bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moral distress and burnout in Iranian nurses: The mediating effect of workplace bullying
Authors: Ajoudani Fardin , Baghaei Rahim , Lotfi Mojgan
Published: June 2018

Background:

Moral distress and workplace bullying are important issues in the nursing workplace that appear to affect nurse’s burnout.

Aim:

To investigate the relationship between moral distress and burnout in Iranian nurses, as mediated by their perceptions of workplace bullying.

Ethical considerations:

The research was approved by the committee of ethics in research of the Urmia University of Medical Sciences.

Method:

This is a correlation study using a cross-sectional design with anonymous questionnaires as study instruments (i.e. Moral Distress Scale-Revised, Maslach Burnout Inventory and The Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised). Data were collected from 278 nurses from five teaching hospitals in Urmia, the capital of Western Azerbaijan, northwest of Iran. Structural equation modeling and bootstrapping procedures were employed to recognize the mediating role of their perceptions of workplace bullying.

Results:

The mean score of moral distress, burnout, and the Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised Scale among the participants were 91.02 ± 35.26, 79.9 ± 18.27, and 45.4 ± 15.39, respectively. The results confirmed our hypothesized model. All the latent variables of study were significantly correlated in the predicted directions. The moral distress and bullying were significant predictors of burnout. Perception of bullying partially mediated the relationship between moral distress and burnout. The mediating role of the bullying suggests that moral distress increases burnout, directly and indirectly.

Conclusion:

Nursing administrators should be conscious of the role of moral distress and bullying in the nursing workplace in increasing burnout.
Public Debt, Economic Growth and Fiscal Balance: Alternative Measures of Sustainability in the Indian Context
Authors: Sasmal Joydeb , Sasmal Ritwik
Published: June 2018

This article has examined the impact of public expenditure on economic growth and viability of fiscal policy when the deficit in budget is financed by public borrowing. A number of alternative criteria have been used as indicators of solvency in fiscal balance. The study is based on the theoretical framework and supported by the results of time series analysis in the Indian context. It is found that the share of revenue expenditure (RE) of the government has significantly increased over time and many of the components of RE are non-developmental in nature. The article argues that if growth suffers, it will put adverse impact on fiscal balance. The ratio of gross fiscal deficit (GFD) to net national product (NNP) and growth of NNP are co-integrated, and the ratio is found to increase with increase in NNP indicating deterioration in fiscal balance. The increase in total expenditure of the government has caused rise of the ratio of revenue deficit to total spending. Interest payment on public debt has led to the increase of the ratio of GFD to income. These results are indicators of non-viability of fiscal policy in India at least in the short run.
Organization Development Intervention: A Case of an Educational Institution
Authors: Jha Sumi , Jain Karuna
Published: June 2018

The purpose of the research was to study the intra-organizational trust and organization development intervention process for an educational institution. Researchers started with measuring trust level among respondents as a diagnosis exercise. The practice was initiated with the notion that any organizational intervention will not be successful if participants do not have trust in themselves (intra-organizational trust). Questionnaire measuring three factors of trust, namely, integrity, benevolence and competence, was used to measure the degree of trust among respondents. The finding illustrates differences among four groups of respondents having different trust levels and possible intervention post-diagnosis exercise. There is a shortage of study regarding understanding intervention practices in the higher educational institution. The article presents the diagnostic stage, as well as intervention initiatives, taken.
Key Reasons behind Nelson Mandela’s Call for a Negotiated Settlement of the Congolese Conflict and Its Critics
Authors: Makgetlaneng Sehlare
Published: June 2018

This article provides key reasons behind Nelson Mandela’s call for a negotiated settlement of the Congolese conflict and its critics. Mandela regarded a negotiated settlement of the Congolese conflict as a viable means to pave a way for the political governance of the Congolese society conducive for the advancement of human rights, democracy and development of its people. Central to his policy approach was his call for the right of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to its national self-determination and the free, independent exercise of its sovereignty and domestic and foreign policies in the interests of its people and for this right to be respected by its neighbouring countries and other countries in Africa and globally. This was a best way of ensuring that the Congolese were to resolve their national conflict without the interference of external actors. This meant resolving conflicts among themselves and with their neighbours. Mandela’s policy approach towards the resolution of the Congolese conflict was based on the situation of the Great Lakes, the strategy and tactics of the USA and its regional allies and the strategic importance of the DRC to the continental transformation. Arguments advanced by its critics against it were ignorant of these issues, processes and developments. They did not serve the struggle for human rights, democracy, development and political governance of the Congolese society conducive for their advancement. These problems still remain in place in the DRC. South Africa’s policy approach towards the Congolese conflict prevailed over that of those who opposed it. Thabo Mbeki, upon becoming the national president, continued with this policy, pursued under the leadership of Mandela, aimed at a negotiated settlement of the DRC conflict. It led to a transitional government of national unity that was brought to an end by the results of the 2006 elections.
Book review: Daniel Allen Butler, The First Jihad: The Battle for Khartoum and the Dawn of Militant Islam
Authors: Solomon Hussein
Published: June 2018

Daniel Allen Butler, The First Jihad: The Battle for Khartoum and the Dawn of Militant Islam. Oxford: Casemate Publishers, 2018, 176 pp., $ 10.95, ISBN 978 1 61200 593 5.
A p37-based ELISA used to monitor anti–Mycoplasma hyorhinis IgG in serum from pigs immunized with inactivated M. hyorhinis vaccines
Authors: Bumgardner Eric A. , Bey Russell F. , Lawrence Paulraj K.
Published: June 2018

Mycoplasma hyorhinis is an important pathogen of swine that can often occur as a respiratory coinfection with viral pathogens, but can also cause arthritis and polyserositis in infected animals. To date, no assay is available to assess the serologic response to M. hyorhinis vaccines, to our knowledge. We used recombinantly expressed M. hyorhinis p37 protein to monitor the magnitude of the IgG response in vaccinated animals. The assay was able to distinguish animals vaccinated with M. hyorhinis from those vaccinated with the other important Mycoplasma species: M. hyopneumoniae and M. hyosynoviae. When formulated with an ideal adjuvant, inactivated vaccines designed to protect animals against M. hyorhinis induced a measurable and dose-dependent antibody response against the p37 protein. Additionally, the protein appears to be highly conserved between strains of M. hyorhinis isolated in the United States. The specificity of the assay as well as the conservation and immunogenicity of the p37 protein make it an ideal candidate antigen for use in measuring the immune response against M. hyorhinis after vaccination in weaned pigs.
Refugees and Migrants in Greece: An Ethnographic Reflective Case Study
Authors: Theofanidis Dimitrios , Fountouki Antigoni
Published: June 2018

Introduction: Greece has experienced a double challenge of being under austerity for the past decade and also facing an influx of refugees and migrants (R&Ms), mostly fleeing war zones. The purpose of this case study is to report on a shelter camp in Greece. Method: An ethnographic case study technique was used. Data were collected via interviews, personal observations, and field notes. Analytic themes based on the coded data and personal memo writing were created. The sample consisted of the shelter camps’ living social reality. Results: Analysis revealed five thematic categories: ground rules, makeshift layout, food and drinks, children, and nursing perspectives. These were subsequently collated into a coherent “story” about routine daily life in the shelter camp. Discussion: As camp facilities had been hastily erected, the services were basic and life was harsh. The need to provide better facilities including social and psychological support for R&Ms is evident for this particular host facility. Implications for Practice: In Greece, R&Ms and staff cooperation is constantly sought as this new societal arrangement is a highly complex and volatile mix for everybody involved. Nurses have both a humanistic and a professional duty to be involved and help out. As the camp was run by the army, one could question the impact on culturally conflicting care provision.
“Making Up for Lost Time”: The Transition Experiences of Nontraditional Black Male Undergraduates
Authors: Goings Ramon B.
Published: June 2018

This qualitative study investigated the academic and social experiences and life events that propelled 13 Black male nontraditional undergraduates to transition back to college and explored the various programs and institutional agents these men used once on campus. Findings indicated that participant’s faced challenges with college as traditional-aged students due to being under and over involved with social activities on campus or choosing to pursue a work career. As a result, participants had either delayed entry into college or dropped out as traditional-aged students. However, participants transitioned back to college due to wanting to make up for not completing their degree earlier in life, needing to increase their employment opportunities, and wanting to prove their doubters wrong. Finally, findings indicated that while the men found support from certain professors on their campuses, there were few targeted programs specifically for nontraditional students on campus. Recommendations on how to support nontraditional Black male students are provided.
Happenstance Capitalized Through Cultural Immersion in Ghana
Authors: Acheampong Cassandra
Published: June 2018

Happenstance learning theory posits that unexpected events can have lasting positive impacts on individual learning and development. In this reflection, a U.S. doctoral student shares how an unexpected opportunity occurred to participate in a cultural immersion experience in Ghana, West Africa. Along with learning outcomes that resulted, suggestions are offered to assist adult learners with making the most of serendipitous learning opportunities.
Commentary: Understanding Research, Policy, and Practice Issues in Adoption Instability
Authors: Brodzinsky David , Smith Susan Livingston
Published: June 2018

Our commentary highlights the authors’ conceptual and empirical contributions for understanding the incidence and dynamics of varying types of adoption breakdowns and their impact on adopted youth and their families. Important distinctions are made between legal, residential, and psychological/relational permanence for children. To date, most research has focused on factors supporting or undermining legal and residential permanence but has largely ignored children’s sense of psychological or relational permanence. Recommendations for future research and implications of findings for policy and practice are discussed.
The Imperative for a Triumph-Over-Tragedy Story in Women’s Accounts of Undergoing Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Staneva Aleksandra A. , Gibson Alexandra F. , Webb Penelope M. , Beesley Vanessa L.
Published: June 2018

We aimed to examine how women construct their experiences of chemotherapy treatment for ovarian cancer. Through semistructured interviews, we explored the accounts of 18 Australian women about their experiences within a broader cultural imperative—or discourse—to “think positively.” By applying a critical realist lens to the analysis, we identified two discursive themes that shaped women’s accounts. The “feeling different and managing support” theme highlights the identity challenges women faced because of the lack of formal support for ovarian cancer. Conversely, the theme “women’s reconstructions of difficult experiences” illustrates the imperative for women to present a positive story as a way of restoring their position of a lucky and stoic survivor. Such speaking served to mask some of the underlying difficulties that were part of these women’s experiences. Health care professionals need to consider looking for the hidden stories of vulnerability that lie beneath the triumphant ones.
Reflections on the Use of Audio Diaries to Access Young People’s Lived Experiences of HIV in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mupambireyi Z. , Bernays S.
Published: June 2018

This methodological article reflects on the contribution audio diaries can make to accessing important, and commonly silenced, dimensions of the lived experience of growing up with HIV and their acceptability to children. Audio diaries were used by 12 young people, aged 11 to 13 years, as part of a longitudinal qualitative study embedded within the Anti-Retroviral Research for Watoto (ARROW) clinical trial. The method provided an alternative means for young people to express detailed reflections on their day-to-day encounters, as well as ordinarily silenced topics, including hidden and suppressed emotions regarding the circumstance surrounding their perinatal infection. Although the audio diary has great potential as method, its efficacy rests on young people’s understanding of how to use it. There are ethical challenges around maintaining confidentiality while participants are in possession of the diaries and provision of appropriate support. The technology used in the study was in many ways cumbersome compared with opportunities increasingly available.
Constructing and Expanding Suicide Narratives From Gay Men
Authors: Salway Travis , Gesink Dionne
Published: June 2018

In this study, we document life stories of gay men who attempted suicide as adults. Our goal is to expand the collection of narratives used to understand this persistent health inequity. We interviewed seven adult gay men, each of whom had attempted suicide two to four times, and identified five narratives. Pride narratives resist any connection between sexuality and suicide. Trauma-and-stress narratives enable coping through acknowledgment of sexual stigma as a fundamental trauma and cause of subsequent stress and suicidal thoughts. Memorial narratives prevent suicide by maintaining a strong sense of “permanent” identity. Outing narratives demand that the listener confronts the legacy of unjust practices of homosexual surveillance and “outing,” which historically resulted in gay suicides. Finally, postgay narratives warn of the risk of suicide among older generations of gay men who feel erased from the goals of modern gay movements. Sexual identity concealment or invisibility featured prominently in all five narratives.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Fecal Incontinence in Home Hospice
Authors: Chughtai Bilal , Thomas Dominique , Russell David , Phongtankuel Veerawat , Bowles Kathryn , Prigerson Holly
Published: June 2018

Introduction:

We sought to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with fecal incontinence (FI) in the home hospice setting.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients served by a hospice agency. Data on patient characteristics were extracted from hospice medical records. The primary outcome, FI, was assessed routinely during clinical visits to the patient’s home. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize patient characteristics. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was estimated for FI to examine associations with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients.

Results:

A total of 15 432 patients were eligible. Patients were female (59.0%) and 75 years or older (23.5% were 75-84; 39.9% were 85+). Most patients with FI indicated incontinence at the time of hospice admission (64.5%; n = 4314), with the average onset period being approximately 18 days from admission (mean = 17.9, standard deviation = 50.6). Increasing age represented a risk factor for FI (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.01 [confidence interval, CI = 1.01-1.01]). The absence of a health-care proxy was associated with an increased risk of FI (HR = 1.11 [CI = 1.04-1.19]). Greater risk of FI was observed among patients with dementia (HR = 1.34 [1.24-1.46]) and stroke (HR = 1.42 [1.26-1.60]) compared to patients with cancer. Patients referred to hospice from settings other than the hospital also had a greater risk of FI compared to those referred from the hospital (HR = 1.17 [1.11-1.23]).

Conclusion:

Fecal incontinence is a highly prevalent condition among home hospice patients and most patients indicated FI upon admission (median time to detection = 18 days). Further studies are needed to identify modifiable risk factors for FI detection and its symptom management in this patient population.
A Dashboard for Monitoring Opioid-Related Adverse Drug Events Following Surgery Using a National Administrative Database
Authors: Stone Alexander B. , Jones Mark R. , Rao Nikhilesh , Urman Richard D.
Published: June 2018

Opioid-related adverse drug events (ORADEs) include a range of complications, from respiratory arrest to ileus and urinary retention. ORADEs correlate to morbidity, mortality, and increased costs. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services database, which represents approximately 35% of hospital discharges. The authors searched for previously published ICD-9 codes that defined ORADEs. A group of surgical diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) were selected. Recurring queries were programmed using these ICD codes and DRGs and used to update an online dashboard. The dashboard presents an estimate of the burden of ORADEs to frontline clinicians and hospital leadership and allows users to compare local data on ORADEs rates to other hospitals. Users are able to refine their search by surgery type or ORADE type. An interface was created, using national administrative claims data, to allow hospitals to access their ORADEs and benchmark local data against national trends.
Common Practice Elements for Improving Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Outcomes of Young Elementary School Students
Authors: Sutherland Kevin S. , Conroy Maureen A. , McLeod Bryce D. , Kunemund Rachel , McKnight Kim
Published: June 2018

Improving social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes of students with and at-risk for emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) remains a challenge for educators, and it has long been noted that teachers do not consistently use effective instructional practices with students with EBD. Identifying evidence-based practices that address the problems experienced by students with EBD is a priority for the field, but there exist implementation challenges in authentic classroom settings. The purpose of this article is to address one implementation barrier by distilling the common practice elements found in evidence-based programs (EBPs) and practices delivered by teachers designed to target the social, emotional, and behavioral problems in young students. We conducted a systematic review of EBPs and early elementary classroom practices that have been evaluated in randomized group designs, quasi-experimental designs, and single-case experimental designs. A total of 103 articles employing 68 group ( n = 53 randomized group designs, n = 15 quasi-experimental designs) and 35 single-case designs were identified, and an iterative process was used to identify common practice elements. Twenty-five practice elements were identified and submitted to review by experts. After expert review, 24 practice elements remained. Implications for practice and training as well as future research are discussed.
CD10, TDAG51, CK20, AR, INSM1, and Nestin Expression in the Differential Diagnosis of Trichoblastoma and Basal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Leblebici Cem , Bambul Sığırcı Buket , Kelten Talu Canan , Koca Sevim Baykal , Huq Gülben Erdem
Published: June 2018

Background. Trichoblastoma (TB) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are 2 different neoplasms composed of basaloid cells and have overlapping histopathological features. We compared the immunoexpression of CD10, T-cell death-associated gene 51 (TDAG51), cytokeratin 20 (CK20), androgen receptor (AR), insulinoma-associated protein 1 (INSM1), and nestin for the differential diagnosis of these tumors. Materials and Methods. We assessed a total of 27 BCC and 27 TB cases, including 4 TB lesions in nevus sebaceous and 3 malignant TB lesions for CD10, TDAG51, CK20, AR, INSM1, and nestin expression. Results. Staining for CK20, TDAG51, INSM1, and stromal CD10 was significantly more common in TB cases than in BCC cases ( P < .001). Epithelial CD10 and AR staining was significantly more common in BCC cases than in TB cases ( P < .001). The difference between the groups for nestin staining was not significant ( P > .05). Stromal CD10 staining was the most sensitive marker (96.3%) and INSM1 the least sensitive (55.6%) marker for TB. TDAG51 showed 100% specificity for TB. A larger number of CK20 positive cells was found in the cases associated with nevus sebaceous than in the other TBs. Conclusion. All the selected markers except nestin were useful for the differential diagnosis between TB and BCC. CD10 and TDAG51 were more useful than the other markers. The use of CK20 could be preferred in nevus sebaceous lesions. INSM1 was less effective in highlighting Merkel cells within the lesion than CK20.
Guided Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injections in the Midfoot
Authors: Protheroe Derek , Gadgil Anirudh
Published: June 2018

Background:

Intra-articular corticosteroid injections are used for both their therapeutic and diagnostic function. There is a paucity of literature investigating the efficacy of intra-articular corticosteroid injections into the midfoot. The aim of the study was to identify the efficacy of image guided intra-articular corticosteroid (Methylprednisolone) injections for midfoot osteoarthritis The null hypothesis of this study was there would be no benefit or increase of the Self-reported Foot and Ankle Score (SEFAS) from an intra-articular corticosteroid injection.

Methods:

SEFAS was collected at 4 and 12 months postinjection. A total of 37 consecutive patients who had 67 midfoot injections were recruited into the study over a 6-month period.

Results:

The mean SEFAS score preinjection was 17.0, at 4 months postinjection was 31.8 ( P < .001), and 12 months postinjection 21.3 ( P < .14). There was a statistically significant improvement in postinjection SEFAS ( P < .001) at 4 months. The null hypothesis of this study was rejected. Response to the injection was varied but patients with BMI less than 30 had a sustained ( P < .04) symptomatic improvement at 12 months when compared to the obese patients.

Conclusion:

Our findings support the use of corticosteroid injections as a viable diagnostic and therapeutic option following failed conservative treatment options prior to operative intervention. The results at 4 months were statistically significant with an additional finding of a difference observed between obese and nonobese patients. This may have implications for further educating the patient in effective weight loss that may improve symptom relief from intra-articular injection.

Level of Clinical Evidence:

Level III, comparative study.
Effect of Ranolazine on Ischemic Myocardium IN Patients With Acute Cardiac Ischemia (RIMINI-Trial): A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial
Authors: Schwemer Tjark F. , Radziwolek Lukas , Deutscher Navina , Diermann Nadine , Sehner Susanne , Blankenberg Stefan , Friedrich Felix W.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Coronary artery disease is the most prevalent manifestation among cardiovascular diseases. Despite modern treatment, risk of ischemic complications in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains important. The late Na+ current blocker ranolazine has shown to reduce the risk of recurrent ischemia and worsening of angina in patients with non-ST-segment elevation ACS by possibly improving myocardial perfusion, but up to now no trial has addressed whether this enhanced perfusion also leads to a decrease in ischemic myocardium of patients with ACS. We designed a pilot trial (Reduction of Ischemic Myocardium with Ranolazine-Treatment IN patients with acute myocardial Infarction, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01797484) for feasibility and proof of concept that a 6-week ranolazine add-on therapy would reduce the area of ischemic myocardium in patients with ACS.

Methods and Results:

The trial was designed in a 2-armed, controlled and randomized way. Twenty participants with unstable angina, proof of acute cardiac ischemia, and myocardial dyskinesia by speckle-tracking echocardiography were included. Ten participants received the study drug ranolazine additionally to standard treatment. The control group received standard treatment without additional study medication. Speckle-tracking echocardiography was performed before coronary intervention, before the first dose of ranolazine, and after 6 weeks of ranolazine treatment. Ranolazine was administered safely during acute myocardial infarction. Speckle-tracking echocardiography proved to be suitable for evaluation of myocardial dyskinesia. Patients receiving ranolazine showed a trend to higher normal fraction of the cumulative global strain than patients in the standard treatment group (15% vs 11%). No major complications relating study medication were observed.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, in this preliminary hypothesis-driven study, 6-week ranolazine therapy was shown to decrease the area of dyskinetic myocardium in patients with ACS by trend. Global strain rate measurement using speckle-tracking echocardiography can be applied measuring those effects and is, compared to other techniques, safe and harmless. Our data provide a sound basis for a follow-up trial.
Gradually Disengaging: Parent–Health care Provider Relationships After a Child’s Death in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Butler Ashleigh E. , Hall Helen , Copnell Beverley
Published: June 2018

When a child dies in the intensive care unit, many bereaved parents want relationships with their child’s health care staff to continue in the form of follow-up care. However, the nature of these relationships and how they change across the parents’ bereavement journey is currently unknown. This article explores early and ongoing relationships between parents and health care staff when a child dies in intensive care. Constructivist grounded theory methods were used to recruit 26 bereaved parents from four Australian pediatric intensive care units into the study. Data were collected via audio-recorded, semistructured interviews and analyzed using the constant comparative methods and theoretical memoing. Findings show that these relationships focus on Gradually disengaging, commonly moving through three phases after the child dies: Saying goodbye, Going home, and Seeking supports. These findings provide guidance to health care staff on what families need as they leave the intensive care unit and move through bereavement.
Prices for Physicians’ Services in Medicare Advantage and Commercial Plans
Authors: Pelech Daria M.
Published: June 2018

The prices that insurers pay physicians ultimately affect beneficiaries’ health insurance premiums. Using 2014 claims data from three major insurers, we analyzed the prices insurers paid in their Medicare Advantage (MA) and commercial plans for 20 physician services, in and out of network, and compared those prices with estimated amounts that Medicare’s fee-for-service (FFS) program would pay for the same service. MA prices paid by those insurers were close to Medicare FFS prices, varied minimally, and were similar in and out of network. In contrast, commercial prices paid by the same insurers were substantially higher than FFS, varied widely, and were up to three times higher out of network than in network. Those results suggest that insurers can use statutory limits on out-of-network charges in MA to negotiate lower in-network prices in those plans. In contrast, without those limits on out-of-network prices, in-network prices in commercial plans are much higher.
Deleuze, Immanence, and Immanent Writing in Qualitative Inquiry: Nonlinear Texts and Being a Traitor to Writing
Authors: Hein Serge F.
Published: June 2018

Modernist writing relies on writing elements such as linearity, meaning, plot, internal coherence, subject–predicate relations, structure in general, and identity or fixity. For Deleuze, writing is nonreductive, destabilizes meaning, and undermines a thematic reading. More specifically, it rejects a sense of beginning, middle, and end; subject–object distinctions; subjects who are developed according to a structure; and a sense of identity. Deleuze’s concepts of immanence and the virtual are discussed, and two major forms of Deleuzian writing are then examined. Nonlinear texts are organized in a way that fails to meet the modernist demand for a linear, internally coherent, and unified narrative. Being a traitor to one’s own writing involves writing against any stabilizing sense of identity and against other modernist categories and boundaries. Portions of Blanchot’s story, The Madness of the Day, are used to illustrate each writing strategy, and an illustrative example from my own experience is then presented.
Unusual extension–torsion–inflation couplings in pressurized thin circular tubes with helical anisotropy
Authors: Singh Raushan , Singh Pranjal , Kumar Ajeet
Published: June 2018

We present a thin tube formulation for coupled extension–torsion–inflation deformation in helically reinforced pressurized circular tubes. Both compressible and incompressible tubes are considered. On applying the thin tube limit, the nonlinear ordinary differential equation to obtain the in-plane radial displacement is converted into a set of two simple algebraic equations for the compressible case and one equation for the incompressible case. This allows us to obtain analytical expressions, in terms of the tube’s intrinsic twist, material constants, and the applied pressure, which can predict whether such tubes would overwind/unwind on being infinitesimally stretched or exhibit positive/negative Poisson’s effect. We further show numerically that such tubes can be tuned to generate initial overwinding followed by rapid unwinding as observed during finite stretching of a torsionally relaxed DNA. Finally, we demonstrate that such tubes can also exhibit usual deflation initially followed by unusual inflation as the tube is finitely stretched.
Graves Disease Causing Pancytopenia: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Pincet Laurence , Gorostidi François
Published: June 2018

Background:

Graves disease or other causes of thyrotoxicosis are frequently associated with cytopenia. Although anemia is the most common, other cell lineage can be affected. Pancytopenia is a rare complication of thyrotoxicosis.

Case presentation:

We report a case of a 33-year-old Chinese man who presented a nonsevere pancytopenia in the context of a newly diagnosed Graves disease. Restauration of euthyroid state led to progressive correction of pancytopenia.

Conclusions:

Literature review shows other rare cases of pancytopenia. It is usually nonsevere with just extremely rare cases of transfusion reported. Evolution was always favorable after achievement of euthyroid state. Its mechanism remains poorly understood, especially because those patients have no vitamin or iron deficiency. The exact physiopathological process remains unclear but 2 causes seem to overlap: reduced production of hematopoietic cells from the bone marrow and increased destruction or sequestration of mature hematopoietic cells. Despite unclear mechanism, the presence of hematologic abnormalities including pancytopenia must not be considered as a contraindication to antithyroid drug therapy.
Identifying Risk Factors for Morbidity and Mortality in Patients with Primary Head and Neck Cancers in a Nigerian Population
Authors: Adoga Adeyi A , Yaro John P , Mugu Joyce G , Mgbachi Chukwunonso J
Published: June 2018

Background:

The risk factors for head and neck cancers (HNC) vary in different parts of the world.

Objectives:

To identify the risk factors for HNC and the correlation between these factors and the involved anatomical sites.

Methods:

We retrieved and analyzed health records of patients that met the inclusion criteria for HNC managed at our facility in a 10-year period using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) version 10.

Results:

We studied 122 patients with a male to female ratio of 2.1:1 aged 13 years to 85 years (mean = 51 years). Alcohol ( P = .02), cigarette smoking ( P = .01), and cooking wood smoke ( P = .01) were associated with advanced tumor stage.

Conclusions:

The strongest risk factors for HNC are alcohol, tobacco, HIV, agricultural chemicals, and cooking wood fumes in both sexes in their sixth and seventh decades.
Understanding of online hotel booking process: A multiple method approach
Authors: Park Sangwon , Yin Yizhen , Son Byung-Gak
Published: June 2018

With the development of information technology, online travel agency has become an important information and communication source in the hospitality industry. The previous studies assessing the online hotel decision-making behaviours, however, mainly focused on behavioural intentions as well as identifying factors that directly influence the transactional behaviours, which rely on a static approach rather than employing the holistic viewpoints. Thus, this research adopted the choice-set model as a theoretical lens to explore online hotel booking behaviours by using multiple methods (i.e. observation and survey methods). The findings of this research shed light on the dynamic patterns of online hotel decision-making process and identify important factors (i.e. internal and external information sources) across sequential stages of the choice-set model. Therefore, this research provides useful implications to online hospitality marketers.
It is a problem and it is not a problem: Dilemmatic talk of the psychological effects of female genital cutting
Authors: Parikh Nimmi , Saruchera Yvonne , Liao Lih-Mei
Published: June 2018

This qualitative study aimed to explore the psychological effects of female genital cutting in the United Kingdom within a systemic psychological framework. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 13 women who had experienced female genital cutting. Four key themes emerged from thematic analysis of the data: (1) wholeness contested, (2) sexuality milestones and female genital cutting awareness, (3) salvaging family relationships and (4) for our own good. Findings highlight the importance of recognising the relational nature of how women perceive the psychological effects of female genital cutting and how these reactions are negotiated in their social sphere.
Reframing teaching knowledge in Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL): A European perspective
Authors: Lopriore Lucilla
Published: June 2018

CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) is a recent teaching approach widely adopted in numerous international contexts, especially in Europe where it was promoted as a way to promote language learning within the educational system. When implemented, CLIL predominantly involves subject content teachers using English to teach their subject. This has required the development of specific teacher education programs in Italy. This contribution illustrates how the teaching knowledge of both content and English language teachers is evolving as CLIL is implemented within Italian teacher education courses.
Weighing factors responsible for the production of the Catalan vowel /ɛ/ versus /e/ contrast in three districts of Barcelona
Authors: Cortés Susana , Lleó Conxita , Benet Ariadna
Published: June 2018

Aims and objectives/purpose/research questions:

This study investigates the sociolinguistic factors associated with the maintenance or loss of the mid-front vowel contrast in the Catalan spoken by Spanish-Catalan bilinguals in three districts of Barcelona. It addresses the following questions. (1) Is the mid-front vowel contrast kept in all the districts under study? Do we find differences across districts and/or age groups? (2) Is an auditory analysis of our data further supported by an acoustic analysis? (3) Which sociolinguistic factors help us predict whether the contrast is kept or lost?

Design/methodology/approach:

Participants in this study were 36 bilingual children and 36 bilingual adults who completed a picture-naming task. Participants lived in Gràcia/Eixample (two districts with a low degree of Spanish presence) or in Nou Barris (a district with a high degree of Spanish presence).

Data and analysis:

The production of words with target /ɛ/ and with target /e/ by each participant was recorded along with the answers to a sociolinguistic questionnaire. The spoken data were auditorily and acoustically analysed, and then statistically analysed in relation to different sociolinguistic factors that could account for the maintenance or loss of this vowel contrast.

Findings/conclusions:

Significant differences were found in the production of children across districts but not in that of adults. The children in Nou Barris show an advanced merger between /ɛ/ and /e/. The language in the environment seems to be the main factor, as the merger or maintenance of the contrast correlates with the language spoken by our participants’ peer group and close relatives.

Originality:

This research combines both an auditory and acoustic analysis of phonological data with sociolinguistic information about speakers from different districts in Barcelona.

Significance/implications:

This paper contributes to a better understanding of phonological variation within Barcelona and the sociolinguistic factors that are responsible for variation among its population.
The end of media logics? On algorithms and agency
Authors: Klinger Ulrike , Svensson Jakob
Published: June 2018

We argue that algorithms are an outcome rather than a replacement of media logics, and ultimately, we advance this argument by connecting human agency to media logics. This theoretical contribution builds on the notion that technology, particularly algorithms are non-neutral, arguing for a stronger focus on the agency that goes into designing and programming them. We reflect on the limits of algorithmic agency and lay out the role of algorithms and agency for the dimensions and elements of network media logic. The article concludes with addressing questions of power, discussing algorithmic agency from both meso and macro perspectives.
Value creation mechanisms of business models
Authors: Biloshapka Vladyslav , Osiyevskyy Oleksiy
Published: June 2018

Management scholars and practitioners generally agree that the primary functions of a business model are value creation and value capture. However, the meaning (conceptualization) of these terms, their measurement, and the factors and mechanisms affecting them remain contentious. In the current article, we provide answers to these questions by clarifying the consumers’ value creation and business value capture constructs. Then, we demonstrate how they are determined by four business model mechanisms: value proposition and value targeting (affecting consumers’ value through willingness to pay) and value appropriation and value delivery (affecting business value through price and cost). We demonstrate that a fine-grained analysis of a business model’s value creation cannot be adequately performed without reference to these four mechanisms. The developed conceptual framework is illustrated and corroborated by the mini-case vignettes. We finish by outlining an application of the proposed framework to two crucial real-world business model situations: escaping the Giver Trap and remaining the Winner.
Numerical study of auto-ignition propagation modes in toluene reference fuel–air mixtures: Toward a better understanding of abnormal combustion in spark-ignition engines
Authors: Robert Anthony , Zaccardi Jean-Marc , Dul Cécilia , Guerouani Ahmed , Rudloff Jordan
Published: June 2018

Two main abnormal combustions are observed in spark-ignition engines: knock and low-speed pre-ignition. Controlling these abnormal processes requires understanding how auto-ignition is triggered at the “hot spot” but also how it propagates inside the combustion chamber. The original theory regarding the auto-ignition propagation modes was defined by Zeldovich and developed by Bradley who highlighted different modes by considering various hot spot characteristics and thermodynamic conditions around the hot spot. Two dimensionless parameters ( ε, ξ) were then defined to classify these modes and a so-called detonation peninsula was obtained for H2–CO–air mixtures. Similar simulations as those performed by Bradley et al. are undertaken to check the relevancy of the original detonation peninsula when considering realistic fuels used in modern gasoline engines. First, chemical kinetics calculations in homogeneous reactor are performed to determine the auto-ignition delay time τi, and the excitation time τe of E10–air mixtures in various conditions. These calculations are performed for a Research Octane Number (RON 95) toluene reference fuel surrogate with 42.8% isooctane, 13.7% n-heptane, 43.5% toluene, and using the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) kinetic mechanism considering 1388 species and 5935 reactions. Results point out that H2–CO–air mixtures are much more reactive than E10–air mixtures featuring much lower excitation times τe. The resulting maximal hot spot reactivity ε is thus limited which also restrains the use of the detonation peninsula for the analysis of practical occurrences of auto-ignition in gasoline engines. The tabulated ( τi, τe) values are then used to perform one-dimensional Large Eddy Simulations (LES) of auto-ignition propagation considering different hot spots and thermodynamic conditions around them. The detailed analysis of the coupling conditions between the reaction and pressure waves shows thus that the different propagation modes can appear with gasoline, and that the original detonation peninsula can be reproduced, confirming for the first time that the propagation mode can be well defined by the two non-dimensional parameters for more realistic fuels.
Diagnosis, Prescription, Intervention, Evaluation, Advanced Academic Training, and College Student Success
Authors: Johnson Ronald , Johnson Craig W. , Vijayan Suvendra , Tata Devadatta , Villegas Ramon
Published: June 2018

The Personal Background Preparation Survey (PBPS) identifies students at risk for academic nonadvancement. Uniquely, the PBPS produces individualized reports making evidence-based risk-specific recommendations prescribing interventions targeting students’ empirically identified risk indicators. At a large southwestern health sciences community college, after baseline PBPS administration among 409 diverse first-semester-fall 2010 students, fall 2011 PBPS administration helped target PBPS-individualized interventions among 618 first-semester-fall 2011 students. Group-oriented Advanced Academic Training (AAT) workshops augmented PBPS-targeted individualized interventions among 1,183 additional first-semester students during fall 2012 and fall 2013. AAT participants practiced a daily self-testing retrieval regimen to reduce PBPS-identified cognitive processing, information-, and time-management risk indicators. Controlling PBPS risk level, underrepresented minority status, and gender as covariates, first-semester student nonadvancement rate decreased from baseline’s 42.3% and PBPS-individualized interventions’ 41.4% to 16.2% and 11.6% postAAT ( p < .001), respectively. AAT was designed to reduce primarily higher risk student nonadvancement; yet, retention gains did not differ significantly across risk levels, underrepresented minority students status, and gender.
Conclusion: Diversity Intelligence as a Core of Diversity Training and Leadership Development
Authors: Hughes Claretha
Published: June 2018

Problem:

Leadership development is a core part of training, education, and career management strategies in organizations. Yet, leaders are not translating what they learn about protected class employees during leadership development initiatives back to the workplace.

Solution:

Diversity intelligence should be added to organizational diversity and leadership development training and education initiatives. With DQ as a core of the training and education initiatives, leaders may acquire the needed ability to translate what they learn to actual practice. A conceptual model for DQ as a core of leadership development and typology of leaders with low and high DQ are provided. They will be able to better lead their protected class followers because they will know who they are and how to enhance their performance.

Stakeholders:

Workplace leaders, diversity trainers, educators, and career management professionals are provided ideas for enhancing their diversity improvement efforts. Implications for Human Resource Development professionals and researchers are also offered.
Characterizing Employees’ Preferences for Incentives for Healthy Behaviors: Examples to Improve Interest in Wellness Programs
Authors: Jenkins Kristi Rahrig , Fakhoury Nour , Richardson Caroline R. , Segar Michelle , Krupka Erin , Kullgren Jeffrey
Published: June 2018

Background. Many employers now incentivize employees to engage in wellness programs, yet few studies have examined differences in preferences for incentivizing participation in healthy behaviors and wellness programs. Method. We surveyed 2,436 employees of a large university about their preferences for incentivizing participation in different types of healthy behaviors and then used multivariable logistic regression to estimate associations between employees’ socioeconomic and demographic characteristics and their preferences for incentives for engaging in healthy behaviors. Results. Compared with nonunion members, union members had higher odds of wanting an incentive for eating healthily (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.60, 95% [CI; 1.21, 2.12]), managing weight (AOR = 1.53, 95% CI [1.14, 2.06]), avoiding drinking too much alcohol (AOR = 1.41, 95% CI [1.11, 1.78]), quitting tobacco (AOR = 1.37, 95% CI [1.06, 1.77]), managing stress (AOR = 1.37, 95% CI [1.08, 1.75]), and managing back pain (AOR = 1.64, 95% CI [1.28, 2.10]). Compared with staff, faculty employees reported higher odds for wanting an incentive for reducing alcohol intake (AOR = 1.34, 95% CI [1.00, 1.78]) and quitting tobacco (AOR = 1.43, 95% CI [1.04, 1.96]). Women had lower odds than men (AOR = 0.80, 95% CI [0.64, 0.99]) of wanting an incentive for managing back pain. Conclusions. Preferences for incentives to engage in different types of healthy behaviors differed by employees’ socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. Organizations may consider using survey data on employee preferences for incentives to more effectively engage higher risk populations in wellness programs.