bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of precompression time and strength on the physical characteristics of quasi-stapled porcine small intestinal tissue
Authors: Zhou Yu , Lin Qihang , Xu Jingjing , Wei Siqian , Yang Chengcan , Wang Bing , Song Chengli
Published: July 2018

Precompression is vital when performing gastrointestinal anastomosis with staplers. However, research on the internal changes in intestinal tissue under stapling is lacking, and the effects of precompression have not been clarified. In this study, a stapler was modified, and the multifrequency bioimpedance of porcine small intestinal tissue was measured from before clamping the tissue with the stapler until the release of the tissue after precompression without firing. The Cole Y model was fitted to the bioimpedance, and the changes in the tissue were analyzed using the model parameters: G0, extracellular fluid conductance, and Δ G, intracellular fluid conductance. The results show that the changes of G0 and Δ G could be divided into four stages: rapid decrease, slow decrease, intense resilience, and slow recovery. During slow decrease stage, there was a greater decrease of G0 and Δ G (1.02E−05 ± 1.12E−05 S and 1.73E−05 ± 2.12E−05 S in precompression time’s increase, 1.68E−05 ± 8.74E−06 S and 1.20E−05 ± 1.09E−05 S in precompression strength’s increase). On the contrary, during intense resilience stage, there was a less increase of G0 and Δ G (0.88E−05 ± 4.86E−05 S and 9.15E−05 ± 9.37E−05 S in precompression time’s increase, 2.72E−05 ± 3.53E−05 S and 1.02E−04 ± 8.54E−05 S in precompression strength’s increase). In conclusion, the effects of precompression factors on tissue have been preliminary revealed: the tissue under precompression becomes thinner and less resilient. To improve the precompression effects and reduce any excessive pressure exerted on the staples by tissue resilience, the precompression time and strength should be increased appropriately.
Depression and Perspectives of Nigerian Immigrant Men in the United States: An Applied Ethnographic Study
Authors: Ezeobele Ifeoma E. , Ekwemalor Chukwudi C. , Ogunbor Anderson
Published: July 2018

Introduction: Depression is among the most serious health problems experienced by immigrants. Research has not sufficiently explored the perspectives of immigrant men from male-dominant cultures on depression. The purpose of this study was to describe the perspectives of Nigerian immigrant men in the United States on depression and to determine whether their perceptions differ from those of their female counterparts of a previous study. Method: Focused applied ethnography was used to explore the perspectives of a purposeful sample of 18 Nigerian immigrant men in Houston, Texas, and analyze the data using a thematic approach. Results: The overarching theme was, “Depression does not exist in the Nigerian culture.” The participants denied the existence of depression. Gender differences were not noted in their perception of depression. Discussion: The participants perceived depression differently from the U.S. dominant culture and may not receive adequate screening or treatment for depression, supporting the extant call for recognition of cultural differences in health care.
Malignant Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Humerus: A Case Report of an Extremely Rare Primary Bone Tumor
Authors: Suarez-Zamora David A. , Rodriguez-Urrego Paula A. , Soto-Montoya Camilo , Rivero-Rapalino Oscar , Palau-Lazaro Mauricio A.
Published: July 2018

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a spindle-shaped cell neoplasm originally described in the pleura, but subsequently found in many anatomic sites. Only few cases of primary SFTs in the bone have been previously described in the literature. We present the case of an 86-year-old man with a 1-week history of pain in his left arm. Imaging studies demonstrated a well-defined osteolytic lesion in the proximal humerus measuring 6.1 cm in diameter. Sections showed a round to spindle-shaped cell neoplasm with prominent mitotic activity (28 mitoses per 10 high-power fields) and areas of necrosis, focally surrounding staghorn-shaped vessels. The tumor cells were positive for CD34, CD99, Bcl-2, and STAT6 and negative for smooth muscle actin, epithelial membrane antigen, and cytokeratin AE1/AE3. These findings were consistent with a malignant SFT involving the left humerus. Although extremely rare, SFT should be considered in the differential diagnosis of primary bone tumors. This is the first case report of a primary SFT in a long bone with malignant histological features.
Apoptotic Mechanisms in Neurodegeneration: Possible Relevance to Glaucoma
Authors: Tatton W.G.
Published: July 2018

Deprenyl, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, along with its primary metabolite desmethyldeprenyl (DES) have been shown to reduce neuronal apoptosis by a mechanism that requires gene transcription and involves the maintenance of mitochondrial membrane potential. This review article explores the mechanisms by which DES maintains mitochondrial membrane potential. Mediated by GAPDH binding, DES increases mitochondrial BCL-2 and BCL-xL levels and decreases BAX levels thereby preventing the permeability transition pore (PTP) from opening and preventing apoptotic degradation. The favorable effects of deprenyl on neuronal apoptosis suggests the therapeutic potential of designing compounds with the capacity to alter the configurations of pro-apoptosis or anti-apoptotic proteins.
The Effect of Chronic Ischemia on the Primate Optic Nerve
Authors: Cioffi G. A. , Sullivan P.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

To develop an in vivo model of chronic optic nerve ischemia to study the role of vascular insufficiency in the development of glaucomatous optic neuropathy.

Methods

We surgically implanted osmotically-driven mini-pumps that allowed the continuous micro-application of 0.2 micrograms/day of endothelin-1 (ET-1) into the retrobulbar optic nerve of rabbits and rhesus monkeys. ET-1 was delivered for 2 to 6 months, following which histological studies were performed.

Results

Both rabbits and primates experienced a 35% to 38% decrease in optic nerve blood flow with corresponding focal narrowing of the vessels supplying the optic nerve. In the rabbit model, optic disc excavation and histologic tissue loss in the anterior optic nerve resulted from the induced ischemia.

Conclusions

Chronic ischemia of the primate anterior optic nerve induced with endothelin-1 infusion resulted in diffuse loss of axons without a change in the intraocular pressure.
Ocular Blood Flow Endpoints
Authors: Pillunat L. E.
Published: July 2018

Impaired blood supply or reduced ocular blood flow may cause optic nerve damage in glaucoma patients. It is therefore beneficial to study the ocular hemodynamics of glaucoma patients. This article discusses various techniques used in examining orbital and intraocular vessels and ocular blood flow. Color Doppler Imaging (CDI), Laser Doppler Flowmetry (LDF), the Heidelberg Retina Flowmeter (HRF), angiography, ocular pulse amplitudes, and pulsatile ocular blood flow are reviewed. Although there are many techniques available for measuring ocular hemodynamics, the most promising approach may be the direct measurement of capillary blood flow by laser Doppler techniques.
The importance of novelty satisfaction for multiple positive outcomes in physical education
Authors: González-Cutre David , Sicilia Álvaro
Published: July 2018

Novelty has recently been suggested as a potential basic psychological need within self-determination theory. Taking into account the lack of research on this new construct, the purpose of this study was to show the role of novelty satisfaction in physical education, analyzing its relations with some outcomes that are relevant for academic achievement. Secondary school students completed measures of basic psychological need satisfaction (autonomy, competence, and relatedness), novelty satisfaction, the three types of intrinsic motivation (to know, to accomplish, and to experience stimulation), and different outcomes (vitality, dispositional flow, and satisfaction) for physical education. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a high correlation between autonomy and novelty satisfaction. The problem of discriminant validity was solved by removing an item from the original version of the Novelty Need Satisfaction Scale due to its overlap with the autonomy construct. This modification contributed to improving the psychometric properties of this scale. Structural equation modeling showed that satisfaction of the need for competence was the strongest predictor of intrinsic motivation to accomplish and to experience stimulation, whereas novelty satisfaction was the strongest predictor of intrinsic motivation to know. Positive direct and indirect effects from novelty satisfaction were found on vitality, dispositional flow, and satisfaction with physical education classes. These results suggest the importance of teachers developing strategies to provide novelty support, with the aim of achieving multiple positive outcomes in physical education.
The knowledge base for language teaching: What is the English to be taught as content?
Authors: Schleppegrell Mary J.
Published: July 2018

English language teachers who work with children in schools need knowledge about how English works to construct and present knowledge. This article discusses three aspects of that knowledge: understanding variation in the registers needed to engage in different classroom tasks, being able to identify language features used in the disciplinary discourses of different school subjects, and being able to draw on meaningful metalanguage to raise children’s consciousness about the ways English is used in the texts they read and write. Examples of these knowledge bases and how they are relevant in elementary and secondary classrooms are presented here, drawing on the meaning-based theory of systemic functional linguistics (SFL). Implications of the need to develop such understandings for the work of teacher educators are acknowledged. However, achieving this goal is argued to be especially important in school contexts where English language teachers are increasingly being asked to collaborate with and support subject-area teachers as they work with children learning English.
Effects of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors on the kidney
Authors: de Albuquerque Rocha Natalia , Neeland Ian J , McCullough Peter A , Toto Robert D , McGuire Darren K
Published: July 2018

Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors are antihyperglycaemic medications with an emerging evidence base for cardiovascular and kidney disease risk reduction. Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors medications lower plasma glucose by inhibiting glucose reabsorption in the proximal tubule of the kidney independent of insulin. Furthermore, they reduce intraglomerular pressure by restoring tubuloglomerular feedback. Large cardiovascular outcome trials of both empagliflozin and canagliflozin have consistently shown beneficial kidney effects that go beyond glycaemic control, such as reducing risk for incident nephropathy and progression of chronic kidney disease. The mechanisms by which sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors improve kidney outcomes are not clear.

Proposed hypotheses underpinning the kidney benefits include kidney-specific effects such as decreased intraglomerular pressure, activation of angiotensin-(1-7) and the Mas receptor leading to decreased inflammation, decrease in overall kidney oxygen consumption, rise in erythropoietin levels, inhibition of the renal sodium–hydrogen exchanger and secondary kidney effects related to improvements in HbA1cand blood pressure.

This review will focus on describing the mechanisms of action of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in the kidney, clinical efficacy data on their use in patients with chronic kidney disease, postulated physiologic underpinnings of kidney protection observed with sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and the promise and potential pitfalls for their use in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Has Competition in the Market for Subscription Sports Broadcasting Benefited Consumers? The Case of the English Premier League
Authors: Butler Robert , Massey Patrick
Published: July 2018

This paper investigates the peculiar nature of competition in the broadcasting market for live English Premier League matches in the United Kingdom. Following the movement from free-to-air to subscription television in 1992, British Sky Broadcasting secured a monopoly on live broadcasting rights. The exclusive arrangements were later found to be in breach of European competition law and resulted in competition from the start of the 2007-2008 season. However, competition has not reduced prices charged to consumers. Both the overall cost to consumers and the price per game are higher with competing broadcasters than under a monopoly.
Comparison of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy Combined With or Without Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization for Patients With Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma Ineligible for Resection or Ablation Therapies
Authors: Kimura Tomoki , Aikata Hiroshi , Doi Yoshiko , Imano Nobuki , Takeuchi Yuki , Takahashi Ippei , Nishibuchi Ikuno , Katsuta Tsuyoshi , Kenjo Masahiro , Murakami Yuji , Awai Kazuo , Chayama Kazuaki , Nagata Yasushi
Published: July 2018

Introduction:

To compare the efficacy and safety of stereotactic body radiation therapy with or without transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma who were ineligible for resection or ablation therapies.

Methods:

A total of 150 patients with 185 hepatocellular carcinoma (≤3 nodules, Child-Turcotte-Pugh class A or B, and no vascular or extrahepatic metastases) were treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy. In principle, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization was combined before stereotactic body radiation therapy (combination group), but some patients were treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy alone. The prescribed dose of stereotactic body radiation therapy was 48 Gy in 4 fractions at the isocenter and 40 Gy in 4 or 5 fractions at the dose covering 95% of the planning target volume. The overall survival, progression-free survival, local progression free survival, and complication rates were retrospectively compared between the groups. Local progression was defined as irradiated tumor growth in dynamic computed tomography follow-up. Tumor responses were assessed according to the Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Treatment-related toxicities were evaluated according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0.

Results:

Twenty-eight and 122 patients were enrolled in the stereotactic body radiation therapy alone and combination groups, respectively. The median follow-up periods were 16 and 29 months, respectively. The 2-year overall, progression-free, and local progression-free survival times in stereotactic body radiation therapy alone and combination groups were 78.6% and 80.3% ( P = .6583), 49.0% and 42.9% ( P = .188), and 71.4% and 80.8% ( P = .9661), respectively. The incidence of ≥grade 3 toxicities was 17.9% in stereotactic body radiation therapy alone group and 18.9% in combination group ( P = .903).

Conclusions:

Stereotactic body radiation therapy alone may be a good treatment option for patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma who were ineligible for resection or ablation therapies.
High Immune Expression of Progesterone-Induced Blocking Factor in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Madendag Yusuf , Sahin Erdem , Madendag Ilknur Col , Sahin Mefkure Eraslan , Acmaz Gokhan , Karaman Hatice
Published: July 2018

Background:

Progesterone-induced blocking factor, which is released from maternal lymphocytes during pregnancy mediates the immune effect of progesterone. According to new reports, it is suggested that proliferating cells, such as human trophoblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, and malignant tumors, can excrete progesterone-induced blocking factor at high ratio to escape from maternal immunity. It is shown in recent studies that progesterone-induced blocking factor is overexpressed in many malignant tumors such as breast, cervical, lymphoma, and leukemia. There are no data about progesterone-induced blocking factor expression in ovarian cancer cells. Hence, it is aimed to determine the progesterone-induced blocking factor expression levels in epithelial ovarian cancer.

Methods:

The study which was a retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in a University Hospital. Twenty tissue specimens of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer and 20 tissue specimens of patients with healthy ovary were included in the study. Primary rabbit polyclonal anti- progesterone-induced blocking factor antibody was used to incubate the sections at a ratio of 1:300.

Results:

When the tissue sections were compared based on immunostaining with progesterone-induced blocking factor, we detected high stromal progesterone-induced blocking factor expression in the epithelial ovarian cancer group as check against to the normal ovarian group ( P = .007). Similarly, we found high glandular progesterone-induced blocking factor expression in the epithelial ovarian cancer group as check against to the normal ovarian group ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

Proving the existence of progesterone-induced blocking factor expression in epithelial ovarian cancer cells may lead new visions or new studies for epithelial ovarian cancer immunotherapy. As a result, epithelial ovarian cancer cells have greater levels of expression of progesterone-induced blocking factor protein than normal ovarian tissue according to immunohistochemistry. Further research is needed to understand the clinical importance of this finding, to learn outcomes of high levels of progesterone-induced blocking factor, and to investigate its underlying mechanisms.
Psychological Barriers to Bipartisan Public Support for Climate Policy
Authors: Van Boven Leaf , Ehret Phillip J. , Sherman David K.
Published: July 2018

Psychological scientists have the expertise—and arguably an obligation—to help understand the political polarization that impedes enactment of climate policy. Many explanations emphasize Republican skepticism about climate change. Yet results from national panel studies in 2014 and 2016 indicate that most Republicans believe in climate change, if not as strongly as Democrats. Political polarization over climate policy does not simply reflect that Democrats and Republicans disagree about climate change but that Democrats and Republicans disagree with each other. The results of a national panel experiment and of in-depth interviews with four former members of Congress suggest that Democrats and Republicans—both ordinary citizens and policymakers—support policies from their own party and reactively devalue policies from the opposing party. These partisan evaluations occur both for policies historically associated with liberal principles and politicians (cap-and-trade) and for policies associated with conservative principles and politicians (revenue-neutral carbon tax). People also exaggerate how much other Democrats and Republicans are swayed by partisanship. This foments false norms of partisan opposition that, in turn, influence people’s personal policy support. Correcting misperceived norms of opposition and decoupling policy evaluation from identity concerns would help overcome these seemingly insurmountable barriers to bipartisan support for climate policy.
Open Science Is Liberating and Can Foster Creativity
Authors: Frankenhuis Willem E. , Nettle Daniel
Published: July 2018

Some scholars think that Open Science practices constrain researchers in ways that reduce their creativity, arguing, for instance, that preregistration discourages data exploration and so stifles discovery. In this article, we argue the opposite: Open Science practices are liberating and can foster creativity. Open Science practices are liberating because they (a) enable us to explore data transparently and comfortably; (b) reward quality, which is under our control, rather than outcomes, which are not; and (c) reduce the choke hold of needing to find “positive” results for career advancement. Open Science practices can foster creativity because they cultivate an open and flexible mind-set, create a more collaborative and constructive climate, and generate more accurate information and make it more accessible. In sum, Open Science liberates researchers more than it constrains them.
From Outcome to Process Focus: Fostering a More Robust Psychological Science Through Registered Reports and Results-Blind Reviewing
Authors: Grand James A. , Rogelberg Steven G. , Banks George C. , Landis Ronald S. , Tonidandel Scott
Published: July 2018

A variety of alternative mechanisms, strategies, and “ways of doing” have been proposed for improving the rigor and robustness of published research in the psychological sciences in recent years. In this article, we describe two existing but underused publication models—registered reporting (RR) and results-blind reviewing (RBR)—that we believe would contribute in important ways to improving both the conduct and evaluation of psychological research. We first outline the procedures and distinguishing features of both publication pathways and note their value for promoting positive changes to current scientific practices. We posit that a significant value of RR and RBR is their potential to promote a greater focus on the research process (i.e., how and why research is conducted) relative to research outcomes (i.e., what was observed or concluded from research). We conclude by discussing what we perceive to be five common beliefs about RR and RBR practices and attempt to provide a balanced perspective of the realities likely to be experienced with these systems.
DNA Methylation of ProximalPLATPromoter in Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps
Authors: Kidoguchi Masanori , Noguchi Emiko , Nakamura Takako , Ninomiya Takahiro , Morii Wataru , Yoshida Kanako , Morikawa Taiyo , Kato Yukinori , Imoto Yoshimasa , Sakashita Masafumi , Takabayashi Tetsuji , Fujieda Shigeharu
Published: July 2018

Background

Nasal polyps (NP) are characterized by pseudocysts derived from stromal tissue edema and cause persistent infections in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). A low level of tissue-type plasminogen activator (gene name PLAT) is considered a cause of stromal tissue edema because of insufficient plasmin activation in NP; however, the mechanism regulating PLAT gene expression levels is still unclear. The epigenetic mechanism regulating the PLAT gene expression has been studied in other tissues.

Objective

We aimed to investigate the methylation levels in the proximal PLAT promoter and their effects on gene expression in NP tissue.

Methods

We investigated the methylation levels at 3 CpG sites in the proximal PLAT promoter regions (−618, −121, and −105 with respect to the transcription initiation site) by bisulfite pyrosequencing and their effects on the gene expression by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in 20 paired samples of NP and inferior turbinate tissue (IT) from patients with CRS.

Results

The DNA methylation levels at all CpG sites were higher ( P < .01), and the PLAT expression was lower ( P < .001) in NP compared with IT. The methylation changes at the −618 site showed a negative correlation with the gene expression changes between NP and IT ( r = −.65, P < .01).

Conclusions

Hypermethylation of PLAT promoter may downregulate the gene expression in NP, leading to excessive fibrin deposition by aberrant coagulation cascade. DNA methylation of proximal PLAT promoter may contribute to NP growth and have a potential as a new therapeutic target.
Becoming a Future-Proof Teacher: Futures Education Integrated in a Teacher in Training Program
Authors: Bol Erica , Staring Marcel
Published: July 2018

The Teacher in Training program at the Windesheim University of Applied Science believes that education should have a more pro-active role in society and should be aimed at the future. They therefore introduced Futures Thinking into the curriculum. This article describes the process of integration and the obtained results including the cultural change and the impact on students.
How should customers be trained in their role as coproducers? The influence of training and its characteristics on the benefits of coproduction
Authors: Nicod Lionel , Llosa Sylvie
Published: July 2018

This research examines the effect of customer training on the customer’s role during service encounters. We examine its influence on coproduction outcomes from the standpoint of both the company (productivity) and the customer (customer satisfaction). The analysis of the influence of customer training is implemented in two stages. First, we establish that customer training improves the company’s productivity without decreasing customer satisfaction. With this verified, we consider the content of training (cognitive vs cognitive and affective) and the medium deployed (employees vs digital). We then establish that training increases productivity more when its content is both cognitive and affective, whereas the medium has no effect. Conversely, when employees deliver training, customer satisfaction is higher, while training content has no effect on this variable. Results provide guidelines for enhancing the benefits for both companies and customers.
Predation in State and Nation
Authors: Davis Brandon R.
Published: July 2018

U.S. criminal justice policies have created the uniquely American style of mass incarceration. Since 1973, America has seen a sustained and substantial rise in its incarcerated population and the formation of a carceral state. Currently, the United States imprisons 2.23 million people, which amounts to 23% of the world’s total incarcerated population. The most important takeaway is that the carceral state is an institution of predation, and predatory institutions create, maintain, and reproduce difference through the use of violence. I argue that the racial state is the predatory state, but the predatory state is not necessarily always the racial state. The predatory state is different from the racial state in that is applies violence toward various intersections of marginalization. This article contributes to the theoretical development of the concept of predation by its machinations through the institution of criminal justice. I discuss the predatory state, violence, and race. Next, I examine some of the ideas surrounding the collective knowledge, memory, and guilt, as well as the epistemologies, of race. Additionally, I discuss racial ignorance and selective knowing. Lastly, I offer Ferguson and Baltimore as case studies in the relationship between predation, identity, and violence as they affect criminal justice.
Internet Pornography Use Among Collegiate Women: Gender Attitudes, Body Monitoring, and Sexual Behavior
Authors: Maas Megan K. , Dewey Shannamar
Published: July 2018

Pornography use has become more commonplace since the advent of high-speed Internet, yet there is little investigation that is exclusively targeted to women’s use of pornography. Given the paradox of viewing mainstream Internet pornography, which often portrays the objectification of and violence toward women, we compared heterosexual collegiate women ( n = 168) who use Internet pornography with women who do not on several different attitudes and behaviors that are central to women’s sexual development and wellbeing. Women who use Internet pornography had a higher endorsement of rape myths, a higher number of sexual partners, and engaged in more body monitoring. However, there were no differences in attitudes toward women between pornography users and nonusers. Results are interpreted through sexual scripting and objectification theories.
Effectiveness of Health and Safety Training in Reducing Occupational Injuries Among Harvesting Forestry Contractors in KwaZulu-Natal
Authors: Nkomo Hloni , Niranjan Ivan , Reddy Poovendhree
Published: July 2018

Forestry work is generally characterized by a combination of personal and environmental risks in health and safety. Employers need to ensure intensive and continuous safety training to mitigate these risks; however, the efficacy of this training is seldom evaluated. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of health and safety training in reducing injuries and improving knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions toward safety among forestry workers in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 harvesting contract workers employed at a forestry company in KZN. A questionnaire to assess the efficiency of health and safety training was administered. In addition, a retrospective review of the injury register and medical records of employees who sustained work-related injuries from 2009 to 2013 was completed. The company injury data for harvesting contractors reported 68 lost-time injuries during postcommencement of training. Slip, trip, and fall injuries were the most reported cause of injuries, particularly among manual harvesters. Respondents who were male, younger in age, and with less experience had an increased risk of occupational injury. Most participants displayed adequate knowledge of safety and were able to translate training into practice. The health and safety training initiative was successful in reducing injuries and increasing workers’ awareness of, and responsibility for, health and safety issues.
The Burden Experience of Formal and Informal Caregivers of Older Adults With Hip Fracture in Nigeria
Authors: Diameta Emofe , Adandom Isreal , Jumbo Samuel U. , Nwankwo Henrietha C. , Obi Perpetua C. , Kalu Michael E.
Published: July 2018

Introduction

The incidence of hip fracture among older adults in Nigeria is on the rise. As a result, there is increased frequency of hospitalization, patient suffering, family burden, and societal cost. One dimension that has not been sufficiently explored is the burden of care experienced by informal and formal caregivers.

Objectives

To describe the care burden experience of informal and formal caregivers for older adults with hip fractures in a specialized orthopedic center in Nigeria and to explore in detail how their experience differs in caregiving roles.

Method

This study was conducted in the phenomenological approach of qualitative methods. Face-to-face interviews and focus group interaction with 12 family caregivers and 5 health-care professionals were carried out until data saturation was achieved. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

The physical, emotional, and general health of elderly hip fracture patients are issues that affect caregiving. Factors that contribute to increased caregivers’ burden include system factors (lack of personnel and health-care facilities) and patient factors: comorbidity, patient’s cognitive status, and challenges completing activities of daily living (ADL). Social and financial barriers to care contribute to the type of burden experienced by the participants.

Conclusions

Caregivers experience difficulty in helping patients complete their ADL because patients with hip fracture have mobility issues that are often complicated by comorbid physical and cognitive problems. Strategies to reduce caregivers’ burden for older adults with hip fracture in Nigeria are needed. Greater access to health-care services and ADL aids, and training of caregivers on how to deal with cognitive and multimorbid health problems are potential solutions.
Life-Cycle Project Management: A Proposed Theoretical Model for Development and Implementation of Capital Projects
Authors: Jaafari Ali
Published: July 2018

Facility delivery has been traditionally the focus of project management in capital projects. The current body of knowledge, project administrative systems, and the associated model contracts support the delivery of physical facilities with limited focus on original business objectives, or market dynamics. There is an increasing realization that the main focus should be on the creation of a viable business entity of which the facility forms only one part. When focus is shifted from the delivery of the physical facility to the creation of a business to service project objectives, it becomes clear that the traditional project delivery approaches will have to give way to a new system in which project life-cycle objectives will be the basis for decision-making throughout the project's life. Under this method, the project participants assume partial responsibility for the viability of the project over its operational life. A simplified form of sharing risks/rewards, known as a project alliance, is already popular. Capital projects are technology based, and few projects can be competitive without significant innovation in their conceptualization, implementation, and operation. This also provides the additional argument that project life-cycle objectives should be the basis for project development and management.
Project Management in North America, Stability of the Concepts
Authors: Urli Bruno , Urli Didier
Published: July 2018

The field of project management has undergone very important developments during the last 10 years, if one considers the very large amount of activities that it has generated and continues to generate (papers in journals, dedicated journals, books, meetings, applications, etc.). Even if project management has reached some maturity—due to the construction of a common referential, a common body of knowledge called A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge ( PMBOK® Guide)—its future is subject to questions and debate among its researchers. What is the evolution of the field? What is its structure? Is it integrating new topics that correspond to management by project? In order to answer such questions at least partially, we have studied project management literature by the method of associated words (scientometric analysis) and the software, “Leximappe.” All the papers that are relative to project management and included in the bibliographic ABI-INFORM database from 1987 to 1996 have been analyzed. In this paper, we present the main results of this study.
Object Analysis in Organizational Design: A Solution for Matrix Organizations
Authors: Cackowski David , Najdawi Mohammad K. , Chung Q B.
Published: July 2018

The introduction of the object-oriented paradigm in software development marked a radical change in the methodology and approach of large-scale application development. This paper investigates parameters of a typical matrix organization to determine whether significant indicators exist that merit further consideration of object-analysis methods. A survey of a large, matrix organization taken across a vertical section of matrix workers was conducted. In this paper, the results of the survey and key managerial implications are presented.
Resource Optimization in a Design Office Using Simulation
Authors: Hegazy Tarek , Grierson Donald , Ayed Amr , Zaneldin Essam
Published: July 2018

In this paper, the work operations in an actual small-to-medium sized design office have been analyzed for the purpose of optimizing the use of resources and improving work productivity. Using simulation, a model of the office operations was developed, incorporating all design steps and their employed resources. Several simulation experiments were then conducted to determine the optimum number of resources with balanced workloads and to optimize the teamwork strategy on projects. Details of the model and the simulation experiments are described and the advantages of the model to the management of engineering organizations are discussed.
Information Management Strategies for Project Management
Authors: Back W. Edward , Moreau Karen A.
Published: July 2018

Each time information is exchanged, accessed, or manipulated, project time is expended and project resources are consumed. Inasmuch as the project management process is both information intensive and information dependent, the effective implementation of information management strategies will undoubtedly contribute toward goals to reduce overall project cost and schedule. An information management strategy may impact personnel requirements, project processes, policies, technologies, or any combination. This paper summarizes benefits commonly attributable to information management applications, and presents three specific information management strategies designed to improve the project management process. The proposed strategies are technology independent, viewing information technology as enabling tools that are continually evolving.
Comparison between Hardware System Timing and Project Management Critical Path Analysis Methodologies
Authors: Selinger Craig , West Jimmie L.
Published: July 2018

This paper discusses the project management concept of critical path analysis and the engineering concept of hardware system timing analysis. This paper discusses these concepts, and demonstrates how these two apparently orthogonal concepts are actually so similar that an individual knowledgeable in one can benefit from acquired knowledge of the other. As a result of this analysis, it is clear that there is a direct link between hardware timing and network development for projects. Therefore, it would appear that this relationship could be useful in helping technical professionals adopt sound project management techniques in their efforts.
2000 International Student Paper Award Winner: Trust Building on Corporate Collaborative Project Teams
Authors: Herzog Valerie Lynne
Published: July 2018

Trust has been identified as a success factor in successful collaboration. Senior managers may learn to trust each other during collaborative venture negotiation. However, corporate collaborative team members may have no choice regarding fellow collaborators. This paper focuses on collaborative team trust building. It discusses research considerations, current practices, literature, methodology, and results. The paper explains research implications and recommends specific actions for building corporate collaborative team trust. Proposed is a people-oriented model for trust-based project management. Integrating trust-building approaches into the collaborative team environment will help position teams and their respective companies for strategic competition in the marketplace.
Conflict Resolution Using Cognitive Analysis Approach
Authors: Al-Tabtabai Hashem , Alex Alex P. , Abou-alfotouh Ahmed
Published: July 2018

Within the field of project management, research in the subject of conflict analysis and resolution has received considerable attention. This paper presents the application of cognitive analysis, based on the workings of “human judgment theorists,” to the resolution of representative conflict situations. The employed conflict-resolution approach presents cognitive differences between parties as a primary source of conflict. However, it also presents feedback that provides analysis of each individual's judgment and comparisons with his or her counterpart's judgment. This feedback, termed “cognitive feedback,” is used as a way to give insight to people in conflict, providing them an opportunity to resolve their conflicts acceptably. The objective of this paper is to establish a systematic methodology for analyzing and resolving conflict. An actual case study of conflict resolution between union and management personnel at a petrochemical plant in Kuwait is used to illustrate the methodology. Both self-understanding and the understanding of one's counterpart were found to be generally poor before receiving cognitive feedback. The use of cognitive feedback for both groups proved feasible and helped reduce conflict.
The Dynamic Baseline Model for Project Management
Authors: Seely Mark A. , Duong Quang P.
Published: July 2018

This paper describes the Dynamic Baseline Model© (DBM) as a framework for analysis of the project management learning process and an indicator of the expected success of a project. By matching project complexity with the appropriate project management approach, the DBM identifies individual learning needs and the appropriate response to the challenges of today's projects. As project management tools and techniques are more and more applied as a one-size-fits-all solution, there is a need to explore beyond these tools and techniques. The DBM suggests that our ability to create solutions is bounded by our current learning horizon, which may be too restrictive for the needs of a project. The model helps us find suitable solutions by enabling us to ask the right questions.
Solving Constrained Multiple Resource Networks Both Forward and Backward Using Brooks Algorithm
Authors: Whitehouse Gary E. , DePuy Gail W.
Published: July 2018

Many Brooks algorithm (BAG)-based heuristics have been proposed to solve the constrained multiple resource problem. BAG starts at the beginning of a project network, determines a list of available tasks, and then uses a heuristic to select a task to schedule. This research modifies BAG to solve the project network in both a forward and backward (F&B) direction. This modified BAG approach was used on Patterson's 110 test problems with several selection heuristics, such as ACTIM, latest finish time (LFT), resource over time (ROT), and ACTRES. Results of this research show that solving the networks in both the F&B directions led to improvements of more than 30% for the average error, the maximum error and the percentage of optimum solutions found when compared to the traditional BAG approach.
Feasibility Analysis of Cross-Country Petroleum Pipeline Projects: A Quantitative Approach
Authors: Dey Prasanta Kumar , Gupta Soumitra Shankar
Published: July 2018

Route selection for cross-country petroleum pipelines plays an important role in the entire feasibility analysis of pipeline projects, as all technical parameters of pipelines depend on the length and hydraulic gradient of the terrain through which they traverse. The present practice of feasibility analysis identifies the shortest route through reconnaissance survey on the basis of factors, such as constructability and approachability and minimal effects on the environment. It then identifies a few alternative projects for further study on the basis of technical parameters, such as throughputs, diameter of pipelines, and number of intermediate stations. The selection of the best project from these alternatives, through financial analysis, often results in a suboptimal project, as the shortest route may not be the optimal route. This paper proposes project feasibility analysis with the selection of an optimal pipeline route by considering strict government stipulations, expansion capability, and the chances of pipeline failure throughout its life, along with other factors. All these factors are analyzed quantitatively with respect to a few alternative routes (determined through a geographical information system) through an analytic hierarchy process (AHP). AHP takes into account of all the factors interactively. This system is demonstrated through a case study of a cross-country petroleum pipeline project from an Indian perspective. A cost-benefit comparison of the shortest route (conventionally selected) and the optimal route establishes the effectiveness of the model.
Project Management under Uncertainty: The Impact of Heuristics and Biases
Authors: McCray Gordon E. , Purvis Russell L. , McCray Coleen G.
Published: July 2018

Formal project management often is critical to the effective and efficient application of scarce organizational resources to competing demands within and across projects. Effective project management, however, is predicated upon valid and accurate project specifications. The introduction of biases into the formulation of these specifications can lead to compromised or failed projects and foregone opportunities of strategic relevance to a firm. Several such biases arise often from the unwitting application of heuristics by project personnel. By recognizing the presence of these heuristics and their potential effects and then applying appropriate tactics to offset them, project personnel can effectively mitigate their deleterious impacts.
The Current State of Project Management Research: Trends, Interpretations, and Predictions
Authors: Kloppenborg Timothy J. , Opfer Warren A.
Published: July 2018

This paper describes the methodology and results of a research effort that identified the project management research published in English since 1960. An annotated bibliography was created of 3,554 articles, papers, dissertations, and government research reports. Trends were identified in each of the nine A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) knowledge areas. A workshop was conducted with experienced practitioners to help interpret the identified trends and to predict future directions for project management research.
Activity-Based Costing: Does it Warrant Inclusion in a Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide)?
Authors: Kinsella Steven M.
Published: July 2018

Profit is a critical consideration in project selection. Using traditional cost-accounting techniques standardized during the Industrial Age, estimators and accountants determine project costs. Those techniques result in costs that are substantially different from costs calculated using activity-based costing (ABC). Knowledge of ABC principles is important for project managers because it offers an alternative costing methodology that allocates costs through a cause-and-effect relationship that is more appropriate for today's operating methods. This paper reviews cost determination methods included in A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) and offers an argument for enhancing the PMBOK® Guide by including ABC as a cost-determination methodology.
A Measure of Software Development Risk
Authors: Jiang James J. , Klein Gary , Ellis T. Selwyn
Published: July 2018

Risks to software development are present throughout the creation of information systems (IS). The ability of researchers and practitioners to consider risk within their models and project management methods has been hampered by the lack of a rigorously tested instrument to measure risk properties. An instrument to measure software development risk based on properties described in the literature is proposed. A survey of 152 IS project participants was collected to examine the reliability and validity of the instrument, both which appear strong. The instrument then was used to empirically demonstrate a strong anticipated relationship between risk and project success.
The Fall of the Firefly: An Assessment of a Failed Project Strategy
Authors: Baker Bud
Published: July 2018

Choices made early in a project determine future success. Missteps in early phases will cause trouble later in the project's life cycle. The U.S. Air Force's acquisition of the T-3A “Firefly” trainer was just such a troubled project. Rather than develop a new aircraft, the Air Force decided to save time and money by buying a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) trainer. But significant aircraft modifications undermined the integrity of the COTS strategy. This paper suggests four project lessons: Any project must be managed as a system of interrelated parts; a project strategy must be flexible to accommodate changing circumstances; testing must be done in realistic environments; and concurrency carries with it benefits and dangers.
2002 Student Paper Award Winner: Project Management Maturity Models: The Silver Bullets of Competitive Advantage?
Authors: Jugdev Kam , Thomas Janice
Published: July 2018

Project management maturity models are important assessment tools for the profession. Maturity models identify organizational strengths and weaknesses as well as provide benchmarking information. They capture explicit, codified practice (know-what), but do not include the intangible assets of project management (know-how). Some have made the claim that project management maturity models (MMs) can lead to a competitive advantage for firms. This paper uses four resource-based frameworks to assess whether or not maturity models lead to a sustained competitive advantage. In the context of the strategy domain, the authors conclude that MMs can result in a temporary competitive advantage but not a sustained competitive advantage. Clearly, a sustained competitive advantage is rooted in a combination of know-what and know-how.