bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nursing Staff’s Knowledge and Attitudes toward Dementia: A Pilot Study from an Indian Perspective
Authors: Strøm Benedicte Sørensen , Engedal Knut , Andreassen Lasse
Published: October 2019

Background: Despite the increased prevalence of dementia in India, reports indicate little awareness of the disease. Symptoms are often misinterpreted or neglected, which could lead to late diagnosis, reducing the choices available regarding future care. Considering that most nurses caring for the elderly will work with people with dementia in the future, there is concern surrounding their ability to meet the needs of these patients, requiring them to obtain the necessary knowledge and positive attitudes for treatment. Aims: To describe the knowledge of and attitudes toward dementia among nursing staff working in residential care facilities for elderly populations in India. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 3 nursing homes in India in which 15 nursing staff conducted self-assessments of their knowledge and attitudes toward dementia using the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) and the Attitude toward Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Scale (DAS) for each respective assessment. Descriptive statistics were used to describe staffs’ attitudes and knowledge concerning dementia. Continuous variables were presented as means ± SD, while the categorical variables were presented as percentages. Results: Although the majority of the participants answered that Alzheimer’s disease cannot be cured, about half reported that people with dementia, in rare cases, can recover from the disease. While all participants agreed that people with dementia can feel when others are kind to them, almost half disagreed that people living with dementia can enjoy life. Conclusion: These findings reveal that nursing staff have limited knowledge of dementia, but their attitudes toward people living with dementia tend to be positive.
The rarest of the rare: rediscovery and status of the critically endangered Belem Curassow, Crax fasciolata pinima (Pelzeln, 1870)
Authors: Alteff Eduardo França , Gonsioroski Gustavo , Barreiros Marcelo , Oliveira Torres Leonardo Gabriel Campos de , Camilo André Restel , Mozerle Hugo Borghezan , Sousa Antônio Emanuel Barreto Alves de , Medolago César Augusto Bronzatto , Martínez Carlos , Lima Diego Mendes , Ubaid Flávio Kulaif , Mendonça Eloisa Neves , Tomotani Barbara Mizumo , Silveira Luís Fábio
Published: October 2019

The Belem Curassow (Crax fasciolata pinima) is one of the most endangered birds in South America, without sightings of birds in the wild for 40 years. This subspecies is nationally and internationally classified as critically endangered and close to extinction, suffering from poaching and deforestation in its range. Here we present new records of free-living individuals made on three indigenous lands in Pará and Maranhão states: in part of Terra Indígena Mãe Maria, Bom Jesus do Tocantins, Pará; in locations within the Reserva Biológica do Gurupi/Terra Indígena Alto Turiaçu, Centro Novo do Maranhão, Maranhão; and around the Terra Indígena Rio Pindaré, Alto Alegre do Pindaré, Maranhão. We also provide recommendations to protect this bird via a dedicated conservation program which includes finding new individuals in non-sampled areas (north of BR-222), estimating population size, enhancing taxonomic and natural history knowledge, capturing wild animals in order to start urgent ex situ conservation programs, and developing environmental awareness programs with the local and indigenous populations.
Evaluating the Large-Scale Mining Fiscal Regime in the Philippines
Authors: Magno Cielo , Guzman Ricardo Rafael S.
Published: October 2019

Economies that derive substantial government revenues from natural resources face the unique challenge of implementing fiscal regimes that deliver a fair share of rents without discouraging private investment in extractive sectors. However, designing progressive and non-distortionary fiscal tools requires an evaluation of the current fiscal regime and the extent to which it captures the resource rent – the surplus return above the value of capital, labor, and opportunity costs incurred to exploit the resource. To evaluate the efficiency of the Philippines’ fiscal regime, we compare the resource rent to government revenues from mining activity. Then, we estimate the effective tax rates under the current fiscal regime and other combinations of fiscal tools. First, we look at aggregated tax payments of all large-scale mining companies over a ten-year period and compare them with the estimated resource rent. Second, we model the different tax regimes using firm-level data from a nickel mine. We propose a fiscal regime for the mining sector in the Philippines that is least distortionary while appropriate given the country’s regulatory context and administrative capacity.
Epistemological Borders and Crossings in the War against ISIS in the Philippines
Authors: Gonzalez Eduardo T.
Published: October 2019

Following the approach of Judith Butler in Frames of war: When is life grievable? and similar theoretical perspectives, the paper examines how the war against ISIS in Southern Philippines discursively represents the “other” – the victims of war – as dispensable “collateral damage”. There is no disputing that the siege of Marawi City by an ISIS- inspired group has taken a terrible toll on human life and has exposed the increasing vulnerability of the country to terrorism. Yet, the relation between the state and the displaced victims that emerged, brought forth in and through media reporting and political commentaries, constitutes an epistemological border that casts the military (as the state’s instrument) as the uncontested heroic entity, yet at the same time keeps the dislocated inhabitants – mostly Muslim minorities – out of sight, inaccessible, and in due course ungrievable. Media texts and commentaries, privileging state perspectives and sources, implicitly establish what counts as “grievable” lives. A privileged hegemonic perspective has kept the war victims de-subjectified, rendering their suffering and the grave humanitarian conditions on the ground unproblematic. The paper then looks into how a “desensitized” political discourse is structured by this new cognitive orientation. While some Marawi voices still surface, the focus is on gaining direct public empathy and identification toward a particular side and engendering moral indifference toward the victims. Lastly, the paper looks at epistemological crossings in the form of alternative (and potentially disruptive) discourses that have emerged, despite the narrowed liminal space. It argues that war victims, in a context of new meanings, retain some form of agency that might engender change, and could reemerge as recognizable voices who can participate as full partners in the collective restoration of Marawi and the Muslim community.
Supplement to the knowledge of the Tachinus longicornis-group (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Tachyporinae) in China
Authors: CHANG YUAN , LI LI-ZHEN , YIN ZI-WEI
Published: October 2019

A new species of the Tachinus longicornis-group of the subgenus Tachinoderus Motschulsky, i.e., T.  motuoensis Chang, Li & Yin, sp. nov., is described from Xizang, China. New collecting records are provided for T. (Tachinoderus) bilobus Chang, Li & Yin and T. (Tachinoderus) ohbayashii Li, Zhao & Sakai in Hubei.
Interannual Variability of the Overturning and Energy Transport in the Atmosphere and Ocean During the Late Twentieth Century with Implications for Precipitation and Sea Level
Authors: Hieronymus Magnus , Nycander Jonas
Published: October 2019

The overturning circulations in the atmosphere and ocean transport energy from the tropics to higher latitudes and thereby modulate Earth’s climate. The interannual variability in the overturning over the last 40 years is found to be dominated by two coupled atmosphere–ocean modes. The first is related to the meridional motion of the intertropical convergence zone and the second to El Niño. Both modes have a strong influence on the sea level variability in the tropical Indo-Pacific Ocean. The interannual variability of the cross-equatorial energy transport is dominated by the first mode, and the variability is larger in the Indo-Pacific Ocean than in the Atlantic Ocean or the atmosphere. Our results suggest an important role of oceanic energy transport in setting precipitation patterns in the tropics and a key role of the Indo-Pacific Ocean as a climate modulator.
Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis of Different Velopharyngeal Closure Patterns
Authors: Huang Hanyao , Yin Heng , Wang Yang , Chen Nan , Huang Dantong , Luo Xiangyou , Yin Xing , Zheng Qian , Shi Bing , Li Jingtao
Published: October 2019

Objective:

Velopharyngeal (VP) closure has high impact on the quality of life, especially in patients with cleft palate. For better understanding the VP closure, it is important to understand the airflow dynamics of different closure patterns, including circular, coronal, sagittal, and circular with a Passavant’s ridge. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the airflow characteristics of different velopharyngeal closure patterns.

Methods:

Sixteen adults with no notable upper airway abnormality who needed multislice spiral computed tomography scans as part of their clinical care. Airways were reconstructed. A cylinder and a cuboid were used to replace the VP port in three models of VP port patterns. Flow simulations were carried using computational fluid dynamics. Airflow pressures in the VP orifice, oral cavity and nasal cavity, as well as airflow velocity through the velopharyngeal orifice, were calculated.

Results:

The airflow dynamics at the velopharynx were different among different velopharyngeal patterns as the area of the velopharyngeal port increased from 0 to 25 mm2. The orifice areas of different closure conditions in four velopharyngeal closure patterns were significantly different. The maximal orifice area for adequate velopharyngeal closure was 7.57 mm2 in the coronal pattern and 6.21 mm2 in the sagittal pattern.

Conclusions:

Airflow dynamics of the velopharynx were correlated to the velopharyngeal closure patterns. Different closure patterns had different largest permitted orifice areas for getting the appropriate oral pressures for normal speech.
Minority gangs in Singapore prisons: Prisonisation revisited
Authors: Ganapathy Narayanan , Balachandran Lavanya
Published: October 2019

This article attempts to better contextualise the theoretical and empirical connections between pre-prison orientation of prisoners and their subsequent adaption and subjective experiences of imprisonment using the case study of Omega, a racial minority gang in the Singapore prisons. While the article traces the gang’s emergence to its marginality in both the mainstream and illegitimate societies, the persistence of Omega beyond prisons is also shown to lie in its capacity to be remodelled for the street where the gang operates on an equal footing with the historically entrenched Chinese Secret Societies in the illicit economy. This research is not only able to adequately explain the form and hierarchy of penal subcultures, and the differentiated strategies offered by the various racial, class and gender groups to ‘surviving’ prisons, but also shows how in-prison adaptations affect the construction of post-prison identities and behaviours. The intent is to provide a nuanced sociological examination of the prison institution by capturing the iterative and interactive effects between the ‘outside’ (i.e. street) and the ‘inside’ (i.e. prison), thus extending the analysis beyond the deprivation-importation impasse by introducing an element of ‘exportation’ that help contextualise the racialised experiences of minority prisoners in the postcolonial state.
Gender and Sufism in Western Scholarship: Contemporary Constructions and Contestations
Authors: Sharify-Funk Meena
Published: October 2019

In this article I examine the trajectory of contemporary scholarship on gender and Sufism in the West written for English-speaking audiences, with reference to key scholars as well as contexts that have influenced their scholarship. While not aspiring to be comprehensive, this survey offers an overview of an emerging and significant field of study that has developed rapidly in recent decades. After detailing early and seminal studies in the field, an attempt is made to summarize how new textual and field-based scholarship has opened new insights into the subject, and also has led to interpretive debates concerning some significant findings and their broader social relevance.
The Meditation and Prayer of Nuns at Dartford Priory in the Late 15th Century
Authors: Gale Sandy
Published: October 2019

This article considers what can be learned about the meditation and prayer of the Dominican nuns at Dartford Priory in the late 15th century from an examination of Downside Manuscript 26542. The aim is to reconstruct cautiously elements of the sisters’ experience from one of only eight surviving manuscripts from the priory. The focus of this exploration is on one of the Middle English works contained within MS 26542, the Pricking of Love. After a brief outline of the history of the priory, a short description of the contents and relevance of the manuscript and the sisters who made up its audience, the discussion falls into two parts. The initial sections generally characterise the meditation of the sisters. The second part examines how the article deals with the Lord’s Prayer, using examples from chapter 35 of the Pricking of Love; ‘A deuoute exposicyoun of þe pater noster’.
Team familiarity in cardiac surgery operations: The effects of hierarchy and failure on team productivity
Authors: Avgerinos Emmanouil , Fragkos Ioannis , Huang Yufei
Published: October 2019

Project teams are regularly assembled by a variety of organizations in order to perform knowledge-intensive tasks. Previous shared experiences among their members can have a significant impact on team performance. In this study, we use a unique and detailed dataset of 6206 cardiac surgeries from a private hospital in Europe, property of an American non-profit organization, in order to examine how past shared experiences of individuals affect future team productivity. Using transactive memory system as theoretical framework, we first decompose overall team familiarity into horizontal familiarity (e.g. surgeon to surgeon) and hierarchical familiarity (e.g. surgeon to nurse) and find that the former one is more beneficial for team productivity than the latter one. Next, we observe that horizontal familiarity of high-power, high-status individuals has a higher impact on team productivity than the one among subordinate individuals. Finally, we investigate how past failure experiences of individuals in the same team can increase future team productivity more than past shared successes. Our results provide useful insights for managers who aim to increase team productivity via better team allocation strategies.
How work redesign interventions affect performance: An evidence-based model from a systematic review
Authors: Knight Caroline , Parker Sharon K
Published: October 2019

It is not yet clear whether work redesigns actually affect individual-, team- or organizational-level performance. In a synthesis of this literature, we conclude there is good overall evidence, with the most promising evidence at the individual level. Specifically, our systematic review assessed whether top-down work redesign interventions affect performance and, if so, why (mechanisms) and when (boundary conditions). We identified 55 heterogeneous work redesign intervention studies, of which 39 reported a positive effect on performance, two reported a negative effect, and 14 reported mixed effects. Of five types of work redesign, the evidence that work characteristics can explain the effect of redesign interventions on performance was most promising for relational interventions, and participative and non-participative job enrichment and enlargement. Autonomous work group and system-wide interventions showed initial evidence. As to ‘why’ work redesigns enhance performance, we identified change in work motivation, quick response and learning as three core mechanisms. As to ‘when’, we showed that intervention implementation, intervention context (including alignment of organizational systems, processes and the work redesign) and person factors are key boundary conditions. We synthesize our findings into an integrative multilevel model that can be used to design, implement and evaluate work redesigns aimed at improving performance.
Design and compliant estimate of robot gripper with light-emitting diode and photodiode positioning
Authors: Suebsomran Anan
Published: October 2019

Generally, robot gripper is the tool to enhancing the efficiency and ability of grasping task of robot manipulator. The interaction between the object and the grasping finger is the main target of robotic gripper design stage. For this research, robot gripper is then proposed as the new method of robot gripper force control using real-time estimate force feedback signal in order to achieve higher performance of grasping objects. Robot gripper kinematics is also analyzed and adjusted to more practical development. The object manipulation is also identifiable using recursive least square estimation technique of both hard and soft objects during grasping. Force controller of robot gripper is obtained using real-time estimate force feedback signal by the recursive least square method. Comparison of proportional–integral–derivative controller gains is tuned with different force feedback signals, normal force feedback, and estimate force feedback during grasping hard and soft objects validated by experiment. The results of design and development are illustrated by simulation and experimental methods. In addition, due to the limitation of electromagnetic interference, signals will not affect other instrumentations with restricted working condition. The range of gripper motion is detected by applied visible light signal of light-emitting diode and photodiode as limit sensors.
Discordance between clinical and post-mortem diagnoses at a tertiary hospital
Authors: Bogdanović Milenko , Hadžibegović Adi , Medarević Aleksandar , Babić Miloš , Ječmenica Dragan , Alempijević Đjorđje
Published: October 2019

Advances in modern medicine and more accurate and precise diagnostic procedures have been considered to be the main reason for the reduction in autopsy rates. However, there is still a discrepancy between clinical and autopsy diagnoses. This retrospective study, designed as a cross-sectional study, included a sample of 931 patients who died at the Clinical Hospital Centre ‘Zemun’. We analysed sex, age, length of hospitalisation and clinical and post-mortem diagnoses, including the discrepancies between them. In 314 (34%) cases, there was complete agreement between the clinical and autopsy diagnoses, complete disagreement in the same percentage and incomplete agreement in 303 (32%) cases. In people aged >60 years, the risk of misdiagnosis was 2.5-fold higher than in the those aged <60 years (odds ratio (OR)=2.522, p<0.001), while the influence of sex on the risk of misdiagnosis was not statistically significant (OR=0.981, p>0.05). An increase in the number of autopsies would be one of the best methods to make discrepancies between clinical and post-mortem diagnoses visible, and a good method for continuous evaluation of diagnostic tests, as well as for providing a wider perspective on presentations of different clinical conditions.
Unravelling photoprotection in microbial natural products
Authors: Woolley Jack M. , Stavros Vasilios G.
Published: October 2019

Mycosporine-like amino acids have long been known as a natural form of photoprotection for fungi and cyanobacteria. This review will highlight the key time-resolved experimental and theoretical techniques unravelling their photochemistry and photophysics, and directly link this to their use in commercial skin-care products, namely as sunscreen filters. Three case studies have been selected, each having aided advancement in this burgeoning field of research. We discuss these studies in the context of photoprotection and conclude by evaluating the necessary future steps towards translating the photochemistry and photophysics insight of these nature derived sunscreen filters to commercial application.
Sustainable ultrasound-assisted ultralow liquor ratio dyeing of cotton fabric with natural turmeric dye
Authors: Ma Xiaofei , Wei Yujuan , Wang Shuo , Zuo Xin , Shen Baolei
Published: October 2019

Natural dyes are environmentally friendly and have become important alternatives to synthetic dyes in some dyeing products. Therefore, better extraction and dyeing techniques need to be developed for the dyeing process of natural dyes. In this work, cotton fabric was dyed using turmeric extraction solution under an ultralow liquor ratio (materials to liquor ratio of 1:5) and ultrasonic-assisted conditions. Dye extraction using different dispersants and pH values has been investigated and three-factor-three–level Box–Behnken design was employed to explore the dyeing conditions. It was found that sodium dodecyl sulfate systems and ultrasonic waves can effective improve the dyeing depth under neutral condition. The K/ S value can reach 2.53 with ultrasonic power of 200 W, dyeing time of 30 min and temperature of 40℃. Scanning electron microscope images showed that the application of ultrasound did not cause obvious fiber damage. The developed technique could be used in the textile industry to make dyeing cotton fibers with natural dyes more sustainable than it is at present.
Investigating measurement invariance in the South African Personality Inventory: English version
Authors: Morton Nadia , Hill Carin , Meiring Deon , van de Vijver Fons JR
Published: October 2019

We are interested in the psychometric properties of the South African Personality Inventory, a personality measure developed to apply equally to speakers of all official languages in South Africa, by testing for measurement invariance across the four ethnocultural groups in South Africa. We conducted an exploratory structural equation modelling analysis to eliminate any restrictions on the variables and to allow them to covary. While measurement invariance was found on configural and metric levels, scalar invariance was not found. The results advance the aim of the South African Personality Inventory to comply with stipulations in South Africa’s Employment Equity Act regarding fair and unbiased assessments.
Evaluation of silane effect as a coupling agent for metakaolin
Authors: Gabino Alessandra de Alencar Padua , Gabriel Cléverson Fernandes Senra , de Sousa Ana Maria Furtado , Furtado Cristina Russi Guimarães , Soares Bluma Guenther
Published: October 2019

This study aimed at evaluating the coupling effect of silane Si69 bis(triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfide in metakaolin (MK) in automobile tire tread compounds based on a styrene–butadiene rubber/butadiene rubber blend. A reference compound of a typical tread recipe, filled with silica and carbon black, was used as a reference due to the acknowledged effect of TESPT in silica incorporation in elastomers. A silica sample without silane was also prepared. Silica was then completely substituted by MK, producing two samples, with and without silane. The samples were tested for crosslink density, rheometry, and morphology, and the vulcanization reaction parameters were determined and evaluated. Silane improved the interaction between MK and the polymer matrix, evidenced by the increase in crosslink density and vulcanization reaction rate, the same effect silane causes on silica-filled composites. Morphology also revealed that silane increased MK dispersion and adhesion to rubber. On the other hand, MK seems not to be as reinforcing as silica, considering that maximum torque is related to the stiffness of the material, with MK exhibiting lower values for this parameter.
A new model order reduction method for the design of compensator by using moment matching algorithm
Authors: Prajapati Arvind Kumar , Prasad Rajendra
Published: October 2019

The aim of this paper is the construction of a new model reduction technique for large scale stable linear dynamic systems. It is principally focused on the dominant modes and time moments retention. This reduction implicates the translation of the overall important features confined in the large scale complete order model into the lower order system, allowing the computation of approximant denominator by using generalized pole clustering method. The approximant numerator is obtained by means of the factor division algorithm. As a result, a lower order system is obtained. To demonstrate its effectiveness, to highlight some fundamental of its features, and to accomplish its accuracy, a comparative study is done. Two standard numerical examples are taken, where approximant model computed by the proposed method is compared with the reduced order models computed from the recently proposed methods as well as well-known model reduction schemes. The paper is also emphasized on the design of compensator by using moment matching algorithm with the help of the reduced model. The design of compensator is validated and illustrated with the help of a standard numerical example taken from the literature.
Measuring Happiness Behavior in Functional Analyses of Challenging Behavior for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Thomas Benjamin R. , Charlop Marjorie H. , Lim Nataly , Gumaer Caitlyn
Published: October 2019

This two-experiment study assessed the utility of measuring happiness behavior (e.g., smiling and/or laughing) within functional analyses (FA) of challenging behavior, and using results to inform interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In Exp. 1, we concurrently measured happiness behavior within the trial-based FA’s of challenging behavior of four children with ASD. Results showed differentiation for both challenging behavior in test trials and happiness behavior within controls. In Exp. 2, we compared interventions based on challenging and happiness behavior from FA results for three of the participants, using a multiple-baseline across-participants design, with embedded reversals. Results suggested that interventions derived from measures of the children’s happiness behavior led to reductions challenging behavior that were similar to interventions informed by challenging behavior, and were also associated with increased happiness behavior. Taken together, these two experiments suggest that the measurement of children’s happiness behavior in FA of challenging behavior appears to be helpful in determining interventions for children with ASD.
Investigating Patient Preferences in Medical Student Attire in the Outpatient Otolaryngology Setting
Authors: Sax Leah , Wong Kevin , Shetty Kunal R. , Devaiah Anand K. , Levi Jessica , Grillone Gregory A.
Published: October 2019

Background:

The authors sought to investigate patient preferences on physician and medical student attire in the outpatient otolaryngology setting.

Methods:

A prospective sample of 50 (23 males, 27 females) patients presenting to an otolaryngology clinic in a North American teaching hospital, Boston, MA, were included. Patients were seen by a researcher wearing a white coat and either (1) a shirt and tie or (2) surgical scrubs, then completed a Likert-style survey evaluating feelings of trust, comfort, and professionalism. Statistical significance was set at α = 0.05.

Results:

Most patients (82%, 41/50) believed that attire was important. Men and older patients were significantly more likely to believe attire was important ( P = .01 and .005, respectively). Patients were significantly more comfortable when seen by a provider wearing a shirt and tie compared to scrubs ( U = 109.5, P = .021); however, there was no difference in feelings of trust or professionalism ( P = .5* and .6*, respectively).

Conclusions:

Physician attire is important for patients presenting to otolaryngology clinic. Patients favored a white coat with a shirt and tie. Level of Evidence: NA.
The Efficiency of Routine Histopathological Examination for Bilateral Nasal Polyposis
Authors: Safadi Ahmad , Carmel-Neiderman Narin N. , Toledano Ronen , Ungar Omer J. , Mokh Fadi Abu , Wengier Anat , Fliss Dan M. , Yafit Daniel
Published: October 2019

The necessity to routinely carry out histopathologic examinations of surgically removed polyps in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with bilateral nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is uncertain. The aim of this study was to describe the histopathology of polyps from a large series of patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery for CRSwNP and the rate of neoplasms. This is a retrospective study of the histopathological result of all patients with CRSwNP who underwent functional endoscopic nasal surgery and in whom histologic examination was performed, from 2006 to 2015, in a tertiary medical center. Data on demographics and whether a nasal lesion was suspected for neoplasm prior to surgery were analyzed. Two hundred thirty-five patients underwent bilateral nasal polypectomy and histopathologic examinations of the surgical specimens. The rate of neoplasms in nonsuspicious cases was 2.3% (5 cases) and all were inverted papilloma. To conclude, inverted papilloma and other neoplasms are considered rare incidental findings in patients presenting with bilateral nasal polyps. This study demonstrated a higher rate of the latter than that reported in the literature. Our study further emphasizes that despite the low incidence of these pathologies, a histopathologic examination of every nasal polypectomy is warranted so as not to miss potential serious pathologies. We stress that a routine histopathological examination should be practiced at least in the elderly population.
Laryngeal Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor With Anemia and Thrombocytosis
Authors: Kaytez Selda Kargın , Kavuzlu Ali , Oguz Haldun
Published: October 2019

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) of the larynx is a rare benign lesion that commonly occurs in the soft tissues. We present the first case with systemic manifestations of laryngeal IMT that was associated with hypochromic, microcytic-type anemia and thrombocytosis.
Efficacy of 2 Different Intratympanic Steroid Regimen on Prevention of Cisplatin Ototoxicity: An Experimental Study
Authors: Taş Burak Mustafa , Şimşek Gökçe , Azman Musa , Kılıç Rahmi
Published: October 2019

Ototoxicity is the general name of cochlear and vestibular organ injury resulting from encountering various therapeutic agents and chemical substances. Cisplatin is commonly used in the treatment of many cancers. In this study, the efficacy of intratympanic steroids was compared for preventing cisplatin ototoxicity. In this study, 32 (64 ears) rats were used by separating into 4 groups. Cisplatin was administered intraperitoneally to the first group (n = 8). Methylprednisolone and then cisplatin were administered intratympanically to the second group (n = 8). On the third group (n = 8), dexamethasone and then cisplatin were administered intratympanically. To the fourth group (n = 8), 0.9% NaCl and then cisplatin were given intratympanically. Otoacoustic emission (OAE) measurements and auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) tests were performed on all groups before and 72 hours after the procedure. Pretreatment of ABR-IV values were 4.29 ± 0.19 milliseconds in group 2 and 4.27 ± 0.16 milliseconds in group 3, whereas posttreatment ABR-IV values were 4.95 ± 0.35 milliseconds in group 2 and 4.65 ± 0.26 milliseconds in group 3. The ABR-IV values were measured significantly shorter in the rats given dexamethasone and methylprednisolone, according to control and cisplatin groups ( P < .001). Pretreatment of ABR I-IV interval values were 2.98 ± 0.34 milliseconds and 3.03 ± 0.42 milliseconds in group 1 and group 4, respectively, and ABR I-IV interval values in group 1 and group 4 posttreatment were 3.49 ± 0.39 milliseconds and 3.5 ± 0.39 milliseconds in group 1 and group 4, respectively. Auditory brainstem responses I-IV interval was significantly longer in the cisplatin and control group than in the rats given dexamethasone and methylprednisolone ( P < .001). After cisplatin treatment, OAE amplitudes decreased significantly in group 1 and group 4 for all frequencies, while OAE values were protected in methylprednisolone and dexamethasone group ( P < .001). In conclusion, it has been shown that both agents have protective effects on cisplatin ototoxicity, with dexamethasone slightly more than methylprednisolone.
Performance Characteristics of Photoacoustic Imaging Probes with Varying Frequencies and Light-delivery Schemes
Authors: Rich Laurie J. , Chamberlain Sarah R. , Falcone Daniela R. , Bruce Robert , Heinmiller Andrew , Xia Jun , Seshadri Mukund
Published: October 2019

Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is an emerging biomedical imaging technique that utilizes a combination of light and ultrasound to detect photoabsorbers embedded within tissues. While the clinical utility of PAI has been widely explored for several applications, limitations in light penetration and detector sensitivity have restricted these studies to mostly superficial sites. Given the importance of PA signal generation and detection on light delivery and ultrasound detector frequency, there is an ongoing effort to optimize these parameters to enhance photoabsorber detection at increased depths. With this in mind, in this study we examined performance benchmarks of a commercially available PAI/ultrasound linear array system when using different imaging frequencies and light delivery schemes. A modified light fiber jacket providing focused light delivery (FLD) at the center of the probe was compared with the built-in fiber optics lining the length of the probe. Studies were performed in vitro to compare performance characteristics such as imaging resolution, maximum imaging depth, and sensitivity to varying hematocrit concentration for each frequency and light delivery method. Monte Carlo simulations of each light delivery method revealed increased light penetration with FLD. In tissue-mimicking phantoms, vascular channels used to simulate blood vessels could be visualized at a depth of 2.4 cm when lowering imaging frequency and utilizing FLD. Imaging at lower frequencies with FLD also enabled enhanced detection of varying hematocrit concentration levels at increased depths, although lateral imaging resolution was reduced. Finally, a proof of concept in vivo probe comparison study in a mouse tumor model provided supportive evidence of our in vitro results. Collectively, our findings show that adjusting imaging frequency and applying FLD can be a straightforward approach for improving PAI performance.
Global transcreators and the extension of the Korean webtoon IP-engine
Authors: Yecies Brian , Shim Aegyung , Yang Jack (Jie) , Zhong Peter Yong
Published: October 2019

Webtoons are fast cementing their place as a new sector of the digital media industries, with interest in this niche comic form increasing on a monthly basis across a range of platforms. To clarify this transformation, this article investigates the popular webtoon Cheese in the Trap, as well as its television series and film remakes, to illustrate the transmedia flows and participatory culture that underpin the extension of this new ‘IP-engine’. Next, it investigates the previously unrecognized contributions that fan translators – or what the authors call ‘transcreators’ – are making to the global spread of this format on Line Webtoon, the largest platform of its kind. The authors build on some significant previous studies – albeit with limited scope – by analyzing how webtoon series and the big data linked to them are transformed across multiple formats and platforms, how they are received by fans, and how cultural intermediaries are amplifying the impact and global spread of webtoons.
Establishing an Animal Model of Single‐Sided Deafness in Chinchilla lanigera
Authors: Banakis Hartl Renee M. , Greene Nathaniel T. , Benichoux Victor , Dondzillo Anna , Brown Andrew D. , Tollin Daniel J.
Published: October 2019

Objectives

(1) To characterize changes in brainstem neural activity following unilateral deafening in an animal model. (2) To compare brainstem neural activity from unilaterally deafened animals with that of normal‐hearing controls.

Study Design

Prospective controlled animal study.

Setting

Vivarium and animal research facilities.

Subjects and Methods

The effect of single‐sided deafness on brainstem activity was studied in Chinchilla lanigera. Animals were unilaterally deafened via gentamycin injection into the middle ear, which was verified by loss of auditory brainstem responses (ABRs). Animals underwent measurement of ABR and local field potential in the inferior colliculus.

Results

Four animals underwent chemical deafening, with 2 normal‐hearing animals as controls. ABRs confirmed unilateral loss of auditory function. Deafened animals demonstrated symmetric local field potential responses that were distinctly different than the contralaterally dominated responses of the inferior colliculus seen in normal‐hearing animals.

Conclusion

We successfully developed a model for unilateral deafness to investigate effects of single‐sided deafness on brainstem plasticity. This preliminary investigation serves as a foundation for more comprehensive studies that will include cochlear implantation and manipulation of binaural cues, as well as functional behavioral tests.
Patient Safety/Quality Improvement Primer, Part II: Prevention of Harm Through Root Cause Analysis and Action (RCA2)
Authors: Balakrishnan Karthik , Brenner Michael J. , Gosbee John W. , Schmalbach Cecelia E.
Published: October 2019

With increasing emphasis on patient safety/quality improvement, health care systems are mirroring industry in the implementation of root cause analysis (RCA) for the identification and mitigation of errors. RCA uses a team approach with emphasis on the system, as opposed to the individual, to accrue empirical data on what happened and why. While many otolaryngologists have a broad understanding of RCA, practical experience is often lacking. Part II of this patient safety/quality improvement primer investigates the manner in which RCA is utilized in the prevention of medical errors. Attention is given to identifying system errors, recording adverse events, and determining which events warrant RCA. The primer outlines steps necessary to conduct an effective RCA, with emphasis placed on actions that arise from the RCA process through theroot cause analysis and action(or RCA2) rubric. In addition, the article provides strategies for the implementation of RCA into clinical practice and medical education.
Adsorption of chlorophenolic compounds on activated clinoptilolite
Authors: Uçar Mustafa
Published: October 2019

Nowadays, phenol and chlorophenols give rise to many organic pollutants. Concurrently, the occurring of phenolic compounds in aquatic ambit creates potential human health and environmental problems. There are a lot of technologies available for the treatment of organic pollutants. To remove phenol and chlorophenols, adsorption is a wastewater purification method. In this study, natural and activated clinoptilolite were carried out for the removal of phenol, ortho-chlorophenol, para-chlorophenol, and meta-chlorophenol. Activated clinoptilolite was prepared via acid activation and evaluated by means of Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis. Phenol and chlorophenols have high adsorption rate, and equilibrium was reached in approximately 30 min. The maximum adsorptions of phenol, ortho-chlorophenol, meta-chlorophenol, and para-chlorophenols on the activated clinoptilolite were 6.7386, 8.6300, 9.5787, and 7.3758 mg g−1, respectively. The affinity order was in the following order: m-CP > o-CP > p-CP > Ph. The adsorption of phenol and chlorophenols decreased after pH = 6.25. Using the thermodynamic data, Gibbs free energy of the activated clinoptilolite was evaluated. The effects of different conditions such as pH, adsorption time, and initial concentration were analyzed. The adsorption rates of phenol and chlorophenols were constituted to be the maximum at approximately pH 6.5. Desorption of phenol and chlorophenols was carried out using ethyl alcohol solution (30%, v/v). The adsorption isotherms of phenol and chlorophenols on activated clinoptilolite were evaluated. The equilibrium adsorption data were the best suited to Freundlich adsorption isotherm pattern.
Cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with increased middle cerebral arterial compliance and decreased cerebral blood flow in young healthy adults: A pulsed ASL MRI study
Authors: Furby Hannah V , Warnert Esther AH , Marley Christopher J , Bailey Damian M , Wise Richard G
Published: October 2019

Cardiorespiratory fitness is thought to have beneficial effects on systemic vascular health, in part, by decreasing arterial stiffness. However, in the absence of non-invasive methods, it remains unknown whether this effect extends to the cerebrovasculature. The present study uses a novel pulsed arterial spin labelling (pASL) technique to explore the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and arterial compliance of the middle cerebral arteries (MCAC). Other markers of cerebrovascular health, including resting cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebrovascular reactivity to CO2 (CVRCO2) were also investigated. Eleven healthy males aged 21 ± 2 years with varying levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (maximal oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]O2MAX) 38–76 ml/min/kg) underwent MRI scanning at 3 Tesla. Higher [Formula: see text]O2MAX was associated with greater MCAC (R2 = 0.64, p < 0.01) and lower resting grey matter CBF (R2 = 0.75, p < 0.01). However, [Formula: see text]O2MAX was not predictive of global grey matter BOLD-based CVR (R2 = 0.47, p = 0.17) or CBF-based CVR (R2 = 0.19, p = 0.21). The current experiment builds upon the established benefits of exercise on arterial compliance in the systemic vasculature, by showing that increased cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with greater cerebral arterial compliance in early adulthood.
Tolerance for Cheating From the Classroom to the Boardroom: A Study of Underlying Personal and Cultural Drivers
Authors: Brodowsky Glen H. , Tarr Emily , Ho Foo Nin , Sciglimpaglia Don
Published: October 2019

Professors face increasingly diverse student bodies that exhibit divergent understandings and motivations to engage in academic dishonesty. Research suggests that collectivism/individualism is the cultural dimension underlying such differences. This study measures this dimension at the individual level using two constructs—agency-communion and self-construal—and their relationships to tolerance for academic cheating and unethical corporate behavior. Analyses show a positive relationship between tolerance for academic cheating and for unethical corporate behavior. Both measures of collectivism (interdependent self-construal and communion) exhibit positive relationships to tolerance for unethical business behavior, while interdependence is also positively related to tolerance for academic cheating.
Incorporating Diversity in Marketing Education: A Framework for Including All People in the Teaching and Learning Process
Authors: Rivera Reynaldo G. , Arrese Angel , Sádaba Charo , Casado Luis
Published: October 2019

The management of diversity and inclusion is a major challenge for businesses in developing inclusive products and marketing strategies focused on people with disabilities. Universities can foster positive attitudes toward inclusiveness if they facilitate student recognition of differences as assets and enable them to appreciate the creation of communities where different individuals are valued. This study analyzes the experience of an innovative undergraduate seminar on inclusive marketing based on social learning theory. Designed and conducted by a former marketing manager with visual impairment, together with university scholars, the course develops the learning potential of inclusive marketing strategies and tactics through role-playing exercises and case studies. By presenting the inclusive marketing seminar theoretical framework, syllabus, and impact on students’ attitudes, this research analyzes an approach to training future marketing professionals and leaders to understand people with disabilities as important stakeholders and provides key insights for universities, companies, and governments in the application of inclusive marketing and communication strategies.
Incorporating Photovoice in the Marketing Curriculum to Increase Cultural Competence
Authors: Pierce Meghan E. , Longo Jaime L.
Published: October 2019

Images are powerful. They help make the abstract concrete and allow the viewer to share the perspective of the photographer, giving the photographer a platform to communicate what may be difficult to express with words. Educators, institutions, accreditors, and students are seeking diverse and inclusive university environments, yet we often lack the critical dialogue necessary for achieving such outcomes. In response to student and employer imperatives, we propose the inclusion of photovoice to complement existing learning outcomes in the marketing curriculum. We discuss the implementation and evaluation of including photovoice into a semester-long client-based marketing research project. Experiential learning with photovoice increased interactions with diverse others and increased metacognitive cultural intelligence in comparison with a section taught with the standard approach.
Whirlpool sign of adnexal torsion on CT: where can we find it?
Authors: Jung Sung Il , Park Hee Sun , Jeon Hae Jeong , Yu Mi Hye , Kim Young Jun , Chung Jieun , Jeong Kyungah
Published: October 2019

Background

Whirlpool sign on computed tomography (CT) is pathognomic of adnexal torsion.

Purpose

To evaluate the visibility and common location of the whirlpool sign in adnexal torsion on CT.

Material and Methods

This retrospective study included 143 consecutive patients who underwent preoperative CT imaging and subsequent surgically confirmed as adnexal torsion. Two readers independently recorded the presence and location of whirlpool sign in adnexal torsion on CT. Patients with and without whirlpool sign were compared with regard to the size of the adnexal mass and the degree of torsion.

Results

Whirlpool sign was detected in 60 (42.0%) patients on the transverse CT plane and 79 (55.2%) patients on the coronal CT plane of 143 patients. The sign was significantly better detected on the coronal CT plane than on the transverse CT plane ( P = 0.03). The most common location of the sign included the posterolateral aspect of the adnexal mass on the transverse CT plane (25/60, 41.7%, P = 0.04) and the upper-lateral aspect of the adnexal mass on the coronal CT plane (45/79, 60.0%, P < 0.001). The size of the adnexal mass with whirlpool sign was significantly larger than the mass without whirlpool sign on the transverse CT plane (median 9.6 vs. 8.6 cm, P = 0.03). No significant difference in the degree of torsion was found between patients with and without whirlpool sign on CT ( P = 0.56–0.62).

Conclusion

Whirlpool sign of adnexal torsion is well detected at the upper-lateral aspect of adnexal mass on the coronal CT plane.