bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of e-library services’ use among university students: A study of John Harris Library, University of Benin, Nigeria
Authors: Umukoro Immanuel Ovemeso , Tiamiyu Mutawakilu Adisa
Published: June 2016

Provision of e-services in Nigerian academic libraries has been around for some time. However, while studies of user satisfaction with traditional modes of library services in these libraries are countless, those focusing specifically on user satisfaction with their e-services are rare. This study therefore investigated the factors that determine students’ use of and satisfaction with the e-services sponsored by a multinational telecommunication firm in a Nigerian university library. The design for the study was both quantitative and qualitative, involving a multistage sampling technique. A questionnaire was used to sample 400 registered students of the library, while 40 students who are non-users of the library’s e-services were interviewed. The 382 valid responses were analysed statistically while the interview responses were analysed thematically. The study found that among those who use the e-services, their level of use was significantly predicted by all the examined e-library service factors (system quality, service quality and information quality), e-library environment, students’ gender, computer/IT self-efficacy and satisfaction with e-services. However, students who were not using the e-services mentioned the following factors, amongst several others, as responsible: lack of awareness of the services, inadequately skilled ICT manpower to support users, absence of user training, inadequate ICT infrastructures including inadequate Internet access and unreliable campus network. Needed to boost the use of and user satisfaction with the e-services are attention to the services, these resource availability factors and the investigated service delivery factors.
Autoimmune gastrointestinal complications in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: case series and literature review
Authors: Alves S Custódio , Fasano S , Isenberg D A
Published: June 2016

The association of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with gastrointestinal autoimmune diseases is rare, but has been described in the literature, mostly as case reports. However, some of these diseases may be very severe, thus a correct and early diagnosis with appropriate management are fundamental. We have analysed our data from the SLE patient cohort at University College Hospital London, established in 1978, identifying those patients with an associated autoimmune gastrointestinal disease. We have also undertaken a review of the literature describing the major autoimmune gastrointestinal pathologies which may be coincident with SLE, focusing on the incidence, clinical and laboratory (particularly antibody) findings, common aetiopathogenesis and complications.
The Effect of Mentoring on Successor Nurturing in Family Businesses
Authors: Samei Hossein , Feyzbakhsh Alireza
Published: June 2016

Literature reveals that many family businesses are not able to manage successful succession to the next generation due to poor successor nurturing. Therefore, it seems essential to apply effective methods of successor nurturing to prepare a competent successor. Mentoring, as one of the main methods of nurturing, helps the successor nurturing process through a range of functions. However, the effect of different functions of mentoring on preparing the successor has not been well explained in literature. In this research, we have addressed this issue by identifying the competencies which are developed by applying mentoring functions. To this end, the paper has studied five successful Iranian family businesses. The results suggest that these family businesses have applied all mentoring functions and each function has helped to develop specific competencies in the successor. This article discusses each of the functions and explains the way they affect successor nurturing.
Affective disorders and functional (non-epileptic) seizures in persons with epilepsy
Authors: Johnson Keith A , Macfarlane Matthew D , Looi Jeffrey CL
Published: June 2016

Objective:

This paper aims to describe the prevalence, assessment and management of affective disorders as well as functional (non-epileptic) seizures in people with epilepsy.

Method:

This paper comprises a selective review of the literature of the common affective manifestations of epilepsy.

Results:

Affective disorders are the most common psychiatric comorbidity seen in people with epilepsy and assessment and management parallels that of the general population. Additionally, people with epilepsy may experience higher rates of mood instability, irritability and euphoria, classified together as a group, interictal dysphoric disorder and resembling an unstable bipolar Type II disorder. Functional seizures present unique challenges in terms of identification of the disorder and a lack of specific management.

Conclusions:

Given their high prevalence, it is important to be able to recognise affective disorders in people with epilepsy. Management principles parallel those in the general population with specific caution exercised regarding the potential interactions between antidepressant medications and antiepileptic drugs. Functional seizures are more complex and require a coordinated approach involving neurologists, psychiatrists, general practitioners, nursing and allied health. There is very limited evidence to guide psychological and behavioural interventions for neurotic disorders in epilepsy and much more research is needed.
Surviving Outsourcing and Offshoring
Authors: Virtaluoto Jenni , Sannino Annalisa , Engeström Yrjö
Published: June 2016

Major trends, such as outsourcing and offshoring, and field-specific factors, such as the advent of content management systems, have fundamentally changed technical communication in recent years. These changes have been widely discussed in the literature of the field, and this article traces their impact on technical communicators in Finland, a high-cost country where downturns in the export industry and the downsizing of major employers are currently coinciding. Through the framework of activity theory, the article looks at the historical changes in the industry as sources of tension and contradictions that need to be understood in order to support professionals in the industry. With the help of interview data, the authors explore the tensions experienced by technical communication professionals in the face of such changes. This analysis leads to the formulation of a hypothesis of historical contradictions currently at play in the field of technical communication. Developmental potentials stemming from these contradictions are outlined as potential ways forward for technical communicators who notice similar tensions in their own environments.
Improving the Quality of Handoffs in Patient Care Between Critical Care Providers in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Hoskote Sumedh S. , Racedo Africano Carlos J. , Braun Andrea B. , O’Horo John C. , Sevilla Berrios Ronaldo A. , Loftsgard Theodore O. , Bryant Kimberly M. , Iyer Vivek N. , Smischney Nathan J.
Published: June 2016

With the ever-increasing adoption of shift models for intensive care unit (ICU) staffing, improving shift-to-shift handoffs represents an important step in reducing medical errors. The authors developed an electronic handoff tool integrated within the existing electronic medical record to improve handoffs in an adult ICU. First, stakeholder (staff intensivists, fellows, and nurse practitioners/physician assistants) input was sought to define what elements they perceived as being essential to a quality handoff. The principal outcome measure of handoff accuracy was the concordance between data transmitted by the outgoing team and data received by the incoming team (termed as agreement). Based on stakeholder input, the authors developed the handoff tool and provided regular education on its use. Handoffs were observed before and after implementation of the tool. There was an increase in the level of agreement for tasks and other important data points handed off without an increase in the time required to complete the handoff.
Informal Science Learning for Older Adults
Authors: Brookfield Katherine , Tilley Sara , Cox Máire
Published: June 2016

Recent years have seen rapid growth in informal science learning. Evidence suggests that participation in such learning delivers benefits, including improved performance in formal science learning and enhanced interest in science. To date, such learning has typically attended to children and families, with little attention paid to older populations. Older adults are, however, keen knowledge consumers with their participation in learning associated with improved well-being and better health. This commentary presents our experience of developing and delivering an informal science learning event for older adults. Its successes, challenges, and audience reception are considered with a small number of recommendations provided.
Influence of VKORC1 and CYP2C9 Polymorphisms on Daily Acenocoumarol Dose Requirement in South Indian Patients With Mechanical Heart Valves
Authors: Kalpana S. R. , Bharath G. , Manjunath C. N. , Christopher Rita
Published: June 2016

Background and Aim:

Chronic rheumatic heart disease (RHD) patients who undergo valve replacement with mechanical valves require lifelong anticoagulation. Acenocoumarol, a vitamin K antagonist has a narrow therapeutic range and wide inter-individual variability. Our aim was to investigate the influence of polymorphisms of VKORC1 and CYP2C9 genes on the mean daily dose requirement of acenocoumarol.

Methods:

205 chronic RHD patients, with mechanical heart valves and on acenocoumarol therapy, were recruited. Genotyping for VKORC1 (−1639G>A and 1173C>T) and CYP2C9 (*2 & *3 alleles) polymorphisms was done by PCR-RFLP. There was complete linkage disequilibrium between VKORC1 polymorphisms (r2 = 0.98, D′ = 1.0, LOD = 74.02). VKORC1 genotype distribution for GG/CC, GA/CT, and AA/TT were 57.6%, 36.1%, and 6.3%, respectively. CYP2C9 genotype distribution for *1/*1, *1/*3, *1/*2, *2/*2, and *2/*3 were 78.5%, 14.1%, 6.3%, 0.5%, and 0.5%, respectively. Patients with a wild type of both VKORC1 (−1639GG and 1173CC) and CYP2C9 gene variants required higher acenocoumarol dose compared to those with mutant genotype ( P = 0.023 and P = 0.008 respectively). On combined genotype analysis, patients having a combination of wild type of VKORC1 with wild type of CYP2C9 (44.4%) required higher daily dose compared to patients bearing heterozygous VKORC1 (−1639GA & 1173CT) with wild type of CYP2C9 (30.2%, P = 0.008).

Conclusion:

Presence of a mutant allele of VKORC1 (−1639A & 1173T) and CYP2C9 genes increased the odds of requiring a lower mean dosage of acenocoumarol. Studying the combination of genotypes in RHD patients could predict acenocoumarol dose requirement more accurately.
Who Owns “Place of People” Cinema? Glocalizing “Taiwan New Cinema” in the Neoliberal Era
Authors: Wang Kuan-Chi
Published: June 2016

The relationship between cultural–creative industries and globalization has been a significant concern of geographers for more than a decade. Geographers have argued that cultural–creative industries have become urban-based initiatives which reinforce social stratification and social inequalities. Analyzing Taiwan’s film industry, this article integrates the framework of the New International Division of Cultural Labor with the urban theory of David Harvey and Henri Lefebvre. The main research question examines how the famed Taiwan New Cinema was subsumed into the overarching structure of the New International Division of Cultural Labor in the neoliberal era. Meanwhile, through a case study of “Place of People” cinema in Taipei, this article examines the Taiwan state-led “Cultural and Creative Industry Development Plan” and its aftermath. This study argues that although public–private partnerships do in fact comprise Taipei’s urban entrepreneurial strategy governing Place of People cinema, they contribute to possibilities for the development of an alternative space for social and cultural transformation.
Predictors of Morbidity and Mortality in Esophageal Perforation: Retrospective Study of 80 Patients
Authors: Zimmermann M. , Hoffmann M. , Jungbluth T. , Bruch H. P. , Keck T. , Schloericke E.
Published: June 2016

Background and Aims:

Esophageal perforation is a life-threatening disease. Factors impacting morbidity and mortality include the cause and site of the perforation, the time to diagnosis, and the therapeutic procedure. This study aimed to identify risk factors for morbidity and mortality after esophageal perforation.

Patients and Methods:

This retrospective study analyzed data collected from all patients treated for esophageal perforation at the Department of Surgery, University of Schleswig–Holstein, Luebeck Campus, from January 1986 through December 2011.

Results:

Altogether, 80 patients (52 men, 28 women; mean age 65 years) were treated. The cause of perforation was intraluminal in 44 (55%) (group A) and extraluminal in 2 (3%) (group B). Spontaneous perforations were observed in 12 (15%) (group C). Perforations were due to a preexisting esophageal disease in 22 (28%) (group D). The survival rate was higher for group A (82%) than for groups B (50%), C (57%), and D (59%). The distal third of the esophagus had the highest prevalence of perforations (49, 61%) independent of the cause. Mortality, however, was independent of the perforation site. Perforations were diagnosed within 24 h in 57% (n = 46) of patients, associated with a statistically significant lower mortality rate (p = 0.035). Altogether, 40 patients underwent non-operative treatment, and among those 27 had endoscopic treatment. Emergency thoracic surgery was performed in 40 patients: direct suture of the defect (n = 26), partial esophageal resection (n = 11), other (n = 3). Significantly higher morbidity (p = 0.007) and prolonged hospitalization (p < 0.0001) was observed among patients who underwent emergency surgery. Mortality was higher in the surgical group (14/40) than in the non-operative treatment group (9/40) but without statistical significance.

Conclusion:

Intraluminal perforations, rapid initiation of therapy, and non-operative treatment were associated with favorable outcomes. The perforation site did not have an impact on outcomes. Esophageal resection was associated with high mortality.
Implementation and evaluation of a formal academic-peer-mentoring programme in higher education
Authors: Cornelius Vanessa , Wood Leigh , Lai Jennifer
Published: June 2016

Formal mentoring programmes continue to gain popularity in higher education, mirroring trends in industry. The study described in this article examines the design features of a formal mentoring programme for first year undergraduates and focused on three key aspects – the matching process, training and orientation, and interaction frequency. The programme allows mentees to interact vertically with academics and horizontally with peer mentors. The results indicate that students completing the programme have positive transition experiences and become more engaged and integrated into the university. The experience gained in this study can be transferred to other higher education institutions that are in the process of either designing or implementing formal mentoring programmes. Implications of formal mentoring programmes and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Cognitive stimulation therapy as a low-resource intervention for dementia in sub-Saharan Africa (CST-SSA): Adaptation for rural Tanzania and Nigeria
Authors: Mkenda Sarah , Olakehinde Olaide , Mbowe Godfrey , Siwoku Akeem , Kisoli Aloyce , Paddick Stella-Maria , Adediran Babatunde , Gray William K , Dotchin Catherine L , Adebiyi Akinpelumi , Walker Richard W , Mushi Declare , Ogunniyi Adesola
Published: June 2016

Introduction

Cognitive stimulation therapy is a non-pharmacological intervention for people with dementia. Its use has been associated with substantial improvements in cognition and quality of life in studies from high-income countries, equivalent to those achieved by pharmacological treatments. Cognitive stimulation therapy may be particularly suited to low resource settings, such as sub-Saharan Africa, because it requires little specialist equipment and can be delivered by non-specialist health workers. The aim of this study was to adapt cognitive stimulation therapy for use in sub-Saharan Africa taking into account socio-cultural differences and resource implications.

Methods

Cognitive stimulation therapy is a structured programme, originally developed in the United Kingdom. Substantial adaptations were required for use in sub-Saharan Africa. The formative method for adapting psychotherapy was used as a framework for the adaption process. The feasibility of using the adapted cognitive stimulation therapy programme to manage dementia was assessed in Tanzania and Nigeria in November 2013. Further adaptations were made following critical appraisal of feasibility.

Results

The adapted cognitive stimulation therapy intervention appeared feasible and acceptable to participants and carers. Key adaptations included identification of suitable treatment settings, task adaptation to accommodate illiteracy and uncorrected sensory impairment, awareness of cultural differences and usage of locally available materials and equipment to ensure sustainability.

Conclusions

Cognitive stimulation therapy was successfully adapted for use in sub-Saharan Africa. Future work will focus on a trial of cognitive stimulation therapy in each setting.
Four concepts of rules: A theory of rule egalitarianism
Authors: Melkevik Åsbjørn
Published: June 2016

This article outlines the foundations of a nomos-observing theory of social justice, termed ‘rule egalitarianism’, that explains how the seemingly contradictory merger of classical liberalism and social justice is conceivable. The first step towards such a theory consists in ensuring that a concern for the rule of law is etched in the very core of our understanding of social justice, in which case some egalitarian rules will be acceptable from a classical liberal viewpoint. The legal framework of capitalism can indeed be designed to reduce inequality in the name of justice inasmuch as any egalitarian goal is specified in terms of institutional rules. More precisely, rules in a liberal polity should be general and abstract, which will lead us to establish a distinction between four concepts of rules, namely between laws, regulations, statutes and decrees. Moreover, against the neoclassical liberal understanding of social justice, rule egalitarianism argues that having general and abstract rules of market capitalism imposes some constraints on any institutional framework so that social justice becomes necessary to correct the errors of imperfect generalisations, leaving some people behind.
Applications of structural health monitoring technology in Asia
Authors: Annamdas Venu Gopal Madhav , Bhalla Suresh , Soh Chee Kiong
Published: June 2016

Asia is the largest and most populous continent in the world with over 45 million square kilometers of land mass and 4.5 billion people. Asia is characterized by numerous densely populated cities. Structural health monitoring is a non-issue for the underdeveloped countries where basic amenities of survival are more important. However, structural health monitoring is crucial for the developing countries, especially those with densely populated cities like Singapore, Mumbai, and Hong Kong, where any infrastructural failure could be devastating to their society and economy. Structural health monitoring of mechanical and aerospace structures is mostly similar worldwide, but of civil infrastructures could vary due to socio-economic, cultural, geographical, and governmental reasons across countries, and even across states within the same country. This article, which is an enhancement to the keynote paper of the International Workshop on Structural Health Monitoring (IWSHM 2015, Stanford University, USA), presents some of the better known structural health monitoring studies of key civil infrastructures in a few Asian countries. In addition, the authors’ research and applications of structural health monitoring technology carried out at the Nanyang Technological University for civil infrastructures in Singapore are presented. At the end, the authors also discuss recent work on energy harvesting using piezoelectric transducers as an alternative to wired structural health monitoring for automated and self-powered structural health monitoring.
Collaborating for community food security: Emerging scholar participation in a community–university partnership
Authors: Nelson Erin , Dodd Warren
Published: June 2016

In recent years, there has been rapid growth in community–university partnerships. As part of this trend, emerging scholars, including graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, have demonstrated significant interest in being part of community-engaged research projects. However, while there is a growing body of literature on the general subject of CU partnerships, the perspective of emerging scholars is not adequately addressed. In this paper, we aim to address that gap by presenting the case of a specific partnership – one that focused on the issue of community food security – and highlighting the role played by emerging scholars. We suggest that some of the challenges and opportunities characteristic of CU work affect emerging scholars, and the partnerships in which they are involved, in unique ways. Because we view emerging scholar participation in engaged research as valuable for both researchers and community partners, we argue in favour of developing institutional spaces that can support their involvement in CU partnerships by providing opportunities to do the work, facilitating skill building and creating communities of practice.
Negative association of diabetes with rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Takagi Hisato , Umemoto Takuya ,   for the ALICE (All-Literature Investigation of Cardiovascular Evidence) Group
Published: June 2016

Purpose:

To summarize the association of diabetes with abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture, we reviewed currently available studies with a systematic literature search and meta-analytic evaluation.

Methods:

To identify all studies reporting the association of diabetes with abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture, MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched through July 2015. For each study, data regarding diabetes prevalence in both the ruptured and non-ruptured groups were used to generate an unadjusted odds ratio for abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture and 95% confidence intervals. Alternatively, an unadjusted or adjusted odds ratio, or hazard ratio for abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture with 95% confidence interval was directly abstracted (as available) from each individual study.

Results:

Our search identified 11 eligible studies. A primary meta-analysis of nine studies reporting data on ruptured (not including non-ruptured symptomatic) abdominal aortic aneurysm demonstrated that diabetes was associated with significantly lower prevalence/incidence of abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture (odds ratio/hazard ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.56 to 0.89; p = 0.003). A secondary meta-analysis of all 11 studies (adding two studies in which non-ruptured symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm was included in the rupture group) also demonstrated that diabetes was associated with significantly lower prevalence/incidence of abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture (odds ratio/hazard ratio, 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.63 to 0.95; p = 0.01).

Conclusion:

Diabetes is negatively associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture.
The prevalence of major lower limb amputation in the diabetic and non-diabetic population of England 2003–2013
Authors: Ahmad Naseer , Thomas G Neil , Gill Paramjit , Torella Francesco
Published: June 2016

Aims:

To determine the prevalence of amputation and revascularisation among diabetics and non-diabetics between 2003 and 2013.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of English hospital data with census estimates for population aged 50–84 years.

Results:

There were 42,294 major and 52,525 minor amputations and 355,545 revascularisations. Major amputation rates fell by 20% (27.7–22.9), with minor amputations (22.9–35.2) and revascularisations (199.8–245.4) rising. The major amputation rate reduced in diabetics (men, 180.5–111.8; women, 92.8–52.7) faster than non-diabetics (men, 24.6–18.7; women, 11.0–8.9). In total, 48.2% of men and 58.0% of women amputees were not diabetic.

Conclusion:

Diabetics continue to experience six times the rate of amputation than non-diabetics. However, half of major amputees were not diabetic and experienced slower rates of decrease. Non-diabetics, particularly those with peripheral arterial disease, should have access to appropriate services, particularly foot care.
Settler Colonialism and Cultural Studies
Authors: Rowe Aimee Carrillo , Tuck Eve
Published: June 2016

In this editorial, we consider what is at work in a turn toward analyzing settler colonialism, and what this turn makes available in cultural studies and discussions of cultural production. Recent theorizations of settler colonialism reveal how cultural productions remain complicit with ongoing settlement, both in everyday practices and intellectual projects like queer studies, feminist studies, and critical race studies. This special issue considers the political stakes of the complicity of cultural studies in settler colonialism, Indigenous erasure, and anti-Blackness, and expands, revises, and repurposes the scope of the field’s inquiry, politics, and archive.
Multi-sensors multi-baseline mapping system for mobile robot using stereovision camera and laser-range device
Authors: Faisal Mohammed , Mathkour Hassan , Alsulaiman Mansour , Zuair Mansour
Published: June 2016

Countless applications today are using mobile robots, including autonomous navigation, security patrolling, housework, search-and-rescue operations, material handling, manufacturing, and automated transportation systems. Regardless of the application, a mobile robot must use a robust autonomous navigation system. Autonomous navigation remains one of the primary challenges in the mobile-robot industry; many control algorithms and techniques have been recently developed that aim to overcome this challenge. Among autonomous navigation methods, vision-based systems have been growing in recent years due to rapid gains in computational power and the reliability of visual sensors. The primary focus of research into vision-based navigation is to allow a mobile robot to navigate in an unstructured environment without collision. In recent years, several researchers have looked at methods for setting up autonomous mobile robots for navigational tasks. Among these methods, stereovision-based navigation is a promising approach for reliable and efficient navigation. In this article, we create and develop a novel mapping system for a robust autonomous navigation system. The main contribution of this article is the fuse of the multi-baseline stereovision (narrow and wide baselines) and laser-range reading data to enhance the accuracy of the point cloud, to reduce the ambiguity of correspondence matching, and to extend the field of view of the proposed mapping system to 180°. Another contribution is the pruning the region of interest of the three-dimensional point clouds to reduce the computational burden involved in the stereo process. Therefore, we called the proposed system multi-sensors multi-baseline mapping system. The experimental results illustrate the robustness and accuracy of the proposed system.
Intralesional Osteophyte Regrowth Following Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation after Previous Treatment with Marrow Stimulation Technique
Authors: Demange Marco Kawamura , Minas Tom , von Keudell Arvind , Sodha Sonal , Bryant Tim , Gomoll Andreas H.
Published: June 2016

Objective

Bone marrow stimulation surgeries are frequent in the treatment of cartilage lesions. Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) may be performed after failed microfracture surgery. Alterations to subchondral bone as intralesional osteophytes are commonly seen after previous microfracture and removed during ACI. There have been no reports on potential recurrence. Our purpose was to evaluate the incidence of intralesional osteophyte development in 2 cohorts: existing intralesional osteophytes and without intralesional osteophytes at the time of ACI.

Study Design

We identified 87 patients (157 lesions) with intralesional osteophytes among a cohort of 497 ACI patients. Osteophyte regrowth was analyzed on magnetic resonance imaging and categorized as small or large (less or more than 50% of the cartilage thickness). Twenty patients (24 defects) without intralesional osteophytes at the time of ACI acted as control.

Results

Osteophyte regrowth was observed in 39.5% of lesions (34.4% of small osteophytes and 5.1% of large osteophytes). In subgroup analyses, regrowth was observed in 45.8% of periosteal-covered defects and in 18.9% of collagen membrane–covered defects. Large osteophyte regrowth occurred in less than 5% in either group. Periosteal defects showed a significantly higher incidence for regrowth of small osteophytes. In the control group, intralesional osteophytes developed in 16.7% of the lesions.

Conclusions

Even though intralesional osteophytes may regrow after removal during ACI, most of them are small. Small osteophyte regrowth occurs almost twice in periosteum-covered ACI. Large osteophytes occur only in 5% of patients. Intralesional osteophyte formation is not significantly different in preexisting intralesional osteophytes and control groups.
The power function of the ten test for measuring neural sensitivity in clinical pain or sensory abnormalities
Authors: Uddin Zakir
Published: June 2016

This review highlights a simple psychophysical quantitative sensory testing (QST) method (the ten test) for research and clinical practice as it relates to sensitivity change and symptom improvement in pain populations. This cost-effective QST has a three-fold benefit of being diagnostic, prognostic and providing outcome evaluation. The power function of the ten test is discussed with the theoretical foundation of levels of measurement and psychophysical method that can approach ratio scaling in mind. The ratio level measurement might be useful for the researcher as the normative values of different QSTs are not well established. As a reliable and valid testing method, it provides an option for clinicians in busy clinical settings, and/or where QST equipment is unavailable.
Older nurses in Singapore: Factors associated with attitudes towards extending working life
Authors: Ang Shin Yuh , Ayoob Salimah Binte Mohd , Hussain Nurshifa Binte Shaik , Uthaman Thendral , Adenan Hezlin , Chiang Patsy , Ong Lay Teng , Fong Mew Keng , Ostbye Truls
Published: June 2016

Aims:

We aim to determine associations between demographic variables, motivation to work, economic factors, work demands and organisational attitudes towards older workers and whether nurses want to extend working life.

Background:

Singapore’s ageing workforce, coupled with the government’s enactment of re-employment legislation, calls for attention on older nurses’ concerns and views about working longer.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey with nurses aged 50 and above was conducted.

Results:

Data from 355 respondents was analysed. Malay nurses were significantly less likely (OR 0.3, 95%CI 0.1–0.6) than Chinese nurses to want to work longer. Financing one’s retirement, societal trends in postponing retirement and physical capability to continue working were factors significantly associated with older nurses’ decisions to extend working life.

Conclusion:

Approximately 40% of older nurses in Singapore want to work up to and above age 65. Race, societal attitudes and economic factors contribute in older nurses’ decisions on retirement.

Implications for nursing management:

Given an ageing workforce and manpower shortage, it is important for nurse managers and higher authorities to devise strategies to keep nurses in the workforce as long as possible. This study highlights concerns and attitudes of older nurses towards extending working life, and could inform future planning of strategies to retain older nurses.
Effectiveness of eLearning in statistics: Pictures and stories
Authors: Blackburn Greg
Published: June 2016

The study investigates (1) the effectiveness of using eLearning-embedded stories and pictures in order to improve learning outcomes for students and (2) how universities can adopt innovative approaches to the creation of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) resources and embed them in educational technology for teaching domain-specific content, such as statistical literacy – a widely documented difficult subject for students to master. Current didactic approaches for statistics commonly do not arouse student attentiveness and enthusiasm. New educational theories related to contextualism and learning through student-relevant experiences and technologies establish encouraging options to improve educational relevance. The author suggests that contextualizing theories embedded in eLearning systems can eliminate barriers for learning and can serve as a valuable technique that encourages students to learn using scenarios that are more relevant to them. The authors examine empirical data on students’ learning and interpretation of the topic studied. The data are instrumental in determining the broader context of learning, including affective dimensions and student interpretations. Based on the proposed approach, a trans-disciplinary application is possible.
Hypovitaminosis D Among Patients Admitted With Hip Fracture to a Level-1 Trauma Center in the Sunny Upper Egypt
Authors: Farouk Osama , Mahran Dalia G. , Said Hatem G. , Alaa Mohamed M. , Eisa Amr Atef , Said Galal Z. , Rashed Heba , Ez-Eldeen Azza
Published: June 2016

Introduction:

Despite abundant sunshine, hypovitaminosis D is common in the Middle East. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D and related correlates among patients with hip fracture in Assiut University Hospitals in Upper Egypt.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was carried out in 133 patients with hip fracture, aged 50 years and older, admitted to Trauma Unit of Assiut University Hospitals, from January through December 2014. Patients were selected by systematic random sampling. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; bone mineral density (BMD) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Weight and height measurements were used for body mass index (BMI) calculation.

Results:

Patients’ median age was 70 years (range: 50-99); 51.9% were females. Osteoporosis (femoral neck T score: <−2.5 standard deviation) prevalence was 72.2%. Of all patients, 60.9% had vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL); 15.8% reported vitamin D inadequacy (from 20 to 29 ng/mL) and vitamin D levels were normal in 23.3% (>30 ng/mL). According to univariate analysis, vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with obesity ( P = .012) and low T scores of the femoral neck ( P = .001), L2 ( P = .021), L3 ( P = .031), L4 ( P = .012), and the greater trochanter ( P < .001). In a multivariable logistic regression model, high BMI and low BMD of the femoral neck and greater trochanter were associated with hypovitaminosis D.

Conclusion:

Prevalence of hypovitaminosis D is high among patients with hip fracture and associated with low BMD and high BMI. Increasing awareness about prevention as well as detection and treatment of vitamin D deficiency is recommended.
The early activation of memory B cells from Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome patients is suppressed by CD19 downregulation
Authors: Bai Xiaoming , Zhang Yongjie , Huang Lu , Wang Jinzhi , Li Wenyan , Niu Linlin , Jiang Hongyan , Dai Rongxin , Zhou Lina , Zhang Zhiyong , Miller Heather , Song Wenxia , Zhao Xiaodong , Liu Chaohong
Published: June 2016

Key Points

BCR clustering and B-cell spreading were decreased in WAS memory B cells. CD19-Btk–mediated signaling was decreased, and FcγRIIB-SHIP–mediated signaling was increased in WAS memory B cells.
SWMI: new paradigm of water resources management for SDGs
Authors: Choi Gye Woon , Chong Koo Yol , Kim Sae Jin , Ryu Tae Sang
Published: June 2016

The seriousness of water related issues is increasing due to regional imbalances of water use and damages from water related disasters. Various technologies are being applied to resolve water related issues. Recently, interest in SWM, water management methods converging with ICT, is increasing. K-water, as a Korean government owned corporation, suggested SWMI as a new paradigm to resolve water related issues by converging K-water’s experienced water management know-how with advanced ICT. SWMI is an integrated management model covering the entire water cycle from sources to tap for securing the stability, safety and efficiency of water. At the same time, a 3-step strategy consisting of technology development, standardization and standardized frame for application of technologies was established to implement SWMI. It is expected that SWMI will enable scientific and efficient water management by interacting of technologies converged with ICT for entire water cycle from sources to tap water.
Bilateral Adrenal Hyperplasia as a Possible Mechanism for Hyperandrogenism in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Gourgari Evgenia , Lodish Maya , Keil Meg , Sinaii Ninet , Turkbey Evrim , Lyssikatos Charalampos , Nesterova Maria , de la Luz Sierra Maria , Xekouki Paraskevi , Khurana Divya , Ten Svetlana , Dobs Adrian , Stratakis Constantine A.
Published: June 2016

Context:

Androgen excess may be adrenal and/or ovarian in origin; we hypothesized that a subgroup of patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may have some degree of abnormal adrenocortical function.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to evaluate the pituitary adrenal axis with an oral low- and high-dose dexamethasone-suppression test (Liddle's test) in women with PCOS.

Design:

This was a case-control study.

Setting:

The study was conducted at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center.

Participants:

A total of 38 women with PCOS and 20 healthy volunteers (HV) aged 16–29 years participated in the study.

Main Outcome Measures:

Urinary free cortisol (UFC) and 17-hydroxysteroids (17OHS) before and after low- and high-dose dexamethasone and assessment of adrenal volume by computed tomography scan were measured.

Results:

Twenty-four-hour urinary 17OHS and UFC were measured during day 1 to day 6 of the Liddle's test. Baseline UFC levels were not different between PCOS and HVs; on the day after the completion of high-dose dexamethasone administration (d 6), UFC was higher in the PCOS group (2.0 ± 0.7 μg/m2·d) than the HV group (1.5 ± 0.5) (P = .038). On day 5, 17OHS and UFC were negatively correlated with adrenal volumes (left side, rp = −0.47, P = .009, and rp = −0.61, P < .001, respectively). PCOS patients above the 75th percentile for UFC and/or 17OHS after high-dose dexamethasone (n = 15) had a significantly smaller total adrenal volume (6.9 ± 1.9 cm3 vs 9.2 ± 1.8 cm3, P = .003) when compared with the remaining PCOS patients (n = 22), but they did not have worse insulin resistance or hyperandrogenism.

Conclusions:

In a subset of young women with PCOS, we detected a pattern of glucocorticoid secretion that mimicked that of patients with micronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia: they had smaller adrenal volumes and higher steroid hormone secretion after dexamethasone compared with the group of PCOS with appropriate response to dexamethasone.
This is Not A Slum
Authors: Echanove Matias , Srivastava Rahul
Published: June 2016

Eight years ago, architects Matias Echanove and Rahul Srivastava set up their offices in Dharavi, a homegrown neighborhood in Mumbai. Instead of denigrating Dharavi as a “slum,” Echanove and Srivastava celebrate its vitality and adaptability. They point to the lessons that other cities can learn from Dharavi and demonstrate how “family and community networks can be the foundations” of an urban area.
State Space Models for Dynamic Style Analysis of Portfolios
Authors: Pizzinga Adrian , Fernandes Cristiano
Published: June 2016

This paper presents a framework and methods for the estimation of linear and non-linear state space (SS) models, occasionally subject to restrictions, to construct and estimate several models for style analysis with time varying exposures. The study is conducted by applying these models to an artificial portfolio and to return series of Brazilian investment funds. The results confirm the belief that dynamic allocations in a portfolio are a more realistic assumption for investment funds management.
Work-Related Injuries Involving Children and Adolescents: Application of a Recursive Bivariate Probit Model
Authors: Kassouf Ana Lúcia , Hoffmann Rodolfo
Published: June 2016

The probability of working children and adolescents aged between 5 and 17 years expe- riencing work-related injury was estimated using the National Household Sample Survey (PNAD – Pesquisa Nacional de Amostras por Domicílio) for 2001. Due to the endoge- nous nature of the “use of personal protective equipment” variable that appears on the right-hand side of the “work-related injury” equation, a recursive simultaneous probit model was estimated. In addition, the marginal effects were discussed and the expres- sions analytically derived. The results showed that tools and chemical products were the main cause of work-related injury, but variables such as the educational level of the household head and family income were also important. Moreover, workers living in the northeast of Brazil and working in the agricultural sector were most likely to experience work-related injury.
Conditional Treatment and Its Eﬀect on Recidivism
Authors: Carvalho José R. , Bierens Herman J.
Published: June 2016

The ob jective of this paper is to evaluate the eﬀect of the 1985 “Employment Services for Ex-Oﬀenders” (ESEO) program on recidivism. Initially, the sample has been split randomly in a control group and a treatment group. However, the actual treatment (mainly being job related counseling) only takes place conditional on ﬁnding a job, and not having been arrested, for those selected in the treatment group. We use a multiple proportional hazard model with unobserved heterogeneity for job search and recidivism time which incorporates the conditional treatment eﬀect. We ﬁnd that the program helps to reduce criminal activity, contrary to the result of the previous analysis of this data set. This ﬁnding is important for crime prevention policy.
The Trade-Off Between Incentives and Endogenous Risk
Authors: Araujo Aloisio , Moreira Humberto , Tsuchida Marcos
Published: June 2016

Negative relationship between risk and incentives, predicted by standard moral hazard models, has not been conﬁrmed by empirical work. We propose a moral hazard model in which heterogeneous risk-averse agents can control the mean and variance of the proﬁts. The possibility of risk reduction allows the agent’s marginal utility of incentives to be increasing or decreasing in risk aversion. Positive relationship between endogenous risk and incentives is found when marginal utility of incentives and variance are decreasing in risk aversion. Exogenous risk and incentives are negatively related. Those results remain when adverse selection precedes moral hazard.
A General Approach for Pricing Rollover Options
Authors: Zimmer Christian Johannes
Published: June 2016

When an insurance company sells a mutual fund with death and maturity guarantees to its client, it may consider allowing the client to extend the guarantee for some more years. If the renewal only happens once, a so-called rollover option is implied in the contract. In this paper, we show how the generalized Bermudan option can be applied to the special case of the rollover option. By avoiding the heavy mathematical tools which are necessary to prove the existence of a hedging strategy, we will focus on the calculations that are common in the Black-Scholestype analysis. Contrary to Bilodeau (1997) who analyzed the one-time renewal, we can refer to the results on the (generalized) Bermudan option for which the existence of a hedging strategy was already proved. We will see that the strike price has to be adjusted if the contract is renewed in order to explicitly calculate the price of the contract.
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: an update on the current understanding
Authors: Addington James , Freimer Miriam
Published: June 2016

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a common side effect of selected chemotherapeutic agents. Previous work has suggested that patients often under report the symptoms of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and physicians fail to recognize the presence of such symptoms in a timely fashion. The precise pathophysiology that underlies chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, in both the acute and the chronic phase, remains complex and appears to be medication specific. Recent work has begun to demonstrate and further clarify potential pathophysiological processes that predispose and, ultimately, lead to the development of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. There is increasing evidence that the pathway to neuropathy varies with each agent. With a clearer understanding of how these agents affect the peripheral nervous system, more targeted treatments can be developed in order to optimize treatment and prevent long-term side effects.
Recent advances in understanding transcription termination by RNA polymerase II
Authors: Loya Travis J. , Reines Daniel
Published: June 2016

Transcription termination is a fundamental process in which RNA polymerase ceases RNA chain extension and dissociates from the chromatin template, thereby defining the end of the transcription unit. Our understanding of the biological role and functional importance of termination by RNA polymerase II and the range of processes in which it is involved has grown significantly in recent years. A large set of nucleic acid-binding proteins and enzymes have been identified as part of the termination machinery. A greater appreciation for the coupling of termination to RNA processing and metabolism has been recognized. In addition to serving as an essential step at the end of the transcription cycle, termination is involved in the regulation of a broad range of cellular processes. More recently, a role for termination in pervasive transcription, non-coding RNA regulation, genetic stability, chromatin remodeling, the immune response, and disease has come to the fore. Interesting mechanistic questions remain, but the last several years have resulted in significant insights into termination and an increasing recognition of its biological importance.
Stroke rehabilitation research needs to be different to make a difference
Authors: Stinear Cathy M.
Published: June 2016

Stroke continues to be a major cause of adult disability. In contrast to progress in stroke prevention and acute medical management, there have been no major breakthroughs in rehabilitation therapies. Most stroke rehabilitation trials are conducted with patients at the chronic stage of recovery and this limits their translation to clinical practice. Encouragingly, several multi-centre rehabilitation trials, conducted during the first few weeks after stroke, have recently been reported; however, all were negative. There is a renewed focus on improving the quality of stroke rehabilitation research through greater harmonisation and standardisation of terminology, trial design, measures, and reporting. However, there is also a need for more pragmatic trials to test interventions in a way that assists their translation to clinical practice. Novel interventions with a strong mechanistic rationale need to be tested in both explanatory and pragmatic trials if we are to make a meaningful difference to stroke rehabilitation practice and outcomes.