bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel, Disease-Specific Self-Report Instrument to Measure Body Image Concerns in Patients With Head and Neck Skin Cancer
Authors: Beal Brandon T. , White Emily K. , Behera Anit K. , McGuinness Ashley E. , Zavell Amy E. , Blangger Holly , Armbrecht Eric S. , Maher Ian A.
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

Skin cancer commonly occurs on areas that are salient to body image perception (i.e., head and neck). Patients with head and neck skin cancer (HNSC) may experience negative body image perceptions related to their disease, which is concerning, given the numerous negative sequelae of poor body image. However, there are no existing disease-specific measures of body image concerns in HNSC.

OBJECTIVE

To develop and examine the psychometric properties of a brief self-report, disease-specific measure of body image concerns in patients with HNSC—the Body Image Questionnaire (BIQ).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with HNSC completed the BIQ before (n = 239) and 6 months after (n = 80) treatment with Mohs micrographic surgery. Analyses examined the internal consistency, convergent validity, and factor structure of the BIQ.

RESULTS

Internal consistency reliability was acceptable, and the measure demonstrated convergent validity with well-being. Four dimensions underlie the BIQ: appearance satisfaction, appearance avoidance, head/neck/skin-specific dissatisfaction, and perceived change.

CONCLUSION

The BIQ is a valid and internally reliable disease-specific instrument that measures body image concerns in patients with HNSC.
Preparing Global Trauma Nurses for Leadership Roles in Global Trauma Systems
Authors: Muñiz Sol Angelica , Lang Richard W. , Falcon Lisa , Garces-King Jasmine , Willard Suzanne , Peck Gregory L.
Published: September 2017

Trauma leads to 5.7 million annual deaths globally, accounting for 25%–33% of global unintentional deaths and 90% of the global trauma burden in low- and middle-income countries. The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery and the World Health Organization assert that emergent and essential surgical capacity building and trauma system improvement are essential to address the global burden of trauma. In response, the Rutgers Global Surgery program, the School of Nursing and Medicine, and the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital faculty collaborated in the first Interprofessional Models in Global Injury Care and Education Symposium in June 2016. This 2-week symposium combined lectures, high-fidelity simulation, small group workshops, site visits to Level I trauma centers, and a 1-day training course from the Panamerican Trauma Society. The aim was to introduce global trauma nurses to trauma leadership and trauma system development. After completing the symposium, 10 nurses from China, Colombia, Kenya, Puerto Rico, and Uruguay were surveyed. Overall, 88.8% of participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the program and 100% stated being very satisfied with trauma lectures. Symposia, such as that developed and offered by Rutgers University, prepare nurses to address trauma within system-based care and facilitate trauma nursing leadership in their respective countries.
Variables to Predict Mortality in Hip Fractures in Patients Over 65 Years of Age: A Study on the Role of Anticoagulation as a Risk Factor
Authors: Sarabia-Cobo Carmen M. , Sáenz-Jalón María , Vélez-Carrera Begoña , Miguel Martín M. Eugenia , Rodríguez Landeras Gema , Roscales San Bartolomé Elena , Santiago Fernández Marta , Higuero-Piris Carmen , Artabe Pozas Patricia , Espeso Salas Sandra , Briz Casares Sonia
Published: September 2017

The objective of this research was to study the possible relationship between the consumption of dicoumarinic agents (understanding the consumption of acenocoumarol as regulated and monitored anticoagulation) and the mortality rate in people older than 65 years undergoing a hip fracture (HF) intervention. It was a retrospective, observational and descriptive study. Nine hundred fifty-seven patients were included who underwent an intervention for HF between the years 2012 and 2014 in a third-level hospital. Patients took acenocoumarol (16.1%), which compared with nonanticoagulated patients took longer in receiving intervention, they remained hospitalized for more days, and they presented greater mortality within the first year after the intervention. Likewise, those who presented greater risk according to the classification system used by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) to estimate the risk of anesthesia for the different states of the patients who were anticoagulated also suffered greater mortality. The next factors increased the mortality in the first year: advanced age, delayed surgery, male sex, need for transfusion, high international normalized ratio, consumption of acenocoumarol, and a high ASA risk. We concluded the consumption of acenocoumarol increased the risk of mortality within the first year after surgery in 1.3 of possible cases. Other risk factors that also independently increased the risk of mortality included advanced age, male sex, delayed surgery, the need for transfusions, and surgical risk (for high levels in the ASA classification).
Caring for Trauma Patients With Coexisting Heart Failure
Authors: Bergman Schieman Karen , Pattison Kelley , Early Conor
Published: September 2017

The coexisting conditions of traumatic injury coupled with a comorbid condition such as heart failure create a complex scenario for the trauma nurse to manage. Initial care of the trauma patient includes following the Advanced Trauma Life Support guidelines and managing the airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC) of the patient. Once the airway is secure and breathing is managed, the team addresses circulation. At this point in the patient's care, the team typically does not know which, if any, comorbid conditions exist. Managing circulation for a hypotensive or hypoperfused patient will most likely include 1–2 L of crystalloid solution being given intravenously. Although most patients can tolerate this fluid volume challenge, excess volume can be difficult for a patient with heart failure. This article describes the monitoring and management techniques that are recommended for patients presenting with trauma and the comorbid condition of heart failure.
Use of Durable Continuous-Flow Ventricular Assist Devices in Patients on Immunosuppression
Authors: Sorabella Robert A. , Han Jiho , Topkara Veli K. , Garan A. Reshad , Yuzefpolskaya Melana , Colombo Paolo C. , Takeda Koji , Naka Yoshifumi , Takayama Hiroo
Published: September 2017

Durable ventricular assist device (VAD) therapy remains an important treatment for end-stage heart failure. Despite advancements in device design, postimplant infectious complications continue to plague this population. In this study, we aim to evaluate the use of durable VAD therapy in patients on active immunosuppression. All patients undergoing durable, continuous-flow VAD placement on active immunosuppression at our center from 2004 to 2012 were included in the analysis (group immunosuppressed [IS]; n = 13). Demographic data, comorbidities, device details, immunosuppression details including indication, postimplant infections, and outcomes were collected and compared with patients without immunosuppression (group non-IS; n = 259). Mean age in the IS group was 56.3 ± 12.4 years, and 12 patients (92.3%) were male. Twelve patients (92.3%) were implanted as a bridge to transplant. Incidence of any postimplant infection and device-related infection was 1.15 infections/patient × year and 0.38 infections/patient × year, respectively. Survival to discharge was 84.6% and 93.1% (p = 0.25), and 1 year survival was 75.0% and 83.1% (p = 0.47) in the IS and non-IS group, respectively. Mean duration of support was 384 ± 466 days, and mean follow-up was 2.1 ± 1.5 years. Active immunosuppression may lead to a modest increase in postimplant infection rate in durable VAD patients than in non-IS patients undergoing the same treatment; however, late on-device survival is not affected. Immunosuppression should not be considered an absolute contraindication to device implant.
Radial Force: An Underestimated Parameter in Oversizing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Prostheses: In Vitro Analysis with Five Commercialized Valves
Authors: Egron Sandrine , Fujita Buntaro , Gullón Lucía , Pott Désirée , Schmitz-Rode Thomas , Ensminger Stephan , Steinseifer Ulrich
Published: September 2017

The goal is to inform in depth on transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) prosthesis mechanical behavior, depending on frame type, design, and size, and how it crucially impacts the oversizing issue in clinical use, and ultimately the procedure outcome. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is an established therapy for high-risk patients suffering from aortic stenosis, and the indication for TAVR is progressively expanding to intermediate-risk patients. Choosing the optimal oversizing degree is crucial to safely anchor the TAVR valve—which involves limiting the risks for embolism, aortic regurgitation, conductance disturbance, or annulus rupture—and to increase the valve prosthesis performance. The radial force (RF) profiles of five TAVR prostheses were measured in vitro: the CoreValve 23 and 26 (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN), the Acurate neo S (Symetis, Écublens, Vaud, Switzerland), and the SAPIEN XT 23 and 26 (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA). Measurements were run with the RX Machine equipment (Machine Solutions Inc., Flagstaff, AZ), which is used in ISO standard tests for intravascular stents. Test protocols were adapted for TAVR prostheses. With the prostheses RF profiles’ results, mechanical behavior differences could be described and discussed in terms of oversizing strategy and clinical impact for all five valves. Besides, crossing the prostheses’ RF profiles with their recommended size windows made the assessment of borderline size cases possible and helped analyze the risks when accurate measurement of patient aortic annulus proves difficult. The prostheses’ RF profiles bring new support in clinical decision-making for valve type and size in patients.
Current health status and medical therapy of patients with pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease: a survey-based analysis on 1280 patients aged 10–25 years focusing on differences by age of onset
Authors: Timmer Antje , Stark Renee , Peplies Jenny , Classen Martin , Laass Martin W. , Koletzko Sibylle
Published: September 2017

Objective

There are inconsistent reports on age-related differences in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). On the basis of patient information, we describe the clinical presentation and therapy in relation to age at diagnosis in longstanding pediatric IBD.

Patients and methods

Two surveys were conducted in children and young adults (age: 10–25 years) by pretested postal questionnaires. The main analyses are descriptive, showing proportions and distributions per grouped age of diagnosis. Exploratory logistic regression was used to identify sociodemographic and disease-related factors associated with prognosis. Recent disease course, use of biological therapy, and resecting surgery were chosen as indicators of disease severity. Patients with a diagnosis in infancy (<2 years of age) are presented as a case series.

Results

Information of 1280 cases was available [804 Crohn’s disease (CD), 382 ulcerative colitis (UC), 94 IBD not specified] (response: 44.6 and 49.6%). Stable remission during the preceding year was reported by 675 (56.7%) patients; 825 (60.9%) patients reported feeling currenty well. Anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy was reported by 33% of CD patients and 9.3% of UC patients, immunomodulation in 82.1 and 63.2%, and corticosteroids by 78.4 and 76.1%, respectively (ever use). Age at diagnosis was not associated with indicators of severe disease. Diagnosis in infancy was reported by 37 patients.

Conclusion

Our data do not support age at diagnosis-related differences in prognosis in pediatric-onset IBD.
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy under conscious sedation in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is safe: an observational study
Authors: Strijbos Denise , Hofstede José , Keszthelyi Daniel , Masclee Ad A.M. , Gilissen Lennard P.L.
Published: September 2017

Objectives

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neuromuscular disease that causes muscle weakness with respiratory and swallowing dysfunction, eventually leading to death. Permanent enteral feeding is indicated in almost all patients. A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube is considered the first choice, usually performed under conscious sedation (intravenous midazolam). Guidelines are very cautious with respect to sedation in ALS because of the risk for respiratory complications. In our tertiary referral hospital, conscious sedation has been used for many years.

Our aim was to review 30-day complications in PEG performed under conscious sedation in ALS patients (without noninvasive positive pressure ventilation during the procedure).

Patients and methods

A retrospective review, including all ALS patients undergoing PEG under conscious sedation from October 2009 to April 2016, was performed.

Results

Analysis included 45 (44% men) patients receiving intravenous midazolam sedation (mean dose 5 mg) during PEG placement, age 36–91 years (mean: 68.7 years). Forced vital capacity (FVC) was 24–116% (mean 68%), of which mild to moderate dysfunction (FVC 50–69%) was present in 42.2% of patients and (very) severe dysfunction (FVC <50%) in 8.8%. No respiratory complications (e.g. aspiration pneumonia) were observed. Other complications, for example, infection, bleeding and peritonitis occurred in, respectively, 8.9, 2.2 and 0%. Mean survival after PEG placement was 13.4 months (range: 1–45 months).

Conclusion

Conscious sedation during PEG insertion in ALS patients did not lead to respiratory complications or to an increase in other complications. Our data indicate that conscious sedation can be used safely in ALS patients with mild to moderate pulmonary dysfunction.
Effectiveness of the conductive educational approach added to conventional physiotherapy in the improvement of gait parameters of poststroke patients: randomized-controlled pilot study
Authors: Nagy Adél , Angeli Csenge , Hőgye Zsófia , Bajusz-Leny Ágnes , Réti Gergő , Nagy Attila Cs , Jenei Zoltán
Published: September 2017

Our objective was to assess the benefits of the conductive education (CE) approach added to conventional physiotherapy in gait functions of poststroke, hemiparetic patients. A randomized-controlled trial was designed in a rehabilitation clinic. Late and chronic poststroke patients with gait disturbances (n=17, median age: 55 years, range: 41–72 years) were enrolled in the study. All patients received conventional physiotherapy. However, patients of only one group took part in therapy on the basis of the CE approach. The gait parameters, semiobjective outcome measures, functional independence measure, and International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health domains were collected. The effectiveness of the CE approach was underlined by those outcome measures that were only significant (P≤0.05) in the conductive group: functional independence measure motor subscale; maintaining body position and walking long distances; and muscle strength in some muscle groups. The results suggest that CE could have an additive effect on gait improvement of stroke patients.
Is Thrombus With Subcutaneous Edema Detected by Ultrasonography Related to Short Peripheral Catheter Failure? A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Takahashi Toshiaki , Murayama Ryoko , Oe Makoto , Nakagami Gojiro , Tanabe Hidenori , Yabunaka Koichi , Arai Rika , Komiyama Chieko , Uchida Miho , Sanada Hiromi
Published: September 2017

Short peripheral catheter (SPC) failure is an important clinical problem. The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between SPC failure and etiologies such as thrombus, subcutaneous edema, and catheter dislodgment using ultrasonography and to explore the risk factors associated with the etiologies. Two hundred catheters that were in use for infusion, excluding chemotherapy, were observed. Risk factors were examined by logistic regression analysis. Sixty catheters were removed as the result of SPC failure. Frequency of thrombus with subcutaneous edema in SPC failure cases was significantly greater than in those cases where therapy was completed without complications (P < .01). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that 2 or more insertion attempts were significantly associated with thrombus with subcutaneous edema. Results suggest that subsurface skin assessment for catheterization could prevent SPC failure.
Determining the Risk of Sepsis Using Nurse-Compounded Elastomeric Pumps for Continuous Infusion in Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy
Authors: Dobson Pauline M. , Loewenthal Mark , Harris Lisa
Published: September 2017

Limited availability of compounded antibiotics used for continuous infusion outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) can delay or interrupt an OPAT course. To solve this problem, OPAT nurses at a hospital in Australia have been compounding elastomeric pumps for immediate use. The incidence of sepsis in 5014 patients before and after the introduction of nurse compounding was compared. There were no cases of laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection among the nurse-compounded group compared with 2 cases (0.045/1000 catheter days) among the control group without nurse compounding (P = .16). No compounding medication errors occurred in more than 180 patient years of follow-up among the nurse compounding group. Nurse compounding can be a safe and convenient alternative when immediate access to preloaded elastomeric pumps is required.
Does Differentiated Squamous Intraepithelial Neoplasia Occur in the Cervix?
Authors: Mai Kien T.
Published: September 2017

Background:

Invasive cervical cell squamous carcinoma (ICC) classically develops from high grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia of usual type (uCIN). Differentiated cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (dCIN) analogue to differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia has not been described in the cervix.

Methods:

A pilot case of ICC developing from dCIN with atypia limited to the basal/parabasal layers, focally associated with neoplastic spread above the parabasal layer (usual-like CIN pattern or u-like CIN) was identified. The previous cervical biopsy was under-diagnosed as low grade CIN. A total of 33 consecutive cases of ICC were reviewed to identify dCIN, u-like CIN and uCIN.

Results:

The ICC developed from dCIN/u-like CIN in 2 patients, 46 and 47-year-old (group 1), mixed dCIN/u-like CIN and uCIN in 7 patients, 36±3-year-old (group 2) and from uCIN in 24 patients, 47±9-year-old (group 3). In group 1, focal uCIN but not connected to ICC was also seen and Pap smears showed only hyper-keratinized cells with mildly atypical nuclei. Endocervical gland involvement by CIN was absent in group 1, focal in group 2 and extensive in group 3. All cases showed diffuse p16 staining. P53 reactivity was noted in basal/parabasal in dCIN, predominantly lower and upper parts of the epithelium in groups 2 and 3, respectively.

Conclusions:

Totally, 27% of ICC cases had associated dCIN/u-like CIN and in younger patients than in the uCIN group. Larger studies are needed to confirm dCIN/u-like CIN as significant precursor lesions of ICC.
Pleuroparenchymal Fibroelastosis
Authors: Khiroya Reena , Macaluso Claudio , Montero Maria A. , Wells Athol U. , Chua Felix , Kokosi Maria , Maher Toby M. , Devaraj Anand , Rice Alexandra , Renzoni Elisabetta A. , Nicholson Andrew G.
Published: September 2017

Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) is now a defined clinicopathologic entity in the updated 2013 ATS/ERS classification of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs), which has led to a significant increase in cases being diagnosed at our institution. We have therefore reviewed 43 PPFE cases (58 biopsies in total) to assess whether any clinical or histopathologic features provide prognostic information. A semiquantatitive grading system was used to assess extent of fibroblastic foci, intra-alveolar fibroelastosis, visceral pleural fibrosis, chronic inflammation in areas of fibrosis, vascular fibrointimal thickening, and presence of granulomas. Other patterns of interstitial lung disease were also noted, if present. All biopsies showed intra-alveolar fibroelastosis, fibroblastic foci at the leading edge of fibrosis and chronic inflammation within areas of fibrosis, 91% showed vascular fibrointimal thickening of vessels, 73% showed pleural fibrosis, and 35% showed granulomas. Ten cases showed a coexistent IIP (5 showed usual interstitial pneumonia, 5 showed features of hypersensitivity pneumonitis). There was no significant correlation with mortality and severity of histologic parameters, other than a significant decrease in mortality in PPFE with coexistent granulomas, after adjusting for age and gender (hazard ratio, 0.27; P=0.049). Male gender was also associated with an increased risk of mortality, after adjusting for age (hazard ratio, 4.8; P=0.045). PPFE is more common than previously thought, not infrequently showing coexistent pathology, specifically usual interstitial pneumonia and granulomatous lung disease, our data suggesting the latter may have prognostic significance.
Characteristics of Medical Adverse Events/Near Misses Associated With Laparoscopic/Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Retrospective Study Based on the Japanese National Database of Medical Adverse Events
Authors: Abe Takashige , Murai Sachiyo , Nasuhara Yasuyuki , Shinohara Nobuo
Published: September 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to clarify the characteristics of adverse events/near misses during laparoscopic/thoracoscopic surgery.

Methods

Using relevant key words for minimally invasive surgeries, 540 records were identified in the database of the Japan Council for Quality Health Care. After data review and the classification of adverse events, 746 events associated with laparoscopic (laparo group) and/or thoracoscopic (thoraco group) surgery were identified. We calculated the frequency of each event, compared the frequency regarding recurrent events, and evaluated the types of event that had resulted in deaths between the 2 groups.

Results

There were 582 events in the laparo group, 159 in the thoraco group, and 5 in those undergoing combined surgery. Overall, injury of other organs (11.4%, 85/746), retention of a foreign body (9.1%, 68/746), breakage/failure of medical equipment or devices (6.2%, 46/746), massive bleeding (5.9%, 44/746), misperception of anatomy (5.6%, 42/746), and vascular injury (4.8%, 36/746) were frequently reported. There were marked differences in the frequency of injury of other organs (laparo group: 13.4%, 78/582; thoraco group: 4.4%, 7/159), massive bleeding (laparo group: 3.4%, 20/582; thoraco group: 14.5%, 23/159), and vascular injury (laparo group: 2.6%, 15/582; thoraco group: 12.6%, 20/159) between the 2 groups. Among the 56 patient-death reports, 132 adverse events were identified. In the thoraco group, bleeding events were frequently observed, whereas in the laparo group, various categories of events were noted.

Conclusions

We observed recurrent incidents and differences in the frequency between the 2 groups. Surgeons should keep in mind these characteristics. Retention of a foreign body and the breakage/malfunctioning of instruments might be reduced by the introduction of specialized checklists.
The shrimp superfamily Sergestoidea: a global phylogeny with definition of new families and an assessment of the pathways into principal biotopes
Authors: Vereshchaka A. L.
Published: September 2017

The phylogenetic analysis of Sergestoidea based on 253 morphological characters and encompassing all 99 valid species confirmed all previously recognized genus-level clades. Analysis retrieved five major robust clades that correspond to families Luciferidae, Sergestidae, Acetidae fam.n., Sicyonellidae fam.n. and Petalidiumidae fam.n. Synonymy, emended diagnoses and composition of revealed family-level clades are provided. Three types of morphological characters were important in the phylogeny of the Sergestoidea: general external characters, copulatory organs, and photophores. Novel metrics to quantify the contribution of these character types were tested. General external characters were significant in supporting the major clades (80% of the families and nearly half of the genera). Copulatory organ characters and photophores greatly supported the medium-level clades:
Lucifer, Belzebub
,
Petalidium, Neosergestes, Challengerosergia
(copulatory organ characters) and
Lucensosergia
,
Challengerosergia, Gardinerosergia
,
Phorcosergia
(photophores). An evolutionary model of the Sergestoidea showing their pathways into their principal biotopes is proposed: the major clades evolved in a vertical direction (from epi- to bathypelagic); further divergence at the genus level occurred within vertical zones in a horizontal direction, with the invasion of the benthopelagic and neritic (shelf and estuarine) habitats and speciation within these domains.
The sex-specific effects of diet quality versus quantity on morphology in
Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Shingleton Alexander W. , Masandika Josephine R. , Thorsen Lily S. , Zhu Yuqing , Mirth Christen K.
Published: September 2017

Variation in the quality and quantity of nutrition is a major contributor to phenotypic variation in animal populations. Although we know much of how dietary restriction impacts phenotype, and of the molecular-genetic and physiological mechanisms that underlie this response, we know much less of the effects of dietary imbalance. Specifically, although dietary imbalance and restriction both reduce overall body size, it is unclear whether both have the same effect on the size of individual traits. Here, we use the fruit fly
Drosophila melanogaster
to explore the effect of dietary food versus protein-to-carbohydrate ratio on body proportion and trait size. Our results indicate that body proportion and trait size respond differently to changes in diet quantity (food concentration) versus diet quality (protein-to-carbohydrate ratio), and that these effects are sex specific. While these differences suggest that
Drosophila
use at least partially distinct developmental mechanisms to respond to diet quality versus quantity, further analysis indicates that the responses can be largely explained by the independent and contrasting effects of protein and carbohydrate concentration on trait size. Our data highlight the importance of considering macronutrient composition when elucidating the effect of nutrition on trait size, at the levels of both morphology and developmental physiology.
Does detection range matter for inferring social networks in a benthic shark using acoustic telemetry?
Authors: Mourier Johann , Bass Nathan Charles , Guttridge Tristan L. , Day Joanna , Brown Culum
Published: September 2017

Accurately estimating contacts between animals can be critical in ecological studies such as examining social structure, predator–prey interactions or transmission of information and disease. While biotelemetry has been used successfully for such studies in terrestrial systems, it is still under development in the aquatic environment. Acoustic telemetry represents an attractive tool to investigate spatio-temporal behaviour of marine fish and has recently been suggested for monitoring underwater animal interactions. To evaluate the effectiveness of acoustic telemetry in recording interindividual contacts, we compared co-occurrence matrices deduced from three types of acoustic receivers varying in detection range in a benthic shark species. Our results demonstrate that (i) associations produced by acoustic receivers with a large detection range (i.e. Vemco VR2W) were significantly different from those produced by receivers with smaller ranges (i.e. Sonotronics miniSUR receivers and proximity loggers) and (ii) the position of individuals within their network, or centrality, also differed. These findings suggest that acoustic receivers with a large detection range may not be the best option to represent true social networks in the case of a benthic marine animal. While acoustic receivers are increasingly used by marine ecologists, we recommend users first evaluate the influence of detection range to depict accurate individual interactions before using these receivers for social or predator–prey studies. We also advocate for combining multiple receiver types depending on the ecological question being asked and the development of multi-sensor tags or testing of new automated proximity loggers, such as the Encounternet system, to improve the precision and accuracy of social and predator–prey interaction studies.
Preparation of core–shell structured CaCO
3
microspheres as rapid and recyclable adsorbent for anionic dyes
Authors: Zhao Mengen , Chen Zhenhua , Lv Xinyan , Zhou Kang , Zhang Jie , Tian Xiaohan , Ren Xiuli , Mei Xifan
Published: September 2017

Core–shell structured CaCO
3
microspheres (MSs) were prepared by a facile, one-pot method at room temperature. The adsorbent dosage and adsorption time of the obtained CaCO
3
MSs were investigated. The results suggest that these CaCO
3
MSs can rapidly and efficiently remove 99–100% of anionic dyes within the first 2 min. The obtained CaCO
3
MSs have a high Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area (211.77 m
2
 g
−1
). In addition, the maximum adsorption capacity of the obtained CaCO
3
MSs towards Congo red was 99.6 mg g
−1
. We also found that the core–shell structured CaCO
3
MSs have a high recycling capability for removing dyes from water. Our results demonstrate that the prepared core–shell structured CaCO
3
MSs can be used as an ideal, rapid, efficient and recyclable adsorbent to remove dyes from aqueous solution.
Extraction of lotus fibres from lotus stems under microwave irradiation
Authors: Cheng Cheng , Guo Ronghui , Lan Jianwu , Jiang Shouxiang
Published: September 2017

An efficient technology for preparing lotus fibres under microwave irradiation was developed. The lotus fibres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetry. Lotus fibres prepared are a kind of hollow fibres which are composed of a superfine fibre and an external shell. The effect of the treatment time with hydrogen peroxide under microwave irradiation on components, whiteness, moisture regain, removal rate of impurities, fineness, tensile strength and breaking elongation of lotus fibres was investigated. The results show that the cellulose content in lotus fibres increases with increase in treatment time. Whiteness and moisture regain of lotus fibres increase with increase in treatment time with hydrogen peroxide. The removal rate of impurities and the fineness of lotus fibres are improved after they are treated with hydrogen peroxide. Microwave irradiation is supposed to be an efficient method for producing lotus fibres.
Selective disappearance of great tits with short telomeres in urban areas
Authors: Salmón Pablo , Nilsson Johan F. , Watson Hannah , Bensch Staffan , Isaksson Caroline
Published: September 2017

Urban environments pose novel challenges, as well as opportunities, for urban-dwelling wildlife. Although differences have been reported in several phenotypic traits (e.g. morphology, physiology and behaviour) between urban and rural populations, it is poorly understood whether this affects individual fitness. Telomere dynamics are posited as one possible mechanism underlying senescence and mortality. It was recently shown that telomere shortening is accelerated when growing up in an urban, compared with a rural, environment. However, the implications of accelerated telomere attrition for fitness are still unclear. Here, we examine the relationship between telomere length (TL) and survival in a bird common to urban and rural environments, and during both early and later life. The results reveal that TL is a strong predictor of post-fledging survival and recruitment in both habitats but, crucially, selective disappearance of individuals with short telomeres early in life is more pronounced in the urban environment, resulting in a longer average TL among the adult population. However, following recruitment, we found no difference in the relationship between TL and survival between the urban and rural environments. This indicates that the urban environment has negative effects in early life, while during later life the benefits could potentially outweigh the costs.
Parsimonious identification of evolutionary shifts for quantitative characters
Authors: Chabrol Olivier , Didier Gilles
Published: September 2017

Detecting shifts in the rate or the trend of a character evolution is an important question which has been widely addressed. To our knowledge, all the approaches developed so far for detecting such shifts from a quantitative character strongly involved stochastic models of evolution.

We propose here a novel method based on an asymmetric version of the linear parsimony (aka Wagner parsimony) for identifying the most parsimonious split of a tree into two parts between which the evolution of the character is allowed to differ. To this end, we evaluate the cost of splitting a phylogenetic tree at a given node as the integral, over all pairs of asymmetry parameters, of the most parsimonious cost which can be achieved by using the first parameter on the subtree pending from this node and the second parameter elsewhere. By testing all the nodes, we then get the most parsimonious split of a tree with regard to the character values at its tips.

A study of the partial costs of the tree enabled us to develop a polynomial algorithm for determining the most parsimonious splits and their evolutionary costs. Applying this algorithm on two toy examples shows that using more than one asymmetry parameter does not always lower parsimonious costs. By using the approach on biological datasets, we obtained splits consistent with those identified by previous stochastic approaches.
The influence of a number of points on results of measurements of a turbine blade
Authors: Magdziak Marek
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to determine the influence of a number of measured points on results of measurements of turbine blades, which are the parts of aircraft engines. The selection of a number of points is the part of a measurement strategy in the coordinate measuring technique and determines the accuracy of measurements.

Design/methodology/approach

Numerical and experimental investigations were conducted. The measurements were simulated using different numbers of measured points. The simulated measurements were performed for the selected dispersion of measured points. The dispersion reflected the inaccuracy of a manufacturing process of the considered product and the uncertainty of measurements of curvilinear surfaces. To verify the accuracy of the numerical studies, experimental research was conducted. The real measurements were conducted using the selected coordinate measuring machine.

Findings

The gained results following the simulations can be very useful when selecting the appropriate number of measured points. The chosen number of points may be used during real measurements of turbine blades conducted on coordinate measuring machines. The results of numerical research indicate that there should be used the average radii of leading and trailing edges to increase the accuracy of measurements. The results of real coordinate measurements confirmed the results of simulation studies.

Originality/value

The main novelty of the paper is the presented methodology for determining the influence of measured points on results of measurements. The presented methodology helps the user of a coordinate measuring system select the appropriate measurement strategy of free-form surfaces applied in the aerospace industry.
Design practice in the translation traditional and glass cockpit based on General Aviation I-31T aircraft
Authors: Dudziak Jacek , Guła Paweł
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to present the results preparation of a new glass cockpit for a general aviation category airplane with a TP100 turboprop 180 kW engine. All the works were carried out within the framework of the European programme: “Efficient Systems and Propulsion for Small Aircraft” – ESPOSA.

Design/methodology/approach

As a part of the ongoing work, the avionics equipment available on the market were thoroughly analysed. Optimization of choice was defined at the level of costs, ergonomics and development requirements of the engine manufacturer. The paper presents the issues of the realized project and discusses its specific characteristics, such as advantages and disadvantages in comparison to the conventional analogue cockpit and the possibility of adaptation for the plane.

Findings

New avionics, ground and in-flight tests were carried out. The data were collected, which, together with an ergonomics assessment done by the pilot and the observer, confirmed the previously established technical and operational objectives.

Practical implications

Most airplanes, when being modernized, encounter minor or major problems. A new approach to upgrading the avionics, involving the exchange of a piston engine with a turbine engine, which is supported by 3D software, has allowed a significant reduction of working time and costs.

Originality/value

The achieved results allow specifying a plan of changes, necessary to adapt the aircraft to a new avionic system. However, an important value is to show a new development direction of the turbine engine implementation in general aviation aircrafts.
Stray-field loss and flux distribution inside magnetic steel plate under harmonic excitation
Authors: Zhao Xiaojun , Meng Fanhui , Cheng Zhiguang , Liu Lanrong , Zhang Junjie , Fan Chao
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate an efficient approach to model the electromagnetic behaviors and predict stray-field loss inside the magnetic steel plate under 3D harmonic magnetization conditions so as to effectively prevent the structural components from local overheating and insulation damage in electromagnetic devices.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental setup is applied to measure all the magnetic properties of magnetic steel plate under harmonic excitations with different frequencies and phase angles. The measurement and numerical simulation are carried out based on the updated TEAM Problem 21 Model B+ (P210-B+), under the 3D harmonic magnetization conditions. An improved method to evaluate the stray-field loss is proposed, and harmonic flux distribution in the structural components is analyzed.

Findings

The influence of the harmonic order and phase angle on the stray-field loss in magnetic steel components are noteworthy. Based on the engineering-oriented benchmark models, the variations of stray-field losses and magnetic field distribution inside the magnetic components under harmonic magnetization conditions are presented and analyzed in detail.

Research limitations/implications

The capacity of the multi-function harmonic source, used in this work, was not large enough, which limits the magnetization level. Up to now, further improvements to increase the harmonic source capacity and investigations of the electromagnetic behaviors of magnetic steel components under multi-harmonic and DC-AC hybrid excitations are in progress.

Originality/value

To accurately predict the stray-field loss in magnetic steel plate, the improved method based on the combination of magnetic measurement and numerical simulation is proposed. The effects of the frequency and phase angle on the stray-field loss are analyzed.
Model order reduction for quasi-magnetostatic problems
Authors: Xie Yuqing , Li Lin , Wang Shuaibing
Published: September 2017

Purpose

To reduce the computational scale for quasi-magnetostatic problems, model order reduction is a good option. Reduced-order modelling techniques based on proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) and centroidal Voronoi tessellation (CVT) have been used to solve many engineering problems. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the computational principle, accuracy and efficiency of the POD-based and the CVT-based reduced-order method when dealing with quasi-magnetostatic problems.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigates computational features of the reduced-order method based on POD and CVT methods for quasi-magnetostatic problems. Firstly the construction method for the POD and the CVT reduced-order basis is introduced. Then, a reduced model is constructed using high-fidelity finite element solutions and a Galerkin projection. Finally, the transient quasi-magnetostatic problem of the TEAM 21a model is studied with the proposed reduced-order method.

Findings

For the TEAM 21a model, the numerical results show that both POD-based and CVT-based reduced-order approaches can greatly reduce the computational time compared with the full-order finite element method. And the results obtained from both reduced-order models are in good agreement with the results obtained from the full-order model, while the computational accuracy of the POD-based reduced-order model is a little higher than the CVT-based reduced-order model.

Originality/value

The CVT method is introduced to construct the reduced-order model for a quasi-magnetostatic problem. The computational accuracy and efficiency of the presented approaches are compared.
Wideband modeling and transient analysis of sub-module in modular multilevel converter
Authors: Qi Lei , Shen Zhiyuan , Gao Jianjian , Zhao Guoliang , Cui Xiang , Kang Wei
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to establish the wideband model of a sub-module in a modular multilevel converter (MMC) and analyze the switch transients of the sub-module.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper builds an MMC sub-module test circuit and conducts dynamic tests both with and without the bypass thyristor. Then, it builds the wideband model of the MMC sub-module and extracts the model parameters. Finally, based on the wideband model, it simulates the switch transients and analyzes the oscillation mechanism.

Findings

The dynamic testing shows the bypass thyristor will add oscillations during switch transients, especially during the turn-on process. The thyristor acts like a small capacitor and reduces the total capacitor in the turn-on circuit loop, thus causing under-damped oscillations.

Originality/value

This paper found that the bypass thyristor will influence the MMC sub-module switch transients under certain circumstances. This paper proposes a partial inductance extraction procedure for the MMC sub-module and builds a wideband model of the sub-module. The wideband model is used to analyze and explain the switch transients, and can be further used for insulated gate bipolar transistor switch oscillation inhibition and sub-module design optimization.
30 years of IJPSM publications: an analysis
Authors: van Thiel Sandra , Bouwman Robin
Published: September 2017

Purpose

By using the analysis of 30 years of publications in the journal International Journal of Public Sector Management, the purpose of this paper is to discover trends in publications, such as single vs joint authorship, topics and country of origin in authorship and readership.

Design/methodology/approach

Using secondary sources, such as Scopus and the Manuscript Central system, quantitative data are collected and then analysed with simple descriptive statistics.

Findings

Single authorship has gone down, while the number of articles has gone up. The authors still mainly come from English-speaking countries, as do the readers who cite the articles. The majority of publications still reports findings from qualitative, empirical research but on an increasing number of varying topics.

Originality/value

The findings give insight into the publication patterns in public management, indicating developments in the academic practices of the discipline.
Social skills scores
Authors: Dekker Karien , Kamerling Margje
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The paper aims to examine to what extent and why parental involvement as well as characteristics of ethnic school population influence social skills scores (social position, behavioural skills) of students.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used the COOL5-18 database (2010) that included 553 Dutch primary schools and nearly 38,000 students in Grades two, five and eight (aged approximately 5, 8, 11, respectively). Multilevel regression analyses were used for analysis.

Findings

The findings indicate that parental involvement has a positive impact on the social skills scores of the students; behavioural skill scores are higher in ethnically homogeneous schools and lower in schools with a high share of non-Western ethnic minority students. There is no impact of characteristics of school population composition on social position scores.

Research limitations/implications

A possible disadvantage is the way in which social skills and parental involvement were measured. These measurements are possibly negatively influenced by the teacher’s judgement of the language skills of the parents.

Originality/value

Existing research focuses on the impact of parental involvement and the composition of ethnic school population on cognitive skills. This study shows that parental involvement has a positive impact on social skills. This study also shows that in schools with a homogeneous ethnic composition or a high share of native Dutch children, behavioural skills scores are higher, but social position scores are not impacted.
Lean manufacturing implementation, context and behaviors of multi-level leadership
Authors: Tortorella Guilherme , Fettermann Diego , Anzanello Michel , Sawhney Rapinder
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the relationship between the behavioral orientation of leaders from different hierarchical levels and the implementation phase of the lean manufacturing (LM) roadmap. In addition, it also aims at analyzing the influence of inherent contextual variables related to leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed method relies on both qualitative and quantitative approaches, since it combines and numerically assesses the results of semi-structured interviews with lean experts, in addition to evaluating a cross-sectional survey with 225 leaders from different Brazilian companies that are undergoing LM implementation.

Findings

The findings support the existence of a transient leadership style along the LM implementation, which is evidenced in terms of task and relation orientation and may vary according to the hierarchical level. Furthermore, the context does matter with regard to leadership style orientation along the LM roadmap phases, although not all variables matter to the same extent.

Originality/value

LM implementation is about changing both technical and socio-cultural aspects, which can be seen as the essence of leadership. The relevant question that arises is whether leaders’ behaviors from different hierarchical levels should be adapted according to the maturity of LM implementation and the contextual variables that surround leadership.
A Normative Approach to the Quistclose Trust
Authors: Hudson Emily
Published: September 2017

This is the first article to undertake a sustained analysis of normative justifications for the Quistclose trust. Whilst much of the existing writing on this topic has focused on the better classification of such trusts – for instance, whether they are express, resulting, constructive or sui generis – this article asks why the law should recognise a trust in addition to any underlying legal relationship. Four key justifications are addressed, based on respecting party intention, unconscionability, fairness, and the incentivisation of desirable transactions. It will be argued that: (i) there are difficulties with each of these justifications, although an intention‐focused explanation is probably the most convincing; and (ii) the existing law and commentary lacks coherence and consistency, as seen in the mismatch between normative and doctrinal analysis, and the failure to properly address the ramifications of the Quistclose trust during insolvency.