bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear Autoregressive Latent Trajectory Models
Authors: Bauldry Shawn , Bollen Kenneth A.
Published: August 2018

Autoregressive latent trajectory (ALT) models combine features of latent growth curve models and autoregressive models into a single modeling framework. The development of ALT models has focused primarily on models with linear growth components, but some social processes follow nonlinear trajectories. Although it is straightforward to extend ALT models to allow for some forms of nonlinear trajectories, the identification status of such models, approaches to comparing them with alternative models, and the interpretation of parameters have not been systematically assessed. In this paper we focus on two forms of nonlinear autoregressive latent trajectory (NLALT) models. The first form allows for a quadratic growth trajectory, a popular form of nonlinear latent growth curve models. The second form derives from latent basis models, or freed loading models, that allow for arbitrary growth processes. We discuss details concerning parameterization, model identification, estimation, and testing for the two forms of NLALT models. We include a simulation study that illustrates potential biases that may arise from fitting alternative models to data derived from an autoregressive process and individual-specific nonlinear trajectories. In addition, we include an extended empirical example modeling growth trajectories of weight from birth through age 2.
The patient’s voice in the emerging era of participatory medicine
Authors: deBronkart Dave
Published: August 2018

Professionalism in any field requires keeping pace with change, and nowhere is it more true than medicine. Knowledge flow has changed dramatically since today’s accreditation standards were developed, and change continues more rapidly than ever. It’s time for a fresh look at how best to achieve care in this altered environment, where valid knowledge may come from the patient as well as from clinician resources: a sociological change driven by technological change. The power structure of the clinical relationship is inevitably altered as constraints on patient knowledge are loosened by the internet, apps, and devices, undermining a paradigm of patients as uninformed recipients of care based on a one-way flow of wisdom from providers. Case after case is presented showing that patients today have generated undeniable value, violating the expectations and assumed best practices of the old model. To understand this sociological (yet scientific) change, this article reviews the role of paradigms in the history of sciences as described in Thomas Kuhn’s landmark book The Structure of Scientific Revolutions and describes how these anomalous patient stories force the conclusion that the traditional paradigm of patients is no longer supportable and a new paradigm is needed. This in turn means our standards of professionalism and appropriate care must be updated, lest we fail to achieve best possible care in our increasingly overburdened system. Our new standard must be to teach clinicians to recognize, welcome, and work with empowered “e-patients” in the new model of participatory medicine.
Maturity of Judgment and Perceptual Deterrence
Authors: Lee Heejin , Sullivan Christopher J. , Barnes J. C.
Published: August 2018

Recent deterrence literature has found that the degree to which sanction threats are perceived to influence subsequent offending differs within individuals and between individuals over time. This study examines whether three psychosocial aspects (temperance, perspective, responsibility) relevant to the maturity of judgment predict within-individual and between-individual differences in levels of perceptual deterrence. Random effects regression models with fixed effects (hybrid models) are used to estimate the impact of maturity of judgment on the perceived risks, costs, and benefits of crime among a sample of serious juvenile offenders from the Pathways to Desistance study over 7 years of development. The results support both within-person effects and between-person effects. More mature judgment ability is generally associated with the perception of greater risks, heavier costs of punishment, and fewer rewards of crime. The rate of change in perceptual deterrence by maturity of judgment varies between individuals. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Trichotillomania: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Adults and Adolescents
Authors: Lee Eric B. , Homan Kendra J. , Morrison Kate L. , Ong Clarissa W. , Levin Michael E. , Twohig Michael P.
Published: August 2018

The purpose of this study was to examine acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) as a standalone treatment for trichotillomania in a randomized controlled trial of adults and adolescents. Participants consisted of a community sample of treatment seeking adults and adolescents with trichotillomania. Of the eligible 39 participants randomized into treatment and waitlist groups, 25 completed treatment and were included in the final analysis. Treatment consisted of a 10-session ACT protocol. Multiple mixed models repeated measures analyses were utilized to evaluate changes in trichotillomania symptom severity, daily number of hairs pulled and urges experienced, and experiential avoidance from pretreatment to posttreatment. Findings indicated significant changes in symptom severity and daily hairs pulled, but not daily urges experienced or psychological flexibility. However, psychological flexibility saw a 24.5% decrease in the treatment group and reduced from clinical to subclinical levels on average. This study suggests that ACT alone is an effective treatment for adults and adolescents with trichotillomania. Outcomes appear to be similar to trials that combined ACT and habit reversal training (HRT).
Delivery Outcomes, Emergency Room Visits, and Psychological Aspects of Gestational Diabetes: Results From a Community Hospital Multiethnic Cohort
Authors: Singh Harsimran , Soyoltulga Khajika , Fong Taylor , Billimek John
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate perinatal outcomes and experiences of managing gestational diabetes (GDM) in a multiethnic cohort from a community hospital.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of 647 ethnically diverse women with GDM was conducted. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine ethnic differences in cesarean delivery rates and emergency department (ED) utilization during pregnancy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to evaluate experiences of GDM and perceptions of type 2 diabetes risk.

Results

Significant differences were observed between sample groups in mother’s age ( P = .004), education level ( P < .001), family history of diabetes ( P < .001), and baby birthweight ( P = .004). In the fully adjusted model, controlling for maternal age, BMI category, ED utilization during pregnancy, and family history of diabetes, Southeast and East Asian women had the lowest rates of cesarean delivery and ED utilization during pregnancy, with significantly higher rates of cesarean delivery in Hispanic, non-Hispanic white, and Asian Indian women ( P < .001). There was preliminary evidence for higher ED utilization rates during pregnancy in Hispanic women with GDM (odds ratio = 3.21; 95% CI, 0.79-4.08; P = .005). Interview analyses reflected strong psychological impact of GDM diagnoses. Women expressed shock and disappointment over diagnoses and highlighted need for psychological support from health care professionals. Risk perceptions for type 2 diabetes were low.

Conclusions

Findings support significant ethnic differences in cesarean delivery and ED utilization among women with GDM. Qualitative analysis suggests that culturally sensitive approaches informing psychosocial support and dietary recommendations are important considerations for a diverse GDM patient population.
Cardiopulmonary bypass prime composition: beyond crystalloids versus colloids
Authors: Malmqvist Gunnar , Claesson Lingehall Helena , Appelblad Micael , Svenmarker Staffan
Published: August 2018

Introduction:

In the literature addressing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) prime composition, there is a considerable lack of discussion concerning plasma osmolality changes induced by using a hyperosmolar prime. With this study, we try to determine the magnitude and temporal relationship of plasma osmolality changes related to the use of a hyperosmolar CPB prime.

Method:

In this prospective observational study performed in a university hospital setting, we enrolled thirty patients scheduled for elective coronary bypass surgery. Plasma osmolality was analysed on eight occasions. A hyperosmolar CPB prime was used.

Results:

Analyses of the perioperative plasma osmolality on eight occasions gave the following results: the preoperative osmolality level was normal (297±4 mOsm/kg); a significant increase to 322±17 mOsm/kg (p<0.001) was observed at the commencement of CPB and remained elevated after 30 minutes (310±4 mOsm/kg) and throughout the procedure (309±4 mOsm/kg); the osmolality level returned to 291±5 mOsm/kg on day 1 postoperatively and remained normal the following day (291±6 mOsm/kg).

Conclusions:

Use of hyperosmolar CPB prime resulted in a dramatic and instant elevation of the plasma osmolality. Rapid changes in plasma osmolality are associated with organ dysfunction (e.g. osmotic demyelination syndrome), therefore, effects on plasma osmolality related to the CPB prime composition should be recognised. Influence on organ function and clinical outcome warrants further investigations. - Clinical Trials.gov (NCT03060824). Changes in Plasma Osmolality Related to the Use of Cardiopulmonary Bypass With Hyperosmolar Prime. URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03060824?term=cpb&cond=osmolality&rank=1
Comparison of cyanoacrylate embolization and radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of varicose veins
Authors: Yang Gary K , Parapini Marina , Gagnon Joel , Chen Jerry C
Published: August 2018

Objective

To review clinical outcomes of varicose vein patients treated with cyanoacrylate embolization and radiofrequency ablation at our institution.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients who underwent cyanoacrylate embolization and radiofrequency ablation during a three-year period. Patient records were reviewed to assess demographics, location and severity of disease, treatment details and outcome at short- and mid-term follow-ups. Outcome parameters included treatment success and complications.

Results

Between January 2014 and December 2016, 335 patients with 476 veins were treated with either cyanoacrylate embolization (n = 148) or radiofrequency ablation (n = 328) at the Vancouver General Hospital Vascular Surgery Vein Clinic. The average age of patients were 57 ± 1 years with the majority being female (78%) and an average BMI of 24.8 ± 0.5. CEAP classes were 2 (49%), 3 (26%), 4a (22%) and >4b (3%). Of the veins treated with cyanoacrylate embolization, the vein types were as follows: 76% were great saphenous vein, 16% were small saphenous vein, 5% were anterior accessory great saphenous vein and 1.4% were perforator veins. The vein types for radiofrequency ablation were 88%, 9%, 3% and 0%, respectively. The average amount of cyanoacrylate embolization delivered for great saphenous vein treatment was 1.8 ± 0.1 ml with a treatment length of 43 ± 1 cm. Subgroup comparison was done for great saphenous vein segments. Treatment success was 100% in cyanoacrylate embolization and 99% in radiofrequency ablation. Superficial phlebitis was the most common complication noted at mid-term follow-up in 5% of cyanoacrylate embolization and 16% of radiofrequency ablation treatments (P < 0.05). One patient in each group had asymptomatic proximal thrombus extension treated with anticoagulation for 2–3 weeks. Three superficial infections from glue clumps were noted in the cyanoacrylate embolization group requiring excision and drainage. Five patients in the radiofrequency ablation group had persistent numbness and one wound complications at the access site.

Conclusion

Cyanoacrylate embolization offers equivalent success rates with lower mid-term complication rates as radiofrequency ablation.
Sex differences in stroke: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Bushnell Cheryl D , Chaturvedi Seemant , Gage Kathy R , Herson Paco S , Hurn Patricia D , Jiménez Monik C , Kittner Steven J , Madsen Tracy E , McCullough Louise D , McDermott Mollie , Reeves Mathew J , Rundek Tatjana
Published: August 2018

Biologic sex influences many variables that are important to brain health in general, and to stroke or cerebral ischemia in particular, such as general health status, cerebrovascular anatomy and function, unique risk factors such as pregnancy and preeclampsia, symptomatology, and therapeutic response. A more complete understanding of the scale and depth of sexual dimorphism in the brain and the role of more general sex-based factors is crucial to reducing the burden of stroke in women and men. This focused review highlights recent findings in stroke, including sex differences in epidemiology, risk factor reduction, comparative use of stroke therapeutics in both sexes, the importance of frailty in women, and the biologic basis for sex differences in stroke. Such findings show tremendous promise for the future of personalized medicine in stroke prevention and treatment.
Dynamic metabolic changes in human visual cortex in regions with positive and negative blood oxygenation level-dependent response
Authors: Martínez-Maestro Miguel , Labadie Christian , Möller Harald E
Published: August 2018

Dynamic metabolic changes were investigated by functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy (fMRS) during sustained stimulation of human primary visual cortex. Two established paradigms, consisting of either a full-field or a small-circle flickering checkerboard, were employed to generate wide-spread areas of positive or negative blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) responses, respectively. Compared to baseline, the glutamate concentration increased by 5.3% ( p = 0.007) during activation and decreased by −3.8% ( p = 0.017) during deactivation. These changes were positively correlated with the amplitude of the BOLD response ( R = 0.60, p = 0.002) and probably reflect changes of tricarboxylic acid cycle activity. During deactivation, the glucose concentration decreased by −7.9% ( p = 0.025) presumably suggesting increased consumption or reduced glucose supply. Other findings included an increased concentration of glutathione (4.2%, p = 0.023) during deactivation and a negative correlation of glutathione and BOLD signal changes ( R = −0.49, p = 0.012) as well as positive correlations of aspartate ( R = 0.44, p = 0.035) and N-acetylaspartylglutamate ( R = 0.42, p = 0.035) baseline concentrations with the BOLD response. It remains to be shown in future work if the observed effects on glutamate and glucose levels deviate from the assumption of a direct link between glucose utilization and regulation of blood flow or support previous suggestions that the hemodynamic response is mainly driven by feedforward release of vasoactive messengers.
Development and Validation of the Retrospective Childhood Fantasy Play Scale
Authors: Kirkham Julie Ann , Lloyd Julian , Stockton Hannah
Published: August 2018

This article describes the development and initial psychometric properties of the Retrospective Childhood Fantasy Play Scale (RCFPS), a brief 11-item retrospective self-report measure of preference for, and engagement with, fantasy play during childhood. Five studies were conducted to (a) develop the initial items for the scale ( n = 77), (b) determine the underlying factor structure ( n = 200), (c) test the fit of the model ( n = 530), and (d) and (e) ascertain construct validity ( n = 200) and convergent validity ( n = 263). Overall, the results suggest that the RCFPS is a unidimensional measure with acceptable fit and preliminary validity. The RCFPS may prove useful in educational and developmental research as an alternative to longitudinal studies to further investigate how childhood fantasy play relates to individual differences in adulthood (e.g., in the areas of creativity, theory of mind, and narrative skills).
Perfusion-CT analysis for assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma lesions: diagnostic value of different perfusion maps
Authors: Hatzidakis Adam , Perisinakis Kostas , Kalarakis Georgios , Papadakis Antonis , Savva Eirini , Ippolito Davide , Karantanas Apostolos
Published: August 2018

Background

Computed tomography liver perfusion (CTLP) has been improved in recent years, offering a variety of perfusion-parametric maps. A map that better discriminates hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still to be found.

Purpose

To compare different CTLP maps, regarding their ability to differentiate cirrhotic or non-cirrhotic parenchyma from malignant HCC.

Material and Methods

Twenty-six patients (11 cirrhotic) with 50 diagnosed HCC lesions, underwent CTLP on a 128-row dual-energy CT system. Nine different maps were generated. Regions of interest (ROIs) were positioned on non-tumorous parenchyma and on HCCs found on previous magnetic resonance imaging. Perfusion parameters for non-cirrhotic and cirrhotic livers were compared. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was employed to evaluate each map’s ability to discriminate HCCs from non-tumorous livers. Comparison of ROC curves was performed to evaluate statistical significance of differences in the discriminating efficiency of derived perfusion maps.

Results

Perfusion parameters for non-tumorous liver and HCCs recorded in cirrhotic patients did not significantly differ from corresponding values recorded in non-cirrhotic patients ( P > 0.05). The highest power for HCC discrimination was found for the maximum-slope-of-increase (MSI) parametric map, with estimated the area under ROC curve of 0.997. An MSI cut-off criterion of 2.2 HU/s was found to provide 96% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Time to peak, blood flow, and transit time to peak were also found to have high discriminating power.

Conclusion

Among available CTLP-derived perfusion parameters, MSI was found to provide the highest diagnostic accuracy in discriminating HCCs from non-tumorous parenchyma. Perfusion parameters for non-tumorous livers and HCCs were not found to significantly differ between cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients.
“What shall I do when I grow up?” Adolescents with cancer on the Youth Project in Milan play with their imagination and photography
Authors: Gaggiotti Paola , Veneroni Laura , Signoroni Stefano , Silva Matteo , Chisari Marco , Casanova Michela , Chiaravalli Stefano , Sironi Giovanna , Clerici Carlo Alfredo , Proserpio Tullio , Massimino Maura , Ferrari Andrea
Published: August 2018

Introduction:

Adolescents diagnosed with cancer have to temporarily stop pursuing several vital needs and making plans for the future. The Youth Project in Milan, Italy, focuses on such issues in young cancer patients’ personal lives. Uncertainty about the future had already emerged in several artistic projects designed to help these patients voice their emotions.

Methods:

We describe a project revolving around the question “What shall I do when I grow up?” Twenty-seven 15- to 26-year-old patients wrote a brief account of what they hoped to do as adults. Using theatrical costumes, they then dressed up in their chosen role for a photo shoot with a well-known professional photographer. The results were published in one of Italy’s main national dailies.

Results:

Participants reacted differently: some lightheartedly, others more seriously. They often expressed the wish to help others, desiring to return the support and protection they had received as patients. Another common theme concerned their need for normality.

Conclusions:

By writing about their dreams, these patients gave their doctors a glimpse of their inner world. The project proved an important complement to more conventional forms of psychosocial support and interaction with young patients.
Forensic Investigations into Recurrent Pavement Heave from Underlying Expansive Soil Deposits
Authors: Chittoori Bhaskar C. S. , Mishra Debakanta , Islam Kazi Moinul
Published: August 2018

Pavement sections constructed over expansive soil deposits often exhibit excessive distresses due to volume changes in the underlying soil strata. Differential movements within these deposits resulting from fluctuations in the moisture content manifest themselves in the form of localized heaves on the pavement surface. A pavement section near the western border of Idaho has experienced recurrent damage due to volume changes in the underlying expansive soil layer; traditional treatment methods such as lime stabilization and moisture barrier installation have provided partial relief over the years. A recently concluded forensic research study at Boise State University investigated the causes for failure of earlier treatment methods. This study involved extensive laboratory characterization of expansive soil samples collected from underneath this pavement section to identify location of the problematic soil strata, and to propose suitable rehabilitation measures. Laboratory characterization included tests such as moisture content, Atterberg limits and One-Dimensional swell test to determine the potential vertical rise (PVR) and establish approximate active zone. Laboratory test results indicated that the most expansive soil deposits were at a depth of at least 1.83 m from the pavement surface. PVR values calculated closely matched with the surface profile trends observed in the field. In addition, the soluble sulfate tests performed on various soil samples indicated that sulfate heaving could be a problem for calcium-based stabilizer. Based on the findings, the research team proposed that the pavement section be reinforced using a flexible mechanical system that dissipates the swell pressures originating from the underlying clay layers.
Chemo-Rheological Study of Hardening of Epoxy Modified Bituminous Binders with the Finite Element Method
Authors: Apostolidis P. , Liu X. , Kasbergen C. , van de Ven M.F.C. , Pipintakos G. , Scarpas A.
Published: August 2018

The chemical irreversible hardening of epoxy modified bitumen is affected by various physical factors and the successful application of this technology is directly linked with full understanding of chemo-rheological material characteristics. This study proposes a model to describe the material viscosity evolution during hardening of epoxy modified bitumen. The findings from numerical analyses performed to assess the mechanical response of epoxy modified bituminous binders are presented. Information of the chemical interaction of epoxy within a bituminous matrix was collected and all the influential factors have been determined. The proposed chemo-rheological model accounting for the polymerization of the epoxy in the bitumen was formulated and the sensitivity of material parameters, such as activation energy, reaction order and extent of hardening reaction until the gel point of epoxy modified binders, was demonstrated. Results of the analyses suggest that lower levels of activation energy increase the degree of hardening and the rate of viscosity development. By decreasing the hardening reaction until the gel point the achieved viscosity of epoxy modified bitumen was increased showing the importance of gel reaction extent on material viscosity evolution. The numerical studies have shown also that the polymerization rate in the epoxy modified bitumen is highly dependent on the temperature under various (non-) isothermal conditions. Also, the polymerization rate should be considered through all the material curing processes to avoid unwanted variations in the mechanical properties.
Study of Asphalt Binder Fatigue with a New Dynamic Shear Rheometer Geometry
Authors: Apostolidis Panos , Kasbergen Cor , Bhasin Amit , Scarpas Athanassios , Erkens Sandra
Published: August 2018

With the effort to precisely predict the lifetime of asphalt binders and subsequently optimize their utilization in a more economical way, the objective of this study was to introduce a new methodology to improve the fatigue characterization of asphalt binders through a new dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) sample testing geometry. Initially, numerical analyses were performed to study the geometry-related issues of a standard DSR sample on time sweep tests, and to assist in the effort to increase understanding of the DSR damage phenomena of asphalt samples. On the basis of these numerical analyses, a new testing geometry, the parallel hollow plate, was developed and its test results compared with the standard sample testing geometry. A single type of asphalt binder was assessed using amplitude sweep tests. The obtained results demonstrated a significant difference between the fatigue of the two sets of DSR sample geometries. On the basis of these, time sweep tests were conducted for the same sample geometries and the results demonstrated that the new testing geometry yields material response consistency under different loading conditions. The lifetime prediction of the standard parallel plates showed a significant difference with the newly developed DSR sample testing geometry by overestimating the total number of cycles until asphalt binder failure. The new testing geometry allowed the isolation of the damaged area of asphalt binder by localizing the shear stresses in the samples’ periphery.
Multi-Level Driver Workload Prediction using Machine Learning and Off-the-Shelf Sensors
Authors: van Gent Paul , Melman Timo , Farah Haneen , van Nes Nicole , van Arem Bart
Published: August 2018

The present study aims to add to the literature on driver workload prediction using machine learning methods. The main aim is to develop workload prediction on a multi-level basis, rather than a binary high/low distinction as often found in literature. The presented approach relies on measures that can be obtained unobtrusively in the driving environment with off-the-shelf sensors, and on machine learning methods that can be implemented in low-power embedded systems. Two simulator studies were performed, one inducing workload using realistic driving conditions, and one inducing workload with a relatively demanding lane-keeping task. Individual and group-based machine learning models were trained on both datasets and evaluated. For the group-based models the generalizing capability, that is the performance when predicting data from previously unseen individuals, was also assessed. Results show that multi-level workload prediction on the individual and group level works well, achieving high correct rates and accuracy scores. Generalizing between individuals proved difficult using realistic driving conditions but worked well in the highly demanding lane-keeping task. Reasons for this discrepancy are discussed as well as future research directions.
Using the Concrete–Representational–Abstract Sequence to Teach Conceptual Understanding of Basic Multiplication and Division
Authors: Milton Jessica H. , Flores Margaret M. , Moore Alexcia J. , Taylor Ja’Lia J. , Burton Megan E.
Published: August 2018

To meet increasingly complex mathematics standards in late elementary school, students must conceptually understand and be fluent in the operations of multiplication and division. This includes understanding the operations’ inverse relation. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of alternating concrete–representational–abstract (CRA) multiplication and division instruction on students’ mastery of unknown facts and on their conceptual understanding. Fourth through sixth-grade students with learning disabilities who had failed to master all multiplication facts participated in the study. The researchers used a mixed method design, measuring accuracy and fluency of facts with a multiple probe across students design and qualitative methods to capture changes in students’ explanations of their computation. The researchers demonstrated a functional relation between CRA instruction and accuracy and fluency in multiplication and division. Qualitative results indicated differences in students’ understanding of the operations. Implications of the results will be discussed further.
Family Satisfaction With Nursing Home Care: Findings and Implications From Two State Comparison
Authors: Shippee Tetyana P. , Ng Weiwen , Roberts Amy Restorick , Bowblis John R.
Published: August 2018

Family satisfaction, while recognized as important, is frequently missing from validated measures of long-term care quality. This is the first study to compare family satisfaction across two states using validated measures and to compare the organizational and structural factors associated with higher family satisfaction with nursing home care. Data sources are family satisfaction surveys from Minnesota (MN) and Ohio (OH), linked to facility characteristics from Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reports (CASPER) for both states ( N = 378 facilities for MN; N = 926 facilities for OH). Activities and food were among lowest rated items in both states. Relationships with staff were the highest rated domain. Higher occupancy rates, smaller facility size, and non-profit ownership consistently predicted better satisfaction in both states. Our findings show consistent organizational factors associated with family satisfaction and provide further evidence to the validity of family satisfaction as a person-centered measure of quality. This lays the foundation for tool development on the national level.
Investigation of construction wastes generated in the Malaysian residential sector
Authors: Umar Usman A , Shafiq Nasir , Isa Mohamed Hasnain
Published: August 2018

The construction sector is among the fastest growing sectors in Malaysia; it consumes a vast amount of natural resources and produces a massive volume of construction and demolition waste. The waste is collected in a decentralised manner by sub-contracted companies. It is challenging to obtain reliable information on the amount of construction waste generated, because it is hard to determine its exact quantity and composition. Therefore, this study proposes a quantitative construction waste estimation model for residential buildings according to available data collected from the Construction Industry Development Board, Malaysia. In the development of this model, a theoretical investigation of the construction procedure and the construction waste generation process was conducted. The waste generated rate was determined as 25.79 kg m−2 for new residential constructions, which translates into about 553,406 t of anticipated waste annually.
Patterns of Aggressive Behaviors Across Mental Health in Sixth Graders
Authors: DuPont-Reyes Melissa J. , Villatoro Alice P. , Phelan Jo C. , Painter Kris , Link Bruce G.
Published: August 2018

School-based violence is a current public concern in the United States. One factor that can impact school-based violence that has gained much attention is mental health status. To better inform public perceptions, this study provides new evidence concerning the association between mental health status and acting out violence in school-aged populations. We examined a diverse sample of sixth graders across 14 schools in Texas in 2011-2012 ( N = 721) who completed a self-administered survey assessing mental health symptoms and frequency of perpetration and/or receipt of different types of aggressive behaviors. Multinomial regression models tested whether adolescents with mental health symptoms (overall and by symptom types) are more predisposed to be actors only, recipients only, or both, of physical, verbal, and relational aggression. Across aggressive behavior types, symptomatic versus nonsymptomatic adolescents had consistently increased odds of being exclusively a recipient of aggression. When symptomatic adolescents did act out aggression, they participated concurrently as both an actor and recipient. Rarely were symptomatic adolescents more likely to be exclusively an actor of aggression. Moreover, symptomatic versus nonsymptomatic adolescents had five times the odds of being threatened by a weapon including a gun or knife. Compared to those who do not, youth who perceive having a mental health issue had twice the odds of being an actor only of verbal and relational aggression. These findings provide evidence for the need to change how the public associates mental health problems with aggressive behaviors among youth especially following national tragic events. Communities at large may benefit from evidence- and school-based interventions that improve awareness of and tolerance to mental health conditions among youth.
Founder-Controlled Firms and R&D Investments: New Evidence From Canada
Authors: Bozec Yves , Di Vito Jackie
Published: August 2018

Our study investigates the R&D investment behavior of founder-controlled Canadian listed firms. We use De Massis et al.’s model of the sufficiency conditions of ability and willingness and adapt it to predict investments in R&D. As founder-controlled firms are heterogeneous in nature, we distinguish four categories: lone founder firms and family founder firms with and without excess voting rights. In line with our predictions, we find that only lone founder firms without excess voting rights have both the ability and the willingness to invest in R&D and so they invest more in R&D than their counterparts.
Ten guidelines for the design of non-assembly mechanisms: The case of 3D-printed prosthetic hands
Authors: Cuellar Juan Sebastian , Smit Gerwin , Zadpoor Amir A , Breedveld Paul
Published: August 2018

In developing countries, prosthetic workshops are limited, difficult to reach, or even non-existent. Especially, fabrication of active, multi-articulated, and personalized hand prosthetic devices is often seen as a time-consuming and demanding process. An active prosthetic hand made through the fused deposition modelling technology and fully assembled right after the end of the 3D printing process will increase accessibility of prosthetic devices by reducing or bypassing the current manufacturing and post-processing steps. In this study, an approach for producing active hand prosthesis that could be fabricated fully assembled by fused deposition modelling technology is developed. By presenting a successful case of non-assembly 3D printing, this article defines a list of design considerations that should be followed in order to achieve fully functional non-assembly devices. Ten design considerations for additive manufacturing of non-assembly mechanisms have been proposed and a design case has been successfully addressed resulting in a fully functional prosthetic hand. The hand prosthesis can be 3D printed with an inexpensive fused deposition modelling machine and is capable of performing different types of grasping. The activation force required to start a pinch grasp, the energy required for closing, and the overall mass are significantly lower than body-powered commercial prosthetic hands. The results suggest that this non-assembly design may be a good alternative for amputees in developing countries.
Lessons from a decade of voluntary medical male circumcision implementation and their application to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis scale up
Authors: Reed Jason B , Patel Rupa R , Baggaley Rachel
Published: August 2018

Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has the ability to curb HIV incidence worldwide and bring us closer to ending the HIV epidemic. Scale up of PrEP service delivery has many similar challenges to those faced by voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) services roll-out. This article outlines ten important lessons learned during the scale up of VMMC services in sub-Saharan Africa and their application to current oral PrEP implementation efforts to promote faster expansion for public health impact.
Urinary liver-type fatty acid-binding protein levels as a potential risk factor for renal dysfunction in male HIV-infected Japanese patients receiving antiretroviral therapy: a pilot study
Authors: Hikasa Shinichi , Shimabukuro Shota , Hideta Kyoko , Higasa Satoshi , Sawada Akihiro , Tokugawa Tazuko , Tanaka Kuniyoshi , Yanai Mina , Kimura Takeshi
Published: August 2018

Renal dysfunction is recognized with increasing frequency among the non-infectious co-morbidities associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Recently, urinary liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) was suggested to be a predictor of the progression of renal dysfunction in patients without HIV. However, little is known regarding the utility of urinary L-FABP as a predictor of renal dysfunction in patients with HIV. A retrospective, observational, single-centre study was conducted between July 2014 and December 2016. The primary outcome was renal dysfunction defined as decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate to less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. To estimate the effect of urinary L-FABP, proteinuria category, and urinary β2 microglobulin (β2MG) on the time to the first event, a log-rank test was performed. Accuracy, determined by area under the curve and calculated from receiver operating characteristic curves, was also assessed. Thirty Japanese outpatients with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) were enrolled. The primary outcome occurred in five patients during the follow-up period. Urinary L-FABP level and proteinuria category were significantly associated with renal dysfunction (p = 0.045 and p = 0.037, respectively). In contrast, urinary β2MG level was not significantly associated with renal dysfunction (p = 0.141). Urinary L-FABP was the most accurate predictor of renal dysfunction among the three urinary parameters. In conclusion, urinary L-FABP levels in HIV patients receiving ART were more accurate for predicting renal dysfunction than proteinuria and urinary β2MG. In addition, urinary L-FABP helped to discriminate those patients with a higher risk for renal dysfunction.
Two-degree-of-freedom multi-input multi-output proportional–integral–derivative control design: Application to quadruple-tank system
Authors: Pradhan Jatin Kumar , Ghosh Arun , Bhende Chandrashekhar Narayan
Published: August 2018

This article is concerned with designing a 2-degree-of-freedom multi-input multi-output proportional–integral–derivative controller to ensure linear quadratic regulator performance and H∞ performance using a non-iterative linear matrix inequality–based method. To design the controller, first, a relation between the state feedback gain and proportional–integral–derivative gain is obtained. As the gains of proportional–integral–derivative controller cannot, in general, be found out from this relation for arbitrary stabilizing state feedback gain, a suitable form of the matrices involved in linear matrix inequality–based state feedback design is then chosen to obtain the proportional–integral–derivative gains directly. The special structure of the above matrices allows one to design proportional–integral–derivative controller in non-iterative manner. As a result, multi-objective performances, such as linear quadratic regulator and H∞, can be achieved simultaneously without increasing the computational burden much. To enhance the reference-input-to-output characteristics, a feedforward gain is also introduced and designed to minimize certain closed-loop H∞ performance. The proposed control design method is applied for multi-input multi-output proportional–integral compensation of a laboratory-based quadruple-tank process. The performance of the compensation is studied through extensive simulations and experiments.
Prevalence of Preventive and Symptomatic Drug Treatments in Hospice Care: An Italian Observational Study
Authors: Pasina Luca , Recchia Angela , Agosti Pasquale , Nobili Alessandro , Rizzi Barbara
Published: August 2018

Background:

The aim of pharmacotherapy in people at the end of life should be symptom control, more than prolonging life. Drugs for disease prevention should therefore be discouraged, but this is not the usual practice. The prevalence of unnecessary preventive drugs at the end of life is not well described, although some studies suggest it is common.

Methods:

This retrospective longitudinal study describes the prevalence of patients receiving preventive and symptomatic drug treatments at admission (T1) and before death (T2) in an Italian hospice. All adults admitted to the VIDAS hospice between March 2015 and February 2017 were included in the analysis.

Results:

The study sample comprised 589 end-of-life patients with a mean age of 75.3 (12.1) years. The mean number of drugs decreased from admission to the hospice to the time of death (mean [standard deviation]: 9.7 [3.4] and 8.7 [3.0]). All patients were appropriately treated with symptomatic drugs at T1 and T2, while there were significantly fewer patients from T1 to T2 with at least 1 preventive medication that could be considered for deprescription at the end of life (511, 86.8% and 286, 48.6%; P < .0001).

Conclusions:

Hospice admission can be associated with a definite reduction in the use of commonly prescribed preventive medications. However, about half of end-of-life patients can be prescribed avoidable medications. Drugs for peptic ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux disease and antithrombotics were the potentially avoidable preventive medications most frequently prescribed at admission to the hospice and before death.
JP Den Hartog about SP Timoshenko: Fifty Years Later
Authors: Elishakoff Isaac
Published: August 2018

This study is devoted to Jacob Pieter Den Hartog’s views about Stephen Prokopovych Timoshenko. Both were outstanding contributors to the mechanics-based design of structures and machines. Additionally, both were refugees, who were running from hardships in their own countries. Den Hartog ran away from economic hardships that befell the Netherlands after World War I. Timoshenko escaped two Russian revolutions that took place in 1917, in addition to the takeover of Kiev by several armies, including foreign ones, and imminent Soviet rule in Ukraine. Their destinies led them to meet at the Westinghouse Electric Corporation in the USA. This study reviews two prime documents associated with their interaction. The first document is the newly discovered letter sent by Den Hartog to Timoshenko half a century ago, specifically, on the occasion of the latter’s 90th birthday in 1968. The second document is the review of the book As I Remember by SP Timoshenko that Den Hartog published in Science magazine, also in 1968. A complex interrelationship emerges between these two scientists. On the one hand, there is a tremendous appreciation felt by Den Hartog toward Timoshenko; on the other hand, one clearly observes Den Hartog’s disapproval of Timoshenko’s ingratitude to the USA, as expressed in Timoshenko’s autobiography, in numerous passages.
Framing Obesity: Effects of Obesity Labeling and Prevalence Statistics on Public Perceptions
Authors: Liu Jiawei , Lee ByungGu , McLeod Douglas M. , Choung Hyesun
Published: August 2018

The rising prevalence rate of obesity in the United States has accentuated concerns about obesity-related problems as a major public health issue, which has motivated widespread efforts to increase public knowledge and to motivate individuals to change their relevant behaviors. Although health campaign messages commonly include information about prevalence rates for obesity, the impact of obesity labeling and prevalence rate descriptions in such messages has been overlooked by researchers. This online framing experiment fills the research gap by investigating the effects of obesity labeling (disease vs. body type) and prevalence statistics (prevalence rates of obesity, extreme obesity, combined overweight–obesity, or no prevalence information). Our findings suggest that obesity perceptions deviate from reality and that participants use framed cues in the health message as reference points when making judgments related to the nature and prevalence of obesity. Moreover, this study shows that even accurate information might lead to inaccurate perceptions as a result of framing, and perceptions of the nature and prevalence of obesity mediate the effects of framing on behavioral intentions. Implications for obesity framing and the design of public health messages are discussed.
Destination Climate Adaptation
Authors: Čavlek Nevenka , Cooper Chris , Krajinović Vanja , Srnec Lidija , Zaninović Ksenija
Published: August 2018

A key element in the product mix of destinations is climate. Climate represents a critical part of a destination’s economic and resource base such that changes in climate will trigger human responses in terms of demand and the type of activities that the climate will support. This threatens the competitiveness, sustainability, and economic viability of destinations. This research note focuses on destination adaptation to climate change that is anticipatory not reactive, based on projecting future climate scenarios for a destination and then assessing the tourism products that the future climate will support. It outlines an original data-driven approach to adaptation that is generalizable to other destinations. The research note describes an exploratory research collaboration in Croatia between tourism and climate scientists that allows, first, the modeling of a destination’s projected climate conditions and, second, the products and activities that can be supported by these climate scenarios using climate indices for tourism.
Vascular access surgery can be safely performed in an ambulatory setting
Authors: Mestres Gaspar , Yugueros Xavier , Fontseré Nestor , Fierro Alejandro , Sala Xavier , Derosa Teresa Maria , Burrel Marta , Riambau Vincent
Published: August 2018

Introduction:

Ambulatory surgery is associated with lower costs, but there is lack of evidence of the safety for ambulatory vascular access surgery. The objective of this study is to substantiate the safety and effectiveness of performing vascular access surgery in an ambulatory setting.

Methods:

A review of our prospectively maintained database including all vascular access open surgeries (creations and repairs) performed by our Vascular Access Unit between 2013 and 2017 was compiled. Patient comorbidities, surgery details, hospital admission conditions, and 1-week and 1-month follow-up patency and complications (death, infection, bleeding, and readmission/reintervention) were scrutinized.

Results:

In the last 5 years, 1414 vascular access procedures were performed (67.8% access creations, 32.2% previous access repairs) in 1012 patients. Most surgeries were performed under local anesthesia (59.2%) or axillary plexus block (38.4%) and mainly in an ambulatory setting, without overnight hospital stays (90.9%). During the first postoperative week follow-up, 9 cases (0.6%) needed readmission or reintervention; significant infection materialized in 11 (0.8%) and 10 cases (0.7%) showed noteworthy hematoma or bleeding, only three (0.2%) requiring reintervention. The primary composite endpoint of 24-h death and 1 week readmission, reintervention, infection, or bleeding was 1.9% (27 cases); 1-month access failure was 6.2%. After univariate analysis, ambulatory settings were not related to higher rates of complications or readmissions.

Conclusion:

Arteriovenous access surgery can be safely performed in an ambulatory setting, in spite of complex cases, comorbidities, or the increasing implementation of axillary plexus blocks. Surgical results and patency are good, and complications necessitating readmission remain very low.