bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Jet Ventilation in the Pregnant Patient with Airway Stenosis: Surgical Safety and Outcomes
Authors: Heichel Philip D. , Jacobsen Christian P. , Llamas Luis L. , Simpson C. Blake , Lott David G. , Verma Sunil , Dominguez Laura M.
Published: December 2019

Objective:

To review pregnancy outcomes and the safety of jet ventilation use in the gravid patient undergoing surgical airway intervention.

Methods:

A multi-institutional retrospective review of medical records was performed to identify women who underwent low-frequency jet ventilation during pregnancy for surgical treatment of airway stenosis. Postoperative complications were noted, and patients were interviewed regarding pregnancy outcomes.

Results:

Six women were included in this series. No immediate complications relating to anesthesia or surgical intervention were noted in five of the six women. One patient with a well-known history of uncontrolled seizures experienced seizure activity postoperatively. One patient returned to the operating room at a later date for debridement of tracheal crusts. Five mothers delivered via cesarean section and one via spontaneous vaginal delivery. The mean gestation age was 37.3 weeks. One of the six infants delivered prematurely and three were delivered at low birth weight. Three of the six infants required elevated care immediately post-delivery but, at present, all are in good health.

Conclusion:

Low-frequency jet ventilation and surgical management of airway stenosis should be recognized as a safe treatment option in the gravid patient. Surgical intervention should not be delayed in patients with severe symptoms, particularly given the potential risk associated with prolonged corticosteroid use.

Level of evidence:

4
The Liberation Hypothesis Perspective and Juvenile Court Outcomes: Implications for an Understanding of the Interplay Between Offender and Offense Characteristics
Authors: Beaudry-Cyr Maude , Leiber Michael , Brubaker Sarah Jane , Jaynes Chae
Published: December 2019

Extensive empirical support demonstrates the importance of legal (e.g., crime severity, prior record) and extralegal factors (e.g., race/ethnicity, gender) in predicting juvenile court outcomes. An understudied area is inquiry into how certain extralegal factors interact with legal determinants to impact the social control of juveniles. This study uses a sample of delinquent referrals from a Northeast state over 10 years to examine the impact of race/ethnicity, gender, crime severity, and prior record, individually and in combination, on juvenile court outcomes. Although the liberation hypothesis predicts that extralegal factors have a diminishing effect on case outcomes as the severity of the case increases, overall, we fail to find support for this expectation.
Complexity of Drug Substitutions Caused by Drug Tenders: A Mixed-Methods Study in Denmark
Authors: Larsen Lina Klitgaard , Outzen Emilie Middelbo , Gazerani Parisa , Plet Hanne
Published: December 2019

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate factors influencing the complexity of drug substitutions caused by drug tenders in a Danish hospital setting. Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach was employed. In the first phase, a custom-made, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 58 pharmacists and pharmaconomists employed at the Hospital Pharmacy in the North Denmark Region. The questionnaire consisted of 13 questions, which helped to obtain quantitative information on factors complicating drug substitutions. The results were used to inform the construction of an interview guide for a focus group interview held in the following qualitative second phase of the study. The focus group included 11 pharmacists and pharmaconomists from the Hospital Pharmacy in the North Denmark Region working with drug substitutions. The focus group interview was conducted to facilitate validation of results from the questionnaire survey and to add further perspectives on identified factors influencing the complexity of drug substitutions. Results: Findings from both phases of the study revealed that implementation of drug substitutions is more complex when drug strength or pharmaceutical form of a drug changes, compared with changes of drug trade name or package size. Furthermore, it was established that Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification codes could be used to identify drug substitutions that are typically complex, for example, L01 and N05. Several external factors were also found to influence implementation of drug substitutions, for example, related to drug usage, number of end users, and hospital wards. Conclusions: From a hospital pharmacy point of view, multiple factors were identified that could influence and complicate the implementation of drug substitutions with different impact size. Those factors included both changed characteristics of drugs, Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification codes involved in substitution, and external factors.
Functionalized Graphene Oxide Shields Tooth Dentin from Decalcification
Authors: Nizami M.Z.I. , Nishina Y. , Yamamoto T. , Shinoda-Ito Y. , Takashiba S.
Published: December 2019

This in vitro study assessed the efficacy of functionalized graphene oxide (f-GO) nanocomposites on the decalcification of dentin, because dental caries of the root surface is becoming one of the new problems in aged society. Hydroxyapatite plates (HAP) and dentin slices were coated with f-GO nanocomposites by comparing them to silver diamine fluoride as a positive control, then treated with decalcification solutions such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and citrate at 37°C for 24 h. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed significant protection of the surface morphology of HAP and dentin. On the other hand, a cariogenic Streptococcus mutans growth was inhibited by f-GO nanocomposites. In addition, cytotoxicity of them to epithelial cells was much less than that of povidone-iodine, which is commonly used for oral disinfectant. We synthesized 5 different f-GO nanocomposites such as GO–silver (Ag), GO-Ag–calcium fluoride (CaF2), GO-CaF2, GO-zinc, and GO–tricalcium phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2). They were standardized by evaluating under SEM, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), and Raman spectra after being synthesized in an aseptic technique. The abilities of GO-Ag, GO-Ag-CaF2, and GO-CaF2 nanocomposites were most preventive for decalcification. In addition, GO-Ag and GO-Ag-CaF2 almost completely inhibited S. mutans growth. However, they did not exhibit cytotoxicity to epithelial cells except at the highest concentration (0.1 w/v%) of GO-Ag and GO-Ag-CaF2. Furthermore, these f-GO nanocomposites exhibited less or no discoloration of dentin, although commonly used silver diamine fluoride causes discoloration of dentin to black. Thus, these f-GO nanocomposites are useful to protect dental caries on the tooth root that becomes a social problem in aged society.
High-Performance Dental Adhesives Containing an Ether-Based Monomer
Authors: Yamauchi S. , Wang X. , Egusa H. , Sun J.
Published: December 2019

Dental adhesives are vital for the success of dental restorations. The objective of this study is to make strong and durable dental adhesives that are free from 2 symbolic methacrylate-based dental resins—2-bis[4-(2-hydroxy-3-methacryl-oxypropoxy)-phenyl]-propane (Bis-GMA) and 2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate (HEMA)—and have equivalent/improved bonding strength and durability. We formulated, prepared, and evaluated 2 dental adhesives using mixtures of a hydrolytically stable ether-based monomer, triethylene glycol divinylbenzyl ether (TEG-DVBE), with urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) or pyromellitic glycerol dimethacrylate. These adhesives were composed of equimolar ester-/ether-based vinyl functional groups. They were compared with Bis-GMA/HEMA-based commercial and experimental dental adhesives in terms of shear bond strength and microtensile bond strength (µTBS) to human dentin and the µTBS bond stability under extended thermocycling challenges. In addition, the resins’ infiltration to dentin tubules, mechanical performance, and chemical properties were assessed by scanning electron microscopy, ISO standard flexural strength and modulus measurements, contact angle measurements, and water sorption/solubility measurements. The hybrid TEG-DVBE-containing dental adhesives generated equivalent shear bond strength and µTBS in comparison with the controls. Significantly, these adhesives outperformed the controls after being challenged by 10,000 thermocycles between 5 °C and 55 °C. Water contact angle measurements suggested that the hybrid dental adhesives were relatively more hydrophobic than the Bis-GMA/HEMA controls. However, both TEG-DVBE-containing adhesives developed more and deeper resin tags in dentin tubules and formed thicker hybrid layers at the composite-dentin interface. Furthermore, the water solubility of UDMA/TEG-DVBE resins was reduced approximately 89% in comparison with the Bis-GMA/HEMA controls. The relatively hydrophobic adhesives that achieved equivalent/enhanced bonding performance suggest great potentials in developing dental restoration with extended service life. Furthermore, the TEG-DVBE-containing materials may find wider dental applications and broader utility in medical device development.
Teaching Grapheme–Phoneme Correspondences Using a Direct Mapping Approach for At-Risk Second Language Learners: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yeung Susanna Siu-sze , Savage Robert
Published: December 2019

Reading interventions developed to teach grapheme–phoneme correspondences (GPCs) were evaluated among L2 at-risk readers. In the direct mapping of grapheme (DMG) condition, children’s attention was explicitly drawn to the application of a graphemes taught on that day to shared reading of words in authentic text. In the control condition there was no such systematic daily linkage of the GPCs and texts. The two reading interventions were otherwise identical. Two hundred fifty-three Chinese Grade 1 and Grade 2 students were screened, and those who scored in the bottom 30% of an English word-reading test were identified as L2 at-risk readers. Seventy-one L2 at-risk readers were thus randomly assigned to two conditions, both of which were small-group reading interventions: (a) DMG or (b) taught control. We hypothesized a significant main effect of Intervention condition and significant interaction of Intervention by Phonological Awareness (PA) effects on word reading, word attack, spelling, and sentence comprehension favoring the DMG intervention. Results showed that predicted interaction effects were significant for word reading, spelling, and sentence comprehension. No other effects were significant. Results suggest that the daily Direct Mapping of taught GPCs to shared book reading promotes reading development in at-risk English L2 readers with stronger phonological skills.
Both Individual and Group-Based Neuropsychological Interventions of Dyslexia Improve Processing Speed in Young Adults: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Nukari Johanna M. , Poutiainen Erja T. , Arkkila Eva P. , Haapanen Marja-Leena , Lipsanen Jari O. , Laasonen Marja R.
Published: December 2019

Effectiveness of individual and group-based neuropsychological interventions on cognitive aspects of dyslexia in young adults was evaluated. Dyslexic adults were randomly assigned into individual intervention ( n = 40), group intervention ( n = 40), or wait-list control group ( n = 40). The interventions focused on cognitive strategy learning, supporting self-esteem, and using psychoeducation. Cognitive performance and symptoms were assessed via psychometric testing and self-report questionnaires at baseline, after the intervention/wait-list control time at 5 months and at 10 months. And, 15 months post intervention long-term status was checked via mailed inquiry. Wait-list control group also received an intervention after the 5-month control period. No significant effects were found in primary self-report outcome measures. Both interventions had a positive effect on a measure of processing speed and attention and the effect remained after the 5-month follow-up period. In self-reported cognitive symptoms, a positive trend was evident in self-reported reading habits. Furthermore, minor self-evaluated benefits reaching up to 15 months post intervention were found. There were no significant differences between the results of individual and group intervention as both interventions improved cognitive performance. The results indicate that a structured neuropsychological intervention could be effective in ameliorating dyslexia-related cognitive symptoms in young adults.
Everyday Stories for Everyday People: Communal Responsibility and Nepantla Literacies in Early Childhood Education
Authors: Valdez-Gainer Nancy , Gainer Jesse
Published: December 2019

This article focuses on a teaching–research relationship between a teacher and a university professor who are a married couple. The article highlights how we navigated our relationship during a project with second graders with the hope of opening Third Space for students to engage in collective storytelling in an environment that interrupts mainstream hierarchies of power and authority and centers the Afrocentric pedagogy of communal responsibility. The story of the dyad relationship is woven into the stories of and from the children in what we view as nepantla literacies fostering collective agency and classroom consciousness.
The culture problem: How the honor/shame issue got the wrong end of the anthropological stick
Authors: Merz Johannes
Published: December 2019

The honor/shame issue is an important topic in mission, as portrayed in Georges’s The 3D Gospel for example. Proponents of the shame–guilt distinction draw on the popular culture concept of the early 20th century by assuming that cultures are objects that we can easily grasp and demarcate from one to another. Culture thus becomes a convenient idea to understand difference by generalizing and simplifying the unfamiliar and submitting it to one’s own way of thinking. Current anthropology, however, rejects such a reifying and essentializing approach. Rather, culture is seen as an expression of how humans think, act, and live in the world, and is thus complex, fuzzy, and dynamic. In dealing with the honor/shame issue, we need to get hold of the other end of the stick by starting with humans and treating honor and shame as cultural traits. Accordingly, honor and shame are encountered to different degrees and in different ways across humanity. A vertical and categorical classification and demarcation of cultures thus needs to make room for a more dynamic and horizontal spread of cultural traits. This allows us to account better for human diversity, while simultaneously maintaining humanity’s commonality as cultural beings. To study honor and shame we need to focus on how relationships work in various real-life situations. Such an ethnographic approach builds on observation, participation, and sharing in other people’s lives. It also asks what words and notions people use to express the values that shape their relationships.
An Optimized Bayesian Hierarchical Two-Parameter Logistic Model for Small-Sample Item Calibration
Authors: König Christoph , Spoden Christian , Frey Andreas
Published: December 2019

Accurate item calibration in models of item response theory (IRT) requires rather large samples. For instance, [Formula: see text] respondents are typically recommended for the two-parameter logistic (2PL) model. Hence, this model is considered a large-scale application, and its use in small-sample contexts is limited. Hierarchical Bayesian approaches are frequently proposed to reduce the sample size requirements of the 2PL. This study compared the small-sample performance of an optimized Bayesian hierarchical 2PL (H2PL) model to its standard inverse Wishart specification, its nonhierarchical counterpart, and both unweighted and weighted least squares estimators (ULSMV and WLSMV) in terms of sampling efficiency and accuracy of estimation of the item parameters and their variance components. To alleviate shortcomings of hierarchical models, the optimized H2PL (a) was reparametrized to simplify the sampling process, (b) a strategy was used to separate item parameter covariances and their variance components, and (c) the variance components were given Cauchy and exponential hyperprior distributions. Results show that when combining these elements in the optimized H2PL, accurate item parameter estimates and trait scores are obtained even in sample sizes as small as [Formula: see text]. This indicates that the 2PL can also be applied to smaller sample sizes encountered in practice. The results of this study are discussed in the context of a recently proposed multiple imputation method to account for item calibration error in trait estimation.
Long-Term Sequelae of Smoking and Cessation in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Wu Ching-Wen , Yau Tammy , Fulgar Ciara C. , Mack Savannah M. , Revilla Alina M. , Kenyon Nicholas J. , Pinkerton Kent E.
Published: December 2019

Smoking is a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke, and lung cancer. Tobacco smoke (TS) causes bronchitis, emphysema, persistent cough, and dyspnea. Smoking cessation minimizes risks of TS-related disease. To determine whether smoking cessation could reverse TS-induced pulmonary changes, 10-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats were exposed to TS or filtered air (FA) for 39 weeks and allowed to live out their normal lifespan. Significantly ( P ≤ .05) decreased survival was noted by 21 months in TS versus FA rats. In TS rats, persistent peribronchiolar, perivascular, alveolar, and subpleural inflammation were observed with pervasive infiltration of pigmented foamy macrophages and plausible intra-alveolar fibrosis and osseous metaplasia. Alveolar airspace was significantly ( P ≤ .05) increased in TS versus FA rats as was the volume of stored epithelial mucosubstances in the left central axial airway. Increased mucin contributes to airflow obstruction and increased lung infection risks. Findings suggest TS-induced changes do not attenuate with smoking cessation but result in irreversible damage similar to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The observed persistent pulmonary changes mirror common TS effects such as chest congestion, sputum production, and shortness of breath long after smoking cessation and represent important targets for treatment of former smokers.
Intra-articular Injection of Culture-Expanded Mesenchymal Stem Cells Without Adjuvant Surgery in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Kim Seong Hwan , Djaja Yoshi Pratama , Park Yong-Beom , Park Jung-Gwan , Ko Young-Bong , Ha Chul-Won
Published: December 2019

Background:

Although many clinical studies have assessed the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in knee osteoarthritis, evidence on their efficacy remains unclear owing to heterogeneity of cell entity and concomitant procedures.

Purpose:

To determine the efficacy of culture-expanded MSCs in knee osteoarthritis in terms of clinical outcome and cartilage repair via meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) without adjuvant surgery.

Study Design:

Meta-analysis.

Methods:

PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Scopus were searched from inception to December 31, 2018. RCTs with culture-expanded MSCs for treating knee osteoarthritis were included. Studies with adjuvant surgery or cell concentrate were excluded. Quality was assessed by the Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias tool. For meta-analysis, data on clinical outcomes were measured using a visual analog scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and data on cartilage repair were measured using the Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (WORMS); categorization related to improvement was extracted.

Results:

Six RCTs (203 patients) were included. Two studies were deemed to have a low risk of bias. In pooled analysis, the only significant difference was in the VAS score (mean difference, –13.55; 95% CI, –22.19 to −4.9). In cumulative pain analysis with VAS and WOMAC pain scores, there was significant improvement after treatment (standardized mean difference, –0.54; 95% CI, –0.85 to −0.23). There was no significant difference in cartilage repair assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (standardized mean difference, 0.11; 95% CI, –0.51 to 0.73), WORMS (standardized mean difference, 1.68; 95% CI −14.84 to 18.21), or categorical results (odds ratio, 1.56; 95% CI, 0.32-7.59).

Conclusion:

Intra-articular injection of culture-expanded MSCs without adjuvant surgery can improve pain for patients experiencing knee osteoarthritis at short-term follow-up (6-12 months). However, evidence regarding function and cartilage repair remains limited.
PINK LAKE: A novella by John Kinsella
Authors: Kinsella John
Published: December 2019

John Kinsella is widely known as an ‘international regionalist’, activist, anarchist, poet, novelist. As Nicolas Birns explains in the introduction to Kinsella and this particular novella, Pink Salt, this affords his work a kind of stretch across places and times, particulars and universals, region and the world system and its ecosystems. The publication of this work in Thesis Eleven is an auspicious occasion for us. The journal has long published writing about literature, its politics and performance. Here we present the act in literature itself. It is, as Birns shows, a kind of text where real is surreal, and the other way around. It offers an experiment in writing in politics that we hope opens new vistas, both closer to home and afar.
Are empirical antibiotics for sexual contacts of Chlamydia trachomatis still necessary?
Authors: Hodgson Parnell Lara , Gupta Nadi K
Published: December 2019

Current National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines recommend empirical antibiotic treatment (EAT) for sexual contacts of Chlamydia trachomatis irrespective of test results. This audit reviewed our clinical practice against NICE guidelines. The secondary aim was to review the subsequent sexually transmitted infection screening results of the sexual contacts to ascertain how many had a diagnosis of Chlamydia confirmed and whether the practice of EAT should be reviewed.
Terminal sliding mode control of permanent magnet synchronous motor based on the reaching law
Authors: Zhu Peikun , Chen Yong , Li Meng
Published: December 2019

Aiming at the parameter uncertainty and load torque disturbance of permanent magnet synchronous motor system, a terminal sliding mode control algorithm for permanent magnet synchronous motor based on the reaching law is proposed. First, a sliding mode control algorithm for sliding mode reaching law is proposed, which can dynamically adapt to the changes in system state. Second, a sliding mode disturbance observer is designed to estimate the lumped disturbance in real time and to compensate the controller for disturbance. On this basis, an online identification method based on disturbance observer for viscous friction coefficient and moment of inertia is used to reduce the influence of parameter uncertainty on the control system. Simulation and experimental results show the effectiveness of the method.
Under-5 Child Mortality in India: Need for Evidence-based Focused Interventions
Authors: Nagpal Phalasha
Published: December 2019

India suffers from high mortality of children under the age of five years. Enormous social and economic costs are linked to the high-mortality risk of children. It is critical to examine causal factors underlying high proportion of child deaths (both under-5 and neonatal mortality) on a regular basis and strategize effective interventions to reduce the mortality risk. Given the country’s limited resource-settings and relatively low expenditure on public health care, a more targeted approach to tackling the burden of child mortality may be considered. This article analyses secondary data on social indicators with regard to four key interventions associated with newborn and child health, namely: delivery care, feeding practices, preventive and curative disease control (immunisation, supplementation and inpatient care), and nutritional status. In the light of these data, it examines, more specifically, the situation in five Indian states which carry the highest child mortality risk. It calls for evidence-based state-specific interventions as the strategy to reduce the overall burden of under-5 child deaths.
Characterizing the Safety Profile of Apixaban Versus Warfarin in Moderate to Severe Chronic Kidney Disease at a Veterans Affairs Hospital
Authors: Herndon Kyle , Guidry Tommie Jo , Wassell Katelyn , Elliott Whitney
Published: December 2019

Background: Warfarin has been the cornerstone of therapy for patients with stage 4 and 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) requiring anticoagulation. These patients were omitted from landmark clinical trials involving apixaban. Apixaban’s safety profile is still largely unclear in this population. Objectives: To compare major bleeding, secondary bleeding outcomes, stroke, and thromboembolism in veterans with CKD stage 4, with CKD stage 5, and on dialysis on apixaban or warfarin. Methods: A retrospective chart review identified veterans with CKD stage 4 and stage 5, and on dialysis who received either apixaban or warfarin from 2013 to 2019 at the Memphis Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The primary outcome was incidence of major bleeding. Secondary outcomes were clinically relevant nonmajor and minor bleeding, composite bleeding, venous thromboembolism (VTE), and stroke. Results: A total of 111 patients were included in this study (warfarin group, n = 57; apixaban group, n = 54). Primary and secondary outcomes were analyzed using the χ2 or Fisher exact tests as appropriate. There was no difference in major bleeding between groups (14% vs 7%, P = 0.362). There were increased rates of minor bleeding (26% vs 6%, P = 0.004) and composite bleeding (46% vs 20%, P = 0.004) in patients receiving warfarin. There were no differences in rates of stroke or VTE between the 2 groups. Conclusion and Relevance: There was no difference in major bleeding in patients who received apixaban compared with warfarin. Apixaban may be a reasonable alternative to warfarin in veterans with CKD stage 4 and 5, including those on dialysis.
Cystic Neutrophilic Granulomatous Mastitis: A Clinicopathological Study With 16s rRNA Sequencing for the Detection of Corynebacteria in Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tissue
Authors: Naik Madhavi A. , Korlimarla Aruna , Shetty Smrithi T. , Fernandes Anisha M. , Pai Sanjay A.
Published: December 2019

Cystic neutrophilic granulomatous mastitis (CNGM) is a histologically characterized variant of granulomatous lobular mastitis that is associated with lipophilic Corynebacterium species. It remains a largely underrecognized entity in India. Our aim was to study CNGM in the Asian Indian population and explore if 16s rRNA sequencing could be used on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue to identify the causative organism. We studied 24 cases with histological features of CNGM with hematoxylin and eosin, Gram, Ziehl-Neelsen, and Periodic acid–Schiff stains. Tuberculosis-polymerase chain reaction and 16s rRNA gene sequencing on DNA extracted from FFPE was attempted (N = 23). Gram-positive bacilli were seen in 20/24 cases. Routine culture with prolonged incubation yielded Corynebacterium species in 8 cases; 7 of these cases were evaluated by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for species identification. C matruchotti was identified in one case by BD Phoenix. MALDI-TOF MS identified the remaining 7 cases as C kroppenstedtii (N = 4) and C tuberculostearicum (N = 2), with no identification in one. Corynebacteria were identified by 16s rRNA sequencing on DNA extracted from FFPE in 12/23 cases using a primer targeting the V5-V6 region that was found to be more conserved in Corynebacterium species. All cases were negative for the diagnosis of tuberculosis. CNGM can be identified by routine stains. Culture using routine media with prolonged incubation is often adequate to isolate the organism. 16s rRNA sequencing on DNA extracted from FFPE tissue can help make an etiological diagnosis in some cases where only paraffin blocks are available.
Averaging analysis on a semi-active inerter–based suspension system with relative-acceleration–relative-velocity control
Authors: Wang Yong , Ding Hu , Chen Li-Qun
Published: December 2019

The semi-active inerter–based suspension system with a semi-active inerter is proposed in this article to improve the dynamic performance of the passive one. The fluid inerter is used to implement the semi-active inerter and has two adjustable inertances: the maximum and minimum inertances. Based on the relative acceleration and relative velocity between the unsprung mass and sprung mass of the suspension system, and combined with the mechanical property of the semi-active inerter, the relative-acceleration–relative-velocity control strategy is proposed and has two different types: relative-acceleration–relative-velocity+− and relative-acceleration–relative-velocity−+ control strategies, respectively. The relative-acceleration–relative-velocity+− control strategy means adjusting the inertance of the semi-active inerter to the maximum one when the signs of relative acceleration and relative velocity are the same, and to the minimum one when the signs are the opposite, and the meaning of relative-acceleration–relative-velocity−+ control strategy does the reverse. The dynamic response of the semi-active inerter–based suspension system with the relative-acceleration–relative-velocity control strategy is obtained using the averaging method, and its dynamic performance is evaluated using three performance indices: vehicle body acceleration, dynamic tire load, and suspension system stroke. The results show that the semi-active inerter–based suspension system with the relative-acceleration–relative-velocity+− control strategy can have a better dynamic performance for the dynamic tire load and suspension system stroke in which the low-frequency and high-frequency resonance peaks can be smaller, but is poor for the vehicle body acceleration in which the high-frequency resonance peak can be significantly larger; whereas the relative-acceleration–relative-velocity−+ control strategy does the reverse. For smaller maximum and minimum inertances, the relative-acceleration–relative-velocity+− and relative-acceleration–relative-velocity−+ control strategies can achieve the corresponding better performance indices, with a small degeneration for the other performance indices.
Fractional order calculus approach for drying modeling of eggplants
Authors: Erenturk Koksal , Kose Bircan , Erenturk Saliha
Published: December 2019

In order to determine the drying modeling of eggplants, fractional order calculus modeling was applied and compared to regression analysis in this study. The fractional order calculus based on the Caputo derivative approach was considered and applied for modeling of eggplant drying. The drying experiments were performed on three levels of drying air temperatures (60, 70, and 80 ℃), with two different air flow velocity levels (0.5 and 1 m/s), and three levels of thickness (3.5, 6.5, and 9.5 mm) to measure the effects of different drying conditions for eggplants in a convective dryer. Four different commonly used mathematical models from the literature were fitted to the experimental data with regression analysis. Based on obtained results, the coefficient of determination (R2) was found as 0.9956 for the values of 80 ℃, 0.5 m/s, and 3.5 mm, while sum squared error was 0.0061 and root mean square error was 0.0235 for the Page model. However, better and more accurate results were obtained using fractional order modeling with the values of R2 found as 0.9981, sum squared error as 0.0012, and root mean square error as 0.0099 for the considered case.
Parent and student voice in evaluation and planning in schools
Authors: Brown Martin , McNamara Gerry , O’Brien Shivaun , Skerritt Craig , O’Hara Joe , Faddar Jerich , Cinqir Sakir , Vanhoof Jan , Figueiredo Maria , Kurum Gül
Published: December 2019

Current approaches to the regulation of schools in most jurisdictions tend to combine elements of external inspection with systems of internal self-evaluation. An increasingly important aspect of the theory and practice of both, but particularly the latter, revolves around the role of other actors, primarily parents and students, in the process. Using literature review and documentary analysis as the research method, this article explores the research literature from many countries around the concerns of schools and teachers about giving a more powerful voice to parents and pupils. Then, focusing on Ireland, this article tries to clarify three things, official policy concerning stakeholder voice in school self-evaluation and decision making, the efforts by schools to implement this policy and the response to date of school leaders and teachers to this rather changed environment. Using Hart’s ladder of genuine, as opposed to token, participation, it is argued that policy mandating parental and student involvement has evolved significantly, that schools have responded positively and that there is little evidence, as yet, of teacher concern or resistance. This response is explained by the low stakes and improvement-focused education environment; the controlled, structured and simplified nature of the self-evaluation process; and the limited extent of parental and student participation in decision making.
Research on two-stroke compression release braking performance of a variable mode valve actuation system
Authors: Wang Yang , Long Wuqiang , Cui Jingchen , Wang Xin , Tian Hua , Meng Xiangyu
Published: December 2019

In order to enhance the braking safety and improve the fuel economy and emission of heavy-duty engines, a variable mode valve actuation system which can switch operation modes flexibly among four-stroke driving, two-stroke compression release braking, and cylinder deactivation modes on a four-stroke engine was developed in this article. The switching was controlled by the four-stroke driving module and the two-stroke braking module, both of which have two states: effective state and failure state. Besides, a full-cycle numerical model of a six-cylinder turbocharged engine was established for the performance analysis of two-stroke compression release braking mode. The orthogonal design method was introduced in the present study to obtain the optimum valve parameters which can result in high braking power and maintain the maximum cylinder pressure at a lower level at the same time. Then, the two-stroke compression release brake braking power with the optimum valve parameters was compared with four-stroke compression release braking power. Meanwhile, the two-stroke braking cam profile of the variable mode valve actuation system was designed according to the optimum valve parameters, and the two-stroke braking performance with the dynamic valve lift of the variable mode valve actuation system was validated by the numerical model including the hydraulic system. The results indicated that a higher engine speed leads to higher braking power at the same valve lift. Besides, two-stroke compression release brake braking power of the variable mode valve actuation system achieved 525.3 kW at 2600 r/min and 358.1 kW at 1900 r/min, 52.9% and 71.3% higher than four-stroke compression release braking power, respectively. Although the two-stroke compression release brake braking power with dynamic valve lift is slightly less than that with the optimum valve parameters, it is still much higher than that of the four-stroke compression release braking power. Therefore, it has a good application prospect for heavy-duty engines.
The Factor Structure of Child Behavior Checklist Scores With Elementary School Students Referred to Counseling Within Low-Income Communities
Authors: Tabet Saundra M. , Perleoni Mary K. , Dillman Taylor Dalena , Kelchner Viki P. , Lambie Glenn W.
Published: December 2019

The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) is one of the most frequently used assessments of social, emotional, and behavioral functioning; however, previous research has noted inconsistency in the factor structure and items included on the Child Behavior Checklist for Ages 6 to 18 Years (CBCL/6-18) when tested with diverse samples of client populations. Thus, the purpose of our investigation was to examine the factor structure of CBCL/6-18 scores ( N = 459) with diverse American children referred to receive school-based mental health counseling enrolled in five Title I elementary schools in the Southeastern United States. We performed confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and principal component analysis (PCA) on CBCL/6-18 scores to examine the factor structure and internal consistency reliability of the data. Results demonstrated an inadequate fit for model and further data analyses resulted in a three-factor, 32-item model (41.40% of the variance explained). Implications of the findings support a new conceptual framework of the CBCL/6-18 to provide a more parsimonious model when working with diverse populations, specifically children from low-income families.
How Futures Studies and Foresight Could Address Ethical Dilemmas of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Díaz-Domínguez Alejandro
Published: December 2019

Drawing from ethical concerns raised by communities of machine learning developers and considering predictive analytics’ very short-term predictions, several futures studies techniques are examined to offer some insights about possible bridges between machine learning and foresight. This review develops three main sections: (1) a brief explanation of central concepts, such as big data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, hopefully not too simplistic but readable for larger audiences; (2) a discussion about ethical issues, such as bias, discrimination, and dilemmas in research; and (3) a brief description of how futures studies could address ethical dilemmas derived from different time horizons among machine learning immediate results, forecasting short-term predictions, and foresight long-term scenarios.
Associations of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components with the Risk of Incident Knee Osteoarthritis Leading to Hospitalization: A 32-Year Follow-up Study
Authors: Konstari Sanna , Sääksjärvi Katri , Heliövaara Markku , Rissanen Harri , Knekt Paul , Arokoski Jari P. A. , Karppinen Jaro
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To examine whether metabolic syndrome or its individual components predict the risk of incident knee osteoarthritis (OA) in a prospective cohort study during a 32-year follow-up period.

Design

The cohort consisted of 6274 participants of the Mini-Finland Health Survey, who were free from knee OA and insulin-treated diabetes at baseline. Information on the baseline characteristics, including metabolic syndrome components, hypertension, elevated fasting glucose, elevated triglycerides, reduced high-density lipoprotein, and central obesity were collected during a health examination. We drew information on the incidence of clinical knee OA from the national Care Register for Health Care. Of the participants, 459 developed incident knee OA. In our full model, age, gender, body mass index, history of physical workload, smoking history, knee complaint, and previous injury of the knee were entered as potential confounding factors.

Results

Having metabolic syndrome at baseline was not associated with an increased risk of incident knee OA. In the full model, the hazard ratio for incident knee OA for those with metabolic syndrome was 0.76 (95% confidence interval [0.56, 1.01]). The number of metabolic syndrome components or any individual component did not predict an increased risk of knee OA. Of the components, elevated plasma fasting glucose was associated with a reduced risk of incident knee OA (hazard ratio 0.71, 95% confidence interval [0.55, 0.91]).

Conclusions

Our findings do not support the hypothesis that metabolic syndrome or its components increase the risk of incident knee OA. In fact, elevated fasting glucose levels seemed to predict a reduced risk.
Association between air pollution and type 2 diabetes: an updated review of the literature
Authors: Li Yongze , Xu Lu , Shan Zhongyan , Teng Weiping , Han Cheng
Published: December 2019

Air pollution and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are critical public health issues worldwide. A large number of epidemiological studies have highlighted the adverse effects of air pollution on diabetes, and include risk profiles for different exposure durations, study design types, subgroup populations, and effects of air pollution components. We researched PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science to identify studies on the association between air pollution and T2DM from January 2009 to January 2019. The aim of this review is to provide a brief overview of epidemiological and experimental studies on air pollution associated with T2DM from the latest research, which may provide practical information about this relationship and possible mechanisms. Current cumulative evidence appears to suggest that T2DM-related biomarkers increase with increasing exposure duration and concentration of air pollutants. The chemical constituents of the air pollutant mixture may affect T2DM to varying degrees. The suggested mechanisms whereby air pollutants induce T2DM include increased inflammation, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum stress.
Student-athlete concussion disclosure and coach communication within collegiate athletics
Authors: Milroy Jeffrey J , Wyrick David L , Sanders Lindsey , Refisteck Erin , Beamon Emily
Published: December 2019

Background

Between 1.6 and 3.8 million sports- and recreation-related concussions occur in the United States annually. Reports indicate that a significant number of athletes who have experienced symptoms of a potential sport-related concussion did not disclose their symptoms.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of coach communication about concussion disclosure on student-athlete intentions to disclose symptoms of a concussion and encourage another student-athlete to disclose their concussion symptoms.

Methods

A total of 2881 student-athletes completed a web-based survey during Fall of 2016. Multiple linear regression was conducted to primarily investigate the relationship between coach communication and intentions to disclose concussion symptoms. Secondarily, biological sex, year in school, athletic division, and sport category was also assessed.

Results

Coach communication predicted greater intentions to disclose symptoms to their coach, athletic trainer/sports medicine sports medicine staff member and encourage another athlete to disclose their symptoms of a concussion. Biological sex and sport category also predicted intentions to disclose concussion symptoms.

Discussion

Findings from this study provide support for the important role coaches play in an athlete’s regarding concussion safety and introduces preliminary evidence suggesting the impact of coach communication on athlete intentions to disclose concussion symptoms to a coach or athletic trainer/sports medicine staff member.

Conclusion

Future studies and behavioral interventions ought to consider the inclusion of coach communication or other coach-related variables when exploring concussion disclosure among athletes.
Hidden Costs of Hospital-Based Delivery Among Women Using Public Hospitals in Bale Zone, Southeast Ethiopia
Authors: Merga Melese , Debela Tilahun Fufa , Alaro Tesfamichael
Published: December 2019

Background: The Ethiopian health care system since 2005 has encouraged safe enhanced obstetrical care. However, hospital delivery has remained expensive for poor households due to hidden costs. Hidden costs are the costs that are not accounted for in direct hospital costs. The aim of this study was to estimate the hidden costs of institutional delivery and to identify its associated factors. Methods: A health facility–based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Bale zone from August 13 to September 2, 2018. Exit interviews were conducted among women who gave birth at the selected hospitals. A total of 390 women from 1 referral hospital and 2 general hospitals were included into the study. Systematic sampling technique was used to select study participants. Multiple linear regression analysis was done to identify the predictors of the hidden cost of institutional delivery. Result: The median hidden cost of institutional delivery was 877.5 ETB (32.03 USD). The median of the direct medical cost of normal delivery was 280 ETB (10.21 USD) while the direct nonmedical cost was 230 ETB (8.40 USD). For cesarean section, the median direct medical cost was 292 ETB (10.66 USD) while indirect costs were 591 ETB (21.60 USD). For forceps delivery, the direct medical cost was 362 ETB (13.21 USD) while the direct medical cost was 360 (13.14 USD). Distance of household from the hospital (β = 0.165), length of stay at the hospital (β = 0.050), mode of delivery (β = −0.067), and family monthly income (β = 0.201) were the explanatory variables significantly associated with the hidden cost. Conclusion: This study showed hidden cost of facility-based delivery was high. Distance, length of stay, income, and mode of delivery were the predictor of hidden cost. Ethiopian health care system should consider the hidden costs for pregnant women and their families.
Factors Associated With Intent to Leave in Registered Nurses Working in Acute Care Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Study in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Nowrouzi-Kia Behdin , Fox Mary T.
Published: December 2019

Background: The work environment factors associated with nurses’ intention to leave their jobs are not well understood because most studies have used non-probabilistic sampling methods, thus restricting the generalizability of the results. This study examined the relationship between work environment factors and intent to leave among nurses working in acute care hospitals in Ontario, Canada. Methods: This study included a random sample of 1,427 registered nurses who were part of a larger cross-sectional study and who responded to a mailed survey that included measures of resource availability, interprofessional collaboration, job satisfaction, and demographics. Results: Most of the respondents were female (94.8%), with an average age of 45.6 years, and 14.5 years of nursing experience at their current workplace, which included mostly urban (94.6%) and non-teaching hospitals (61.8%). In the multivariate model, we observed that the work environment variables explained 45.5% of the variance in nurses’ intent to leave scores, F(9, 1362) =125.41, p < .01, with an R2 of .455 or 45.5%. Job satisfaction ( p < .01), flexible interprofessional collaborative relationships ( p = .030), and resource availability ( p < .01) were significantly associated with nurses’ intent to leave scores. Conclusion/Application to Practice: Nurses who reported greater job satisfaction, flexible interprofessional relationships, and resource availability were less likely to express an intent to leave their hospital workplaces. Employers and health policy makers may use these findings as part of a broader strategy to improve the work environment of nurses. Occupational health nurses are ideally positioned to demonstrate leadership in promoting retention efforts in the workplace by advocating for the importance of job satisfaction, flexible interprofessional relationships, and resources.