bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adherence to Mediterranean Diet Reduces Incident Frailty Risk: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Kojima Gotaro , Avgerinou Christina , Iliffe Steve , Walters Kate
Published: January 2018

Objectives

To conduct a systematic review of the literature on prospective cohort studies examining associations between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and incident frailty and to perform a meta‐analysis to synthesize the pooled risk estimates.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Setting

Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched on September 14, 2017. We reviewed references of included studies and relevant review papers and performed forward citation tracking for additional studies. Corresponding authors were contacted for additional data necessary for a meta‐analysis.

Participants

Community‐dwelling older adults (mean age ≥60).

Measurements

Incident frailty risk according to adherence to a Mediterranean diet.

Results

Two reviewers independently screened the title, abstract, and full text to ascertain the eligibility of 125 studies that the systematic search of the literature identified, and four studies were included (5,789 older people with mean follow‐up of 3.9 years). Two reviewers extracted data from the studies independently. All four studies provided adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of incident frailty risk according to three Mediterranean diet score (MDS) groups (0–3, 4–5, and 6–9). Greater adherence to a Mediterranean diet was associated with significantly lower incident frailty risk (pooled OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.47–0.82, P = .001 for MDS 4–5; pooled OR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.31–0.64, P < .001 for MDS 6–9) than poorer adherence (MDS 0–3). Neither significant heterogeneity (I2 = 0–16%, P = .30) nor evidence of publication bias was observed.

Conclusion

Greater adherence to a Mediterranean diet is associated with significantly lower risk of incident frailty in community‐dwelling older people. Future studies should confirm these findings and evaluate whether adherence to a Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of frailty, including in non‐Mediterranean populations.
Measurement of two‐photon‐absorption spectra through nonlinear fluorescence produced by a line‐shaped excitation beam
Authors: HASANI E. , PARRAVICINI J. , TARTARA L. , TOMASELLI A. , TOMASSINI D.
Published: January 2018

We propose an innovative experimental approach to estimate the two‐photon absorption (TPA) spectrum of a fluorescent material. Our method develops the standard indirect fluorescence‐based method for the TPA measurement by employing a line‐shaped excitation beam, generating a line‐shaped fluorescence emission. Such a configuration, which requires a relatively high amount of optical power, permits to have a greatly increased fluorescence signal, thus avoiding the photon counterdetection devices usually used in these measurements, and allowing to employ detectors such as charge‐coupled device (CCD) cameras. The method is finally tested on a fluorescent isothiocyanate sample, whose TPA spectrum, which is measured with the proposed technique, is compared with the TPA spectra reported in the literature, confirming the validity of our experimental approach.
Fitting unanchored puzzle pieces in the skeleton: appropriate 3D scapular positions for the quadrupedal support in tetrapods
Authors: Fujiwara Shin‐ichi
Published: January 2018

Deducing the scapular positions of extinct tetrapod skeletons remains difficult, because the scapulae and rib cage are connected with each other not directly by skeletal joint, but by thoracic muscles. In extant non‐testudine quadrupedal tetrapods, the top positions of the scapulae/suprascapulae occur at the anterior portion of the rib cage, above the vertebral column and near the median plane. The adequacy of this position was tested using three‐dimensional mechanical models of Felis, Rattus and Chamaeleo that assumed stances on a forelimb on a single side and the hindlimbs. The net moment about the acetabulum generated by the gravity force and the contractive forces of the anti‐gravity thoracic muscles, and the resistance of the rib to vertical compression between the downward gravity and upward lifting force from the anti‐gravity thoracic muscle depend on the scapular position. The scapular position common among quadrupeds corresponds to the place at which the roll and yaw moments of the uplifted portion of the body are negligible, where the pitch moment is large enough to lift the body, and above the ribs having high strength against vertical compression. These relationships between scapular position and rib cage morphology should allow reliable reconstruction of limb postures of extinct taxa.
Exploring the research culture of nurses and allied health professionals (AHPs) in a research‐focused and a non‐research‐focused healthcare organisation in the UK
Authors: Luckson Manju , Duncan Fiona , Rajai Azita , Haigh Carol
Published: January 2018

Aims and objectives

To explore the research culture of nurses and allied health professionals (AHPs) in the UK and the influence of a dedicated research strategy and funding. It is important to understand the culture in order to effectively promote evidence‐based patient care. The primary aim of this research was to explore the influence of research‐focused exposure on the research culture of nurses and AHPs in the UK and to identify whether there was a difference in the research culture between a research‐focused and non‐research‐focused clinical area (City and Riverside Hospitals).

Background

This is a unique and novel study that explored and compared the research culture stance of both AHPs and nurses.

Design: Methods

A mixed methods design was used in this study. Tools used included the “Research Capacity and Culture tool” as an online survey, three focus group discussions and five semi‐structured interviews with senior managers. Focus groups included research‐naive groups from both hospitals and a research‐active group from City Hospital.

Results

There were 224 responses received from 941 surveys with a 24% response rate. Descriptive statistics of the survey results indicated that there was a difference (p = .001) in the mean score of the research culture between City Hospital (5.35) and Riverside Hospital (3.90), but not between nurses and AHPs (p = .12).

Qualitative data findings from the framework analysis were congruent and supported the survey results. The results provided empirical evidence to support a whole‐level approach in order to improve the research culture. Both findings showed that there may not be any difference in the research culture between professional groups. Importantly, new evidence is presented to suggest that there were crucial communication issues which were hampering the research culture and there was a lack of support at the middle management level which needed to be tackled to improve the research culture of nurses and AHPs.

Relevance to clinical practice

The study highlighted the need to include a whole‐level approach in organisation to improve research culture and to include communication within the Cooke's framework if evidence‐based practice is to influence the quality of patient care.
Burnout among direct‐care workers in nursing homes: Influences of organisational, workplace, interpersonal and personal characteristics
Authors: Yeatts Dale E , Seckin Gul , Shen Yuying , Thompson Michael , Auden Dana , Cready Cynthia M
Published: January 2018

Aims and objectives

The many negative effects of burnout have prompted researchers to better understand the factors contributing to it. The purpose of this paper is to add to this body of knowledge through the study of burnout among direct‐care workers in nursing homes.

Background

Perhaps the factor most often associated with employee burnout is the level of staffing—insufficient staffing results in work overload and eventually employee burnout. A closer look at research findings suggests that there are many other factors also contributing to burnout. These range from those at the organisational level, such as availability of training and resources to individual characteristics such as self‐esteem and length of employment.

Methods

A self‐administered survey instrument was completed by 410 direct‐care workers working within 11 nursing homes in the north Texas region. Regression analyses were performed, adjusting for clustering by nursing home. Beta coefficients and structure coefficients are reported. Burnout was measured through three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and personal accomplishment.

Results

Organisational, work design, interpersonal and individual characteristics were found to be associated with one or more dimensions of burnout.

Conclusions

The analyses largely support previous research. Organisational variables of significance included the availability of resources to do the work, available training and fair pay. Work design variables of significance included adequate staffing. The individual characteristic, self‐esteem, appeared to have the strongest impact on burnout. Commitment to the organisation also had a large impact.

Relevance to clinical practice

While the data do not allow for the testing of causal relationships, the data do suggest that providing adequate staffing, perceived fair pay, sufficient work resources (e.g., towels, gowns), management support and adequate training may result in less direct‐care worker burnout on the job.
Impact of new diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes
Authors: Sexton Holly , Heal Clare , Banks Jennifer , Braniff Kathleen
Published: January 2018

Aim

In January 2015, the diagnostic and therapeutic criteria for gestational diabetes changed, with the goal of increasing the sensitivity of diagnosis and improving overall glycemic control, and thus reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes. Our primary aim was to evaluate the effect of the new guidelines on the incidence of diagnosis of gestational diabetes and the incidence of therapeutic interventions. Our secondary aim was to look at the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective clinical audit was conducted at a regional hospital to compare the incidence of gestational diabetes, and the specific maternal and neonatal outcomes before and after the change in guidelines was implemented. Data were collected via chart review for a 6‐month period before and after the change in guidelines in January 2015. Data collected included demographics, neonatal and maternal outcomes, and the treatment type used for patients diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

Results

There was a significant increase in the incidence of diagnosis of gestational diabetes (9.8–19.6%; P < 0.001), and an overall increase in the use of pharmacological treatments for gestational diabetes. There was no significant difference in the incidence of the adverse outcomes measured, including cesarean delivery and macrosomia. There was no significant change in mean fetal weight.

Conclusion

Despite a doubling of the incidence of diagnosis of gestational diabetes, and a consequent increase in pharmacological interventions, the change in diagnostic and therapeutic criteria did not significantly reduce the neonatal or maternal adverse outcomes measured.
The Direct Cytotoxic Effects of Different Hemostatic Agents on Human Gingival Fibroblasts
Authors: Labban Nawaf , AlOtaibi Hanan , Mokeem Abdullah , AlJameel Mohammad , AlRasheed Talal , Ali Dalia
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the cytotoxic effects of different hemostatic agents (including Expasyl) on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) in vitro.

Materials and Methods

HGFs were cultured and exposed to either no medicament treatment or 1:200 dilution of six different hemostatic agents (Hemox‐A, Hemodent, Astringedent, Vicostat, Expasyl, 3M ESPE) for 2, 5, 10 minutes, 1 hour, and 24 hours. Toxicity to HGFs was determined by lactate dehydrogenase activity (LDH) and colorimetric (WST‐1) assays. Two‐tailed t‐test was used for statistical analyses with α level set at 0.05.

Results

The group‐by‐time interactions were significant for the LDH and WST‐1 assays (p < 0.001). Evaluation of the cytotoxic effect of different hemostatic agents at different incubation time intervals on the cell membrane damage revealed that Astringedent showed the highest cytotoxic effect on HGFs compared to other agents with regards to untreated negative control cells at all incubation time intervals (p < 0.001). On the other hand, Expasyl showed the least cytotoxic effect with significant differences at 5 minutes and 1 hour (p < 0.001) in comparison to other agents.

Conclusions

LDH and WST‐1 assays of hemostatic agents showed significant cytotoxic effect on HGFs at different time intervals. The data suggest that the risk for permanent tissue damage might be less significant when Expasyl is used during final impression procedure compared to when Astringedent is used.
Vaccine‐preventable child deaths in New South Wales from 2005 to 2014: How much is preventable?
Authors: Phillips Anastasia , Beard Frank , Macartney Kristine , Chan Jocelyn , Gilmour Robin , Saravanos Gemma , McIntyre Peter
Published: January 2018

Aim

To identify and describe potentially vaccine‐preventable child deaths in New South Wales (NSW).

Methods

Child deaths in NSW from 2005 to 2014 potentially preventable by vaccination were identified from the NSW Child Death Register (maintained by the NSW Ombudsman) and the Notifiable Conditions Information Management System (NSW Health). Medical and post‐mortem records were reviewed. Cases were classified as vaccine‐preventable based on the strength of evidence for the relevant infection causing death and likelihood that death was preventable through vaccination. A two‐source capture–recapture method was used to estimate the true number of deaths. Age‐specific mortality rate and number of deaths by disease, area of residence and comorbidity were analysed. Deaths were classified as preventable based on vaccine availability, eligibility under the National Immunisation Program, age and presence of any contraindications.

Results

Fifty‐four deaths were identified as definitely or probably due to diseases for which a vaccine was available, with a total average annual mortality rate of 0.33 per 100 000 children and 2.1 per 100 000 infants. Two thirds of deaths occurred in children with no identified comorbidities. Twenty‐three deaths were classified as preventable or potentially preventable by vaccination, with influenza (12 deaths) and meningococcal disease (five deaths) most common. An additional 15 deaths would be potentially preventable as of August 2016 due to immunisation recommendation changes including maternal vaccination.

Conclusion

Maternal vaccination along with increased uptake of childhood influenza vaccination could reduce child deaths, particularly from influenza.
Evaluating Factors Impacting Medication Adherence Among Rural, Urban, and Suburban Populations
Authors: Arbuckle Cody , Tomaszewski Daniel , Aronson Benjamin D. , Brown Lawrence , Schommer Jon , Morisky Donald , Linstead Erik
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To evaluate differences in prescription medication adherence rates, as well as influencing factors, in rural and urban adults.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of the 2015 National Consumer Survey on the Medication Experience and Pharmacists' Role. A total of 26,173 participants completed the survey and provided usable data. Participants using between 1 and 30 prescription medications and living more than 0 miles and up to 200 miles from their nearest pharmacy were selected for the study, resulting in a total of 15,933 participants. Data from the 2010 US Census and Rural Health Research Center were used to determine the population density of each participant's ZIP code. Participant adherence to reported chronic medications was measured based on the 8‐item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS‐8).

Findings

Overall adherence rates did not differ significantly between rural and urban adults with average adherence based on MMAS‐8 scores of 5.58 and 5.64, respectively (P = .253). Age, income, education, male sex, and white race/ethnicity were associated with higher adherence rates. While the overall adherence rates between urban and rural adults were not significantly different, the factors that influenced adherence varied between age‐specific population density groupings.

Conclusion

These analyses suggest that there is no significant difference in adherence between rural and urban populations; however, the factors contributing to medication adherence may vary based on age and population density. Future adherence intervention methods should be designed with consideration for these individualized factors.
Attentional bias towards sleep‐related stimuli in insomnia disorder: a behavioural and ERP study
Authors: Zhou Ningning , Zhao Chuanwen , Yang Ting , Du Sha , Yu Meng , Shen Heyong
Published: January 2018

Many studies have used behavioural experiments to show an attentional bias towards sleep‐related stimuli in people with insomnia disorder. A measurement of event‐related potential is needed to investigate the cognitive processing mechanism of the attentional process. The present study used the emotional Stroop paradigm and event‐related potentials to measure attentional bias towards sleep‐negative, sleep‐positive and sleep‐unrelated neutral words. The study comprised 16 participants with insomnia disorder and 15 participants who were good sleepers. Behavioural data indicated that there was a significant interference effect of sleep‐positive words between the insomnia group and the good sleepers, and a marginally significant interference effect from sleep‐negative words between groups. In the insomnia group, event‐related potential data showed that sleep‐negative words elicited higher amplitudes of P1 and N1 components than did sleep‐positive and sleep‐unrelated words. Our results provide evidence for the early cognitive processing of sleep‐negative stimuli, which suggests that the psychological treatment of insomnia could benefit from addressing early hypervigilance towards these stimuli.
A Cognitive Linguistics Application for Second Language Pedagogy: The English Preposition Tutor
Authors: Wong Man Ho Ivy , Zhao Helen , MacWhinney Brian
Published: January 2018

This study investigated the effects of teaching English prepositions using schematic diagrams inspired by cognitive linguistics in a computer‐based tutorial system called the English Preposition Tutor. Training was designed based on the theoretical framework of the Competition Model and a cognitive linguistic analysis of prepositions. Sixty‐four Cantonese‐speaking intermediate learners of English were trained using a sentence–picture matching task. They received one of the three types of feedback: schematic diagram feedback, metalinguistic rule feedback, or correctness feedback. Only the schematic diagram feedback group was exposed to chaining between spatial senses and nonspatial senses. Results showed that instruction was effective in all three feedback groups, as measured by a cloze test and a translation test. In the translation test, the group receiving schematic diagram feedback outperformed the correctness feedback group. The effects of the three feedback conditions were not significantly different in the cloze test.
A low muscle mass increases mortality in compensated cirrhotic patients with sepsis
Authors: Lucidi Cristina , Lattanzi Barbara , Di Gregorio Vincenza , Incicco Simone , D'Ambrosio Daria , Venditti Mario , Riggio Oliviero , Merli Manuela
Published: January 2018

Background & Aims

Severe infections and muscle wasting are both associated to poor outcome in cirrhosis. A possible synergic effect of these two entities in cirrhotic patients has not been previously investigated. We aimed at analysing if a low muscle mass may deteriorate the outcome of cirrhotic patients with sepsis.

Methods

Consecutive cirrhotic patients hospitalized for sepsis were enrolled in the study. Patients were classified for the severity of liver impairment (Child‐Pugh class) and for the presence of “low muscle mass” (mid‐arm muscle circumference<5th percentile). The development of complication during hospitalization and survival was analysed.

Results

There were 74 consecutive cirrhotics with sepsis. Forty‐three of these patients showed low muscle mass. In patients with and without low muscle mass, severity of liver disease and characteristics of infections were similar. Mortality tended to be higher in patients with low muscle mass (47% vs 26%, P = .06). A multivariate analysis selected low muscle mass (P < .01, HR: 3.2, IC: 1.4‐4.8) and Child‐Pugh C (P < .01, HR: 3.3, 95% IC: 1.5‐4.9) as independent predictors of in‐hospital mortality. In Child‐Pugh A‐B patients, mortality was higher in patients with low muscle mass compared with those without (50% vs 16%; P = .01). The mortality rate and the incidence of complications in malnourished patients classified in Child‐Pugh A‐B were similar to those Child‐Pugh C.

Conclusions

Low muscle mass worsen prognosis in cirrhotic patients with severe infections. This is particularly evident in patients with Child A‐B cirrhosis in whom the coexistence of low muscle mass and sepsis caused a negative impact on mortality similar to that observable in all Child C patients with sepsis.
Lower urinary tract dysfunction in pediatric patients after ureteroneocystostomy due to vesicoureteral reflux: Long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Horasanli Kaya , Bayar Göksel , Acinikli Huseyin , Kutsal Cemil , Kirecci Sinan L. , Dalkilic Ayhan
Published: January 2018

Objective

The aim of the present study was to evaluate long‐term lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) in pediatric patients who underwent ureteroneocystostomy due to vesicoureteral reflux.

Methods

The present retrospective study was performed on 61 patients. Patients were divided into 3 groups: Group 1 (n = 26), did not have LUTD; Group 2 (n = 23), had LUTD; and Group 3 (n = 12), was not toilet trained preoperatively. Patients were reassessed regarding de novo LUTD or the persistence of LUTD at least 7 years after the ureteroneocystostomy.

Results

Mean patient age was 7 years (range 1–15) when ureteroneocystostomy was performed and the surgery was associated with a 92% success rate. The mean follow‐up period was 10 years (range 7‐12 years). Postoperative LUTD was present in 6 (23%), 12 (52%), and 1 (8.3%) patients in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The presence of LUTD before surgery and bilateral repair in the same setting were predictive risk factors for the presence of LUTD during the long‐term follow‐up. LUTD occurred at higher rate in Group 2 than in Groups 1 and 3 (52% vs. 23% and 8.3%, respectively; P = .015). The presence of de novo LUTD was significant in Group 1 compared with the presence of preoperative and postoperative LUTD (P = .031, Wilcoxon analysis).

Conclusions

LUTD may not resolve after a ureteroneocystostomy, and additional therapy could be necessary. Due to the probability of damage to the ureterovesical nerve and/or disturbed bladder dynamics, de novo LUTD may occur in patients with bilateral high‐grade reflux without LUTD before a ureteroneocystostomy.
Revised recommended methods for analyzing crater size‐frequency distributions
Authors: Robbins Stuart J. , Riggs Jamie D. , Weaver Brian P. , Bierhaus Edward B. , Chapman Clark R. , Kirchoff Michelle R. , Singer Kelsi N. , Gaddis Lisa R.
Published: January 2018

Impact crater populations help us to understand solar system dynamics, planetary surface histories, and surface modification processes. A single previous effort to standardize how crater data are displayed in graphs, tables, and archives was in a 1978 NASA report by the Crater Analysis Techniques Working Group, published in 1979 in Icarus. The report had a significant lasting effect, but later decades brought major advances in statistical and computer sciences while the crater field has remained fairly stagnant. In this new work, we revisit the fundamental techniques for displaying and analyzing crater population data and demonstrate better statistical methods that can be used. Specifically, we address (1) how crater size‐frequency distributions (SFDs) are constructed, (2) how error bars are assigned to SFDs, and (3) how SFDs are fit to power‐laws and other models. We show how the new methods yield results similar to those of previous techniques in that the SFDs have familiar shapes but better account for multiple sources of uncertainty. We also recommend graphic, display, and archiving methods that reflect computers’ capabilities and fulfill NASA's current requirements for Data Management Plans.
Taxonomic assessment of opal phytoliths from grasses of deltaic West Bengal, India
Authors: Naskar Madhab , Bera Subir
Published: January 2018

In the present study, taxonomic potential of opal phytoliths was examined in grasses from lower Gangetic delta, West Bengal, India. The study revealed that finer classification of phytoliths can increase the efficacy of opal silica as taxonomic proxy by minimizing the influences of multiplicity and redundancy. We isolated 187 phytolith sub‐morphotypes, categorized under 10 major groups, from 110 grass species belonging to 45 genera, 21 sub‐tribes, 13 tribes and 7 subfamilies. Cluster and correspondence analyses showed that all the significantly represented subfamilies can be clearly distinguished on the basis of either principal morphotypes or sub‐morphotypes. However, genus/species level discrimination may only be possible by deploying phytolith based identification key developed by utilizing detailed grass phytolith micro‐morphometry and frequency attributes. We conclude that grass phytolith characteristics provide useful and significant information for distinguishing grass taxa of deltaic West Bengal.
Overlap of interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features with undifferentiated connective tissue disease and contribution of UIP to mortality
Authors: Kelly Bryan T. , Moua Teng
Published: January 2018

Background and objective

Criteria for interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF) were recently established for research purposes in a joint statement from the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and American Thoracic Society (ATS). We reviewed the utility of these criteria in patients previously diagnosed as broadly defined undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) and noted overlapping IPAF findings. Additional review was given to IPAF patients with usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) on histopathology or radiology in terms of survival and outcome.

Methods

Patients with prior UCTD‐interstitial lung disease (ILD) were screened by ERS/ATS criteria for IPAF. Clinical data along with all‐cause mortality were collated and compared with selected idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients from the same study period. Survival was compared between IPAF subgroups with and without UIP features.

Results

One hundred and one UCTD‐ILD subjects (91%) evaluated from 2005 to 2012 also met strict criteria for IPAF. Frequent clinical findings included Raynaud’s phenomenon, positive anti‐nuclear antibody (ANA) and non‐specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) pattern on chest computed tomography (CT). Nineteen had features of UIP either on histopathology or CT imaging. As compared with IPF, IPAF patients had overall better survival except in those with UIP features.

Conclusion

Current IPAF criteria encompassed the majority of broadly defined UCTD‐ILD and included those with UIP findings. Survival compared with IPF in those with UIP was similar. Further studies are necessary to refine IPAF definitions for clinical use and guide directed management strategies.
Asymptotic Approximations to the Nodes and Weights of Gauss–Hermite and Gauss–Laguerre Quadratures
Authors: Gil Amparo , Segura Javier , Temme Nico M.
Published: January 2018

Asymptotic approximations to the zeros of Hermite and Laguerre polynomials are given, together with methods for obtaining the coefficients in the expansions. These approximations can be used as a stand‐alone method of computation of Gaussian quadratures for high enough degrees, with Gaussian weights computed from asymptotic approximations for the orthogonal polynomials. We provide numerical evidence showing that for degrees greater than 100, the asymptotic methods are enough for a double precision accuracy computation (15–16 digits) of the nodes and weights of the Gauss–Hermite and Gauss–Laguerre quadratures.
Discordant human T‐lymphotropic virus screening with Western blot confirmation: evaluation of the dual‐test algorithm for US blood donations
Authors: Stramer Susan L. , Townsend Rebecca L. , Foster Gregory A. , Johnson Ramona , Weixlmann Barbara , Dodd Roger Y.
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Human T‐lymphotropic virus (HTLV) blood donation screening has used a dual‐testing algorithm beginning with either a chemiluminescent immunoassay or enzyme‐linked immunosorbent screening assay (ELISA). Before the availability of a licensed HTLV supplemental assay, repeat‐reactive (RR) samples on a first assay (Assay 1) were retested with a second screening assay (Assay 2). Donors with RR results by Assay 2 were deferred from blood donation and further tested using an unlicensed supplemental test to confirm reactivity while nonreactive (NR) donors remained eligible for donation until RR on a subsequent donation. This “dual‐test” algorithm was replaced in May 2016 with the requirement that all RRs by Assay 1 be further tested by a licensed HTLV supplemental test (Western blot [WB]). In this study, we have requalified the dual‐test algorithm using the available licensed HTLV WB.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We tested 100 randomly selected HTLV RRs on screening Assay 1 (Abbott PRISM chemiluminescent immunoassay) but NR on screening Assay 2 (Avioq ELISA) by a Food and Drug Administration–licensed WB (MP Biomedicals) to ensure that no confirmed positives were among those that were RR by Assay 1 but NR by Assay 2.

RESULTS

Of the 100 samples evaluated, 79 of 100 were WB seronegative, 21 of 100 indeterminate, and 0 of 100 seropositive. Of the 79 of 100 seronegative specimens, 73 of 79 did not express any bands on WB.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that none of the 100 samples RR on Assay 1 but NR on Assay 2 were confirmed positive. This algorithm prevents such donors from requiring further testing and from being deferred.
Experiences of Students with Special Needs on Sport Education Model
Authors: Oğuzhan Neşe Saraç , Hunuk Deniz
Published: January 2018

The aim of the study was to examine the experiences of the students with special needs on the sport education model (SEM). In this research, action research method was used (Mertler, 2009). In the scope of the research, a mini-volleyball season was practiced with SEM in a secondary school - 6thgrade - for 16 weeks. The physical education teacher has 6 years of teaching experience and for the first time she has tried SEM at her school. In total, there were 12 participants in the research; 7 of them (3 girls, 4 boys) with special needs who have attended to this lesson and were chosen with purposeful sampling, and the other 5 students who were also the trainers and the captains of the teams. Collecting data includes the teacher’s reflective diary, weekly discussions with the expert, two focus group interviews with the students and volleyball skills observation forms. Skill observation forms were analyzed by descriptive statistics and the other data analyzed by content analysis. The findings of the study were gathered under three themes: (1) the effect of the SEM on the skill levels of the students with special needs; (2) the students’ opinions on the non-player roles; and (3) the relationships of the students with special needs with their teammates. As a result, it has been seen that, the SEM, giving active roles to the students with special needs in the team in accordance with their talents and interests has promoted their active participation in class, motivation and socialization.
Nutritional screening, assessment and implementation strategies for adults in an Australian acute tertiary hospital: a best practice implementation report
Authors: Smith Louise , Chapman Amanda , Flowers Kelli , Wright Kylie , Chen Tanghua , O’Connor Charmaine , Astorga Cecilia , Francis Nevenka , Vigh Gia , Wainwright Craig
Published: January 2018

Objective:

The project aimed to improve the effectiveness of nutritional screening and assessment practices through clinical audits and the implementation of evidence-based practice recommendations.

Introduction:

In the absence of optimal nutrition, health may decline and potentially manifest as adverse health outcomes. In a hospitalized person, poor nutrition may adversely impact on the person's outcome. If the nutritional status can be ascertained, nutritional needs can be addressed and potential risks minimized.

The overall purpose of this project was to review and monitor staff compliance with nutritional screening and assessment best practice recommendations ensuring there is timely, relevant and structured nutritional therapeutic practices that support safe, compassionate and person-centered care in adults in a tertiary hospital in South Western Sydney, Australia, in the acute care setting.

Methods:

A baseline retrospective chart audit was conducted and measured against 10 best practice criteria in relation to nutritional screening and assessment practices. This was followed by a facilitated multidisciplinary focus group to identify targeted strategies, implementation of targeted strategies, and a post strategy implementation chart audit.

The project utilized the Joanna Briggs Institute Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (JBI PACES) and Getting Research into Practice (GRIP) tool, including evidence from other available supporting literature, for promoting change in healthcare practice.

Results:

The baseline audit revealed deficits between current practice and best practice across the 10 criteria. Barriers for implementation of nutritional screening and assessment best practice criteria were identified by the focus group and an education strategy was implemented. There were improved outcomes across all best practice criteria in the follow-up audit.

Conclusions:

The baseline audit revealed gaps between current practice and best practice. Through the implementation of a targeted education program and resource package, outcomes improved in the follow up audit. The findings indicated that engagement from multidisciplinary team members and consumers was effective in developing tailored education that improved knowledge of best practice. This was demonstrated by an increase in the percentage of compliance across the 10 criteria, although leaving room for more improvement. A policy has been developed for implementation and future audits are planned to measure whether improved practices have been sustained.
Falls assessment and interventions among older patients in two medical and one surgical hospital wards in Spain: a best practice implementation project
Authors: Albornos-Muñoz Laura , Melián-Correa Esther , Acosta-Arrocha Amanda , Gallo-Blanco Carmen , Béjar-Bacas Felicidad , Alonso-Poncelas Emma , Serra-Estrada Montserrat , González-María Esther , Moreno-Casbas María Teresa
Published: January 2018

Objective:

The current project aimed to improve fall prevention and management through clinical audits and the implementation of a quality-improvement cycle at the local level.

Introduction:

Falls are one of the most common adverse events reported in hospitals; evidence-based fall prevention interventions aim to reduce the number of people who fall.

Methods:

A one-year clinical audit was conducted using a pre-post implementation audit method, namely the Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System and the getting research into practice audit and feedback tool. Two medical wards and a surgical ward in a Spanish hospital participated. The subjects were evaluated at baseline and at a follow-up at six months after key strategies had been implemented.

Results:

Compliance rates for the evidence-based criteria were low in the baseline audit. Five barriers were identified in relation to fall assessment and management and, based on getting research into practice, strategies were designed, developed and implemented to overcome these barriers. After implementation, most of the fall-risk-assessment criteria showed an overall improvement, but there was no effect on care plan recording. Awareness of the assessment and management of fall risks were increased among professionals and patients on all three study wards.

Conclusions:

The current project may improve compliance with regard to promoting evidence-based fall prevention and management interventions. Further audits are necessary to evaluate any improvements achieved, in particular, care plans.
An Application of Yaglom's Geometric Algebra to Kinematic Synthesis of Linkages for Prescribed Planar Motion of Oriented Lines
Authors: Pennestrì E. , Valentini P. P.
Published: January 2018

Planar motion coordination of an unoriented line passing through a point or tangent to a conic is a well-known problem in kinematics. In Yaglom's algebraic geometry, oriented lines in a plane are represented with dual numbers. In the present paper, such algebraic geometry is applied in the kinematic synthesis of an inverted slider–crank for prescribed three and four finitely separated positions of the coupler. No previous application of Yaglom's algebraic geometry in the area of linkage kinematic synthesis is recorded. To describe the planar finite displacement of an oriented line about a given rotation pole, new dual operators are initially obtained. Then, the loci of moving oriented lines whose three and four homologous planar positions are tangent to a circle are deduced. The paper proposes the application of findings to the mentioned kinematic synthesis of the inverted slider–crank. Numerical examples show the reliability of the proposed approach. Finally, it is also demonstrated that, for a general planar motion, there is not any line whose five finitely separated positions share the same concurrency point. For the case of planar infinitesimal displacements, the same property was established in a paper authored by Soni et al. (1978, “Higher Order, Planar Tangent-Line Envelope Curvature Theory,” ASME J. Mech. Des., 101(4), pp. 563–568.)
Redundancy in Parallel Mechanisms: A Review
Authors: Gosselin Clément , Schreiber Louis-Thomas
Published: January 2018

This paper presents a review of the literature related to the use of redundancy in parallel mechanisms. Two types of redundancies are considered, namely, actuation redundancy and kinematic redundancy. The use of these concepts in the literature is highlighted. Each of the concepts is then formulated mathematically in order to clearly expose their characteristics and their properties. Two subclasses of kinematically redundant parallel mechanisms are defined, namely, those with serial redundant legs and those with parallel redundant legs. The force transmission in redundant parallel mechanisms is then discussed. Finally, a summary of the different approaches that can be used to implement redundancy in parallel mechanisms is given in order to identify the most promising synthesis avenues and to provide insight into their potential fields of application.
Maintenance Planning of an Offshore Wind Turbine Using Stochastic Petri Nets With Predicates
Authors: Santos F. P. , Teixeira A. P. , Guedes Soares C.
Published: January 2018

Operations and maintenance activities have a significant impact on the energy cost for offshore wind turbines. Analytical methods such as reliability block diagrams and Markov processes along with simulation approaches have been widely used in planning and optimizing operations and maintenance actions in industrial systems. Generalized stochastic Petri nets (GSPNs) with predicates coupled with Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) are applied in this paper to model the planning of operations and maintenance activities of an offshore wind turbine. The merits of GSPN in modeling complex and multicomponent systems are addressed. Three maintenance categories classified according to the size and weight of the components to be replaced and the logistics involved, such as vessels, maintenance crew and spares and, the associated delays, and costs are included in the model. The weather windows for accessing the wind turbine are also modeled. Corrective maintenance (CM) based on replacements and age-dependent preventive maintenance (PM) with imperfect repair are modeled and compared in terms of the wind turbine's performance (e.g., availability and loss production) and of the operations and maintenance costs.
Vibration Analysis in the Presence of Uncertainties Using Universal Grey System Theory
Authors: Liu X. T. , Rao S. S.
Published: January 2018

The uncertainty present in many vibrating systems has been modeled in the past using several approaches such as probabilistic, fuzzy, interval, evidence, and grey system-based approaches depending on the nature of uncertainty present in the system. In most practical vibration problems, the parameters of the system such as stiffness, damping and mass, initial conditions, and/or external forces acting on the system are specified or known in the form of intervals or ranges. For such cases, the use of interval analysis appears to be most appropriate for predicting the ranges of the response quantities such as natural frequencies, free vibration response, and forced vibration response under specified external forces. However, the accuracy of the results given by the interval analysis suffers from the so-called dependency problem, which causes an undesirable expansion of the intervals of the computed results, which in some case, can make the results unacceptable for practical implementation. Unfortunately, there has not been a simple approach that can improve the accuracy of the basic interval analysis. This work considers the solution of vibration problems using universal grey system (or number) theory for the analysis of vibrating systems whose parameters are described in terms of intervals or ranges. The computational feasibility and improved accuracy of the methodology, compared to interval analysis, are demonstrated by considering one and two degrees-of-freedom (2DOF) systems. The proposed technique can be extended for the uncertainty analysis of any multi-degrees-of-freedom system without much difficulty.
Broadening of the Sound Absorption Bandwidth of the Perforated Panel Using a Membrane-Type Resonator
Authors: Zhu Xuezhi , Chen Zhaobo , Jiao Yinghou , Wang Yanpeng
Published: January 2018

In order to broaden the sound absorption bandwidth of a perforated panel in the low frequency range, a lightweight membrane-type resonator is installed in the back cavity of the perforated panel to combine into a compound sound absorber (CSA). Because of the great flexibility, the membrane-type resonator can be vibrated easily by the incident sound waves passing through the holes of the perforated panel. In the low frequency range, the membrane-type resonator and the perforated panel constitute a two degrees-of-freedom (DOF)-resonant type sound absorption system, which generates two sound absorption peaks. By tuning the parameters of the membrane type resonator, a wide frequency band having a large sound absorption coefficient can be obtained. In this paper, the sound absorption coefficient of CSA is derived analytically by combining the vibration equation of the membrane-type resonator with the acoustic impedance equation of the perforated panel. The influences of the parameters of the membrane-type resonator on the sound absorption performance of the CSA are numerically analyzed. Finally, the wide band sound absorption capacity of the CSA is validated by the experimental test.
New Analytic Free Vibration Solutions of Rectangular Thick Plates With a Free Corner by the Symplectic Superposition Method
Authors: Li Rui , Wang Pengcheng , Wang Bo , Zhao Chunyu , Su Yewang
Published: January 2018

Seeking analytic free vibration solutions of rectangular thick plates without two parallel simply supported edges is of significance for an insight into the performances of related engineering devices and structures as well as their rapid design. A challenging set of problems concern the vibrating plates with a free corner, i.e., those with two adjacent edges free and the other two edges clamped or simply supported or one of them clamped and the other one simply supported. The main difficulty in solving one of such problems is to find a solution meeting both the boundary conditions at each edge and the condition at the free corner, which is unattainable using a conventional analytic method. In this paper, for the first time, we extend a novel symplectic superposition method to free vibration of rectangular thick plates with a free corner. The analytic frequency and mode shape solutions are both obtained and presented via comprehensive numerical and graphic results. The rigorousness in mathematical derivation and rationality of the method (without any predetermination for the solutions) guarantee the validity of our analytic solutions, which themselves are also validated by the reported results and refined finite element analysis.
A Novel Pinch Point Design Methodology Based Energy and Economic Analyses of Organic Rankine Cycle
Authors: Sarkar Jahar
Published: January 2018

A generalized methodology for pinch point design and optimization of subcritical and transcritical organic Rankine cycles (ORCs) using both wet and dry fluids is adopted in this study. The presented algorithm can predict the pinch point location in evaporator and condenser simultaneously and optimize the evaporator pressure for best performance with various heat source and sink conditions. Effects of pinch point temperature difference (PPTD), isentropic efficiency, subcooling, superheating and regenerator on the energy and economic performances are discussed for selected working fluids. System yields similar optimum design for both maximum power generation and minimum capital cost per unit power. At optimum condition, ammonia is best in terms of higher thermal efficiency and lower component size, R152a is best in terms of higher net power output and heat recovery efficiency (11.1%), and toluene is best in terms of lower capital cost and cost per unit power output (7060 $/kW). Effect of heat source and sink parameters on both energy and economic performances is significant. Contour plots are presented to select the best ORC design parameters for available heat source condition. PPTD and expander isentropic efficiency have significant effect on performances. However, the effect of subcooling, superheating and regenerator depends on working fluid.