bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decomposing attitudes towards food leftovers
Authors: Lorenz Bettina Anne-Sophie , Langen Nina , Hartmann Monika , Klink-Lehmann Jeanette
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to enhance the understanding about the determinants of consumer food leftovers in out-of-home settings by taking a decomposed perspective on attitudes.

Design/methodology/approach

Data on 307 guests in a university canteen composing of stated measures for 12 beliefs, general attitude and behavioral intention and of visually estimated food leftovers are analyzed using exploratory factor and path analyses.

Findings

A factor analysis for belief statements derives three distinctive and potentially conflicting attitude dimensions: “Environment,” “Self-Interest” and “Resources.” Path analyses on their interrelation with general attitude, intention and behavior indicate that the dimensions have distinctive effects. Moreover, “Self-Interest” in contrast to the other two dimensions is correlated with situational perceptions about portion size and taste when these are included as direct determinants of leftovers.

Research limitations/implications

It is recommended to consider different dimensions of attitude when addressing food leftover behavior since these dimensions may not be well represented in a classical summary construct and since their relevance may differ depending on situational factors. Additional research is recommended to validate the results for more representative samples of consumers and to elaborate on the interaction of different attitude dimensions as potential source of attitude ambivalence which cannot clearly be determined from the existing data.

Originality/value

Past research on consumer food waste behavior models attitudes exclusively as a summary construct. This contradicts qualitative findings that individuals may hold conflicting beliefs about food leftovers.
Key barriers in the growth of rural health care: an ISM-MICMAC approach
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Sharma Roopali
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The health care industry has experienced vibrant growth since the last few decades. Total health care business has reached more than US$160bn in the country and is still growing, but sustainable growth of industry is a major area of concern. An unsustainable and uneven growth might contribute in growth presently, but will not help in the long run due to extinction in future. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The research has been divided into two phases to analyze the barriers to achieve sustainable growth, i.e., identification of barriers and their analysis. The study has used three different research phases: identification of barriers from the literature, interviews with experts of industry and designing an ISM model. The identification phase led to the selection of 19 barriers from literature and by suggestions from industrial experts. The interpretive structural modeling (ISM) analysis was used to understand the impact and linkage of identified barriers. The barriers are further classified into four major categories on the basis of drive power and dependence power using “Matrices d’Impacts Croises Multiplication. Appliqué a un Classement” analysis.

Findings

The present research identifies 19 barriers in the field of growth of health care mainly in rural area with 11 levels in ISM-designed model. Barriers such as lack of awareness, medical mistrust, cost/benefit, transportation, high out of pocket expenditure, lack of health insurance, medical unawareness and the cultural dimension (traditional beliefs) have very high dependency power. These variables are highly influenced by other barriers. Barriers such as low outreach (geographical reach), information and communication, insufficient capacity planning, and highest growth in population have very high driving and dependence power. They have a very high impact on the system as any change in them will have a direct impact on others. Remaining seven selected barriers have a very high driving power and they are generally independent in nature and have less impact on the system as whole.

Social implications

This study seeks to identify which barrier is acting as the most dominant one and this result is helpful for policy-makers to achieve goals of National Health Mission (NHM) by removing the dominant barrier.

Originality/value

Total health care business reaches more than US$160bn in the country and is still growing, but sustainable growth of industry is a major area of concern. This paper is one of the preliminary attempts to identify which barrier is acting as the most dominant one and this result is helpful for policy-makers to achieve the goals of NHM by removing the dominant barrier.
Linking loneliness to depression: a dynamic perspective
Authors: Mishra Sushanta K. , Kodwani Amitabh Deo , Kumar Kunal Kamal , Jain Kamal K.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the influence of change in loneliness on the experience of depression among the students in a business school in India. Building on the literature, the authors argued the dynamic nature of loneliness and depression and subsequently explored the linkage between change in loneliness and associated change in the experience of depression. Further, the purpose is also to explore whether such linkage depends on individual personality factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study is part of a bigger study that employed a longitudinal survey design. Data were collected in two phases with a six-month time lag between the phases. Data were initially collected in July 2014, and again with all measures repeated in January, 2015. Data were collected from two sections from the undergraduate program participants at one of the reputed institutions in India. Demographic variables such as gender, number of siblings, and family type (nuclear family or joint family) were collected. The authors controlled for age and qualification as all the students have the same qualification and almost all of them were in the same age group. All these variables were controlled due to their probable interference with the proposed theoretical model.

Findings

The findings reveal a significant role of loneliness on experience of depression and a moderating role of personality on the relationship. The linkage between change in loneliness and change in depression was found to be higher among those people who were high on extraversion. The findings clearly indicate that the impact of loneliness will be more as the need for attachment is high for individuals having higher extraversion.

Research limitations/implications

Further research may explore the role of neuroticism in the link between loneliness and depression.

Practical implications

The findings of this longitudinal study are very relevant for all the professional groups in the college/university setting. It is important for students as well as college authorities to understand the dynamic nature and relationship of loneliness and depression, as well as the role of personality factors. Routine monitoring as well as various educational programs may be included as regular components of campus culture. Even curriculum can also be fine-tuned. Various programs can be designed to improve interpersonal skills, cognitive understanding, and resolution of aversive emotions, as these college going students or buddying managers are more receptive to intervention programs.

Originality/value

The paper clearly reflects its originality. It adds value in the form of contribution to theoretical development as well as to various college authorities to handle students emotions effectively.
Social and economic inequality limits disaster prevention amongst the most vulnerable in Vietnam
Authors: Chantry Guillaume , Norton John
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Vietnam is historically hit by extensive disasters. However, the most vulnerable populations are far from being backed by national/local programmes to reduce disaster impacts on their well-being. In practice, political and socio-economic top-down organisation, channels efforts and limited resources into wealthier parts of the country. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Learning from 30 years work in Vietnam, this paper presents how “horizontal” solidarity and networking should be promoted and reinforced to really target the needs of vulnerable poor communities. Findings on conditions and challenges are based on practical experience, from family/village level to provincial/national administration, in promoting safe housing and safer communities and in evaluating the barriers for extending and sharing such practices.

Findings

Political environments in South East Asian countries become similar to Vietnamese systems, and share a common attitude towards DRR (and CCA): official statements reaffirm the need for DRR at all levels, and the CC threats for local development. But year after year, the situation of marginalised or low-income poor facing disasters does not really see progress.

Originality/value

New data collecting methods and technologies are proposed, resilience is quoted as criteria for development, but the major issue remains: how could communities be “at the frontline” when receiving so little “backline” support and resources, compared to benefits from capitalist development shared by only richer parts of society – not concerned in the same way by disasters? The SFDRR in encouraging non-compulsory Civil Society involvement will remain inadequate faced with the increased vulnerability by Vietnam and South East Asian inhabitants.
Analysis of user-generated comments posted during live matches of the Cricket World Cup 2015
Authors: Banerjee Snehasish
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze user-generated comments posted on social media while live matches were being played during the Cricket World Cup 2015.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from Yahoo! Cricket (YC), a website that allows people to submit comments during live matches. The comments were qualitatively analyzed using the grounded theory approach.

Findings

The key finding of this paper is that people like to consume live sporting events in an online social setting rather than as isolated individuals. In addition, the use of the grounded theory approach helped uncover several new findings related to people’s use of social media during live matches.

Research limitations/implications

Since this paper studied the case of the Cricket World Cup 2015 and collected data from YC, caution is advocated in generalizing its findings.

Originality/value

Scholarly interest on the use of social media during live sporting events is growing. Building on such works, this paper highlights how user-generated comments posted during the Cricket World Cup 2015 – mostly by individuals within the Indian subcontinent – intersected with broader issues such as culture, identity, politics and religion.
A study of antecedents influencing eWOM for online lecture website
Authors: Lee Mi sook , An Hongbok
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the antecedent factors – perceived usefulness (PU), perceived switching cost (PSC) and perceived web security (PWS) – affecting learners’ attitude toward online lecture website (ATW), which, in turn, affects electronic word of mouth (eWOM) and finds the factor that online lecture business should focus on the most to make learners have positive attitude.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper investigates the functional relationship among those five constructs; and examines the moderating role of personal interactivity. Data were collected from learners who had taken online lectures and were using social network sites, and a research model was analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results show that PU and PSC positively influence ATW but PWS has no significant influence on ATW; PU is the most influential factor to ATW; ATW positively influences eWOM; personal interactivity has a moderating effect on some paths; and path coefficients are higher in the high-interactivity group than the low-interactivity group for all the links except the link from PU to ATW.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to online lecture business by understanding learners’ perception and behavior to the websites. Unlike many previous studies, this study designates eWOM as dependent variable and personal interactivity as moderation variable. This study shows interesting results occurred between low- and high-interactivity groups.
HRM roles in cross culture training provision: insights from Israeli companies
Authors: Perlstein Michal , Ciuk Sylwia
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to cross culture training (CCT) literature by exploring the HR managers roles in CCT provision and the reasons affecting the given role enactment.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory study is based on in-depth interviews with 15 Israeli HR managers in charge of the provision of CCT in their respective companies and five interviews with CCT professionals who provide CCT training for a wide range of companies operating in Israel.

Findings

The study highlights the significant impact of HR managers’ awareness and perceptions of CCT on its provision and discusses a related self-perpetuating cycle of current practice reinforcement that limits the likelihood of practice improvement.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the exploratory design of the study call for further research on HR roles in CCT provision.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that HR managers partly design and implement practice according to what they believe are unmet expatriate needs and what they perceive as effective HR tools. The authors discuss the practical value of raising their awareness not only of CCT designs and methodologies, but also of the complexities of expatriate adjustment and the opportunities offered by rigorous evaluation of current practice.

Originality/value

The study departs from the dominant focus in the literature on the content and methodologies of CCT and instead explores the neglected role of HR managers in CCT provision.
Introducing insoluble wheat bran as a gut microbiota niche in an in vitro dynamic gut model stimulates propionate and butyrate production and induces colon region specific shifts in the luminal and mucosal microbial community
Authors: De Paepe Kim , Verspreet Joran , Verbeke Kristin , Raes Jeroen , Courtin Christophe M. , Van de Wiele Tom
Published: August 2018

The spatial organization of gut microorganisms is important with respect to their functional role in the gut ecosystem. Regional differences in the longitudinal and lateral direction are, however, not frequently studied, given the difficulty to sample these human gut regions in vivo. Particularly the insoluble food particle‐associated microbiota is poorly studied. Therefore, the long‐term effects of insoluble wheat bran supplementation on the composition and functionality of the gut microbial community derived from six individuals were explored in the Dietary Particle‐Mucosal‐Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem in vitro model. Wheat bran stimulated propionate and butyrate production and induced shifts in the luminal and mucosal microbial community composition. The insoluble wheat bran residue and the mucus layer were identified as crucial platforms in sustaining diversity by selectively enriching species, which are not thriving in the luminal environment, including Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Dialister species, Roseburia faecis, Prevotella copri and Bacteroides ovatus. Despite the evident habitat preference, some parallels could be drawn between the enrichment of taxa on bran platforms and their stimulation in the luminal and mucosal communities. Removing wheat bran during the wash‐out period reversed the functional effects and gave rise to a blooming of some taxa that are considered opportunistic pathogens.
Modified Sequential Organ Failure Assessment sepsis score in an emergency department setting: Retrospective assessment of prognostic value
Authors: Raymond Nigel J , Nguyen Mai , Allmark Sandra , Woods Lisa , Peckler Brad
Published: August 2018

Objective

Use of the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score has been proposed by the Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock. The utility in the ED is not yet well established. We retrospectively studied the application of a modified SOFA (mSOFA) score, to assess its ability to predict mortality.

Methods

At our urban tertiary teaching hospital staff recorded patients with probable sepsis in the ED Information System (EDIS). Data was analysed for the year of July 2015 to June 2016. For a sample of the suspected sepsis patients, ED and inpatient clinical records were manually reviewed to ascribe an mSOFA score and assess its performance in predicting mortality, with a primary outcome of death by 30 days.

Results

There were 474 patients recorded over the 1 year with probable sepsis, of whom 228 were manually reviewed. The mSOFA was a significant predictor of mortality at all the time points tested. The 30 day mortality was 22/88 (25%) for those with a positive mSOFA score and 3 out of 140 (2.1%) of those with a negative mSOFA score (OR 15.2, 95% CI [4.4, 52.7]; P < 0.001). This equated to a negative predictive value of 97.9% (95% exact CI 93.9–99.6%).

Conclusion

For ED patients thought likely to have sepsis, the mSOFA score distinguished those with a high or low mortality risk. The high negative predictive value could be practically useful. Prospective study of the mSOFA score used in ED will be needed to validate these observations.
Effectiveness of Influenza Vaccine in Hemodialyzed Patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Cohen‐Hagai Keren , Kotliroff Andy , Rozenberg Ilan , Korzets Zeev , Zitman‐Gal Tali , Benchetrit Sydney
Published: August 2018

Infection is one of the leading causes of mortality in dialysis patients, second only to cardiovascular disease. This retrospective study assessed the efficacy and clinical outcomes of influenza vaccination among hemodialysis (HD) patients. In the 2014–2015 season, 104 of 164 (63.6%) HD patients were vaccinated for influenza by the outpatient community health system facilities. Significantly more patients, 159 of 170 (93.8%), were vaccinated in 2015–2016 by the hospital dialysis unit staff during an inpatient HD session (P <0.001). A trend toward fewer complications from influenza infection was observed in vaccinated patients. Among HD patients with diabetes (who comprised 56% of the study population), the incidence of influenza was 17% among nonvaccinated patients vs. 6.3% among those who were vaccinated (P =0.026). The inpatient vaccination policy resulted in a greater rate of vaccination. HD patients with diabetes benefit from influenza vaccination, with a significantly lower incidence of influenza infection.
National Early Warning Score vs Rapid Response Team criteria—Prevalence, misclassification, and outcome
Authors: Friman Ola , Bell Max , Djärv Therese , Hvarfner Andreas , Jäderling Gabriella
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of deviating vital parameters in general ward patients using rapid response team (RRT) criteria and National Early Warning Score (NEWS), assess exam duration, correct calculation and classification of risk score as well as mortality and adverse events.

Methods

Point prevalence study of vital parameters according to NEWS and RRT criteria of all adult patients admitted to general wards at a Scandinavian university hospital with a mature RRT. Primary outcome: prevalence of at‐risk patients fulfilling at least one RRT criteria, total NEWS of 7 or greater or a single NEWS parameter of 3 (red NEWS). Secondary outcomes: mortality in‐hospital and within 30 days or adverse events within 24 hours.

Results

We assessed 598 (75%) of 798 admitted patients and examiners captured a fulfilled RRT calling criterion in 50 patients (8.4%), 36 (6.0%) had NEWS ≥ 7, 34 with a red NEWS parameter. Red NEWS occurred in 112 patients (18.7%). Secondary outcomes were fulfilled in 49 patients (8.2%). Mortality overall was 6.5% within 30 days, 1.8% in hospital. In 134 patients (22.4%) the manual calculation of score for NEWS was incorrectly performed by examiner.

Conclusion

Even with a mature RRT in place, we captured patients with failing physiology in general wards reflecting afferent limb failure. Manual calculation of NEWS is frequently incorrect, possibly leading to misclassification of patients at risk.
Prenatal nutrition, stimulation, and exposure to punishment are associated with early child motor, cognitive, language, and socioemotional development in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Pitchik Helen O. , Fawzi Wafaie W. , McCoy Dana Charles , Darling Anne Marie , Abioye Ajibola I. , Tesha Florence , Smith Emily R. , Mugusi Ferdinand , Sudfeld Christopher R.
Published: August 2018

Background

Despite growing evidence that early life experiences and exposures can impact child development, there is limited research on how prenatal and early life nutrition and early life parenting practices predict specific domains of child development in resource‐limited settings. This study examines the association between prenatal factors, birth outcomes, and early life characteristics with motor, cognitive/language, and socioemotional development in Tanzania.

Methods

We assessed motor, cognitive/language, and socioemotional development among a cohort of 198 children aged 20–39 months in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, whose mothers were previously enrolled in a randomized, placebo‐controlled trial of prenatal vitamin A and zinc supplementation. Linear regression models were used to assess standardized mean differences in child development scores for randomized prenatal regimen and pregnancy, delivery, and early childhood factors.

Results

Children born to mothers randomized to prenatal vitamin A had significantly lower reported motor scores in minimally adjusted and multivariate analyses, −0.29SD, 95% CI [−0.54, −0.04],p = 0.03, as compared with children whose mothers did not receive vitamin A. There was no significant effect of randomized prenatal zinc on any development domain. Greater caregiver–child stimulation was associated with 0.38SD, 95% CI [0.14, 0.63],p < 0.01, better cognitive/language scores, whereas children who experienced both verbal and physical punishment had 0.29SD, 95% CI [−0.52, −0.05],p = 0.02, lower scores in socioemotional development. Maternal completion of primary school was associated with higher reported motor and cognitive/language development. Further, children of mothers who were <155 cm tall had lower cognitive and language scores.

Conclusion

Prenatal vitamin A supplements in a setting with low levels of vitamin A deficiency may not provide child development benefits. However, integrated environmental, educational, parenting, and stimulation interventions may have large positive effects across child development domains in resource‐limited settings.
Knowledge and attitudes of recently qualified dentists working in Wales towards antimicrobial prescribing and resistance
Authors: Jones Emily , Cope Anwen
Published: August 2018

Aims

To discover newly qualified dentists’ confidence towards prescribing antimicrobials and explore their attitudes concerning the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Materials and Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study; questionnaires exploring attitudes towards issues related to antimicrobial use and resistance were distributed to dentists undergoing Dental Foundation (DF), Dental Core (DC) or Longitudinal Dental Foundation Training in Wales.

Results

A total of 71 of 90 questionnaires were returned, giving a response rate of 78.9%. Most respondents (90.0%) agreed that antimicrobial resistance poses a serious threat to public health in the UK and 78.9% reported that they considered the impact of dental prescribing to the emergence of resistance to be moderate or greater. The greatest influences on prescribing behaviour were the use of guidelines and teaching received as an undergraduate. Although the majority of participants agreed that they had sufficient training in antimicrobial prescribing, some were not confident when issuing a prescription or undertaking operative treatment for patients with acute dental conditions. Many reported that their prescribing behaviours were influenced by additional pressures, such as if operative treatment had to be delayed. The majority (77.5%) agreed that changes should be implemented to optimise dentists’ antimicrobial prescribing practices, such as increasing the availability of clinical guidelines or further teaching at undergraduate level.

Discussion and Conclusions

Undergraduate dental curricula should include specific competencies relating to antimicrobial use and factors contributing to the development of antimicrobial resistance.
Multi‐sensor fusion for the determination of several soil properties in the Yangtze River Delta, China
Authors: Xu D. , Zhao R. , Li S. , Chen S. , Jiang Q. , Zhou L. , Shi Z.
Published: August 2018

Soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), available nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK) and pH are key chemical properties for evaluating soil fertility and quality. This study involved the integration of four soil sensors, visible near‐infrared (vis–NIR) spectrometer, mid‐infrared (mid‐IR) spectrometer, portable X‐ray fluorescence (PXRF) analyser and laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), to achieve rapid measurement of these soil properties. A genetic algorithm and partial least‐squares regression (GA–PLSR) were used to select characteristic bands to reduce data redundancy. We then calibrated models from three aspects: models using partial least‐squares regression (PLSR) based on single sensor data, models using PLSR based on fused sensor data, involving data combined from the four sensors into a new dataset to create a data fusion (DF) model, and models with Bayesian model averaging (BMA) based on prediction results of fused sensor data, involving prediction results combined from the four sensors into a new dataset to form the BMA model. The results showed the following. (i) For the single sensor, the predictive performance decreased as follows: mid‐IR > vis–NIR > LIBS > PXRF. (ii) Compared with the single sensor approach, the DF approach slightly improved or even reduced prediction accuracy and caused a large amount of redundancy. We suggest that this approach is not able to improve predictive ability. (iii) The BMA approach achieved the best prediction for the six soil properties. Our findings suggest that model averaging of vis–NIR, mid‐IR and LIBS could be a reliable and stable approach for the fast measurement of soil properties.

Highlights

We used four proximal soil sensors to evaluate six key properties for evaluating soil fertility and quality.

GA–PLSR was used to select characteristic bands.

We compared predictions of six soil properties from single sensor, DF and BMA approaches.

BMA predictions were more accurate than predictions from single and fused sensor data.
A Qualitative Study On Patients With Chronic Migraine With Medication Overuse Headache: Comparing Frequent And Non‐Frequent Relapsers
Authors: Scaratti Chiara , Covelli Venusia , Guastafierro Erika , Leonardi Matilde , Grazzi Licia , Rizzoli Paul B. , D’Amico Domenico , Raggi Alberto
Published: August 2018

Background

It is common clinical experience that, after structured withdrawal, some patients with chronic migraine and medication overuse headache (CM with MOH) are more prone than others to relapse and to be in need of further structured treatments. Our aim was to explore similarities and differences between frequent relapsers (FRs) and non‐frequent relapsers (NFRs) by considering their point of view, perceptions, and perspective of their subjective experience with relapse into CM with MOH.

Methods

Patients were consecutively recruited on occasion of a structured withdrawal treatment and were interviewed individually about their headache experience and their perspectives on relapse into CM with MOH. We considered FR those patients requiring 2 or more structured withdrawals for MOH within 3 years. A narrative approach with no preconceived coding schemes was employed. To facilitate coding, categorization and organization of data the software QRS NVivo 11.0 was used: themes were defined as common to FR and NFR, or peculiar (by frequency or content) to one of the 2 groups.

Results

Sixteen patients (13 women; mean age of 53) were interviewed: 7 were classified as FRs. A total of 22 themes emerged from 552 single quotations (the 10 most relevant covered 82% of the entire body of quotations). Four themes were commonly reported by both FR and NFR patients, and 6 were peculiar to one group only. Common aspects included issues connected to the dilemma between disclosing, concealing and the feelings of isolation around MOH, the idea of being addicted to medication, presence of anxiety, and the attempt to use non‐pharmacological therapies as an alternative to medication. Peculiar aspects included causal attribution (FRs attributed headache to uncontrollable factors); future expectations at the time point of withdrawal (FRs were generally resigned); high‐performance functioning (FRs believed they are “forced” to reach high levels of performance as a consequence of others’ inability); coping strategies (FRs tended to “passively accept” problems and showed avoidance‐related behaviors). Moreover, FRs were less frequently aware of their problems and described more frequently depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Our results highlight that some differences between FR and NFR patients with CM and MOH exist. Frequent relapsers among patients with CM and MOH reported some important peculiarities of the lived experience of having chronic migraine; clinicians should recognize these psychosocial aspects such as social relationships, future expectations, the experience of illness, medication management, and how the withdrawal experience is regarded, as they may be associated with frequent relapse into MOH.
‘More people talk to you when you have a dog’ – dogs as catalysts for social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Bould E. , Bigby C. , Bennett P. C. , Howell T. J.
Published: August 2018

Background

Research has shown Australian group homes, and supported living options, fail to support people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) to develop social connections. This pilot study evaluates the effectiveness of a visiting dog walking program to facilitate encounters with other community members.

Method

Sixteen adults with IDs were assigned to one of two groups, matched on key characteristics. Group 1 had 14, 1‐hour outings in the community with a dog and their handler; Group 2 had 14 outings with a handler alone, followed by an additional five outings with a handler and a dog. Within and between group differences were analysed according to number of encounters when a dog was present and absent. Qualitative data provided insights into the nature of these encounters.

Results

The number of encounters was significantly higher when a dog was present than when participants went out into the community with a handler alone. This pattern was reflected in the qualitative data, which also suggested the presence of a dog helped to break social norms about speaking to strangers and discourage disrespect towards people with IDs.

Conclusions

A dog walking program has the potential to encourage convivial encounters, which in the long term could be catalysts to help people with IDs build social connections in their communities; this should be further explored.
Risk of renal events during tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and entecavir antiviral prophylaxis in HBsAg‐positive cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
Authors: Lee I‐Cheng , Chao Yee , Li Chung‐Pin , Su Chien‐Wei , Lan Keng‐Hsin , Lin Han‐Chieh , Hou Ming‐Chih , Huang Yi‐Hsiang
Published: August 2018

The risk of renal events in HBsAg‐positive cancer patients receiving tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) or entecavir (ETV) antiviral prophylaxis during chemotherapy has not been evaluated. This study aimed to evaluate the renal safety of TDF and ETV during chemotherapy. Consecutive, 219 HBsAg‐positive cancer patients treated with TDF (n = 106) or ETV (n = 113) for antiviral prophylaxis during chemotherapy with baseline serum creatinine (SCr) <1.2 mg/dL were retrospectively enrolled. Serial SCr levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were monitored. The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) during antiviral prophylaxis was 33% and 38.9% in TDF and ETV groups, respectively (P = 0.441), while the incidence of sustained kidney injury was 11.3% and 11.5%, respectively (P = 1.000). By multivariate analysis, diuretics use (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.011, P = 0.042) and serum albumin levels (HR = 0.441, P = 0.001) were independent predictors of AKI; serum albumin levels (HR = 0.252, P = 0.002) was the only factor associated with sustained kidney injury; age (HR = 2.752, P < 0.001), baseline SCr levels (HR = 3.386, P < 0.001), and serum albumin levels (HR = 0.437, P = 0.001) were factors associated with a new eGFR <60 mL/min. 34.9% of patients in TDF group and 35.4% in ETV group had deteriorated chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage at the end of follow‐up, respectively. There were no significant differences in the risk of renal events or CKD stage migration between TDF and ETV groups. Renal events may develop in about one‐third of HBsAg‐positive cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The risk of renal function impairment was comparable between patients treated with TDF and ETV antiviral prophylaxis.
Neuromuscular block monitoring after the administration of 1 mg/kg intravenous cis‐atracurium in the anaesthetized pig
Authors: Aguilar Adrià , Moll Xavier , García Félix , Andaluz Anna
Published: August 2018

Neuromuscular blocking agents should be included as part of a balanced anaesthetic protocol to improve anaesthetic management, although doses are not always established for each species. Cis‐atracurium is a benzylisoquinolinium neuromuscular blocking agent with an intermediate duration of action devoid of significant adverse effects previously used in pigs with a wide dosage range. Cis‐atracurium was administered at 1 mg/kg bolus to sixteen pigs to establish its time profile and effects. The pigs were premedicated intramuscularly with 4 mg/kg azaperone, 8 mg/kg ketamine and 0.2 mg/kg morphine IM and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. After cis‐atracurium administration, neuromuscular monitoring via acceleromyography was started until the recovery of the 90% of the train of four ratio. Complete decrease in the train of four ratio was accomplished in eleven pigs. Onset of action was 70 s, with a recovery of the fourth twitch at 26 min and a recovery of a train of four ratio greater than 90% in 60 min. In conclusion, 1 mg/kg intravenous cis‐atracurium in the pig allowed for a rapid onset of action and a complete recovery after 60 min although high variability in the time profile is seen.
Economics of alternative catfish production technologies
Authors: Kumar Ganesh , Engle Carole R. , Hanson Terry R. , Tucker Craig S. , Brown Travis W. , Bott Lisa B. , Roy Luke A. , Boyd Claude E. , Recsetar Matthew S. , Park Jeonghwan , Torrans Eugene L.
Published: August 2018

The US catfish industry has shown increasing trends toward intensification of production as a means of achieving cost efficiencies on farms. Previous studies depicted the potential for cost efficiencies in alternative technologies such as split‐pond systems, intensively aerated ponds, and in‐pond raceway systems. This study provides an economic comparison of these systems under a uniform set of economic assumptions using a standard enterprise budget analysis. Cost of production of hybrid catfish raised in these systems ranged from $2.03 to $2.91/kg, the highest cost being that of in‐pond raceways and the lowest from split ponds. Positive annual net cash flows from split‐pond systems and intensively aerated ponds were sufficient to make the investment profitable. Cumulative effects of high investment cost (high annual fixed costs), poor survival, and lower yields from the in‐pond raceway systems made it economically infeasible. However, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was the best among these technologies. Risk analysis showed stochastic dominance of intensively aerated ponds and split‐pond systems over in‐pond raceway systems. Variations in catfish price, yield, and FCR were the major contributors to economic risk. Implementing combinations of intensively aerated ponds and split‐pond systems should be viewed as a strategy to respond to production and market needs.
Updated characteristics of blood services, donors and blood products in 11 French‐speaking African countries
Authors: Tagny Claude T. , Laperche Syria , Murphy Edward L. ,   The Francophone Africa Network for Transfusion Medicine Research
Published: August 2018

Background and objectives

The Francophone Africa Transfusion Research Network conducted the first large and comprehensive surveys on the status of blood safety in francophone African countries in 2009 and 2012. Since then, there has been substantial investment in blood safety but little is known about progress made in the region.

Materials and Methods

This multicentre cross‐sectional study describes characteristics of blood services, donors and blood products and compares results with previous data. A web‐based questionnaire collected data of 2016 from 38 blood facilities in 11 French‐speaking countries. Data were analysed according to type of blood services and compared to similar studies conducted in 2009 and 2012.

Results

The study included data on 572 933 donations from 366 844 donors. Compared to 2012, there was an increase in the median proportion of voluntary nonremunerated blood donation (+22%) (P = 0·004), and a reduction from 2·1 to 0·9 (P = 0·01), from 10·3 to 6·7 (P = 0·00), from 3·2 to 1·3 (P = 0·006) and from 1 to 0·4 (P = 0·03) in median seroprevalences of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis, respectively. The median proportion of blood orders fulfilled decreased (−18·2%) (P = 0·001). The number of technical staff per 1000 donations ranged from 1 to 54 with hospital‐based blood transfusion services having 12‐fold more staff than National and Regional services.

Conclusion

Several indicators have improved in Francophone Africa Blood services during the last 5 years and national and regional services likely have better indicators than hospital‐based services. These findings may support the need for ongoing blood safety initiatives.
Full-Scale Measurement of Micropressure Waves in High-Speed Railway Tunnels
Authors: Liu Feng , Niu Ji-qiang , Zhang Jie , Li Guo-xing
Published: August 2018

We aim to perform a series of field measurements for high-speed railway tunnels in China to obtain the micropressure wave (MPW) at the tunnel exit and the transient pressures near the tunnel portals. The relationship between the MPW and the nose-entry wave and the effects of train speed and the tunnel exit hole on the MPW are analyzed. The results show that the MPW decreases with increasing distance from the tunnel exit, but increases rapidly with increasing train speeds. Additionally, holes in the hoods near the tunnel exit could decrease the MPW near the tunnel exit by 10–20%.
Large-Eddy Simulation of Buoyancy-Induced Flow in a Sealed Rotating Cavity
Authors: Pitz Diogo B. , Chew John W. , Marxen Olaf
Published: August 2018

Buoyancy-induced flows occur in the rotating cavities of gas turbine internal air systems, and are particularly challenging to model due to their inherent unsteadiness. While the global features of such flows are well documented, detailed analyses of the unsteady structure and turbulent quantities have not been reported. In this work, we use a high-order numerical method to perform large-Eddy simulation of buoyancy-induced flow in a sealed rotating cavity with either adiabatic or heated disks. New insight is given into long-standing questions regarding the flow characteristics and nature of the boundary layers. The analyses focus on showing time-averaged quantities, including temperature and velocity fluctuations, as well as on the effect of the centrifugal Rayleigh number on the flow structure. Using velocity and temperature data collected over several revolutions of the system, the shroud and disk boundary layers are analyzed in detail. The instantaneous flow structure contains pairs of large, counter-rotating convection rolls, and it is shown that unsteady laminar Ekman boundary layers near the disks are driven by the interior flow structure. The shroud thermal boundary layer scales as approximately Ra−1/3, in agreement with observations for natural convection under gravity.
Volume Fraction Dependent Wear Behavior of Titanium-Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Composites Manufactured by Melt Infiltration Casting
Authors: Gecu Ridvan , Karaaslan Ahmet
Published: August 2018

This study aims to investigate the effect of volume fraction of commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti) on microstructural, mechanical, and tribological features of A356 aluminum matrix composites. Vacuum-assisted melt infiltration casting was performed to produce composites with 50%, 65%, 75%, and 80% CP-Ti contents. CP-Ti sawdusts were assembled under mechanical pressure in order to attain porous one-piece CP-Ti preforms which were infiltrated by A356 melt at 730 °C under 10−5 Pa vacuum atmosphere. TiAl3 layer was formed at the interface between A356 and CP-Ti phases. Owing to increased diffusion time through decreased diffusion path length, both thickness and hardness of TiAl3 phase were increased with increasing CP-Ti ratio, whereas the best wear resistance was obtained at 65% CP-Ti ratio. The main reason for decrease in wear resistance of 75% and 80% CP-Ti reinforced composites was fragmentation of TiAl3 layer during wear process due to its excessively increased brittleness. Strongly bonded TiAl3 phase at the interface provided better wear resistance, while weakly bonded ones caused to multiply wear rate.
Drag-Reduction and Resonance Problems of a Jointed Drillstring in the Presence of an Axial Excitation Tool
Authors: Wang Xueying , Ni Hongjian , Wang Ruihe , Zhang Lei , Wang Peng
Published: August 2018

Axial excitation tools (AETs) have the ability to improve slide-drilling efficiency by reducing the friction between the drillstring and the wellbore wall. However, drag-reduction effects are not always satisfactory, and excessive vibration may cause failures of downhole tools in some cases. Thus, a mathematical model was proposed to simulate the vibration responses of a drillstring. In the model, velocity-dependent friction is adopted to calculate the friction-reduction effect. The effect of drillstring joints on the weight on bit (WOB) was first investigated. The simulation results indicate that the joints intensify the stick-slip motion of the drillstring system. The effect of the location of an AET was then examined. The results show that it is better to place an AET near the drill bit rather than near the rear of a build section. Because the frictional drag acting on the lower portion of the drillstring dominates the axial stick-slip motion of a drill bit. Finally, the resonance responses were examined in terms of the drillstring system acceleration. The results show that resonance moderately increases the accelerations of a long horizontal drillstring system in a heavy-damping environment but that the growth of the exciting force can profoundly increase the accelerations.
A Novel Solar Water Sterilization Design: Targeted to Provide Potable Water for a Community of 50 People
Authors: Wazwaz A. , Khan M. S. , Al-Salaymeh A. , Ul-Islam Mazhar , Ahmad Md. Wasi
Published: August 2018

An innovative solar sterilizer design to be fixed on the focus of concentrated solar parabolic dish collector (CSPDC) was presented. The specifications of CSPDC were 4.8 m diameter and 1.8 m focal point according to the manufacturer. With this size, the sterilization can be achieved at a flowrate of 2.2 l/min enough to satisfy the daily potable water requirement for a community of 50 people. The design was tested from the sample collected form Ain Arzat water spring in Dhofar region, Oman. The polluted water samples were tested chemically and biologically before and after using the solar sterilizer. It was found that all water samples are polluted biologically and cannot be directly consumed. By solar sterilization, the samples chemically become closer to the Omani Standards of the first quality level, thus making the design of the solar sterilizer a safe and cost-effective tool for water sterilization.
Viscoelastic Characteristics of Mechanically Assembled Three-Dimensional Structures Formed by Compressive Buckling
Authors: Li Haibo , Wang Xi , Zhu Feng , Ning Xin , Wang Heling , Rogers John A. , Zhang Yihui , Huang Yonggang
Published: August 2018

Vibrational microplatforms that exploit complex three-dimensional (3D) architectures assembled via the controlled compressive buckling technique represent promising candidates in 3D micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), with a wide range of applications such as oscillators, actuators, energy harvesters, etc. However, the accuracy and efficiency of such 3D MEMS might be significantly reduced by the viscoelastic damping effect that arises from material viscosity. Therefore, a clear understanding and characterization of such effects are essential to progress in this area. Here, we present a study on the viscoelastic damping effect in complex 3D structures via an analytical model and finite element analysis (FEA). By adopting the Kelvin–Voigt model to characterize the material viscoelasticity, an analytical solution is derived for the vibration of a buckled ribbon. This solution then yields a scaling law for the half-band width or the quality factor of vibration that can be extended to other classes of complex 3D structures, as validated by FEA. The scaling law reveals the dependence of the half-band width on the geometries of 3D structures and the compressive strain. The results could serve as guidelines to design novel 3D vibrational microplatforms for applications in MEMS and other areas of technology.
Forecasting Postflight Hip Fracture Probability Using Probabilistic Modeling
Authors: Lewandowski Beth E. , Myers Jerry G.
Published: August 2018

A probabilistic model predicts hip fracture probability for postflight male astronauts during lateral fall scenarios from various heights. A biomechanical representation of the hip provides impact load. Correlations relate spaceflight bone mineral density (BMD) loss and postflight BMD recovery to bone strength (BS). Translations convert fracture risk index (FRI), the ratio of applied load (AL) to BS, to fracture probability. Parameter distributions capture uncertainty and Monte Carlo simulations provide probability outcomes. The fracture probability for a 1 m fall 0 days postflight is 15% greater than preflight and remains 6% greater than pre-flight at 365 days postflight. Probability quantification provides insight into how spaceflight induced BMD loss affects fracture probability. A bone loss rate reflecting improved exercise countermeasures and dietary intake further reduces the postflight fracture probability to 6% greater than preflight at 0 days postflight and 2% greater at 365 days postflight. Quantification informs assessments of countermeasure effectiveness. When preflight BMD is one standard deviation below mean astronaut preflight BMD, fracture probability at 0 days postflight is 34% greater than the preflight fracture probability calculated with mean BMD and 28% greater at 365 days postflight. Quantification aids review of astronaut BMD fitness for duty standards. Increases in postflight fracture probability are associated with an estimated 18% reduction in postflight BS. Therefore, a 0.82 deconditioning coefficient modifies force application limits for crew vehicles.