bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WITHDRAWN—Administrative Duplicate Publication: 1. The new curriculum for Wales (UK) and TASC: Thinking Actively in a Social Context
Authors: Humphries Walter Oliver , Wallace Belle
Published: April 2019

Humphries WO and Wallace B (2019). 1. The new curriculum for Wales (UK) and TASC: Thinking Actively in a Social Context. Gifted Education International. Epub ahead of print 15 April 2019.

Ahead of Print article withdrawn by publisher.

Due to an administrative error, this article was accidentally published twice Online First with different DOIs.

The correct and citable version of the article remains:

Wallace B, Humphries W and Evans K (2019) On demonstrating the development of the Thinking Actively in a Social Context (TASC) problem-solving approach in schools in South Wales (UK). Gifted Education International 35(2): 152-160. DOI: 10.1177/0261429419839380
Language-dependent cue weighting: An investigation of perception modes in L2 learning
Authors: Yazawa Kakeru , Whang James , Kondo Mariko , Escudero Paola
Published: April 2019

This study examines relative weighting of two acoustic cues, vowel duration and spectra, in the perception of high front vowels by Japanese learners of English. Studies found that Japanese speakers rely heavily on duration to distinguish /iː/ and /ɪ/ in American English (AmE) as influenced by phonemic length in Japanese /ii/ and /i/, while spectral cues are more important for native AmE speakers. However, little is known as to whether and how this non-native perceptual weighting can change as a result of L2 learning. By employing computational and experimental methods, the present study shows that Japanese learners of English exhibit different cue weighting depending on which language they think they hear. The experiment shows that listeners use more spectral cues and less durational cues when they think they are listening to ‘English’ stimuli as opposed to ‘Japanese’ stimuli, despite the stimuli being identical. This result is generally in line with our computer simulation, which predicts distinct developmental paths in first language (L1) and second language (L2) perception. The Second Language Linguistic Perception (L2LP) model, which incorporates the language mode hypothesis, provides a comprehensive explanation for the current findings.
Wash-in/wash-out phase xenon-enhanced area-detector CT (ADCT): utility for regional ventilation, pulmonary functional loss and clinical stage evaluations of smokers
Authors: Ohno Yoshiharu , Fujisawa Yasuko , Sugihara Naoki , Kishida Yuji , Koyama Hisanobu , Seki Shinichiro , Yoshikawa Takeshi
Published: April 2019

Background

Xenon (Xe)-enhanced area-detector computed tomography (ADCT) can visualize regional distribution of Xe within the lungs and demonstrate regional ventilation differences in smokers and patients with pulmonary diseases.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the capability of wash-in and wash-out (WI/WO) phase Xe-enhanced ADCT for detecting regional ventilation differences based on underlying lung conditions, pulmonary functional loss evaluation, and clinical stage prediction for smokers with and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Material and Methods

The pulmonary function test as well as inspiratory/expiratory unenhanced and WI/WO phase Xe-enhanced ADCT were prospectively administered to a group of 40 smokers consisting of 25 men (mean age ± standard deviation [SD] = 65.1 ± 9.5 years) and 15 women (65.2 ± 9.4 years), after which WI, WO, WI/WO ratio, and ventilation ratio as well as parametric response maps were generated. All Xe-enhanced ADCT indexes and pulmonary function test results were subjected to step-wise regression analyses. Finally, discrimination analysis was performed to determine the concordance capability for clinical stage classification of smokers.

Results

%VC was significantly affected by the WI index ( P < 0.0001), while FEV1/FVC% and %FEV1 were significantly affected by the ventilation ratio ( P < 0.0001). Accuracy of the WI index combined with the ventilation ratio was significantly higher than that of the WI index ( P = 0.008), WI/WO ratio ( P = 0.02), and WI index combined with the WI/WO ratio ( P = 0.02).

Conclusion

WI/WO phase Xe-enhanced ADCT is useful for assessing smoking-related regional ventilation change and pulmonary functional loss, as well as evaluating the severity of smokers’ diseases.
A routine urine test has partial predictive value in premature rupture of the membranes
Authors: Liang Haifeng , Xie Zhiqiang , Liu Baohong , Song Xiaojie , Zhao Guanghui
Published: April 2019

Objective

This study aimed to examine the predictive value of a routine urine test for premature rupture of the fetal membranes.

Methods

Routine urine test data of 100 patients with preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) and 100 patients with full-term premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) were collected by the case-based method. Additionally, 100 healthy pregnant women and 100 nonpregnant adult healthy women were selected as the negative control group and blank control group, respectively. A receiver operating characteristic curve was established after identifying the different parameters.

Results

We found that occult blood, glucose, ketone bodies, urine specific gravity, red blood cell count, epithelial cell count, bacteria, yeast, crystals, and electrical conductivity were significantly different between the PPROM and PROM groups. There were significant differences in occult blood, protein, glucose, ketone bodies, pH, red blood cell count, bacteria, urine specific gravity, crystals, and electrical conductivity between the PPROM and full-term groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that when the cut-off for bacteria was 130.15, it had the largest area under the curve value of 0.696.

Conclusion

A routine urine test, especially for bacterial counts, has certain predictive value for PROM.
Assessing the role of the media in the prevention and control of meningitis in Nigeria
Authors: Wogu Joseph Oluchukwu , Chukwu Christiana Ogeri , Nwafor Kenneth Adibe , Ugwuoke Joel Chinedum , Ugwulor-Onyinyechi Chinyere Christiana
Published: April 2019

Nigeria has high numbers of meningitis cases and related fatalities almost every year. This study explored the role of the media in meningitis campaigns using a documentary method of data gathering and analysis. The research objectives were to determine if the media played a positive role in campaigns against meningitis outbreaks in Nigeria and to determine the major obstacles to media coverage of meningitis outbreaks in Nigeria. The results revealed that the role of the media in Nigeria during meningitis outbreaks is positive and supportive. However, paid advertisements and announcements that support the media in health promotion campaigns were undermined by limited understanding of infectious diseases by politicians and some media sponsors. Therefore, the authors recommend the establishment of a permanent funded media structure charged with the responsibility of grassroots campaigns against meningitis, and the integration of the media into committees formed to combat the disease.
Polyphasic Rhabdomyositis in California Sea Lions (Zalophus Californianus): Pathology and Potential Causes
Authors: Seguel Mauricio , Colegrove Kathleen M. , Field Cara , Whoriskey Sophie , Norris Tenaya , Duignan Padraig
Published: April 2019

A myositis syndrome has been recognized for more than a decade in California sea lions (CSLs; Zalophus californianus) but a detailed description of the lesions and potential causes of this condition is lacking. The tissues of 136 stranded CSLs with rhabdomyositis were examined. Rhabdomyositis was considered incidental in 67% (91/136) of the CSLs, and a factor contributing to the animal stranding (significant rhabdomyositis) in 33% (45/136). Of the 91 cases with incidental rhabdomyositis, lesions consisted of a few small foci of lymphohistiocytic inflammation. Of the 45 cases with significant rhabdomyositis, 28 (62%) also presented with major comorbidities such as leptospirosis (2 animals) and domoic acid toxicosis (6 animals), whereas 17 (38%) had severe polyphasic rhabdomyositis as the only major disease process associated with mortality. In these animals, most striated muscles had multiple white streaks and diffuse atrophy. Microscopically, there was myofiber necrosis surrounded by lymphocytes and histiocytes admixed with areas of myofiber regeneration, and/or moderate to severe rhabdomyocyte atrophy usually adjacent to intact Sarcocystis neurona cysts. At the interface of affected and normal muscle, occasional T lymphocytes infiltrated the sarcoplasm of intact myocytes, and occasional myofibers expressed MHCII proteins in the sarcoplasm. S. neurona antibody titers and cyst burden were higher in animals with significant polymyositis antibody titers of (26125 ± 2164, 4.5 ± 1.2 cysts per section) and active myonecrosis than animals with incidental rhabdomyositis antibody titers of (7612 ± 1042, 1.7 ± 0.82 cysts per section). The presented findings suggest that S. neurona infection and immune-mediated mechanisms could be associated with significant polyphasic rhabdomyositis in CSLs.
Glacier facies characterization using optical satellite data: Impacts of radiometric resolution, seasonality, and surface morphology
Authors: Yousuf Bisma , Shukla Aparna , Arora Manoj Kumar , Jasrotia Avtar Singh
Published: April 2019

The spectral characterization of geographic landscapes is vital for their accurate mapping using remote sensing data. This can be done through spectral profiling, as demonstrated here, to characterize the surface facies of the Gangotri and neighbouring glaciers, central Himalaya. The satellite-derived reflectance curves were compared with the in-situ and published (validation) data. The study attempts to understand the influence of certain parameters such as the satellite sensor’s radiometric resolution, timing of data acquisition (seasonality), and surface morphology on glacier/snow–ice facies identification. Results show that the first two parameters complement each other in identifying the snow–ice facies accurately. High radiometric resolution (HRR) data concurred closely with the validation dataset and had higher mean entropy values over the glaciated areas than low radiometric resolution (LRR) ablation data. Presence of seasonal snow and degree of surface melting show considerable influence on satellite-derived reflectances of glacier facies. Our findings assert the usage of HRR ablation data in appraising the interannual and seasonal variability of glacier facies. While HRR post-ablation data overestimates the reflectance of snow–ice facies, LRR post-ablation data have limitations in their discrimination. Certain morphology and resultant features, such as crevasses and shadows, induce underestimation of the satellite-derived reflectances, creating confusion among the snow and ice facies. This spectral confusion can, however, be resolved by the use of ancillary data. Elevation, temperature, and band ratios/spectral indices are helpful in segregating snow–ice facies, while slope, band ratios, temperature, and texture measures effectively discriminate the other facies.
Do Outcomes or Subsequent Injuries Differ After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction With Palmaris Versus Hamstring Autograft?
Authors: Erickson Brandon J. , Chalmers Peter N. , D’Angelo John , Ma Kevin , Dines Joshua S. , Romeo Anthony A.
Published: April 2019

Background:

Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR) is a successful procedure in professional baseball players. It is unclear whether graft choice affects results.

Purpose:

Determine performance and rate of return to sport (RTS) in professional baseball players after UCLR and compare performance and RTS rate, as well as injury rates, between players who underwent UCLR with hamstring versus palmaris autograft.

Hypothesis:

A high RTS rate exists in professional baseball players after UCLR, with no significant difference in injury rates, RTS rates, or performance specifically related to primary outcome performance variables—WHIP ([walks + hits]/innings pitched), fielding independent pitching (FIP), and wins above replacement (WAR)—between those who undergo UCLR with palmaris versus hamstring autograft.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

All professional baseball players who underwent UCLR with hamstring autograft between 2010 and 2015 were included. Surgical details were gathered from operative reports. Players with hamstring UCLR were compared with a matched control group of players who underwent UCLR with palmaris autograft.

Results:

Overall, 195 players underwent UCLR with hamstring autograft. No differences in RTS rates or timing to RTS were found between the hamstring and palmaris groups. Significantly more subsequent injuries to the contralateral lower extremity were seen in the hamstring group versus the palmaris group (25 vs 13, respectively) ( P = .040). More subsequent injuries to the upper extremity were found in the palmaris group versus the hamstring group (73 vs 55, respectively), although this difference was not significant ( P = .052). No consistent differences in performance metrics upon RTS existed between hamstring and palmaris groups, although both groups significantly declined in many performance metrics after surgery. Both hamstring and palmaris groups showed a decline postoperatively in WAR (0.86 vs 0.35 and 1.23 vs 0.34, respectively) and WHIP (1.33 vs 1.44 and 1.36 vs 1.51, respectively); FIP did not decline (4.56 vs 5.27 and 4.51 vs 4.53, respectively). No significant difference in WAR, WHIP, or FIP existed between groups postoperatively.

Conclusion:

Baseball players who underwent UCLR with hamstring autograft were more likely to sustain a subsequent lower extremity injury, whereas those who underwent UCLR with palmaris autograft had a trend toward sustaining more upper extremity injuries. No difference in performance or RTS rates existed between groups. Both groups significantly declined in WAR and WHIP after UCLR.
When should the evaluation of erectile function be done before radical prostatectomy?
Authors: Yıldız Ali , Karamık Kaan , Aktaş Yasin , Anıl Hakan , İslamoğlu Ekrem , Ateş Mutlu , Savaş Murat
Published: April 2019

The aim of this study is to assess the erectile function of patients before and after transrectal ultrasound prostate biopsy comparatively in order to determine the appropriate time to evaluate erectile function before radical prostatectomy. A total of 44 patients underwent transrectal ultrasound biopsy. We used the International Index of Erectile Function-5 questionnaire to assess all the patients. In total, 44 volunteered patients were included in this study. All patients were evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function-5 questionnaire before the biopsy and at 4 weeks after the transrectal ultrasound biopsy. A total of 50% of patients were potent before the biopsy was done. A month after the biopsies, erectile dysfunction was reported by 29 of 44 patients (66%) as mild in 10 (22.7%), as mild-moderate in 14 (31.8%), as moderate in 4 (9.1%), and severe in 1 (2.3%). The differences were statistically significant in the first month of the biopsy ( p < 0.05). The effect of prostate biopsy upon the erectile function is non-negligible. However, this situation is temporary and transient. Therefore, it is recommended that the International Index of Erectile Function-5 questionnaire is to be administered prior to prostate biopsy rather than before surgical treatment.
Three municipal solid waste gasification technologies analysis for electrical energy generation in Brazil
Authors: Medina Jimenez Ana Carolina , Bereche Reynaldo Palacios- , Nebra Silvia
Published: April 2019

In Brazil, in 2016, 196,050 tonnes day-1 of municipal solid waste (MSW) were collected, which means a waste generation of 1.035 kg per capita per day. Only 59.1% of the waste has adequate destination in sanitary landfills, whereas the remaining 40.9% has inadequate destination in controlled landfills and open dumps (ABRELPE, 2018). Among all the states in the country, the State of São Paulo has the biggest per capita generation: 2.290 kg. Today, the only waste destination practiced in the country is deposition in landfills, but other possibilities can be considered. Among thermal treatment routes, the gasification of MSW is an interesting alternative to be studied, because of its versatility and relatively low emissions. The aim of this work is to evaluate the potential of electricity generation through MSW gasification in Santo André city, Brazil, comparing three waste gasification technologies: TPS Termiska Processer AB, Carbogas and Energos. These alternatives have operated commercially for a few years, and data are available. Specific characteristics of each technology were taken into account, such as the reactor type and fuel properties. For the electricity production scheme, two energy conversion systems were assumed: an internal combustion engine and a steam power cycle. From the process parameters adopted, the results showed that Carbogas technology, coupled to internal combustion engines, presents the highest efficiency of electricity generation (30%) and also the lowest cost of electrical energy produced (US$65.22 MWh-1) when Santo André’s gate fee is applied.
A mixed-fidelity computational model of aero engine for inlet distortion
Authors: Guo Jin , Hu Jun , Tu Baofeng , Wang Zhiqiang
Published: April 2019

This paper presents a mixed-fidelity model to investigate the effect of complex inlet distortion on aero gas turbine engines. The approach is developed by integrating a three-dimensional body force model of multistage compressors and a classical two-dimensional parallel engine model. The internal flow field of a high bypass ratio turbofan engine under different forms of total pressure distortion is simulated by the model. The simulations are discussed in depth to reveal the features of the distorted flow field in the compression components under the whole engine environment. The relationship between the overall performance of the engine and the intensity of inlet total pressure distortion is investigated quantitatively. It is evident that the mixed-fidelity model has the capability to quantitatively evaluate the effect of complex inlet distortion on the performance and the internal flow field of engines with low computational costs.
Stabilization of crossflow instability with plasma actuators: Linearized Navier–Stokes simulations
Authors: Kang Kean Lee , Ashworth Richard , Mughal Shahid
Published: April 2019

This paper describes work carried out within the European Union (EU)-Russia Buterfli project to look at the control of transition-causing “target” stationary cross flow vortices, by the use of distributed plasma actuation to generate sub-dominant “killer” modes. The objective is to use the “killer” modes to control the “target” modes through a non-linear stabilizing mechanism. The numerical modelling and results are compared to experimental studies performed at the TsAGI T124 tunnel for a swept plate subject to a favorable pressure gradient flow. A mathematical model for the actuator developed at TsAGI was implemented in a linearized Navier–Stokes (LNS) solver and used to model and hence predict “killer” mode amplitudes at a measurement plane in the experiment. The LNS analysis shows good agreement with experiment, and the results are used as input for non-linear parabolized stability equation (PSE) analysis to predict the effect of these modes on crossflow transition. Whilst the numerical model indicates a delay in transition, experimental results indicated an advance in transition rather than delay. This was determined to be due to actuator-induced unsteadiness arising in the experiment, resulting in the generation of travelling crossflow disturbances which tended to obscure and thus dominate the plasma stabilized stationary disturbances.
Optimal scheduling for aerial recovery of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles using genetic algorithm
Authors: Liu Yongbei , Qi Naiming , Yao Weiran , Liu Yanfang , Li Yuan
Published: April 2019

The ability to deploy multiple unmanned aerial vehicles expands their application range, but aerial recovery of unmanned aerial vehicles presents many unique challenges owing to the number of unmanned aerial vehicles and the limited recovery time. In this paper, scheduling the aerial recovery of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles by one mothership is posed as a combinatorial optimization problem. A mathematical model with recovery time windows of the unmanned aerial vehicles is developed to formulate this problem. Furthermore, a genetic algorithm is proposed for finding the optimal recovery sequence. The algorithm adopts the path representation of chromosomes to simplify the encoding process and the genetic operations. It also resolves decoding difficulties by iteration, and thus can efficiently generate a recovery timetable for the unmanned aerial vehicles. Simulation results in stochastic scenarios validate the performance of the proposed algorithm compared with the random search algorithm and the greedy algorithm.
Influence of struts on cavity at subsonic speeds: Flow characteristics
Authors: Miao Junjie , Fan Yuxin
Published: April 2019

Cavity–strut combined flame holder is a promising choice for turbine-based combined cycle engines with its excellent fuel distribution and flame stabilization. In this paper, the effects of the strut structure parameters on the flow characteristics in the cavity were investigated by using particle image velocimetry and numerical simulation. Experimental and numerical results show that the struts induce complex three-dimensional flow patterns, which have a significant influence on the cavity transverse vortex. The relative position between the cavity and the strut influences the critical length-to-depth ratio of the open cavity reverting to the closed cavity. The mass exchange rate of the cavity decreases with the increase in the space between the cavity and the struts, while it increases with the strut inclination angle increases. The variation law of mean cavity residence time with the structure parameters is exactly opposite to that of the mass exchange rate. Compared with a single cavity, at a high subsonic speed, the cavity–strut combined structure has the advantage of increasing the mass exchange rate and cavity residence time simultaneously.
Exergoeconomic comparison and optimization of organic Rankine cycle, trilateral Rankine cycle and transcritical carbon dioxide cycle for heat recovery of low-temperature geothermal water
Authors: Noroozian Afsaneh , Naeimi Abbas , Bidi Mokhtar , Ahmadi Mohammad Hossein
Published: April 2019

Depleting fossil fuel resources and the horrible environmental impacts due to burning fossil fuels emphasize the importance of using renewable energy resources such as geothermal and solar energies. This paper compares performance of CO2 transcritical cycle, organic Rankine cycle, and trilateral Rankine cycle using a low-temperature geothermal heat source. Thermodynamic analysis, exergetic analysis, economic analysis, and exergoeconomic analysis are applied for each of the aforementioned cycles. In addition, a sensitivity analysis is performed on the system, and the effects of geothermal heat source temperature, evaporator pinch point temperature, and turbine inlet pressure on the cycle's performance are evaluated. Finally, the systems are optimized in order to minimize product cost ratio and maximize exergetic efficiency by using the genetic algorithm. Results indicate that the maximum thermal efficiency is approximately 13.03% which belongs to organic Rankine cycle with R123 as working fluid. CO2 cycle has the maximum exergetic efficiency, equals to 46.13%. The minimum product cost ratio refers to the organic Rankine cycle with R245fa as working fluid. Moreover, sensitivity analysis shows that increasing geothermal heat source temperature results in higher output power, product cost ratio, and exergy destruction ratio in all cycles.
Extending the applicability of the REVEALS model for pollen-based vegetation reconstructions to coastal lagoons
Authors: Azuara Julien , Mazier Florence , Lebreton Vincent , Sugita Shinya , Viovy Nicolas , Combourieu-Nebout Nathalie
Published: April 2019

Quantitative reconstruction of past plant abundance from fossil pollen data is still a challenging task for palynologists. During the last decades, mechanistic methods have been developed to convert pollen assemblages from peat and lake deposits into vegetation abundance at regional and local scale. Coastal areas are particularly sensitive to climate and environmental hazards. Thus, quantitative estimates of past vegetation are important to better understand their history and address potential effects of future environmental changes. However, assumptions of the mechanistic models of pollen dispersal and deposition originally designed for near-circular lakes and bogs located inland are violated when applied to coastal sites because of different basin shape and wind direction distribution. This study investigates how to adapt a model of pollen dispersal and deposition developed for lakes to coastal lagoons. A new geometry is defined, and it is demonstrated how some of the major formulas from previous models can be used without any modification in this singular context.
Designing an information architecture for data management technologies: Introducing the DIAMANT model
Authors: Blask Katarina , Förster André
Published: April 2019

Although research institutions take on increased responsibility for providing infrastructures and services around the proper handling of research data, there is no comprehensive framework addressing the ideal conditions of this implementation process. To overcome this gap, we present the DIAMANT model, a reference model aimed at providing an orientation framework for the implementation of research data management guided by the research process itself. It builds upon a central research data management information unit controlling the information flow between all other organizational units involved in research data management. Due to the possibility of outsourcing organizational units, the implementation process is maximally flexible and efficient.
Risk Factors of Hearing Loss Among Thai Naval Divers
Authors: Srinoon Sutasinee , Morioka Ikuharu , Lormphongs Srirat , Boonsing Somjate , Kaewboonchoo Orawan
Published: April 2019

This study aimed to clarify the prevalence of hearing loss and its risk factors among Thai naval divers. The participants were 263 military divers in the Royal Thai Navy, aged 22 to 55 years. The participants were asked to fill in a questionnaire and to undergo the examinations on hearing acuity and physical measurement. The average diving year was 16.1 years. The participants dived 2.1 times a week until to 132.3 fsw (4-5 ata) in average. Sixty-one percent of them had hearing loss. In order to determine the diving exposure dose for the participants, total diving depth was calculated from diving years, diving times a week and maximal diving depth. Multiple linear regression analysis showed the hearing level associated with total diving depth and the experience of no-decompression diving. This result suggests that the Royal Thai Navy should manage diving conditions for conserving hearing acuity of Thai naval divers.
Risk Factors for a Positive Hepatitis C Status in Fishermen in Kuantan Malaysia
Authors: Lall Priya , Saifi Rumana , Baggio Diva , Schoenberger Samantha Fitzsimmons , Choo Martin , Gilbert Louisa , West Brooke , El-Bassel Nabila , Kamarulzaman Adeeba
Published: April 2019

Malaysia currently has an estimated hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence of 1.3% with an infected population of 384,000. Fishermen in Malaysia are at risk of HCV infection due to injection drug use and disproportionately high rates of incarceration. This study used quantitative data from Project WAVES, a large-scale mixed methods project charting environmental drivers of risk-taking behaviors among a respondent-driven sample of 406 fishermen in Malaysia. Over a quarter of participants (27.9%) reported injecting drugs in the past month; 49.8% of the sample tested positive for HCV. Respondents who had previously been arrested displayed increased odds of being HCV-positive (adjusted odds ratio = 4.79, confidence Interval = 2.46-9.35). Participants who reported being in lock-up displayed close to 6-fold odds of being HCV-infected (adjusted odds ratio = 5.49, confidence interval = 2.77-10.90, P < .001). These findings underscore the need for policies and structural interventions targeting the negative effects of aggressive incarceration contributing to the burden of HCV among high-risk communities.
A Longitudinal Evaluation of Wraparound’s Impact on Youth Mental Health Service Use
Authors: Cosgrove John A. , Lee Bethany R. , Unick George J.
Published: April 2019

Wraparound is a care coordination model that has shown effectiveness for serving children and youth with significant emotional and behavioral health needs and their families. The current study evaluates a statewide wraparound demonstration with the goals of reducing the use of residential care and increasing access to outpatient mental health services among youth at risk of residential placement. More than 5 years of linked public systems data were analyzed using longitudinal panel data modeling to estimate wraparound treatment effects on service use over time. Findings show that wraparound enrollment decreased the use of residential treatment and increased the use of outpatient therapy, consistent with the goals of the demonstration. Implications are discussed for wraparound’s effectiveness as a statewide care coordination model, the importance of quality implementation of wraparound, and the current study’s methodological contributions to the wraparound literature.
Building Customer Loyalty in Intercultural Service Encounters: The Role of Service Employees’ Cultural Intelligence
Authors: Paparoidamis Nicholas G. , Tran Huong Thi Thanh , Leonidou Constantinos N.
Published: April 2019

Intercultural service encounters, in which customers and service employees from different cultures interact, are becoming more common in the market. Despite the importance of such encounters for international marketers, limited research attention has been directed to this area. Drawing on social exchange theory, this study examines how frontline employees’ cultural intelligence (CQ) influences customer loyalty outcomes of service quality perceptions. Specifically, the authors propose that the three components of CQ—cognitive, emotional/motivational, and physical—have differential moderating effects on the perceived service quality (PSQ)–customer loyalty link and that these effects vary across two national markets. Data collected with a multirespondent (i.e., frontline service employees and customers) cross-cultural research design indicate that cognitive CQ negatively mitigates the impact of PSQ on customer loyalty in an emerging-market context while emotional/motivational CQ has a positive moderating effect in a mature-market setting. When service employees have high physical CQ, the positive role of PSQ in creating and maintaining customer loyalty is strengthened in both markets. The authors discuss these implications for theory and practice.
Gender Differences in the Relationship Between the Nature of Intimate Partner Violence and the Survivor’s Help-Seeking
Authors: Cho Hyunkag , Seon Jisuk , Han Jae-Bum , Shamrova Daria , Kwon Ilan
Published: April 2019

This study used the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey to examine how gender interacts with the nature of intimate partner violence (IPV) in the survivor’s help-seeking. A total of 3,878 IPV survivors (869 male and 3,009 female) were included in the study sample. Dependent variables were help-seeking and the use of formal and informal sources. Independent variables included gender, race, income, and the patterns of victimization and consequences of victimization. The results showed that survivors’ characteristics and the patterns of victimization and consequences affect help-seeking, and that gender moderates the relationship between consequences and the use of formal help.
Assessment of body weight for age determination in kittens
Authors: DiGangi Brian A , Graves Jessica , Budke Christine M , Levy Julie K , Tucker Sylvia , Isaza Natalie
Published: April 2019

Objectives

The objective of this study was to assess the utility of using body weight for age determination in kittens.

Methods

Medical records were reviewed for serial body weight measurements collected from neonatal kittens (up to 8 weeks of age) from a breeding colony of specific pathogen-free domestic shorthair cats and for single-point body weight measurements of privately owned pediatric kittens (6–20 weeks of age) presenting for elective sterilization. Body weights were compared with known dates of birth and age assessed by dental eruption in combination with developmental characteristics.

Results

The coefficient of determination (R2) between age and body weight in longitudinally sampled neonatal kittens was 0.88, while that for pediatric kittens sampled at a single time point was 0.54. Among neonatal kittens, predicted age based on the 1 lb (0.45 kg) of body weight gain per month of age guideline corresponded to within 1 week of actual age for 243 (98.8%), 234 (95.1%), 203 (82.5%) and 191 (77.6%) kittens at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age, respectively. Among pediatric kittens, predicted age based on this guideline corresponded to within 1 week of actual age for 24 (77.4%), 411 (67.5%), 170 (57.0%), 96 (46.6%), 23 (28.8%), 15 (27.8%), one (25%) and five (17.9%) kittens at 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 weeks, respectively.

Conclusions and relevance

Body weight was an effective means of predicting age in kittens through 10 weeks of age. Factors other than body weight should be considered when estimating kitten age beyond that time point.
Prevalence of idle peripherally inserted central catheters in adult patients: A multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Xiong Zhao-Yu , Luo Zhen , Chen Hai-Yan
Published: April 2019

Background:

Increasing studies concern about idle vascular access devices, but still scant data on idle peripherally inserted central catheters. We aimed to assess the prevalence and risks of idle peripherally inserted central catheters in adult patients.

Methods:

A multicenter cross-sectional observational study was performed between April 2018 and July 2018. Patient demographics and peripherally inserted central catheters–related information were abstracted using a site questionnaire by directly inquiring and medical records reviewing right after their peripherally inserted central catheters were removed.

Results:

Three hundred and fifty-eight patients with peripherally inserted central catheter episodes who met the inclusion criteria were studied. Of the 58,000 total catheter-days recorded, 5311 (9.2%) were considered as idle based on our study criteria. Two hundred and fifty-five (71.2%) patients had at least 1 idle catheter-day with a mean duration of 14.84 (19.31) idle days. The incidence of catheter-related complications in patients with idle peripherally inserted central catheters was lower than that in patients without idle peripherally inserted central catheters, though the difference did not reach statistical significance (odds ratio = 0.635, 95% confidence interval = 0.367–1.099, p = 0.103).

Conclusion:

In conclusion, idle peripherally inserted central catheters were common in adult patients, but the low risks of catheter-related complications may justify maintaining a peripherally inserted central catheter for further observation when necessary.
A Brief Report of Smoking Behaviors in Patients with Incidental Pulmonary Nodules: Associations with Communication and Risk Perception
Authors: Melzer Anne C , Golden Sara E , Wiener Renda Soylemez , Iaccarino Jonathan M , Slatore Christopher G
Published: April 2019

Introduction:

Incidental pulmonary nodules (IPNs) are commonly found on routine chest imaging. Little is known about smoking behaviors among patients with IPNs or characteristics of patient-clinician communication that may contribute to these behaviors. We assessed the association of patient characteristics and communication quality with smoking behaviors and stage of change for tobacco cessation among patients with IPNs.

Materials and methods:

Prospective, repeated-measures, cohort study of current smokers and past-year quitters with IPNs treated within the Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System. Eligible patients had newly reported, incidental nodules <3 cm planned for non-urgent computed tomography (CT) follow-up. Our primary outcomes were changes in amount smoked and stage of change for tobacco cessation throughout the follow-up period. We used multivariable-adjusted generalized estimating equations for analyses.

Results:

We identified 37 current smokers and 9 recent quitters. By the final visit, 8 of 36 (22%) baseline smokers had quit and 2 of 7 (29%) recent quitters had resumed smoking. Of 40 respondents, 23 (58%) reported receiving any tobacco treatment (recommendation to quit, medication, and/or behavioral treatment) at least once during follow-up. We found no significant associations of high-quality communication, patient distress, self-perceived risk of lung cancer, and self-reported clinician-recommended smoking cessation interventions with decrease in amount smoked or positive stage of change.

Conclusions:

Many smokers and recent quitters with IPNs quit during follow-up, though nearly half reported no quit support. We found no association between communication quality or quit support and decreased smoking. The intensity of tobacco treatment offered may have been insufficient to affect behavior.
Development of the ACTIVE framework to describe stakeholder involvement in systematic reviews
Authors: Pollock Alex , Campbell Pauline , Struthers Caroline , Synnot Anneliese , Nunn Jack , Hill Sophie , Goodare Heather , Morris Jacqui , Watts Chris , Morley Richard
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Involvement of patients, health professionals, and the wider public (‘stakeholders’) is seen to be beneficial to the quality, relevance and impact of research and may enhance the usefulness and uptake of systematic reviews. However, there is a lack of evidence and resources to guide researchers in how to actively involve stakeholders in systematic reviews. In this paper, we report the development of the ACTIVE framework to describe how stakeholders are involved in systematic reviews.

Methods

We developed a framework using methods previously described in the development of conceptual frameworks relating to other areas of public involvement, including: literature searching, data extraction, analysis, and categorization. A draft ACTIVE framework was developed and then refined after presentation at a conference workshop, before being applied to a subset of 32 systematic reviews. Data extracted from these systematic reviews, identified in a systematic scoping review, were categorized against pre-defined constructs, including: who was involved, how stakeholders were recruited, the mode of involvement, at what stage there was involvement and the level of control or influence.

Results

The final ACTIVE framework described whether patients, carers and/or families, and/or other stakeholders (including health professionals, health decision makers and funders) were involved. We defined: recruitment as either open or closed; the approach to involvement as either one-time, continuous or combined; and the method of involvement as either direct or indirect. The stage of involvement in reviews was defined using the Cochrane Ecosystem stages of a review. The level of control or influence was defined according to the roles and activities of stakeholders in the review process, and described as the ACTIVE continuum of involvement.

Conclusions

The ACTIVE framework provides a structure with which to describe key components of stakeholder involvement within a systematic review, and we have used this to summarize how stakeholders have been involved in a subset of varied systematic reviews. The ACTIVE continuum of involvement provides a new model that uses tasks and roles to detail the level of stakeholder involvement. This work has contributed to the development of learning resources aimed at supporting systematic review authors and editors to involve stakeholders in their systematic reviews. The ACTIVE framework may support the decision-making of systematic review authors in planning how to involve stakeholders in future reviews.
A Community-Based Exercise Programme for Older Persons with Knee Pain using Telemedicine
Authors: Wong Y K , Hui Elsie , Woo jean
Published: April 2019

We explored the feasibility and efficacy of an exercise programme for elderly people with knee pain conducted via videoconferencing. Twenty-two community-dwelling subjects aged 60 years or above with knee pain were recruited from two community centres in Hong Kong. A 12-week exercise programme, including strengthening and balance training, was given via videoconferencing to subjects at both centres, in conjunction with a home-based exercise programme. The outcome measures included the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), quadriceps muscle strength, Berg's Balance Scale (BBS) and subjects’ degree of acceptance of videoconferencing. Twenty subjects completed the 12-week programme and significant improvements occurred in all domains of the WOMAC score ( P< 0.003). There was a 44% and a 13% increase in quadriceps muscle strength ( P< 0.001) and BBS ( P< 0.001), respectively. Over 80% of the elderly subjects who joined the programme agreed or strongly agreed about all aspects of using videoconferencing. Most of them felt that the system was user-friendly and convenient. Videoconferencing appears to be a useful method of delivering a resistance-training programme for community-dwelling elderly persons with knee pain.
Ethically permissible inequity in access to experimental therapies
Authors: Moore Bryanna
Published: April 2019

Clinical ethics services are increasingly receiving case referrals regarding requests for access to experimental therapies. Sometimes, patients or families seek access to an experimental therapy that has not been subsidised by any government scheme, and for which no local clinical trial is underway. All else being equal, a patient may benefit from receiving an experimental therapy without making any other patient worse off. However, within public healthcare systems, treating only one patient with an experimental therapy, when others might also benefit from it, evokes a troubling sense of inequity. In this paper, I examine the relevance of Pareto principles and the ‘levelling down’ objection to ethical deliberation about patient or family-initiated requests for experimental therapies. While facilitating access to an experimental therapy may benefit a patient without making any other patients worse off, this does not dispel ethically relevant considerations concerning equity. When deliberating about cases involving inequity, clinicians and hospitals must balance directly improving the position of individual patients with avoiding contributing to or tolerating avoidable inequities. I argue that inequity in access to experimental therapies can be ethically permissible, but only if satisfies two conditions: firstly, the decision to provide one patient and not others with a promising experimental therapy must have a strong likelihood of contributing to future equity; and secondly, the inequity must be exercised in a way that shows respect for other patients who are not equally able to access the therapy in question.
Performance of Fe3O4@SiO2 as the recyclable heterogeneous catalyst in the bisphenol A recovery from polycarbonate wastes
Authors: Emami Samira , Alavi Nikje Mir Mohammad
Published: April 2019

Received polycarbonate wastes from the used optical and digital optical disk (CDs and DVDs) were chemically recycled into bisphenol A (BPA) in 100% recovery yield using diethylene glycol/water as a binary solvent system and Fe3O4@SiO2 as the heterogeneous catalyst at the convenient, green and eco-friendly conditions using conventional heating method. The recovered BPA was analyzed by spectroscopic methods and data compared by an authentic sample.
Porosity and air permeability relationship of denim fabrics produced using core-spun yarns with different filament finenesses for filling
Authors: Sarıoğlu Esin , Babaarslan Osman
Published: April 2019

In this article, porosity and air permeability of denim fabric produced from filament core-spun yarns with different filament fineness and yarn linear density were demonstrated. For this purpose, 110 dtex drawn textured polyester filaments with conventional, fine, and micro finenesses were used as core part, and combed cotton fiber was used as sheath part to obtain core-spun yarns with four different yarn linear density on a modified ring spinning system with the same spinning parameters. Besides the production of core-spun yarns, 100% cotton ring-spun yarns were produced as control group at the same conditions for each yarn linear density, as well. To evaluate the effect of filament fineness and yarn linear density on air permeability and total porosity, denim fabrics were obtained by using 24 yarn samples as weft at the same cover factor with four determined weft densities. Results showed that filament fineness and yarn linear density have a significant effect on total porosity and air permeability at a significance level of 0.05. In addition, high correlation (79.4%) between air permeability and total porosity of denim fabric samples was observed at a significance level of 0.01.
Healthy Lifestyle Through Home Gardening: The Art of Sharing
Authors: Eng Sothy , Khun Tricia , Jower Samantha , Murro Mary Janell
Published: April 2019

This article offers a solution to promoting healthy lifestyle through home gardening and how gardening activities create social capital through social interactions among family members and people within communities, through sharing. This article begins by reviewing general social, psychological, and physical health benefits of home gardening followed by barriers associated with starting a garden that include lack of time, scarce resources, insufficient knowledge and skills, and inadequate space. This article argues that beyond the skills and knowledge, inspiration is the key in creating and sustaining a home garden. Through the idea of networking with families in a community and building these social relationships, it increases more opportunities to inspire and be inspired, fosters a greater sense of joy in gardening, encourages a chain reaction of sharing, and connects people together. As people share, it creates a pattern of social interactions and reciprocity among those who share and the recipients within the network that will then lead to increased social relationships, trust, and a social norm of sharing. Sharing itself also creates an opportunity for others to share back because in some situations, people do not know how to initiate the sharing process or have difficulty doing so. The article ends with a discussion on promoting a sustainable, active, and healthy lifestyle by engaging children in the process of gardening and sharing geminated plants/produce with their peers and other families, hence fostering a lifelong appreciation and consumption of plants they grow, learn, share, and heal together in the process.