bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perspectives about dignity during acute care for older people and their relatives: A qualitative study
Authors: Kerr Debra , Crone Rosie , Dunning Trisha
Published: August 2020

Aims and objectives

The aim of the study was to enhance understanding about dignified care from older peoples' and their carers' perspectives. The information will contribute to the development of a tool to measure older peoples’ dignity during hospitalisation.

Background

Older people are a vulnerable cohort at risk of loss of dignity during acute hospitalisation arising from environmental, behavioural and patient factors. It is not clear how older people and their relatives define dignified care in acute care settings.

Design

An interpretative descriptive method was used.

Methods

A purposive sample of older people (at least 65 years) who had been hospitalised in acute care and subsequently transferred to sub‐acute care, and their relatives, were invited to participate. The study was undertaken in one sub‐acute ward in a regional healthcare organisation in Victoria, Australia. Individual interviews were audio‐recorded then transcribed. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The COREQ checklist was used to document reporting of the study.

Results

Individual interviews were conducted: 24 patients and 12 relatives. Three main themes were identified: “Involve me in decisions about my care and treatment,” “Keep me safe when I am vulnerable” and “Treat me as an individual and with respect.” Older people want to be involved in decisions about their care and treatment and to receive adequate, suitable information. They feel vulnerable during hospitalisation and want to feel safe when speaking up about concerns. Individual acknowledgement is an important aspect of dignity.

Conclusions

Older people and their relatives identified specific elements of care that uphold or threaten dignity during acute hospitalisation. Nurses play a major role in upholding dignity for older people in hospital.

Relevance to clinical practice

Clinicians may benefit from systematic dignity‐related training. Specific strategies to enhance older persons’ dignity, including communication skills training and continence management need to be developed, implemented and evaluated.
Exploring the barriers and gateways to intersubjectivity in dementia care: A meta‐ethnography
Authors: Hodge Gary , Froggatt Katherine , Limmer Mark , Bingley Amanda
Published: August 2020

Background

Behaviours that challenge in dementia, often described and diagnosed as behavioural psychological symptoms of dementia, are experienced by 75% of people living with dementia in care homes or hospital environments, with 43% of nurses and care providers reporting these behaviours as moderately or severely distressing to them. During behaviours that challenge moments in dementia, there is the potential for an intersubjective relationship to take place between the people living with dementia and the nurse.

Aims

This review explores and synthesises literature to consider the presence of intersubjectivity in people living with dementia. If the ability to be intersubjective remains present for people living with dementia, it will consider how its presence can be nurtured to offer a positive intersubjective communication between the person living with dementia and their carer/nurse.

Methods

The review used meta‐ethnography methodology to develop concepts that help us to understand the implications of existing research on the presence of intersubjectivity in people living with dementia, and its relationship to those providing their care. Sixteen electronic databases (including MEDLINE/PubMed, Wiley Online Library and Sage publications) and grey literature such as Alzheimer's Society and Department of Health across journals dating from 2000–2020 were searched. Eight studies were selected and reviewed for quality and relevance for a meta‐ethnographic literature synthesis of intersubjectivity in dementia.

Conclusion

The meta‐ethnography concluded that people living with dementia continue to have the capacity to be intersubjective on an emotional level. Nurses and other care providers need to acknowledge the presence of “personhood” and “personness” in people living with dementia to nurture positive intersubjective care relationships.

The meta‐ethnography has also been reviewed for reporting clarity against the EQUATOR checklist in the form of the eMERGe guideline (France et al., 2019).
Providing dementia care using technological solutions: An exploration of caregivers' and dementia coordinators' experiences
Authors: Kristiansen Susanne , Beck Malene , Kabir Zarina Nahar , Konradsen Hanne
Published: August 2020

Aim and objectives

To explore the experiences of caregivers of persons with dementia and dementia coordinators regarding their collaboration in care for a person with dementia and the feasibility of using technology in this collaboration.

Background

Caregivers of persons with dementia have a significant risk of developing physical strain and psychological stress due to caregiver burden. Internationally, the use of technology is rapidly evolving in health care. Dementia coordinators employed in municipalities in Denmark support caregivers of persons with dementia, thus helping management of life with dementia. The cooperation between dementia coordinators and caregivers is essential, and the use of technology in everyday life is inevitable.

Methods

A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive design was used. Data were derived from five focus group interviews in which 13 caregivers and 14 dementia coordinators participated. The participants' narratives were used to elucidate their experiences and attitudes, and data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study reports according to the COREQ checklist.

Results

The analysis revealed three themes: the need for creating a safety net in everyday life, the need for moving together in the right direction and the need for handling technology while preserving relational interaction.

Conclusions

Technology might be used as a mediator to help ease some caregiving tasks or the burden of caregiving. However, technology is an area in which the caregivers must rely on their competences and initiatives. Even though the collaboration between caregivers and dementia coordinators was beneficial and supportive, dementia coordinators experienced technology as outside the core elements of their daily work.

Relevance to clinical practice

We suggest further discussion regarding who is best suited to support caregivers in making choices regarding which technologies to implement in caring for a person with dementia. If this discussion is not taken seriously, there is a risk of leaving caregivers in a technological quagmire.
Use of an audit with feedback implementation strategy to promote medication error reporting by nurses
Authors: Hutchinson Alison M. , Brotto Vanessa , Chapman Anna , Sales Anne E. , Mohebbi Mohammadreza , Bucknall Tracey K.
Published: August 2020

Aims and objectives

To outline the development and effect of an audit with feedback implementation strategy that intended to increase the rate of voluntary medication error reporting by nurses.

Background

Medication errors are a serious global health issue. Audit with feedback is a widely used implementation strategy that has potential to modify nurses’ reporting behaviour and improve medication error reporting rates.

Design

Quasi‐experimental implementation study (fulfilling the TIDieR checklist) with two pairs of matched wards at a private hospital in Australia was conducted from March 2015–September 2016. One ward from each pair was randomised to either the intervention or control group.

Method

Nurses within intervention wards received audit with feedback on a quarterly basis over a 12‐month implementation period. Control wards underwent quarterly audits only (without feedback). Feedback consisted of a one‐page infographic poster, with content based on medication error data obtained from audits and the hospitals’ risk management system (RiskMan). The primary outcome—rate of medication errors reported per month—was determined in both groups at pre‐implementation, implementation and postimplementation phases. Differences between groups were compared using generalised linear mixed models with Poisson distribution and log link.

Results

A nonsignificant intervention effect was found for rate of medication errors reported per month. Interestingly, when combining data from both groups, a significant increasing time trend was observed for medication errors reported per month across pre‐implementation and implementation phases (80% increase).

Conclusions

The audit with feedback strategy developed in the present study did not effectively influence the voluntary reporting of medication errors by nurses.

Relevance to clinical practice

Despite the lack of intervention effects, the use of a published checklist to optimise the reporting quality of this study will contribute to the field by furthering the understanding of how to enhance audit with feedback implementation strategies for nurses.
Web‐based educational programme for temporomandibular joint assessment with cone‐beam computed tomography
Authors: Iskanderani Durer , Alstergren Per , Ekberg Ewa Carin , Shi Xie‐Qi , Hellén‐Halme Kristina
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To develop and evaluate an educational web‐based programme for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) assessment using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods

A web‐based educational programme was designed for TMJ assessment using CBCT images. Fifteen CBCT cases of the TMJ (three‐dimensional reconstructed volumes) and an assessment module based on image analysis criteria in the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) were added to the programme. Thirty‐six undergraduate dental students were invited to test the programme by assessing all cases twice: before and after 2 months of training. Participants submitted written subjective evaluations of the programme.

Results

The web‐based programme can be accessed on Malmö University webpage (www.cbct‐tmj.mau.se). Despite limited CBCT learning in their undergraduate training and not using the programme in the 2‐month interval, the students were able to correctly diagnose 80% of the cases at the second assessment. Their diagnoses, however, did not differ significantly from the first assessment. Overall, the students were satisfied with the programme and considered it user‐friendly.

Conclusion

The web‐based educational programme that was developed in the present study and tested by dental students could be a useful educational tool for TMJ assessment using CBCT.
Rural Stroke Patients Have Higher Mortality: An Improvement Opportunity for Rural Emergency Medical Services Systems
Authors: Georgakakos Peter K. , Swanson Morgan B. , Ahmed Azeemuddin , Mohr Nicholas M.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Early recognition and prompt prehospital care is a cornerstone of acute stroke treatment. Residents of rural areas have worse access to stroke services than urban residents. The purpose of this study was to (1) describe US trends in rural‐urban stroke mortality and (2) identify possible factors associated with rural‐urban stroke case‐fatality disparities.

Methods

This study was a nationwide retrospective cohort study of stroke admissions. The primary exposure was rurality of patient's residence. The primary outcome was death during hospital encounter. The secondary outcome was discharge to a care facility or home healthcare. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions estimated the odds of mortality by subject rurality among stroke subjects.

Findings

Rural stroke subjects had higher mortality than nonrural counterparts (18.6% rural vs 16.9% nonrural). After adjustment for patient and hospital factors, patient rurality was associated with increased odds of mortality (aOR = 1.11; 95% CI: 1.06‐1.15; P < .001). For the secondary outcome of discharge to home, rural stroke subjects were less likely to be discharged to a care facility than nonrural stroke visits (aOR 0.94; 95% CI: 0.91‐0.97; P < .001). Results were similar after adjusting for thrombolytics administration and transfer status.

Conclusions

Rural stroke patients have higher mortality than their urban counterparts likely due to their increased burden of chronic disease, lower health literacy, and reduced access to prompt prehospital care. There may be an opportunity for emergency medical services systems to assist in increasing stroke awareness for both patients and clinicians and to establish response patterns to expedite emergency care.
Fine‐scale genetic structure of Tujia and central Han Chinese revealing massive genetic admixture under language borrowing
Authors: He Guang‐Lin , Li Ying‐Xiang , Wang Meng‐Ge , Zou Xing , Yeh Hui‐Yuan , Yang Xiao‐Min , Wang Zheng , Tang Ren‐Kuan , Zhu Su‐Min , Guo Jian‐Xin , Luo Ting , Zhao Jing , Sun Jin , Xia Zi‐Yang , Fan Hao‐Liang , Hu Rong , Wei Lan‐Hai , Chen Gang , Hou Yi‐Ping , Wang Chuan‐Chao
Published: August 2020

Archaeological, genetic, and linguistic evidence has supported the idea that northern China is the original center of modern Sino‐Tibetan‐speaking populations. However, the demographic history of subsequent southward migration and genetic admixture of Han Chinese with surrounding indigenous populations remain uncharacterized, and the language shifts and assimilations accompanied by movement of people, or just an adaptation of cultural ideas among populations in central China is still unclear, especially for Tibeto‐Burman‐speaking Tujia and central Han Chinese populations. To resolve this, we genotyped over 60K genome‐wide markers in 505 unrelated individuals from 63 indigenous populations. Our results showed both studied Han and Tujia were at the intermediate position in the modern East Asian North–South genetic cline and there was a correlation between the genetic composition and the latitude. We observed the strong genetic assimilation between Tujia people and central Han Chinese, which suggested massive population movements and genetic admixture under language borrowing. Tujia and central Han Chinese could be modeled as a two‐way admixture deriving primary ancestry from a northern ancestral population closely related to the ancient DevilsCave and present‐day Tibetans and a southern ancestral population closely related to the present‐day Tai‐Kadai and Austronesian‐speaking groups. The ancestral northern population we suspect to be related to the Neolithic millet farming groups in the Yellow River Basin or central China. We showed that the newly genotyped populations in Hubei Province had a higher proportion of DevilsCave or modern Tungusic/Mongolic‐related northern ancestries, while the Hunan populations harbored a higher proportion of Austronesian/Tai‐Kadai‐related southern ancestries.
Does the combination of embryonic diapause and superfoetation occur in the stoat Mustela erminea? A reinterpretation of existing data
Authors: Dean Rebecca , Yamaguchi Nobuyuki
Published: August 2020

Superfoetation is when ovulation and fertilisation occur during pregnancy. Coupled with embryonic diapause, superfoetation presents an intriguing female reproductive advantage in terms of cryptic choice of males. Unfortunately, few studies have identified species possessing both superfoetation and embryonic diapause. We aim to reinterpret existing data on reproductive physiology in the stoat Mustela erminea and suggest it may be a previously overlooked species that possesses this combination. By increasing our knowledge of such reproductive systems, we can further our understanding of a cryptic sexually selected function and better explain the evolutionary gain and loss of embryonic diapause in mammals.
Causal explanations of depression on perceptions of and likelihood to choose cognitive behavioural therapy and antidepressant medications as depression treatments
Authors: Watson Lisa M. , Beshai Shadi
Published: August 2020

Objectives

This research examined whether people’s causal explanations of depression were associated with acceptability and efficacy‐related treatment perceptions and likelihood to choose cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and antidepressant medication (ADM) as depression treatments.

Design

A cross‐sectional internet‐based design was used.

Methods

A general population sample was used over a clinical sample to study those who had not yet chosen to enter treatment. A total of 422 individuals were recruited through a crowdsourcing platform to complete an online survey. Measures included perceived causes of depression, perceived acceptability, efficacy and choice likelihood for ADM and CBT, and demographics.

Results

Those with biological causal explanations of depression were more favourable towards ADM on all three perceptual measures of acceptability, efficacy and likelihood to choose ADM as a treatment for depression. Personality/character‐related causal explanations of depression were positively related to perceived efficacy and likelihood to choose CBT as a depression treatment. Those endorsing environmental stress causes of depression were more likely to choose CBT as a treatment for depression.

Conclusions

Results indicated that people’s beliefs about the causes of depression were related to their perceptions of and likelihoods to choose ADM and CBT as depression treatments.

Practitioner Points

Provides evidence of how different causal explanations of depression influence sufferers’ likelihoods to choose ADM and CBT as possible treatments for their depression.

Provides support for exploring potential patients’ causal explanations about depression prior to recommending a treatment regimen.
Selecting native plants for restoration using rapid screening for adaptive traits: methods and outcomes in a Great Basin case study
Authors: Leger Elizabeth A. , Barga Sarah , Agneray Alison C. , Baughman Owen , Burton Robert , Williams Mark
Published: August 2020

Partnerships between researchers and restoration practitioners can improve restoration outcomes, which is especially important for restoration in challenging settings. Here, we describe one such partnership in the Great Basin, United States, which used trait‐based methods and practitioner knowledge to identify the most promising seed sources for restoration. Managers in this region can either use widely available commercial seeds, which are often sourced from far outside the seeding area, or take extra steps to use locally collected seeds. We asked whether local, wild‐collected seeds of two native plants, Elymus elymoides and Poa secunda, had traits more conducive to seedling establishment in degraded sites, relative to commercial sources. Seeds were collected from four remnant native populations within lands managed by the Winnemucca Bureau of Land Management. Collections were screened for seed and seedling characteristics previously identified as associated with increased seedling performance in degraded Great Basin systems, and we provide a detailed methodology for these measurements. Relative to commercial seeds, wild‐collected seeds had more characteristics identified as beneficial for seedling establishment, including phenology, root allocation, root form, and overall size characteristics that suggest locally sourced populations would be likely to establish better than commercial sources. Using phenotypic traits as criteria, the most promising wild populations were selected for agronomic production to increase the quantities of seeds available for restoration, and field trials are ongoing using these field‐increased seeds. These results provide support for collaborative efforts to identify, collect, screen, and increase the availability of local seed sources to improve restoration success.
Cellular scars and local crosstalk in relapsing psoriasis: an example of a skin sticking disease
Authors: Gallais Sérézal Irène , Cheuk Stanley , Martini Elisa , Eidsmo Liv
Published: August 2020

Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease that arises in genetically predisposed individuals. Chronic skin lesions that contain activated immune cells can persist for years. Systemic inhibition of TNF, IL‐17 and IL‐23 cytokines has revolutionized psoriasis care during the recent decades. Unfortunately, local relapse of disease is common at previously inflamed sites after cessation of treatment. This highlights that fundamental pathologic alterations of the affected tissues are not completely resolved during clinical remission. Here, we present arguments for a local disease memory located in both dermis and epidermis in psoriasis skin. We decipher different cellular components and intercellular crosstalk that sustain local disease memory and amplify disease relapse in human psoriasis. Decrypting the mechanisms underlying the establishment and persistence of pathogenic memory cells in resolved psoriasis may provide new therapeutic perspectives aimed at long‐term remission of psoriasis.
Theorizing race and settler colonialism within U.S. sociology
Authors: McKay Dwanna L. , Vinyeta Kirsten , Norgaard Kari Marie
Published: August 2020

Settler colonialism expands race and racism beyond ideological perspectives and reveals the links between historical and contemporary racialized social relations and practices–the racial structure–of American society. In this article, we define settler colonialism, highlight sociological scholarship that uses settler colonial theoretical frameworks, and explore ways in which this work enriches, intersects with, complicates, and contradicts key assumptions within the sociology of race.
Experimental Investigations About the Power Loss Transition Between Churning and Windage for Spur Gears
Authors: Quiban Romain , Changenet Christophe , Marchesse Yann , Ville Fabrice
Published: August 2020

Oil sump lubrication is commonly used in gearboxes. When considering consistent speeds, oil immersion is usually set to low level in order to reduce associated power losses. This configuration is already used in some parts of helicopter mechanical transmissions, and it is under consideration as a lubrication solution for future electric powertrain where gearbox input speeds may be very high. The gear drag power losses are generally evaluated from either a churning power loss model for classic oil sump lubrication or a windage power loss model for oil jet lubrication. One may thus wonder how to estimate drag losses when considering a gear that only a small part is immersed. In this study, the authors investigate the transition between churning and windage phenomena for a spur gear. A series of torque measurements on a single spur gear rotating in an oil bath at numerous oil immersion levels have been carried out. Based on these results, a criterion to indicate which power loss model to use is proposed.
Modeling and Performance Analysis of a Small Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine
Authors: Ighodaro Osarobo , Akhihiero David
Published: August 2020

Wind energy is increasingly becoming a major discussion amongst renewable energy sources due to its sustainability, reduced impact on the environment, and being significantly cheaper than conventional fossil fuels. Researchers have been particularly concerned with studying improved design and optimization using computational technique and experimentation. This research aims at designing blades for a small horizontal axis wind turbine for low Reynolds number using blade element momentum theory and using computational fluid dynamics (cfd) and experiment to analyze its performance. Two airfoils (SG6050 and SG6043) were selected for different regions of the blade span. Four turbulent models were used in predicting its performance. The performance was analyzed for wind speeds between 2 m/s and 7 m/s. Studies showed that the blade is capable of generating power up to 241 W with a power coefficient of 34.3% at a speed of 6 m/s. The computed power coefficient is in good agreement with experimental results of 33.7%.
Supercritical Water Choking Flow Experiments Through a Convergent-Divergent Test Section
Authors: Teyssedou A. , Muftuoglu A. , Hidouche A.
Published: August 2020

The heat transport system of Gen-IV supercritical water-cooled reactors (SCWRs) will operate at pressures close to 25 MPa and outlet temperatures of up to 625 °C. The design and safety analyses of this type of reactors still necessitate among others, experimental information and validation of critical (choked) flows models of water above the thermodynamic critical state. Up to now, choked flow data were collected at atmospheric discharge pressure conditions, without changing the discharge pressure to verify the occurrence of choking flow; in most of the cases, using fluids different from water. This paper presents experimental supercritical water choking flow data collected by using a convergent-divergent test section by changing the discharge pressure to verify the occurrence of choked flow. The critical mass flux is presented as a function of the temperature difference between a pseudo-critical temperature and the bulk fluid temperature. This representation allows us to assess similar experiments performed by using different test sections. Hence, a comparison of actual data with those previously obtained using 1.0 mm and 1.4 mm diameter sharp-edged orifices, shows peculiar differences. The actual experiments were limited by very low values of choking mass flow rates. Furthermore, in some cases, it was observed the presence of an increase in the discharge pressure that seems to indicate the existence of shock-wave structures. We are also able to estimate a pseudo-critical temperature difference below which choking flow systematically occurs.
When you become the lived experience: The journey backwards from academia
Authors: Fox Mim , Wayland Sarah
Published: August 2020

The transition from lived experience to social work researcher or teacher is well known and, in many ways, an expected pathway. What is less documented is the lived experience that happens to the social work researcher or teacher, the moment the researcher becomesthe research topic, or the teacher becomes the lesson. In writing these reflections we, the authors, have reflected on, and engaged with, our experience as researchers and academics who know and understand grief from a distance. We have previously positioned ourselves as experts and, through lived experience, have come to a place of not knowing. From there we have stumbled awkwardly on to new understandings, hopefully to enrich our future research and teaching.
Social work education: Reflections during Covid-19 lockdown
Authors: Glubb-Smith Kelly J. , Roberts Tania
Published: August 2020

Teaching social work students in Aotearoa New Zealand during the Covid-19 crisis produced an acute awareness of the impact of lockdown levels 3 and 4 on student wellbeing. Students were required to rapidly adapt to study in a fully online environment without the face-to-face support of university campus life. Normal social and academic pressures were immediately intensified, with no immediate relief in sight. Student resilience was tested further due to multiple factors such as: suddenly reduced incomes, parenting during lockdown, caring for whānau both within and external to their “bubble”, and being unable to come together with loved ones to celebrate life events or mourn those who had passed.
A short introduction to attachment and attachment disorder (2nd ed.)
Authors: Parkes Fritha
Published: August 2020

Book review
The Polycomb-associated factor PHF19 controls hematopoietic stem cell state and differentiation
Authors: Vizán Pedro , Gutiérrez Arantxa , Espejo Isabel , García-Montolio Marc , Lange Martin , Carretero Ana , Lafzi Atefeh , de Andrés-Aguayo Luisa , Blanco Enrique , Thambyrajah Roshana , Graf Thomas , Heyn Holger , Bigas Anna , Di Croce Luciano
Published: August 2020

Phf19, a Polycomb subunit, controls hematopoietic stem cells identity and differentiation.
Entamoeba histolytica DNA Detection in Serum from Patients with Suspected Amoebic Liver Abscess
Authors: Ghelfenstein-Ferreira Théo , Gits-Muselli Maud , Dellière Sarah , Denis Blandine , Guigue Nicolas , Hamane Samia , Alanio Alexandre , Bretagne Stéphane
Published: August 2020

Amoebic liver abscess (ALA) is regularly seen in travelers or immigrants from tropical countries. The diagnosis relies on liver imaging that is not specific and on the detection of anti-
Entamoeba histolytica
antibodies, which cannot distinguish an acute from a former infection. We tested whether
E. histolytica
DNA detection in serum can improve the diagnosis of ALA. We retrospectively tested available serum samples taken from patients with ALA and non-ALA space-occupying lesions of the liver between 1 January 2010 and 30 November 2019.
Draft Genome Sequence of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia MDMC339, Isolated from Soil of Merzouga Desert in Morocco
Authors: Chemao-Elfihri M. W. , Manni Amina , Laamarti Meriem , Kartti Souad , Essabbar Abdelmounim , Alouane Tarek , Temsamani Loubna , Eljamali Jamal-Eddine , Ouadghiri Mouna , El Hajjami Nargisse , Sbabou Laila , Belyamani Lahcen , Ibrahimi Azeddine , Filali-Maltouf Abdelkarim
Published: August 2020

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
MDMC339, a strain able to survive in the difficult conditions imposed by the Merzouga desert. The analyzed genome contains 4,788,525 bp with 4,262 genes coding for proteins, including several genes related to stress.
MiSeq Sequencing of Salmonella enterica subsp.
houtenae
Isolates from a Dog Treated for Hind-Limb Paresis
Authors: Krath Mary L. , Hillhouse Andrew E. , Little Sara V. , Lawhon Sara D.
Published: August 2020

The genomes of three clinical isolates of
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
houtenae
were sequenced using an Illumina MiSeq instrument. These isolates came from the urine and cerebrospinal fluid of a dog treated for hind-limb paresis with immunosuppressive drugs.
S. enterica
subsp.
houtenae
has also been implicated in brain infections in humans.
Examination of Staphylococcus aureus Isolates from the Gloves and Gowns of Intensive Care Unit Health Care Workers
Authors: Adedrian Timileyin , Hitchcock Stephanie , O’Hara Lyndsay M. , Michalski Jane M. , Johnson J. Kristie , Calfee David P. , Miller Loren G. , Hazen Tracy H. , Harris Anthony D. , Rasko David A.
Published: August 2020

Interactions with health care workers are often thought to be associated with the spread of microbes in the hospital setting. We have examined the genomic diversity of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
isolates from the gloves and gowns of health care workers from four hospitals in three states.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Redox-Active Enteric Bacterium Citrobacter portucalensis Strain MBL
Authors: Tsypin Lev M. , Saunders Scott H. , Bar-On Yinon , Leadbetter Jared R. , Newman Dianne K.
Published: August 2020

We grew a soil enrichment culture to identify organisms that anaerobically oxidize phenazine-1-carboxylic acid. A strain of
Citrobacter portucalensis
was isolated from this enrichment and sequenced by both Illumina and PacBio technologies. It has a genome with a length of 5.3 Mb, a G+C content of 51.8%, and at least one plasmid.
Physicians’ and nurses’ work time allocation and workflow interruptions in emergency departments: a comparative time-motion study across two countries
Authors: Schneider Anna , Williams Deborah J , Kalynych Colleen , Wehler Markus , Weigl Matthias
Published: August 2020

Background

Globally, emergency department (ED) work is fast-paced and subject to interruptions, placing high coordination and communication demands on staff. Our study aimed to compare ED staffs’ work time allocation and interruption rates across professional roles and two national settings.

Methods

We conducted a time-motion study with standardised expert observations of ED physicians and nurses in Germany and the USA. Observers coded ED staffs’ activities and workflow interruptions. General and generalised linear models were used to examine differences in activities and interruption rates between countries and ED professions.

Results

28 observations were conducted in the USA and 30 in Germany. Overall, the largest portion of time spent by ED staff in both settings was in documentation (22.0%). Physicians spent more time in verbal interaction with patients (9.9% vs 5.2% in nurses; p=0.006), in documentation (29.4% vs 15.6%; p<0.001) and other professional activities (13.0% vs 4.8%; p=0.002). Nurses allocated significantly more time to therapeutic (22.3% vs 6.0% in physicians; p<0.001) and organisational activities (20.4% vs 9.5%; p<0.001). Overall mean interruption rate per hour was 10.16 (US ED: 8.15, German ED: 12.04; p<0.001). American physicians and German nurses were most often disrupted by colleagues of the same profession (country: B=-.27, p=0.027; profession: B=0.35, p=0.006). German ED staff were interrupted more often by patients (B=-.78, p=0.001) and other sources (B=-.76, p<0.001) than American ED staff.

Discussion

Our findings corroborate that professional roles largely determine time allocation to specific activities. However, interruption rates indicate differences between countries, suggesting the need for context-specific solutions to work stressors.
Knowledge towards COVID-19 among healthcare students in the central region of Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Mohsin Syed Fareed , Agwan Muhammad Atif , Alsuwaydani Ziyad Ahmad
Published: August 2020

Study Purpose

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious illness of high public concern. Healthcare students are directly or indirectly exposed to this disease. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of healthcare students in the central region of Saudi Arabia.

Study Design

A cross-sectional survey was planned to collect information from healthcare students living in the central region of Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire was formulated to evaluate the healthcare student’s knowledge towards COVID-19 pandemic. The collected data were analysed by using frequencies of correct knowledge answers.

Results

A total of 612 students were analysed for the study. The overall knowledge score of healthcare students was 65.7%. The regression analysis showed a significant association between academic year and knowledge score p<0.001.

Conclusions

Our analysis demonstrates satisfactory student’s knowledge but lacks awareness about background and mode of transmission of this disease; therefore, there is a strong need for further education and training programmes.
OIL PRICE FLUCTUATIONS AND STOCK MARKET BEHAVIOR IN A RESOURCE-DOMINANT ECONOMY: CASE OF KAZAKHSTAN
Authors: MUKAN MOLDIR , OSKENBAYEV YESSENGALI , NADERI NIKI , DOSMAGAMBET YERGALI
Published: August 2020

During the past 10 years, the oil market has been very unpredictable and volatile, which created uneasy conditions for market participants. The remedy of increasing oil prices is considered as a positive factor for the economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan as an oil-exporting country. Using structural decomposition of vector autoregression (VAR), this study aims to examine how the whole financial system in Kazakhstan is depending on oil prices. The results suggest that the strongest factor affecting the stock index is aggregate demand, and the impact of oil production shocks on the equity market is, on average, insignificant. Such shocks can be discounted while a fall in oil prices affects financial conditions as a whole, damaging the solvency of Kazakhstan, an oil-exporting country. With the positive shock of aggregate demand, the stock market index tends to rise. There is also an effect of oil price volatility on changes in currency value, which also influences the financial situation of the country. Moreover, oil-exporting countries such as Kazakhstan can secure and support their economies with the help of “stable aggregate demand”. The focus on Kazakhstan as one of the oil-producing countries is interesting for at least two reasons. Importantly, oil-exporting countries supply oil to really strong countries concentrating on manufacturing and other industries. Besides, this study provides useful insights for countries with similar economic conditions, including similar stock market development.
PREVENTIVE ACTIVITY AND NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE AMONG TAIWAN’S ELDERLY PEOPLE
Authors: LIN CHUN-WEI , LEE CHI-CHUAN , LEE CHIEN-CHIANG
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we evaluate the preventive behaviors for middle age people in Taiwan through survey wave comparisons for the period 1993–2007. We first investigate the determinants of preventive behavior and how their effects change over time by using the seemingly unrelated bivariate probit model. Evidence shows that income and education levels do have a significantly positive relation with preventive behavior models, while reported poor health, inpatient and outpatient services, and regions are essential determinants of preventive behaviors. Then, we investigate the impact of Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) on preventive behaviors based on the difference-in-difference (DID) analysis. The results show a lack of evidence for the moral hazard effect on preventive care and regular exercise panels over the period 1993–2007.
Multiple invariant solutions of the 3D potential Yu–Toda–Sasa–Fukuyama equation via symmetry technique
Authors: Cimpoiasu Rodica
Published: August 2020

This paper studies the potential form of the 3D potential Yu–Toda–Sasa–Fukuyama equation through the perspective of Lie symmetry analysis. This technique combined with symbolic computations does prove that the general Lie operator depends on five parameters and six independent arbitrary functions that are variable in respect to time. The group invariant solutions associated to some 1D subalgebras are systematically construct and they do involve arbitrary functions. When these functions are expressed under several specific forms, the associated wave solutions possess multiple structures. Graphical representations of some particular solutions are as well provided. As far as we know such general solutions are presented here for the first time and do indicate the symmetry method to be applied in order to solve other multidimensional, integrable, or nonintegrable nonlinear dynamical models.
Synchronization of chaotic jerk systems
Authors: Wang Z. , Panahi S. , Khalaf A. J. M. , Jafari S. , Hussain I.
Published: August 2020

Chaotic jerk oscillators belong to the simplest chaotic systems. These systems try to model the behavior of dynamical systems efficiently. Jerk oscillators can be known as the most general systems in science, especially physics. It has been proved that every dynamical system expressed with an ordinary differential equation is able to describe as a jerky system in particular conditions. One of its main topics is investigating the collective behavior of chaotic jerk oscillators in the dynamical network. In this paper, the synchronizability of the identical network of jerk oscillators is examined in three different coupling configurations, which are velocity, acceleration, and jerk coupling, and the results are compared with each other.
Tunable narrowband metamaterial perfect absorber with single absorption peak
Authors: Yin Zhe , Song Jianhui , Yu Yang , Gao Hongwei , Liu Jun , Zhao Yawei
Published: August 2020

A tunable narrowband metamaterial perfect absorber (NMPA) with single absorption peak at both normal incidence and oblique incidence is proposed. The spectral responses of the designed NMPA are calculated using finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. By using an Ag guided-mode resonance grating layer with great fill factor, the designed NMPA exhibits single resonance peak, which is converted to heat due to the strong surface plasmon resonance around the Ag grating and the Ag substrate. An NMPA sample is fabricated and the spectral responses are measured to verify the theoretical results. The experimental results are consistent with the theoretical ones.
Thermodynamical correspondence of f(R) gravity in the Jordan and Einstein frames
Authors: Nashed G. G. L. , El Hanafy W. , Odintsov S. D. , Oikonomou V. K.
Published: August 2020

We study the thermodynamical aspects of [Formula: see text] gravity in the Jordan and the Einstein frame, and we investigate the corresponding equivalence of the thermodynamical quantities in the two frames. We examine static spherically symmetric black hole solutions with constant Ricci scalar curvature [Formula: see text], and as we demonstrate, the thermodynamical quantities in the two frames are equivalent. However, for the case of black holes with nonconstant scalar curvature [Formula: see text], the thermodynamical equivalence of the two frames is no longer valid. In addition, we extend our study to investigate cosmological solutions with a homogeneous and isotropic background. In particular, we find that the power-law cosmology case provides an accidentally thermodynamical equivalence of the two frames. However, for nontrivial cosmology, we examine a novel exponential ultraviolet [Formula: see text] gravity. This confirms that the thermodynamical quantities in both frames are not equivalent. In conclusion, although [Formula: see text] gravity and its corresponding scalar-tensor theory are mathematically equivalent, at least for conformal invariant quantities, the two frames are not thermodynamically equivalent at a quantitative level, in terms of several physical quantities.
TELESAR VI: Telexistence Surrogate Anthropomorphic Robot VI
Authors: Tachi Susumu , Inoue Yasuyuki , Kato Fumihiro
Published: August 2020

Telexistence refers to the general technology that allows humans to experience the real-time sensation of being in another place, interacting with a remote environment, which may be real, virtual, or a combination of both. It also refers to an advanced type of teleoperation system that allows an operator behind the controls to perform remote tasks dexterously with the feeling of being in a surrogate robot working in a remote environment. Telexistence in a real environment through a virtual environment is also possible. The concept was originally proposed by the first author in 1980, and its feasibility has been demonstrated through the construction of alter-ego robot systems called Telexistence Surrogate Anthropomorphic Robot (TELESAR) I–V. TELESAR VI is a newly developed telexistence platform for the ACCEL Embodied Media Project. It was designed and implemented with a mechanically unconstrained full-body master cockpit and a 67 degrees-of-freedom (DOF) anthropomorphic avatar robot. The avatar robot can operate in a sitting position since the main area of operation is intended to be manipulation and gestural. The system provides a full-body experience of our extended “body schema,” which allows users to maintain an up-to-date representation in space of the positions of their different body parts, including their head, torso, arms, hands, and legs. All ten fingers of the avatar robot are equipped with force, vibration, and temperature sensors and can faithfully transmit these elements of haptic information. Thus, the combined use of the robot and audiovisual information actualizes the remote sense of existence, as if the users physically existed there, with the avatar robot serving as their new body. With this experience, users can perform tasks dexterously and feel the robot’s body as their own, which provides the most simple and fundamental experience of a remote existence.
An effective-gravity perspective on the Sun–Jupiter–comet three-body system
Authors: Battista Emmanuele , Esposito Giampiero , Tartaglia Angelo
Published: August 2020

Within the solar system, approximate realizations of the three-body problem occur when a comet approaches a planet while being affected mainly by such a planet and the Sun, and this configuration was investigated by Tisserand within the framework of Newtonian gravity. The exact relativistic treatment of the problem is not an easy task, but this paper develops an approximate calculational scheme which computes for the first time the tiny effective-gravity correction to the equation of the surface for all points of which it is equally advantageous to regard the heliocentric motion as being perturbed by the attraction of Jupiter, or the jovicentric motion as being perturbed by the attraction of the Sun. This analysis completes the previous theoretical investigations of effective-gravity corrections to the Newtonian analysis of three-body systems, and represents an intermediate step towards relativistic effects on cometary motions.
Rapid label-free SERS detection of foodborne pathogenic bacteria based on hafnium ditelluride-Au nanocomposites
Authors: Li Yang , Guo Yanxian , Ye Binggang , Zhuang Zhengfei , Lan Peilin , Zhang Yue , Zhong Huiqing , Liu Hao , Guo Zhouyi , Liu Zhiming
Published: August 2020

Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have captured an increasing attention in biophotonics owing to their excellent optical features. Herein, 2D hafnium ditelluride (HfTe[Formula: see text], a new member of transition metal tellurides, is exploited to support gold nanoparticles fabricating HfTe2-Au nanocomposites. The nanohybrids can serve as novel 2D surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate for the label-free detection of analyte with high sensitivity and reproducibility. Chemical mechanism originated from HfTe2 nanosheets and the electromagnetic enhancement induced by the hot spots on the nanohybrids may largely contribute to the superior SERS effect of HfTe2-Au nanocomposites. Finally, HfTe2-Au nanocomposites are utilized for the label-free SERS analysis of foodborne pathogenic bacteria, which realize the rapid and ultrasensitive Raman test of Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella with the limit of detection of 10 CFU/mL and the maximum Raman enhancement factor up to [Formula: see text]. Combined with principal component analysis, HfTe2-Au-based SERS analysis also completes the bacterial classification without extra treatment.
Detecting the Number of States in Raw Trajectories
Authors: Flomenbom Ophir
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we present a simple method to detect the number of states in a stochastic trajectory. The method quantifies the degree of correlations in stochastic trajectories, computes the correlation function with two variables (the three-point correlation function), then finds the rank of the computed matrix (the method identifies the signal singular values, those that are beyond the noise). The computed rank is the number of states in the discrete trajectory, yet meaningful also in continuous trajectories; in such cases, the rank is compiled with the number of terms in the correlation function to determine the number of fluctuating independent potential profiles in the approximated discrete representation of the process.
Microbiota on biotics: probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics to optimize growth and metabolism
Authors: Edwards Price T. , Kashyap Purna C. , Preidis Geoffrey A.
Published: August 2020

The early stages of the metagenomics era produced countless observational studies linking various human diseases to alterations in the gut microbiota. Only recently have we begun to decipher the causal roles that gut microbes play in many of these conditions. Despite an incomplete understanding of how gut microbes influence pathophysiology, clinical trials have tested empirically numerous microbiota-targeting therapies to prevent or treat disease. Unsurprisingly, these trials have yielded mixed results. Nonetheless, the consumer market for probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics continues to grow. This theme paper highlights recent discoveries of mechanisms underlying diet-microbial-host interactions as they pertain to growth and metabolism and discusses current and future applications of microbiota-targeting therapies in the context of child malnutrition as well as obesity and its metabolic comorbidities, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease. We also highlight current challenges and identify future directions to facilitate a more efficient and direct path to clinical impact.