bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design, exergy and exergoeconomic analysis and optimization of a CCHP + TES for the use in a complex building
Authors: Rostami Zadeh Khodadoost , Mirjalily Seyed Ali Agha , Oloomi Seyed Amir Abbas , Salehi Gholamreza
Published: March 2020

The present paper aims at the optimization and exergy and thermoeconomic analyses of a combined cooling, heat, and power generation system equipped with a thermal energy storage for the use in a residential complex with a gas-fueled internal combustion engine as the prime mover. The system is optimized using the direct search method by minimizing annual cost in two cases of using/not using a thermal energy storage. In case of the use of a thermal energy storage, an engine with a capacity of 2 MW and an operating time of 4000 h are found to be optimal, but when a thermal energy storage is included, an engine with a capacity of 2 MW and an operating time of 5268 hours and a thermal energy storage with a capacity of 18.93 m3 are found to be the optimal options. Both systems are evaluated assuming selling/not selling surplus power to the public power grid. The best case for the performance of the system is to use a thermal energy storage and to sell surplus electricity to the grid. In this case versus the case of excluding the thermal energy storage, primary energy consumption, CO2 emission, operating cost of the system, and power purchase from the public grid are decreased by 20.8, 19.5, 14.3 and 17%, respectively while return on capital is increased by 3.1% resulting in 10.7% higher annual cost of the system.
Development and Psychometric Testing of the Peer-Mentor Support Scale for Parents of Children With Type 1 Diabetes and for Youths With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Sullivan-Bolyai Susan , Bova Carol , Johnson Kimberly
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Peer-Mentor Support Scale (PMSS), a measure of peer-mentor support provided to parents of children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and to youths with T1D.

Methods

A multistage process was undertaken to include the following: item construction based on qualitive data from those who have experienced peer-mentor support, cognitive interviewing with parents and youths, content validity assessment, pilot testing of the scale, and psychometric evaluation of the PMSS with 165 participants.

Results

The final version of the PMSS included 17 items, scored on a 4-point Likert scale, with higher scores corresponding with greater peer-mentor support. The Cronbach’s alpha was .85 (n = 165), and the intraclass correlation coefficient was .78 (n = 38). No significant relationship was found between the PMSS score and general social support, suggesting that peer-mentor support is distinct from general social support. Principal components factor analysis with varimax rotation was performed, indicating that the scale was unidimensional and explained 59.3% of the variance in peer-mentor support.

Conclusion

The PMSS is a reliable and valid 17-item instrument that can be used to measure the unique contributions of peer mentorship for parents of children with T1DM and for youths with T1DM.
Temporal Super-resolution of Ultrasound Imaging Using Matrix Completion
Authors: Hosseinpour Mina , Behnam Hamid , Shojaeifard Maryam
Published: March 2020

The temporal super-resolution of the dynamic ultrasound imaging, a means to observe rapid heart movements, is considered an important subject in medical diagnosis of cardiac conditions. Here, a new technique based on the acquisition scheme using the matrix completion (MC) theory is offered for the temporal super-resolution of the two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound imaging. MC mentions the problem of completing a low-rank matrix when only a subset of its elements can be observed. Here, the lower scan lines are acquired. Whereby, the proposed method uses temporal and spatial information of the radio frequency (RF) image sequences for the reconstruction of skipped RF lines. This is performed using the construction of the MC images and then reconstruction of them by the MC theory. The results of the proposed method are compared with the compressive sensing (CS) reconstruction methods. The qualitative and quantitative evaluations of 2D and 3D data demonstrate that in the proposed method, which uses the spatial and temporal relation of RF images and the MC theory, the reconstruction is more accurate, and the reconstruction error is lower. The computational complexity of this method is very low. It also does not require hardware adjustments. Therefore, it can be easily implemented in current ultrasound-imaging devices with the frame-rate enhancement. For instance, the frame rate up to two times the original sequence is feasible using the proposed methods, while root mean square error is decreased by about 35% and 30% for 2D and 3D data, respectively, compared with the CS reconstruction method.
A Comparison of App-Based Video-Modeling Interventions to Teach Physical Activity Skills to People With Autism in a Community Setting
Authors: Bassette Laura , Weissmann Andrew , Pecsi Emily , Seaman Jenna
Published: March 2020

App-based technologies that utilize video-modeling components are an area that can increase the independence of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in community settings; however, less is known about their impact in facilitating acquisition of physical activity (PA) skills in inclusive community fitness sites. It is important to consider how to increase PA skills in community settings for people with ASD given the known benefits of community inclusion and exercise. This study used an adaptive alternating treatment design to explore differences in three participants’ ability to perform exercises independently in a community site when using commercial video-models (i.e., video-models available in the app) compared to custom-made video-models (i.e., developed by the researchers). Two participants performed the PA skills more independently when watching the custom-made videos while the third performed the PA skill more independently when watching the commercial video-models. All participants indicated they enjoyed using the app and videos to learn new PA skills. Limitations of the study as well as implications for future research are discussed.
Partner Incarceration and Financial Support from Kin
Authors: Bruns Angela
Published: March 2020

Incarceration can exacerbate economic hardships for families. Although families may need financial support from kin during this financially destabilizing time, some research indicates that partner incarceration diminishes the availability of support. Studies have focused on perceptions, but no study has examined actual support received. This study uses data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study ( N = 3,792) to show that partner incarceration is linked to a higher probability of receiving financial support and to receiving larger amounts of support. This provides encouraging evidence that women can rely on kin when partners are incarcerated, but it stands in contrast to previous research. Thus, this study also considers the apparent contradiction between women’s perceptions and the support they actually receive. These results provide suggestive evidence that women with incarcerated partners are more likely than other women to exhaust support, or use up all the financial support their kin can give.
Subcategorizing the Expected Value of Perfect Implementation to Identify When and Where to Invest in Implementation Initiatives
Authors: Johannesen Kasper , Janzon Magnus , Jernberg Tomas , Henriksson Martin
Published: March 2020

Purpose. Clinical practice variations and low implementation of effective and cost-effective health care technologies are a key challenge for health care systems and may lead to suboptimal treatment and health loss for patients. The purpose of this work was to subcategorize the expected value of perfect implementation (EVPIM) to enable estimation of the absolute and relative value of eliminating slow, low, and delayed implementation. Methods. Building on the EVPIM framework, this work defines EVPIM subcategories to estimate the expected value of eliminating slow, low, or delayed implementation. The work also shows how information on regional implementation patterns can be used to estimate the value of eliminating regional implementation variation. The application of this subcategorization is illustrated by a case study of the implementation of an antiplatelet therapy for the secondary prevention after myocardial infarction in Sweden. Incremental net benefit (INB) estimates are based on published cost-effectiveness assessments and a threshold of SEK 250,000 (£22,300) per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). Results. In the case study, slow, low, and delayed implementation was estimated to represent 22%, 34%, and 44% of the total population EVPIM (2941 QALYs or SEK 735 million), respectively. The value of eliminating implementation variation across health care regions was estimated to 39% of total EVPIM (1138 QALYs). Conclusion. Subcategorizing EVPIM estimates the absolute and relative value of eliminating different parts of suboptimal implementation. By doing so, this approach could help decision makers to identify which parts of suboptimal implementation are contributing most to total EVPIM and provide the basis for assessing the cost and benefit of implementation activities that may address these in future implementation of health care interventions.
Application of Bone Marrow–Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Muscle Healing After Contusion Injury in Mice
Authors: Chiu Chih-Hao , Chang Tsan-Hsuan , Chang Shih-Sheng , Chang Gwo-Jyh , Chen Alvin Chao-Yu , Cheng Chun-Ying , Chen Su-Ching , Fu Jen-Fen , Wen Chih-Jen , Chan Yi-Sheng
Published: March 2020

Background:

Skeletal muscle injuries are very common in sports medicine. Conventional therapies have limited clinical efficacy. New treatment methods should be developed to allow athletes to return to play with better function.

Purpose:

To evaluate the in vitro differentiation potential of bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells and the in vivo histologic and physiologic effects of mesenchymal stem cell therapy on muscle healing after contusion injury.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Bone marrow cells were flushed from both femurs of 5-week-old C57BL/6 mice to establish immortalized mesenchymal stem cell lines. A total of 36 mice aged 8 to 10 weeks were used to develop a muscle contusion model and were divided into 6 groups (6 mice/group) on the basis of the different dosages of IM2 cells to be injected (0, 1.25 × 105, and 2.5 × 105 cells with/without F-127 in 100 μL of phosphate-buffered saline). Histological analysis of muscle regeneration was performed, and the fast-twitch and tetanus strength of the muscle contractions was measured 28 days after muscle contusion injury, after injections of different doses of mesenchymal stem cells with or without the F-127 scaffold beginning 14 days after contusion injury.

Results:

The mesenchymal stem cell–treated muscles exhibited numerous regenerating myofibers. All the groups treated with mesenchymal stem cells (1.25 × 105 cells, 2.5 × 105 cells, 1.25 × 105 cells plus F-127, and 2.5 × 105 cells plus F-127) exhibited a significantly higher number of regenerating myofibers (mean ± SD: 111.6 ± 14.77, 133.4 ± 21.44, 221.89 ± 32.65, and 241.5 ± 25.95, respectively) as compared with the control group and the control with F-127 (69 ± 18.79 and 63.2 ± 18.98). The physiologic evaluation of fast-twitch and tetanus strength did not reveal differences between the age-matched uninjured group and the groups treated with various doses of mesenchymal stem cells 28 days after contusion. Significant differences were found between the control group and the groups treated with various doses of mesenchymal stem cells after muscle contusion.

Conclusion:

Mesenchymal stem cell therapy increased the number of regenerating myofibers and improved fast-twitch and tetanus muscle strength in a mouse model of muscle contusion. However, the rapid decay of transplanted mesenchymal stem cells suggests a paracrine effect of this action. Treatment with mesenchymal stem cells at various doses combined with the F-127 scaffold is a potential therapy for a muscle contusion.

Clinical Relevance:

Mesenchymal stem cell therapy has an effect on sports medicine because of its effects on myofiber regeneration and muscle strength after contusion injury.
Fire resistance of composite non-load bearing light steel framing walls
Authors: Khetata Seddik M , Piloto Paulo AG , Gavilán Ana BR
Published: March 2020

The light steel frame walls are mostly used for non-load bearing applications. The light steel framed walls are made with studs and tracks that require fire protection, normally achieved by single plasterboard, by composite protection layers or by insulation of the cavity. The partition walls are fire rated to resist by integrity and insulation. Seven small-scale specimens were tested to define the fire resistance of non-load bearing light steel frame walls made with different materials. All tests were validated using two-dimensional numerical models, based on the finite-element method, the finite-volume method and hybrid finite-element method. A good agreement was achieved between the numerical and the experimental results from fire tests. The fire resistance increases with the number of studs and also with the thickness of the protection layers. The hybrid finite-element method solution method looks to be the best approximation model to predict fire resistance.
The Phenomenology of Homo Economicus
Authors: Ailon Galit
Published: March 2020

Much has been written about the fictitious nature of the atomistic model of homo economicus. Nevertheless, this economic model of self-interest and egoism has become conventional wisdom in market societies. This article offers a phenomenological explanation for the model’s commonsensical grip. Building on the work of Alfred Schutz, I argue that a reliance on homo economicus as an interpretive scheme for making sense of the behavior of economic Others has the effect of reversing the meaning of signs and doubts that challenge the model’s assumptions. Moreover, it orients social action in ways that prevent the model’s interpretive incongruences from rising to the reflective fore. Consequently, an interpretive reliance on homo economicus creates a “phenomenological gridlock.” Alternative sources of information and alternative interpretive schemes can bypass this entrapment of the economic interaction, but this article further explains why the norms and cultural horizons of market society limit the accessibility of these alternatives, thus, in effect, sedimenting gridlocked experiences.
Marking Time in Memorials and Museums of Terror: Temporality and Cultural Trauma
Authors: Simko Christina
Published: March 2020

The theory of cultural trauma focuses on the relationship between shared suffering and collective identity: Events become traumatic when they threaten a group’s foundational self-understanding. As it stands, the theory has illuminated profound parallels in societal suffering across space and time. Yet focusing on identity alone cannot explain the considerable differences that scholars document in the outcomes of the trauma process. Namely, while some traumas become the basis for moral universalism, generating a capacity to forge connections between an in-group’s suffering and that of out-groups, others have the opposite effect, leading to particularism and closure. Returning to the interdisciplinary literature on trauma, I argue for incorporating temporality as a twin pillar of the trauma process, distinguishing between acting out (reexperiencing a past event as the present) and working through (situating a painful event within historical context). A comparison of three U.S. sites of memory dealing with terrorism illustrates the distinction.
Introduction to Special Series on Universal Design for Learning
Authors: King-Sears Margaret E.
Published: March 2020

This special series of Remedial and Special Education features four articles about universal design for learning (UDL). One intervention study describes learning outcomes for middle school students with extensive support needs. These students receive schema-based instruction that is further developed, based on students’ characteristics, using the UDL guidelines. Another intervention study examines learning outcomes for high school students with and without learning disabilities. Students receive either UDL-based chemistry instruction or “business as usual” instruction, each group in co-taught settings (Study 1). The researchers then identify results for students with learning disabilities who receive the same UDL instruction in a self-contained setting (Study 2). In the third analysis, results from applying UDL Reporting Criteria to 20 UDL studies are reported. Focusing on practitioners and school-based personnel, the fourth study describes the application of the UDL Observation Measurement Tool in its beginning stages of development. The purpose of this UDL special issue is to consolidate information that can be used to promote and enhance how UDL is operationalized and measured by researchers, practitioners, and other stakeholders.
When Does the Social Service Ecosystem Meet Consumption Needs? A Power–Justice–Access Model of Holistic Well-Being from Recipients’ Perspectives
Authors: Baker Stacey Menzel , Azzari Courtney Nations , Thomas Meredith Rhoads , Bennett Aronté Marie
Published: March 2020

Many Americans living in poverty rely on a constellation of social services to meet their consumption needs. This article explores the conditions under which social service programs enhance or detract from holistic well-being, from recipients’ perspectives. Depth interviews with 45 rural and urban recipients reveal, through a power–justice–access model, that holistic well-being extends beyond access to social service programs to include power to choose and control resource outcomes and justice (respect) in recipients’ experiences with elements of the social service ecosystem (design, practices, actors, resources). Theoretically, focusing on the social service ecosystem allows a broader understanding of holistic well-being than is possible through a resource-based or dyadic perspective. In terms of policy, the findings suggest the need to include subjective, versus solely objective, approaches in assessing the performance of the social service ecosystem in meeting consumption needs. Finally, the authors offer a practical principle termed “sensitized standardization,” whereby, at the local level, needs are addressed in relation to the context of recipients’ daily lives and the macro structure of the social service ecosystem.
Prevalence of Frequent Mental Distress Among Illinois Adults With Chronic Conditions: Estimates From the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2011 to 2017
Authors: Price Janae D. , Amerson Nancy L. , Barbour Kamil E. , Emuze Damilola V.
Published: March 2020

Purpose:

The objective of this study was to examine frequent mental distress (FMD) by demographics, chronic conditions, and health risk factors among Illinois adults.

Design:

Descriptive analyses included χ2 and pairwise t tests to examine how FMD status differed by selected characteristics and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis to examine the association between FMD and chronic conditions and risk factors.

Setting:

Illinois Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2011 to 2017 (n = 37 312).

Participants:

Adults who self-report FMD (n = 3455) were included.

Measures:

Prevalence of high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthritis, asthma, high blood cholesterol, cancer, kidney disease, stroke, diabetes, weight status, physical activity status, smoking status, and drinking status.

Results:

A significantly higher FMD prevalence was found among females (11.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 11.1-12.4), non-Hispanic blacks (13.4, 95% CI: 11.9-15.0), adults with less than a high school degree (14.4%; 95% CI: 12.6-16.3), adults with an annual income of less than $15 000 (21.4%; 95% CI: 19.4-23.5), and adults with a disability (23.3%, 95% CI: 21.9-24.7). Adjusted prevalence of FMD was significantly higher among adults for 8 of 10 chronic conditions and 4 of 5 health risk factors studied.

Conclusions:

Social stigmas related to depression and anxiety may lead to the underreporting of FMD. Chronic disease management programs in Illinois should consider integrating mental health services.
Numerical investigation of the blockage effect caused by rim seal flow
Authors: Li Zhou , Fan Yang , Zhan-Xue Wang
Published: March 2020

Blockage effect caused by the rim seal flow is one of the most important sources of loss in the interaction between the turbine rim seal flow and mainstream and has not been investigated in detail. To research the blockage effect, numerical simulations were presented for different rim seal flow rates. The pressure distribution was investigated and losses resulting from the blockage effect were analyzed. In addition, the influences of swirl ratio, inclination angle, and width were revealed. Results show that the blockage effect originates from the pushing and compression of egress flow to the mainstream and results in local pressure increase. The egress flow mainly blocks the mainstream downstream of the stator suction side and above the egress flow. Furthermore, the blockage effect strengthens with the increase of rim seal flow rate and weakens with the increase of swirl ratio. The effect of inclination angle and width on the blockage effect could be neglected. With the increase of rim seal flow rate, the blockage on the stator suction side causes the secondary losses to be reduced and the increasing expansion in the rotor passage leads to more losses at the tip and surface. A loss isolation method that defines the space region of loss in the rotor domain is established and proven to be effective. On an average, relative to the design condition, the overall loss introduced by the blockage effect increases by about 89.44% per 1% increase in the rim seal flow rate.
Strongyloides stercoralis infection in HIV-positive men who have sex with men
Authors: Ross Sophie A , Pintilie Hannah , Hatcher James , Dosekun Olamide , Cooke Graham S , Bailey Angela C
Published: March 2020

Strongyloides stercoralis is a common parasitic infection in tropical and subtropical areas which may result in fatal hyperinfection syndrome in immunosuppressed patients. Infection occurs through skin or mucous membrane contact with material contaminated with infected human faeces. Sexual transmission of other gastrointestinal infections has been observed in men who have sex with men (MSM), with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) a known risk factor. We present a case series of strongyloidiasis in seven HIV-positive MSM living in a non-endemic area. We found high rates of concomitant sexually transmitted infection and chemsex drug use, suggesting high-risk sexual behaviour.
Analyzing energy poverty using intelligent approach
Authors: Rajić Milena N , Milovanović Miroslav B , Antić Dragan S , Maksimović Rado M , Milosavljević Pedja M , Pavlović Dragan Lj
Published: March 2020

The study represents a new approach of analyzing energy poverty using an intelligent method based on social factors. Energy poverty represents one of the most vital problems, especially in recent years, with serious implications in the social, economic, environmental, political, and health sphere. Identifying and measuring social energy parameters represents a challenge not only on the national, but also on the regional level. This research represents a new approach to neural network application in energy systems and energy resource planning activities with the aim of analyzing energy poverty with real socio-economic data. The analyzed data are associated with social factors within one country. The newly developed model includes a new data optimization framework for pre-processing and selecting the most important parameters from a raw dataset. In analyzing energy poverty, it is concluded that its weakness is based on the actual energy consumption of households (both electricity and heat consumption). The model presented in this paper uses 15 influential parameters in energy prediction.
A voice for the voiceless: Improving provenance practice for working-class books
Authors: O’Hagan Lauren Alex
Published: March 2020

In recent years, libraries have become increasingly aware of the need to present a more diverse representation of society in their collections. While some efforts have been made to improve gender, race and sexuality representation, little attention has been paid to the working classes. The purpose of this research is to encourage a debate about the social class make-up of institutional collections and how fair representation and lack of diversity can be addressed. The research entails three stages: (1) Interviews with the 36 members of Research Libraries UK to investigate current challenges that prevent them from recording provenance information for working-class books; (2) The inclusive and fair cataloguing of the Janet Powney Collection – a working-class prize book collection in Cardiff University’s Special Collections and Archives; and (3) The organisation of impact and engagement events to promote the Janet Powney Collection. The study highlights that, while librarians face many challenges in terms of time, money and resources, as well as differences in guidelines and practices, the correct recording of provenance is essential in recovering the voices of working-class individuals, giving them agency as autonomous writers, and developing new narratives of working-class life and culture that challenge myths perpetuated by those in higher positions of power.
Multiple job holding, societal change, and individual careers: Contributions to the chaos theory of careers
Authors: Järvensivu Anu , Pulkki Jutta
Published: March 2020

The chaos theory of careers was applied to identify the connections between multiple jobholders’ careers and societal change. Multiple job holding is a form of employment that consists of two or more overlapping jobs. Six interviews with men born in the 1960s in Finnish North Karelia, whose multiple job holding included agricultural and forestry work, were analyzed. Our results showed that multiple job holding career development has societal connections and that the experiences of multiple job holding varied across individuals. Moreover, multiple job holding experiences and further career development endeavors were influenced by whether the multiple job holding career developed in line with or counter to societal changes. The study contributes to the chaos theory of careers by showing that self-similar fractal shapes can be identified both in individual careers and in societal changes by studying connective metaphors.
Men as Husbands and Fathers in Postwar Poland (1956–1975): Towards New Masculine Identities?
Authors: Jarska Natalia
Published: March 2020

The aim of this paper is to explore the popular perception of men in family roles. In a broader perspective, it explores the effects of social changes under state-socialism on men’s identities and the perception of gender difference. I focus on popular understandings of masculinity, taking advantage of massive ego-documents (contest memoirs). I argue that in the 1960s and the 1970s, people in Poland negotiated gender roles in marriage, questioned traditional masculinity, and shaped new understandings of men’s roles based on ideas of companionship and partnership. These new understandings directed men towards assuming selected female tasks and rejecting some features of traditional masculinity. Major changes were occurring within the role and identity of the father, whereas household duties were still considered “unmanly.” State socialism encouraged these changes through ideology and policies (industrialization, low wages, and reform of family law).
Influence of Gender on Perceptions of Barriers to a Police Patrol Career
Authors: Rossler Michael T. , Rabe-Hemp Cara E. , Peuterbaugh Meghan , Scheer Charles
Published: March 2020

Policing as an institution has been under immense pressure to increase the representation of women as police patrol officers. As the representation of women in policing has plateaued, increasing research has focused on barriers to women entering patrol work but has not examined the salience of these barriers with respect to males or reliably determined which barriers are most influential to desire to enter a police patrol career prior to employment. Drawing upon survey responses from more than 640 students enrolled in criminal justice courses across five universities (i.e., University of Southern Mississippi, Illinois State University, University of Massachusetts-Lowell, Indiana University-Purdue University Indiana, and Missouri State University), the current inquiry examines the degree to which female and male students differ in their perceptions of barriers to entering a patrol career frequently listed in the literature. The findings indicate that female students view many of these obstacles differently than male students and that these perceptions influence interest in patrol careers.
Centrally inserted tunnelled peripherally inserted central catheter: Off-label use for venous access in oncology patients
Authors: Lingegowda Dayananda , Gehani Anisha , Sen Saugata , Mukhopadhyay Sumit , Ghosh Priya
Published: March 2020

Purpose:

Vascular access in oncology patients can often be challenging, especially after a few cycles of chemotherapy through peripheral lines which can cause veins to become attenuated. We evaluated the feasibility of centrally placed non-cuffed tunnelled peripherally inserted central catheter in the chest as an alternative to conventional peripherally inserted central catheter.

Method:

Patients referred for peripherally inserted central catheter found to have inadequate peripheral venous access in their arms due to prior chemotherapy, and therefore they were offered placement of the non-cuffed tunnelled peripherally inserted central catheter in the chest. Adult patients were subjected to the procedure under local anaesthesia, while paediatric patients underwent this procedure under general anaesthesia. Ultrasound guidance was used for venous access, and fluoroscopy was used for tip positioning. Using internal jugular vein access, BARD Groshong-valved 4F peripherally inserted central catheter was placed with its tip in the cavo-atrial junction. Proximal end of the catheter was brought out through the subcutaneous tunnel, so that the exit point of the peripherally inserted central catheter lies over the upper chest. Extra length of the catheter was trimmed, and extensions were attached. The device was stabilized with adhesive and sutures.

Results:

Out of 19 patients, 18 patients were male (4–72 years). Technical success was achieved in 100% cases. No catheter-related bloodstream infection was noted within 30 days of peripherally inserted central catheter. Overall, during 1966 catheter days, no catheter-related bloodstream infection was observed. The purpose of peripherally inserted central catheter was achieved in 15 patients (78.9%) either in the form of completion of chemotherapy (8/15) or maintained peripherally inserted central catheter line till death (7/15). Partial or complete pullout was observed in four patients (20.1%), which required cuffed tunnelled catheter or implantable port. External fracture was noted in one patient, which was successfully corrected using repair kit. No exit site infection, bleeding, catheter occlusion, catheter dysfunction, venous thrombosis, venous stenosis or catheter embolizations were noted in our series.

Conclusion:

Centrally placed tunnelled peripherally inserted central catheter is a promising alternative method, when conventional arm peripherally inserted central catheter placement is not feasible. It is an easy and safe procedure that can be performed under local anaesthesia.
Language abilities in bilingual children: The effect of family background and language exposure on the development of Turkish and Dutch
Authors: Altinkamis Feyza , Simon Ellen
Published: March 2020

Aims and objectives:

The study investigates the effects of family background and language exposure on the language abilities of Turkish-Dutch bilingual children in their heritage language, Turkish, as well as in the majority language, Dutch.

Methodology:

Thirty-five children (3;01-6;11) participated in the study. All children took two standardized proficiency tests: CELF-Preschool 2 in Dutch and TEDİL in Turkish. Parents were interviewed on the family background and on the children’s use of and exposure to Dutch and Turkish.

Data and analysis:

Children’s test scores in Dutch and Turkish were analyzed in relation to the amount of exposure to Dutch and Turkish and the socio-economic and linguistic background of the parents.

Findings:

The results reveal that the children’s home context—both the linguistic background of the parents and the socio-educational level of the mother—affected the children’s scores, especially for Dutch. The amount of exposure to and use of Dutch and Turkish was correlated to the Dutch and Turkish scores. A qualitative discussion of children’s profiles revealed that children’s performance can only be fully understood when details of the home context, obtained through interviews with the parents, are taken into account.

Originality:

To date, few studies on bilingual children from families with a migration background have examined young children’s general language abilities in both the heritage language and the majority language.

Implications:

The study raises awareness of the importance of evaluating bilingual children’s language proficiencies in both languages, considering the effects of family background and language exposure on children’s bilingual language development.

Limitations:

The children’s language abilities were mapped on the basis of widely recognized standardized tests originally developed for the assessment of monolingual children. As more bilingual instruments are being tested and developed, future research will benefit from these tools.
To mix or not to mix: Parental attitudes towards translanguaging and language management choices
Authors: Wilson Sonia
Published: March 2020

Aim and objectives:

The present study investigates parental language beliefs and management among French-English bilingual families in the UK. It addresses the following two research questions. (a) What are parents’ attitudes towards translanguaging and beliefs about effective language management? (b) Do these beliefs and attitudes translate into language separation strategies versus flexible language practices?

Design/methodology:

This paper reports part of the results of a mixed-method study consisting of an online survey as well as multiple in-depth case studies. The qualitative portion of the present article focuses on two case studies including face-to-face interviews and observations in the family home.

Data and analysis:

Responses to the online questionnaire ( n = 164) were analysed using descriptive statistics. Thematic analysis was used for interview data. Observations were analysed through the Family Language Policy framework and by looking at turn-taking sequences and meta-linguistic comments.

Results:

Parental ideologies appear to have evolved towards more positive attitudes towards language mixing. However, these positive attitudes towards translanguaging do not necessarily result in flexible language practices at home.

Findings/conclusions:

Language separation strategies such as one parent–one language may be adopted not as a result of ideologies, but despite parents’ beliefs about the flexible nature of bilingualism and owing to the pressure experienced by parents to develop children’s heritage language (HL) proficiency.

Originality:

The findings contradict previous studies, which reported the predominance of monoglossic language ideologies among middle-class parents. They suggest that parental language beliefs may have evolved and that a translingual ideology is making its way into multilingual families.

Significance/implications:

The study suggests that practical support in the form of additional sources of HL input, rather than theoretical guidance, would be required for parents to embrace flexible language management at home. The present study findings also highlight the dilemma parents face between prioritising their children’s bilingual development and fostering a harmonious bilingual environment for their families.
Inquiry-based learning in the Humanities: Moving from topics to problems using the “Humanities imagination”
Authors: Feldt Jakob E , Petersen Eva B
Published: March 2020

In this article, we present a new perspective on how to combine inquiry-based, problem-oriented learning with practices in the Humanities. Our particular interest is how the initial phase of finding “the problem” can be undertaken in a conjoint way with students, that is in the form of inquiry-based learning where there are no pre-defined questions set by the teacher. Inspired by C. Wright Mills , we argue that “the imagination” is key to opening up inquiries into problems, for students and researchers alike. Through an outline of what we call “the Humanities imagination” we develop a set of heuristics for stimulating a turn from topics to problems in the context of the Humanities. We show how combining inquiry-based learning with the Humanities suggests both new pedagogical practices, new models (the teacher as interlocutor), and a new balancing of the ecology of the Humanities emphasizing its particular imaginary over its disciplines.
Enchantment as fundamental encounter: wonder and the radical reordering of subject/world
Authors: Pyyry Noora , Aiava Raine
Published: March 2020

In this article, we approach enchantment as a fundamental encounter that incites new worlds. Our aim is to add to the recent discussion on enchantment as an immersive, life affirming moment. We outline enchantment as a radical reordering of the world during which there is both a profound loss of meaning and a sudden gaining of significance. Enchantment is a highly affectual event that uproots the subject, throws it momentarily off balance, outside of time and space. Enchantment, then, is not only a pleasant experience of being inspired by the world, but an uninvited ontological unfolding of it. This rethinking the world in enchantment can come into being through many different affectual states, including those of a ‘negative’ register. By attending to a vignette of despair, loss, and suffering, we clarify the circulation of affect involved in the disruption and emergence of the subject and, against this background, unpack the simultaneous disconnect and immersion involved in enchantment. An analysis of wonder highlights the deracination of the subject effected in the event and unfolds the ethical and political potential of enchantment: this totalizing, and hence liberatory, reordering brings with it a strong sense that things could be different.
On the use of textile materials in robotics
Authors: Pyka Wojciech , Jedrzejowski Maksymilian , Chudy Mateusz , Krafczyk Witold , Tokarczyk Olaf , Dziezok Mateusz , Bzymek Anna , Bysko Sara , Blachowicz Tomasz , Ehrmann Andrea
Published: March 2020

Robots can be used, among a broad variety of different applications, in the textile industry to fulfill mechanically challenging tasks which common automats are not capable of. On the contrary, textile fabrics can also be integrated in robotics. Textile-based laminates can be applied as actuators; spacer fabrics can prevent robot arms from hurting men or autonomous robots from damaging themselves on difficult terrain; or as flexible sensors in soft and traditional robotics. Here, we give an overview of recent applications of textile materials in robotics and point out possible future utilization of diverse textile materials in this emerging field of research and development with increasing importance for industrial processes as well as services.
Experiences from treating seven adult 5q spinal muscular atrophy patients with Nusinersen
Authors: Jochmann Elisabeth , Steinbach Robert , Jochmann Thomas , Chung Ha-Yeun , Rödiger Annekathrin , Neumann Rotraud , Mayer Thomas E. , Kirchhof Klaus , Loudovici-Krug Dana , Smolenski Ulrich C. , Witte Otto W. , Grosskreutz Julian
Published: March 2020

Background:

The antisense oligonucleotide Nusinersen recently became the first approved drug against spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). It was approved for all ages, albeit the clinical trials were conducted exclusively on children. Hence, clinical data on adults being treated with Nusinersen is scarce. In this case series, we report on drug application, organizational demands, and preliminary effects during the first 10 months of treatment with Nusinersen in seven adult patients.

Methods:

All patients received intrathecal injections with Nusinersen. In cases with severe spinal deformities, we performed computed tomography (CT)-guided applications. We conducted a total of 40 administrations of Nusinersen. We evaluated the patients with motor, pulmonary, and laboratory assessments, and tracked patient-reported outcome.

Results:

Intrathecal administration of Nusinersen was successful in most patients, even though access to the lumbar intrathecal space in adults with SMA is often challenging. No severe adverse events occurred. Six of the seven patients reported stabilization of motor function or reduction in symptom severity. The changes in the assessed scores did not reach a significant level within this short time period.

Conclusions:

Treating adult SMA patients with Nusinersen is feasible and most patients consider it beneficial. It demands a complex organizational and interdisciplinary effort. Due to the slowly decreasing motor functions in adult SMA patients, long observation phases for this recently approved treatment are needed to allow conclusions about effectiveness of Nusinersen in adults.
Understanding transitional care provided to older adults with and without dementia: A mixed methods study
Authors: Prusaczyk Beth , Fabbre Vanessa , Morrow-Howell Nancy , Proctor Enola
Published: March 2020

Introduction

There are numerous effective transitional care interventions yet they are not routinely implemented. Furthermore, few interventions exist for older adults with dementia. A first step in developing effective interventions for dementia patients and increasing intervention uptake for all patients is to understand the current delivery process of transitional care.

Methods

A mixed methods study using an explanatory multiphase design was conducted. Guided by provider interviews, medical charts were reviewed to collect information on the day-to-day transitional care being delivered to older adults. Then providers were interviewed again to assess the accuracy of those results and provide context.

Results

The medical charts of 210 older adults (126 with dementia and 84 without) were reviewed and nine providers representing various professional roles including social work, nursing, and case management were interviewed. Social workers and case managers were primarily involved in discharge planning, communicating with providers outside the hospital, advanced care planning, providing social and community supports, and making follow-up appointments. Registered nurses were the primary providers of patient education and medication safety while physicians were primarily involved in ensuring that necessary information was available in the discharge summary and that it was available in the chart.

Discussion

This study found distinct patterns in the delivery of transitional care, including the unique roles nursing, social work, and case management have in the process. Furthermore, these patterns were found to differ between patients with and without dementia. These findings are both consistent and inconsistent with the existing literature on transitional care interventions.
A digital health weight-loss intervention in severe obesity
Authors: Senecal Conor , Collazo-Clavell Maria , Larrabee Beth R , de Andrade Mariza , Lin Weihua , Chen Bing , Lerman Lilach O. , Lerman Amir , Lopez-Jimenez Francisco
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Severe obesity is a growing epidemic that causes significant morbidity and mortality, and is particularly difficult to reverse. Efficacious and cost-effective interventions are needed to combat this epidemic. This study hypothesized that obese people (body mass index (BMI) ≥35 kg/m2) using a remote weight-loss program combining a mobile application, wireless scales, and low-calorie meal replacement would experience clinically significant weight loss.

Methods

This study was a retrospective observational analysis of 8275 individuals with a baseline BMI ≥35 kg/m2 who used a remote weight-loss program combining mobile applications, frequent self-weighing, and calorie restriction via meal replacement for a minimum of 35 days. Weight changes were evaluated at multiple intervals (42, 60, 90, and 120 days), and weight loss was evaluated for all and for pre-specified subgroups based on demographic features and frequency of self-weighing.

Results

Mean weight loss at 42 days ( N = 6781) was 8.1 kg (margin of error (MOE) = 0.126 kg) with 73.6% of users experiencing >5% total body weight loss. Both men (9.1 kg; MOE = 0.172 kg; 7.9% from baseline) and women (7.1 kg; MOE = 0.179 kg; 7.2% from baseline) experienced significant weight loss. At the 120-day interval ( N = 2914), mean weight loss was 14 kg (MOE = 0.340 kg), 13% total body weight loss from baseline, and 82.3% of participants had lost >5% of their initial body weight. The decrease in body-fat percent correlated well with weight loss ( R = 0.92; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

In a large cohort of individuals with class II or III obesity, a remote weight-loss program combining mobile applications, daily self-weighing, and calorie restriction via meal replacement resulted in dramatic weight loss among subjects who were active users when evaluated through a retrospective observational analysis.
The application of hardship and gain provisions in strategic contracting
Authors: Østergaard Kim , Petersen Bent
Published: March 2020

Strategic contracting is based on the fundamental condition of risk and gain sharing in the course of relational rent creation. The mutual application of hardship and gain provisions implies that if such an instance occurs after the conclusion of the contract, the parties have an obligation to renegotiate the contract in a fair manner. However, even though strategic contracting strives to ensure the alignment of incentives, there might still be a risk of hold-up and perhaps even efficient breach of contract. We apply the classical microeconomic risk-preference theory of expected utility and transaction cost theory in order to develop a form of strategic contracting that entails the use of a reciprocal hardship and gain provisions, which helps the contracting parties deal with such instances. We outline three necessary and cumulatively sufficient conditions under which hardship and gain provisions make economic sense.