bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Market Transition, Multidimensional Socioeconomic Status, and Health Disparities in Urban China
Authors: Xu Jun , Zhao Wei , Gong Fang
Published: August 2020

Synthesizing the theory of fundamental causes in the health literature with the stratification research on transitional economies, this paper investigates how the multidimensional socioeconomic status (SES), especially education and communist party membership, is associated with three self-rated health outcomes in urban China. Using data from the 2013 Chinese General Social Survey, we find that party membership is associated with better self-rated health, higher health-related quality of life and work, and lower levels of self-rated depression, whereas the effect of education is somewhat more elusive than it usually is in Western societies. Our findings suggest that the effects of socioeconomic indicators are better understood by being contextualized in a sociopolitical environment. It is also fruitful to include both global (education, income, employment status, and subjective SES) and local measures of SES (party membership and housing ownership) in exploring their associations with health in the world’s largest transitional society.
Characterization and numerical simulation of laminated glass fiber–polyester composites for a prosthetic running blade
Authors: Ouarhim Wafa , Ait-Dahi Mehdi , Bensalah Mohammed-Ouadi , El Achaby Mounir , Rodrigue Denis , Bouhfid Rachid , Qaiss Abouelkacem
Published: August 2020

The objective of this work was to explore different types of deformations (buckling, bending, and relaxation) on the properties of laminated composites based on polyester as the matrix and glass fiber in two forms: woven and chopped strand mat. The specimens were produced with the same thickness but with different number of ply. Also, a thin gelcoat based on clay particles was applied on the chopped strand mat samples to get a third series. The results showed that using the same thickness, the mechanical properties, especially in terms of bending and buckling, are influenced by the layers’ number. Furthermore, a sports application, which is the main objective of this work, is presented as an applied investigation for a leg prosthesis. Three different running blades “Flex-foot Cheetah” were manufactured to be experimentally and numerically (ANSYS ACP software) characterized to simulate real conditions. The results showed a good agreement between the experimental and numerical values in terms of total displacement, which is around 50 mm, the produced blade has been tested in quasi-static and dynamic compression, and results showed that the relaxation behavior depends on the structure design and the used materials.
Sustainability assessment of healthcare waste treatment systems using surrogate weights and PROMETHEE method
Authors: Makan Abdelhadi , Fadili Ahmed
Published: August 2020

This study aims to assess the sustainability of healthcare waste treatment systems using surrogate weights and the Preference Ranking Organization METHod for Enrichment Evaluations (PROMETHEE). For this purpose, ten treatment systems, including land disposal, incineration and non-incineration systems, were evaluated in terms of environmental, financial, social, and technical criteria. Firstly, fifteen reputed experts assigned their preferred rankings for the groups of criteria and the sub-criteria. The conversion of these rankings into numerical weights was performed using the SR function, which is an additive combination of Sum and Reciprocal weight functions. Secondly, the alternatives’ performance with regards to each criterion allowed PROMETHEE to generate the outranking flows for each alternative. The complete ranking revealed that the rotary kiln (A4) is the most sustainable system followed by steam disinfection (A8), dry heat disinfection and microwave disinfection. However, the municipal landfill is the least sustainable system, while chemical disinfection is ranked in the penultimate position of sustainability. The partial ranking indicated that A4 and A8 are incomparable and both were ranked as most sustainable. Therefore, the sustainability of a system cannot be assessed properly without the exact specification of the system itself. In addition, it is preferable to act on the criteria that affect negatively the system to improve its performance.
Carbon black nanoparticles induce HDAC6-mediated inflammatory responses in 16HBE cells
Authors: Lin Hui , Fu Guoqing , Yu Qimei , Wang Zhenyu , Zuo Yao , Shi Yuqin , Zhang Ling , Gu Yingying , Qin Lingzhi , Zhou Ting
Published: August 2020

Long-term inhalation of carbon black nanoparticles (CBNPs) leads to pulmonary inflammatory diseases. Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) has been identified as an important regulator in the development of inflammatory disorders. However, the direct involvement of HDAC6 in CBNPs-induced pulmonary inflammatory responses remains unclear. To explore whether HDAC6 participates in CBNPs-induced pulmonary inflammation, human bronchial epithelial cell line (16HBE cells) was transfected with HDAC6 small interference RNA (siRNA) and then exposed to CBNPs at concentrations of 0, 25, and 50 µg/ml for 24 h. Intracellular HDAC6 and intraflagellar transport protein 88 (IFT88) mRNA and protein were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. The secretions of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CBNPs induced a significant increase in the expressions of IL-8 and IL-6, accompanied by a high level of intracellular HDAC6 mRNA when compared with a blank control group ( p < 0.05). However, there were no significant changes in the levels of TNF-α secretion, intracellular HDAC6 and IFT88 protein induced by CBNPs ( p > 0.05). The HDAC6 mRNA expression was significantly suppressed in HDAC6 siRNA-transfected cells ( p < 0.05). The secretions of IL-8, TNF-α, and IL-6 were significantly less in HDAC6 siRNA-transfected cells than that in normal 16HBE cells with exposure to 25 or 50 µg/ml of CBNPs, but intracellular IFT88 mRNA expression was markedly increased in HDAC6 siRNA-transfected cells when compared with normal 16HBE cells exposed to 50 µg/ml of CBNPs (all p < 0.05). Downregulation of the HDAC6 gene inhibits CBNPs-induced inflammatory responses in bronchial epithelial cells, partially through regulating IFT88 expression. It is suggested that CBNPs may trigger inflammatory responses in bronchial epithelial cells by an HDAC6/IFT88-dependent pathway.
Hypophosphatemia and Outcomes in ICU: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sin Jeremy Cheuk Kin , King Lillian , Ballard Emma , Llewellyn Stacey , Laupland Kevin B. , Tabah Alexis
Published: August 2020

Purpose:

Hypophosphatemia is reported in up to 5% of hospitalized patients and ranges from 20% to 80% in critically ill patients. The consequences of hypophosphatemia for critically ill patients remain controversial. We evaluated the effect of hypophosphatemia on mortality and length of stay in intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

Methods:

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library (Reviews and Trials), and PubMed were searched for articles in English. The primary outcome was mortality and secondary outcome was length of stay. The quality of evidence was graded using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Results:

Our search yielded 828 articles and ultimately included 12 studies with 7626 participants in the analysis. Hypophosphatemia was associated with increased hospital length of stay (2.19 days [95% CI, 1.74-2.64]) and ICU length of stay (2.22 days [95% CI, 1.00-3.44]) but not mortality (risk ratio: 1.13 [95% CI, 0.98-1.31]; P = .09).

Conclusions:

Hypophosphatemia in ICU was associated with increased hospital and ICU length of stay but not all-cause mortality. Hypophosphatemia appears to be a marker of disease severity. Limited number of available studies and varied study designs did not allow for the ascertainment of the effect of severe hypophosphatemia on patient mortality.
Do Trajectories of Sensation Seeking Vary by Sex and Child Maltreatment Subtypes?
Authors: Sussman Tamara J. , Santaella-Tenorio Julian , Duarte Cristiane S. , Wall Melanie M. , Ramos-Olazagasti Maria , Suglia Shakira F. , Canino Glorisa , Bird Hector , Martins Silvia S.
Published: August 2020

Child maltreatment and elevated sensation seeking are associated with a wide range of negative outcomes. Longitudinal data from a study of Puerto Ricans living in two sociocultural contexts were used to determine whether child maltreatment subtypes, sex, or sociocultural context relate to trajectories of sensation seeking. Participants were 2,489 individuals from the Boricua Youth Study (48.5% girls) living in New York and in Puerto Rico (PR; 5–15 years old at Wave 1). Subtypes of child maltreatment were measured using child report on the Parent–Child Conflict Tactics Scale and the Sexual Victimization Scale at Wave 1. The association between child maltreatment subtypes, sex, sociocultural context, and previously established sensation-seeking trajectories across three waves of data collection was probed using multinomial logistic regression. Girls, but not boys, who experienced neglect (adjusted odds ratio; AOR; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 5.33 [1.35, 21.03]), or physical abuse (AOR [95% CI] = 3.66 [1.07, 12.54]), were more likely to have an elevated sensation-seeking trajectory than a normative trajectory. For boys, none of the maltreatment subtypes were linked to the elevated sensation-seeking class. Girls exposed to verbal abuse (AOR [95% CI] = 0.33 [0.15, 0.75]) and boys exposed to physical abuse (AOR [95% CI] = 0.39 [0.16, 0.97]) were less likely to belong to the low sensation-seeking class. No significant interactions between sociocultural context (i.e., PR vs. New York) and maltreatment subtype on the development of sensation seeking were found. This research suggests sensation-seeking levels vary by experiences of childhood maltreatment, and that sex moderates the relationship between child maltreatment experiences and sensation seeking, with an association between some maltreatment subtypes and elevated sensation-seeking trajectories found in girls, but not boys. These results underline the importance of considering sex when examining how child maltreatment relates to outcomes.
Understanding the Cumulative Burden of Basic Needs Insecurities: Associations With Health and Academic Achievement Among College Students
Authors: Leung Cindy W. , Farooqui Sara , Wolfson Julia A. , Cohen Alicia J.
Published: August 2020

Purpose:

Food insecurity is a concern on college campuses and is correlated with other basic needs insecurities. We examined the cumulative burden of food, financial, and housing insecurities on college students’ health and academic performance.

Design:

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting:

Large, public Midwestern university.

Sample:

A total of 793 college students completed an online survey in 2018 (43% response rate).

Measures:

Food, financial, and housing insecurity were measured using validated instruments. Primary outcomes were general health status, anxiety and depression, and grade point average (GPA).

Analysis:

Weighted linear and logistic regression analyses were used to examine associations between cumulative basic needs insecurities and primary outcomes.

Results:

Approximately 11% of students experienced all 3 insecurities. Compared to fully secure students, students with all 3 insecurities were more likely to have anxiety and depression (odds ratio [OR] = 4.65, 95% CI: 4.31-5.01), fair/poor health (OR = 4.06, 95% CI: 3.73-4.42), and lower GPA (β = −0.19, 95% CI: −0.30 to −0.09), adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics.

Conclusion:

Interventions that address multiple basic needs insecurities are needed to promote college students’ well-being and foster academic success.
Tinea nigra palmaris-associated peritonitis, caused by Hortaea werneckii: The first case report in a peritoneal dialysis patient
Authors: Chamroensakchai Tamonwan , Kleebchaiyaphum Chadarat , Tatiyanupanwong Sajja , Eiam-Ong Somchai , Kanjanabuch Talerngsak
Published: August 2020

We report the first case of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with peritonitis from Hortaea werneckii, a halotolerant black yeast-like fungus. The pathogen was confirmed by nucleotide sequences of internal transcribed spacer regions of the ribosomal RNA gene. A potential cause of this infection was tinea nigra on the patient’s palm. Therefore, gloving might be advised during PD bag exchange in patients or caregivers who have an obvious lesion of the palm.
Impact of a Pharmacist-Led Group Diabetes Class
Authors: Lakey Hannah , Boehmer Kaci , Johnson Chris
Published: August 2020

Background/Objectives:

Diabetes is a chronic disease that is associated with many other health problems, but studies have shown that patient education can improve outcomes. The purpose of this project was to determine if a pharmacist-led group diabetes education class led to improvement in hemoglobin A1c levels.

Methods:

Pharmacists in a family medicine clinic conduct a group diabetes education class for patients seen within the health system. The once monthly, 90-minute education class includes content regarding pathophysiology, complications, monitoring, dietary and exercise recommendations, and common antidiabetic medications. Data were collected via retrospective chart reviews and included 66 patients. The primary outcome was change in A1c from pre-class measurement to first, post-class measurement at least 3 months after pre-class measurement. Secondary outcomes included pre-class to post-class changes in weight, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Outcome data were analyzed using a paired t-test and demographic data were presented with descriptive statistics.

Results:

The pharmacist-led diabetes education class was associated with statistically significant improvements on A1c lab values (mean decrease = 1.16%, p-value = 0.001) and weight (mean decrease = 1.8 kg, p-value = 0.03). However, SBP (mean decrease = 1.5 mmHg, p-value = 0.57) and DBP (mean decrease = 3.4 mmHg, p-value = 0.15) did not improve significantly.

Implications:

The results from this study support the idea that diabetes education classes are beneficial for the patient in learning how to properly manage this disease state. Pharmacists can play a vital role in diabetes management through counseling and patient education, which can improve patient outcomes.
For Better or for Worse: Health and Marital Quality during Midlife
Authors: Tracy Eunjin L. , Utz Rebecca L.
Published: August 2020

Objective: To examine how changes in health are associated with marital quality over a 20-year period of midlife. Background: The health benefit associated with marriage (compared to non-marriage) is well established. Less work has explored how health and changes in a couple’s health are associated with the marital relationship. Method: We used a sample of continuously married individuals who participated in three waves of the Midlife in the United States study ( n = 1768). Multilevel modeling separated within-person changes and between-person differences in the effect of health on marital quality during midlife and older ages. Results: Marital support was lower and marital strain was higher for those with worse health relative to peers. Marital quality decreased when health decreased. Effects were particularly strong when spouses’ health statuses became more discrepant. Conclusion: Health—of both self and partner—plays an important role in determining the marital quality of married persons during the midlife years.
The Relative Quality of Sex Work
Authors: Benoit Cecilia , Smith Michaela , Jansson Mikael , Healey Priscilla , Magnuson Douglas
Published: August 2020

This article presents descriptive findings on sex workers’ structural disadvantage and their evaluation of the quality of their work, relative to their other jobs. In-person interviews were conducted in 2013 with sex workers ( n = 218) from Canada. Participants reported they experience precarity (i.e. uncertainty and instability) in employment and other domains of their lives. Compared to the work quality of their other jobs, the majority said sex work was more satisfying and granted greater control and money. In a context of low income and instability in employment, participants make strategic choices to engage in sex work, even when contending with its low social status. The article concludes that sex work should be recognized as valuable work for Canadian sex workers, given the circumstances of their lives under contemporary capitalism. The findings indicate a need for macro-level changes to challenge precarity in the economy and other societal institutions.
The Impact of Unemployment and Non-Standard Forms of Employment on the Housing Autonomy of Young Adults
Authors: Gousia Katerina , Baranowska-Rataj Anna , Middleton Thomas , Nizalova Olena
Published: August 2020

Young people are facing challenges in transitioning to housing autonomy because of changes in labour market conditions in recent years. This article explores the effects of youth unemployment and non-standard employment on the likelihood of leaving the parental home. We adopt a dynamic modelling approach, and use data from a large longitudinal British survey covering the years 2009–2014. We find that unemployment and part-time work, but not the duration of the contract, have a negative effect on the likelihood of obtaining housing autonomy. We also find that past as well as anticipated unemployment have significant negative effects, which suggests that the decision about whether to move out depends on the individual’s longer-term labour market trajectory. The analysis also reveals gender differences in part-time work, but not in unemployment once we take into account unobserved time-invariant heterogeneity.
Precarity as a Biographical Problem? Young Workers Living with Precarity in Germany and Poland
Authors: Mrozowicki Adam , Trappmann Vera
Published: August 2020

In the context of debates on the meanings of precarious employment, this article explores the varied ways young workers in Poland and Germany are managing precarity. Biographical narrative interviews with 123 young people revealed four different ways interviewees experienced precarity. These different approaches reflected varied ways in which interviewees were orientated to work, the meanings attributed by them to precarious employment and the material and cultural resources they possessed. It is argued that despite institutional differences, precarity in both countries is experienced similarly and represents a tendency to endure precarity and cope with it by individual means. Simultaneously, criticisms of precarity were more typical of young Poles than Germans. Cross-country variances were explained by the different mechanisms of institutional support for young workers and the greater belief in meritocracy in Germany.
Analysis of the component forces of the nonlinear magnetic force in energy harvester
Authors: Chen Bing , Tang Xiaolei
Published: August 2020

In the piezoelectric vibration energy harvester, permanent magnets are often used to generate nonlinear applied magnetics force to improve the energy utilization rate of the system, the modeling analysis and accurate calculation of the force between magnets in the system is a difficult problem in the study of nonlinear bistable vibration energy harvesting. During the deformation of the cantilever beam, the direct force of the permanent magnet block can be divided into horizontal and vertical component forces. In most existing literatures analyzing such problems, the magnetizing current method magnetic force calculation model of double-stabilized electric beam mainly considers the influence of vertical magnetic force on the system of cantilever beam, and it is considered that the horizontal component of magnetic force has little influence on the vibration response of cantilever beam, but there is no detailed proof and elaboration of this problem. In this paper, the magnetic force, the effect of magnetic force on natural frequency and magnetic potential energy are calculated and simulated from three aspects. Through the comparison of results, it is proved that the effect of the horizontal magnetic force on the whole nonlinear piezoelectric beam vibration energy harvester can be ignored.
An investigation into evaluation methods for ride comfort of railway vehicles in the case of carbody hunting instability
Authors: Sun Jianfeng , Chi Maoru , Cai Wubin , Gao Hongxing , Liang Shulin
Published: August 2020

Ride comfort is a long-standing research topic and has been deeply investigated due to its great influence on evaluating the performances of railway vehicles. Many standards have been proposed to evaluate the ride comfort of the railway vehicles. However, the carbody hunting instability was rarely considered during the evaluation of ride comfort. To face this problem, this paper performs the comparison of various evaluation methods for ride comfort in the case of carbody hunting instability. The Sperling method, Mean Comfort standard method and Continuous Comfort method are introduced and compared focusing on the specific experimental data. The benefits and limitations of these methods are analyzed and the most appropriate evaluation method for the condition of carbody hunting instability is determined. Moreover, making full use of the peak value information, an original evaluation method of ride comfort specifically to the carbody hunting instability is proposed. The critical parameters of the method are compared and discussed to investigate their influences on the evaluation results.
Loss analysis of the shrouded radial-inflow turbine for compressed air energy storage
Authors: Shao Ziyi , Li Wen , Li Aiting , Wang Xing , Zhang Xuehui , Chen Haisheng
Published: August 2020

The shrouded radial-inflow turbine is widely employed as a power generation device in the compressed air energy storage (CAES) system. The loss mechanism and off-designed performance of the shrouded radial turbine are lesser known hitherto and should be deeply understood. Loss analyses of a shrouded radial turbine are conducted numerically based on the first and second laws of thermodynamics in the current study. The relationship between losses and the secondary flow has been discussed in detail. A high proportion of loss in the rotor and outblock passage is found under off-designed conditions. The secondary vortex cores and wake are the primary sources of energy dissipation, while the entropy generation mainly appears at the edge of secondary vortices. The suction-surface separation expands as the velocity ratio is decreased, making the high entropy generation scope on the cross-sectional plane wider. Reducing the seal clearance and avoiding the low velocity ratio conditions are quite necessary to reduce losses. It is recommended the outlet passage should be designed longer than the length of rotor axial chord for a uniform outflow.
Machine-learnt topology of complex tip geometries in gas turbine rotors
Authors: Angelini Gino , Corsini Alessandro , Lavagnoli Sergio
Published: August 2020

The work presents a data driven based strategy to develop a new statistical model of complex tip shape for high-pressure turbine stages exploiting an existing dataset of optimized squealer-like rotor tips. Using the exploratory data analysis (EDA), a set of statistical methods were used to improve the quality of previous CFD-based optimization dataset, as an aid in reducing outliers, data skewness and avoiding the presence of redundant information. The pre-processed dataset was analyzed by unsupervised learning method in order to gain insight on the correlation between tip geometry and single stage axial turbine performance. Utilizing the Principal Component Analysis (PCA), we developed a new continuous, dimensionality-reduced parametrization which allows overcoming the limitations of discrete topology approaches. The novel statistical shape model, coupled with genetic operators into a NSGA-II optimization strategy, was used to explore the design space of optimal solutions generating new designs to enrich the available Pareto front in terms of aero-thermodynamic performance metrics. Two metamodels for performance prediction, respectively based on Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Gradient Boosting Regressor (GBR) have been developed in order to guide the Pareto front exploration avoiding the use of computationally intensive CFD simulations. New tip designs were carried out to spread the previous optimal front and, successively, aiming to design individuals able to reduce macroscopic not uniformity of the flow keeping optimal aerodynamic performance.
Training hour requirements to provide acupuncture in the United States
Authors: Bleck Roselle R , Gold Melanie A , Westhoff Carolyn L
Published: August 2020

Introduction:

The National Academy of Medicine recommends, and Joint Commission requires, offering non-pharmacologic approaches to pain management, including acupuncture, to reduce opioid overuse in the United States. This study describes 2019 state training requirements to evaluate how they represent opportunities and barriers to increasing access to acupuncture.

Methods:

We searched publicly available databases to identify Acupuncture Practice Acts and additional statutes and regulations pertaining to acupuncture training requirements on state licensure board websites. We then extracted state-specific acupuncture training requirements for individuals with and without a healthcare-related professional license.

Results:

Thirty-three states allow physicians to provide acupuncture without requiring any additional training requirements, 11 states and the District of Columbia (DC) require 200–300 training hours, and three require physicians to obtain a separate acupuncture license. Three states have no regulatory agency ruling. Forty states require non-healthcare professionals to complete an accredited program of more than 1900 h and pass an examination. Twenty-three states have an Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist designation allowing individuals without a clinical professional license to provide auricular acupuncture for substance use disorder treatment after a 70-h training course.

Discussion:

State-level training requirements are intended to increase safe and effective care, but variations represent a potential barrier to increasing the number of acupuncture providers in the United States. Allowing non-physician medical professionals to complete reduced training requirements for specific indications could be a model to increase access to acupuncture. The influence of training requirements on acupuncture access and opioid overuse needs examination.
Informal Payments for Maternal and Neonatal Health Services in Public Hospitals in Central India
Authors: Tripathi Narayan , John Denny , Chatterjee Prabir K , Murthy Shruti , Parganiha Nitish , Brokar Arti
Published: August 2020

Background:

Informal payments are unauthorised ‘unregistered’ out-of-pocket payments, outside the official payment system, for purchase or service meant to be covered/provided by the healthcare system. This study attempts to measure and report the extent and magnitude of informal payments based on the entitlements in Janani-Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) in the Indian context.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study using convenience sampling and a semi-structured interview schedule was conducted among 281 participants in 2016 in 26 JSSK-notifying health facilities from all five divisions of Chhattisgarh. Pregnant women and women who delivered in the previous year, and provided informed consent, were included. After reviewing various definitions, informal payment was operationally defined in the context of JSSK for India as ‘payments made in cash or kind, unregistered or non-reimbursed, made by/on behalf of the beneficiary or someone related thereof, for free and cashless entitlements in a JSSK-listed health facility, to an individual or institutional healthcare provider/staff who provides/arranges for provision of the service’.

Results:

Of 281 participants, 91.8 per cent reported informal payments across all JSSK entitlements categories. A relative majority of these payments was made at the district hospital (37%), ranging from ₹2 to ₹6,500 (US$0.03–101). Investigations incurred the greatest median amount of informal payments, at, ₹455 (US$7). Informal payments ranged between three and seven times higher than the JSSK price cap in Chhattisgarh. No significant association was found between participant characteristics and informal payments.

Conclusion:

Further research is required to understand the magnitude and motivation of informal payments made in programmes like JSSK.
The Weary Founder: Sleep Problems, ADHD-Like Tendencies, and Entrepreneurial Intentions
Authors: Gunia Brian C. , Gish J. Jeffrey , Mensmann Mona
Published: August 2020

Scholars have persuasively documented the positive influence of ADHD-like tendencies (the impermanent experience of ADHD-like symptoms) on entrepreneurial intentions. Yet, we know little about the causes of ADHD-like tendencies, and thus about factors that could heighten entrepreneurial intentions through such tendencies. Drawing from the biopsychosocial model, sleep physiology literature, and entrepreneurship literature, we propose that the biological experience of sleep problems may heighten the psychological experience of ADHD-like tendencies, which could nudge people toward the socially-embedded intention to venture. Four studies and a mini meta-analysis provide support, extending several literatures and suggesting that sleep problems could contribute to business founding.
Instructive Messages and Lessons From Chinese Countermarching Nurses of Caring for COVID-19 Patients: A Qualitative Study
Authors: He Qilian , Li Ting , Su Yunpeng , Luan Yuquan
Published: August 2020

Introduction:

The World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on January 31, 2020. China was the first country to experience the challenges of controlling COVID-19. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of Chinese nurses who countermarched to the outbreak city for medical support in the very first period of this global infection.

Methodology:

A qualitative study of phenomenological research design was used to describe the experiences of 10 Chinese nurses. Data were collected in February 2020 through in-depth interviews and analyzed by conventional content analysis methods.

Results:

Chinese nurses experienced different psychological stages, work pressure, and challenges. New concepts of nursing also emerged during their clinical care for COVID-19 patients.

Discussion:

The guidance synthesized from the Chinese nurse stories could give specific direction for a well-prepared global nursing workforce and high-quality patient care in the present and future epidemics. The worries about discrimination of COVID-19 patients’ needs to be addressed culturally and emotionally as a priority by health care workers when they care for COVID-19 patients.
Promotion of Thriving Among Hong Kong Chinese Adolescents: Evidence From Eight-Wave Data
Authors: Shek Daniel T. L. , Zhu Xiaoqin
Published: August 2020

Objectives:

This study evaluated the longitudinal effect of a positive youth development (PYD) program entitled “Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programmes” (Project P.A.T.H.S.) on perceived thriving among Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong.

Method:

Individual growth curve modeling analyses were performed using eight waves of data collected over 5 years from 23 experimental schools ( N = 3,607) and 24 control schools ( N = 3,574).

Results:

Adolescent thriving declined faster among control school students relative to experimental school students. While the two groups did not differ at Wave 1 and Wave 2 on the mean thriving levels, experimental school students showed higher thriving levels at Wave 3 to Wave 7 than did the control group students. Such differences between the two groups were more salient among girls than among boys, suggesting a stronger intervention effect for girls.

Conclusion:

The present findings suggest that PYD programs can promote thriving in Chinese adolescents.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Use Among Patients Followed by a Multidisciplinary Cleft and Craniofacial Team
Authors: Brown Mark N. , Grames Lynn Marty , Skolnick Gary B.
Published: August 2020

Objective:

To establish preliminary data describing the number of patients who visit a multidisciplinary cleft and craniofacial team who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) supports.

Design:

This retrospective study consisted of chart reviews for all patients who visited a single site’s multidisciplinary cleft and craniofacial team for 1 calendar year.

Setting:

A single multidisciplinary craniofacial team at a tertiary teaching hospital.

Participants:

Four hundred sixty-four patients met the inclusion criteria for this study. Of these, 59.9% (n = 278) were male and 40.1% (n = 186) were female.

Results:

Of the sample population, 6.9% (n = 32) were AAC users as they received AAC intervention in a therapeutic context, while 93.1% (n = 432) were not. The AAC group had a mean age of 5.1 years (standard deviation [SD]: 4.2) and was 68.8% (n = 22) male. The non-AAC group had a mean age of 6.3 (SD: 4.9) and was 59.3% (n = 256) male. Within the AAC group, 40.6% (n = 13) were found to have an identified syndromic diagnosis in comparison to 17.6% (n = 76) of the non-AAC group ( P = .003).

Conclusions:

This is the first study to report the prevalence of AAC use among patients in the care of multidisciplinary cleft and craniofacial teams. Our findings suggest that a subset of craniofacial team patients may have complex communication disorders that require AAC supports. Craniofacial teams should be aware of resources available for these patients so that the patients’ communication needs are met in the hospital, in school, and in the community.
Real World Prescribing Strategies for Patients With an Indication for Oral Anticoagulation Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Kerley Robert N. , Fitzgerald Gearoid , Coughlan John Joseph , Kelly Ciaran , Waters Max , Reynolds Anne , Mulcahy David , Moore David P. , Loo Bryan , Curtin Ronan
Published: August 2020

Background:

Limited data are available regarding real-world prescribing in patients with an indication for oral anticoagulation (OAT) who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Most current guidelines recommend a period of triple therapy with OAT and dual antiplatelet (DAPT) agents over dual therapy with an OAT and DAPT but the clinical benefit is still unclear giving rise to limited evidence-based recommendations.

Aim:

To analyze the appropriateness of OAT and anti-platelet strategies post PCI in a real-world cohort of patients in 2 academic teaching hospitals.

Methods and Results:

In total, 103 patients were retrospectively analyzed. As the initial 3 month stragey, 97 patients (94.2%) received triple therapy, 4 received Dual Therapy (3.9%) and 2 received DAPT (1.9%). Patients with predominant bleeding risk were significantly less likely to receive triple therapy (75% vs. 95.7% vs. 95.8%, P < 0.05). Apixaban was the most common OAT (65.7%) which in most cases was prescribed at an inappropriately reduced dose of 2.5 mg BD (80.4%). The MACE, bleeding and all-cause mortality rates did not differ significantly between groups.

Discussion:

Our study demonstrates the widespread use of triple therapy for the first 3 months of treatment in 2 Irish academic hospitals. DOACs were prescribed in most cases at reduced doses not currently known to prevent stroke. This study highlights the need for more explicit management algorithms to improve evidence-based management in this area.
Dynamic analysis of mechanical system considering radial and axial clearances in 3D revolute clearance joints
Authors: Bai Zheng Feng , Jiang Xin , Li Ji Yu , Zhao Ji Jun , Zhao Yang
Published: August 2020

In the dynamic modeling and simulation of mechanical system with revolute clearance joint, it is usually assumed that the revolute joint is planar joint with radial clearance, but the axial clearance is ignored. In this article, the dynamic responses of a mechanical system considering both radial and axial clearances in 3D revolute clearance joint are investigated using a computational methodology. First, the mathematic model of 3D revolute clearance joint is established considering the radial and axial clearances. The definitions of the radial and axial clearances, the potential contact modes, contact conditions, and contact detection for 3D revolute clearance joint are presented. Furthermore, the normal and tangential contact force models are established to describe the contact phenomenon and determine the contact forces in revolute clearance joints. Finally, two demonstrative application examples are presented to illustrate the dynamic characteristics of mechanical systems considering both radial and axial clearances in revolute clearance joints. A slider-crank mechanism with planar motion and a double pendulum with spatial motion are investigated. Different cases are presented to analyze the dynamic characteristics of a mechanical system considering radial and axial clearances in 3D revolute clearance joints.
Evaluation of an Active Citizenship Intervention Based on Youth-Led Participatory Action Research
Authors: Prati Gabriele , Mazzoni Davide , Guarino Antonella , Albanesi Cinzia , Cicognani Elvira
Published: August 2020

Youth-led participatory action research (YPAR) is a theoretical–methodological approach that has been designed to promote positive development (e.g., well-being and health, social–emotional and cognitive development, academic or career advancement) and civic engagement among young people. Although YPAR holds particular promise, there has been little systematic assessment of its effects. Moreover, no study has investigated the role of YPAR in the promotion of active citizenship. We report on an effectiveness evaluation of a YPAR project designed to promote European active citizenship (i.e., identification and attitudes toward a political entity, institutional trust, participation, and political alienation) and social well-being among adolescents. Our sample included 69 Italian high school students (35 in the intervention group; 34 in the control group). We evaluated the impact of YPAR using a pretest–posttest control group design and fitting the generalized estimating equations procedure. The results showed that participants in the intervention group reported increased scores on social well-being, institutional trust, and participation and decreased scores on political alienation compared with the control group. We found no significant effects for identification as European and attitudes toward a political entity. Findings support the benefits of YPAR in terms of social well-being and active citizenship.
Incidence of fibroblastic sleeve and of catheter-related venous thrombosis in peripherally inserted central catheters: A prospective study on oncological and hematological patients
Authors: Trezza Carmela , Califano Catello , Iovino Vincenzo , D’Ambrosio Carmela , Grimaldi Giuseppe , Pittiruti Mauro
Published: August 2020

Background:

Insertion of peripherally inserted central catheters in oncological patients is potentially associated with catheter-related thrombosis and fibroblastic sleeve; the actual incidence and interactions between these two non-infective complications have never been investigated in a prospective clinical study on peripherally inserted central catheters.

Methods:

In a cohort of oncological/hematological patients with peripherally inserted central catheter, we evaluated the occurrence of catheter-related thrombosis and/or fibroblastic sleeve, examining all patients by ultrasound scan at days 7, 14, 21, and 28 after insertion. We correlated our findings with the type of disease.

Results:

We enrolled 254 patients with power injectable polyurethane 4Fr peripherally inserted central catheters. Ultrasound scan of the veins of the arm showed fibroblastic sleeve in 76 patients (29.9%); the fibroblastic sleeve was first detected on day 7 in 45 cases (17.7%), on day 14 in 26 cases (10.2%), on day 21 in 3 cases (1.2%), and on day 28 in 2 cases (0.79%). There was no correlation between the type of disease and the development of fibroblastic sleeve. The incidence of asymptomatic catheter-related thrombosis was 5.12%: all catheter-related thromboses were detected before day 14. There was only one case of symptomatic catheter-related thrombosis (0.39%) in a leukemia patient. Fibroblastic sleeve and catheter-related thrombosis were associated only in two cases (0.78%).

Conclusion:

Fibroblastic sleeve is a frequent (29.9%) but asymptomatic finding in oncological and hematological patients with peripherally inserted central catheter, and—in the vast majority of cases—it occurs within 2 weeks after insertion. If compared to fibroblastic sleeve, asymptomatic catheter-related thrombosis is less frequent (5.51%); symptomatic catheter-related thrombosis is rare (<1%).
Thesis as kin: living relationality with research
Authors: Tynan Lauren
Published: August 2020

As a trawlwulwuy woman of tebrakunna country, Australia, I invite scholars to embrace research and writing as kin, extending an ethic of relational accountability to all relations, including the thesis. “Thesis as kin” derives from an Aboriginal ontological translation of the English (originally Latin) word “thesis,” broken into two parts, “the” “sis”, revealing the short form for sister “sis” as the primary entity. “Thesis as kin” can similarly be translated as “thesis askin,” an agentic provocation that situates knowledge production with the thesis itself and suggests the thesis is askin’ (asking) questions. Not limited to doctoral studies, imagining thesis as kin respectfully and humbly responds to scholars’ calls that Indigenous research paradigms centre relationality. This article advocates for a research practice beyond consumerist reproduction, towards a process of kinship. It is an attempt to caretake all our relations by living the processes of relationality with research.
Lessons from “communicative language teaching” for Māori language teachers in English medium schools
Authors: Nock Sophie Judy
Published: August 2020

Can the teaching approach “communicative language teaching” support Māori language teachers teaching te reo Māori (the Māori language) in English medium schools? Given that, in the absence of a high level of inter-generational transmission, and more than two-thirds of Māori school children attend schools in which the primary language of instruction is English, the ultimate fate of the language rests, to some extent at least, with the success of instructed language learning. This article will discuss and support the notion of adopting characteristics of communicative language teaching as a supportive teaching tool for language teachers. This article will also introduce a number of “focus points” derived from the review of a range of literature sources specific to the analysis of language lessons and relevant literature on the teaching and learning of second or additional languages and will provide anecdotal illustrations from lessons observed. Finally, this article will suggest some useful recommendations for already heavily burdened Indigenous language teachers.
Tracing surveillance and auto-regulation in Singapore: ‘smart’ responses to COVID-19
Authors: Lee Terence , Lee Howard
Published: August 2020

The wealthy and ‘smart’ city-state of Singapore was one of the first to develop a mobile tracing app called TraceTogether during the coronavirus outbreak. It then pivoted towards developing a wearable tech device in order to reach all 5.7 million residents, brushing off concerns about privacy and surveillance. This article tracks the development of TraceTogether and engages in critical debates that have ensued around the use of the app, namely around the twin implications of privacy protection and the conduct of surveillance in a panoptic and auto-regulatory society that privileges socio-political discipline and control. With health crises and pandemics becoming more commonplace, more people around the world are being persuaded to wear some loss of privacy to trust ‘smart’ technologies to aid us in fighting enemies that are deadly and invisible. Singapore could already be offering a glimpse of how this can be done now, and in the future.
Role of resilience and emotional control in relation to mental health in people with cancer
Authors: Macía Patricia , Gorbeña Susana , Barranco Mercedes , Alonso Estibaliz , Iraurgi Ioseba
Published: August 2020

This study explored the relationship between emotional control, resilience, and mental health in cancer. Patients with cancer were recruited ( n = 170). Courtauld Scale of Emotional Control, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the General Health Questionnaire were selected. Assuming the absence of interaction among the variables, they were analyzed separately. Four groups resulted, finding statistically significant differences ( F(4, 165) = 18.03; p < 0.001). High resilience and low emotional control seem to be protective attributes, and high emotional control has demonstrated to be a risk factor for mental health. Considering differences in cancer-related psychological variables could derive in personalized psychotherapeutic interventions.
Queer (post-)migration experiences: Mexican men’s use of gay dating apps in the USA
Authors: Lennes Kostia
Published: August 2020

Drawing on an ethnographic research in Mexico City, this article focuses on the use of geo-localized gay dating apps among Mexican queer migrants returning from the USA. Based principally on in-depth interviews and participant observation, this article aims to grasp how the participants have come to use these technologies when arriving in the USA. I argue that gay dating apps impact the trajectories of my informants and that their involvement in these networks is intimately linked to their migration experience. Furthermore, I suggest that these technologies contribute to fill a lack of sociability in the host country and influence queer sexual subjectivities after relocation.
Rebooting the new evidence scholarship
Authors: Welch John R
Published: August 2020

The new evidence scholarship addresses three distinct approaches: legal probabilism, Bayesian decision theory and relative plausibility theory. Each has major insights to offer, but none seems satisfactory as it stands. This paper proposes that relative plausibility theory be modified in two substantial ways. The first is by defining its key concept of plausibility, hitherto treated as primitive, by generalising the standard axioms of probability. The second is by complementing the descriptive component of the theory with a normative decision theory adapted to legal process. Because this version of decision theory is based on plausibilities rather than probabilities, it generates plausibilistic expectations as outputs. Because these outputs are comparable, they function as relative plausibilities. Hence the resulting framework is an extension of relative plausibility theory, but it retains deep ties to legal probabilism, through the proposed definition of plausibility, and to Bayesian decision theory, through the normative use of decision theory.