bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organizational Commitment and Job Satisfaction among Teachers during Times of Burnout
Authors: Nagar Komal
Published: June 2019

Organizations want to maximize productivity by minimizing stress, as increased levels of stress and burnout may have significant implications for organizational performance such as reduced job satisfaction and lowered organizational commitment. Also certain occupations are linked more to burnout than the others. The present exploratory study undertakes the examination of burnout among teachers in the university as they are an essential part of a successful educational system. Organizational commitment is essential for retaining and attracting well qualified workers as only satisfied and committed workers will be willing to continue their association with the organization and make considerable effort towards achieving its goals.

This work is significant for two reasons: It attempts to develop and test a model for burnout and its effect on job satisfaction and the subsequent effect of job satisfaction on organizational commitment; It signifies one of the first attempts to develop a linkage among burnout, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment among teachers.

This study examines three factors of burnout as potential antecedents of 153 university teacher's job satisfaction, and the effect of increased job satisfaction on commitment among employees toward their organization.

Structural Equation Modeling results indicate that: All three factors of burnout namely, depersonalization, reduced personal accomplishment, and emotional exhaustion lead to decreased job satisfaction. Greater job satisfaction contributes significantly towards an increase in organizational commitment. Out of the three dimensions of burnout, female teachers score higher on emotional exhaustion and reduced personal accomplishment indicating that they could not work the way they wanted to with their students or that they have less influence on their students, whereas male teachers score higher on depersonalization. In terms of job satisfaction, females show higher levels of job satisfaction as compared to men, perhaps due to low expectations about job status among female teachers as compared to male teachers. A perceived difference in alternative employment opportunities between genders offers an explanation to the finding that women are more committed to organizations than their male counterparts

The results of the study have implications for the management of educational institutions as employee burnout may have important consequences for the organization. Since teachers are a valuable resource to educational institutes, management must invest significant resources in the assessment of their working environment, both mental and physical, to maximize the quality of service delivery.
Challenges and support needs of parents and children when a parent is at end of life: A systematic review
Authors: Hanna Jeffrey R , McCaughan Eilís , Semple Cherith J
Published: June 2019

Background:

Preparing children for the death of a parent is challenging. Parents are often uncertain if and how to communicate and support their children. Many parents feel it is protecting their children by not telling them about the prognosis. Children less prepared for parental death from a terminal illness are more susceptive to later adversities. To facilitate coping and moderate for such adversities, there is a need to gain insight and understand the experience and challenges confronted by families.

Aim:

This review synthesised evidence on the experiences of parents and children when a parent is at end of life to discern their challenges, support needs and factors that facilitated good practice.

Design:

Mixed-methods systematic review.

Data sources:

Four electronic databases (CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO and Ovid MEDLINE) using MeSH terms and word searches in October 2018. Studies were not limited by year of publication, language or country. Grey literature searches were also completed on Google Scholar and OpenGrey.

Results:

In all, 7829 records were identified; 27 qualitative and 0 quantitative studies met the inclusion criteria. Eight descriptive themes were identified, further categorised into two broad themes: (1) barriers and facilitators in sharing the news that a parent is dying and (2) strategies to manage the changing situation.

Conclusion:

Lack of understanding in relation to the parent’s prognosis, denial and feeling ill-equipped were suggested as barriers for parents to share the news with their children. Engagement with social networks, including extended family relatives and peers, and maintaining routines such as attending school were suggested supportive by parents and children. Findings are limited primarily to White, middle-class two-parent families. A number of areas for future research are identified.
Bidirectional Relationships Between School Connectedness and Internalizing Symptoms During Early Adolescence
Authors: Klinck Melanie , Vannucci Anna , Ohannessian Christine McCauley
Published: June 2019

School connectedness is an important feature to consider within the school environment because it likely accounts for why some youth thrive and others struggle with internalizing problems. Furthermore, internalizing problems typically do not occur in isolation of each other, but rather anxiety and depressive symptoms frequently co-occur and increase subsequent risk for each other. As such, the primary study objectives were to (a) evaluate the bidirectional relationships between school connectedness and internalizing symptoms and (b) examine whether being at high risk of an anxiety disorder or major depression moderated these relationships. Adolescents attending public middle schools ( N = 1,344; 11-14 years; 51% female; 52% White) completed surveys in school at baseline and at a 6-month follow-up. Baseline anxiety disorder risk status moderated the relationships between school connectedness and internalizing symptoms. Among adolescents at low risk of an anxiety disorder, higher baseline school connectedness predicted improvements in depressive symptoms and, conversely, higher baseline depressive symptoms predicted lower school connectedness. School connectedness and depressive symptoms were unrelated among adolescents at high risk of an anxiety disorder. There were no significant associations between school connectedness and anxiety symptoms, regardless of baseline risk for major depression. Implications for school-based intervention strategies are discussed, such as fostering school connectedness and screening for internalizing problems.
Modeling the Effect of New Commuter Bus Service on Demand and Impact on Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Application to Greater Boston
Authors: Lyman Christopher , Campbell Nicholas , Gonzales Eric J. , Christofa Eleni
Published: June 2019

The transportation sector is considered one of the major contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in metropolitan areas. Any efforts to reduce these emissions require strategic management of multiple transportation modes. This paper presents a method to identify opportunities to reduce GHG emissions by expanding commuter bus services and providing incentives to shift commuters from private cars to transit. The approach uses a nested multinomial logit model for mode choice in a region where modes include driving alone, carpooling, walking, cycling, and using four possible transit modes (ferry, commuter rail, rapid transit, and bus) by walk-access or drive-access. A model of existing conditions was calibrated with data from the Boston metropolitan area. Using an emission factor model based on average speeds from the California Air Resources Board, the net effect of a new commuter bus service on GHG emissions from transportation is estimated. Potential GHG reductions are weighed against the capital and operating costs of new transit services to quantify the cost-effectiveness of new commuter bus services for isolated origin-destination pairs. This modeling framework is used to optimize fares and bus frequency to identify the corridors with the most cost-effective potential for GHG reduction. Results are presented for the Boston region, demonstrating the feasibility of implementation and the potential magnitude of benefits for cost-effectively reducing GHG emissions associated with transportation. The method is general and can be applied in other cities around the world.
Lower Signal Intensity of the Anterior Talofibular Ligament is Associated with a Higher Rate of Return to Sport After ATFL Repair for Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability
Authors: Li Hong , Hua Yinghui , Feng Sijia , Li Hongyun , Chen Shiyi
Published: June 2019

Background:

The treatment strategy for anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injury is usually determined by the ATFL remnant condition during surgery. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–based signal intensity of the ATFL remnant, represented by the signal/noise ratio (SNR) value, can reveal the ATFL remnant condition. Thus far, there is a lack of evidence regarding the relationship between the ATFL remnant condition and functional outcomes.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose was to quantitatively evaluate whether the MRI-based ATFL ligament SNR value is related to functional outcomes after ATFL repair for ankles with chronic lateral ankle instability. The hypothesis was that a lower preoperative SNR is related to a better clinical outcome, particularly a higher rate of return to sport.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

First, a preliminary study was performed to measure the ATFL SNR in preoperative MRI, the results of which suggested that a preoperative SNR >10.4 was indicative of a poor ATFL condition. Then, a cohort study was retrospectively performed with consecutive patients who underwent open repair of ATFL injuries between January 2009 and August 2014. Accordingly, the patients were divided into 2 groups: high SNR (HSNR; ≥10.4) and low SNR (LSNR; <10.4). Functional outcomes based on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS), and Tegner Activity Scale were then compared between the HSNR group and the LSNR group.

Results:

Ultimately, 70 patients were available for the final follow-up: 37 in the HSNR group and 33 in the LSNR group. No significant difference was detected between the HSNR group and the LSNR group in terms of the AOFAS score, KAFS, or Tegner Activity Scale ( P > .05 for all) preoperatively. At the final follow-up, the mean ± SD AOFAS score in the LSNR group (92 ± 6) was higher than that in the HSNR group (87 ± 12), although no significant difference was detected postoperatively ( P = .16). The mean KAFS in the LSNR group (94 ± 7) was significantly higher than that in the HSNR group (88 ± 11) postoperatively ( P = .03). At follow-up, the mean Tegner score in the LSNR group (6; range, 3-7) was significantly higher than that in the HSNR group (5; range, 1-8) postoperatively ( P = .03). Patients in the LSNR group had a significantly higher percentage of sports participation than those in the HSNR group (91% vs 65%, P = .02) postoperatively.

Conclusion:

A lower signal intensity in the ATFL ligament based on preoperative MRI is associated with a better clinical outcome, particularly a higher rate of return to sport.
A simulation study of left ventricular decompression using a double lumen arterial cannula prototype during a veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Ježek Filip , Strunina Svitlana , Carlson Brian E , Hozman Jiří
Published: June 2019

Background:

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can be vital to support patients in severe or rapidly progressing cardiogenic shock. In cases of left ventricular distension, left ventricular decompression during veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation may be a crucial factor influencing the patient outcome. Application of a double lumen arterial cannula for a left ventricular unloading is an alternative, straightforward method for left ventricular decompression during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a veno-arterial configuration.

Objectives:

The purpose of this article is to use a mathematical model of the human adult cardiovascular system to analyze the left ventricular function of a patient in cardiogenic shock supported by veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with and without the application of left ventricular unloading using a novel double lumen arterial cannula.

Methods:

A lumped model of cardiovascular system hydraulics has been coupled with models of non-pulsatile veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, a standard venous cannula, and a drainage lumen of a double lumen arterial cannula. Cardiogenic shock has been induced by decreasing left ventricular contractility to 10% of baseline normal value.

Results:

The simulation results indicate that applying double lumen arterial cannula during veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is associated with reduction of left ventricular end-systolic volume, end-diastolic volume, end-systolic pressure, and end-diastolic pressure.

Conclusions:

A double lumen arterial cannula is a viable alternative less invasive method for left ventricular decompression during veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. However, to allow for satisfactory extracorporeal membrane oxygenation flow, the cannula design has to be revisited.
The Inequality of Mundane Environmental Change: Assessing the Impacts of Socioeconomic Status and Race on Neighborhood Land Development, 2001–2011
Authors: Clement Matthew Thomas , Alvarez Camila
Published: June 2019

Theoretical frameworks in environmental inequality suggest that affluent, white, and educated communities have a greater ability to control local environmental change. With a focus on neighborhood-level land development, the authors evaluate this proposition considering the spatial shifts that are reshaping metropolitan areas across the United States at the beginning of the twenty-first century. With coverage for 52,473 metropolitan census tracts, the authors integrate sociodemographic variables from governmental sources with longitudinal data on developed land area from the National Land Cover Database, 2001–2011. Controlling for a host of other factors, results from spatial regression models with fixed effects show that new land development is negatively associated with affluence and educational attainment. Situating the notion of environmental privilege in a historical context, we propose that, with the “back to the city” movement, these groups are moving back into the urban core, which is already relatively built-out and thus has a lower rate of new land development.
Influence of surface roughness and surface moisture of plastics on sensor-based sorting in the near infrared range
Authors: Küppers Bastian , Schloegl Sabine , Oreski Gernot , Pomberger Roland , Vollprecht Daniel
Published: June 2019

In the project ‘NEW-MINE’ the use of sensor-based sorting machinery in the field of ‘landfill mining’ is investigated. Defilements pose a particular challenge in the treatment and sorting of plastics contained in landfills. For this reason, the effects of various pollutants caused by the interactions in the landfill body or the mechanical treatment steps in landfill mining are examined. In the following elaboration, the focus is on the influences of surface moisture and surface roughness of plastics on sensor-based sorting by means of near-infrared technology. Near-infrared radiation (NIR) in a wavelength range of 990 nm to 1500 nm has been used for the detection and classification of plastic particles. The experiments demonstrate that increased surface roughness reduces signal noise and thereby improves the classification of both spectrally similar and transparent plastics, but reduces the yield of low-softening plastics because their sliding speed on a sensor-based chute sorter varies as a result of the heating of the chute. Surface moisture causes the absorption of radiation from 1115 nm (high density polyethylene [HDPE], linear low density polyethylene [LLDPE], polyethylen terephthalate [PET] and polyvinylchloride [PVC]) or from 1230 nm (low density polyethylene [LDPE], polypropylene [PP] and thermoplastic polyurethane [TPU]) up to at least 1680 nm, which causes amplification or attenuation of various extremes in the derivative. However, the influence of surface moisture on the yield of plastics is usually very low and depends on the spectral differences between the different plastics.
A Meta-Analysis of Non-Repetitive Reading Fluency Interventions for Students With Reading Difficulties
Authors: Zimmermann Leah M. , Reed Deborah K. , Aloe Ariel M.
Published: June 2019

This meta-analytic review investigated non-repetitive reading fluency interventions for K-12 students with reading difficulties. Eight studies met inclusion criteria. The approaches were distinguished by their intervention structures; student groupings; and text difficulty, length, and genre. The overall multivariate weighted average standardized mean difference with robust variance yielded an improvement of less than 0.2 SD ( d = 0.176) for non-repetitive reading fluency interventions, but results were positive and statistically significant. The moderator analysis revealed that the effect on comprehension outcomes ( d = 0.239) was slightly larger than fluency outcomes ( d = 0.105), but differences between the magnitude of the two outcomes were not statistically significant. Moreover, there was no indication of concern for publication bias. Studies comparing repeated reading and non-repetitive reading fluency interventions produced reading outcomes similar in magnitude, with no significant differences. Results indicated that non-repetitive reading fluency instruction may be a feasible approach for students with reading difficulties.
Pushing the envelope: Advancing Canadian healthcare payment models through evaluation
Authors: Petersen Stephen , Dhalla Irfan , Hellsten Erik
Published: June 2019

When health systems aim to improve, two key considerations tend to be front and centre: cost and quality. On the cost side, health spending in Canada continues to rise. On the quality side, improvement is needed across the country. As the primary funder of healthcare, governments’ historical role has focused on managing costs through their powers to set budgets, decide who gets paid, and how. Increasingly, governments are recognizing that the ways in which they choose to pay providers and organizations can also have an impact on the quality of care provided. Using Ontario as an example, we present a Canadian vision for modernizing how healthcare is organized and reimbursed and for using evidence and evaluation as the backbone for iterating new models. Realizing this vision will move Canada closer to international leadership in delivering high-quality, affordable care.
Culture, Identity, and Power
Authors: Apple Michael W.
Published: June 2019

In an earlier essay in the Reviewing Policy section of this journal, I documented the importance of the work of Stuart Hall in the development of critical theories in education, in our understanding of “race,” and in the development of much more nuanced analyses of cultural politics. I focused on two books: Familiar Stranger, Hall’s personal memoir of political and cultural commitment; and Cultural Studies 1983, his lectures that provided the conceptual and political basis for a good deal of critical and nonreductive social and cultural analyses of the relationship between economic dynamics and structures and the rest of society. The two new books I discuss in the current essay provide us with a selection of many of the core reasons why he has been so influential in an entire range of critically oriented work in sociology, cultural studies, theories of race, “multiculturalism,” and identity, and increasingly in education.
Propping in Business Groups: Prediction Efficacy of Earnings Announcements
Authors: Maheshwari Yogesh , Gupta Pankaj
Published: June 2019

This study examines the evidences of propping in business groups in India. The article is an empirical study which adopts the event study method to ascertain the price reaction to the earnings announcement by listed group firms. Results indicate that the earnings announcements are perceived to have a positive effect on the financial health of other firms of the group. The cumulative abnormal return (CAR) of the portfolio of nonannouncing firms in a business group is found to be strongly and positively related with that of the announcing firm of that group. The findings of this article will help investors, shareholders and lenders to ex ante forecast the possible improvement in the financial performance of firms of some business groups which maybe going through tough times presently.
The Role of Trauma in Leadership Socialization
Authors: Arnold Noelle W. , Osanloo Azadeh F. , Guillaume René O. , Boske Christa , Miller-Tomlinson Wendi
Published: June 2019

There is fertile ground to expand the ideas of resilience and growth as two important skills in leadership (Bell, 2009). Little research has examined how trauma and violence are reappropriated in post-trauma contexts. In fact, resiliency and adaptive strategies often influence life and career choices (Wolin & Wolin, 1993). Although this literature base has grown, little attention has been paid to the long-term impact of IPV on battered women's career development and stages. This article examines the influence of life trauma on the socialization and practice of two Black female principals. Their responses to pain, suffering, trauma, and violence highlight women's agency and their ability to create their own good from pain (Mitchem, 2002).
Toward a theory of Engaged School Leadership
Authors: Beard Karen Stansberry
Published: June 2019

This study explored principle licensure students’ sense of engagement, program effectiveness, and preparedness to lead engagement focused on academic achievement. Data analysis using attributes of effective preparation programs, and positive psychology constructs (e.g., flow) found Goal Achievement, Commitment, and Accomplishment significantly related to flow. Flow was significantly related to Engagement, while Care was significantly related to Commitment and Coping. Perhaps more significantly, the findings yielded seven characteristics of Engaged School Leadership Theory (ESTL) development. Adding to both principal preparation and positive psychology literature, this study offers conceptual understandings toward an emerging theory of Engaged School Leadership.
Embodied robots driven by self-organized environmental feedback
Authors: Kubandt Frederike , Nowak Michael , Koglin Tim , Gros Claudius , Sándor Bulcsú
Published: June 2019

Which kind of complex behavior may arise from self-organizing principles? We investigate this question for the case of snake-like robots composed of passively coupled segments, with every segment containing two wheels actuated separately by a single neuron. The robot is self-organized both on the level of the individual wheels and with respect to inter-wheel coordination, which arises exclusively from the mechanical coupling of the individual wheels and segments. For the individual wheel, the generating principle proposed results in locomotive states that correspond to self-organized limit cycles of the sensorimotor loop. Our robot interacts with the environment by monitoring the state of its actuators, that is, via propriosensation. External sensors are absent. In a structured environment the robot shows complex emergent behavior that includes pushing movable blocks around, reversing direction when hitting a wall, and turning when climbing a slope. On flat grounds the robot wiggles in a snake-like manner, when moving at higher velocities. We also investigate the emergence of motor primitives, namely, the route to locomotion, which is characterized by a series of local and global bifurcations in terms of dynamical system theory.
Employee Intention to Stay in an Organization: Examining the Role of Calling and Perceived Supervisor Support Through the Theoretical Lens of Work as Calling
Authors: Presbitero Alfred , Teng-Calleja Mendiola
Published: June 2019

This study offers new perspectives on employees’ intention to stay in organizations by examining the role of calling and perceived supervisor support (PSS). Drawing from work as calling theory (WCT) and utilizing survey data collected in the Philippines (Study 1; n = 338), we found that perceiving a calling is positively and significantly related to intention to stay and that PSS serves as a moderating variable. To further assess the mechanism that links perceiving a calling with intention to stay, we conducted a second study, after 6 months, focusing on the employee’s state of living out the calling. Using another survey data set collected in the Philippines (Study 2; n = 379), we found that living a calling serves as a mediating variable that influences the relationship between perceiving a calling and intention to stay, which is further strengthened by PSS. Theoretical and practical implications are fully discussed.
Dose-Dependent Effects of Ranolazine on Reentrant Ventricular Arrhythmias Induced After Subacute Myocardial Infarction in Rabbits
Authors: Moschovidis Vassileios , Simopoulos Vassileios , Stravela Soultana , Dipla Konstantina , Hatziefthimiou Apostolia , Stamatiou Rodopi , Aidonidis Isaac
Published: June 2019

Ranolazine has been found to prevent ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) during acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study aimed to investigate its efficacy on VAs induced several days post-MI. For this purpose, 13 anesthetized rabbits underwent coronary artery ligation. Ten of these animals that survived AMI were reanesthetized 3 to 7 days later for electrophysiologic testing. An endocardial monophasic action potential combination catheter was placed in the right ventricle for simultaneous pacing and recording. Monophasic action potential duration, ventricular effective refractory period (VERP), and VAs induced by programmed stimulation were assessed. Measurements were performed during control pacing, and following an intravenous infusion of either a low-dose ranolazine (2.4 mg/kg, R1) or a higher dose ranolazine (4.8 mg/kg cumulative dose, R2). During control stimulation, 2 animals developed primary ventricular fibrillation (VF), 6 sustained ventricular tachycardia (sVT), and 2 nonsustained VT (nsVT). R1 did not prevent the appearance of VAs in any of the experiments; in contrast, it aggravated nsVT into sVT and complicated sVT termination in 2 of 6 animals. Sustained ventricular tachycardia cycle length and VERP were only slightly decreased after R1 (112 ± 5 vs 110 ± 6 ms and 101 ± 11 vs 98 ± 10 ms, respectively). R2 suppressed inducibility of control nsVT, VF, and sVT in 2 animals. In 4 animals with still inducible sVT, R2 significantly prolonged VT cycle length by 150 ± 23 ms ( P < .01), and VERP by 120 ± 7 ms ( P < .001) versus control. In conclusion, R2 exerted antiarrhythmic efficacy against subacute-MI VAs, whereas R1 rather aggravated than prevented these arrhythmias. Ventricular effective refractory period prolongation could partially explain the antiarrhythmic action of R2 in this rabbit model.
Finding Lily F. Whaite: Exploring Victorian Women Artists’ Experiences through Practice-Led Research
Authors: Macfarlane Siân
Published: June 2019

Henry Clarence Whaite (1828-1912) was an English artist, drawn to North Wales by his desire to paint the landscape, becoming part of a burgeoning arts scene based around Betws-y-Coed. Lily F. Whaite (1876-1959), his daughter, was an artist in her own right and one of the founding members of the first women's arts group in Wales, the Gwynedd Ladies’ Arts Society. The archive of H. Clarence and Lily F. Whaite, located at the National Library of Wales, is extensive in nature and includes a number of photographs, sketches, personal papers, and, crucially, personal letters among father, daughter, and Jane Alice Whaite (1836-1906), Lily's mother. Of particular interest for this examination are Lily Whaite's letters, spanning her preteens until her 30s, which pay heed to the life of a female artist in Wales. The letters (and the wider archive) form an impression of the life of a woman artist active in both local and national artist circles, her experiences living in Wales and other parts of the United Kingdom, and her relationships with family and other artists, and in this regard, the archive represents a key uncovering. In this article, I explore the opportunities presented by existing archival resources related to established and renowned men to shed light on underrepresented voices: those of Victorian women artists, including Lily F. Whaite.
Preserving Sarah Winchester's Aesthetic Legacy
Authors: Boehme Janan , Winn Michele
Published: June 2019

Nearly 100 years after her death, Sarah Winchester, heiress to the Winchester rifle fortune, endures as a controversial, mystifying, and fascinating figure. Much of what makes her story so confounding yet alluring is our lack of records that definitively explain why she built such an unusual dwelling. That dearth of explanation naturally gave birth to rumors and legends, even during Sarah's lifetime. Just this year, Hollywood took on the story in a new telling of Sarah's motivation for building. What we do know with certainty is that Sarah insisted on decorating and filling her home with the finest objects that her immense wealth could buy. This article endeavors to look at Sarah as (1) a collector, as we study her character to the best of our ability based on her affinity for fine objects and innovative architecture, and (2) as the subject of our own collections at the Winchester Mystery House and how we keep her home and her objects preserved into the future despite few historical records to guide us.
The Impact of Body Mass Index on Perioperative Outcomes of Robotic Adrenalectomy: An Update
Authors: Agcaoglu Orhan , Akbas Melis , Ozdemir Murat , Makay Ozer
Published: June 2019

Background. Robotic surgery has gained increasing popularity over the past 2 decades. However, factors including patient comorbidities and tumor characteristics are still crucial factors for outcomes of surgery. In this study, we evaluated the impact of body mass index (BMI) on perioperative outcomes in patients who underwent robotic adrenal surgery. Methods. Between May 2012 and November 2017, 66 consecutive patients who underwent robotic adrenalectomy were included in this study. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on their BMI: nonobese (<30 kg/m2) and obese (≥30 kg/m2). Additionally, patient demographics, tumor size, total operative time, docking time, console time, estimated blood loss, conversion to open, complications, additional analgesia requirement, length of hospital stay, and rough costs were evaluated. Results. Of the 66 patients, a total of 26 patients were obese (30%). Between study groups, the median BMI was calculated as 26 (18-29) and 33 (30-57). The groups were similar in terms of age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists scores, and previous history of abdominal surgery. Likewise, there were no significant differences between groups regarding total operative time ( P = .085), docking time ( P = .196), console time ( P = .211), estimated blood loss ( P = .180), complications ( P = .991), length of hospital stay ( P = .598), and rough costs ( P = .468). Five cases were converted to open surgery. Nonobese cases required additional analgesia ( P = .007). We had no unexpected hospitalizations in either group. Conclusion. Guidelines express the advantages of robotic surgery in obese patients. No statistically significant differences were detected between the 2 groups except for the additional analgesia required in nonobese patients.
Single-response appetitive Pavlovian to instrumental transfer is suppressed by aversive counter-conditioning
Authors: Jeffs Stephen , Duka Theodora
Published: June 2019

Environmental stimuli, when paired with reward, can influence behaviour in maladaptive ways, for example, by encouraging overeating or addiction. Such behaviour can be sensitive to reward value manipulations, under circumscribed conditions, but whether reward-seeking is also sensitive to stimulus value manipulations remains unclear. Thus, the current experiment investigated whether reducing the hedonic value of a reward-paired stimulus would reduce reward-seeking behaviour. In total, 36 participants successfully completed a single-response Pavlovian-instrumental transfer (PIT) task with a counter-conditioning procedure. The Pavlovian phase associated three conditioned stimuli (CSs) with money at 100%, 50%, or 0% contingency. Counter-conditioning then followed for the experimental group, who saw the 100% CS paired with unpleasant pictures, while the control group saw only neutral images. Instrumental training required participants to learn a button-pressing response to win money. The transfer phase contrasted instrumental responding during baseline and CS presentation. Both experimental and control groups liked the 100% CS more than the other CSs after Pavlovian training, but counter-conditioning reduced this 100% CS liking. In transfer, the experimental group showed an abolition of appetitive PIT, while the control group showed maintenance of appetitive PIT. However, this group difference was only evident in response vigour, not response initiation. In summary, CS hedonic value influences cue-potentiated instrumental responding. More specifically, hedonic value of a reward-paired cue influences the vigour of instrumental responses, but not the decision to initiate a response. These data may have relevance to smoking cessation policies, where the introduction of health warnings may be viewed as a real-world example of counter conditioning.
Periprocedural anxiety associated with cardiac catheterisation and the monitored physiological measures
Authors: Ahmad Muayyad , Ayasrah Shahnaz M
Published: June 2019

Objectives

To describe, compare and examine self-reported anxiety levels and associated physiological responses of blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate of patients undergoing cardiac catheterisation (CATH).

Methods

Repeated measure design was used to assess a sample of 100 patients who had undergone cardiac catheterisation (CATH) in a major specialised heart institute in Jordan.

Results

Patients’ anxiety levels differed significantly across the three time periods (baseline, prior to and post CATH). The mean anxiety levels prior to CATH scored with State Anxiety Inventory (M = 52.14, SD = 6.0) was significantly higher than that at baseline (M = 48.35, SD = 5.6) and post CATH (M = 36.27, SD = 9.7).

Conclusion

Most patients experienced anxiety when scheduled for a CATH. The highest level of anxiety was within two hours prior to the procedure and the lowest was post procedure.
Coaching for continuous improvement in collaborative, interdisciplinary early childhood teams
Authors: Page Jane , Eadie Patricia
Published: June 2019

There is growing evidence that coaching early childhood educators leads to higher quality teaching practices and improved child learning outcomes. Despite this, there is a lack of Australian evidence on the impact that coaching in collaborative, interdisciplinary teams in early childhood education and care settings has on teacher effectiveness and by extension child learning. This paper will draw on data from two collaborative interdisciplinary research projects – the Victorian Advancing Early Learning Study and the Every Toddler Talking Initiative – to explore the features of coaching, collaboration and interdisciplinary partnerships that support early childhood educators to engage in the process of continuous improvement. We argue that governance and leadership is critical in enabling interdisciplinary teams to engage in a collaborative process of continuous improvement and that threshold conditions are required within early childhood education and care services to foster interdisciplinary coaching collaborations in a sustained manner.
Penichrypyrone A: A New γ-Pyrone Derivative from the Sponge-Derived Fungus Penicillium chrysogenum LS18
Authors: He Xiaoping , Ren Lu , Ding Lijian , Xu Jianzhou , Zhang Bin , Zhang Weiyan , He Shan
Published: June 2019

A new γ-pyrone derivative, penichrypyrone A (1), along with 4 known compounds, conichaetone E (2), janthinone (3), mrlactonel (4), and aspergillusene A (5), was isolated from the EtOAc extract of the sponge-derived fungus Penicillium chrysogenum LS18. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of the detailed spectroscopic analysis and comparison with the literature data. All the isolated compounds were evaluated for their antioxidant activity.
Protective Effects of C24 Ceramide From the Seeds of Brassica napus L. Against Ultraviolet B-Induced Photoaging in Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Kim Yu M. , Bae Kyung S.
Published: June 2019

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation induces skin photoaging, which is associated with the elevation of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and the decrease of collagen. Brassica napus plays a well-known role in the treatment of canola oil through their anti-oxidative and DNA protective properties. However, their skin protective activity toward UVB-induced damage remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of C24 ceramide from B. napus on UVB-irradiated normal human dermal fibroblasts. Our results show that C24 ceramide enhanced NHDFs cell migration. The UVB-induced increase in MMP-1 and decrease in type I procollagen were ameliorated by C24 ceramide treatment. Taken together, our data strongly suggest that C24 ceramide from B. napus could reduce UVB-induced photoaging.
Synthesis and Screening of Anti-HSV-1 Activity of Thioglucoside Derivatives of Natural Polyhydroxy-1,4-Naphthoquinones
Authors: Polonik Sergey G. , Krylova Natalia V. , Kompanets Galina G. , Iunikhina Olga V. , Sabutski Yuri E.
Published: June 2019

Four 1,4-naphthoquinone dithioglucoside derivatives based on natural polyhydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinones were synthesized. These thioglucosides were screened for their antiradical and antiviral activity in vitro. Antiradical activity of tested compounds was determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay. The anti-herpes simplex virus type 1 (anti-HSV-1) activity of thioglucosides was analyzed by the cytopathic effect inhibition assay and mode of antiviral action was determined by the addition of the tested compounds to uninfected cells, to the virus prior to infection, or to herpes-infected cells. Most effective inhibition of HSV-1 replication was observed at pretreatment of virus by the compounds (direct virucidal effect). The dithioglucoside conjugate with the single β-OH group and lipophilic ethyl substituent in naphthoquinone core showed the greatest antiviral activity.
Gay Asian Americans Are Seen as More American Than Asian Americans Who Are Presumed Straight
Authors: Semrow Mika , Zou Linda X. , Liu Shuyang , Cheryan Sapna
Published: June 2019

Four studies investigate whether gay Asian Americans are stereotyped as more American than Asian Americans who are presumed straight. Gay Asian American men (Study 1) and women (Study 2) were rated as more American than their counterparts whose sexual orientation was unspecified. However, sexual orientation did not influence judgments of Whites’ American identity. The relationship between Asian Americans’ sexual orientation and perceptions of their American identity was mediated by a belief that American culture is relatively more accepting of gay people than Asian culture (Studies 3 and 4). Manipulating how accepting of gay people a target’s country of origin is relative to the United States altered ratings of American identity for gay but not straight targets (Study 4). Using an intersectional approach, these studies demonstrate that sexual orientation information comes together with race to influence who is likely to be perceived as American.
What constitutes evidence of poor prison conditions after Aranyosi and Căldăraru? Examining the role of inspection and monitoring bodies in European Arrest Warrant decision-making
Authors: Rogan Mary
Published: June 2019

The case of Aranyosi and Căldăraru confirms that where prison conditions are so poor as to breach fundamental rights, the non-execution of an European Arrest Warrant is justified. Given the high stakes nature of such a decision, this article examines a critical question: What will be the possible sources of evidence which can and should be used in such an assessment? The article posits that prison inspection and monitoring bodies, which have the task of visiting prisons and reporting on them, with a view to the prevention of ill treatment, will take on an important role in this decision-making process. The article examines what this role might entail and the implications of the decision for prison inspection and monitoring bodies.
Impact of microaxillar mechanical left ventricular support on renal resistive index in patients with cardiogenic shock after myocardial infarction: a pilot trial to predict renal organ dysfunction in cardiogenic shock
Authors: Markus Birgit , Patsalis Nikolaos , Chatzis Georgios , Luesebrink Ulrich , Ahrens Holger , Schieffer Bernhard , Karatolios Konstantinos
Published: June 2019

Objectives:

To evaluate the effects of left ventricular support with the microaxial left ventricular pump using the Impella device on the renal resistive index assessed by Doppler ultrasonography in haemodynamically stable patients with cardiogenic shock following myocardial infarction.

Methods:

A non-randomised interventional single-centre study. Consecutive patients with cardiogenic shock supported with an Impella were included during May 2018 and October 2018. The renal resistive index determined as a quotient of (peak systolic velocity – end diastolic velocity)/ peak systolic velocity was obtained using Doppler ultrasound; invasive blood pressure was determined in radial artery simultaneously for safety reasons.

Results:

A total of 15 patients were measured. The renal resistive index was determined in both kidneys in 13 patients and for one kidney in two patients, respectively. The mean difference between right and left renal resistive index was 0.026 ± 0.023 ( P=0.72). When increasing the Impella microaxillar mechanical support by a mean of 0.44 L/min (±0.2 L/min), the renal resistive index decreased significantly from 0.66 ± 0.08 to 0.62 ± 0.06 ( P<0.001) consistently in all patients, whereas systolic or diastolic blood pressure remained unchanged.

Conclusions:

Microaxillar mechanical support by the Impella device in haemodynamically stable patients with cardiogenic shock led to a significant reduction of the renal resistive index without affecting systolic or diastolic blood pressure. This observation is consistent with the notion that Impella support may promote renal organ protection by enhancing renal perfusion.
Arterial blood pressure during targeted temperature management after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and association with brain injury and long-term cognitive function
Authors: Grand Johannes , Lilja Gisela , Kjaergaard Jesper , Bro-Jeppesen John , Friberg Hans , Wanscher Michael , Cronberg Tobias , Nielsen Niklas , Hassager Christian
Published: June 2019

Objectives:

During targeted temperature management after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest infusion of vasoactive drugs is often needed to ensure cerebral perfusion pressure. This study investigated mean arterial pressure after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and the association with brain injury and long-term cognitive function.

Methods:

Post-hoc analysis of patients surviving at least 48 hours in the biobank substudy of the targeted temperature management trial with available blood pressure data. Patients were stratified in three groups according to mean arterial pressure during targeted temperature management (4–28 hours after admission; <70 mmHg, 70–80 mmHg, >80 mmHg). A biomarker of brain injury, neuron-specific enolase, was measured and impaired cognitive function was defined as a mini-mental state examination score below 27 in 6-month survivors.

Results:

Of the 657 patients included in the present analysis, 154 (23%) had mean arterial pressure less than 70 mmHg, 288 (44%) had mean arterial pressure between 70 and 80 mmHg and 215 (33%) had mean arterial pressure greater than 80 mmHg. There were no statistically significant differences in survival (P=0.35) or neuron-specific enolase levels (P=0.12) between the groups. The level of target temperature did not statistically significantly interact with mean arterial pressure regarding neuron-specific enolase (Pinteraction_MAP*TTM=0.58). In the subgroup of survivors with impaired cognitive function (n=132) (35%) mean arterial pressure during targeted temperature management was significantly higher (Pgroup=0.03).

Conclusions:

In a large cohort of comatose out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients, low mean arterial pressure during targeted temperature management was not associated with higher neuron-specific enolase regardless of the level of target temperature (33°C or 36°C for 24 hours). In survivors with impaired cognitive function, mean arterial pressure during targeted temperature management was significantly higher.
Creating a “Nalanda” for the New Millennia
Authors: Sharma Neeraj , Bhasin Jaya , Sujan Bharti
Published: June 2019

Higher education is all about people and management. The success of the higher educational institutions revolves largely around the quality of the research and the faculty. This emphasizes the need of a strong financial base to deliver a quality education to students. In the present scenario, which is characterized by intense information flow, dynamism, progress, growth, and continuous challenging environment, the higher educational institutions hold an important place. The present study focuses on exploring the relationship between human capital management and human resource development (HRD) climate. For the research purpose, two universities, University of Jammu and University of Kashmir, have been taken. The model derived by applying a confirmatory factor analysis in the present research study depicts a linkage between human capital management and HRD climate, and if applied in the institutions of higher education by customizing according to their needs and requirements, it would help in attaining the vision as perceived by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry for 2030 in attaining overall excellence in higher education sector in India. So, it is very important to develop research focused universities with community participation which could deliver high quality research output and research focused graduates and lead to creating a NALANDA for the new millennia.
Influence of Periodontal Disease on QoL of Periodontal Patients in Riyadh
Authors: Al-Kattan Reem , Shibani Nouf Al , Zahrani Hanadi AL , Enazi Ghadah Al , Nafa Demah Al
Published: June 2019

Aims and objectives:

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of periodontal status on quality of life (QoL) with the use of a short version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) in patients with periodontal disease attending university in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Materials and methods:

Adult patients diagnosed with periodontal disease and having minimum of 15 teeth or more present was included. Included patients were requested to fill a questionnaire form and undergo a comprehensive clinical periodontal examination. The influence of oral health on patients’ QoL was assessed using the Arabic version of OHIP-14.

Results:

A total of 25 adults aged between 23 and 80 years with a mean age of 49 years completed the questionnaire. The impact of periodontal disease on patient’s QoL was statistically significant in 2 domains, namely physical pain ( P = .004) and psychological disability ( P = .001). The severity of periodontal disease did not show a negative impact on functional limitation. In general, the total OHIP-14 scores were statistically significant with the number of teeth with pocket depths of 5 mm ( P = .001) and 7 mm ( P = .011).

Conclusions:

Periodontal destruction has a negative impact on QoL. The use of this index as well as other patient-centered outcome measures has significant implications in periodontology, including treatment planning and evaluation of treatment results.