microstructures and large roughness on the anodized aluminum alloy surface.
Integrated control of attitude maneuver and vibration suppression of flexible spacecraft based on magnetically suspended control moment gyros
Authors: Chen Xiaocen , Ren Yuan , Cai Yuanwen , Li Nan , Jia Haipeng
Published: July 2020

This paper adopts magnetically suspended control moment gyro (MSCMG) to realize the integration of attitude control and wideband micro-vibration suppression of spacecraft without adding extra hardware resources. The coupling between central rigid body and flexible attachment has been effectively retained in the controller design. First, an open-loop modal observer is constructed in advantage of the inherent physical characteristics of flexible modes, and then an adaptive backstepping controller involving flexible modal estimation, spacecraft attitude quaternion, and angular velocity is designed. Next, the band-pass filters are employed to separate the low-frequency gimbal command angular rate signal and medium–high-frequency rotor command angular rate signal, respectively, so that MSCMG can accurately track the command signal output by the integrated controller. Taking advantage of MSCMG’s ability to output high bandwidth micro-gimbal moment, the proposed method can not only meet the requirement of spacecraft rapid maneuver but also effectively suppress the broadband micro-vibration, including low-frequency flexible vibration and medium–high-frequency micro-vibration caused by spacecraft rotating parts. Numerical simulations and frequency domain analysis demonstrate the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed method.
3D-printed polypropylene transtibial sockets: Mechanical behavior
Authors: Stewart MacArthur L
Published: July 2020

This paper defines the tensile properties of a successfully worn 3D-printed transtibial socket. The socket was printed from a proprietary polypropylene filament and FDM 3D-printing process. Fused disposition modeling involves producing successive cross-sectional layers on top of one another and welding them together. Because of this, a notch is formed between the printed layers. As part of this investigation, tensile test specimens were die-cut perpendicular to the material direction and tested according to ASTM D638—Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics. From the measured load–elongation data, stress–strain curves and the corresponding material properties were determined, including modulus of elasticity E, Poisson’s ratio ν, yield strength Sy, and ultimate strength Su. The average values for each of these material properties were 955 MPa, 0.35, 11.4 MPa, and 16.3 MPa, respectively. In addition to defining tensile properties, this work demonstrated a viable methodology for characterizing the as-built material behavior of 3D-printed sockets.
The National Patient Notification Exercise: How well did local breast screening services cope with the additional workload?
Authors: Zelenyanszki Christiane , McAvinchey Rita , Hudson Sue
Published: July 2020

Objective

To describe how three English breast screening services responded to the 2018 Patient Notification Exercise, a national intervention whereby women who had potentially missed their final screening invitation were offered new appointments. To compare key performance indicators for women thus invited with key performance indicators for women invited routinely in the same period.

Methods

Uptake, assessment and cancer detection for 9439 women aged over 70 in the Patient Notification Exercise were compared with key performance indicators for 14,824 women, of similar age, who were routinely invited in the same period, using chi squared ( χ2) tests. Invitation cancellation and attendance levels were also compared.

Results

Uptake was significantly lower among Patient Notification Exercise women sent a new, timed appointment than for women who were routinely invited (67.3% and 70.8%, respectively, p = 0.001). Assessment rates were higher for Patient Notification Exercise women (5.2% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.192) as were cancer detection rates (1.87% vs. 1.28%, p = 0.080). Services achieved national round-length standards for routine invitations during and after the Patient Notification Exercise but screen-to-assessment standards were breached (80%) in the smallest service. More Patient Notification Exercise women than routinely invited women rebooked appointments (43.6% and 33.2%, respectively); they were also slightly more likely to miss their appointments (24.5% vs. 21.2%).

Conclusions

Screening invitation performance can be maintained whilst responding to an additional demand of ∼5%. Larger services that cover a compact geographical area may find it easier to respond. Women affected by the incident are not more likely to attend but may require relatively more assessment capacity in incidents where invitations have been delayed.
Next Steps in Business and Management Education Scholarship
Authors: Asarta Carlos J. , Bento Regina F. , Ferrara Zachary , Fornaciari Charles J. , Hwang Alvin
Published: July 2020

This article describes the authors’ experience at The New School’s Research in Management Learning and Education UnConference and presents five Business and Management Education (BME)–related actionable scholarship themes that originated at the UnConference: journal equivalency in BME scholarship, evolution of BME rankings, gender and BME scholarship productivity, timing of BME scholarship, and editor networks in BME scholarship. It is our hope that these themes will continue to generate provocative conversations between existing and new BME scholars and provide actionable research ideas to readers of the Journal of Management Education.
A Systematic Review on the Use of Sacubitril/Valsartan Initiated Prior to Discharge in Hospitalized Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Thornby Krisy-Ann , Maksutovic Nicole M.
Published: July 2020

Objective

Systematically review the evidence of sacubitril/valsartan initiated in the hospital setting prior to discharge in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (HF).

Data Sources

A literature search using keywords related to sacubitril/valsartan, HF, and inpatient use was performed using MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Google Scholar from inception through May 8, 2020.

Study Selection and Data Extraction

Eligible studies included patients initiated on sacubitril/valsartan while inpatient and reported efficacy and safety outcomes.

Data Synthesis

A total of 10 articles were included for study review, of which 9 were full text and 1 was a conference poster. Key outcomes of interest were related to tolerability, N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), functional capacity, target dose attainment, or rehospitalization rates. NT-proBNP levels were improved in 4 trials, and the results of functional capacity were mixed based on 2 studies. Rehospitalization rates were reported as secondary outcomes, and only 1 large study showed numerical and statistical improvement. The most frequent dose initiated prior to discharge was sacubitril/valsartan 24/26 mg twice daily. Hypotension was the most commonly reported adverse drug reaction and was commonly cited as a reason for not tolerating inpatient initiation with sacubitril/valsartan therapy.

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice

Inpatient initiation of sacubitril/valsartan may improve surrogate and clinical outcomes after hemodynamic stabilization. Clinicians should consider patient-specific factors to ensure that benefits outweigh the risks and monitor for hypotension when initiated prior to hospital discharge.

Conclusion

Initiating inpatient treatment with sacubitril/valsartan after hemodynamic stabilization is reasonable based on available evidence.
Three-Dimensional Biometrics to Correlate Hindfoot and Knee Coronal Alignments Using Modern Weightbearing Imaging
Authors: Dagneaux Louis , Dufrenot Maryama , Bernasconi Alessio , Bedard Nicholas A. , de Cesar Netto Cesar , Lintz François
Published: July 2020

Background:

Previous studies focusing on the effects of knee surgery on hindfoot alignment have suggested some degree of compensation between the knee and the hindfoot. However, these studies did not investigate a preoperative relationship in patients without end-stage knee osteoarthritis using 3-dimensional (3D) biometrics. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between knee and hindfoot alignment using 3D weightbearing imaging.

Methods:

This retrospective comparative study included 95 lower limbs with weightbearing computed tomography and low-dose biplanar radiograph investigations. Cases with a history that may have caused a change in lower limb alignment were excluded. Hindfoot and knee alignments were measured using foot ankle offset (FAO) and hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle, respectively. Patients were separated into 3 groups according to the knee deformity to investigate the distribution of FAO in each group.

Results:

The mean (SD) FAO was 2% (7%) for the knee varus group, 1% (6%) for the neutral knee group, and 4% (5%) for the valgus knee group ( P = .12). Fifty-three percent of patients with knee valgus showed a pathological hindfoot valgus ( P = .04). We found a positive but moderate correlation between hindfoot valgus and HKA (ρ = 0.53; P = .01). Female sex was associated with higher FAO (3% ± 4% vs 0.6% ± 6%; P = .009).

Conclusion:

This feasibility study suggests a new opportunity using 3D biometrics to understand the relationship between knee and hindfoot alignment and to highlight different patterns of combined deformities in further investigations.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, comparative study.
Parametric instability analysis of sandwich plates with composite skins and LPRE based viscoelastic core
Authors: Ojha RK , Dwivedy SK
Published: July 2020

In the present analysis, the parametric instability regions of a three-layered sandwich plate with thin composite skins and leptadenia pyrotechnica rheological elastomer (LPRE) core under axial periodic compressive load is studied for five different boundary conditions. The governing equation of motion is derived using finite element method (FEM) which is in the form of a parametrically excited system. The instability regions of the sandwich plate are found using modified Hsu method. The shear storage modulus and loss modulus of the newly developed LPRE core is determined experimentally and used in this analysis. The dynamic properties of the LPRE based sandwich plates are observed to be better than those of the room temperature vulcanised elastomer core based sandwich plates. The critical dynamic loads and the corresponding frequencies are found which will find various applications in structural design.
The role of mitomycin C and porcine extracellular matrix in phacotrabeculectomy
Authors: Hamdi Momen Mahmoud , Hamdi Islam Mahmoud
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

To compare between mitomycin C alone, porcine extracellular matrix alone, and combined low dose mitomycin C with porcine extracellular matrix in term of efficacy and safety in phaco-trabeculectomy surgery.

Study design:

Prospective comparative.

Methods:

Sixty eyes of 60 patients complaining of primary open angle glaucoma and cataract, undergoing phaco-trabeculectomy, were distributed into three groups: group I: surgery was augmented with mitomycin C, group II with porcine extracellular matrix, and group III with porcine extracellular matrix combined with low dose mitomycin C. Intraocular pressure was evaluated, postoperatively, at day 1, week 1, and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Bleb vascularity, pre- and post-operative intraocular pressure lowering medications, success of IOP control and complications were also evaluated.

Results:

After 12 months, the mean preoperative intraocular pressure (mm Hg) improved from 30.85 ± 4.7, 33.8 ± 4.2, and 31.05 ± 5.4 mm Hg, in groups I, II, and III respectively, to 13.8 ± 4.7 (55.2%), 15.2 ± 4.8 (55%), and 13 ± 4.9 (58.1%) ( p > 0.05). Success of IOP control, postoperative IOP lowering medications and complications were comparable ( p > 0.05). Bleb vascularity was significantly different ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Mitomycin C, porcine extracellular matrix and their combination are equally effective in phacotrabeculectomy.
Cauda equina syndrome as the initial presentation of uveal melanoma metastasis
Authors: Hanout Mostafa , Kamil Zaid Saeed , Alrjoub Mo’ath , Laperriere Normand , Altomare Filiberto , Krema Hatem
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

Uveal melanoma extension to the central nervous system (CNS) is exceedingly rare, and can occur through optic nerve invasion. We report a rare clinical case that presented with cauda equina syndrome as the initial manifestation of metastasis of choroidal melanoma, and showed neurotropic extension by histopathology. Our patient did not demonstrate any evidence of systemic metastasis otherwise.

Observations:

A 60-year-old male patient with treated choroidal melanoma in his right eye, with presumed clinical control, developed radiation-induced neovascular glaucoma refractory to medical therapy. The eye required enucleation for pain control. One month post-enucleation, he presented to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain, urine retention, constipation, and leg weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine showed extensive leptomeningeal involvement along the entire spinal cord and the cauda equina. On further inquisition, the patient noted prior visual field defect in the contralateral eye. Brain MRI revealed intracranial metastasis with chiasmal involvement. The patient underwent radiotherapy for the brain and spine to improve his symptoms, and was ultimately transferred to palliative care.

Conclusion and importance:

Optic nerve invasion in uveal melanoma may lead to neurotropic spread of melanoma cells with risk of intracranial and spinal cord metastasis. Neurological symptoms should raise the suspicion of clinicians regarding this complication, which is associated with increased melanoma-related mortality.
Wide-angle 3D viewing system with valved trocar applied to chandelier-assisted scleral buckling
Authors: La Spina Carlo , Del Turco Claudia , Bogetto Caterina , Panico Edoardo , Giobbio Dora Cecilia , Panico Claudio
Published: July 2020

Introduction:

Scleral buckling (SB) has been the first technique to repair a retinal detachment (RD) and it is still largely in use. Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) is currently the most common technique, being more versatile and easier to approach. Here we report on a new SB variant, modified by using some of the latest technological advances borrowed from PPV.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed all our SB cases from November 2017 to November 2018, all of them performed with a chandelier, mounted on valved trocar, to provide 3D wide-angle viewing. 107 eyes of 107 patients (mean age of 59 ± 8 years, 61 [57%] males) underwent primary uncomplicated RD surgery using this modified SB technique and were enrolled for this study.

Results:

In this article, the technique is thoroughly described with an online video presentation. Briefly, thanks to valved trocar insertion, it combines the latest breakthroughs in the field of PPV viewing systems with traditional SB surgery. Our first-year data reveal a primary success rate of 94% (101 cases out of 107) at 3 months follow-up. A hidden retinal lesion, undetected at clinical pre-operative evaluation, was found intraoperatively in 12 (8.9%) cases.

Conclusion:

The use of a digital three-dimensional (3D) visualization system, coupled with the positioning of a single 25 gauge valved trocar with chandelier, dramatically simplifies the traditional SB and flattens its learning curve, making this procedure more accessible to young surgeons. In addition, the better visualization capability yields to higher possibility to detect and treat all retinal lesions.
Fluorescent angiography imaging of intravitreal active bleeding, due to deep venous thrombosis concomitant to Fournier gangrene
Authors: Panayiotis Christodoulou , Ioannis Katsimbris
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

To report a breakthrough bleeding in the vitreous cavity due to deep venous thrombosis, in a case of a middle-aged male patient who suffered concomitantly from Fournier’s gangrene. Fluorescent angiography imaging displayed the intravitreal hemorrhage as occurring.

Methods:

We performed fundus fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography at baseline and follow-up examinations.

Results:

During fluorescein angiography we identified, right eye fluorescent blockage corresponding to a pre-retinal, a subhyaloid, and an intraretinal hemorrhage in the posterior pole. Capillary non-perfusion, and capillary remodeling of the far temporal peripheral vasculature was detected as well, the left eye was unremarkable. A breakthrough bleeding in the vitreous cavity of the upper temporal vein branch was caught as it was happening. We did not observe leaking at the macula; our findings were confirmed with optical coherence tomography throughout the follow-up period.

Conclusion:

Active retinal bleeding has been reported only twice in the past, in these cases, it was attributed to superficial venous vessel rupture due to vitreous traction or Valsalva-like retinopathy at the site of neovascularization. Active retinal vein bleeding during a fluorescein angiography, secondary to deep venous thrombosis due to Fournier gangrene, has not been previously reported.
Abdominal collateral veins as an unconventional access site for hemodialysis after primary access failure
Authors: Guimarães Adriano Carvalho , Mansano Ana Maria Marques Fracaro , Boselli Júnior José Roberto , Crespo Carolina Lorejam , Moreira Ricardo Herkenhoff , da Cunha Afonso Henrique V Teixeira , de Souza Filipe Cézar Bertassoni , de Araujo Walter Jr. Boim
Published: July 2020

Introduction:

Vascular access dysfunction and the depletion of access pathways are complications associated with morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients. As described in the literature, catheter insertion through small collateral veins or recanalized cervical and thoracic veins is an attractive option.

Case Description:

This article reports a case in which a collateral vein in the abdominal region was used as an access for hemodialysis.

Conclusion:

After multiple attempts with fistulas and catheters, the left abdominal wall collateral network proved to be a successful access site. Using unconventional veins can be an alternative in these patients.
How long do respondents think online surveys should be? New evidence from two online panels in Germany
Authors: Revilla Melanie , Höhne Jan Karem
Published: July 2020

In recent years, the number of surveys, especially online surveys, has increased dramatically. Due to the absence of interviewers in this survey mode (who can motivate the respondents to continue answering), some researchers and practitioners argue that online surveys should not be longer than 20 min. However, so far, there has been little research investigating how long respondents think that online surveys should or could be. In this study, we therefore asked respondents of two online panels in Germany (one probability-based panel and one nonprobability panel) about their opinions on the ideal and maximum lengths of surveys. We also investigated whether socio-demographic, personality-related, and survey-related variables were associated with the ideal and maximum lengths reported by respondents. Finally, we compared the stated and observed survey lengths to evaluate the extent to which respondents are able to accurately estimate survey length. Our results suggest that the ideal length of an online survey is between 10 and 15 min and the maximum length is between 20 and 28 min, depending on the measure of central tendency (mean or median) used and the panel. Moreover, we found significant effects of socio-demographics (gender, age, education, and number of persons in household), of personality traits, and survey-related questions (whether the respondents liked the survey, found it easy, and answered from a PC) on at least one of the dependent variables (ideal or maximum lengths). Finally, we found only small differences (less than two min) between stated and observed lengths.
Describing the Nature and Correlates of Health Service Providers’ Competency Working With Sexual and Gender Minority Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wilsey Corrine N. , Cramer Robert J. , Macchia James M. , Golom Frank D.
Published: July 2020

Disparities in the health services delivered to sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals are widespread across health service disciplines. Many health service providers do not have the knowledge, comfort, or skills necessary to provide health services to SGM individuals. The objective of the current systematic review was to review the correlates of competency (defined as knowledge, attitude, and skill) that health service providers possess for working with SGM individuals. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses was utilized to guide search and reporting strategies. PsycInfo/PsycArticles, PubMed/Medline, and Google Scholar databases were searched to find studies that addressed health service providers’ competency working with SGM individuals. There were 31 studies included in the review. Approximately half of the studies utilized the full definition of competency (knowledge, attitude, and skill). The most common competency assessed was knowledge, and the least common was skill. The majority of the studies addressed health service providers in the social sciences. Health service education needs to emphasize competency working with SGM individuals. Of particular importance is developing skill sets, as many providers reported that they did not have the skills necessary to provide culturally competent health services to SGM individuals.
Economic Analysis of Noninvasive Tissue Oximetry for Postoperative Monitoring of Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction: A Review
Authors: Lindelauf Anouk A. M. A. , Vranken Nousjka P. A. , Rutjens Vivian G. H. , Schols Rutger M. , Heijmans John H. , Weerwind Patrick W. , van der Hulst René R. W. J.
Published: July 2020

Background. Postoperative monitoring of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps for breast reconstruction using noninvasive tissue oximetry enables timely recognition of vascular compromise. This may limit ischemic tissue damage, minimizing postoperative morbidity and healthcare costs. The aim of this review was to provide an economic analysis of tissue oximetry for postoperative monitoring of DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Methods. A systematic literature search was conducted utilizing PubMed and Embase. Articles reporting costs related to tissue oximetry following DIEP flap breast reconstruction, costs directly related to DIEP flap surgical procedure, and costs associated with postoperative complications were included. Risk of bias was assessed using different tools depending on study type. Results. Six articles were included. Four studies provided an overview of total costs associated with DIEP flap breast reconstruction; two studies focused on whether tissue oximetry could facilitate a decrease in hospital costs. Average overall costs for DIEP flap procedure were estimated at $28 000, with additional costs up to $37 530 in case of total flap failure. Tissue oximetry to monitor DIEP flaps could potentially save up to $1667 per procedure. Moreover, it might eliminate the need for specialized postoperative care. Conclusion. Tissue oximetry following DIEP flap breast reconstruction can potentially facilitate a decrease in hospital costs since its readings enable physicians to intervene in an early stage of tissue malperfusion, contributing to minimizing complications. Tissue oximetry may eliminate the need for specialized postoperative care. However, based on the current literature, no firm conclusions can yet be drawn regarding cost-effectiveness of standard implementation.
Accuracy of the Scratch Collapse Test for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Comparison With Electrodiagnostic Studies
Authors: Areson Daniel G. , Filer William G. , Harris Matthew G. , Howard James F. , Shuping Lee T. , Traub Rebecca
Published: July 2020

Background: The scratch collapse test (SCT) is a clinical examination maneuver that has been previously reported as a reliable and reproducible test to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The initial study by Cheng et al in 2008 showed a simple test with high sensitivity. However, subsequent attempts to reproduce those findings have resulted in lower accuracy. Our goal was to evaluate the use of the SCT for patients presenting with symptoms of pain, numbness, or weakness in an upper extremity. Methods: Forty patients were referred to the electrodiagnostic (EDX) lab for evaluation of an upper extremity. One blinded examiner who was familiar with the maneuver performed the SCT on all 40 patients. Another physician or technician performed the nerve conduction study and electromyography. Patient history and accompanying physical examination findings were not revealed to the SCT examiner. Results: The relationship between the SCT performed by a blinded examiner and the EDX performed by blinded examiners was nonsignificant ( P = .676) and showed a sensitivity of 0.48, specificity of 0.59, positive predictive value of 0.61, and negative predictive value of 0.45. Conclusion: Based on this study and previous findings by other authors, we would advise against the use of the SCT in CTS for important patient-care decisions, such as surgical decision-making, until future research is done. It is possible that the SCT, in combination with other physical examination maneuvers, could increase diagnostic accuracy and enhance patient management.
Improve YOLOv3 using dilated spatial pyramid module for multi-scale object detection
Authors: Zhang Xiaoguo , Gao Ye , Wang Huiqing , Wang Qing
Published: July 2020

Effectively and efficiently recognizing multi-scale objects is one of the key challenges of utilizing deep convolutional neural network to the object detection field. YOLOv3 (You only look once v3) is the state-of-the-art object detector with good performance in both aspects of accuracy and speed; however, the scale variation is still the challenging problem which needs to be improved. Considering that the detection performances of multi-scale objects are related to the receptive fields of the network, in this work, we propose a novel dilated spatial pyramid module to integrate multi-scale information to effectively deal with scale variation problem. Firstly, the input of dilated spatial pyramid is fed into multiple parallel branches with different dilation rates to generate feature maps with different receptive fields. Then, the input of dilated spatial pyramid and outputs of different branches are concatenated to integrate multi-scale information. Moreover, dilated spatial pyramid is integrated with YOLOv3 in front of the first detection header to present dilated spatial pyramid-You only look once model. Experiment results on PASCAL VOC2007 demonstrate that dilated spatial pyramid-You only look once model outperforms other state-of-the-art methods in mean average precision, while it still keeps a satisfying real-time detection speed. For 416 × 416 input, dilated spatial pyramid-You only look once model achieves 82.2% mean average precision at 56 frames per second, 3.9% higher than YOLOv3 with only slight speed drops.