bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empirical Estimation of Effects of Flexible Working on Mobility and Congestion in the Netherlands 2000 to 2016
Authors: van der Loop Han , Willigers Jasper , Haaijer Rinus
Published: May 2019

Flexible working, enhanced by information and communication technologies, seems relevant for transport policy, but information about the development of flexible working in the Netherlands and the impact on mobility and congestion is incomplete. The KiM Netherlands Institute for Transport Policy Analysis devised a method to identify the development of flexible working and its impacts on mobility and congestion using an online panel survey and other data. The research findings reveal that working at home and shifting hours to avoid using cars during peak hours are the most important types of flexible working in the Netherlands and that they increased between 2000 and 2016. If there had not been flexible working, the number of car kilometers on working days in the Netherlands from 2000 to 2016 on all roads would have increased by 2.6% more than the observed development. Total public transport kilometers would have been 2% higher. The hours of delay with all types of flexible working on national roads in the Netherlands from 2000 to 2016 increased by 42%, instead of by the 60% it would have been had there not been flexible working (an impact of 18%). Working at home had the largest impact on congestion avoidance over the entire day. During peak hours, peak hour travel avoidance by car had the largest impact. Delay was reduced by approximately 0.1 h on national roads by working 1 day at home or by shifting hours from morning peak to off-peak on one occasion. This reduction was approximately 0.2 h during the afternoon peak.
Ethnic Group Differences in Dietary Diversity of School-Aged Children in Indonesia: The Roles of Gender and Household SES
Authors: Kunto Yohanes Sondang , Bras Hilde
Published: May 2019

Background:

Despite the importance of dietary diversity for nutritional status, studies on issues surrounding ethnicity and dietary diversity in developing countries are limited.

Objective:

We analyzed cross-ethnic differences in dietary diversity and examined the roles of gender and household socioeconomic status (SES) in 3 Indonesian ethnic groups with different kinship systems: Javanese (bilateral), Batak (patrilineal), and Minangkabau (matrilineal).

Methods:

Data were from the Indonesian Family Life Survey 2000-2015 that consisted of 6478 school-aged children (7-12 years of age) born to 3878 mothers. The children’s dietary diversity was measured using a Berry-Index. We used cluster-robust multivariate linear regression models.

Results:

Gendered dietary diversity occurred for ethnic groups with unilineal kinship but was less evident for ethnic with bilateral kinship. Batak and Minangkabau girls, rather than boys, had higher dietary diversity because boys from these 2 ethnic groups consumed low-status foods (eg, tubers and vegetables) less often. Household SES influenced ethnic-related dietary diversity differently, perhaps because of food culture. Batak children from lower SES households consumed fruits and dairy products less often, most likely to enable them to consume the pricier but culturally preferable animal-source foods. This lowered their dietary diversity.

Conclusion:

The overall results indicate gendered and household SES-related effects of ethnicity on dietary diversity. Nutrition interventions targeting boys should be on policy-makers’ agendas. Boys should be advised to consume healthy low-status foods more often to improve their dietary diversity. The Batak case shows that children from lower SES backgrounds should depend less on the pricier foods to enable them varying their diet better.
Facility Dogs in the Courtroom: Comfort Without Prejudice?
Authors: Burd Kayla A. , McQuiston Dawn E.
Published: May 2019

Courthouse facility dogs are expertly trained canines that assist individuals with psychological, emotional, or physical difficulties in a myriad of courtroom situations. While these animals are increasingly used to assist young witnesses in court, it is not yet known whether they are prejudicial to defendants or the witnesses they accompany during trial. Across two studies utilizing mock trial paradigms involving child witnesses, we explored the impact of courtroom accommodations (facility dog vs. teddy bear vs. no accommodation) on mock jurors’ judgments about the defendant and child witness. In Experiment 1, teddy bears, but not facility dogs, were prejudicial to defendants, while in Experiment 2, neither facility dogs nor teddy bears were prejudicial. Further, mock jurors’ perceptions of the child witness were not influenced by courtroom accommodations. Evidence from both studies suggests that, contrary to various legal arguments concerning due process, facility dogs may not influence verdict, verdict confidence, or sentencing.
Melatonin-induced osteogenesis with methanol-annealed silk materials
Authors: Çetin Altındal Damla , James Eric N , Kaplan David L , Gümüşderelioğlu Menemşe
Published: May 2019

Melatonin, a hormone produced in the pineal gland, has been investigated for bone repair, remodeling, osteoporosis, as well as osseointegration of the implants. In this study, different concentrations of melatonin (0–2000-µM) were embedded into silk films annealed by methanol or water. Then, their capacity to differentiate human mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts was investigated for bone tissue regeneration. While methanol-annealed silk films have ~55% crystallinity, room-temperature water-annealed silk films have ~30% crystallinity by depending upon their different β-sheet contents. Melatonin-loaded silk films exhibited an initial burst release followed by a continuous release for up to 5 days, and the β-sheet content of silk films did not affect the release behavior of melatonin, an amphiphilic molecule. Moreover, human mesenchymal stem cells exhibited an increase in osteogenic markers such as alkaline phosphatase activity, osteocalcin, and runt-related transcription factor 2 expressions on the melatonin-loaded methanol-annealed silk films in both proliferation and osteogenic media. The bioactivity of the melatonin-modified silk films was further confirmed by the enhanced mineralization compared to silk films alone. This study demonstrated the feasibility of developing melatonin-loaded silk materials and the positive effect of releasing melatonin at micromolar concentrations on osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells cultured especially in osteogenic medium.
Challenges in Supporting Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse in Kenya: A Qualitative Study of Government and Non-governmental Organizations
Authors: Wangamati Cynthia Khamala , Sundby Johanne , Izugbara Chimaraoke , Nyambedha Erick Otieno , Prince Ruth Jane
Published: May 2019

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a global, social, and health challenge. Existing literature on post-sexual assault care has focused largely on health providers’ skills and capacity to offer quality clinical, medicolegal, and psychosocial care. Services other than medical and psychosocial care provided to survivors of CSA remain poorly studied, particularly in the global south. The study aimed to explore challenges facing service providers supporting children who have experienced sexual abuse and make suitable recommendations. We triangulated different qualitative methods: in-depth interviews with 61 key informants, three focus group discussions with community leaders, and unstructured observations for data collection. Findings indicate that service providers supporting children who had experienced sexual abuse play a vital role in ensuring that survivors receive clinical and medicolegal care, psychosocial support, have access to justice, and are protected from further victimization. However, these service providers face several challenges, including poor infrastructure, the lack of effective coordination and linkage among the service providers in the continuum of care, corruption among officials, and harmful patriarchal norms that hinder reporting of abuse. To effectively support and care for survivors, we recommend government commitment to, and investments in, safe spaces, supervision, and professional development of providers. Working with community leaders and gatekeepers of all genders is critical to address harmful practices that perpetuate CSA and make it difficult to care for and obtain justice for CSA survivors.
Simulation analysis and experimental research of a sampling valve for the seafloor natural gas hydrates survey
Authors: Ji Hui , Li Ouyang , Nie Songlin , Yin Fanglong
Published: May 2019

A hydraulically actuated sampling valve is developed for the sub-sea situ pore-water and bottom seawater sampler. A unique pressure compensation design for the valve core is adopted in the sampling valve, which makes the sampling valve open or closure reliably under high pressure. Based on the developed sampling valve, a fluid sampler is manufactured, which includes three collecting bottles, one equilibrium bottle, one negative pressure bottle, one sampling valve, and a set of control unit. The simulation model of the developed sampler is established for the whole sampling process using the AMESim, and the dynamic and static characteristics of the sampling valve, check valve in the collecting bottle, negative pressure bottle are obtained numerically. And then, the simulation tests of the sampling valve are conducted at the simulated high pressure tank of 45 MPa. The developed sampling valve and sampler have been applied on the sub-sea situ pore-water and bottom seawater sampling system and tested at the situ pore-water and bottom seawater, which could also be widely used in marine and offshore oil and gas environmental investigation. This research will lay the foundation for the development of undersea tools for nature gas hydrate survey.
Longitudinal coordination control of hypersonic vehicle based on dynamic equation
Authors: Feng Xingkai , Wang Yuhui , Wu Qingxian , Zhang Xiaohui
Published: May 2019

The complex nonlinearities of hypersonic vehicles can lead to strong couplings between variables, which will bring great challenges to flight control. For this purpose, this paper proposes a novel coupling analysis method for the longitudinal dynamics of a hypersonic vehicle, based on which a coordination controller is designed to reduce the negative effects of the couplings. Initially, according to the coupling characteristics of the hypersonic vehicle, a novel coupling analysis method based on the dynamic equations is proposed to describe the dynamic coupling relationships between variables. Then, a coordination control scheme is designed by combining sliding mode control and the dynamic coupling matrix obtained. Subsequently, the asymptotic stability of the closed-loop system is proved by using Lyapunov theory, and the simulation results are given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed dynamic coupling matrix-based coordination control.
Couples HIV testing and immediate antiretroviral therapy for serodiscordant HIV-positive partners: Translating evidence into programme in Vietnam
Authors: Bui Duong D , Do Nhan T , Pham Linh TT , Nadol Patrick , Nguyen Van TT , Dao Vinh Q , Nguyen Long H , Duong Tuan K , Lai Anh K , Hoang Chian X , Nguyen Anh H , Suthar Amitabh , Tong An L , Do Hoa M , Mesquita Fabio , Lo Ying-Ru , Lyss Sheryl , Nguyen Long T , Kato Masaya
Published: May 2019

Injection drug use and heterosexual transmission from male key populations to their female partners have been the dominant modes of HIV transmission in Vietnam. A demonstration project was conducted to offer immediate antiretroviral therapy (ART) (regardless of CD4 cell count) to HIV-seropositive partners in serodiscordant couples. During March–December 2013, couples HIV testing and counselling (HTC) and immediate ART were offered in two drug use-affected provinces. Of 256 couples receiving couples HTC, 146 (57%) were serodiscordant; 134 (92%) seropositive partners initiated ART irrespective of CD4 cell count. Of these, 86% were male; 57% reported ever using illicit drugs; median CD4 cell count before ART initiation was 374 cells/mm3. Consistent condom use was reported by 58, 70 and 71% among HIV-positive partners at months 0, 3 and 12. At 12 months after ART initiation, 119 (89%) HIV-positive partners were retained in care; 96 (95% of those tested) achieved viral suppression (<1000 copies/ml). Uptake of immediate ART and viral suppression among those initiating ART were high, paving the way for ART regardless of CD4 cell count as national policy in Vietnam.
Hepatitis C treatment uptake and response among human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C virus-coinfected patients in a large integrated healthcare system
Authors: Lam Jennifer O , Hurley Leo B , Chamberland Scott , Champsi Jamila H , Gittleman Laura C , Korn Daniel G , Lai Jennifer B , Quesenberry Charles P , Ready Joanna , Saxena Varun , Seo Suk I , Witt David J , Silverberg Michael J , Marcus Julia L
Published: May 2019

U.S. guidelines recommend that patients coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) be prioritized for HCV treatment with direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs), but the high cost of DAAs may contribute to disparities in treatment uptake and outcomes. We evaluated DAA initiation and effectiveness in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients in a U.S.-based healthcare system during October 2014–December 2017. Of 462 HIV/HCV-coinfected patients, 276 initiated DAAs (70% cumulative proportion treated over three years). Lower likelihood of DAA initiation was observed among patients with Medicare (government-sponsored insurance) versus commercial insurance (adjusted rate ratio [aRR] = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.46–0.84), patients with drug abuse diagnoses (aRR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.54–0.97), patients with CD4 cell count <200 cells/µl versus ≥500 (aRR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.23–0.91), and patients without prior HCV treatment (aRR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.48–0.97). There were no significant differences in DAA initiation by age, gender, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, HIV transmission risk, alcohol use, smoking, fibrosis level, HIV RNA levels, antiretroviral therapy use, hepatitis B infection, or number of outpatient visits. Ninety-five percent of patients achieved sustained virologic response (SVR). We found little evidence of sociodemographic disparities in DAA initiation among HIV/HCV-coinfected patients, and SVR rates were high. Efforts are needed to increase DAA uptake among coinfected Medicare enrollees, patients with drug abuse diagnoses, patients with low CD4 cell count, and patients receiving first-time HCV treatment.
Impact of early recognition of potentially malignant oral disorders on the prognosis in people living with HIV
Authors: Anaya-Saavedra Gabriela , Ramírez-Amador Velia , Castillejos-García Itzel , Saeb-Lima Marcela
Published: May 2019

Despite the success of combination antiretroviral therapies, people living with HIV (PLWH) are at an increased risk of developing diverse malignancies, including oral cancer. We here present two cases of PLWH where the early diagnosis of potentially malignant disorders in the oral cavity impacted their treatment and survival, remaining free of disease after their complete elimination. These cases demonstrate the importance of oral examinations and tissue biopsies as a part of the close monitoring of PLWH.
Impact of Internet Adoption and Mobile Phone Penetration on Corruption: Evidence from Selected Asia-Paciﬁc Countries
Authors: Shabbir Malik Shahzad , Saleem Hummera , Khan Muhammad Bilal
Published: May 2019

This study uses the mobile phone penetration as a tool of accountability against corruption and promotes transparency and good governance among selected Asia-Pacific countries. The consensus regarding fast internet speed plays a vital role to eliminate the corruption through modern informational and communication technology system. This study empirically investigates the causal relationship between internet adoption and mobile phone penetration to overcome the issue of corruption. This study adopted the Granger causality approach to analyse the panel data (2006–2016) for 12 countries. The results of Granger causality test did not find any evidence for bidirectional causality from corruption to mobile phone penetration and internet adoption. This shows that an increase in mobile phone penetration and internet adoption leads to decrease in corruption. The good governance and rule of law also found the powerful instruments to reduce the perceived corruption. This study is the first ever attempt to examine this issue for Asian Pacific countries, while other studies include only developing and advanced economies in their sample.
It’s Time We Talk About Time in Entrepreneurship
Authors: Lévesque Moren , Stephan Ute
Published: May 2019

This editorial draws attention to time to advance entrepreneurship research by focusing on two aspects of time—time perspective and time management. We initiate a deeper conversation on time in entrepreneurship and illustrate the value of a time-based lens for entrepreneurship research through discussing examples at the individual, firm and context levels. These examples consider underdog and portfolio entrepreneurs; well-being; social and unethical entrepreneurial behavior; entrepreneurial teams and entrepreneur–investor dyads; firm strategy; industry and cultural contexts. We review promising methods for time-conscious entrepreneurship research: process, true longitudinal, diary, experience sampling, observational, work-shadowing and time-use studies; historical approaches; experiments; and simulations.
Challenges to Family Management for Caregivers of Adolescent and Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Brain Tumors
Authors: SanGiacomo Nicole , Toth Jennifer , Hobbie Wendy , Broden Elizabeth , Ver Hoeve Elizabeth , Knafl Kathleen A. , Barakat Lamia , Ogle Sue , Deatrick Janet A.
Published: May 2019

Due to the complexity of cancer late effects, the education required to provide anticipatory guidance and support to the caregivers of adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors of childhood brain tumors can be difficult. Therefore, identifying challenges to family management (FM) could be helpful in anticipating complications with the integration of tumor and treatment late effects into family life. Building on previous research that described FM for children with chronic conditions, children who survived cancer, and the Family Management Styles Framework, the purpose of this study was to identify FM challenges for caregivers of AYA survivors of childhood brain tumors to guide clinical practice and research. Directed content analysis was used to identify FM challenges in data from semistructured interviews with 45 maternal caregivers for AYA survivors of childhood brain tumors living with them. Caregivers were largely White (89%) with an average age of 52 years, educated beyond the high school level (67%), and were partnered or married (53%). On average, caregivers had been caring for the AYA for 21 years since diagnosis, and 56% of their survivors had moderate functional restrictions. A primary and a secondary analyst were assigned to the data for each interview and completed a single summary matrix. A list of challenges was created by the research team based on Family Management Styles Framework, the literature, and clinical expertise. Seven core challenges to FM were identified: ensuring survivor well-being, supporting survivor independence, encouraging sibling well-being, planning family activities, sustaining parents as caregivers, attending to survivor late effects, and providing support and advocacy.
Inspire Certification Among Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurses
Authors: Altounji Diane , Williams Sonya , Secola Rita
Published: May 2019

Professional certification validates nurses’ knowledge and expertise in their specialty. In support of professional development, nursing excellence as a Magnet® designated hospital, and commitment to improve patient outcomes, increasing the number of certified pediatric hematology oncology nurses at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is a priority. Expert certified nurses and educators assessed current staff nurse perceptions of and motivations for becoming certified. A nurse survey was completed, and the results identified barriers to certification and the need for an onsite review course to encourage more nurses to take the Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON®) exam. The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) CPHON® test blueprint guided the development of the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles review course curriculum. Certified nurse experts volunteered as course instructors to present an overview of pediatric cancer, pediatric hematology, psychosocial review, chemotherapy and related medications, and long-term effects. In addition to course didactics, interactive learning sessions were included to allow participants to question, discuss, and apply new knowledge. Sample test questions were provided to each participant for independent study post–course attendance. Each participant completed course evaluations to measure the usefulness of the content, environment, and teaching methods. Since the implementation of this course, the overall number of certified hematology oncology nurses has increased by 15.3%.
Examining English and Welsh Detectives’ Views of Online Crime
Authors: Lee Jin R. , Holt Thomas J. , Burruss George W. , Bossler Adam M.
Published: May 2019

The advancement of the Internet and digital technology has enabled individuals to commit crimes affecting both virtual and real targets at will. Criminological scholarship related to cybercrime and technology-enabled offending has primarily focused on offenders and victims, calling to question how police agencies effectively respond to these incidents. Limited empirical research has largely focused on line officers, who view these cyber offenses to be less serious in comparison to traditional crimes. Research examining the perceptions of detectives and inspectors is virtually nonexistent, though they are much more likely to have an investigative responsibility to pursue offenders and engage with citizens about the offense. Thus, there is a need to understand the attitudes inspectors hold toward online crime in order to improve our knowledge of police views and inform policy makers in building effective strategies to aid their response to unique and emerging crime types. This study examined the attitudinal factors associated with online crimes and incidents using a sample of 155 inspectors from 26 local agencies across England and Wales. The implications of this study for both police detectives and law enforcement agencies are discussed in detail.
A Tale of Unseen Suffering: Experience of Recurrent Miscarriage Through Duoethnography
Authors: Thiemann Kirk L. , Thiemann Jaxon M.
Published: May 2019

This duoethnography describes a story of the psychological, emotional, and social impacts of recurrent miscarriage. The silence in the literature shouts for the need of research in this area. While miscarriage is an area of focus in the literature, it is our belief that recurrent miscarriage brings different dimensions of grief and challenges. We use critical inquiry and social constructionism paradigms to make sense of our experiences. Readers are expected to be active participants in our duoethnography.
Musings From the Streets of India: Voice for the Disabled Who Are Nonverbal
Authors: Forber-Pratt Anjali J.
Published: May 2019

What is the appropriate method of “interviewing” individuals with more involved disabilities who are nonverbal? As part of a larger case study looking at inclusion in India for disabled1 girls, this work raises questions about what happens when we inadvertently or systematically privilege certain ways of communicating over others without providing accommodations or adaptions. This practice perpetuates ableism by only including some disabled voices, but not all. This article interrogates questions of voice and agency and provides examples of methodological approaches to center the voice of one disabled student who also carries the label of being nonverbal.
Animosity Toward a Country in the Context of Destinations as Tourism Products
Authors: Campo Sara , Alvarez Maria D.
Published: May 2019

The study aims to test a scale of consumer animosity that includes more general causes than those currently covered in the literature and examines the effects of animosity on country destination evaluations and on the intention to visit the place. The research examines the animosity construct, delving into its causes. The results confirm that consumer animosity toward a given country is a multidimensional construct formed by various causes, such as the country’s perceived human rights violations and political system, its people and culture, its history and military interventions, and its economic relations with other countries. The findings also indicate that animosity influences the intention to visit the place directly and indirectly through the evaluation of the country as a tourist destination.
A Functional Polymorphism (rs6265, G>A) of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Gene and Breast Cancer: An Association Study
Authors: Iqbal Mehir un Nisa , Yaqoob Tahniyat , Ali Syed Adnan , Khan Taseer Ahmed
Published: May 2019

Purpose:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene (Val66Met, rs6265, G>A) polymorphism and breast cancer (BC) among females of Southern Pakistan.

Methods:

This case-control study consisted of 300 females (BC cases [n = 100] and controls [n = 200]) with age range of 18 to 45 years. All participants were recruited during January to December 2014 and were screened for depression using Zung depression scale. Isolation of genomic DNA (gDNA) followed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis was done. All statistical analysis was carried out on IBM-SPSS version 22 at P-value <.05. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE), Pearson chi-square, and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated.

Results:

Genotype distribution of BDNF gene polymorphism lies in the goodness-of-fit model among controls. The statistical analyses reveal a significant association between genotype frequencies (χ2 = 12.709, P-value = .002) of BDNF and BC among cases and controls. The AA genotype (OR = 5.2, 95%CI = 0.632-42.804) increases the risk of having BC.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that BDNF gene polymorphism may have an association with BC risk among Pakistani females. However, the present finding needs to be replicated with greater sample size with BC risk.
Helicobacter pylori Colonisation in Heterotopic Gastric Mucosa in Meckel Diverticulum: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Suhardja Thomas Surya , Kua Hock , Hrabovszky Zoltan
Published: May 2019

Meckel diverticulum is the most common congenital abnormality of the gastrointestinal system. Although most Meckel diverticula are asymptomatic, they can also present with bleeding, obstruction, or perforation. Helicobacter pylori is pathognomonic for the development of a peptic ulcer. We present a case report of a patient with a Meckel diverticulum with Helicobacter pylori colonising its heterotopic gastric mucosa. This is a rare histopathologic finding. We also reviewed the literature of other similar cases published in English.
Practices of Care to HIV-Infected Children: Current Situation in Cameroon
Authors: Penda Calixte Ida , Ndongo Francis A , Bissek Anne-Cécile Z-K , Téjiokem Mathurin C , Sofeu Casimir , Moukoko Eboumbou Else C , Mindjouli Sandrine , Desmonde Sophie , Njock Louis R
Published: May 2019

Background:

To accelerate access to pediatric HIV care in Cameroon, operational challenges in implementing HIV pediatric care need to be identified. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of health care workers regarding pediatric HIV infection in Cameroon.

Methods:

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over a 4-month period (April to August 2014) in 12 health facilities in 7 regions of Cameroon selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected from interviews with health care providers and managers using standardized self-administered questionnaires and stored in the ACCESS software.

Results:

In total, 103 health care providers were included in this study, of which 59 (57.3%) were health workers and 44 (42.7%) community agents. Most of the health workers in charge of HIV pediatric care were nurses, requiring effective medical task shifting that was institutionalized in Cameroon. The knowledge of health care providers in relation to pediatric HIV care was acceptable. Indications for prescription of test for early infant diagnosis were known (96.1%), but their attitudes and practices regarding initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) in infants less than 2 years (5.2%) and first-line ART protocols (25.4%) were insufficient, due to little information about standard procedures.

Conclusion:

Capacity building of health care providers and large-scale dissemination of normative national documents are imperative to improve HIV pediatric care in the health care facilities.
It’s gender Jim, but not as we know it … A critical review of constructions of gendered knowledge of the Global South
Authors: Bradshaw Sarah , Linneker Brian , Sanders-McDonagh Erin
Published: May 2019

This article explores how research helps construct a certain type of ‘gender’ knowledge that arises from, informs and reinforces ‘instrumentalist’ gendered policy perspectives on development of the Global South. It uses a case study of research funded under the ESRC-DFID Joint Fund for Poverty Alleviation which awarded 122 grants amounting to £66.2 million (around US$88 million) between 2005 and 2015. From a systematic review of the awards a typology of gender inclusion and exclusion was constructed that found 60% of all awards mentioned gender or included some level of gender analysis. The subsequent synthesis of the evidence suggested that in only 30% of all awards was the gendered knowledge produced central to the study and/or focused on better understanding gender roles, relations and identities. Applying a Feminist Institutionalist lens, the study highlights how institutional ideas around gender are reflected in the funding call specifications, and in turn influence how researchers ‘engendered’ their research, and the type of gendered knowledge produced. It finds much of the new gendered knowledge produced out of the Joint Fund emerged from non-gender focused research often produced by non-gender specialists. It suggests that as gender becomes mainstreamed into research, and as more researchers ‘do gender’, so research may become, conversely, less ‘gendered’. The ‘new’ gender knowledge produced may then merely evidence existing institutional policy positions rather than advance the policy agenda.
Cost analysis of neonatal tele-homecare for preterm infants compared to hospital-based care
Authors: Rasmussen Maja K , Clemensen Jane , Zachariassen Gitte , Kidholm Kristian , Brødsgaard Anne , Smith Anthony C , Holm Kristina G
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Neonatal homecare (NH) can be used to provide parents the opportunity of bringing cardiopulmonary-stable preterm infants home for tube feeding and the establishment of breastfeeding supported by neonatal nurses visiting the home. However, home visits can be challenging for hospitals covering large regions, and, therefore, regular neonatal hospital care has remained the first choice in Denmark. As an alternative to home visits, telehealth may be used to deliver NH. Thus, neonatal tele-homecare (NTH) was developed. Positive infant outcomes and the optimization of family-centred care have been described, but the costs of telehealth in the context of NH remain unknown. This study aims to assess the costs of NTH compared to regular neonatal hospital care, from the health service perspective.

Methods

The cost analysis was based on an observational study of NTH in Denmark (run from November 2015 to December 2016) and followed the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards. The intervention group were the families of preterm infants receiving NTH ( n = 96). The control group comprised a historic cohort of families with preterm infants, receiving standard care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) ( n = 278). NTH infants and the historical group were categorized according to gestational age at birth at/under and over 32 weeks. The outcomes were NTH resource utilization, in-NICU hospital bed days, re-admissions and total costs on average per infant. The time horizon was from birth to discharge.

Results

The costs of NTH resource utilization were, on average, €695 per infant, and the total costs per infant, on average, were €12,200 and €4200 for infants at/under and over 32 weeks, respectively. The corresponding costs of the control group were €14,300 and €4400. The difference in total costs showed statistical significance for the group of infants under 32 weeks ( p < 0.001).

Discussion

The cost analysis showed that NTH was less costly compared to regular hospital care, especially for infants born with gestational age at/under 32 weeks. NTH is an appropriate model of care for preterm infants and their families, is clinically effective and less expensive than similar services delivered in the hospital.
Finite element analysis of long-span rail-cum-road cable-stayed bridge subjected to ship collision
Authors: Pu Qianhui , Liu Jingwen , Gou Hongye , Bao Yi , Xie Hongwei
Published: May 2019

Ship collision is rare, yet it leads to serious consequences once it occurs, in particular for long-span bridges. This study investigates dynamic responses of a long-span, rail-cum-road cable-stayed bridge under ship collision through finite element analysis. Three ship tonnages were investigated, which are 3000, 5000, and 8000 t, respectively. The displacement, velocity, and acceleration of the bridge under ship collision are analyzed. The collision process is simulated in two explicit steps to improve the computational efficiency. First, the collision force is determined through a collision simulation of the ship to a rigid body that simulates the massive bridge pier. The collision force is then applied to the bridge to analyze the dynamic responses of the bridge. The simulation results of the collision force are compared with four different design codes. Analysis results from different codes show significant discrepancies, demonstrating lack of reliability of the formula recommended by the codes. The results indicate that the maximum displacement and acceleration occur at the top of the bridge pylon. The bridge’s responses under ship collision decrease as the collision angle increases from 0° to 20°.
Dynamic simulation on vibration control of marching tank gun based on adaptive robust control
Authors: Chen Yu , Yang Guolai , Sun Quanzhao
Published: May 2019

In order to better understand the dynamic behavior and decrease the muzzle vibration of marching tank, a mechanical–electrical–hydraulic integrated dynamic model of marching tank was established based on a novel dynamic co-simulation method. The hydraulic system model was modeled in Amesim and the dynamic model of marching tank was established in RecurDyn based on multi-body system theory, vehicle terramechanics, and gun launch dynamics. The control system model was modeled in MATLAB/Simulink. Therein, the adaptive robust control algorithm was introduced to design the vertical stabilizer controller and the simulation program of the designed controller was developed by C language. The simulation results show that the muzzle vibration of marching tank can be controlled effectively by the ARC method. Furthermore, the muzzle error compensation signal was added in the designed controller to weaken the detrimental effect of the barrel flexibility on muzzle vibration. This work provides an approach to investigate the dynamic behavior of marching tank considering effects among the mechanical, hydraulic, and control subsystems.
A generalised approach for the estimation of junction temperature and its effect on light output
Authors: Padmasali AN , Kini SG
Published: May 2019

LED lighting is the most promising lighting technology of the current era because it is highly reliable and energy efficient. The reliability of an LED luminaire is dependent primarily on its junction temperature in operation. Since LED luminaire design differs across manufacturers, a generalised experimental procedure and simplified model is adapted to estimate the junction temperature of an LED luminaire. The results are analysed, and the model is validated with an experimental study on two different luminaires. Further, to analyse the effect of junction temperature on the light output, a novel model and methodology are adopted such that light output can be estimated for any operating temperature, if the light output at a reference temperature is known. Three models were selected to estimate the light output at different temperatures, and four different LEDs were selected for the experimental study. A linear model for the thermal multiplier is selected as the best model to estimate the light output at a desired temperature and is validated using statistical tools. Thus, this simple model and generalised experimental procedures will help in estimating the effect of junction temperature on the performance of LED luminaires.
Arts-based learning in vocational education: Using arts-based approaches to enrich vocational pedagogy and didactics and to enhance professional competence and identity
Authors: Meltzer Cecilie , Schwencke Eva
Published: May 2019

This article discusses in what way arts-based learning can complement and enrich vocational pedagogy and didactics. It examines how artwork and artistic, educational practices can enhance professional and vocational skills, develop creativity and cultivate working identity and character, and thereby reinforce the connection between school and work life. The article presents theories that explain in what way arts-based work may enhance subjectivity and personal development processes. Some principles of vocational pedagogy are used to actualise how these learning approaches may contribute to the professional field. The data are obtained between 2009 and 2015. The material is based on experiences and results from different courses in Creative Communication, and a three-year bachelor’s degree programme in Design and Crafts at the Department of Vocational Teacher Education at Oslo Metropolitan University. The article summarises how arts-based learning processes can enhance professional and personal competencies and the ability to see oneself in relation to others and society as a whole. It reveals how these learning approaches can create a sense of free space, improve dialogue, reflection and collaboration and strengthen gestic knowledge. These qualities can be of great importance in finding oneself as a vocational and professional practitioner in present and future working life.
Increased erythrocyte- and platelet-derived microvesicles in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Gkaliagkousi Eugenia , Nikolaidou Barbara , Gavriilaki Eleni , Lazaridis Antonios , Yiannaki Efthalia , Anyfanti Panagiota , Zografou Ioanna , Markala Dimitra , Douma Stella
Published: May 2019

Aim:

To investigate the thrombotic microenvironment in early stages of type 2 diabetes mellitus measuring platelet-derived, endothelial-derived and erythrocyte-derived microvesicles.

Methods:

We recruited 50 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients who did not receive glucose-lowering treatment except for metformin and 25 matched non-type 2 diabetes mellitus volunteers. Microvesicles were measured with flow cytometry, glycated haemoglobin with high-performance liquid chromatography and advanced glycation end products with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients showed significantly higher levels of platelet-derived microvesicles [195/μL (115–409) vs 110/μL (73–150), p = 0.001] and erythrocyte-derived microvesicles [26/μL (9–100) vs 9/μL (4–25), p = 0.007] compared to non-type 2 diabetes mellitus individuals. Platelet-derived microvesicles were positively associated with fasting blood glucose ( p = 0.026) and glycated haemoglobin ( p = 0.002). Erythrocyte-derived microvesicles were also positively associated with fasting blood glucose ( p = 0.018) but not with glycated haemoglobin ( p = 0.193). No significant association was observed between platelet-derived microvesicles ( p = 0.126) or erythrocyte-derived microvesicles ( p = 0.857) and advanced glycation end products. Erythrocyte-derived microvesicles predicted the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, independently of platelet-derived microvesicles.

Conclusion:

In newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus, ongoing atherothrombosis is evident during the early stages as evidenced by increased microvesicles levels. Furthermore, the association with glycemic profile suggests that microvesicles represent not only a novel mechanism by which hyperglycemia amplifies thrombotic tendency in type 2 diabetes mellitus but also early markers of thrombosis highlighting the need for earlier management of hyperglycemia.
CSDK: A Chi-square distribution-Kernel method for image de-noising under the Internet of things big data environment
Authors: Teng Lin , Li Hang
Published: May 2019

Nowadays, Internet of things not only brings promising opportunities but also faces a lot of challenges. It attracts a lot of researchers’ attention and has important economic and social values. Internet of things plays a key role in the big data processing, especially in image field. Image de-noising still is a key problem in image pre-processing. Considering a given noisy image, the selection of thresholds should significantly affect the quality of the de-noising image. Although the state-of-the-art wavelet image de-noising methods perform better than other de-noising methods, they are not very effective for de-noising with different noises and with redundancy convergence time, sometimes. To mitigate the poor effect of traditional de-noising methods, this article proposes a new wavelet soft threshold based on the Chi-square distribution-Kernel method under the Internet of things big data environment. The new method alternates three minimization steps. First, the Chi-square distribution-Kernel model is constructed to find the customized threshold that corresponds to the de-noised image. Second, a freedom degree is considered, which is related to the customized wavelet coefficient of the Chi-square distribution-Kernel to be thresholded for image de-noising. Here, noisy image is first decomposed into many levels to obtain different frequency bands and the soft thresholding method based on Chi-square distribution-Kernel method is used to remove the noisy coefficients, by fixing the optimum threshold value using the proposed method. Third, the wavelet soft thresholding based on Chi-square distribution-Kernel method is adopted to handle the image de-noising, and a significant improvement is obtained by a specially developed Chi-square distribution-Kernel method. Finally, the experimental results illustrate that this computationally scalable algorithm achieves state-of-the-art de-noising performance in terms of peak signal-to-noise ratio, normalized mean square error, structural similarity, and subjective visual quality. It also shows a consistent accuracy, edge preservation, and detailed retention improvement compared to the classic de-noising algorithms.
Minimally Invasive Pulmonary Artery Aneurysm Repair Through a Left Anterior Minithoracotomy—an Alternative Approach
Authors: Rahman Sana , Cook Gary , Zheng Jing , Rehman Atiq
Published: May 2019

The purpose in this case was to repair a less invasive approach than a standard sternotomy. Workup of asymptomatic patient with computerized tomography scan of chest revealed pulmonary artery aneurysm and transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated flow stagnation in aneurysm. An alternative minimally invasive approach was performed to repair the pulmonary artery aneurysm with plication through a left anterior minithoracotomy using normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass with percutaneous peripheral cannulation, instead of median sternotomy. Post-repair transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated normal flow in the pulmonary artery. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was seen in the outpatient clinic with excellent recovery. Minimally invasive repair of pulmonary artery aneurysm through a left anterior minithoracotomy is a feasible alternative approach.

Minimally invasive repair of pulmonary artery aneurysm through a left anterior minithoracotomy is a feasible alternative approach.
Hybrid Arch Frozen Elephant Trunk Repair of Complex Arch Aneurysm With Severe Arterial Tortuosity
Authors: Algadheeb Muhanad S. , Makhdom Fahd , Duncan Audra , Chu Michael W. A.
Published: May 2019

Patients with complex aortic arch aneurysms and severe arterial tortuosity represent a unique challenge because of extreme angulations, mixed aneurysm and stenotic disease, and fragile tissues. Novel hybrid arch frozen elephant trunk techniques can expand surgical repair options to include single-stage, complete aortic reconstruction via sternotomy alone, without the need for simultaneous thoracotomy or clamshell incisions. We describe successful hybrid aortic arch reconstruction with Thoraflex Hybrid graft in a patient with complex arch aneurysm and severe arterial tortuosity.
Successful Transition to Robotic-Assisted Lobectomy With Previous Proficiency in Thoracoscopic Lobectomy
Authors: Merritt Robert E. , Kneuertz Peter J. , D’Souza Desmond M.
Published: May 2019

Objective

The learning curve and the advantages of transitioning to robotic-assisted lobectomy by a surgeon who is proficient in thoracoscopic lobectomy is currently unknown. The cost of robotic lobectomy has been reported to be higher than thoracoscopic lobectomy and there is no significant decrease in hospital length of stay.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of 228 patients diagnosed with lung carcinoma who underwent minimally invasive lobectomy from March 2014 to May 2018. A total of 114 patients underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy and 114 patients underwent robotic-assisted lobectomy. The data collected included patient demographics, tumor characteristics, morbidity, mortality, operative times, and hospital length of stay.

Results

A total of 114 patients underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy and 114 patients underwent robotic-assisted lobectomy. The patients in each group were similar in age, gender, smoking status, FEV-1, tumor histology, and pathologic stage. The mortality and complication rates were similar. The mean number of total lymph nodes and N2 lymph nodes were significantly higher in the robotic lobectomy group ( P < 0.0001). The mean operative time was shorter in the robotic group. The median hospital length of stay (4 days) was similar between the 2 groups ( P = 0.99).

Conclusion

The results of this report suggest that thoracoscopic and robotic-assisted lobectomy have similar outcomes when a surgeon proficient in the thoracoscopic technique completely transitions to the robotic-assisted technique. The learning curve was relatively accelerated in this single-surgeon experience. There may be an advantage for robotic-assisted lobectomy in the total number of lymph nodes harvested.