bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the distribution of energy consumption in a northeast Chinese city based on local climate zone scheme: Shenyang city as a case study
Authors: Yang Guang , Fu Yanpeng , Yan Minghui , Zhang Jing
Published: September 2020

The local climate zone (LCZ) scheme is now used to investigate urban heat islands, which provides additional reference for energy consumption simulation. Based on the LCZ scheme, a LCZ mapping of Shenyang, a city in northeast China, was first constructed using the World Urban Database and Access Portal Tools (WUDAPT) Level 0 method. Subsequently, DeST-h was considered to simulate the energy consumption of urban buildings with concentration areas. The results show that with Shenyang being a severely cold area, the annual energy consumption of heating is approximately twice that of refrigeration for an individual building. The total energy consumption of open-distributed single buildings is higher than that of compact-distributed single buildings. Consequently, the unit cumulative energy consumption in compact-distributed buildings is higher than that in openly distributed building areas. The compact high-rise buildings (LCZ 1) have the highest energy consumption, with a unit annual energy consumption of 123,771.150 MW·h, which is equivalent to 41,257 tons of standard coal combustion power generation. Considering the energy consumption of residential buildings, the central high-rise buildings group and the compact centralized middle-rise buildings in the downtown area are high energy consumption areas. For future urban planning, design strategies such as energy-saving transformation and energy planning should be considered. The research results can provide a scientific basis and theoretical support for reducing building energy consumption, alleviating the urban heat island effect, and the development of modern urban planning.
Local governments and sustainable development: Nurturing best practices through horizontal learning process (HLP) across countries
Authors: Lahiri Santanu , Rajan JB
Published: September 2020

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. To maintain the pace of development, local government institutions (LGIs) in many countries have started adapting innovative good practices. These practices are being generated as an offshoot of some projects, initiated by local governments, sub-national and/or national governments. However, these innovations are generally so closely associated, and depend so much on those projects, that once the projects officially phase out, the good practices also start falling apart. Those training institutions for LGIs in Asian countries are imparting training and applying participatory methodologies like peer learning. This enhances the capacities of the functionaries of the respective LGIs. However, the learning that emerges from the good practices, that have evolved, is often missed out in these course curricula, despite the fact that both the good practices and capacity for generating good practices, exist at the local level in the form of tacit learning. The Horizontal Learning Process (HLP) helps to overcome the inherent limitations of existing training methodology by capturing, upscaling, and nurturing tacit learning based on good practices. This paper highlights the concept and salient features of HLP, its evolution, process and steps, application areas, achievements and challenges—especially in the context of the SDGs and the role of LGIs.
Lessons Learned from Psychological Autopsies in Armed Forces
Authors: Sinha Alok , Gupta Sriniwas , Ray Madhubrata , Kumar Sanjay , Gupta Anindya Kumar
Published: September 2020

Background:

Suicide in armed forces is a matter of concern despite adequate prophylactic measures that have been adopted to reduce it. Military psychiatrists routinely conduct psychological autopsies. It may reveal various biopsychosocial factors leading to suicide and may be helpful in suicide prevention too. A few studies have been done in Indian Armed Forces but all of them involve cases of attempted suicide. Our study is different as it uses the methodology of psychological autopsy to find out various psychosocial factors of suicide in armed forces.

Methods:

The present study was carried out in a large service hospital and included all suicide cases occurring in a particular strategic location from February 2014 to July 2017. A total of 16 suicide cases were investigated, and information was collected through visiting the scene, detailed semistructured interviews, the perusal of mobile call records, social website activities, notes in a social diary, bank statements, service record, and health records.

Results:

The majority (nine of sixteen) of suicide victims were less than 30 years of age. The most common method of suicide (ten of sixteen) was use of firearms. Family history of mental illness/suicide was seen in three of them. Three had a past history of mental illness. Two were abusing substance in the recent past. Behavioral change was noticed in three, and suicide notes were available in three cases. Five had expressed their intent to die.

Conclusions:

Strain of serving in frontiers is not a common stressor associated with suicide as commonly perceived.
The Relevance of Telemedicine in Continuing Medical Education
Authors: Praharaj Samir Kumar , Ameen Shahul
Published: September 2020

Continuing medical education (CME) is essential for medical practitioners to update their knowledge and skills periodically to provide clinical care in keeping with the evidence available. Traditional methods of CME such as workshops, conferences, and seminars are helpful to bridge the gaps in practice. With advancing technologies, online format is used to deliver CME with appropriate modifications. Although there are distinct advantages of online CME in regards to wider reach and flexibility, there are certain drawbacks beyond just technological limitations. Interactivity using ingenious ideas may be required to motivate and engage learners during online CME.
The impact of entrepreneurs’s financial literacy on innovation within small and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Liu Baohua , Wang Jiancheng , Chan Kam C , Fung Anna
Published: September 2020

This article analyses the impact of an entrepreneur’s financial literacy upon innovation within small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and, in so doing, extends human capital theory to consider the effect of financial literacy on risky investment decisions. Using a large survey dataset of Chinese SMEs in 2015 and 2017, our findings suggest that financial literacy is positively associated with innovation; positive relationships are robust to different innovation metrics. In addition, we find that gender matters, as male owners appear to promote more innovations, while firm size is positively associated with innovation. Additional analysis suggests that risk tolerance is a transmission mechanism for the impact of financial literacy on innovation. Our results corroborate previous studies showing that individuals with greater financial literacy make sound personal financial decisions and so have important public policy implications.
Ford Multi-AV Seasonal Dataset
Authors: Agarwal Siddharth , Vora Ankit , Pandey Gaurav , Williams Wayne , Kourous Helen , McBride James
Published: September 2020

This article presents a challenging multi-agent seasonal dataset collected by a fleet of Ford autonomous vehicles (AVs) at different days and times during 2017–2018. The vehicles traversed an average route of 66 km in Michigan that included a mix of driving scenarios such as the Detroit airport, freeways, city centers, university campus, and suburban neighborhoods. Each vehicle used in this data collection was a Ford Fusion outfitted with an Applanix POS-LV GNSS/INS system, four HDL-32E Velodyne 3D-lidar scanners, six Point Grey 1.3 MP cameras arranged on the rooftop for 360° coverage, and one Point Grey 5 MP camera mounted behind the windshield for the forward field of view. We present the seasonal variation in weather, lighting, construction, and traffic conditions experienced in dynamic urban environments. We also include data from multiple AVs that were driven in close proximity. This dataset can help design robust algorithms for AVs and multi-agent systems. Each log in the dataset is time-stamped and contains raw data from all the sensors, calibration values, pose trajectory, ground-truth pose, and 3D maps. All data is available in rosbag format that can be visualized, modified, and applied using the open-source Robot Operating System (ROS). We also provide the output of reflectivity-based localization for bench-marking purposes. The dataset can be freely downloaded at avdata.ford.com .
Cetuximab versus bevacizumab maintenance following prior 8-cycle modified FOLFOXIRI plus cetuximab in Asian postmenopausal women with treatment-naive KRAS and BRAF wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Chen Baomin , Zheng Donghua , Yu Weiguang , Huang Cuiping , Ye Junxing , Han Guowei , Zhuang Jintao
Published: September 2020

Objective

To assess the efficacy and safety of cetuximab (CE) versus bevacizumab (BE) maintenance treatment after prior 8-cycle modified 5-fluorouracil, folinate, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan (FOLFOXIRI) plus CE induction therapy in treatment-naive KRAS and BRAF wild-type (wt) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

Methods

From 2012 to 2017, prospectively maintained databases were reviewed to assess Asian postmenopausal women with treatment-naive KRAS and BRAF wt mCRC who underwent modified FOLFOXIRI plus CE induction therapy, followed by CE or BE maintenance until disease progression or death. Co-primary clinical endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

A total of 222 women were included (CE n = 110 and BE n = 112). At a median follow-up of 27.0 months (interquartile range, 6.5–38.6 months), median PFS was 21.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 16.4–24.4) and 17.7 months (95% CI 11.3–19.0) for CE and BE groups, respectively (hazard ratio [HR] 0.31, 95% CI 0.15–0.46); median OS was 26.0 months (95% CI 23.4–28.7) and 22.7 months (95% CI 21.2–24.3) for CE and BE groups, respectively (HR 0.22, 95% CI 0.11–0.37).

Conclusions

CE maintenance treatment is more poorly tolerated but has a slightly more modest survival benefit compared with BE maintenance treatment in mCRC.
Serum miR-29a/b expression in gestational diabetes mellitus and its influence on prognosis evaluation
Authors: Deng Li , Huang Yan , Li Ling , Chen Hongfei , Su Junyou
Published: September 2020

Objective

To evaluate serum microRNA (miR)-29a/b expression in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and its influence on neonatal prognosis.

Methods

This was a retrospective study including 68 pregnant women with GDM (GDM group) and 55 healthy pregnant women of similar age range and gestation period (healthy group).

Results

The area under the curve was 0.829 for the diagnosis of GDM using serum miR-29a expression, 0.857 for diagnosis using serum miR-29b expression, and 0.944 for combined diagnosis (using both miR-29a and miR-29b). The fasting insulin (FINS) level of the GDM group was significantly lower than that of the healthy group; levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-h plasma glucose (2hPG), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were significantly higher in the GDM group than in the healthy group. Both miR-29a and miR-29b were positively correlated with FINS levels and negatively correlated with FPG, 2hPG, and HbA1c levels. Serum miR-29a/b expression in pregnant women with GDM was not correlated with neonatal weight, premature delivery, or asphyxia but was correlated with pathologic jaundice.

Conclusions

Serum miR-29a/b expression was downregulated in pregnant women with GDM and correlated with neonatal pathologic jaundice, showing good individual (miR-29a or miR-29b) diagnostic value and excellent combined (miR-29a and miR-29b) diagnostic value.
Severe Wernicke encephalopathy and acute pancreatitis due to all-trans-retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide during treatment of acute promyelocytic leukaemia: a case report
Authors: Jiang Yan , Ji Linhua
Published: September 2020

A 55-year-old woman developed acute promyelocytic leukaemia during treatment with all-trans-retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide. Initially, she presented with symptoms of epigastric pain, vomiting, and nausea, and she developed acute pancreatitis. She was treated with parenteral nutritional supplementation for 20 days. However, the patient continued to develop refractory hyponatraemia, hypotension, and apathy. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) using head magnetic resonance imaging. The patient underwent high-dose intravenous thiamine administration, and her symptoms were alleviated. WE is a rare adverse event during acute pancreatitis therapy. Acute pancreatitis that is caused by all-trans-retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide is a rare complication of acute promyelocytic leukaemia during chemotherapy. Further study is essential to improve our comprehension of the risk factors for complications in patients with acute promyelocytic leukaemia, considering that the associated complications were potentially caused by multiple etiological factors. A better understanding of these risk factors may help to improve the prognosis of patients with acute promyelocytic leukaemia at an early stage.
Secondary angle-closure glaucoma as an ocular presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report
Authors: Hou Xincen , Pan Wenping , Wang Anli , Yu Tao , Song Aiping
Published: September 2020

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic idiopathic autoimmune disease. SLE can involve almost any part of the eyes. However, bilateral angle-closure glaucoma due to lupus choroidopathy that is accompanied by polyserositis and nephropathy is rare. We report a 21-year-old woman whose clinical manifestations were diagnosed as bilateral angle-closure glaucoma caused by ciliochoroidal effusion. Subsequently, SLE and lupus nephritis were diagnosed on the basis of malar rash, photosensitivity, proteinuria, positive anti-Smith and anti-DNA antibodies, and a renal histopathological biopsy. After 1 month of treatment with steroids and immunosuppressive drugs, the patient’s intraocular pressure returned to normal, visual acuity improved, and lupus nephritis was effectively controlled. Bilateral secondary acute angle closure caused by SLE choroidal disease can be an ocular manifestation of SLE, and is usually accompanied by polyserositis and nephropathy. High-dose steroids and immunosuppressive therapy should be immediately and actively provided for this condition.
Low molecular weight heparin in the treatment of pyrrolizidine alkaloid-induced hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome: five case reports
Authors: Jiang Minjie , Wang Luyuan , Du Xiaodong , Hao Miaomiao , Gao Pujun
Published: September 2020

Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS) can be caused by the intake of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). The disease has a high mortality rate, a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Managing pyrrolizidine alkaloid-induced hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (PA-HSOS) is a significant challenge for hepatologists. This case report describes five patients with PA-HSOS that were treated with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) between 2014 and 2019. All five patients had a history of taking PA-containing herbal preparations before the onset of the disease. They all met the Nanjing diagnostic criteria and were diagnosed with PA-HSOS. Symptomatic treatment was administered to all five patients. In addition to symptomatic treatment, all five patients were treated with LMWH for approximately 8–21 days. After treatment, their ascites disappeared, symptoms improved and the hepatic venous blood flow had improved compared with before treatment. There was no obvious discomfort during the 6 months of follow-up. LMWH may play a useful role in the early treatment of PA-HSOS. Therefore, for patients in the early stages of PA-HSOS, in addition to symptomatic treatment, early anticoagulant intervention can be attempted to improve patient prognosis under close monitoring of coagulation.
Modeling and Validating Traffic Responsive Ramp Metering in the Highway Capacity Manual Context
Authors: Aghdashi Seyedbehzad , Davis Joy , Chase Thomas , Cunningham Chris
Published: September 2020

This paper presents a methodology for modeling traffic responsive (or adaptive) ramp metering in the freeway facilities method based on the sixth edition of the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM6). Currently, the HCM only provides an option to meter on-ramps as user input using 15-min average flow rates with a focus on planning-level analyses. As a result, the possibilities for simulating and modeling ramp meters with any traffic responsive ramp metering algorithm in the HCM context are limited. Moreover, the freeway facilities methodology in the HCM plays a vital role in the analysis of travel time reliability, which is built on a set of operational scenarios. However, with the lack of traffic responsive ramp metering, analysts are burdened with the task of manually entering average effective ramp metering rates for each on-ramp within the set of reliability scenarios. This process can require a substantial amount of time, in addition to increasing the potential for inaccuracy and bias in freeway and performance measure estimations. As a result, this paper is designed to fill a significant research gap by providing a method for analyzing traffic responsive (or adaptive) ramp metering, an active traffic and demand management strategy, using the core freeway facilities methodology in the HCM. The direct application of the method focuses on the MaxView metering algorithm. However, the proposed framework can be used to model any traffic responsive ramp metering algorithm. The results are validated using real-world sites located on the I-540 westbound freeway corridor in North Carolina.
“Medication Is Just One Piece of the Whole Puzzle”: How Nursing Homes Change Their Use of Antipsychotic Medications
Authors: Rosenthal Marsha , Poling Jessica , Wec Aleksandra , Connolly Elizabeth , Angell Beth , Crystal Stephen
Published: September 2020

Antipsychotic medication use for nursing home residents with dementia poses major patient safety challenges. This article investigates health professionals’ experiences with decision-making during changes under the National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care in Nursing Homes (National Partnership) and its companion state coalitions. These programs were introduced in 2012 to encourage reductions in antipsychotic use and increased use of nonpharmacological treatments for dementia. Interviews with 40 nursing home physicians and staff in seven states found that reducing antipsychotics is more time and resource-intensive than relying on medication, because it requires a person-centered approach. However, respondents supported reductions in antipsychotic use, and indicated that with sufficient staffing, effective communications, and training, they could create or implement individualized treatments. Their positive attitudes suggest that the National Partnership has been a catalyst in reducing antipsychotic medications, and their perspectives can inform further research, policy and practice in nursing homes toward achieving quality dementia care.
A Survey of the Characteristics and Administrator Perceptions of Family Councils in a Western Canadian Province
Authors: Baumbusch Jennifer , Sloan Yip Isabel , Koehn Sharon , Reid R. Colin , Gandhi Preet
Published: September 2020

Family Councils are independent, self-determining groups composed of family members (inclusive of friends) who have assembled with the main purpose of protecting and improving the quality of life of those living in long-term care (LTC) homes. This study aimed to describe the prevalence and characteristics of Family Councils in British Columbia, Canada. We conducted a cross-sectional survey with administrators of 259 homes and received 222 usable surveys. Of the 151 LTC homes that had Family Councils, it was most common for the homes to be larger (>50 residents), accredited, privately owned, and located in urban areas. Perceived barriers to Family Councils included lack of interest, tendency to focus on individual complaints, and the transitory nature of families. Perceived benefits of Family Councils included enhanced communication between staff and families, peer support, and collective advocacy. Recommendations focus on enhancing accessibility, information sharing, and meaningfulness of Family Councils to improve family engagement.
Preparing poly styrene-co-acrylic acid and recycled waste magnetite composite from concrete industry as a printing ink
Authors: Ataeefard Maryam , Salehi Mohammad Mahdi
Published: September 2020

The main element of electrophotographic (EP) printing and copying devices is a polymeric composite called toner and one of the most significant components of toner composite is an iron oxide (magnetite). Magnetite, which is applied as a colorant and additive for toner is the main mineral able to develop an electrical charge on the printing procedure. Although there are several ways to produce magnetite, given the dearth of resources and environmental aspect, it is safer to practice recycling and greener method. In the present study, an encouraging way to reuse the magnetite particles as a byproduct of the preparation of micro silica in the concrete industry was described. The obtained magnetite was then utilized as the charge control agent to produce magnetite/carbon black/styrene co-butyl acrylate composite microspheres by green emulsion aggregation method, which is used as toner in the printing procedure. Characterization of toner and recovered magnetite was done by X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Atomic Gradient Force Magnetometry (AGFM), Particle Size Analysis (PSA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-Ray (SEM-EDX). The results supported the fact that the produced toner composite by recycled waste magnetite show suitable characteristics comparing to an industrial toner.
Expanding Student Knowledge and Confidence on Dietary Supplements Through Mock Patient Consultations
Authors: Walsh Kendra , Cohen Lisa , Hume Anne L.
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

As dietary supplements are widely used in the United States, student pharmacists should be prepared to assess their appropriateness for self-care. The purpose of this project was to assess the impact of mock patient consults regarding common dietary supplements on second-year (P2) Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students.

Methods:

This activity was part of a required course, Self-Care I. Twenty-four groups of 4 to 5 students were created, with each assigned a unique patient vignette. Students had 10 minutes to speak on the phone with their “patient” to obtain needed information in order to make an appropriate recommendation in the form of a 2 to 3-minute recorded oral response. Anonymous, voluntary pre- and post-project surveys assessing perceived dietary supplement knowledge, patient counseling skills, and attitudes about the activity were conducted during class through Google Forms. The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test was used to determine differences in mean 10-point Likert scale score between pre- and post-test for each survey question, with significance if p < 0.05.

Results:

Significant differences were found between pre- and post-survey Likert scale means. Reported confidence in using the QuEST/SCHOLAR-MAC approaches to self-care counseling increased by 45% from baseline. Perceived student knowledge on dietary supplements increased by 44%. Self-rated counseling abilities of students increased by 87% for glucosamine/chondroitin, 28% for melatonin, 39% for red yeast rice, 38% for fish oil, and 42% for cranberry regarding their use in particular cases.

Conclusions:

The activity provided students with realistic exposure to questions about dietary supplements that patients ask community pharmacists.
Combat helmet liner design for blunt impact absorption using multi-output Gaussian process surrogates
Authors: Barlow George J , Page Christopher , Drane Patrick , Stapleton Scott E , Fasel Benjamin , Inalpolat Murat
Published: September 2020

A finite element based computational model simulating the standard drop tower test for military helmets was created and used in conjunction with a multi-output Gaussian process surrogate to seek different designs of helmets for improved blunt impact performance. Experimental drop test results were used for the validation of the model’s ability to simulate impact. The influence of foam stiffness, impact velocity, strap tension, as well as pad placement and size on parameters on the peak linear acceleration (PLA) of the headform was investigated for the first time through a surrogate model trained by strategically choosing simulation points. Impact velocity was found to have the greatest effect. The strap tension and foam pad stiffness ranges examined within this sampling plan were found to have less of an effect on the performance of the helmet than the pad size and shape parameters examined. The surrogate modeling approach was used to quantify the influence of design parameters and can lead to not only improved helmet designs but also new data-driven design metrics and testing standards to accelerate the development of TBI-mitigating helmets.
Influence of outer geometry on primary stability for uncemented acetabular shells in developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Yoshida Kazuhiro , Fukushima Kensuke , Sakai Rina , Uchiyama Katsufumi , Takahira Naonobu , Ujihira Masanobu
Published: September 2020

Excellent primary stability of uncemented acetabular shells is essential to obtain successful clinical outcomes. However, in the case of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), aseptic loosening may be induced by instability due to a decrease of the contact area between the acetabular shell and host bone. The aim of this study was to assess the primary stability of two commercially-available acetabular shells, hemispherical and hemielliptical, in normal and DDH models. Synthetic bone was reamed using appropriate surgical reamers for each reaming condition (normal acetabular model). The normal acetabular model was also cut diagonally at 40° to create a dysplasia model. Stability of the acetabular components was evaluated by the lever-out test. In the normal acetabular model conditions, the maximum primary stabilities of hemispherical and hemielliptical shells were observed in the 1-mm under- and 1-mm over-reamed conditions, respectively, and the resulting stabilities were comparable. The lateral defect in the dysplasia model had an adverse effect on the primary stabilities of the two designs. The lever-out moment of the hemielliptical acetabular shell was 1.4 times greater than that of the hemispherical acetabular shell in the dysplasia model. The hemispherical shell is useful for the normal acetabular condition, and the hemielliptical shell for the severe dysplasia condition, in the context of primary stability.
An Evaluation of the Influence of Environmental, Social and Cultural factors on the Socialization of Traditional Urban Spaces (Case Study: Iranian Markets)
Authors: Mahdinezhad Jamaloddin , Sedghpour Bahram Saleh , Nabi Rana Najjari
Published: September 2020

The ‘bazaar’, or the marketplace has been one of the most influential bases of the city in terms of social, political and economic development, and is considered as an active public space for initiating fundamental changes in society. Across Islamic cultures and civilizations, as well as their historical precedents, the marketplace has occupied a broad and complex social meaning, especially in Iran. In this research, the marketplace is considered from a socio-commercial point of view. In order to improve the efficiency of public spaces, it is necessary to identify their effective parameters of socialization, and utilize them towards the future design or improvement of built environments. While the socio-cultural influence of a bazaar determines the development of human relationships around it, its environmental components are also effective in responding to ‘physical needs’ of a populace, that is, the provision of necessities such as food and clothing as well as repair services. The relationship between environmental, social and cultural elements is found to be the most influential factor in increasing the sociality of the public space. In order to analyze bazaar socialization, the research methodology employed in this article comprises a descriptive survey that uses Delphi and Q methodology. According to the results, six key factors were identified: activity-behavioural-movement (ABM) components, physical-functional qualities, enviornmental impacts, physical components (PCs), cultural values (CVs), social cohesion and integration, diversity and spatial attraction. Crucially, the study also finds that the socialization of space is formed through the interaction between human experiences in place and the prevailing cultural forms within it, that is, the regional customs, traditions and overall ‘way of life’ of the native populace. Therefore, the cultural features of urban spaces are another important factor in their development. Studying these factors opens the possibility for facilitating greater levels of interaction and participation in public spaces in a manner that also accommodates different groups of people and their varying subcultures.
Novel ORF5 deletion of NADC30-like porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome viruses circulating in northern China from 2016 to 2018
Authors: Sun Ying-Feng , Yu Hai , Jiang Xuan , Ma Ji-Fei , Xu Cheng-Qian , Yu Xiao-Xue , Li Liu-an
Published: September 2020

North American porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (NA-PRRSV), especially NADC30-like PRRSV, has evolved and is prevalent in China. We collected 503 samples from pig breeding farms across 4 provinces in northern China from 2016 to 2018. The samples were screened by PCR testing with specific primers that could differentiate groups of NA-PRRSV; phylogenetic trees were constructed and analyzed. Overall, 175 of 503 (34.8%) samples were positive for NA-PRRSV. Dual (NADC30-like and highly pathogenic [HP]-PRRSV; NADC30-like and typical PRRSV; HP and typical PRRSV) and triple (NADC30-like, HP, and typical PRRSV) infections (92 of 175, 52.6%) were common in coinfections by NADC30-like and HP-PRRSV. Notably, 18 of 125 (14.4%) semen samples were positive for PRRSV, and 17 of the 18 positive semen samples contained NADC30-like PRRSV. Phylogenetic analysis based on GP5 amino acids revealed that the novel NADC30-like PRRSV with a unique single amino acid deletion at position 34 has become widespread and has evolved into a new subgroup.
Perspectives on Health Policy From People With Disabilities
Authors: Smith Sarah D. , Hall Jean P. , Kurth Noelle K.
Published: September 2020

People with disabilities are marginalized and face barriers to participation in society, including political participation and representation. While data indicate that people with disabilities have similar political preferences to the overall U.S. population, little research has been conducted to assess the health policy views of people with disabilities in their own words. This study uses qualitative data collected between 2017 and 2019 via 35 telephone interviews and 484 open-ended responses from a nationally representative survey to analyze what people with disabilities would like policymakers to know about health care and health insurance for people with disabilities. Results reveal that this population’s perceptions of social exclusion and stigma inform what they would like to tell policymakers. In addition, people with disabilities were largely supportive of Affordable Care Act features and framed expanded or universal access to health care as a human right or a moral issue.
Examining a Child Welfare Parenting Intervention for Parents With Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Augsberger Astraea , Zeitlin Wendy , Rao Trupti , Weisberg Danielle , Toraif Noor
Published: September 2020

Purpose:

There is scant child welfare research on parenting interventions for parents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). This mixed-methods research examined client participation in an in-home parenting intervention, including client characteristics, which clients benefit most from participation, and key aspects of program participation.

Method:

The sample included participant program records, client satisfaction surveys, stakeholder interviews, and a staff focus group. The quantitative data were analyzed using growth curves and binary logistic regression. The qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results:

Time spent in Project Improving Parenting Achievements Together was predictive of improvement in parenting skills and the home environment and reduction in the odds of out-of-home placement for children of parents with I/DD. The intensity of services, tailored education, community engagement, and client–worker relationship were the key aspects of program participation.

Discussion:

With proper supports, parents with I/DD can learn parenting skills, improve the home environment, and keep their family intact.
Building Social Work Research Capacity in a Busy Metropolitan Hospital
Authors: Donley Euan , Moon Felicity
Published: September 2020

Purpose:

Recently, public health networks in Australia have introduced clinical research specialists to drive research in the allied health professions by helping clinical social workers engage in research. This study examines the benefits of a flexible research program for busy social work novice and experienced clinicians.

Methods:

Thirty hospital-based social workers were allocated a total of 12 research projects. Participants were given a mixed-methods survey both pre and post an education program with 17 responses for the presurvey and 12 responses postsurvey. The responses were coded via thematic analysis.

Results:

Despite initial clinician apprehension, the majority of participants found it beneficial. In the busy hospital context, support that was valued included simplified information and regular mentorship and training.

Discussion:

The role of a research lead with management support is pivotal in promoting a positive research culture and active research. However, clinical demand still reduces capacity to engage in research.
Palliative Paracentesis in the Home Setting: A Case Series
Authors: Ota Ken S. , Schultz Nicholas , Segaline Nicole A.
Published: September 2020

Background:

Management of ascites-related symptoms in home hospice and palliative care patients can be challenging. Ultrasound-guided paracentesis is a standard intervention for this indication, but generally requires transfer to a hospital or outpatient interventional-radiology (IR) setting; thus, such interventions are often not practical or attainable for home hospice and palliative care patients.

Objective:

To describe a mobile, in-home service that provides home-based palliative paracentesis (HBPP) as an interventional palliative option for patients with distressing symptoms related to ascites.

Design:

Retrospective case series. Setting/Subjects: Thirty patients with ascites, confirmed by portable bedside ultrasound, who underwent HBPP at their residence.

Results:

Thirty-three patients were referred for HBPP for symptomatic abdominal distention from March 1, 2019 to March 1, 2020. Thirty (91%) patients had ultrasound-confirmed ascites and received HBPP. All 30, verbalized appreciable symptom relief post-intervention. There were no reported post-procedural complications.

Conclusion:

Home-based palliative paracentesis is a safe, effective, and convenient intervention for hospice and palliative care patients with symptomatic ascites.
Degree of Asymmetry Between Patients With Complete and Incomplete Cleft Lips
Authors: Jodeh Diana S. , Soni Sara , Cray James J. , Rottgers S. Alex
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

Surgical outcomes for patients with complete cleft lips are not as ideal as those achieved for milder phenotypes. We hypothesized that in addition to the greater width of the cleft, patients with complete cleft lip and palate exhibit a greater degree of hypoplasia and asymmetry.

Methods:

Stereophotographs of 14 infants with unrepaired unilateral complete and 14 with incomplete cleft lips were measured using Vectra imaging software (Canfield Imaging). Unpaired t tests were used to compare measured asymmetry between groups. Measurements included nasion to endocathion, sn-sbal, subnasale to alare (sn-al), subnasale to crista philtra, subalare to crista philtra (sbal-cphi), chelion to crista philtra, lateral lip element fullness, medial lip element fullness (mef), and non-cleft lip fullness. Duplicate measurements allowed Pearson correlation to be used to determine intra-rater reliability. Statistical significance was set at P < .05.

Results:

Degree of asymmetry of the nasal base, sn-al, and sn-sbal was significantly greater for patients with complete clefts ( P = .0001, P = .0001). Hypoplasia of the lateral lip element was seen when comparing lateral and mef ( P = .04, P = .004) and lateral lip height (sbal-cphi’’; P = .002). The degree of cupid’s bow asymmetry did not differ between groups ( P = .23). Intrarater reliability was high for all facial measures, ranging from 0.70 to 0.99.

Conclusions:

More severe, complete cleft lips demonstrate statistically significant greater asymmetry in surgically relevant dimensions. There was greater width of the nasal base. Vertical asymmetry of cupid’s bow was unaffected by cleft severity, but that asymmetry was greater in patients with complete clefts due to hypoplasia of the lateral lip element. This may contribute to the less favorable results in these patients.
Intention to Use Exoskeletons in Geriatric Care Work: Need for Ergonomic and Social Design
Authors: Turja Tuuli , Saurio Riika , Katila Julia , Hennala Lea , Pekkarinen Satu , Melkas Helinä
Published: September 2020

In this research, we investigate user experiences with the Laevo exoskeletons in geriatric work. We introduce two studies where Finnish nurses used exoskeletons and identify the requirements and potential restrictions for using exoskeletons in care context. Our results show that nurses’ intentions to use the exoskeletons were mostly associated with perceived usefulness, ergonomics, and enjoyment of use. Also, social environment issues, such as other people’s reactions, are important considerations. Exoskeleton use has varying requirements depending on where it will be implemented. Thus, the end users’ ideas for the design are crucial in enabling exoskeleton use in different sectors of work.
Impact of a New Parent Behavioral-Schema Training on Children with ADHD: A Pragmatic Control Trial
Authors: Solan Maly , Brunstein Klomek Anat , Ankori Galia , Bloch Asheda , Apter Alan , Plishty Sarit
Published: September 2020

Objectives:

To examine whether adding schema therapy strategies to the conventional parent behavioral program prevents symptom relapse in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Method:

The intervention was designed as an adaptive pragmatic control trial. The parent behavioral training and schema-enhanced parent behavior therapy (SPBT) protocols were delivered to the control group (40 parents of 23 children) and experimental group (97 parents of 54 children), respectively. Participants were assessed at baseline, mid-treatment, and termination. Parents and teachers indicated the severity of ADHD and comorbid symptoms through their responses to standardized questionnaires designed for this purpose.

Results:

A nested growth curve analysis demonstrated that participants in the schema-enhanced intervention group had a lower risk of symptom relapse than the control group.

Conclusion:

Participation in the SPBT program significantly reduced relapse rates by the end of the intervention. Future research may determine the long-term effects of the treatment.
Perceptions of a Zoological Park: A Comparative Study of Educators and Visitors
Authors: Morgan J. Mark
Published: September 2020

Views of educators and visitors were compared in relation to public enjoyment of a zoological park. Factors studied were the primary motivation, social orientation, and educational strategies associated with zoo visitation. Analysis of variance was used to test for significant differences between groups for each dimension. Results indicated that zoo educators were fairly good at predicting visitors’ educational and recreational motives for attendance, but showed less consistency regarding their social orientation (i.e., intrinsic values were more important to educators). When evaluating the importance of educational strategies, only two out of eight items were similar with visitors. Although educators demonstrated a reasonable understanding of zoo visitors, they were encouraged to become more market-oriented to meet the public's needs.
Determining Social Science Research Needs in Interpretation: A Case Study
Authors: Silverman Lois H. , Barrie Elizabeth R.
Published: September 2020

The objective of this paper is to report and analyze the results of two nominal group sessions that sought to determine the social science research needs and priorities of the Harpers Ferry Center (HFC), a unit in the National Park Service (NPS) dedicated to the creation of interpretive media, as perceived by HFC personnel and individual NPS site interpretive personnel, respectively. The Nominal Group Technique, or NGT (Delbecq & Van de Ven, 1971), is a collective decision-making technique that has been used widely within recreation research to determine and prioritize concerns of practitioners, including research agenda items (Ewert, 1990). This study indicates that those involved in different aspects of interpretation have different perspectives on social science needs. Not only do such groups need to understand each other's perspectives and contributions better, but this study also suggests that their collaboration is critical to the crafting of well-rounded social science research agendas in interpretation.
The Role of Attention in Designing Effective Interpretive Labels
Authors: Bitgood Stephen
Published: September 2020

Processes of attention can provide a conceptual framework for understanding visitor reactions to interpretive labels. In this article, three principles of attention are used to organize what we know about interpretive label design. The first principle, selectivity, suggests that the distinctiveness or salience of a label or object will influence which of many elements will be given attention. The second principle, motivated focusing, states that motivation is enhanced by minimizing the amount of effort, increasing cognitive-emotional arousal and minimizing distractions. The last principle, limited capacity, proposes that the resources of attention have a limited capacity and are depleted over time with effort expended. Findings of research studies and specific principles (e.g., an isolated object receives more attention than an object embedded in dense stimuli) are described within this conceptual framework.
Through Their Eyes: The Meaning of Heritage Site Experiences to Visitors who are Blind or Visually Impaired
Authors: Silverman Lois H. , Masberg Barbara A.
Published: September 2020

Little research exists that explores the meaning of a heritage site visit from the perspectives of individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The purpose of this study was to investigate the meaning of heritage sites and the heritage site visit from the point of view of citizens who are blind or visually impaired. Forty informants, identified through network sampling, participated in in-depth telephone interviews. Analysis consisted of the constant comparison method. Among informants, a heritage site was typically thought of as a place of history where stories are presented. The meaning of a visit was characterized by the availability or unavailability of specific interpretive media, such as hands-on opportunities, site personnel, and audiovisual media; by visit companions; and by the built environment. Implications include the need for visitors who are blind or visually impaired as well as interpretive staff to be advocates, trainers, and facilitators to enhance heritage site visits.
Identifying the Environmental Attitudes of Iowa Businesses
Authors: Rankin Merry L. , Pease James L.
Published: September 2020

Businesses play a vital role in the balance of nature, as they use, control, and affect natural resources, wild areas, and wildlife, both directly and indirectly. This study assessed the environmental attitudes and behaviors of Iowa businesses through a 24 question environmental survey administered by mail to over 700 businesses. Results from the 316 respondents provided an understanding and awareness of Iowa business attitudes and opinions and indicated networking and partnering opportunities for interpreters and other environmental educators. Nearly half of respondents identified their businesses as having a role in providing or receiving environmental education. Certain types of industries were also more likely than others to be involved in specific types of activities and interests. Environmental attitudes of respondents were found to cluster around neutrality with a slight tendency toward being more pro-environmental. Recommendations for utilizing the potential of such educational opportunities are discussed.
Understanding Park Visitors’ Response to Interventions to Reduce Petrified Wood Theft
Authors: Ward Carolyn Widner , Roggenbuck Joseph
Published: September 2020

This study examined why theft of petrified wood at Petrified Forest National Park occurred and how designed interventions worked to inhibit the performance of that behavior. This evaluation was based on semi-structured interviews with observed thieves and non-thieves. Subjective responses revealed that theft was not a thoughtless act, but instead occurred because thieves rationalized that their particular act of theft was acceptable. The primary rationalization given by thieves was that their piece of stolen wood was so small that taking it would not hurt anything. It appeared as though anti-theft messages were received by all of those interviewed, but that thieves only applied these messages to the larger pieces of wood. In addition, most thieves did not view taking a little chip as stealing. There was not one primary message from the interventions processed by respondents, but instead many different messages were received and may have been impacting behavior.
Assessing the Non-Market Value of Heritage Interpretation
Authors: Andrew D. Carver , Basman Cem M. , Lee John G.
Published: September 2020

Quantifying the value-added service which interpreters provide is crucial in protecting and managing all of our important resources. Unlike most private goods and services which have an observed price, most historic, cultural, or natural resources represent non-market goods. While researchers have traditionally used tourist spending combined with input-output models to estimate the value of non-market resources, this technique does not adequately capture the value of interpretive services. The primary purpose of this article is to present a general economic framework which can be used to assess the value of heritage interpretation. An economic model is presented to illustrate graphically how one could measure the total and marginal social value of interpretation. An overview of different non-market valuation techniques and a discussion of how economic values relate to an interpretive process model is also provided. The article concludes with an economic perspective on the issue of interpreter certification.