bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palliative care provision in long-term care facilities differs across Europe: Results of a cross-sectional study in six European countries (PACE)
Authors: ten Koppel Maud , Onwuteaka-Philipsen Bregje D , Van den Block Lieve , Deliens Luc , Gambassi Giovanni , Heymans Martijn W , Kylänen Marika , Oosterveld-Vlug Mariska G , Pasman H Roeline W , Payne Sheila , Smets Tinne , Szczerbińska Katarzyna , Twisk Jos WR , van der Steen Jenny T , Groote Zeger De , Mammarella Federica , Mercuri Martina , Pivodic Lara , Pac Agnieszka , Rossi Paola , Segat Ivan , Sowerby Eleanor , Stodolska Agata , van Hout Hein , Wichmann Anne , Adang Eddy , Andreasen Paula , Finne-Soveri Harriet , Collingridge Moore Danni , Froggatt Katherine , Kijowska Violetta , Van Den Noortgate Nele , Vernooij-Dassen Myrra
Published: July 2019

Background:

While the need for palliative care in long-term care facilities is growing, it is unknown whether palliative care in this setting is sufficiently developed.

Aim:

To describe and compare in six European countries palliative care provision in long-term care facilities and to assess associations between patient, facility and advance care planning factors and receipt and timing of palliative care.

Design:

Cross-sectional after-death survey regarding care provided to long-term care residents in Belgium, England, Finland, Italy, the Netherlands and Poland. Generalized estimating equations were used for analyses.

Setting/participants:

Nurses or care assistants who are most involved in care for the resident.

Results:

We included 1298 residents in 300 facilities, of whom a majority received palliative care in most countries (England: 72.6%–Belgium: 77.9%), except in Poland (14.0%) and Italy (32.1%). Palliative care typically started within 2 weeks before death and was often provided by the treating physician (England: 75%–the Netherlands: 98.8%). A palliative care specialist was frequently involved in Belgium and Poland (57.1% and 86.7%). Residents with cancer, dementia or a contact person in their record more often received palliative care, and it started earlier for residents with whom the nurse had spoken about treatments or the preferred course of care at the end of life.

Conclusion:

The late initiation of palliative care (especially when advance care planning is lacking) and palliative care for residents without cancer, dementia or closely involved relatives deserve attention in all countries. Diversity in palliative care organization might be related to different levels of its development.
Value of immune factors for monitoring risk of lung cancer in patients with interstitial lung disease
Authors: Li Ning , Hu Haisheng , Wu Ge , Sun Baoqing
Published: July 2019

Objective

Patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) are at increased risk of developing lung cancer. We aimed to investigate the clinical significance of serum immune factors in this progression.

Methods

We retrospectively screened a hospital database from January 2012 to December 2016 for patients with lung cancer and ILD. We measured serum levels of C3, C4, IgA, IgG, IgM, C-reactive protein (CRP), ceruloplasmin (CER), and rheumatoid factor in these patients and in healthy controls.

Results

We analyzed data for 262 patients with lung cancer, 220 with ILD, and 57 healthy controls. CER levels were significantly higher in patients with lung cancer (0.35 ± 0.10 g/L) compared with both ILD patients (0.31 ± 0.25 g/L) and healthy individuals (0.25 ± 0.04 g/L). C3 and C4 levels were both significantly higher in healthy individuals compared with patients with lung cancer (C3: 1.70 ± 0.29 vs 1.04 ± 0.26 g/L, C4: 0.27 ± 0.24 vs 0.24 ± 0.09 g/L) and ILD (C3: 1.70 ± 0.29 vs 0.97 ± 0.25 g/L, C4: 0.27 ± 0.24 vs 0.21 ± 0.09 g/L). Optimal scaling analysis demonstrated that lung cancer was closely associated with CRP, CER, C3, and C4.

Conclusions

Increased levels of CRP and CER and decreased levels of C3 and C4 may identify patients with ILD at high risk of developing lung cancer.
Anatomic three-dimensional model-assisted surgical planning for treatment of pediatric hip dislocation due to osteomyelitis
Authors: Wei Yi-Ping , Lai Yu-Cheng , Chang Wei-Ning
Published: July 2019

Management of pediatric septic coxarthritis and osteomyelitis of the femur is challenging, and the sequelae of multiplanar hip joint deformity with instability are difficult to reconstruct. The inadequacy of a suitable device for fixing small bones during pediatric osteotomy is a hindrance to the correction of subluxated hip joints and deformed femurs in children. Two-dimensional axial images and three-dimensional (3D) virtual models representing the patient’s individual anatomy are usually reserved for more complex cases of limb deformity. 3D printing technology can be used for preoperative planning of complex pediatric orthopedic surgery. However, there is a paucity of literature reports regarding the application of 3D-printed bone models for pediatric post-osteomyelitis deformity. We herein present a case of a 4-year-old boy who underwent treatment for post-osteomyelitis deformity. We performed corrective surgery with Pemberton osteotomy of the right hip, multilevel varus derotation osteotomy of the right femur, and immobilization with a hip spica cast. A 3D-printed bone model of this patient was used to simulate the surgery, determine the proper osteotomy sites, and choose the appropriate implant for the osteotomized bone. A satisfactory clinical outcome was achieved.
Intertrochanteric fracture in pregnancy- and lactation-associated osteoporosis
Authors: Jun Jie Zeng , Ai Guo , Baojun Wang , Liang Zhang
Published: July 2019

Pregnancy- and lactation-associated osteoporosis (PLO) is a special form of osteoporosis, which is the result of multiple factors affecting bone metabolism. The manifestations of PLO include severe low back or hip pain in the third trimester of pregnancy and postpartum period, and some patients present with a decrease in height and even fragility fractures. We report here a 33-year-old patient who presented with a left intertrochanteric fracture after falling from standing height at 10 months postpartum. She was diagnosed with PLO because of a considerable decrease in bone mineral density. Our findings are discussed in relation to the literature. Early diagnosis and timely and appropriate therapy are particularly important for PLO. PLO should be considered in patients who complain of low back or transient hip pain during pregnancy and lactation. Discontinuing breastfeeding and supplementing calcium/vitamin D should be recommended after diagnosis of PLO is established.
Critical ventilation velocity of two fire sources with different separating distances in road tunnel
Authors: Zhang Shaogang , Shi Long , Wang Jinhui , Li Xianbin , Han Yuedong , He Kun , Cheng Xudong
Published: July 2019

Critical ventilation velocity is an important parameter for the design of road tunnel, while the situation of two fire sources should be considered due to the high probability of two crashed vehicles or fire propagation. The influences of separating distance between two fire sources on the critical ventilation velocity were investigated numerically after the experimental validation of numerical tool. The trend of the dimensionless critical velocity along the separating distance can be divided into three regions, including limited influence, fast decrease, and slight fluctuation. As the separating distance keeps increasing, the fire plumes transform from completely merged to completely separate. The different merging behaviors of fire plumes are the main reasons of showing various critical ventilation velocities with different separating distances. Finally, an empirical model was developed to predict the dimensionless critical ventilation velocity of double fire sources with different separating distances in the longitudinally ventilated road tunnel.
Compartment temperature estimation of a multiple-layer cable tray fire with different cable arrangements in a closed compartment
Authors: Huang Xianjia , Wang Yuhong , Zeng Wuyong , Peng Lan , Cheng Anthony CH , Chow WK
Published: July 2019

Fire hazard analysis of multiple-layer cable tray is an important part of nuclear safety analysis. Large-scale cable fire experiments with a three-layer horizontal cable tray were conducted in a closed compartment. The vertical temperature profile in the middle of the room was acquired. Distinctive stratification phenomena were found in the vertical temperature distribution. The interface between the upper and lower layer was located at approximately the height of the top cable layer. Heat transfer between the smoke and compartment walls occurred mainly above the smoke interface. A modified non-steady energy balance model in a closed compartment which included the effect of smoke interface height was used to estimate the compartment temperatures. Compared with the experimental results, the modified model for the multiple-layer cable tray fire in a closed compartment provides better estimation than the original model.
Fluid Stewardship During Critical Illness: A Call to Action
Authors: Hawkins W. Anthony , Smith Susan E. , Newsome Andrea Sikora , Carr John R. , Bland Christopher M. , Branan Trisha N.
Published: July 2019

Intravenous fluids (IVFs) are the most common drugs administered in the intensive care unit. Despite the ubiquitous use, IVFs are not benign and carry significant risks associated with under- or overadministration. Hypovolemia is associated with decreased organ perfusion, ischemia, and multi-organ failure. Hypervolemia and volume overload are associated with organ dysfunction, delayed liberation from mechanical ventilation, and increased mortality. Despite appropriate provision of IVF, adverse drug effects such as electrolyte abnormalities and acid–base disturbances may occur. The management of volume status in critically ill patients is both dynamic and tenuous, a process that requires frequent monitoring and high clinical acumen. Because patient-specific considerations for fluid therapy evolve across the continuum of critical illness, a standard approach to the assessment of fluid needs and prescription of IVF therapy is necessary. We propose the principle of “fluid stewardship,” guided by 4 rights of medication safety: right patient, right drug, right route, and right dose. The successful implementation of fluid stewardship will aid pharmacists in making decisions regarding IVF therapy to optimize hemodynamic management and improve patient outcomes. Additionally, we highlight several areas of focus for future research, guided by the 4 rights construct of fluid stewardship.
The Evolution of Generalised and Acute Job Tenure Insecurity
Authors: Choonara Joseph
Published: July 2019

An earlier article by Gallie, Felstead, Green and Inanc demonstrates that employee insecurity can be divided into job tenure insecurity (anxieties about the continuity of employment) and job status insecurity (anxieties about the loss of valued features of the job). Here it is argued that job tenure insecurity can be further divided into acute and generalised variants. The former tracks the level of involuntary redundancies in the UK data and is grounded in a realistic assessment of the likelihood of involuntary job loss. The latter is driven by a range of factors, including the economic cycle and the intensification of work that is also associated with rising job status insecurity, and the permeation of insecurity through new sections of the workforce. Its greatest extent was in the mid-1990s and it rose again in the years following the 2008/2009 recession.
Animal models in the neurotoxicology of 2,4-D
Authors: Freitas LM , Valadares LP de Assis , Camozzi MGM , de Oliveira PG , Ferreira Machado MR , Lima FC
Published: July 2019

2,4-D is a selective pre- and postemergence herbicide used for several crops. It is hazardous for the environment and risk for humans; therefore, several studies attempt to evaluate its effects and consequences of its use. The nervous system is supposedly a target for this herbicide, and this comprehensive review gathers the information about animal models that have been used for the study of the neurotoxicity of 2,4-D. The studies used several methods to evaluate the neurotoxicity of this herbicide, most of which used rodents, mainly rats, two used fish, and one used chicken eggs. The main behavioral effect observed concerned alterations in locomotor patterns and reduced motor activity. Biochemical analysis showed decreased levels of serotonin (5-HT) and increased levels of its metabolites and increased or decreased levels of DA and its metabolites depending on the brain area analyzed. Hypomyelination is also a possible effect of 2,4-D when the exposure occurs during the proliferation and development of the oligodendrocytes. The worst neuropathologic effects were observed in fish. Since most studies focused on the neurotoxicity of 2,4-D in rodents, the effect it may have on other species and groups of animals, especially with different physiology, is unclear and it should be researched.
Moderating Effect of Information Asymmetry on the Signalling Role of IPO Lockup Provision
Authors: Yahya Norliza Che , Rahim Ruzita Abdul
Published: July 2019

This article examines the moderating effect of information asymmetry on the relationship between parameters of lockup provision and flipping activity of Malaysian initial public offerings (IPOs). While the main purpose of lockup provision is to promote commitment of major shareholders for the well-being of the IPO issuing companies at least throughout the lockup period, its role could also extend as a signalling device. Information asymmetry is prevalent in the context of IPOs because information on the issuing firms is normally very limited that the evaluation of the firms’ true value becomes difficult. This study postulates that the lockup provision has a greater influence on flipping activity in higher information asymmetry companies than in lower ones. Using data from 370 Malaysian IPOs issued from January 2000 to December 2012, the results of the multiple regression analyses show that both lockup ratio and lockup period have significantly negative impacts on flipping activities. Since lockup period is uniformly longer (1 year) prior to the 2008 Equity Guidelines revision, the results imply that investors have a greater tendency to flip during the post-2008 revision period when major shareholders are perceived to be less strongly accounted for their firms’ performance. The results also show that information asymmetry moderates the negative relationship between lockup provision and flipping activity, specifically, in regard to lockup period.
Utility of Tumor Capsule Thickness as a Predictor of Invasion in Encapsulated Follicular Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma and a Diagnostic Tool for Noninvasive Follicular Thyroid Neoplasm With Papillary-Like Nuclear Features
Authors: French Brenda , Hattier Georgette , Mardekian Stacey K.
Published: July 2019

Context. Noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) is an extremely indolent subset of noninvasive encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (EFVPTC). These lesions share certain features including a delimiting fibrous capsule, and they are distinguished by detailed histological criteria. Objective. We sought to identify whether tumor capsule thickness differs significantly between NIFTP and noninvasive EFVPTC lesions. We also compared tumor capsule thickness between noninvasive and invasive EFVPTC in order to evaluate its utility as a predictive marker of invasion. Design. Encapsulated follicular thyroid neoplasms with papillary-like nuclear features diagnosed over a 3-year period at a single institution were subcategorized into NIFTP, noninvasive EFVPTC, and invasive EFVPTC based on current diagnostic criteria. Maximum tumor capsule thickness for each lesion was measured. Results. A total of 92 lesions (39 NIFTP, 15 noninvasive EFVPTC, and 38 invasive EFVPTC) were evaluated. Tumor capsule thickness was significantly thinner in NIFTP ( P = .022) and significantly thicker in invasive EFVPTC ( P = .0006) when compared with noninvasive EFVPTC. Conclusions. Tumor capsule thickness may be an additional useful marker when distinguishing between NIFTP and noninvasive EFVPTC. A capsule thickness of greater than 0.2 mm should raise suspicion for EFVPTC and thus prompt more thorough review of the submitted tissue for NIFTP exclusionary criteria. Additionally, if capsular and/or vascular invasion are not present on initial slides of an entirely evaluated capsule of EFVPTC that exceeds 0.5 mm in thickness, the pathologist should order additional tissue levels to ensure that a small focus of invasion is not missed.
Phonons in chiral nanorods and nanotubes: A Cosserat-rod-based continuum approach
Authors: Gupta Prakhar , Kumar Ajeet
Published: July 2019

A Cosserat-rod-based continuum approach is presented to obtain phonon dispersion curves of flexural, torsional, longitudinal, shearing, and radial breathing modes in chiral nanorods and nanotubes. Upon substituting the continuum wave form in the linearized dynamic equations of stretched and twisted Cosserat rods, we obtain an analytical expression of a coefficient matrix (in terms of the rod’s stiffnesses, induced axial force, and twisting moment) whose eigenvalues and eigenvectors give us frequencies and mode shapes, respectively, for each of the above phonon modes. We show that, unlike the case of achiral tubes, these phonon modes are intricately coupled in chiral tubes owing to extension–torsion–inflation and bending–shear couplings inherent in them. This coupling renders the conventional approach of obtaining stiffnesses from the long wavelength limit slope of dispersion curves redundant. However, upon substituting the frequencies and mode shapes (obtained independently from phonon dispersion molecular data) in the eigenvalue–eigenvector equation of the above-mentioned coefficient matrix, we are able to obtain all the stiffnesses (bending, twisting, stretching, shearing, and all coupling stiffnesses corresponding to extension–torsion, extension–inflation, torsion–inflation, and bending–shear couplings) of chiral nanotubes. Finally, we show unusual effects of the single-walled carbon nanotube’s chirality as well as stretching and twisting of the nanotube on its phonon dispersion curves obtained from the molecular approach. These unusual effects are accurately reproduced in our continuum formulation.
The Halo Effect and Social Evaluation: How Organizational Status Shapes Audience Perceptions on Corporate Environmental Reputation
Authors: Park Sangchan , Yang Daegyu , Cha Hyeonjin , Pyeon Seobin
Published: July 2019

Although firms generally strive to enhance social evaluations, scholars have noted that such evaluations may not completely reflect actual performance of the firms. Extending this approach to the domain of environmental sustainability, we focus on the importance of social evaluation heuristics and explore how a firm’s status, or generalized evaluation not directly linked to environmental performance, plays a key role in shaping audience perceptions on its environmental reputation. Using multiple sources of data on 178 global companies’ green reputation, status, and environmental performance, our study shows that a firm’s status significantly enhances its environmental reputation assessed by general consumers and that the status effect varies significantly according to media frames. These findings illuminate the richness and complexity in the relations between status, reputation, and media-provided information in the area of environmental sustainability.
The Role of Health Consciousness, Patient–Physician Trust, and Perceived Physician’s Emotional Appraisal on Medical Adherence
Authors: Espinosa Adriana , Kadić-Maglajlić Selma
Published: July 2019

Poor adherence to medical recommendations is a well-recognized catalyst for public health consequences worldwide. The literature highlights health consciousness as a likely antecedent to patient–physician trust, which in turn promotes medical adherence. Nevertheless, principles of patient-centered care suggest that patient perceptions of their doctor’s appraisal of their emotions may influence the path between trust and medical adherence. Accordingly, this study tested the mediating role of patient–physician trust in the relation between health consciousness and medical adherence and assessed whether patient ratings of their doctor’s appraisal of their own and their patients’ emotions moderated the mediated relation. Data were collected via self-report questionnaires from two culturally and economically diverse countries: Bosnia-Herzegovina ( N = 262) and the United States ( N = 314). Participants were young, healthy adults who visited their primary care physician in the past year. The study employed confirmatory factor analysis, mediation, and moderated mediation analyses. The results indicate that health consciousness positively related to patient–physician trust, which was in turn related to higher medical adherence and which mediated 28% of the total effect of health consciousness. Nevertheless, among patients who rated their physicians to have low appraisal for their patients’ emotions but high appraisal for their own emotions, the path from trust to adherence was not significant. These results highlight the importance of promoting health consciousness among young individuals, all while training practitioners to be attuned to their patients’ emotions and circumstances above their own. However, additional findings indicate that the interrelation between doctors’ emotional attributes and adherence is not necessarily one directional and warrants further investigation.
Chronic Central Pain Among Community-Dwelling Survivors of Moderate-to-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Quantitative Sensory Testing Study
Authors: Bouferguène Sabrina , Lapierre Alexandra , Houzé Bérengère , Rainville Pierre , Arbour Caroline
Published: July 2019

Background:

Central pain associated with changes in sensory thresholds is one of the most enduring consequences of major trauma. Yet it remains sparsely studied among community-dwelling survivors of moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Purpose:

To describe and compare thermal and mechanical sensory thresholds in home-based patients with and without central pain after moderate-to-severe TBI with a cohort of healthy controls.

Design:

Cross-sectional.

Method:

Thresholds for cold/heat detection, thermal pain, touch, and distorted sensation were gathered using quantitative sensory testing (QST). QST was performed on the painful and contralateral pain-free body regions in TBI participants with pain (TBI-P) and on both forearms in TBI participants without pain (TBI-NP) and healthy controls (HC). Central pain was characterized using the Brief Pain Inventory–Short Form.

Results:

We tested 16 TBI-P patients, 17 TBI-NP patients, and 16 HC. Mean time since injury for TBI patients was 24 ± 15 months. TBI-P and TBI-NP patients showed significant loss in innocuous mechanical sensitivity compared to HC ( F = 18.929; Bonferroni-adjusted p ≤ .001). Right–left differences in cold pain sensations were significantly larger in TBI-P than in TBI-NP and HC participants ( F = 14.352; Bonferroni-adjusted p ≤ .001). Elevated heat sensitivity thresholds were also observed in TBI-P participants but remained within normal range.

Conclusion:

Damage to cutaneous mechanoreceptors is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for the development of chronic central pain following TBI. Damage or incomplete recovery of cutaneous thermoreceptors may be a contributing factor to chronic pain after TBI.
Micropulsed diode laser cyclophotocoagulation in recurrent pediatric glaucoma
Authors: Elhefney Eman M , Mokbel Tharwat H , Hagras Sherein M , AlNagdy Ahmed A , Ellayeh Adel A , Mohsen Tarek A , Gaafar Walid M
Published: July 2019

Purpose:

To evaluate the intermediate-term efficacy and safety of micropulsed diode laser cyclophotocoagulation in recurrent pediatric glaucoma.

Patients and Methods:

A prospective interventional study included children <16 years old diagnosed with recurrent glaucoma, attending Mansoura University, during the period from July 2017 to November 2017. Micropulsed diode laser sessions were performed in all the cases. The main outcome was the intraocular pressure reduction with monitoring of complications as secondary outcome. The mean follow-up period was 15.08 ± 1.1 (mean: 12–16) months.

Results:

A total of 36 eyes of 29 patients were included (62% males) with median age of 24 months. Primary congenital glaucoma represented 47.2% of the initial diagnoses. At the 15th month, the mean intraocular pressure dropped significantly from 37.5 ± 11.3 mmHg at baseline to 20.03 ± 2.7 mmHg (p < 0.001) with 37.15% reduction. The mean number of glaucoma medications decreased significantly from 2.6 ± 0.5 pretreatment to 1.7 ± 0.6 at the 15th month (p < 0.001). A total of 24 eyes (66.7%) required second session of treatment with mean number of 1.7 ± 0.5 sessions per eye. The cumulative probability of qualified success was 69.4%, 58.3%, 52.8%, 47.2%, and 41.7% at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 15 months after treatment. Qualified success was achieved in 61% at 15 months without statistically significant difference between the initial diagnoses (p = 0.61). None of the eyes developed any major ocular complications throughout the follow-up period.

Conclusion:

Micropulsed diode laser was proved to be a safe approach with relative effectiveness in controlling intraocular pressure in children with recurrent glaucoma.
Whispering tales: using augmented reality to enhance cultural landscapes and Indigenous values
Authors: Marques Bruno , McIntosh Jacqueline , Carson Hannah
Published: July 2019

Increasingly, our built and natural environments are becoming hybrids of real and digital entities where objects, buildings and landscapes are linked online in websites, blogs and texts. In the case of Aotearoa New Zealand, modern lifestyles have put Māori Indigenous oral narratives at risk of being lost in a world dominated by text and digital elements. Intangible values, transmitted orally from generation to generation, provide a sense of identity and community to Indigenous Māori as they relate and experience the land based on cultural, spiritual, emotion, physical and social values. Retaining the storytelling environment through the use of augmented reality, this article extends the biophysical attributes of landscape through embedded imagery and auditory information. By engaging with Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, a design approach has been developed to illustrate narratives through different media, in a way that encourages a deeper and broader bicultural engagement with landscape.
Application of Organic Fertilizers Affect the Citrus Leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) Infestation and Citrus Canker Disease in Nursery Plantations
Authors: Ullah Muhammad Irfan , Riaz Muhammad , Arshad Muhammad , Khan Aqeel Haider , Afzal Muhammad , Khalid Samina , Mehmood Naunain , Ali Sajjad , Khan Arif Muhammad , Zahid Syed Muhammad Ali , Riaz Maryam
Published: July 2019

Citrus leafminer (CLM), Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), is one of the most important insect pests of Pakistan’s citrus nursery stock and caused extensive damage to young flushes. The organic compost is a widespread technique used to manage insect pests and plant diseases. Different composts (biofert, tara root and vermicompost) at 0.5 and 0.25 kg/plant concentration in comparison to NPK fertilizer at 0.4 and 0.2 g/plant were evaluated for CLM infestation and the associated citrus canker disease in nursery plantations of Citrus reticulata Blanco. Application of biofert at 0.5 kg/plant reduced the CLM infestation up to 54.5% during Fall-2016 and 39.1% during Summer-2017 in comparison to control treatment. The CLM larval density was also found lower by the application of biofert followed by vermicompost during both seasons. Both concentrations of biofert followed by vermicompost at 0.5 kg/plant resulted in remarkable protection against citrus canker disease in both flushes. The incidence of canker associated with CLM infested leaves was also studied and found lower by the application of biofert and vermicompost compared with control treatment. Conclusively, the soil amendment using biofert and vermicompost affects the CLM population and canker infection in nursery plantations. These organic fertilizers can be used in future citrus IPM programs as a tool to suppress the CLM population and citrus canker disease.
Management of an Unusual Intranasal Foreign Body Abutting the Cribriform Plate: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Gray Mingyang L , Kappauf Catharine , Govindaraj Satish
Published: July 2019

A 35-year-old man with history of schizophrenia presented 3 weeks after placing a screw in his right nostril. Initial imaging showed a screw in the right ethmoid sinus with the tip penetrating the right cribriform plate. On exam, the patient was hemodynamically stable with purulent drainage in the right nasal cavity but no visible foreign body. While most nasal foreign bodies occur in children and are generally removed at the bedside, intranasal foreign bodies in adults tend to require further assessment. The foreign body in this case was concerning for skull base involvement and the patient was brought to the operating room (OR) with neurosurgery for endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and removal of foreign body. The screw was removed and the patient recovered with no signs of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak postoperatively. Any concern for skull base or intracranial involvement should call for a full evaluation of the mechanism of injury and intervention in a controlled environment.
Travel Frog: Traversing cultural borders with mobile games
Authors: Davies Hugh , Li Zhuying
Published: July 2019

This study concerns the Japanese mobile game Tabi Kaeru (2017), ‘旅かえる’, or Travel Frog as it is known in English. We explore Travel Frog’s astonishing success in China in early 2018 despite no marketing campaign or Chinese localization of this Japanese language game. First outlining the game and its development, we then trace its reception in Chinese and Western social media and its popularity among Chinese players. Combining comparative media and digital ethnographic methodologies, we explore the role of Internet influencers and investigate North Asian cultural commonalities such as Buddhist Zen philosophy, work ethic, and family values examining how they may have contributed to the popularity of the game. Recognizing the cultural appeal of this game outside its native language, we call for an interrogation of the process of games localization as a factor in the success of videogames. This article brings a rare examination of the transnational impact of games by exploring how they are transmitted through contemporary social media and interpreted through enduring cultural connections.
Vibration-based Bayesian model updating of civil engineering structures applying Gaussian process metamodel
Authors: Moravej Hossein , Chan Tommy HT , Nguyen Khac-Duy , Jesus Andre
Published: July 2019

Structural health monitoring plays a significant role in providing information regarding the performance of structures throughout their life spans. However, information that is directly extracted from monitored data is usually susceptible to uncertainties and not reliable enough to be used for structural investigations. Finite element model updating is an accredited framework that reliably identifies structural behavior. Recently, the modular Bayesian approach has emerged as a probabilistic technique in calibrating the finite element model of structures and comprehensively addressing uncertainties. However, few studies have investigated its performance on real structures. In this article, modular Bayesian approach is applied to calibrate the finite element model of a lab-scaled concrete box girder bridge. This study is the first to use the modular Bayesian approach to update the initial finite element model of a real structure for two states—undamaged and damaged conditions—in which the damaged state represents changes in structural parameters as a result of aging or overloading. The application of the modular Bayesian approach in the two states provides an opportunity to examine the performance of the approach with observed evidence. A discrepancy function is used to identify the deviation between the outputs of the experimental and numerical models. To alleviate computational burden, the numerical model and the model discrepancy function are replaced by Gaussian processes. Results indicate a significant reduction in the stiffness of concrete in the damaged state, which is identical to cracks observed on the body of the structure. The discrepancy function reaches satisfying ranges in both states, which implies that the properties of the structure are predicted accurately. Consequently, the proposed methodology contributes to a more reliable judgment about structural safety.
The Conceptualisation and Measurement of Consumer Value in Services
Authors: Sánchez-Fernández Raquel , Iniesta-Bonillo M. Ángeles , Holbrook Morris B
Published: July 2019

Consumer value has been widely recognised as a key factor in organisational management, marketing strategy and consumer behaviour. However, because of the scattered and non-conclusive pattern of research on this concept, no single conceptualisation or measurement has won universal acceptance. The present paper develops an approach to understanding and measuring consumer value in a service context. The psychometric properties of the resulting indices support the multidimensional structure of the value concept. Hence, through both theoretical and managerial implications, this study suggests directions for further empirical research on this important topic.
Forum - Research 2.0: Engage or Give up the Ghost?
Authors: Oxley Martin , Light Brendan
Published: July 2019

For decades the research industry has spoken about the issue of response rates. Although it is not the most exciting of subjects, it is very important. Now with the advent of internet technologies we are in a world where the rules have changed. This article outlines our arguments for why the adoption of more engaging research tools will help the research industry address these new challenges.
The Positive Power of the Reviewing Process
Authors: Nairn Agnes
Published: July 2019

Agnes Nairn shares some thoughts on the peer reviewing process of journal articles, including the role of the reviewer and review procedure.
Essence: The Structure and Dynamics of the Brand
Authors: Barnham Chris
Published: July 2019

The concept of ‘brand essence’ is relatively well established in marketing circles. It has come to the fore as a way for marketers to better understand their brands and also as a benchmark to evaluate brand activities. In some quarters, however, the concept has encountered more resistance. It is seen by many in the creative community as something that oversimplifies the marketing process and limits the power of the brand. The main argument of this paper is that brand essence has been fundamentally misunderstood. This has resulted in a number of negative consequences for the branding process. However, this paper will also show how the concept still has much to offer marketing professionals. A new, and more relevant, interpretation of brand essence is put forward in this paper, which recognises the intrinsically relational and dynamic aspects of the concept. As such, it creates a new platform upon which we can build our understanding of brands.
A Framework for Designing New Products and Services
Authors: García Rubén Huertas , Segura Carolina Consolación
Published: July 2019

Customer satisfaction is an important objective in all areas of business and services. A key issue in today's design activities is to achieve customer satisfaction in an economical way by finding the attributes that are most valuable to customers. In this paper we propose a formal and efficient methodology to design a new service, which is an improvement on a platform service. We propose a methodology to link two tools - the statistical design of experiments (SDE), for data collection, and quality function deployment (QFD), for the development of conceptual alternatives. The focus is only on functional dimensions, but it can be used in symbolic and aesthetic dimensions. The study uses a recent survey on the development of an operations management course curriculum to illustrate the conjoint methodology.
Who Donates to Party Switchers?
Authors: Hamel Brian T. , Yoshinaka Antoine
Published: July 2019

What are the causal effects of legislative party switching on campaign fundraising? Using a selection-on-observables strategy (a first in the study of U.S. party switchers), we demonstrate that relative to other similarly situated legislators, party switchers rely more heavily on partisan and ideological, out-of-district individual donors, and direct party contributions. In short, switchers—in trying to alleviate the electoral costs of switching—rely disproportionately on donors motivated to protect vulnerable incumbents of a particular party. We conclude with a discussion of how these dynamics reinforce partisan polarization and raise normative questions about representation and the role of the “surrogate constituency.”
Analysis of woven fabric in asymmetric tensile loading using parabolic approximation of tensile nonlinearity
Authors: Šomođi Željko , Zdraveva Emilija , Brnada Snježana
Published: July 2019

Unlike many other engineering materials, deformational behaviour of fabrics is marked by specific nonlinearities. For the purpose of certain engineering analyses, nonlinearity can be approximately described by means of appropriate models. A number of possibilities in approximation of tensile nonlinearity are statistically analysed and compared for the representative selection of woven fabrics. Second-order parabolic approximation is estimated to combine simplicity and good accuracy for a selected woven fabric. It is then included into deformational analysis of specimen in asymmetric tensile loading, as the case representative for structural application of textile, where geometric conditions combined with material properties define the mechanical behaviour of the body. The results indicate the factors of stress concentration due to load eccentricity. Simulation of tensile test gives the theoretical prediction of apparent reduction in stiffness and strength of the specimen in terms of the load eccentricity.
A status of guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) and pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) population transferred from wildlife to the breeding assessed based on the histone H1.c’ polymorphic variation
Authors: Kowalski Andrzej
Published: July 2019

The genetic changes accompanying a relocation of population to the captivity are mostly adverse and usually associated with deterioration of its status. These alterations are greater in small populations in which a loss of genetic variation limits the capability to adaptation. In this work, a status of small-sized guinea fowl and pheasant population relocated to the breeding is presented. These populations were analyzed based on the polymorphism of histone H1.c’, the protein for the first time identified as a heterogeneous. Histone H1.c’ was resolved in the two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel into the isoform H1.c’1 and H1.c’2, so its heterogeneity corresponds to the presence of homozygous phenotypes c’1 and c’2. Because no histone H1.c’ heterozygous phenotype was found, a significant phenotypic diversity in the guinea fowl ( P = 0.023) and pheasant ( P = 0.018) population was detected, together with its departures from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium ( P < 0.0001). Both populations characterize an extreme loss of genetic diversity due to complete inbreeding ( F = 1) and an impact of genetic drift which, according to the expected values for guinea fowl (0.192) and pheasant (0.182) population, may strongly diminish allele frequency in the following generations. Thus, condition of populations evaluated based on the histone H1.c’ polymorphic variants, recognized as reasonable informative genetic markers (polymorphism information content of guinea fowl = 0.4 and pheasant = 0.38), corresponds to reduction of genetic variability caused by inbreeding and genetic drift. Therefore, it seems that rearing in the captivity can bring negative effects that favor restriction of animals’ vitality and survival of the population.
Psychosocial and physical factors associated with depression in older adults living in studio apartments: A cross-sectional study of a multi-ethnic Asian population
Authors: Sum Grace , Tan Yun Ru , Hong Song-Iee , Koh Gerald Choon-Huat
Published: July 2019

Background:

There is a rapidly ageing population globally, leading to a rise in subsidised public housing in many countries for older adults. According to the World Health Organisation, depression is the most prevalent mental disorder in older adults. There is a gap in literature on the factors associated with depression in those residing in studio apartments for older adults, characterised by small living spaces and isolated community settings.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to examine the associations between socio-demographic variables, social support, self-perceived health and mental status, life satisfaction, exercise, physical functioning, chronic conditions, and the use of eldercare services, with depressive symptoms.

Methods:

We utilised a cross-sectional study of older adults aged ⩾55 years residing in Singapore’s studio apartments. Multivariable logistic regression was applied.

Results:

Widowhood was associated with depressive symptoms, compared to being married or having a domestic partner (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01 to 2.86). Odds of depressive symptoms were associated with difficulty bathing and showering (AOR = 3.74, 95% CI = 1.06 to 13.21). Depressive symptoms were associated with cataract (AOR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.01 to 2.77) and urinary tract disorder (AOR = 4.70, 95% CI = 1.21 to 18.26). There were dose-response relationships between higher odds of depressive symptoms and poorer social support, self-perceived mental health, life satisfaction, and exercise behaviour ( p for trend < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Factors including widowhood, physical functioning difficulty, chronic conditions, low social support, low self-perceived mental health, poor life satisfaction, and lack of exercise behaviour, were associated with depressive symptoms in older adults residing in studio apartments. More attention is needed to care for the psychosocial and physical needs of older adults in studio apartments.
Validation of Self-Reported Race in a Canadian Provincial Renal Administrative Database
Authors: Waheed Aiza , Djurdjev Ognjenka , Dong Jianghu , Gill Jagbir , Barbour Sean
Published: July 2019

Background:

Administrative data are commonly used to study clinical outcomes in renal disease. Race is an important determinant of renal health delivery and outcomes in Canada but is not validated in most administrative data, and the correlation with census-based definitions of race is unknown.

Objectives:

Validation of self-reported race (SRR) in a Canadian provincial renal administrative database (Patient Records and Outcome Management Information System [PROMIS]) and comparison with the Canadian census categories of race.

Design:

Prospective patient survey study to validate SRR in PROMIS.

Setting:

British Columbia, Canada.

Patients:

Adult patients registered in PROMIS.

Measurements:

Survey SRR was used as gold standard to validate SRR in PROMIS. Self-reported race in PROMIS was compared with census race categories.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional telephone survey of a random sample of all adults in PROMIS conducted between February 2016 and November 2016. Responders selected a race category from PROMIS and from the Canadian census. Sensitivity (Sn) and specificity (Sp) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results:

A total of 21 039 patients met inclusion criteria, 1677 were selected for the survey and 637 participated (38% response rate). There were no differences between the PROMIS, sampled, and responder populations. PROMIS SRR had an accuracy of 95.3% (95% CI: 94.2%-97.0%) when validated against the survey SRR with Sn and Sp ≥90% in all race groups except in Aboriginals (Sn 87.5%). The positive and negative predictive values were ≥95%, except in very low and high–prevalence groups, respectively. The Canadian census had an accuracy of 95.7% (95% CI: 94.4%-97.6%) when validated against PROMIS SRR with Sn and Sp ≥90%. The results did not differ in subgroups based on age, sex, birth outside Canada, or renal group (glomerulonephritis, chronic kidney disease, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, transplant recipients, or live donors).

Limitations:

Analysis of minority groups and lower prevalence groups is limited by sample size. Results may not be generalizable to other administrative databases.

Conclusions:

We have shown high accuracy of PROMIS SRR that validates its use in the secondary analysis of administrative data for research. There is high correlation between PROMIS and census race categories which allows linkage with other data sources that use census-based definitions of race.
Governance and Expertise in the Teaching Profession: An Analysis of Contemporary Japanese Educational Reforms
Authors: Hamada Hirofumi
Published: July 2019

Purpose:

This article examines the Japanese teaching profession’s position on current school governance reforms in Japan and the difficulties teachers are facing as the reforms progress.

Design/Approach/Methods:

This article describes how a policy for developing teacher quality standards tends to suppress teacher independence while increasing the heteronomy of the teaching profession. The article discusses how Japan can meet its goal of ensuring “expertise in the teaching profession” by referring to the relationship between “professionalism” and “publicness” in the theories of occupational sociology.

Findings:

Expertise in the teaching profession is based on a mixture of academic and practical knowledge. The term “educational professionals” should be interpreted to include both “researchers” and “practitioners.” A sustainable governance mechanism for the Japanese teaching profession should be built on a four-way relationship among researchers, practitioners, citizens, and government administrators.

Originality/Value:

This study provides a critical review of a broad-reaching educational policy and proposes a new approach for restructuring the governance of the Japanese teaching profession.
William Newbern and Youth Hymns: The Music Ministry of the C&MA in South China in the Mid-Twentieth Century
Authors: Chu Calida
Published: July 2019

American missionary William Newbern (1900–1972), one of the first C&MA missionaries to China, is known as the father of the Hong Kong Alliance Bible Seminary. Newbern, a successful evangelist and educator, also made a major contribution to Chinese hymnology in the mid-twentieth century, especially in his editorial role in preparing Youth Hymns, whose hymns are still used in Chinese churches today. As primary sources, I use mainly his autobiography ( The Cross and the Crown), his articles in Alliance Magazine, and his music commentaries Narrating Hymns ( Shengshi mantan).