bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paul’s Explanation of Christ-Movement Identity in 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1: A Social Identity Approach
Authors: Esler Philip F.
Published: April 2021

This article deploys a social identity approach to argue that Paul wrote 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1 as an integral part of 2 Corinthians to elucidate Christ-movement identity at a key point in an integrated letter. First, I will critique arguments that the passage is an intrusion based on its alleged awkward positioning between 6:13 and 7:2, proposing instead that it is carefully sited within the larger unit of 6:11–7:4. Secondly, I will critically analyze arguments that its non-Pauline character is suggested by the language used. Thirdly, I will explain the presence of 6:14–7:1 in 2 Corinthians as a means whereby, at a critical point in his argument, Paul made a positive statement concerning Christ-movement identity for his Corinthian pistoi, that is, the ingroup of Christ-followers who accepted his version of the gospel, as opposed to apistoi. The latter category embraced both idol-worshipping non-Judeans and his Judean opponents in Corinth who advocated a rival identity based on a different gospel linked to the Mosaic law. In relation to Paul’s extended re-application of Israelite Scripture in 6:16–18, I will argue for its decontextualized, indeed “oracular” character in a context where Paul aimed to communicate with actual addressees, most of whom were illiterate non-Judeans.
Mindful Self-Care Practice of Nurses in Acute Care: A Multisite Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Zeb Hussan , Arif Ijaz , Younas Ahtisham
Published: April 2021

Consistent mindful self-care practices mitigate professional burnout and improve resilience to enable nurses provide safe and effective patient care. This study determined the levels and the influencing factors of mindful self-care of nurses in acute care settings. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 258 nurses from seven acute care hospitals using the 36-item Mindful Self-Care Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive and correlation analyses. Nurses’ mindful self-care scores were low, and female nurses had higher levels of mindful self-care than male nurses. Statistically significant negative correlations were found between nurses’ mindful self-care levels and their age and clinical experience. Nurses’ engagement in mindful self-care is low which may negatively affect their interactions with and care of patients and their families. Therefore, a need exists to develop and evaluate more clinical-based personal and organizational strategies to enhance the mindful self-care practices of nurses.
Is Group-Directed Praise Always Welcome? Reactions to Ingroup and Outgroup Praise Depend on Linguistic Abstraction
Authors: Moscatelli Silvia , Rubini Monica
Published: April 2021

This research examined how recipients reacted to group-directed praise formulated by ingroup or outgroup members and varying in linguistic abstraction. Study 1 ( N = 81) showed that ingroup praise was perceived as more sincere when formulated in abstract (vs. concrete) terms, whereas outgroup praise formulated in abstract terms was seen as less sincere than concrete praise. In Study 2 ( N  = 89), recipients of outgroup praise formulated in abstract versus concrete terms attributed more hidden agenda and prejudice to the speaker, and perceived lower congruency between the speaker’s words and beliefs; the opposite pattern occurred for ingroup praise. Perceptions of congruency and hidden agenda mediated the effects of speaker group membership and linguistic abstraction on recipients’ perception of the praising message. This research points out that linguistic abstraction influences the appraisal of group-directed praise as it works as a cue of speakers’ motives. It also suggests important implications for developing successful communications between groups.
What scores from monologic speaking tests can(not) tell us about interactional competence
Authors: Roever Carsten , Ikeda Naoki
Published: April 2021

The overarching aim of the study is to explore the extent to which test takers’ performances on monologic speaking tasks provide information about their interactional competence. This is an important concern from a test use perspective, as stakeholders tend to consider test scores as providing comprehensive information about all aspects of L2 competence. One hundred and fifty test takers completed a TOEFL iBT speaking section consisting of six monologic tasks, measuring speaking proficiency, followed by a test of interactional competence with three monologues and three dialogues, measuring pragmalinguistic skills, the ability to recipient design extended discourse, and interactional management skills. Quantitative analyses showed a medium to high correlation between TOEFL iBT speaking scores and interactional scores of r = .76, though with a much lower correlation of r = .57 for the subsample most similar to a typical TOEFL population. There was a large amount of variation in interactional scores for test takers at the same TOEFL iBT speaking score level, and qualitative analyses demonstrated that test takers’ ability to recipient design their talk and format social actions appropriate to social roles and relationships was not well captured by speaking scores. We suggest potential improvements.
Dying in times of the coronavirus: An online survey among healthcare professionals about end-of-life care for patients dying with and without COVID-19 (the CO-LIVE study)
Authors: Onwuteaka-Philipsen Bregje D , Pasman H Roeline W , Korfage Ida J , Witkamp Erica , Zee Masha , van Lent Liza GG , Goossensen Anne , van der Heide Agnes
Published: April 2021

Background:

During the COVID-19 outbreak restricting measures may have affected the provision of good end-of-life care for patients with and without COVID-19.

Aim:

To describe characteristics of patients who died and the care they received, and to examine how patient characteristics, setting and visiting restrictions are related to provided care and evaluation of the dying process.

Design:

An open observational online survey among healthcare professionals about their experience of end-of-life care that was provided to a patient with or without COVID-19 who died between March and July 2020.

Setting/participants:

Healthcare professionals (nurses, physicians and others) in the Netherlands from all settings: home ( n = 163), hospital ( n = 249), nursing home ( n = 192), hospice ( n = 89) or elsewhere ( n = 68).

Results:

Of patients reported on, 56% had COVID-19. Among these patients, 358 (84.4%) also had a serious chronic illness. Having COVID-19 was negatively, and having a serious chronic illness was positively associated with healthcare staff’s favourable appreciation of end-of-life care. Often there had been visiting restrictions in the last 2 days of life (75.8%). This was negatively associated with appreciation of care at the end of life and the dying process. Finally, care at the end of life was less favourably appreciated in hospitals and especially nursing homes, and more favourably in home settings and especially hospices.

Conclusions:

Our study suggests that end-of-life care during the COVID-19 pandemic may be further optimised, especially in nursing homes and hospitals. Allowing at least some level of visits of relatives seems a key component.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding HIV, HBV, and HCV Among Medical Students of Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
Authors: Mohsen Fatema , Shibani Mosa , Ibrahim Nazir , Alhourani Ghaith , Melhem Sara , Alzabibi Mhd Amin , Ismail Hlma , Bakr Aliaa , Turkmani Khaled , Sawaf Bisher
Published: April 2021

Background

Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS are infections that constitute major health concerns impacting national health systems worldwide. This is the first study to determine Syrian medical students' attitudes, awareness and knowledge of HIV/HBV/HCV, regarding general knowledge about, clinical features, transmission, and prevention.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted at Syrian Private University on World AIDs Day (1/12/2019), Damascus, during the Syrian war crisis. Data were collected through self-administered surveys which targeted social demographic information, general knowledge, attitude, towards HBV, HCV, HIV. Data were divided and analysed according to the source of information, study year, marital status, and GPA using one-way analysis of variance to assess the level of knowledge.

Results

Of 317 respondents, the majority (59.8%) were males with age ranging from 18 to 30 years of age. . The majority of students 188(59.3%) showed an average level of knowledge, 73(23%) showed a good level of knowledge. This study revealed adequate knowledge. However there were misconceptions regarding transmission pathways. The majority 173(54.6%) had a positive attitude, and 144(45.4%) had a neutral attitude, while none had a negative attitude towards HIV/HBV/HCV infected individuals. Clinical year students (mean 73.0%, SD ± 10.0%) demonstrated higher levels of awareness compared to pre-clinical students (mean 39.7%, SD ± 13.0%).

Conclusions

This study revealed that medical students have adequate knowledge regarding HIV/HBV/HCV. Medical students play a pivotal role in raising awareness and disseminating knowledge among the community, thus more effort should be concentrated on developing educational programs to limit the risks of such infections.
Learning compositional models of robot skills for task and motion planning
Authors: Wang Zi , Garrett Caelan Reed , Kaelbling Leslie Pack , Lozano-Pérez Tomás
Published: April 2021

The objective of this work is to augment the basic abilities of a robot by learning to use sensorimotor primitives to solve complex long-horizon manipulation problems. This requires flexible generative planning that can combine primitive abilities in novel combinations and, thus, generalize across a wide variety of problems. In order to plan with primitive actions, we must have models of the actions: under what circumstances will executing this primitive successfully achieve some particular effect in the world? We use, and develop novel improvements to, state-of-the-art methods for active learning and sampling. We use Gaussian process methods for learning the constraints on skill effectiveness from small numbers of expensive-to-collect training examples. In addition, we develop efficient adaptive sampling methods for generating a comprehensive and diverse sequence of continuous candidate control parameter values (such as pouring waypoints for a cup) during planning. These values become end-effector goals for traditional motion planners that then solve for a full robot motion that performs the skill. By using learning and planning methods in conjunction, we take advantage of the strengths of each and plan for a wide variety of complex dynamic manipulation tasks. We demonstrate our approach in an integrated system, combining traditional robotics primitives with our newly learned models using an efficient robot task and motion planner. We evaluate our approach both in simulation and in the real world through measuring the quality of the selected primitive actions. Finally, we apply our integrated system to a variety of long-horizon simulated and real-world manipulation problems.
Effect of supplemental dexmedetomidine in interventional embolism on cerebral oxygen metabolism in patients with intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Guo Zhang , Wang Weiwei , Xie Dahua , Lin Ruisheng
Published: April 2021

Objective

To investigate the effect of supplemental dexmedetomidine in interventional embolism on cerebral oxygen metabolism in patients with intracranial aneurysms.

Methods

Ninety patients who underwent interventional embolism of intracranial aneurysms were equally divided into Group A and Group B. In Group A, dexmedetomidine was injected intravenously 10 minutes before inducing anesthesia, with a loading dose of 0.6 µg/kg followed by 0.4 µg/kg/hour. Group B received the same amount of normal saline by the same injection method. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), arterial–jugular venous oxygen difference [D(a-jv) (O2)], cerebral oxygen extraction [CE (O2)], and intraoperative propofol use were recorded before inducing anesthesia (T0) and at five time points thereafter.

Results

The amount of propofol in Group A was lower vs Group B. At all five time points after T0, HR, MAP, D(a-jv) (O2), and CE (O2) in Group A were significantly lower vs Group B, with significant differences for jugular venous oxygen saturation (SjvO2) and the oxygen content of the internal jugular vein (CjvO2) between the groups.

Conclusion

Dexmedetomidine resulted in less intraoperative propofol, lower D(a-jv) (O2) and CE (O2), and improved cerebral oxygen metabolism.
Improving quality management of newborn screening in southwest China
Authors: Yu Chao-wen , He Xiao-yan , Wan Ke-xing , Yuan Zhao-jian , Liu Hao , Zhang Juan , Liu Shan , Yang Jing , Zou Lin
Published: April 2021

Objective

Newborn screening (NBS) programs benefit tens of millions of infants worldwide each year. However, the extremely large screening populations and number of laboratories involved pose great challenges to maintaining high screening quality. To achieve continuous quality improvement, we established a comprehensive quality management system (CQMS) in southwest China.

Methods

External quality assessment (EQA) and internal quality control were carried out for basic quality management. We used 16 quality indicators (QIs) to monitor the entire screening process, with external supervision from the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment. All retrospective data for quality assessment were collected consecutively from laboratory management and patient follow-up systems.

Results

From 2015 to 2019, satisfactory EQA performance was achieved, with an average score greater than 97 for each screening item. QI monitoring showed that NBS quality improved continuously. The rate of health education provision increased from 90.9% to 100% and the recall rate after a positive primary screening increased from 85.4% to 99.2%. The unsatisfactory specimen rate and rate of newborns lost to follow-up decreased to 0.38% and 0.08%, respectively.

Conclusions

Implementing a CQMS and monitoring the whole screening process using QIs may yield continuous quality improvement of NBS.
Association Between Red Cell Distribution Width and Hospital Mortality in Patients with Sepsis
Authors: Li Yide , She Yingfang , Fu Le , Zhou Ruitong , Xiang Wendi , Luo Liang
Published: April 2021

Objective

Sepsis is the leading cause of death in patients admitted to adult intensive care units (ICUs). We aimed to determine the predictive value of red blood cell distribution width (RDW) in patients with sepsis in a large cohort.

Methods

This retrospective observational study used data from the eICU Collaborative Research Database. The prognostic value of RDW was investigated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, multiple logistic regression model, integrated discriminatory index (IDI), and net reclassification index (NRI).

Results

In total, 9743 patients were included. The area under the ROC curve of the RDW for predicting hospital mortality was 0.631 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.616–0.645). Based on the multiple logistic regression model, an RDW of ≥14.5% was correlated with hospital mortality, regardless of Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation IV (APACHE IV) scores (odds ratio [OR]: 1.838, 95% CI: 1.598–2.119). Using SOFA and APACHE IV scores as reference, the IDI and continuous NRI of RDW for hospital mortality was about 0.3 and 0.014, respectively.

Conclusions

The RDW may be useful in predicting hospital mortality in patients with sepsis, offering extra prognostic value beyond SOFA and APACHE IV scores.
The predictive value of pretreatment haemoglobin-to-red cell distribution width ratio for overall survival of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Jiang* Huiqin , Jiang* Wei , Tan Liping , Yu Qitao , Liu Feiwen , Huang Yucong , He Jianbo , Zhou Shaozhang
Published: April 2021

Objective

To investigate the prognostic value of pretreatment haemoglobin-to-red cell distribution width radio (HRR) in predicting overall survival (OS) in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

This retrospective study analysed patients with advanced NSCLC. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were conducted to evaluate the predictive value of HRR for OS. A propensity matching analysis was used to reduce the impact of other confounding factors on the results.

Results

A total of 448 patients were enrolled in the study. The median HRR was 0.984, which was used as the cut-off value. Regardless of matching or not, a lower HRR was correlated with an unfavourable risk of death. After propensity matching, univariate and multivariate analysis showed that HRR was an independent factor for the prognosis of NSCLC (hazard ratio [HR] 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17, 2.04; HR 1.57, 95% CI, 1.17, 2.10; respectively). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that low HRR was associated with shortened OS. The relationship between HRR and the risk of death was consistent across all patient subgroups after stratification by subgroup analysis.

Conclusions

These findings showed that a lower pretreatment HRR could be a potentially valuable prognostic factor in patients with advanced NSCLC.
Heterozygous desmin gene (DES) mutation contributes to familial dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Huang Ying-shuo , Xing Yun-li , Li Hong-wei
Published: April 2021

Familial dilated cardiomyopathy (FDCM) is characterized by high genetic heterogeneity and an increased risk of heart failure or sudden cardiac death in adults. We report the case of a 62-year-old man with a 2-month history of shortness of breath during activity, without paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. The patient underwent a series of examinations including transthoracic echocardiography, coronary arteriography, transesophageal echocardiography, and myocardial perfusion imaging. After excluding secondary cardiac enlargement, he was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). His sister had also been diagnosed with DCM several years before. Genetic sequencing analysis revealed that the patient, his sister, and his son all had the same mutation in the desmin gene ( DES) (chr2-220785662, c.1010C>T). Genetic testing confirmed a heterozygous DES mutation contributing to FDCM. In this case, the etiology of the patient’s whole-heart enlargement was determined as FDCM with DES gene mutation. This is the first report to describe DES c.1010C>T as a cause of FDCM.
Deep Convolutional Neural Networks for Pavement Crack Detection using an Inexpensive Global Shutter RGB-D Sensor and ARM-Based Single-Board Computer
Authors: Asadi Pouria , Mehrabi Hamid , Asadi Alireza , Ahmadi Melody
Published: April 2021

Pavement distress assessment is a significant aspect of pavement management. Automated pavement crack detection is a challenging task that has been researched for decades in response to complicated pavement conditions. Current pavement condition assessment procedures are extensively time consuming, expensive, and labor-intensive. The primary goal of this paper is to develop a cost-effective and reliable platform using a red, green, blue, depth (RGB-D) sensor and deep learning detection models for automated pavement crack detection on a single-board ARM-based computer. To the best of our knowledge, for the first time, a pavement crack data set is prepared using a global shutter RGB-D sensor mounted on a car and annotated according to the Pascal visual object classes protocol, named PAVDIS2020. The proposed data set comprises 2,085 pavement crack images that are captured in a wide variety of weather and illuminance conditions with 5,587 instances of pavement cracks included in these images. A unified implementation of the Faster region-based convolutional neural networks and single shot multibox detector meta-architecture-based models is implemented to evaluate the accuracy, speed, and memory usage trade-off by using various convolutional neural networks-based backbones and various other training parameters on PAVDIS2020. The proposed pavement crack detection model was able to classify the cracks with 97.6% accuracy on PAVDIS2020 data set. The detection model is able to locate pavement crack patterns at the speed of 12 frames per second on a passively cooled Raspberry Pi 4 single-board computer.
Application of Mobile Terrestrial LiDAR Scanning Systems for Identification of Potential Pavement Rutting Locations
Authors: Famili Afshin , Sarasua Wayne A. , Shams Alireza , Davis William J. , Ogle Jennifer H.
Published: April 2021

Periodic measurement and identification of the presence and severity of pavement rutting are crucial for pavement management programs conducted by state transportation agencies. This paper proposes a novel analytical method for identifying pavement rutting locations using data collected by mobile terrestrial LiDAR scanning (MTLS). Four vendor MTLS systems were evaluated based on their ability to accurately reproduce a roadway’s transverse profile. To establish ground-truth measurements, 2 in. interval pavement transverse profiles, which included rutting sections, were collected using traditional surveying techniques. MTLS transverse profiles were evaluated using partial curve mapping, Fréchet distance, area, curve length, and dynamic time warping techniques. Resultant pavement transverse profiles were compared between vendors and a profile created from traditional surveying. Results indicate that calibrated MTLS systems can provide accurate transverse profiles for potential identification of pavement rut areas. Based on this determination, a novel method was developed for use in identifying locations of pavement rutting through analysis of the curvature of MTLS raster surfaces. After evaluating three grid cell sizes for elevation raster surfaces, a raster grid cell size of 1 ft × 1 ft was determined to be most suitable for identifying continuous concave raster cell groups along wheel path trajectories. These cell groupings were found to reliably identify pavement rutting locations. The analytical procedures employed through application of this method consist of an efficient workflow process that is not reliant on a time-consuming continuous comparison with an MTLS-modeled uniform surface.
Preferences for Paid Paternity Leave Availability, Lengths of Leave Offerings, and Government Funding of Paternity Leaves in the United States
Authors: Knoester Chris , Li Qi
Published: April 2021

This study analyzes 2012 General Social Survey data ( N = 1,089) about preferences for paid paternity leave availability, lengths of leave offerings, and government funding of leaves. It highlights gender and gendered parenting role attitudes as predictors of leave preferences. Descriptive results revealed sizable (i.e., 53 percent) support for leave availability and moderate (i.e., 33 percent) support for some government funding; still, only modest (i.e., five weeks) lengths of leave offerings were desired. Regression results indicated that women were typically more likely than men to support more generous leave offerings. Consistently, dual-earner expectations were positively associated with preferences for more generous leave offerings. Separate spheres attitudes appeared to be meaningful for women’s preferences, but not for men’s preferences. Importantly, the findings from this study suggest that there have been long-standing preferences for more generous and widespread paid paternity leave offerings in the United States—and more public policy action is long overdue.
Shared Components of the FRQ-Less Oscillator and TOR Pathway Maintain Rhythmicity in Neurospora
Authors: Eskandari Rosa , Ratnayake Lalanthi , Lakin-Thomas Patricia L.
Published: April 2021

Molecular models for the endogenous oscillators that drive circadian rhythms in eukaryotes center on rhythmic transcription/translation of a small number of “clock genes.” Although substantial evidence supports the concept that negative and positive transcription/translation feedback loops (TTFLs) are responsible for regulating the expression of these clock genes, certain rhythms in the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa continue even when clock genes ( frq, wc-1, and wc-2) are not rhythmically expressed. Identification of the rhythmic processes operating outside of the TTFL has been a major unresolved area in circadian biology. Our lab previously identified a mutation ( vta) that abolishes FRQ-less rhythmicity of the conidiation rhythm and also affects rhythmicity when FRQ is functional. Further studies identified the vta gene product as a component of the TOR (Target of Rapamycin) nutrient-sensing pathway that is conserved in eukaryotes. We now report the discovery of TOR pathway components including GTR2 (homologous to the yeast protein Gtr2, and RAG C/D in mammals) as binding partners of VTA through co-immunoprecipitation (IP) and mass spectrometry analysis using a VTA-FLAG strain. Reciprocal IP with GTR2-FLAG found VTA as a binding partner. A Δ gtr2 strain was deficient in growth responses to amino acids. Free-running conidiation rhythms in a FRQ-less strain were abolished in Δ gtr2. Entrainment of a FRQ-less strain to cycles of heat pulses demonstrated that Δ gtr2 is defective in entrainment. In all of these assays, Δ gtr2 is similar to Δ vta. In addition, expression of GTR2 protein was found to be rhythmic across two circadian cycles, and functional VTA was required for GTR2 rhythmicity. FRQ protein exhibited the expected rhythm in the presence of GTR2 but the rhythmic level of FRQ dampened in the absence of GTR2. These results establish association of VTA with GTR2, and their role in maintaining functional circadian rhythms through the TOR pathway.
The epistemological privilege of fieldwork: A collective investigation in war-torn Syria
Authors: Baczko Adam , Dorronsoro Gilles , Quesnay Arthur
Published: April 2021

The article highlights the epistemological privilege of observation in social contexts marked by armed violence and disorder. Faced with these situations, researchers have sometimes considered that their work begins once the conflicts have stabilized, thus favouring archives (written or oral) and secondary sources over observation and interviews collected in context. Despite the difficulties it poses, however, investigation in context offers the researcher, through a sometimes-brutal confrontation with exceptional situations, the possibility of greater theoretical creativity by opening to new objects and new research questions. In return, such research requires a more reactive modality of theoretical elaboration, with a constant reciprocal interaction between hypotheses and data production. Rather than developing these themes in an abstract way, we return to the investigation we conducted on the Syrian conflict. We analyse in particular the difficulties of access, the risks of selection bias, the problems associated with remote research and subcontracting of data production, and the advantages of conducting collective fieldwork.
La distance psychologique comme outil actionnable par les managers
Authors: Didi Alaoui Mohamed , Cova Véronique
Published: April 2021

Cet article propose une synthèse des recherches ayant mobilisé le concept de distance psychologique autour des questions liées aux comportements prosociaux du consommateur, à la digitalisation de la consommation et aux pratiques marketing. Ce travail s’appuie sur une méta-synthèse de 584 articles issus de revues en psychologie et en marketing. Il permet une consolidation et une validation des connaissances du concept de distance psychologique dans ces différentes thématiques du marketing. Il montre également comment la distance psychologique peut être actionnée par les managers afin d’améliorer les réponses du consommateur. Les managers peuvent agir directement sur la distance en la réduisant ou l’augmentant pour profiter des bienfaits de la proximité ou de l’éloignement psychologique. Ils peuvent également ajuster les variables du marketing-mix en fonction de la distance psychologique expérimentée par le consommateur pour fluidifier le traitement de l’information et, in fine, améliorer les réponses de ce dernier.
Compliance With the “Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative for Neonatal Wards” in Russian Hospitals
Authors: Abolyan Liubov V. , Haiek Laura N. , Pastbina Irina M. , Maastrup Ragnhild
Published: April 2021

Background

The expansion of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative to neonatal wards, known as the Neo-BFHI, provides recommendations to support breastfeeding, as outlined in the Three Guiding Principles, the expanded Ten Steps, and the International Code for Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes. In 2017, Russia participated in an international survey about compliance with the Neo-BFHI.

Research Aim

To assess breastfeeding support policies and practices in Russian neonatal wards at the country and federal district level in accordance with the Neo-BFHI recommendations.

Methods

This study was a prospective cross-sectional survey. We used the Neo-BFHI Self-Assessment questionnaire to collect data from neonatal wards that had all levels of care. A total of N = 60 Russian neonatal wards in hospitals that have ever been designated Baby-Friendly or planned to do so participated in the survey.

Results

Compliance scores at the federal district and country level ranging from 0–100 were used to summarize results. The median country overall score was 90 ( IQR = 83 – 93). Respect for mothers, continuity of care, having a breastfeeding policy, and rooming-in had the highest median scores. Family-centered care, antenatal informing, skin-to-skin contact, and human milk use had the lowest median scores. Neonatal wards in the hospitals that were ever designated as Baby-Friendly had significantly higher scores than those that were never designated. Most respondents ( n = 48, 80%) expressed a desire to obtain Neo-BFHI designation in their neonatal wards.

Conclusion

Neo-BFHI recommendations can be successfully implemented in Russian neonatal wards at hospitals designated Baby-Friendly or planning to be designated.
Pragmatic Use of Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis in Venous Thromboembolism and a Comparative Evaluation With Traditional Therapies in Submassive Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Bradley Mary , Bull Todd , Hountras Peter , MacLaren Robert
Published: April 2021

Background:

Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) is a novel treatment for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Limited data describe pragmatic use of CDT and compare CDT to other VTE therapies.

Objective:

Assess the use of CDT and comparatively evaluate CDT, anticoagulation, and systemic thrombolysis in submassive pulmonary embolism (PE).

Methods:

Retrospective, single-center, chart audit. Part 1 described all patients who received CDT for VTE. Part 2 matched patients with submassive PE who received CDT, heparin, or systemic thrombolysis and assessed length of stay (LOS), bleeding, all cause in-hospital mortality, and escalation of care.

Results:

For part 1, 70 CDT patients were identified; 42 with DVT and 28 with PE. ICU LOS was longer (2.5 ± 2.9 vs. 4.9 ± 8.4 days, p = 0.07), escalation of care more frequent (0% vs. 35.7%, p < 0.0001), and hospital mortality greater (2.4% vs. 21.4%, p = 0.014) in the PE group. For part 2, 21 CDT patients were matched to 21 heparin and 21 systemic thrombolysis patients. All CDT and tPA patients were admitted to the ICU versus only 6 (28.6%, p < 0.001) heparin patients. ICU LOS was significantly longer in the CDT group versus systemic tPA and systemic anticoagulation (80.7 ± 64.1 vs. 48.2 ± 27.7 vs. 24.9 ± 59.1 hours; p = 0.0048). More IVC filters and thrombectomies were performed in the CDT group.

Conclusions:

CDT is frequently used for both DVT and PE and requires ICU admission. Escalation of care is common when CDT is used for PE. For submassive PE, CDT is associated with prolonged ICU LOS compared to heparin or systemic thrombolysis. Resource utilization with CDT requires further evaluation.
The State and the Securitization of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria
Authors: Njoku Emeka Thaddues
Published: April 2021

While debates on the effects of the post-9/11 counterterrorism measures (CTMs) on civil society organizations (CSOs) exist, there is a paucity of data on how CTMs are shaping the spaces and actors of CSOs in Nigeria. Using a mixed-methods design, this article analyzes CSOs’ perceptions on the effects of counterterrorism financing measures, the countermeasures that CSOs are taking, and the government’s views on the security threat posed by CSOs. The findings show that although counterterrorism financing were not as constraining, it appears to increase the administrative cost of CSOs and disadvantaged the less prominent CSOs forcing them to close down or merge with more prominent CSOs. Besides, the result shows the state’s increasing interest in the activities of CSOs on the grounds of national security imperatives. Thus, I argue CTMs are evolving, and thus CSOs will experience increased financial regulations. Also, CTMs expansion will threaten CSOs’ sustainability and polarize them.
Study on the aerodynamic performance of boundary-layer-ingesting inlet with various geometries
Authors: Li Zhiping , Zhang Yafei , Pan Tianyu , Zhang Jian , Shang Yinhui
Published: April 2021

The mixing loss in S-shaped duct causes the contradiction between the total pressure recovery and circumferential distortion, which confuses the design process for boundary layer ingestion (BLI) inlet. This article is aiming to present a detailed understanding of the effect of two kinds of loss resources (mixing loss and frictional loss) on the performance for various BLI inlet geometries. To achieve the above objective, a design method including three control parameters is established. With this method, a systematic investigation of control parameters on the performance of BLI inlet is carried out, which leads to the contour map for the performance of BLI inlet. Based on the map, the flow physics of BLI inlet with two kinds of losses is then analyzed. Finally, an empirical design principle is provided. The results show that the appropriate design for BLI inlet has the potential to increase the total pressure recovery or reduce the circumferential distortion.
Using Body Ownership to Modulate the Motor System in Stroke Patients
Authors: Tambone Riccardo , Giachero Alberto , Calati Melanie , Molo Maria Teresa , Burin Dalila , Pyasik Maria , Cabria Francesca , Pia Lorenzo
Published: April 2021

Recent findings suggest that body ownership can activate the motor system in the absence of movement execution. Here, we investigated whether such a process promotes motor recovery in stroke patients. A group of patients with left-hemisphere damage ( N = 12) and chronic motor deficits completed an immersive virtual reality training (three sessions of 15 min each week for 11 weeks). Patients sat still and either experienced (first-person perspective) or did not experience (third-person perspective) illusory ownership over the body of a standing virtual avatar. After the training, in which the avatar walked around a virtual environment, only patients who experienced the illusion improved gait and balance. We argue that representing the virtual body as their own allowed patients to access motor functioning and promoted motor recovery. This procedure might be integrated with rehabilitative approaches centered on motor execution. These findings also have an impact on the knowledge of the motor system in general.
A conditional approach for the receiver operating characteristic curve construction to evaluate diagnostic test performance in a family-matched case–control design
Authors: Zarnegarnia Yalda , Messinger Shari
Published: April 2021

Receiver operating characteristic curves are widely used in medical research to illustrate biomarker performance in binary classification, particularly with respect to disease or health status. Study designs that include related subjects, such as siblings, usually have common environmental or genetic factors giving rise to correlated biomarker data. The design could be used to improve detection of biomarkers informative of increased risk, allowing initiation of treatment to stop or slow disease progression. Available methods for receiver operating characteristic construction do not take advantage of correlation inherent in this design to improve biomarker performance. This paper will briefly review some developed methods for receiver operating characteristic curve estimation in settings with correlated data from case–control designs and will discuss the limitations of current methods for analyzing correlated familial paired data. An alternative approach using conditional receiver operating characteristic curves will be demonstrated. The proposed approach will use information about correlation among biomarker values, producing conditional receiver operating characteristic curves that evaluate the ability of a biomarker to discriminate between affected and unaffected subjects in a familial paired design.
A review of multistate modelling approaches in monitoring disease progression: Bayesian estimation using the Kolmogorov-Chapman forward equations
Authors: Matsena Zingoni Zvifadzo , Chirwa Tobias F , Todd Jim , Musenge Eustasius
Published: April 2021

There are numerous fields of science in which multistate models are used, including biomedical research and health economics. In biomedical studies, these stochastic continuous-time models are used to describe the time-to-event life history of an individual through a flexible framework for longitudinal data. The multistate framework can describe more than one possible time-to-event outcome for a single individual. The standard estimation quantities in multistate models are transition probabilities and transition rates which can be mapped through the Kolmogorov-Chapman forward equations from the Bayesian estimation perspective. Most multistate models assume the Markov property and time homogeneity; however, if these assumptions are violated, an extension to non-Markovian and time-varying transition rates is possible. This manuscript extends reviews in various types of multistate models, assumptions, methods of estimation and data features compatible with fitting multistate models. We highlight the contrast between the frequentist (maximum likelihood estimation) and the Bayesian estimation approaches in the multistate modeling framework and point out where the latter is advantageous. A partially observed and aggregated dataset from the Zimbabwe national ART program was used to illustrate the use of Kolmogorov-Chapman forward equations. The transition rates from a three-stage reversible multistate model based on viral load measurements in WinBUGS were reported.
Generalising from qualitative evaluation
Authors: Guenther John , Falk Ian H
Published: April 2021

Evaluations are often focused on assessing merit, value, outcome or some other feature of a programme, project, policy or some other object. Evaluation research is then more concerned with the particular rather than the general – even more so, when qualitative methods are used. But does this mean that evaluations should not be used to generalise? If it is possible to generalise from evaluations, under what circumstances can this be legitimately achieved? The authors of this article have previously argued for generalising from qualitative research (GQR), and in this article, they extrapolate the discussion to the field of evaluation. First, the article begins with a discussion of the definitions of generalisability in research, recapping briefly on our arguments for GQR. Second, the differentiation between research and evaluation is explored with consideration of what literature there is to justify generalisation from qualitative evaluation (GQE). Third, a typology derived from the literature is developed, to sort 54 evaluation projects. Fourth, material from a suite of evaluation projects is drawn from to demonstrate how the typology of generalisation applies in the context of evaluations conducted in several fields of study. Finally, we suggest a model for GQE.
Opportunities to “Make Macro Matter” through the Grand Challenges for Social Work
Authors: Teixeira Samantha , Augsberger Astraea , Richards-Schuster Katie , Sprague Martinez Linda , Evans Kerri
Published: April 2021

The Grand Challenges for Social Work initiative, led by the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare (AASWSW), aims to organize the social work profession around 12 entrenched societal challenges. Addressing the root causes of the Grand Challenges will take a coordinated effort across all of social work practice, but given their scale, macro social work will be essential. We use Santiago and colleagues’ Frameworks for Advancing Macro Practice to showcase how macro practices have contributed to local progress on two Grand Challenges. We offer recommendations and a call for the profession to invest in and heed the instrumental role of macro social work practice to address the Grand Challenges.
Monitoring capabilities of various smart self sensory carbon-based textiles to detect water infiltration
Authors: Perry Gali , Dittel Gozdem , Gries Thomas , Goldfeld Yiska
Published: April 2021

The study investigates the capabilities of various configurations of self-sensory carbon-based textiles to detect and distinguish between the severity of water infiltration through cracked zones along textile reinforced concrete (TRC) elements. The investigation aims to explore whether an optimal smart textile configuration can improve the structural performance while providing sensitive sensory capabilities. Such an investigation is needed for the development of intelligent TRC structures. Specifically, the study experimentally investigates the effect of two types of bindings and the effect of coating on the mutual structural-sensory performances. The sensory concept is based on changes of the electrical mechanism of two adjacent carbon rovings due to infiltration of water through cracked zones. Eight TRC beam samples were cast and mechanically loaded up to cracking. The cracked zones were monitored, and each zone was separately examined by performing a wetting event. It is demonstrated that the type of binding and coating, which significantly affect the structural response, reflect and affect the measured electrical signal. It is found that there is a tradeoff mechanism between the structural response and the sensory capabilities. While specific textile configuration improves the structural performance, it may reduce its sensory capability to distinguish between the magnitude of water infiltration.
The “Sticky Notes” Method: Adapting Interpretive Description Methodology for Team-Based Qualitative Analysis in Community-Based Participatory Research
Authors: Burgess Heather , Jongbloed Kate , Vorobyova Anna , Grieve Sean , Lyndon Sharyle , Wesseling Tim , Salters Kate , Hogg Robert S. , Parashar Surita , Pearce Margo E.
Published: April 2021

Community-based participatory research (CBPR) has a long history within HIV research, yet little work has focused on facilitating team-based data analysis within CBPR. Our team adapted Thorne’s interpretive description (ID) for CBPR analysis, using a color-coded “sticky notes” system to conduct data fragmentation and synthesis. Sticky notes were used to record, visualize, and communicate emerging insights over the course of 11 in-person participatory sessions. Data fragmentation strategies were employed in an iterative four-step process that was reached by consensus. During synthesis, the team created and recreated mind maps of the 969 sticky notes, from which we developed categories and themes through discussion. Flexibility, trust, and discussion were key components that facilitated the evolution of the final process. An interactive, team-based approach was central to data co-creation and capacity building, whereas the “sticky notes” system provided a framework for identifying and sorting data.
The Lived Experience of Patients and Family Caregivers in Managing Pneumoconiosis
Authors: Li Polly W. C. , Yu Doris S. F. , Tam Samuel Y. S.
Published: April 2021

The daily challenges of patients with pneumoconiosis and their caregivers in living with and providing care for this disease remain unexplored. As guided by the interpretive description, we found that pneumoconiosis patients suffered from highly anxiety-provoking symptoms and physical debilitation, which evoked high levels of distress and sense of impending death. The reduced functional capacity disrupted patients’ role functioning and self-esteem. The perceived stigma of the embarrassing symptoms and treatments further disrupted their self-concept and social lives. Providing care for pneumoconiosis patients was demanding and burdensome, which jeopardized family caregivers’ physical, emotional, and social well-being, and the relationship strain with the patients added further frustration to them. The perceived caregiving gain supported them to fully engage in daily caregiving. To improve the well-being of pneumoconiosis patients, a comprehensive empowerment-based dyadic care model is required to optimize adaptive behavioral changes and self-esteem, and improve self-efficacy in disease management for this cohort.
Reduced Socioeconomic Disparities in Cleft Care After Implementing a Cleft Nurse Navigator Program
Authors: Wagner Connor , Zimmerman Carrie E. , Barrero Carlos , Kalmar Christopher L. , Butler Paris , Guevara James , Bartlett Scott P. , Taylor Jesse A. , Folsom Nancy , Swanson Jordan W.
Published: April 2021

Objective:

To evaluate the impact of a Cleft Nurse Navigator (CNN) program on care for patients with cleft lip and cleft palate and assess the programs efficacy to reduce existing socioeconomic disparities in care.

Design:

Retrospective review and outcomes analysis (n = 739).

Setting:

Academic tertiary care center.

Patients:

All patients presenting with cleft lip and/or cleft palate (CL/P) born between May 2009 and November 2019 with exclusions for atypical clefts, submucous cleft palates, international adoption, and very late presentation (after 250 days of life).

Interventions:

Multidisciplinary care coordination program facilitated by the CNN.

Main Outcome Measures:

Patient age at first outpatient appointment and age at surgery, reported feeding issues, weight gain, and patient-cleft team communications.

Results:

After CNN implementation, median age at outpatient appointment decreased from 20 to 16 days ( P = .021), volume of patient-cleft team communications increased from 1.5 to 2.8 ( P < .001), and frequency of reported feeding concerns decreased (50% to 35%; P < .001). In the pre-CNN cohort, nonwhite and publicly insured patients experienced delays in first outpatient appointment ( P < .001), cleft lip repair ( P < .011), and cleft palate repair ( P < .019) compared to white and privately insured patients, respectively. In the post-CNN cohort, there were no significant differences in first appointment timing by race nor surgical timing on the basis of racial identity nor insurance type.

Conclusions:

A variety of factors lead to delays in cleft care for marginalized patient populations. These findings suggest that a CNN can reduce disparities of access and communication and improve early feeding in at-risk cohorts.