bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drought and Flood Characterization and Connection to Climate Variability in the Pearl River Basin in Southern China Using Long-Term GRACE and Reanalysis Data
Authors: Huang Zhiyong , Jiao Jiu Jimmy , Luo Xin , Pan Yun , Jin Taoyong
Published: December 2020

Drought and flood are investigated in the Pearl River basin (PRB) using long-term terrestrial water storage anomaly (TWSA) data from the mascon (mass concentration) solutions based on Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite measurements (2002–19) and reanalysis data (1980–2019). The GRACE mascon solutions capture two major drought periods (2003–06 and 2009–12) with similar onsets and endings over the last two decades, but show considerable differences in quantifying total drought severity. The reanalysis data significantly overestimate drought duration and severity during 1980–2000 owing to overestimated negative TWSA forced by underestimated precipitation. The GRACE mascon solutions identify four major flood events in August 2002, June 2008, and July in 2006 and 2019. The flood potential is influenced by the precipitation in both the current and antecedent months. The flood potential index of the most recent flood in 2008 showed a similar spatial pattern compared to precipitation at monthly and subbasin scales. The precipitation and TWSA in the PRB are mainly influenced by El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). TWSA exhibits a lag of 1–3 months responding to ENSO during 1980–2019. This study emphasizes the significance of removing water storage changes in new large reservoirs before long-term drought and flood characterization. The inclusion of reservoir water storage would expand (shrink) the drought duration and overestimate (underestimate) drought severity for the period before (after) reservoir impoundment and overestimate flood potential for the period after reservoir impoundment. This study highlights the intensifying drought conditions in the PRB over the last four decades under the circumstances of more frequent human activities (reservoir construction and regulation) and the complex changing climate system.
Comparison of Regional Climate Model Performances for Different Types of Heat Waves over South Korea
Authors: Yoon Donghyuck , Cha Dong-Hyun , Lee Myong-In , Min Ki-Hong , Jun Sang-Yoon , Choi Yonghan
Published: December 2020

South Korea’s heat wave events over 39 years (1980–2018) were defined by spatiotemporal criteria, and their quantitative characteristics were analyzed. The duration and intensity of these events ranked highest in 2016 and 2018. An examination of synoptic conditions of heat wave events in 2016 and 2018 based on a reanalysis dataset revealed a positive anomaly of 500-hPa geopotential height, which could have induced warm conditions over the Korean Peninsula in both years. However, a difference prevailed in that there was a blocking high over the Kamchatka Peninsula and a continental thermal high over northern China in 2016, while the expansion of the western North Pacific subtropical high was mainly associated with 2018 heat wave events. Numerical experiments using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model were conducted to 1) evaluate how distinct meteorological characteristics of heat wave events in 2016 and 2018 were reproduced by the model, and 2) investigate how they affect extreme temperature events. Typical synoptic features of the 2016 heat wave events (i.e., Kamchatka blocking and continental thermal high) were not captured well by the WRF Model, while those of 2018 were reasonably reproduced. On the contrary, the heat wave event during late August 2016 related to the Kamchatka blocking high was realistically simulated when the blocking was artificially sustained by applying spectral nudging. In conclusion, the existence of a blocking high over the Kamchatka region (i.e., northern Pacific region) is an important feature to accurately predict long-lasting heat waves in East Asia.
Determinants of Successful Financial Inclusion in Low-Income Rural Population
Authors: Kumar Vaid Yashwant , Singh Vikram , Sethi Monika
Published: December 2020

Finance plays a key role in the growth of developed as well as developing nations. A financially well included society leads to stronger growth. Financial inclusion aims at providing easy and affordable access to financial products and services. The main concern for any developing nation from a growth point of view is advancement of low-income rural population just as much as the high-income population. Taking a note of this, identifying the key determinants that would lead to successful financial inclusion of low-income rural population is equally, if not more, important. The inclusion strategies have to be built around these determinants to promote inclusion and thus, a clear picture of these determinants is a must have for strategy and policy makers. Though the factors may be somewhat similar across the nation, but their significance and impact on financial inclusion varies greatly from one geographical area to other. In line with this, the purpose of this study is to identify the dimensions of successful financial inclusion in the low-income rural segments with special reference to Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The study uses factor analysis to identify the determinants and path analysis to analyse the significance of these factors in financial inclusion.
A word about . . . A call to “keep kosher” for today
Authors: Biddle Mark E.
Published: December 2020

The church must recover a model and practice of piety that includes something like a kosher sensibility regarding food. The prevalence of unhealthy diets, unhealthy farming practices, unhealthy effects on the environment, “food insecurity,” “food deserts,” and food chauvinism points to the need to reconsider the importance of God’s second mandate to humanity, namely, to care for Garden Earth. Christians cannot seek first the king of God or pray that God’s will be done on earth while simultaneously disregard the importance of daily bread.
The Role of Proneness to Guilt and Shame Among People in Custody in Promoting Restorative Justice Processes
Authors: Peleg-Koriat Inbal , Weimann-Saks Dana
Published: December 2020

This research examined the role of guilt and shame proneness among people in custody in shaping attitudes toward restorative justice (RJ) and in predicting the effectiveness of RJ practices. Study 1 ( n = 110) examined the correlation between participant guilt and shame proneness and willingness to participate in an RJ process. It revealed that proneness to guilt, but not to shame, was correlated with willingness to participate in an RJ process. Mediational modeling showed that guilt proneness predicted willingness to participate in an RJ process via its strong correlation with regret and remorse. Study 2 ( n = 133) examined whether shame and guilt proneness affects the effectiveness of an RJ practice. It revealed that high guilt proneness predicted high willingness to participate in RJ, whereas shame proneness moderated the effectiveness of an RJ practice. These results can help practitioners and researchers develop interventions to promote the effectiveness of RJ programs.
Case Study Instruction Experiences in Educational Psychology and Pre-Service Teachers’ Achievement Goals for Learning
Authors: Gonzalez-DeHass Alyssa R. , Willems Patricia P. , Vásquez-Colina María D.
Published: December 2020

Case studies have become a popular vehicle for pre-service teachers to be introduced to the challenges of classroom teaching and participate in hypothetical classroom decision-making. Because of the similarity of case study instruction to those classroom structures proven to influence a student’s adoption of mastery-approach goals, we expected that case study learning would predict educational psychology students’ adoption of these adaptive goals. However, there is limited empirical research on the impact of case study instruction on student’s motivation, particularly for students’ adoption of achievement goals. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between students’ perceived experiences in case study instruction and each of four achievement goals identified in the goal literature. Since self-efficacy may be another important influence on students’ achievement goals, we also included it as another predictor variable in our regression analyses. Both online and traditional on-campus students are included in this study. While neither performance goal was significantly related to case study instruction for either class format, perceptions of case study instruction predicted online students’ mastery-approach goals and predicted lower rates of mastery-avoidance goals in traditional students. Self-efficacy predicted greater likelihood of mastery-approach goals for traditional students and lower rates of mastery-avoidance goals in both class formats.
Comparison Between Multiple and Solitary Fungus Balls: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Li Hui , Wu Yu-Xiao , Wang Min , Xing Zhi-Min , Han Lin
Published: December 2020

Objectives:

The most common type of noninvasive fungal rhinosinusitis is fungus ball (FB), which usually involves a solitary paranasal sinus. Multiple fungus balls (MFBs) are rarely reported in literature. The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the clinical features of MFBs and solitary fungus ball (SFB).

Methods:

We retrospectively investigated consecutive cases of FB between 2001 and 2018 and compared the clinical records of SFB with MFBs with respect to demographics, clinical features, location, radiological findings, and operative outcome.

Results:

A total of 440 SFB and 43 MFBs cases were included in the study. The mean age was 55.3 ± 13.3 and 60.6 ± 10.9 years, respectively ( P = .011). The incidence of MFBs obviously increased from 2001 to 2018. The clinical symptoms and laboratory examination were similar. On computed tomography images, complete opacification, septal deviation, Haller cells, and obstruction of ostiomeatal complex were more common ( P < .05). The incidence of SFB on the left and right sides was similar, while MFBs were seen to involve both sides in 74.4%.

Conclusions:

Compared with SFB, MFBs showed some special characteristics. The MFBs affected older patients showed wide range of lesions and complex anatomy. Surgical technique is very important. Much more attention should be paid to this not so uncommon disease during the perioperative period.
Left atrial high-grade rhabdomyosarcoma; an unusual location
Authors: Chaturvedi Hemant , Rao Ravindra Singh , Mehta Navneet , Bana Ajeet
Published: December 2020

A 63-year-old diabetic and hypertensive lady presented in New York Heart Association class III–IV dyspnea on exertion. Echocardiography showed a large mass attached to the anterior mitral leaflet and the base of the interatrial septum. After removal of the mass and excision of the anterior and posterior mitral leaflets, a bioprosthetic valve was deployed. The postoperative course was uneventful. Histopathology showed that the tumor was a high-grade rhabdomyosarcoma. Although it is a highly lethal tumor, surgical removal was indicated to relieve dyspnea, clarify the diagnosis, and improve short-term survival. Our patient survived for 8 months after surgical excision.
Pedicled versus skeletonized internal thoracic artery grafts: a randomized trial
Authors: Dreifaldt Mats , Samano Ninos , Geijer Håkan , Lidén Mats , Bodin Lennart , Souza Domingos
Published: December 2020

Objective

Concerns have been raised regarding whether skeletonization of the internal thoracic artery could damage the graft and thereby reduces its patency. The objective of this study was to compare patency rates at mid- and long-term follow-up between pedicled and skeletonized left internal thoracic artery grafts.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial included 109 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. The patients were assigned to receive either one pedicled or one skeletonized left internal thoracic artery graft to the left anterior descending artery. Follow-up was performed at 3 years with conventional angiography, and at 8 years with computed tomography angiography. Differences between patency rates were analyzed with Fisher’s exact test and a generalized linear model.

Results

The patency rates for pedicled and skeletonized left internal thoracic artery grafts were 46/48 (95.8%) versus 47/52 (90.4%), p = 0.44 at 3 years, and 40/43 (93.0%) versus 37/41 (90.2%), p = 0.71 at 8 years, respectively. The difference in patency rates for pedicled and skeletonized grafts was 5.4% (95% confidence interval: −4.2–14.5) at 3 years and 2.8% (95% confidence interval: −9.9–14.1) at 8 years. All failed grafts, except for one with a localized stenosis, were anastomosed to native coronary arteries with a stenosis less than 70%. Three patients suffered sternal wound infections (two in the pedicled group, one in the skeletonized group).

Conclusions

The skeletonization technique can be used without jeopardizing the patency of the left internal thoracic artery. The most important factor in graft failure was target artery stenosis below 70%.
Circadian effects on stroke outcome – Did we not wake up in time for neuroprotection?
Authors: Boltze Johannes , Didwischus Nadine , Merrow Martha , Dallmann Robert , Plesnila Nikolaus
Published: December 2020

The occurrence of stroke in humans peaks in the morning. A recent study revealed that time of day mitigates the therapeutic impact of neuroprotective paradigms. These findings might not only explain the previous failure of translation of neuroprotective therapies but inspire new paradigms in stroke chronopathophysiology research. Taking chronotype into account may complement the many factors that influence efficacy of experimental therapies in stroke.
Design and Validation of the Brief Self Online Scale (SO-8) in Early Adolescence: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Ortega-Barón J. , Machimbarrena J. M. , Montiel I. , Buelga S. , Basterra-González A. , González-Cabrera J.
Published: December 2020

For the Z-Generation, the Internet has become a very important experimentation laboratory for the discovery and validation of their identity. Despite the importance of the process of building the self in the adolescent, there are hardly any validated instruments that measure the self online. The aim of this research was to design and validate the Brief Self Online Scale (SO-8). A total of 843 students (384 boys, 45.6%), with an age range of 10 to 14 years participated. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed the hypothesized model of two correlated factors (Online Self-Perception and Online Idealized Projection), previously obtained through exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The reliability coefficients of Self Online dimensions were adequate. Indicators of convergent validity were obtained, finding significant correlations with self-concept, problematic Internet use, and online emotional intelligence. The SO-8 has adequate psychometric properties to be considered a reliable and valid tool to measure the construct of the Self Online in adolescents.
Scalp expansion for giant cutis verticis gyrata secondary to cerebriform intradermal nevus
Authors: Dong Wenfang , Wang Huan , Fan Fei
Published: December 2020

Cutis verticis gyrata (CVG) is characterized by extensive formation of scalp skin that mirrors the folds of the cerebral gyri. Giant CVG secondary to cerebriform intradermal nevus (CIN) has been rarely reported, and its management mainly involves surgical excision. In certain cases of giant CVG, however, surgical excision is dilemmatic. This case report describes a giant CVG secondary to CIN that was successfully managed with scalp expansion and surgical excision. Previously published studies are also reviewed.
Clinical effect of using MultiLoc® nails to treat four-part proximal humeral fractures
Authors: Jia Zhaofeng , Li Chuangli , Lin Jiandong , Liu Qisong , Li Guangheng , Hu Xinjia
Published: December 2020

Objective

This study was performed to evaluate the clinical effect of MultiLoc® nails (DePuy Synthes, Raynham, MA, USA) on the treatment of four-part proximal humeral fractures (PHFs).

Methods

From January 2014 to January 2018, 32 patients with four-part PHFs were treated with intramedullary MultiLoc® nails in our hospital. The operation time, bleeding volume, postoperative X-ray findings, and fracture healing status were recorded and analyzed. At the end of follow-up, the clinical outcome was evaluated based on the visual analog scale (VAS) score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder score, Constant–Murley score (CMS), and occurrence of any complications.

Results

Among all patients, the average operation time was 124.5 minutes (range, 91–152 minutes), the average amount of bleeding was 90 mL (range, 55–150 mL), and the fracture healing rate was 100%. At the end of follow-up, the mean VAS score was 1.6 ± 0.4, mean ASES score was 84.4 ± 6.3, and mean CMS was 70.3 ± 6.1; no serious complications had occurred; and the patients exhibited good recovery of shoulder function.

Conclusions

MultiLoc nails® can be applied to the treatment of four-part PHFs. This surgical fixation method has no obvious complications and helps to restore shoulder function.
“So Close to the Banks of Oblivion” An American Master is Rediscovered
Authors: Branting Steven D.
Published: December 2020

Inattention has doomed too many masters. Without provenance, context or an appreciation for cultural continuity, artistic treasures become disposable bric‐a‐brac. And so it nearly was for two companion bianco Carrara marbles that had lain unattested for decades in the storage of a small Idaho museum. Now proven by extensive research to be the works of sculptor Madison Colby (1842‐1871), the 19‐inch rondels bespeak a talent abruptly silenced by tuberculosis but not too soon to escape the notice of the San Francisco and Chicago art communities. Having experienced this resurrection, Colby's undeniable skill but sadly limited catalog can once again enjoy a deserved acclaim.
Using Anticarceral Feminism to Illustrate the Impact of Criminalization on the Lives of Individuals in the Sex Trades
Authors: Capous-Desyllas Moshoula , Payne Deana , Panichelli Meg
Published: December 2020

This research study is informed by anticarceral feminism to understand and highlight the experiences of violence and oppression that individuals in the sex trade experience as a result of police stings, raids, and incarceration. We present findings from 23 in-depth, qualitative interviews with men, women, and trans individuals who were arrested in the Los Angeles sex trade. More specifically, we explore experiences of violence that occurred interpersonally, systemically, and institutionally. Such experiences examine police violence, arrest and incarceration, coercion, and client violence. The findings from this research shed light on the impact the criminalization of sex work has had on research participants in terms of their physical health and mental health, economic security and opportunities for growth and education, and their sense of freedom and autonomy. We also attend to the role that intersecting identities might have played during their encounters with the police. This study explored these aspects while being mindful that the policies and procedures followed by the police are born out of a carceral state. We conclude with antioppressive and antiviolent implications for social work practice, policy, research, and education as we imagine the next decade of social work in relation to sex trade.
Impact of Compensation on Inclusive Organizations
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Bhatti Omar K. , Malik Rashida K.
Published: December 2020

Discrimination in compensation for minority groups and individuals with regard to gender, physical disability, religion, and culture affects inclusion in an organization. This study is a combination of two studies and endeavors to verify our initial inference that compensation gaps are significantly related to inclusion. A mixed method approach has been adopted; in first part of the study, compensation data obtained from 32 organizations (608 observations) have been analyzed quantitatively. The study finds significant correlation between components of compensation gaps and inclusion. Gender as basis of discrimination was found insignificantly correlated to compensation, while pay for performance was found negatively related to inclusion. We have proposed a model to predict feeling of inclusion if components of compensation and discriminatory factors are known. In second part of the study, based on 25 in-depth interviews, cognitive basis of compensation gaps has been divulged, and we conclude that implementation of compensation equity and removal of cognitive bases of discrimination seem mandatory actions for inclusion.
Redefining the learning space: Developing peer mentoring in the enterprise curriculum
Authors: Hird Andrew P
Published: December 2020

This account of practice seeks to demystify the entrepreneurship classroom and to provide practical insights into the successful introduction and embedding of a multi-level peer mentoring scheme. Over a 5-year period, peer mentoring has been embedded in an undergraduate enterprise curriculum. This has posed challenges to a number of taken-for-granted assumptions about the enterprise classroom. The role of the tutor in the classroom was redefined; the roles of both colleagues and students were questioned. The accepted rules and norms of the learning environment were placed under considerable strain. It was found that both colleagues and students had very clearly defined expectations of one another and their respective roles: these proved difficult to change. The article recounts the journey, and how the organisers learned to accept and embrace the difficulties faced. Hygiene factors such as timetabling and communication were highly important in allowing the interactions to take place, as were socialisation and facilitation. The mistakes made are also recounted so that they can be avoided by other practitioners.
Moving-horizon-estimator-integrated adaptive hierarchical sliding mode control for flexible hypersonic vehicles considering aeroservoelastic effect
Authors: Chen Erkang , Jing Wuxing , Gao Changsheng
Published: December 2020

In order to solve the attitude control problem of flexible hypersonic vehicles with consideration of aeroservoelastic effect, uncertainty and external disturbance, a novel moving-horizon-estimator-integrated adaptive hierarchical sliding mode control scheme is presented in this paper. First, the measurement model considering flexibility is established and the influence of aeroservoelastic effect on system stability is analyzed. Then moving horizon estimator is developed to reconstruct full state information from sensor measurements, while sliding mode disturbance observer and gain adaptation law is proposed to enhance the robustness and attenuate the chattering. Via combining moving horizon estimator, sliding mode disturbance observer, gain adaptation law and baseline hierarchical sliding mode controller, the moving-horizon-estimator-integrated adaptive hierarchical sliding mode control scheme that is able to achieve the control objective of both precise attitude control and active flexible vibration suppression is developed. Finally, Lyapunov theory is used to prove the stability of the proposed control scheme, and the numerical simulations are carried out, which further verify the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme against aeroservoelastic effect, uncertainty and external disturbance.
Predictors of virologic failure among people living with HIV in Oman: a national study from the Middle East
Authors: Elgalib Ali , Al-Wahaibi Adil , Shah Samir , Al-Habsi Zeyana , Al-Fouri Maha , Lau Richard , Al-Kindi Hanan , Al-Rawahi Bader , Al-Abri Seif
Published: December 2020

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis to determine HIV virologic failure and its associated factors among Omani people living with HIV who are on ART for > 6 months. Patients (n = 1427) were identified from a central national HIV surveillance dataset. Two-thirds (67%) of patients were male, and the median age was 39 years (IQR, 32-48 years). Out of 1427 patients, 14.4% had virologic failure (HIV viral load [VL] ≥ 200 copies/ml). The multivariate analysis showed that patients aged 25-49 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.01-3.08) were significantly more likely to fail treatment, compared to those aged ≥ 50 years. Besides, having “Other” HIV risk factor (compared to heterosexuals, aOR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.02-3.24) and receiving HIV care outside the capital Muscat (compared to those cared for in Muscat, aOR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.11-2.7) were independently associated with virologic failure. HIV viral suppression (85.6%) in Oman is encouraging; however, further strategies, mainly targeting patients who are young (<50 years), those not disclosing their HIV risk factor and those attending HIV treatment centres outside Muscat, are required to enhance HIV treatment outcome in Oman.
Learned Helplessness at the Workplace and Its Impact on Work Involvement: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Rizvi Yasmeen Shamsi , Sikand Ratika
Published: December 2020

In today’s work environment that is characterized by rapid advancements in technology, globalization, liberalization, workforce diversity and increasing national and global competition, workforces face pressure like never before. In a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) environment, where employees face high work stress, learned helplessness may develop in them, which in turn could have adverse effects on their performance, as well as on organizational outcomes. The purpose is to study the impact of learned helplessness on work involvement. Data were collected from 324 bank employees of Delhi, and 300 responses were considered for analysis. Analysis was done using SPSS 24 and AMOS 24 software. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and hierarchical multiple regression were performed. Our study found that learned helplessness is negatively related to work involvement. After controlling the impact of demographic factors, all the dimensions of learned helplessness were found to be predictors of work involvement, except for the external–global–unstable (EGU) dimension. The researchers found very few researches that studied the variables at the organizational level, most being limited to individual-level studies. Since the constructs of our study have an important influence on organizations, it is important to understand the impact of learned helplessness on employee work involvement. When employees experience helplessness, their work involvement level is negatively impacted; hence, it is important for managers and supervisors to identify the learned helplessness problem. Human resources (HR) practitioners should focus on developing techniques that aim at changing negative employee thought processes to positive ones and help in converting learned helplessness to learned optimism.
Family Caregiver Support of Patient Self-Management During Chronic, Life-Limiting Illness: A Qualitative Metasynthesis
Authors: Schulman-Green Dena , Feder Shelli L. , Dionne-Odom J. Nicholas , Batten Janene , En Long Victoria Jane , Harris Yolanda , Wilpers Abigail , Wong Tiffany , Whittemore Robin
Published: December 2020

Family caregivers play an integral role in supporting patient self-management, yet how they perform this role is unclear. We conducted a qualitative metasynthesis of family caregivers’ processes to support patient self-management of chronic, life-limiting illness and factors affecting their support. Methods included a systematic literature search, quality appraisal of articles, data abstraction, and data synthesis to produce novel themes. Thirty articles met inclusion criteria, representing 935 international family caregivers aged 18 to 89 years caring for patients with various health conditions. Three themes characterized family caregivers’ processes to support patient self-management: “Focusing on the Patient’s Illness Needs,” “Activating Resources to Support Oneself as the Family Caregiver,” and “Supporting a Patient Living with a Chronic, Life-Limiting Illness.” Factors affecting family caregivers’ support included Personal Characteristics, Health Status, Resources, Environmental Characteristics, and the Health Care System. The family caregiver role in supporting patient self-management is multidimensional, encompassing three processes of care and influenced by multiple factors.
Multirate iterative learning disturbance observer with measurement delay compensation for flexible spacecraft attitude stabilization subject to complex disturbances
Authors: He Tongfu , Wu Zhong
Published: December 2020

Complex disturbances with multifrequency components inevitably exist in the attitude control system of flexible spacecrafts. Multirate iterative learning disturbance observer (MILDO) is a promising solution to estimate and attenuate these disturbances much more accurately. However, measurement delay in the attitude measurement system may severely degrade the estimation performance of MILDO and even lead to instability of the control system. To suppress complex disturbances of flexible spacecrafts subject to a known measurement delay, a delay compensation-MILDO (DC-MILDO) is proposed in this study. First, an augmented model is constructed for the delayed disturbance by introducing slowly varying disturbance, multiple periodic disturbances, and the integral of the lumped disturbance as states. Then, a virtual measurement of the system is built by realigning the control torques with the delayed measurements in spacecraft attitude dynamics. According to the augmented model and the virtual measurement, a modified MILDO is designed by using multiple iterative learning structures. Based on the estimates of the modified MILDO, the lumped disturbance at current instant can be predicted by compensating time delay in the multifrequency components. Subsequently, a composite controller for flexible spacecraft is built by combining DC-MILDO with a robust controller based on Lyapunov–Krasovskii approach. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
Subfoveal choroidal thickness and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in young obese males
Authors: Uslu Dogan Ceylan , Culha Damla
Published: December 2020

Objective:

Regarding the effect of obesity on subfoveal choroidal thickness (CT) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, controversial results have been reported in different patient groups. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of obesity on these parameters among young male subjects in comparison with age-matched non-obese healthy males.

Methods:

This prospective, cross-sectional study included both eyes of 50 obese young males and 50 healthy non-obese young males. The obese and the non-obese groups included subjects with a BMI of ⩾30 and ⩽25 kg/m², respectively. Subfoveal choroidal thickness and RNFL analyses were conducted by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

Results:

Subfoveal choroidal thickness (321.0 ± 46.7 vs 338.4±35.3, p = 0.002) and RNFL thickness at temporal quadrant (73.4 ± 9.9 vs 76.4 ± 9.3, p = 0.008) was significantly lower in the obese group when compared to the non-obese group. The groups did not differ regarding peripapillary RNFL thickness at other quadrants (superior, inferior, or nasal) or regarding mean peripapillary RNFL thickness.

Conclusion:

Findings of this study demonstrated a negative correlation of obesity with subfoveal choroidal thickness and temporal quadrant peripapillary RNFL thickness. Larger studies on different patient groups with longer-term follow-up are warranted to better elucidate the ophthalmological effects of obesity.
Elective hip arthroplasty rates and related complications in people with diabetes mellitus
Authors: McVey Lindsey C , Kane Nicholas , Murray Helen , Meek RM Dominic , Ahmed S Faisal
Published: December 2020

Background and Aims:

Diabetes mellitus (DM), poor glycaemic control and raised body mass index (BMI) have been associated with postoperative complications in arthroplasty, although the relative importance of these factors is unclear. We describe the prevalence of DM in elective hip arthroplasty in a UK centre, and evaluate the impact of these factors.

Methods:

We analysed retrospective data for DM patients undergoing arthroplasty over a 6-year period and compared with non-diabetic matched controls (1 DM patient: 5 controls). DM was present in 5.7% of hip arthroplasty patients (82/1443).

Results:

Postoperative complications occurred in 12.2% of DM patients versus 12.9% of controls ( p = 1.000); surgical complications were present in 6.1% of those with DM and 2.4% of controls ( p = 0.087), while medical complications occurred in 8.5% of DM patients versus 10.7% of controls ( p = 0.692). Complications developed in 23.1% of DM patients with poor glycaemic control (HbA1c > 53 mmol/mol) versus 9.8% with good control ( p = 0.169). In DM patients and controls combined, complications occurred in 16.3% of obese patients versus 10.0% of non-obese patients ( p = 0.043). In the DM cohort, 13.7% of overweight patients had complications versus 0% with a normal or low BMI ( p = 0.587).

Conclusions:

DM rates were lower than expected, and glycaemic control was good. Overall complication rates were unrelated to the presence of DM or to glycaemic control, although surgical complications were observed more frequently in those with DM and poor glycaemic control was uncommon within our cohort. Complications were more frequent in those with a higher BMI. Whether some patients with DM but without an increased risk of complications are currently being excluded from surgery requires exploration.
A Case-Mix System for Children and Youth With Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Stewart Shannon L , Celebre Angela , Head Michael J , James Mary L , Martin Lynn , Fries Brant E
Published: December 2020

Limited funding across health and social service programs presents a challenge regarding how to best match resources to the needs of the population. There is increasing consensus that differences in individual characteristics and care needs should be reflected in variations in service costs, which has led to the development of case-mix systems. The present study sought to develop a new approach to allocate resources among children and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) as part of a system-wide Medicaid payment reform initiative in Arkansas. To develop the system, assessment data collected using the interRAI Child and Youth Mental Health-Developmental Disability instrument was matched to paid service claims. The sample consisted of 346 children and youth with developmental disabilities in the home setting. Using automatic interactions detection, individuals were sorted into unique, clinically relevant groups (ie, based on similar resource use) and a standardized relative measure of the cost of services provided to each group was calculated. The resulting case-mix system has 8 distinct, final groups and explains 30% of the variance in per diem costs. Our analyses indicate that this case-mix classification system could provide the foundation for a future prospective payment system that is centered around stability and equitability in the allocation of limited resources within this vulnerable population.
Internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy for adolescents with insomnia comorbid to psychiatric conditions: A non-randomised trial
Authors: Zetterqvist Vendela , Lundén Charlotte , Herrmann Anders , Hasbar Linda , Khalifa Najah , Lekander Mats , Åslund Lie , Jernelöv Susanna
Published: December 2020

Insomnia is highly prevalent among adolescents with psychiatric conditions and is known to aggravate psychiatric symptoms. Research on cognitive behaviour therapy for adolescents with comorbid insomnia (CBT-I) is still limited. The aim of this study was to investigate feasibility and preliminary effects of internet-delivered CBT for adolescents with insomnia comorbid to a psychiatric condition. Twenty-one patients (13–17 years) with comorbid insomnia were recruited from Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. All patients received 7 weeks of internet-delivered CBT-I with therapist support. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and at a 4-month follow-up. The proportion of completed assessments was overall acceptable. Participants on average completed 4.48 ( sd = 1.97) of the seven treatment modules and therapists on average spent 12.80 minutes ( sd = 6.23) per patient and week. Results showed large statistically significant improvements on insomnia severity, sleep efficiency, sleep onset latency and sleep quality. Medium to large improvements were also seen on the psychiatric symptoms of depression, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, interpersonal sensitivity, paranoid ideation and psychoticism. These findings indicate that internet-delivered CBT is feasible and potentially promising for improving sleep and reducing psychiatric symptoms in adolescent psychiatric patients with insomnia and co-morbid psychiatric disorders. A larger randomised trial is warranted to verify these preliminary results.
Multimodal therapy for rigid, persistent avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) since infancy: A case report
Authors: Dolman Lena , Thornley Sarah , Doxtdator Kyrsten , Leclerc Anick , Findlay Sheri , Grant Christina , Breakey Vicky R , Couturier Jennifer
Published: December 2020

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a feeding and eating disorder that results in nutritional inadequacies, weight loss, and/or dependence on enteral feeds, and for which three clinical subtypes have been described. We present a unique case of an 11-year-old boy with rigid ARFID since infancy and features of all three ARFID subtypes. The patient presented with a life-long history of sensory aversion, limited intake and phobia of vomiting resulting in restriction to a single food item (yogurt) for more than 5 years. He presented with severe iron-deficiency anaemia, and deficiencies of vitamins A, C, D, E and zinc. We employed a multimodal therapeutic approach that incorporated elements of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), family-based therapy (FBT) and pharmacological management with an antidepressant medication (sertraline) and an atypical antipsychotic agent (olanzapine). Over the course of a 7-week admission, our approach assisted the patient in successful weight restoration and incorporation of at least three new food items into his daily diet. While there are currently no first-line recommendations for ARFID management, our study lends support to the efficacy of CBT, FBT and pharmacological management for ARFID patients, including complex cases with multiple subtype features. Further research is needed to strengthen ARFID clinical guidelines.
Patterns of Labour Solidarity Towards Precarious Workers and the Unemployed in Critical Times in Greece, Poland, and the UK
Authors: Karakioulafi Christina , Kanellopoulos Kostas , Petelczyc Janina , Montgomery Tom , Baglioni Simone
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this article is to examine whether and by what means traditional unions and other labour-oriented organisations engage in solidarity activities in favour of precarious workers and the unemployed. Our findings derive from qualitative data analysed from 10 in-depth interviews per country conducted as part of a large collaborative project with participants sampled from trade unions and other labour-oriented solidarity organisations based in three European national contexts: Greece, Poland, and the UK. Our aim here is to discern common features and differences in the strategies and answers given, within the three national contexts. To this end, we examine the actors engaged in labour solidarity; the value frames upon which these actions draw; the beneficiaries of their solidarity actions; the type of activities adopted mainly in favour of precarious workers and the unemployed; and their engagement in transnational labour solidarity activities.
Three-dimensional policeman: Security, sovereignty and volumetric police power
Authors: Linnemann Travis , Turner Justin
Published: December 2020

Rather than thinking only in terms of flat cartographic surfaces, this article advances current understandings of the political geography of police power by paying close attention to both height and depth in the fabrication and colonization of three-dimensional or volumetric political space. Taking aim at a number of police technologies including the ShotSpotter system which uses highly sensitive microphones to track gunfire and tear gas which weaponizes the atmosphere, our aim is to bring the volumetric to bear in the critique of the police power. After having sketched the volumetric and its implications for contemporary police practices, we conclude the article with some reflections on how recent interventions in speculative realism and new materialism might allow us to see all human and non-human objects as part of policing’s broader volumetric assemblage, thereby revealing the contours of a three-dimensional policeman.
Advances in social work practice: Understanding uncertainty and unpredictability of complex non-linear situations
Authors: Iancu Penelopia , Lanteigne Isabel
Published: December 2020

Aim

Social workers are often called to intervene in situations that are difficult to solve because of their complexity. The article proposes a theoretical framework grounded in complexity and chaos theories that explores the structure and non-linear causality of complex systems, their complex and non-linear dynamics and different conditions leading to adjustment, adaptation and learning.

Findings

While examples inspired by practice and research findings with families and various professionals are used to illustrate complex situations, the article rather presents different notions related to this theoretical framework.

Applications

Some implications for practice and education are explored as a way to encourage discussions with regards to the value of a theoretical framework based on complexity for social work professionals.
Novel electric power steering control strategies of commercial vehicles considering adhesion coefficient
Authors: Yaohua Li , Jikang Fan , Jie He , Youfei Nan , Qianlong Feng
Published: December 2020

The steering resistance torque of commercial vehicles on low adhesion pavement is greatly reduced. Therefore, while driving on low adhesion pavement, the use of traditional EPS control strategies without considering adhesion coefficient will lead to driver’s road feeling being reduced or even lost, endangering driving safety. In this paper, the relationship between adhesion coefficient and steering resistance torque is researched through theoretical analysis and simulation. Two novel EPS control strategies of commercial vehicles considering adhesion coefficient are designed. The first control strategy calculates assist coefficient through steering resistance torque under different working conditions, and assist coefficient is used to adjust the assist torque on the pavements with different adhesion coefficients. The second control strategy applies a compensation current related to adhesion coefficient on the basis of traditional EPS control strategy to improve the road feeling of low adhesion roads. Finally, a joint simulation model of TruckSim/Simulink is established, the two novel control strategies are simulated and verified. The simulation results show that both the two novel control strategies can improve the road feeling of the driver and improve the driving safety on low-adhesion road while ensuring the steering portability.
Publish or be ethical? Publishing pressure and scientific misconduct in research
Authors: Paruzel-Czachura Mariola , Baran Lidia , Spendel Zbigniew
Published: December 2020

The paper reports two studies exploring the relationship between scholars’ self-reported publication pressure and their self-reported scientific misconduct in research. In Study 1 the participants ( N = 423) were scholars representing various disciplines from one big university in Poland. In Study 2 the participants ( N = 31) were exclusively members of the management, such as dean, director, etc. from the same university. In Study 1 the most common reported form of scientific misconduct was honorary authorship. The majority of researchers (71%) reported that they had not violated ethical standards in the past; 3% admitted to scientific misconduct; 51% reported being were aware of colleagues’ scientific misconduct. A small positive correlation between perceived publication pressure and intention to engage in scientific misconduct in the future was found. In Study 2 more than half of the management (52%) reported being aware of researchers’ dishonest practices, the most frequent one of these being honorary authorship. As many as 71% of the participants report observing publication pressure in their subordinates. The primary conclusions are: (1) most scholars are convinced of their morality and predict that they will behave morally in the future; (2) scientific misconduct, particularly minor offenses such as honorary authorship, is frequently observed both by researchers (particularly in their colleagues) and by their managers; (3) researchers experiencing publication pressure report a willingness to engage in scientific misconduct in the future.
Clinical Importance, Incidence and Risk Factors for the Development of Postoperative Ileus Following Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery
Authors: Ohba Tetsuro , Koyama Kensuke , Oba Hiroki , Oda Kotaro , Tanaka Nobuki , Haro Hirotaka
Published: December 2020

Study Design:

Retrospective observational study of a cohort of consecutive patients.

Objectives:

Postoperative ileus (POI) is associated with a variety of adverse effects. Although the incidence of and risk factors for POI following spinal surgery have been reported, the frequency and pathology of POI after spinal corrective surgery for adult spinal deformity (ASD) are still largely unknown. The study objectives were to: (1) clarify the prevalence and clinical significance of POI, (2) elucidate the risk factors for POI, (3) determine radiographically which preoperative and/or postoperative spinal parameters predominantly influence the risk of POI after spinal corrective surgery for ASD.

Methods:

We included data from 144 consecutive patients who underwent spinal corrective surgery. Perioperative medical complications and clinical information were extracted from patient electronic medical records. Preoperative radiographic parameters and changes in radiographic parameters after surgery were compared between patients with and without POI. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to clarify potential risk factors for POI.

Results:

POI developed in 25/144 (17.4%) patients and was the most common complication in the present study. The frequencies of smoking, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF), as well as the duration of surgery were significantly greater in the group with POI versus the group without POI. Among radiographic parameters, only the change in thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK) from before to after surgery was significantly larger in the group with POI. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that male sex, LLIF and large changes in TLK from before to after surgery were significantly associated with the development of POI.

Conclusions:

These results suggested that LLIF and large corrections in TLK were independent risk factors for POI after ASD surgery. When patients with ASD have large TLK preoperatively, and it is determined that a large correction is needed, physicians must be aware of the potential for occurrence of POI.