bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative measures of a robot’s physical ability to balance
Authors: Featherstone Roy
Published: September 2016

This paper presents quantitative measures of a robot’s physical ability to balance itself actively on a single point, line or area of support. These measures express the ratio of a change in the state of motion of the robot’s center of mass to the amount of action required at the actuated joints in order to produce that change. They therefore represent measures of the gain of the robot mechanism as seen from the point of view of the balance control system. This paper is concerned mainly with ratios of velocities, called velocity gains, and it builds on earlier work by showing how these ratios can be defined and calculated for the case of a general planar or spatial robot balancing on a point, line or general rolling contact, or an area contact with a compliant surface. The paper concludes with three examples of use—design of a triple pendulum, analysis of a hydraulic quadruped, and expressing the physics of planar balancing—followed by a short discussion of gyroscopic balancing.
Occupational therapy home programmes for children with unilateral cerebral palsy using bimanual and modified constraint induced movement therapies: A critical review
Authors: Milton Yvonne , Roe Sarah
Published: September 2016

Introduction

The home context is considered a good location for children with cerebral palsy to practise meaningful occupations. The aim of this critical review was to gain a deeper understanding of how bimanual therapy and modified constraint induced movement therapy or constraint induced movement therapy methods are used within occupational therapy home programmes from an occupational perspective.

Method

A literature search was conducted using electronic databases for health research; five studies met the inclusion criteria. These were critically appraised and were analysed according to the relevant supports and barriers of the person–environment–occupation conceptual model of practice.

Findings

Family collaboration, strategic use of outcome measures, construction of the programme within the home environment and occupation-focused goals and activities emerged as commonly used methods. Enhanced descriptions of intervention context, the child’s voice in defining goals and challenges in optimising occupational balance surfaced as gaps in the programmes.

Conclusion

The methods used in implementing these approaches within occupational therapy home programmes requires combining motor and non-motor approaches, core occupational therapy skills, working within individual contexts and valuing family preferences. Using child-specific goal-setting instruments would strengthen the child’s voice and promote participation within a wider range of occupations.
Destroy what destroys the planet: Steering creative destruction in the dual crisis
Authors: Holgersen Ståle , Warlenius Rikard
Published: September 2016

In the contemporary dual crisis, economic crisis policies cannot be dealt with in isolation from the rampant and acute ecological crisis – and vice versa. In this article, we challenge the hegemonic positions in purported attempts to solve the crises so far: in the economic realm, the Keynesian episode of 2008–2009 as well as austerity policies, and with regard to the ecological crisis, ecological modernization and green economy. Instead, we will propose that both the economic and the climate crises can be ‘solved’ through the destruction of a particular kind of capital, that is, fossil capital. Given that capital destruction in general seems to be an essential part of overcoming capitalist crises historically and given the urgent need to demolish large parts of the fossil infrastructure in order to avert climate change, we discuss in this article the possibilities to politically steer the processes of creative destruction so that crises policies benefit the economy and the environment to highest possible extent.
Postnatal Depression
Authors: Chong Alexandra , Biehle Susanne N. , Kooiman Laura Y. , Mickelson Kristin D.
Published: September 2016

Although breastfeeding has multiple benefits for baby and mother, including maternal mental well-being, many mothers terminate breastfeeding earlier than they desire. We examined two key factors in breastfeeding duration and maternal mental health––breastfeeding efficacy and family–work conflict. Specifically, we examined the moderating role of family–work conflict in the process of breastfeeding efficacy as a predictor of maternal depression by way of duration. In a sample of 61 first-time mothers, we found that breastfeeding duration mediated the relation between prenatal breastfeeding efficacy and depression at 9 months postpartum for working mothers who experienced low levels of family-to-work conflict. That is, for mothers with low family-to-work conflict, higher expected breastfeeding efficacy during pregnancy predicted a longer duration of breastfeeding, which in turn was associated with lower depression at 9 months postpartum. However, for working mothers with high family-to-work conflict, breastfeeding duration did not emerge as an indirect effect on the relation between efficacy and depression. These findings have important implications for a healthy family–work balance to help new mothers adjust when they return to the workforce and as they transition to parenthood.
Reprimarization
Authors: Cooney Paul
Published: September 2016

In recent decades there has been a tendency throughout Latin America of the expansion of activities associated with the primary sector, such as mining, oil, cattle and soy, namely reprimarization. This tendency reflects the growth of the commodities markets and China in recent years. This paper examines the implications for both the environment and development in general, as a result of the reprimarization tendency in Argentina and Brazil.
The Conductor’s Self-disclosure of Negative Countertransference in Group Analytic Psychotherapy
Authors: Warhaftig Aran Liat
Published: September 2016

In this article, I will present the contribution of the conductor’s self-disclosure of negative countertransference in group analytic psychotherapy and its advantage over interpretation in the working through of projective identification that leads to a therapeutic impasse. I will also discuss the issues of timing of self-disclosure and spontaneity versus judicious self-disclosure. The presented ideas will be demonstrated through vignettes from analytic groups that I conduct.
Methodological Aspects of Central Left-Right Scale Placement in a Cross-national Perspective
Authors: Scholz Evi , Zuell Cornelia
Published: September 2016

Research on attitudinal scales has shown that respondents without opinions who are requested to select an answer mostly choose middle scale values. This paper concerns design effects on central placement on the left-right scale across countries. We tested the effects in a split-half experiment in which the left-right scale was used either with or without an explicit “can’t choose” option. Open-ended questions on the meaning of left and right shed light on scale interpretation, in particular non-response to the open-ended question for those indicating a left-right position. Our results show that the likelihood of central placement depended on several aspects and that the best indicator was non-response to the probe questions, but some effects of scale design were not robust across countries.
Authority, power and distributed leadership
Authors: Woods Philip A.
Published: September 2016

A much greater understanding is needed of power in the practice of distributed leadership. This article explores how the concept of social authority might be helpful in achieving this. It suggests that the practice of distributed leadership is characterized by multiple authorities which are constructed in the interactions between people. Rather than there being a uniform hierarchy (relatively flat or otherwise) of formal authority, organizational members may be ‘high’ in some authorities and ‘low’ in others, and people’s positioning in relation to these authorities is dynamic and changeable. The article maps different forms of authorities, provides illustrations from educational institutions, and concludes with implications for educational leadership. A key conclusion is that everyone is involved in the ongoing production of authorities by contributing to who is accepted as or excluded from exercising authority and leadership.
Optimally estimating the sample mean from the sample size, median, mid-range, and/or mid-quartile range
Authors: Luo Dehui , Wan Xiang , Liu Jiming , Tong Tiejun
Published: September 2016

The era of big data is coming, and evidence-based medicine is attracting increasing attention to improve decision making in medical practice via integrating evidence from well designed and conducted clinical research. Meta-analysis is a statistical technique widely used in evidence-based medicine for analytically combining the findings from independent clinical trials to provide an overall estimation of a treatment effectiveness. The sample mean and standard deviation are two commonly used statistics in meta-analysis but some trials use the median, the minimum and maximum values, or sometimes the first and third quartiles to report the results. Thus, to pool results in a consistent format, researchers need to transform those information back to the sample mean and standard deviation. In this article, we investigate the optimal estimation of the sample mean for meta-analysis from both theoretical and empirical perspectives. A major drawback in the literature is that the sample size, needless to say its importance, is either ignored or used in a stepwise but somewhat arbitrary manner, e.g. the famous method proposed by Hozo et al. We solve this issue by incorporating the sample size in a smoothly changing weight in the estimators to reach the optimal estimation. Our proposed estimators not only improve the existing ones significantly but also share the same virtue of the simplicity. The real data application indicates that our proposed estimators are capable to serve as “rules of thumb” and will be widely applied in evidence-based medicine.
Nurses’ perspectives on moral distress: A Q methodology approach
Authors: Chen Pei-Pei , Lee Hsiao-Lu , Huang Shu-He , Wang Ching-Ling , Huang Chiu-Mieh
Published: September 2016

Background:

Moral distress occurs when nurses experience ethical dilemmas. Issues related to these dilemmas are addressed in some nursing education courses. Nurses’ reaction to dilemma such as moral distress is relatively less noticed.

Objective:

This study aimed to identify and describe the various types of perceptions of moral distress exhibited by nurses.

Research design:

This study applied Q methodology to explore the perspectives of nurses regarding moral distress. Data were collected in two stages. First, in-depth interviews were conducted to collect nurses’ opinions. Sentences that best fit the concepts of moral distress were extracted for the construction of Q statements. Second, nurses subjectively ranked these Q statements so that the relevant severity of moral distress could be determined using Q sorts. The study participants were nurses at a regional teaching hospital in northeast Taiwan. A total of 60 participants were invited to rank 40 moral distress Q statements.

Ethical considerations:

The study protocol was approved by the institutional review board of National Yang-Ming University Hospital. Only the participants who signed an informed consent form participated in the study. The respondents’ right to withdraw from the study was respected.

Findings:

Five types of responses were identified regarding the nurses’ perspectives. These types were “conflict with personal values,” “excessive of workload,” “curbing of autonomy,” “constraint engendered by organizational norms,” and “self-expectation frustration.”

Conclusion:

The findings regarding nurses’ experiences of moral distress can be used to construct multifaceted policies and solutions and to incorporate ethical education in training programs.
Mental health services planning for G20 summit in Brisbane and assessment of impact
Authors: Emmerson Brett , Praskova Anna , Fawcett Lisa , Crompton David , Heffernan Edward
Published: September 2016

Objective:

The objective of this study was to inform planning for similar events, our aim was to describe planning undertaken by Brisbane Mental Health Services for the 2014 G20 Summit and the impact of the Summit on service use.

Methods:

We analysed routinely collected service data comparing presentations and discharges for the same time period in two consecutive years.

Results:

While presentations to mental health services increased from the previous year across a five-month period (including the month of G20), the week of the G20 Summit showed little change.

Conclusions:

Our findings will be useful to other services that prepare for major events, such as G20. Our experience shows that, with detailed planning and extra resources, the G20 Summit passed without any major mental health incidents or major increase for mental health presentations.
Effectiveness of a single day induction programme in changing medical students’ attitudes towards the speciality of forensic psychiatry
Authors: Archer Ann , Guliani Joshana , Johns Francesca , McCartney Emily , Smith E Naomi , Ross Callum C , Sengupta Samrat , Das Mrigendra
Published: September 2016

Objectives:

We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a day visit in changing attitudes towards a high-security forensic psychiatric hospital, with regard to the current recruitment difficulties in psychiatry.

Methods:

Broadmoor Hospital, a UK high-security psychiatric hospital, runs day visits for medical students, led by doctors. At the beginning and the end of the day students wrote their responses to the question, ‘What do you think of Broadmoor?’ Attitudes and themes were identified, and their prevalence was analysed.

Results:

The responses of 296 students were initially analysed; however, 19 responses had to be excluded because they were illegible or incomplete. Before the visit, 15 responses were rated as positive, 169 neutral and 93 negative. After the visit, 205 responses were positive, 69 neutral and three negative. The themes that changed markedly following the visit were those indicating a change to favourable attitude.

Conclusions:

A single day visit was shown to be effective in altering the attitudes of medical students towards forensic psychiatry within a high-security psychiatric hospital.
Methylphenidate in the treatment of an adolescent female with obsessive-compulsive disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a case report
Authors: King Joel , Dowling Nathan , Leow Fiona
Published: September 2016

Objectives:

We describe a case whereby a 15-year-old female with treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) was treated with methylphenidate for co-morbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The ADHD-OCD co-morbidity has often been overlooked clinically due to conflicting opinions about their underlying neurobiology and treatment options.

Conclusions:

In this adolescent with co-morbid ADHD and OCD, we observed that the adjunctive use of methylphenidate resulted in enhanced treatment response to both psychological and pharmacological interventions for OCD. This case highlights the need to identify and treat co-morbid ADHD in OCD cases where progress has stalled.
Bringing Morality Back in
Authors: Moore Geoff , Grandy Gina
Published: September 2016

This article sets out to explore the extent to which the moral dimension is an essential component in organizational life. From a theoretical viewpoint, it argues that institutional theory lacks a positive account of the role of morality at the organizational level. We propose that this can be addressed by integrating the work of the moral philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre with institutional theory’s notions of logics, contradictions, and legitimacy. Empirically, we look to a group of Christian churches in the northeast of England to provide insights into practitioners’ concerns with the telos of their organizations and the core practices of their faith, and hence of an essential concern for the morality of organizational life. We conclude that any understanding of practice-based organizations that ignores or underplays the moral dimension will give, at best, a diminished account of organizational life, and hence that institutional theory needs to rethink its neglect of morality.
Impact of pharmacist interventions on cost avoidance in an ambulatory cancer center
Authors: Randolph Laura A , Walker Cheri K , Nguyen Ann T , Zachariah Subi R
Published: September 2016

Objective

To provide a foundation to justify the presence of a full-time clinical pharmacist in the ambulatory cancer center in addition to an existing centralized pharmacist through cost avoidance calculation and patient and staff satisfaction surveys.

Methods

The prospective, pilot study took place in an ambulatory cancer center over four weeks in 2014. Cost avoidance values were assigned to interventions performed by a pharmacy resident, who was present in the ambulatory cancer center during clinic hours, along with a centralized oncology pharmacist routinely working with the cancer center. Anonymous patient and staff satisfaction surveys based on a 5-point Likert scale were distributed to assess the perceived benefit of a pharmacist located in the ambulatory cancer center.

Results

Data collection took place over approximately one month. After evaluation of 962 interventions from both pharmacists, the estimated cost avoidance was US$282,741 per pharmacist per year, yielding a net benefit of US$138,441. The most common interventions made by the resident included chemotherapy regimen review (n = 290, 69%) and patient counseling (n = 102, 24%), while the majority of the centralized pharmacist’s interventions was chemotherapy regimen review (n = 525, 97%). Results from the anonymous patient and staff surveys revealed an overall positive perception of the pharmacy resident while in the ambulatory cancer center.

Conclusion

A full-time clinical pharmacist in an ambulatory cancer center is both financially beneficial and positively perceived by patients and staff.
Migration, masculinity and ‘double occupancy’ in Paola Randi’s Into Paradiso
Authors: Carocci Enrico
Published: September 2016

The advent of the Italian Second Republic coincides with a phase of uncertainty about national identity. The 1990s was the decade in which Italy was no longer a country of emigration but became a land of immigration. Italian cinema registered this right away, and films on the topic of immigration continue to grow steadily. Paola Randi’s Into Paradiso (2010) is a rare comedy about immigration; this article shows how the film presents migratory dynamics and a ‘post-national’ feeling of identity. The analysis focuses on the representation of space and stereotypes of masculinity, as well as the representation of those ‘Italian vices’ which have been, throughout the ages, an integral component of the Italian national identity project.
Determination of groove location of two-lobe hydrodynamic bearings for optimum performance using genetic algorithm
Authors: Joy Nithin M , Roy L
Published: September 2016

A steady-state performance analysis of two-lobe oil journal bearing has been carried out in this paper. A computer program has been prepared to calculate the steady-state hydrodynamic characteristics. To study the steady-state characteristics of two-lobe bearing, the nondimensional Reynolds’ equation is solved to obtain nondimensional values of load-carrying capacity, flow rate, attitude angle, and friction variable. Parameters of the design are studied for different groove configurations and an optimized groove location is obtained for two-lobe bearing is obtained using genetic algorithm. It has been found that placing the groove on different locations have greater influence on the design parameters such as the nondimensional oil flow rate, frictional variable, and nondimensional load-carrying capacity. From numerical simulation of two-lobe bearing, it has been found that in case of this bearing parameters shows optimum values when the grooves are arranged below the horizontal axis. There is an improvement in nondimensional values of friction variable, nondimensional flow rate, and nondimensional load-carrying capacity at optimum location of the groove. The analysis is carried out for an ellipticity ratio of 0.5 and the results obtained have been reported.
Auditorio 400 at the ‘Museo Reina Sofia’ in Madrid: Use of variable systems for acoustic improvements
Authors: Ortiz Silvia M
Published: September 2016

This article will describe the different acoustic problems identified in Auditorio 400 and possible solutions to these acoustic deficiencies using variable acoustic systems such as movable panels with different absorption coefficients and reflectors suspended from the ceiling. Due to the various types of events that take place in this hall, the Auditorio 400 must have proper acoustics for speech as well as music presentations and concerts, and this implies different configurations of sound sources. The auditorium has an innovative style and the solution presented in this article maintains this architectonic and aesthetic style while still improving the acoustics of the venue.
Internet-based treatment for depression in multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Boeschoten Rosa E , Dekker Joost , Uitdehaag Bernard MJ , Beekman Aartjan TF , Hoogendoorn Adriaan W , Collette Emma H , Cuijpers Pim , Nieuwenhuis Magdalena M , van Oppen Patricia
Published: September 2016

Background:

Depression in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is common but may stay untreated. Physical limitations impede face-to-face treatment. Internet-based treatment is therefore a promising tool for treating depression in MS.

Objectives:

To investigate effectiveness of a guided Internet-based problem-solving treatment (IPST) for depressed MS patients.

Methods:

MS patients with moderate or severe depressive symptoms were randomly assigned to IPST or a wait list control. Primary outcome was the change in depressive symptoms defined by a change in sum score on the Beck Depression Inventory Second Edition (BDI-II). Assessments took place at baseline (T0), within a week after the intervention (T1), and at 4 months follow-up (T2). Analyses were based on the intention-to-treat principle.

Results:

A total of 171 patients were randomized to IPST ( n = 85) or a wait list control ( n = 86). T1 was completed by 152 (89%) and T2 by 131 patients (77%). The IPST group and wait list control showed large significant improvements in depressive symptoms, but no differences were found between groups at T1 ( d = 0.23; 95% confidence interval (CI) = (−4.03, 1.08); p = 0.259) and T2 ( d = 0.01; 95% CI = (−2.80, 2.98); p = 0.953).

Conclusion:

We found no indication that IPST for MS patients with moderate or severe depression is effective in reducing depressive symptoms compared to a waiting list. Large improvements in the wait list control were unexpected and are discussed.
Employment, disability pension and income for children with parental multiple sclerosis
Authors: Moberg Julie Yoon , Laursen Bjarne , Koch-Henriksen Nils , Thygesen Lau Caspar , Brødsgaard Anne , Soelberg Sørensen Per , Magyari Melinda
Published: September 2016

Background:

Little is known about the consequences of parental multiple sclerosis (MS) on offspring’s socioeconomic circumstances.

Objective:

To investigate employment, disability pension and income in offspring of parents with MS compared with matched reference persons in a nationwide register-based cohort study.

Methods:

All Danish-born persons with onset of MS during 1950–1986 were retrieved from the Danish Multiple Sclerosis Registry. Their offspring were identified using the Civil Registration System. One random offspring from each sibship was matched by sex and year of birth with eight random reference persons.

Results:

We included 2456 MS offspring and 19,648 reference persons. At age 30, employment was lower among MS offspring than reference children (odds ratio (OR): 0.89; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.84–0.95; p = 0.0003), and they more often received disability pension (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.15–1.50; p < 0.0001) at ages 30 and 40 but not at age 50. Although the mean income was not significantly lower for the MS offspring cohort, most of them attained an annual personal income below 250,000 DKK (Danish krone), that is, ~33,650 EUR (OR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.84–0.99; p = 0.04).

Conclusion:

Having had a parent with MS may affect employment and increase the risk of disability pension and low income in adult life.
Acceptability of a telecare intervention for persistent musculoskeletal pain
Authors: Guilkey Rebecca E , Draucker Claire B , Wu Jingwei , Yu Zhangsheng , Kroenke Kurt
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Persistent musculoskeletal pain is a prevalent, disabling, and often undertreated condition. This paper examines the acceptability of a telecare intervention for this condition.

Methods

The Stepped Care to Optimize Pain Care Effectiveness (SCOPE) intervention couples automatic symptom monitoring (ASM) with optimized analgesic care management by a nurse-physician team. Data from participants in the telecare intervention arm (n = 124) of a randomized control trial of SCOPE were analysed to determine the acceptability of the telecare intervention as indicated by patient use and satisfaction.

Results

Most (93.5%) patients completed at least one ASM report, selecting equally web-based (49%) or interactive voice-recorded (51%) reporting. The median number of ASM reports and nurse contacts per patient was 15 and 12, respectively. Of 12 demographic and clinical factors examined, none predicted the number of ASM reports, whereas nurse contacts were more frequent in patients with higher pain severity or receiving opioids. Only a minority of ASM reports required an expedited nurse call, with the most frequent alerts being for a medication change, a nurse call or side effects. Most (92%) patients rated ASM as easy to use and found the ASM reporting (76%) and nurse contacts (81%) very or moderately helpful. Nearly three-fourths of patients rated their overall pain treatment as good to excellent. The most common suggestions from patient feedback were for a free-text messaging function, more frequent nurse contact and less redundancy in ASM reporting items.

Discussion

Participants generally found the telecare intervention a user-friendly and helpful approach for treating persistent musculoskeletal pain.
Listening to both sides: A qualitative comparison between patients with hepatitis C and their healthcare professionals’ perceptions of the facilitators and barriers to hepatitis C treatment adherence and completion
Authors: Sublette Victoria A , Smith Sian K , George Jacob , McCaffery Kirsten , Douglas Mark W
Published: September 2016

This qualitative study compares and contrasts the perspectives of healthcare professionals who treat hepatitis C with those of patients in treatment. Comparative analysis of semi-structured interviews with 20 healthcare professionals and 20 patients undergoing treatment for hepatitis C concluded that patients and healthcare professionals disagreed on the source of communication breakdowns, but both felt that individualised clinical information improved adherence. Stigma was recognised as a barrier to treatment adherence by both patients and healthcare professionals. Limitations of the healthcare system, such as patients receiving inconsistent information and long wait times, negatively impacted both patients and providers.
Exploring breast health practices of post-menopausal women: Implications to informed consent
Authors: Seaman Kristen , Dzidic Peta , Breen Lauren , Saunders Christobel
Published: September 2016

In light of the contention surrounding breast health practices, the research aimed to explore post-menopausal women’s experiences of such practices. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in July and August 2015 with 13 Australian women aged 54–74 years. Data were analysed thematically. Participants deemed their engagement with breast health practices as the ‘right’ thing. However, engaging in these ‘right’ practices appeared to be fostered by misconceptions. The findings suggest that women may not be making evidence-informed decisions to engage in breast screening; identify contemporary barriers to promoting informed decisions; and may inform information pertinent to breast screening policy, campaigns and decision aid designs.
The enigma of news media development with multi-pronged ‘capture’: The Afghanistan case
Authors: Relly Jeannine E , Zanger Margaret
Published: September 2016

This qualitative study of influences on a purposive sample of Afghan journalists was carried out in the year after the US military mission was declared over. After more than a hundred million dollars of Western government funding had been invested in development of liberal democratic journalism, the study found the paradox of news media ‘capture’. We conceptualize this phenomenon further into political, bureaucratic, foreign-donor, and violent-actor capture. The study concludes that in countries with heavy foreign intervention, where imported journalism values are layered upon previous and continued institutional arrangements and where violence and instability continue unabated, news media work is prone to ‘capture’ by a variety of actors outside media organizations. We suggest that future research could refine a typology with six distinct forms of capture – economic, political, cultural, legal, bureaucratic, and societal.
Group metaphor map making: Application to integrated arts-based focus groups
Authors: Jackson Foster Lovie J , Deafenbaugh Linda , Miller Elizabeth
Published: September 2016

Arts-based research methods offer social scientists a rich collection of techniques for engaging participants often excluded from more traditional forms of research. The methods, which include techniques such as drawing, poetry, photography, painting, and dance, aid participants in accessing and communicating the deep, perhaps unconscious meaning of their experiences. While these outcomes are ideal for contextualizing experiences, greater guidance on the use of arts-based research methods is needed. Although the arts can be used alone in the elicitation of data, they can also be used in integrative ways—combined with methods such as narrative interviewing. Social scientists utilize arts-based methods in data gathering, analysis, and presentation. This article describes the implementation of arts-based focus groups with African American and White adolescents as they collectively drew metaphor maps exploring positive and negative community factors affecting their emotional health and stress. Using a series of guided steps, youth collaborated in drawing, collectively discussed, and individually ranked the factors they feel most affect their emotional well-being, to contextualize their maps. We present the data collection method and computer-assisted transcription process utilizing NVivo software. We share the youth’s perspectives of the group metaphor map making process and outcomes as evidence of its value. The method addresses key challenges to engaging diverse underrepresented groups in research, makes accessible information not discussed in typical focus groups, and uses aesthetic ways of knowing to raise awareness of youth’s lived experiences. Limitations and considerations for replicating the metaphor map method are also discussed.
Cleaning innovative daylighting systems: Review and suggested methods
Authors: Mayhoub M
Published: September 2016

Innovative daylighting systems (IDS) are used to deliver daylight into windowless spaces and building cores. Cleaning the exposed surfaces is essential for maintaining their efficiency because the accumulation of dirt inhibits their effectiveness. However, a review of the literature has indicated that this issue has not received the attention it deserves. This study reviews the cleaning methods currently used for solar devices and conventional daylighting systems. It also presents the technologies that can currently be employed to produce an IDS cleaning system, and suggests six cleaning mechanisms and 12 cleaning systems that suit different types of IDS in various operating circumstances. These include air-blowing, water-jetting, dragging-contact, rotary-contact and certain aid treatments. Air-cleaning and washing with water can both be used to restore functionality. Wiping and scrubbing are effective for increasing efficiency. Further productivity can be obtained by drying solar collectors after they have been washed. The systems suggested herein can be developed using already available technologies in order to achieve the ultimate in IDS efficiency restoration. However, before this can be done, the economic, environmental and operational aspects, in addition to potential levels of efficacy and applicability, must be assessed.
Flexible matter: A real-time shape exploration employing analogue and digital form-finding of tensile structures
Authors: Symeonidou Ioanna
Published: September 2016

The article presents a research on real-time shape exploration employing analogue and digital form-finding and concludes with a proposal for a teaching methodology that led to an intensive student workshop which took place at the Institute of Architecture and Media at Graz University of Technology. The aim was to experiment with analogue and digital tools in parallel, counter-informing the design process. The experiments involved physical form-finding following the tradition of Frei Otto at the Institute of Lightweight Structures in Stuttgart as well as computational form-finding employing mainly dynamic relaxation techniques of spring-particle systems. The combination of techniques and methodologies eventually led to a feedback loop across different media that explored both qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the projects at hand. By establishing feedback between digital media and physical prototypes, the creative process is immediately informed by the material characteristics and properties which in turn give rise to a real-time exploration of form. Simulations of physical forces for architectural form generation are increasingly gaining ground in architectural education as there is a broad selection of computational tools readily available that allow quick experiments to be conducted.
Using Agency Nurses to Fill RN Vacancies Within Specialized Hospice and Palliative Care
Authors: Cozad Melanie J. , Lindley Lisa C. , Mixer Sandy J.
Published: September 2016

The use of agency nurses offers flexibility in filling registered nurse (RN) openings during times of shortage, yet little is known about their use in specialized palliative care. In an effort to fill this knowledge gap, this study determined whether significant relationships existed between full-time and part-time RN vacancies and the use of agency RNs within specialized hospices that deliver perinatal end-of-life care to women and their families in the event of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or other neonatal complications resulting in death. This study used data from the 2007 National Home and Hospice Care Survey and multivariate regression methods to estimate the association between RN vacancies and agency RNs use. Approximately 13% of perinatal hospices in 2007 used agency nurses. Increases in full-time RN vacancies are associated with a significant increase in the use of agency RNs, while part-time RN vacancies are associated with a significant decrease in agency RNs. These results suggest that full-time agency RNs were used as a supplemental workforce to fill vacancies until the full-time position is recruited. However, for part-time vacancies, the responsibilities of those positions shifted onto existing staff and the position was not filled.
Inhibitory Effect of TLR4 Gene Silencing on Intimal Hyperplasia of Vein Grafting
Authors: Zhu Zhicheng , Xu Rihao , Zheng Xiaomei , Wang Tiance , Li Dan , Wang Yong , Liu Kexiang
Published: September 2016

Purpose:

The present study aimed to explore the regulating effect of Toll-like receptor 4 ( TLR4) on intimal hyperplasia in rat vein grafts.

Methods:

Rat models of external jugular vein carotid artery bypass grafting were established. Afterward, TLR4 small interfering RNA (siRNA) recombinant plasmids were constructed, which were transfected into rat vein graft bypass to study the effect of TLR4 silencing on intimal hyperplasia and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to detect the expression levels of TLR4 and inflammatory factors in TLR4 siRNA-transfected vein graft bypass. The intimal thickness was evaluated using hematoxylin–eosin staining.

Results:

Compared with the scramble siRNA group, the intimal thickness of vein grafting was decreased significantly, while the inflammatory factors including interleukin (IL) 1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α in grafted vein were dramatically downregulated in the TLR4 siRNA group.

Conclusion:

These results showed that local silencing of TLR4 in the vein grafts could inhibit intimal hyperplasia by downregulating the expression of inflammatory factors in the vein grafts, suggesting that TLR4 can be used as a new target for therapy of vascular intimal hyperplasia.
Surgical Revascularization of Symptomatic Kinking of the Internal Carotid Artery
Authors: Hao Ji-heng , Zhang Li-yong , Lin Kai , Liu Wei-dong , Zhang Shi-gang , Wang Ji-yue , Li Gang , Wang Le-Xin
Published: September 2016

Objective:

To evaluate the safety and outcomes of surgical revascularization for patients with symptomatic kinking of the internal carotid artery (ICA).

Methods:

Twenty-five consecutive patients presented with symptomatic kinking of the ICA and a history of transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke were prospectively enrolled in this study. All patients were treated with ICA transection and end-to-side reimplantation at the level of the carotid bulb. Patients were followed up for a median of 32 months.

Results:

There were no deaths or strokes within the 30 days of the treatment. No postprocedural thrombosis or narrowing of the ipsilateral ICA was observed. One (4%) patient had temporary recurrent nerve palsy, which was completely recovered at 4-week follow-up. One (4%) patient had a myocardial ischemic event. At the end of the 32-month follow-up, 1 (4%) patient developed ipsilateral minor stroke. No recurrent stenosis was detected by Doppler ultrasound.

Conclusion:

Surgical treatment for isolated, symptomatic kinking of the ICA and a history of TIA or stroke is safe, and the outcomes are acceptable.
Seeing the rural healthcare journeys of older adults with atrial fibrillation through a photographic lens
Authors: Rush Kathy L , Oelke Nelly D , Shay Matt , Pedersen Chloe
Published: September 2016

Objectives

Obtaining the voices of older adult patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) about their health and healthcare has become increasingly important in providing quality care. The purpose of this study was to understand the unique contributions of photographs in the healthcare journeys of rural living older adults with AF.

Methods

As part of a larger mixed methods study 10 older adults with AF living in rural communities were recruited through two rural primary care physicians’ practices. They were followed over six months through a combination of face-to-face and telephone interviews. Photographs were submitted along with personal journey logs to report healthcare interactions. A photographic analysis was conducted.

Results

Collectively photos illuminated aspects of older adults AF journeys (stable, chronic unstable, and acute crisis) less explicit in the narrative accounts. Three themes emerged: focus of attention, life-space, and support. Shifts in illness as a focus of attention and life-space paralleled patients at different points in their AF journeys while a range of formal and informal supports were available to them.

Discussion

Photographs were valuable in shedding light on older adults’ rural healthcare experiences. They offer a nuanced approach for gaining insights into the subtleties characterizing the journeys of older adults with AF.
A Comparison of Sound Levels in Open Plan Versus Pods in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Ramm Karlie , Mannix Trudi , Parry Yvonne , Gaffney Mary P. (Caroline)
Published: September 2016

Objective:

The objective of this study was to compare the noise levels recorded in two different neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) settings: a pod and an open plan NICU located in the same hospital.

Background:

The NICU is a busy environment with ambient noise levels that often exceed established recommendations. This noise deleteriously affects the physiological stability and developmental outcomes of sick and preterm infants. Pods have reduced numbers of cots (in this case, 6) compared to open plan NICUs (in this case, 11), yet the noise levels in pods have not been reported.

Method:

This study compared real-time decibel (dB) levels in an A-weighted scale, captured continuously by sound dosimeters mounted in both NICU settings for a period of 4 weeks: a pod setting and an open plan NICU. Researchers also collected observational data.

Results:

The average noise level recorded in the pod was 3 dBs less than in the open plan NICU. This result was statistically significant. However, dB recordings in both areas were over the recommended limits by 4–6 dBs, with isolated peaks between 74.5 dBs (NICU) and 75.9 dBs (pod). Observational data confirmed this correlation.

Conclusions:

Further research to evaluate interventions to decrease the noise levels in both settings are needed, especially during times of peak activity. Staff working in these settings need to be more aware that control of acoustic levels is important in the neuroprotection of neonates. Coupling this with careful consideration to structural components and evidence-based design planning may contribute to lowering dB levels in the NICU environment.
Spontaneous Trait Inferences on Social Media
Authors: Levordashka Ana , Utz Sonja
Published: September 2016

The present research investigates whether spontaneous trait inferences occur under conditions characteristic of social media and networking sites: nonextreme, ostensibly self-generated content, simultaneous presentation of multiple cues, and self-paced browsing. We used an established measure of trait inferences (false recognition paradigm) and a direct assessment of impressions. Without being asked to do so, participants spontaneously formed impressions of people whose status updates they saw. Our results suggest that trait inferences occurred from nonextreme self-generated content, which is commonly found in social media updates (Experiment 1) and when nine status updates from different people were presented in parallel (Experiment 2). Although inferences did occur during free browsing, the results suggest that participants did not necessarily associate the traits with the corresponding status update authors (Experiment 3). Overall, the findings suggest that spontaneous trait inferences occur on social media. We discuss implications for online communication and research on spontaneous trait inferences.
Female Dominance in Human Groups
Authors: Stroebe Katherine , Nijstad Bernard A. , Hemelrijk Charlotte K.
Published: September 2016

Compared to men, women less often attain high-level positions and generally have lower status in society. In smaller groups, the relative influence of men and women depends on gender composition, but research is inconclusive regarding the relation between gender composition and female influence. Studies of nonhuman primates show that when females are in the minority they become more dominant over males, but only when conflict levels are high, because under these conditions men fight among each other. Similarly, here we show, in two studies with mixed gender groups ( N = 90 and N = 56), that women were more dominant in groups with a high percentage of men and high levels of conflict. This depends on gender differences in aggressive behavior, inducing more aggressive behavior in women eliminated this increase in female dominance. Our work reveals that status relations between the genders among nonhuman primates can generalize to humans.
An Asymmetric Moral Conformity Effect
Authors: Bostyn Dries H. , Roets Arne
Published: September 2016

The present study investigated whether and to what extent people’s judgments on trolley-type moral dilemmas are subject to conformity pressures. Trolley dilemmas contrast deontological (principled) moral concerns with consequentialist (outcome based) moral reasoning. Subjects were asked to respond to trolley dilemmas in a forced choice format and either simultaneously received bogus information about the base rate of consequentialist and deontological responding for each dilemma or received no distribution information. In the information condition, the bogus distributions showed that either the consequentialist or the deontological choice option was favored by a majority of previous participants. In a set of two independent studies, we showed that subjects exhibit little conformity to a consequentialist majority opinion but strongly conform when confronted with a deontological majority opinion. We suggest this asymmetric conformity effect demonstrates that subjects are less willing to appear consequentialist than deontological, and we explain these results through mutualistic partner choice models.
Blind regards: Troubling data and their sentinels
Authors: Nadim Tahani
Published: September 2016

A new generation of environmental satellites, the Sentinels, has recently been launched by the European Space Agency (ESA). Part of ESA’s Copernicus Programme, the sentinel mission has adopted an Open Data policy which intends to make different levels of data freely available via an online data hub. Sentinel data will support applications including land monitoring, emergency management and security and will thus form the evidence-base for a wide-range of local, regional, national and international decisions, from individual insurance claims to humanitarian interventions. By providing ever more data streams for monitoring and managing the planet, the sentinels institute a novel mode of visibility in terms of resolution, coverage and frequency. At the same time, they are co-constitutive of the increasing datafication of the environment. In the entwinement of heavenly gaze and data visions, I want to recover the work of ‘data fictions’ in order to demystify notions of visibility and calculability associated with “earth observation” and trouble its unquestioned pursuit of total monitoring.
Practical Aspects of Nontunneled and Tunneled Hemodialysis Catheters
Authors: Clark Edward , Kappel Joanne , MacRae Jennifer , Dipchand Christine , Hiremath Swapnil , Kiaii Mercedeh , Lok Charmaine , Moist Louise , Oliver Matthew , Miller Lisa M. ,   on behalf of the Canadian Society of Nephrology Vascular Access Work Group
Published: September 2016

Nontunneled hemodialysis catheters (NTHCs) are typically used when vascular access is required for urgent renal replacement therapy. The preferred site for NTHC insertion in acute kidney injury is the right internal jugular vein followed by the femoral vein. When aided by real-time ultrasound, mechanical complications related to NTHC insertion are significantly reduced. The preferred site for tunneled hemodialysis catheters placement is the right internal jugular vein followed by the left internal jugular vein. Ideally, the catheter should be inserted on the opposite side of a maturing or planned fistula/graft. Several dual-lumen, large-diameter catheters are available with multiple catheter tip designs, but no one catheter has shown significant superior performance.