bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective memory deficits following acute alcohol consumption
Authors: Elliott Morgan , Terrett Gill , Curran H Valerie , De Bono Natalie , Rendell Peter G , Henry Julie D
Published: November 2021

Background:

Prospective memory is a critical neurocognitive capacity that refers to the ability to execute delayed intentions. To date, few studies have investigated the effects of acute alcohol consumption on prospective memory, and important questions remain about the mechanisms that might underpin acute alcohol-induced prospective memory impairment.

Aims:

The current study sought to clarify the nature and magnitude of prospective memory difficulties following acute alcohol consumption and to test the degree to which any problems with prospective remembering might be a secondary consequence of broader cognitive impairment. This study also investigated whether there were potential sex differences.

Methods:

In all, 124 healthy adult social drinkers were assigned to either the alcohol ( n = 61) or placebo ( n = 63) condition. Participants were administered a dose of 0.6 g/kg alcohol or a matched placebo drink and then asked to complete a measure of prospective memory. A broader neurocognitive test battery was also administered.

Results:

Relative to the placebo condition, acute alcohol intoxication led to significant impairment on all prospective memory tasks, with effects mostly large in magnitude. These difficulties could not be explained by broader problems in retrospective memory, executive function or episodic future thinking. In addition, females recorded a higher blood alcohol concentration than males; however, no sex differences in prospective memory performance were identified following acute alcohol use.

Conclusion:

The results show that acutely, even a moderate dose of alcohol substantially impairs prospective memory function. These findings have potentially important implications for understanding many of the maladaptive behaviours associated with acute alcohol consumption.
NTU VIRAL: A visual-inertial-ranging-lidar dataset, from an aerial vehicle viewpoint
Authors: Nguyen Thien-Minh , Yuan Shenghai , Cao Muqing , Lyu Yang , Nguyen Thien H , Xie Lihua
Published: November 2021

In recent years, autonomous robots have become ubiquitous in research and daily life. Among many factors, public datasets play an important role in the progress of this field, as they waive the tall order of initial investment in hardware and manpower. However, for research on autonomous aerial systems, there appears to be a relative lack of public datasets on par with those used for autonomous driving and ground robots. Thus, to fill in this gap, we conduct a data collection exercise on an aerial platform equipped with an extensive and unique set of sensors: two 3D lidars, two hardware-synchronized global-shutter cameras, multiple Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), and especially, multiple Ultra-wideband (UWB) ranging units. The comprehensive sensor suite resembles that of an autonomous driving car, but features distinct and challenging characteristics of aerial operations. We record multiple datasets in several challenging indoor and outdoor conditions. Calibration results and ground truth from a high-accuracy laser tracker are also included in each package. All resources can be accessed via our webpage https://ntu-aris.github.io/ntu_viral_dataset/ .
Warmed contrast media temperature loss in traditional manifold systems during angiographic procedures
Authors: O'Sullivan Kevin J. , Kermavnar Tjaša , Gorski Kenneth A. , Arnous Samer , O'Sullivan Leonard W.
Published: November 2021

Background

Extrinsic warming of contrast media (CM) to 37 °C before angiographic procedures is performed to improve bolus kinetics and avoid potential adverse effects. Extrinsically warmed CM readily loses temperature after removal from the warming cabinet, but the extent of its cooling has not been previously investigated.

Purpose

To assess temperature loss of extrinsically warmed CM in tubing of traditional angiographic manifolds during simulated angiography.

Material and Methods

In total, 35 scheduled diagnostic angiographic procedures were observed in a hospital setting. Relevant time points of CM use during the procedures were recorded. The shortest, median, and longest procedures were then simulated in the experimental laboratory to measure CM temperatures at specific times at three locations along the tubing system.

Results

The angiographic procedures lasted 7.0–26.6 min (median = 11.7 min), with the total duration dependent primarily on the time from contrast being removed from the warming cabinet to the commencement of imaging. During the simulated procedures, consistent patterns of temperature loss were observed. By the last simulated angiographic run, injected CM temperature decreased by 7.4–16.4 °C, depending on procedure length. Most of the heat loss occurred in the tubing between the CM bottle and coronary control syringe.

Conclusion

During angiographic procedures, prewarmed CM loses its temperature rapidly with the duration of exposure to ambient room temperature. If no additional measures are employed to maintain its temperature outside of the warming cabinet, extrinsic warming has limited impact on injected CM temperature.
Cosmopolitan enclaves: An introduction
Authors: Rey Jeanne , Bolay Matthieu , Gez Yonatan N
Published: November 2021

Cosmopolitan enclaves emerge at the intersection of global dynamics and local contexts as spaces where the cultivation of a cosmopolitan ethos encounters processes of socio-spatial boundary work and segregation. In the introduction to this special issue, we discuss under which circumstances the intention to cultivate open-mindedness goes hand in hand with keeping the local environment at bay. We argue that ethnographic attention to cosmopolitan enclaves may help bridge macro-level observations regarding globalization and its graduated sovereignties with the micro-level understanding of actual day-to-day interactions and boundary work within concrete spaces. We thus address the paradox of the omnipresence of enclaves in a global world and analyse the ambiguous aspirations and expectations derived from cosmopolitan ideals and how they relate to (under)privilege. While cosmopolitan aspirations exist alongside reproductions of postcolonial representations and hierarchies, they may also express the will to resist the politics of exclusion by demarcating an alternative safe haven.
Socioeconomic Status and Medical Assistance in Dying: A Regional Descriptive Study
Authors: Tran Manny , Honarmand Kimia , Sibbald Robert , Priestap Fran , Oczkowski Simon , Ball Ian M
Published: November 2021

Objective: Concerns that medical assistance in dying (MAiD) may harm vulnerable groups unable to access medical treatments and social supports have arisen since the legalization of MAiD on June 17, 2016; however, there is little research on the topic. The purpose of this study is to investigate the socioeconomic status (SES) of patients who request MAiD at the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients from the LHSC MAiD database between June 6, 2016 and December 20, 2019 was conducted. Patients were linked to income data from the 2016 Canadian Census, and their corresponding income quintile was a proxy for SES. Geographic information system (GIS) mapping software was used to visualize the distribution of income and MAiD requests. Results: 39.4% of the LHSC catchment area was classified as low SES. Two hundred thirty-seven (58.1%) MAiD requests came from low SES patients and 171 (41.9%) requests came from high SES patients. Two hundred fifty-nine (63.5%) patients who requested a MAiD assessment did not receive MAiD following their request. Of the 237 lower SES patients, 150 (63.3% [95% CI 57.2-69.3]) did not receive MAiD. Of the 171 higher SES patients, 109 (63.7% [95% CI 56.5-70.9]) did not receive MAiD. Conclusion: A disproportionate number of requests for a MAiD assessment at LHSC came from lower SES patients; however, similar proportions of patients who requested MAiD from each SES group received aid in dying. Future research should explore why a disproportionately high number of low SES patients request MAiD at LHSC.
Mothers Caring for Adult Children With Substance Use Disorder: Understanding Lived Experience
Authors: St-Amant Oona , Schwind Jasna K.
Published: November 2021

Background

Most persons with substance use disorder (SUD) live in family settings. In the absence of adequate mental health services, mothers are often called upon to provide care for their adult children with SUD. Despite positive outcomes such as decreased rates of hospitalization associated with family involvement, mothers are often stigmatized within the health care systems as contributors to trauma and/or family dysfunction.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore mothers’ lived experience of caring for adult children with SUD.

Method

Guided by critical feminist theory, this study used interpretive descriptive qualitative research design to identify patterns within mothers’ experiences for practical relevance and application to service provision.

Results

The findings yielded in this study identified mothers’ experiences as: longing for wellness, identity as loving mother, loss, anticipatory grief, shame and blame and feeling excluded from services. Ultimately, the findings from this study extend the limited research to date on mothers’ experiences of stigma, especially when they are blamed for their child’s illness.

Conclusions

Findings from this study advocate for family-centered approaches that attend to mothers’ unique experience, from their standpoint, and offer recommendations for change to service provision.
Preparation of liposomal nanocarrier by extruder to enhance tumor accumulation of paclitaxel
Authors: Trang Le Ngoc Thuy , Nguyen Ngoc Hoi , Hoang Minh Chau , Khoa Nguyen Cuu , Hai Nguyen Dai , Tran Dieu Linh
Published: November 2021

Despite the wide-spectrum and effective anti-cancer activity of paclitaxel (PTX), their low solubility and side effects are the main challenges in their clinical application. In this study, a model paclitaxel-encapsulated nanoliposome (NLips-PTX) carrier was synthesized to enhance PTX solubility and increase its passive accumulation at the tumor site. Soy lecithin and cholesterol at a 9:1 ratio were used to prepare the nano-sized liposomes through the thin-film hydration followed by extrusion technique. The prepared spherical NLips-PTX liposomes with an average size of about 150 nm and high uniformity were characterized by DLS and TEM. PTX load efficiency of NLips was determined at about 85% by HPLC. NLips-PTX also showed a therapeutic effect toward breast cancer cells (MCF-7) in a dose- and time-dependent manner via in vitro cellular uptake and a cytotoxicity study. This research indicates that extrusion is a simple and convenient method for nano-sizing and homogenising liposome suspension for potentially effective delivery of drug to target tumor sites.
Framing Social Work Discourses of Violence Against Women. Insights From Finland and India
Authors: Piippo Sisko , Notko Marianne , Husso Marita , Carter Anand Janet
Published: November 2021

Violence against women (VAW) is a global social problem. In India, its high prevalence is connected to gender inequality, whereas Finland suffers from the so-called Nordic Paradox—that is, the existence of both gender equality and a high prevalence of VAW. This qualitative study employed a critical constructioniist approach and frame analysis to analyze data from interviews with Finnish ( n = 20) and Mumbai ( n = 18) social workers. We asked how social workers frame their response to VAW and how ways of framing elucidate institutional practices that facilitate the interventions. Anti-oppressive, juridical, procedural, and collaborational frames revealed institutional practices mirroring how societal dismissal of VAW and neglect of survivors’ experiences travel across cultures. However, in contrast to Mumbai, ways of framing in Finland revealed little evidence of a feminist approach to VAW. Although gender as a social category might not have stood out in the Finnish data, there was evidence of how gender works through ethnicity. Findings raise questions for both countries about how to develop VAW interventions, for example, to address the complexity of VAW affecting individuals, families, and communities, engage different stakeholders, and attend to social positionality as well as axes of diversity.
Evaluation of Phase Change Materials for Personal Cooling Applications
Authors: Teunissen Lennart , Janssen Emiel , Schootstra Joost , Plaude Linda , Jansen Kaspar
Published: November 2021

Eleven phase change materials (PCMs) for cooling humans in heat-stressed conditions were evaluated for their cooling characteristics. Effects of packaging material and segmentation were also investigated. Sample packs with a different type PCM (water- and oil-based PCMs, cooling gels, inorganic salts) or different packaging (aluminum, TPU, TPU + neoprene) were investigated on a hotplate. Cooling capacity, duration, and power were determined. Secondly, a PCM pack with hexagon compartments was compared to an unsegmented version with similar content. Cooling power decreased whereas cooling duration increased with increasing melting temperature. The water-based PCMs showed a >2x higher cooling power than other PCMs, but were relatively short-lived. The flexible gels and salts did not demonstrate a phase change plateau in cooling power, compromising their cooling potential. Using a TPU or aluminum packaging was indifferent. Adding neoprene considerably extended cooling duration, while decreasing power. Segmentation has practical benefits, but substantially lowered contact area and therefore cooling power.
The Potential Win-win Strategy for Healthy Aging and Environmental Protection: Environmental Volunteering
Authors: Hung Chung-Shan , Loh Ching-Hui , Hsieh Jyh-Gang , Chen Jia-Ching , Lin Yan-Wei , Yen Chia-Feng
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To explore the physical activity level of community environmental volunteering (CEV) participants and the differences in physical functions and daily activity patterns between the older adults who engaged in intensive CEV (≥15 hours/week) and non-intensive CEV (<15 hours/week) groups.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Three recycling stations in Taiwan.

Sample

In total, 113 community-dwelling older adults who regularly participated in CEV. The response rate was 53%.

Measures

The ActiGraph wGT3x-BT accelerometer for the percentage of sedentary, light, and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of CEV time and awaken time; the Jamar hand dynamometer for grip strength; and the MicroFET3 muscle testing dynamometer for knee extension strength.

Analysis

Analysis of covariance with the baseline characteristics as covariates.

Results

Overall, MVPA, light, and sedentary activities accounted for 53.73%, 41.10%, and 5.23% of CEV time, respectively. The intensive group (n = 61) displayed greater dominant handgrip strength ( P = .004) and higher MVPA percentage in daily life ( P = .044) than the non-intensive group (n = 52).

Conclusion

CEV provides sufficient opportunities for older adults to perform physical activity. Intensive CEV is related to greater handgrip strength but not lower limb strength. Further study is needed to establish the causal relationship between CEV and health variates.
Beyond the Minimalist Critique: An Assessment of the Right to Education in International Human Rights Law
Authors: Perera Ramindu
Published: November 2021

The minimalist critique of human rights advanced by legal historian Samuel Moyn argues that human rights are ineffective in addressing material inequality because, rather than striving for equality, they focus on ensuring sufficient protection levels. This article analyses the right to education model which international human rights bodies have expanded to demonstrate the overstretched nature of the minimalist critique. By examining how the right to education provisions of international human rights treaties are interpreted by various United Nations human rights mechanisms, the article argues that the international human rights system has advanced a model of right to education that reaches beyond the notion of sufficiency. The works of these bodies are analysed in light of the privatisation of education. In defining the connection between the equality and liberty dimensions of the right to education, international human rights bodies have prioratised ensuring equal opportunities over the liberty to private education. The aim of the right to education is not merely to provide basic literacy to the poor but also to assure equal educational opportunities to all.
Whatever Happened to the Canaanites? Principles of a Christian Ethic of Mass Immigration
Authors: Biggar Nigel
Published: November 2021

This article aims to articulate a set of general principles of a Christian ethic of mass immigration. Toward this end, it considers: biblical and theological grounds for cosmopolitanism (and ‘open borders’); biblical and theological caveats against cosmopolitanism; elements of a Christian ethic of the treatment of near and distant neighbours; what Francisco de Vitoria’s ‘On the American Indians’ has to contribute; what lessons should be learned from the history of European colonialism; and the nature of mass immigration into twenty-first-century Europe and the problems it entails. The article concludes with six principles: relevant empirical data should be mastered before developing a judgement; concerns about mass immigration should not be dismissed out of hand as ‘racist’; care of the alien may take a variety of forms, not only that of granting asylum; illegal economic immigrants should normally be returned home; compassion should look in several directions—not only at the migrant, but also at the working-class competitor for jobs and services, and at members of government burdened with the responsibility of making hard decisions; and the Christian is obliged to exercise, not only compassion, but justice and prudence.
Truth and Deceit in Institutions
Authors: Woodhead Linda
Published: November 2021

This article considers why truth-telling is so difficult in institutions, and deceit and paltering are so common. Drawing on recent examples of churches and charities exposed for covering up the truth about abuse, the article explores the institutional barriers to truthfulness and considers how they might be removed.
Investigation the influence of spacer yarns orientation angle on the thermal behavior of 3D textile reinforced concrete (TRC)
Authors: Abdellahi Sayyed Behzad , Hejazi Sayyed Mahdi , Hasani Hossein
Published: November 2021

Thermal behavior such as heat transfer is an important parameter for construction composites. Three-dimensional textile reinforced concrete (TRC) is one of the construction composites which is recently being used in the building industry. Therefore, in this study, the thermal behavior of three different TRC samples was investigated by a heat transfer test using an infrared method. The cementitious matrix was reinforced by 3D fabric with three different spacer yarn orientation angles. The cementitious matrix was fabricated by cement and waste stone powder. The TRC sample was put on the hot plate of the heat transfer apparatus and the temperature variations of the top surface of the sample were obtained. According to the test results, increasing the orientation angle of spacer yarns leads to a decrease in the thermal conductivity of the TRC sample and reduces heat transfer. On the other hand, a theoretical model was used to calculate the thermal conductivity and resistance coefficients of sandwich samples. Furthermore, a 3D finite element model was used to predict the heat transfer of TRC specimens. A unit cell of the TRC model was created in Abaqus software and finite element (FE) analysis was carried on a created model. Thermal conductivity and thermal resistance of samples according to FE results were calculated and compared with experimental results. FE results showed good agreement with the experimental data.
Application of social spider optimization and improved active disturbance rejection controller in hierarchical control of cooperative multi-lift with four unmanned helicopters
Authors: Duan Dengyan , Zhao Hong , Yu Tianle , Zhang Chaoqun , Li Jianbo
Published: November 2021

To achieve the three-dimensional free movement of the slung load, a load-leading hierarchical control strategy has been adopted recently which divides the cooperative multi-lift system into a load layer, a cable layer, and an aircraft layer. But there exists a non-convex optimization problem in the cable layer when computing the force of each cable, and more control difficulties of the aircraft due to the additional disturbances resulting from the load movement. To solve these problems, an application of the social spider optimization (SSO) algorithm and the improved active disturbance rejection controller (IADRC) in hierarchical control of cooperative multi-lift with four unmanned helicopters is proposed in this study. First, the unmanned helicopters as well as the load are modeled. Then the three layers mentioned above are designed, respectively. Specifically, an optimization method combining SSO with the MATLAB/fmincon function is proposed to solve the non-convex problem in the cable layer. And within the unmanned helicopter layer, the fuzzy theory is introduced into the nonlinear error feedback control strategy of the traditional active disturbance rejection controller (ADRC) to realize the control of the unmanned helicopter. At last, some simulations are carried out, and the results indicate that the system has higher calculation efficiency, smaller steady-state error, and better adaptability to trajectory change or load release with the designed hierarchical control strategy.
The Impact of International Virtual Exchange on Participation in Education Abroad
Authors: Lee Jonathan , Leibowitz Jami , Rezek Jon
Published: November 2021

International virtual exchange is gaining popularity as an innovative approach to providing international experiences to students, particularly considering the COVID-19 pandemic. However, little research has been conducted on this unique teaching approach or how it fits into university comprehensive internationalization plans. In this paper, we develop a simple theoretical model to explain the impact of taking international virtual exchange classes on students’ decisions to subsequently study abroad. We use a linear probability model with a longitudinal panel that follows 39,381 students through their entire academic career at a large American university to estimate the impact of international virtual exchange and foreign language courses on the probability of subsequent study abroad. Based on our preferred matching model, which accounts for observable differences in student characteristics, we find the likelihood a student will subsequently study abroad approximately doubles if they take an international virtual exchange course.
Reimagining the Delivery of International Student Services During a Global Pandemic: A Case Study in the United States
Authors: Veerasamy Yovana S. , Ammigan Ravichandran
Published: November 2021

The COVID-19 global pandemic caught the United States and the rest of the world ill-prepared, and many institutions of higher education continue to wrestle with unprecedented challenges to provide effective support services to their students. This paper examines how a mid-sized university in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States reimagined the delivery of services to its international student population at the onset of the health crisis. The study employed a qualitative method and a case study research design to describe, from an institutional perspective, the shift from a traditional in-person service model to a virtual mode of support for international students as a result of campus closures and a switch to remote learning. Based on the findings, the authors offer five key considerations that can be crucial in effectively delivering International Student Services in an online environment. Implications for international educators and support staff are discussed.
Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Burden Scale for Family Caregivers-Short Form
Authors: Tambling Rachel R. , D’Aniello Carissa , Russell Beth S.
Published: November 2021

Caregiver burden describes the physical, psychological, social, and financial demands of providing care to others. Caregiver burden has been investigated in general, and off-time caregiving often specific to chronic, recurring conditions. Despite the substantial research attention to caregiving burden, there have been few studies aimed establishing the psychometric evaluation of measurement tools used to measure the construct ( Pendergrass et al., 2018 ). Accurate measurement of caregiving burden is essential for studying the myriad effects on caregivers’ mental, physical, financial, and relational health. To begin to fill this gap, we conducted an exploratory factor analysis and a confirmatory factor analysis of the Burden Scale for Family Caregivers ( Pendergrass et al., 2018 ) in two distinct samples. Results of an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indicated a one factor solution. Implications for these findings on the study of caregiver burden are included.
Impact of Pregnancy-Related Venous Thromboembolism on Quality of Patients’ Lives
Authors: Al-Husban Naser , Alnsour Leena N. , El-adwan Zaid , Saleh Nada A. , El-Zibdeh Mazen
Published: November 2021

Background: During pregnancy, the risk of venous thrombo-embolism (VTE) is increased at least five times compared with non-pregnant women of the same age, while the relative risk in the postpartum period can be as high as sixty times. The aim of the study was to explore the impact of pregnancy-related VTE on patients' mental, professional, social and personal life. Methods and Materials: Cross-sectional study at Jordan University Hospital's Obstetrics Department. Results: There were 112 women. Forty-six (41.1%) had a postpartum VTE. Twenty-eight of the patients (25%) had comorbidity. Eleven (9.9%) had a previous episode of VTE. Thirty-nine (35%) of the women reported three or more hospital visits over the past six months. Twenty-one (19.6%) of the women answered that their leg or chest pain has impeded their social activities. Anxiety/Depression was reported by 96.43% while Pain/Discomfort by 73.21%. A significant reduction of time spent on their work (correlation = 0.663, significant at <0.01) and accomplishing less work (correlation = 0.787, this was significant at <0.01) was found; 57.14% of patients indicated that VTE affecting their future pregnancies; 58.9% of patients were receiving anticoagulants with the most commonly used drug was aspirin. Twenty-four (36.4%) of the women were on multiple anticoagulant therapies. Twenty-five of the patients receiving medications do not monitor their medications and 20 patients said that monitoring the drug level was a bother to them. Conclusions: Pregnancy-related VTE had a significant adverse impact on physical, mental and professional life of women. It also had negative effects on future pregnancy plans.
Microencapsulation of steroidal saponins from agave sap concentrate using different carriers in spray drying
Authors: Vázquez-Rodríguez Benjamín , Gutiérrez-Uribe Janet A. , Guajardo-Flores Daniel , Santos-Zea Liliana
Published: November 2021

Concentrated agave sap is a product with in vivo proven hypocholesterolemic and hypoglycemic activities, as well as in vitro anticancer potential. In the present work, a factorial design was used to determine the suitable drying conditions of concentrated agave by studying the effect of inlet temperature (150 °C, 180 °C and 210 °C) and the type of carrier agent (maltodextrin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, guar gum and xanthan gum). The response variables for each treatment were the product recovery and microencapsulated saponins. Further characterization of concentrated agave powders was performed: solubility in water, hygroscopicity, moisture content, tap density, bulk density, Carr’s index followability and morphology by scanning electron microscopy analysis. The hydroxypropyl methylcellulose proved to improve physicochemical properties and enhance product yield, using 210 °C inlet temperature and a mix of carrier agents of maltodextrin/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose/xanthan gum at 50/48.5/1.5 (w/w/w) proportion exhibited the highest saponin recovery of 53.81%. Moreover, different carrier agents in powders revealed two shapes, regular spherical shape with smooth surface and collapsed shapes. The use of polymers excipients helped to decrease the stickiness of the desired product and enhanced the powder stability and microencapsulation of the steroidal saponins.
Homicide and the Opioid Epidemic: A Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Rosenfeld Richard , Roth Randolph , Wallman Joel
Published: November 2021

Recent cross-sectional research has disclosed a positive relationship between opioid-related death rates and homicide rates. The current study adds a longitudinal dimension to this research. We estimate fixed effects panel models of the temporal relationship between race-specific homicide rates and opioid-related death rates within U.S. counties and county clusters between 1999 and 2015. The results reveal a positive association between change over time in homicide and opioid-related deaths, net of multiple socioeconomic and demographic controls, in both the Non-Hispanic White and Black population. The association is stronger in the Appalachian counties, where the opioid epidemic has been particularly severe.
The Anesthesiologist’s Perspective and Experience in Global Congenital Cardiac Surgery: Results of a Survey of the Congenital Cardiac Anesthesia Society Membership
Authors: Hubbard Richard M. , Buchbinder Lindsey B. , Tobias Joseph D. , Zabala Luis M , Latham Gregory J. , Gautam Nischal K.
Published: November 2021

Anesthesiologists are important components of volunteer teams which perform congenital cardiac surgery in low-resource settings throughout the world, but limited data exist to characterize the nature and breadth of their work. A survey of Congenital Cardiac Anesthesia Society (CCAS) members was conducted with the objective of understanding the type of voluntary care being provided, its geographic reach, the frequency of volunteer activities, and factors which may encourage or limit anesthesiologists’ involvement in this work. The survey was completed by 108 participants. Respondents reported a total of 115 volunteer trips during the study period, including work in 41 countries on 5 continents. Frequent motivating factors to begin volunteering included invitations from charitable groups, encouragement from senior colleagues, and direct connections to individual locations. Discouraging factors included familial responsibilities, the need to use vacation time, and a lack of support from home institutions. The year 2020 saw a marked decrease in reported volunteer activity, and respondents reported multiple pandemic-related factors which might discourage future volunteer activities. The results of this study demonstrate the global reach of anesthesiologists in providing care for children having cardiac surgery. It also offers insights into the challenges faced by interested individuals, many of which are related to a lack of institutional support. These challenges have only mounted under the COVID-pandemic, leading to a dramatic downturn in volunteer activities. Finally, the survey reinforces the need for better coordination of volunteer activities to optimize clinical impact.
Trained Volunteers With Type 2 Diabetes Experience Significant Health Benefits When Providing Peer Support
Authors: Garner Nikki J. , Pond Martin , Auckland Sara , Sampson Mike
Published: November 2021

Trained lay volunteers may have value in supporting lifestyle change programs in the prevention of type 2 diabetes, but the potential health benefits (or harms) experienced by these lay volunteers have not been well described. This is important, as this is an appealing model in terms of workforce planning. The aim of the prespecified quantitative study reported here, was to examine the possible health benefits or harms experienced by these trained lay volunteers with type 2 diabetes. In a large type 2 diabetes prevention program, we recruited and trained 104 lay volunteers with type 2 diabetes themselves, to act as diabetes prevention mentors and codeliver the lifestyle intervention. Mentors made motivational telephone calls to 461 participants randomized to one of the trial arms to encourage lifestyle changes. Weight, diet, physical activity, well-being, quality of life, diabetes-specific self-efficacy, and glycaemic control were measured at baseline, 12 and 24 months. Average mentor age was 62.0 years, 57 (54.8%) were male, 92 (88.5%) were overweight or obese (BMI>30 kg/m2). At 12 months, mentor dietary behaviors (fat and fiber intake) improved significantly, sedentary time spent fell significantly, and diabetes specific self-efficacy scores significantly increased. These significant improvements, with no evidence of harms, suggest lay volunteers with type 2 diabetes codelivering a lifestyle intervention, may themselves experience health benefits from volunteering.
Outcomes of bleb revision with ologen following filtering glaucoma surgery
Authors: Kornmann Helen L. , Fellman Ronald L. , Smith Oluwatosin U. , Godfrey David G. , Butler Michelle R. , Grover Davinder S.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study reports long-term outcomes of bleb revision with ologen™ Collagen Matrix (Aeon Astron Europe BV, the Netherlands) for the surgical management of various bleb-related issues including persistent bleb leaks with or without associated hypotony, bleb dysesthesia, overhanging blebs, or hypotony after filtering glaucoma surgery.

Materials and methods

A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who underwent ologen bleb revision from 2012 to 2019 at Glaucoma Associates of Texas.

Results

The study included 23 eyes of 22 patients undergoing bleb revision with the ologen implant. Mean age was 74.0 ± 11.3 years, 16 (69.6%) were female, and 13 (56.5%) were White. Indications for bleb revision included bleb leak (78.3%), dysesthesia (13.0%), and hypotony from an overfiltering bleb (8.7%). Mean preoperative intraocular pressure was 6.8 ± 4.1 mmHg and the number of medications was 0.3 ± 0.9. Median follow-up was 24 months (range: 12–84 months); all patients had at least 12 months of follow-up. At 1 year, mean intraocular pressure was 10.9 ± 4.6 mmHg on 0.2 ± 0.5 medications, and at last follow-up, mean intraocular pressure was 10.4 ± 3.6 mmHg on 0.3 ± 0.7 medications. Bleb morphology remained low, diffuse, and posterior. One patient developed kissing choroidal effusions requiring surgical drainage with subsequent stabilization of intraocular pressure and bleb function, and three patients required additional surgery due to persistent leaks or bleb failure; there were no other vision-threatening complications.

Conclusions

Use of the ologen implant during surgical bleb revision is a useful surgical technique that confers long-term improvements in bleb morphology and stability of function.
One year outcome and predictors of treatment outcome in central serous chorioretinopathy: Multimodal imaging based analysis
Authors: Arora Supriya , Maltsev Dmitrii S. , Singh Randhir Sumit , Sahoo Niroj Kumar , Jhingan Mahima , Parmeshwarappa Deepika , Arora Tarun , Kulikov Alexei , Iovino Claudio , Zur Dinah , Fainberg Gilad , Ibrahim Mohammed Nasar , Tatti Filippo , Gujar Ramkailash , Venkatesh Ramesh , Reddy Nikitha , Snehith Ram , Peiretti Enrico , Lupidi Marco , Chhablani Jay
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the follow up and treatment outcome of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) based on the new multimodal imaging-based classification and identify the predictors for anatomic and visual outcome.

Methods

Retrospective, multicentric study on 95 eyes diagnosed with CSCR and a follow up of at least 12 months were included. Eyes with macular neovascularization, atypical CSCR or any other disease were excluded.

Results

At the baseline, observation was advised to 70% eyes with simple CSCR whereas photodynamic therapy (PDT) was performed in 49% eyes with complex CSCR. Over the follow up, decrease in CMT was significantly higher in simple CSCR as compared to complex CSCR ( P = 0.008) and the recurrences were significantly more in eyes with lower CMT at baseline ( P = 0.0002). Median time of resolution of SRF was 3 months and 6 months in simple and complex CSCR respectively ( P = 0.09). For the 12 months follow up, the median fluid free period was greater ( P = 0.03) while number of interventions performed was lesser in eyes with simple CSCR as compared to complex CSCR ( P = 0.006). Multiple regression analysis showed baseline best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and baseline persistent SRF to be significantly predictive of BCVA and persistent SRF at 12 months ( P < 0.0001, 0.04) respectively.

Conclusions

Complex CSCR more often required PDT, was associated with shorter fluid free interval and longer time for SRF resolution. Baseline BCVA and persistent SRF were predictive of final visual and anatomical outcome. The new multimodal imaging based classification is helpful in establishing objective criteria for planning treatment approaches for CSCR.
Spontaneous regression of presumed ocular surface squamous neoplasia: A report of 8 cases
Authors: Vempuluru Vijitha S , Ghose Neha , Vithalani Nidhi Mahendra , Sultana Shahenaz , Kaliki Swathi
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To report the phenomenon of spontaneous regression in presumed ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN)

Methods

Retrospective chart review of clinically diagnosed cases of OSSN during 2016 to 2019

Results

Of the 449 OSSN lesions, spontaneous regression was seen in 8 lesions (2%). The mean age at diagnosis of OSSN was 37 years (median, 36 years; range, 21 to 59 years). All were males with unilateral, treatment-naïve tumors. Mean duration of symptoms was 3 months (median, 2 months; range, 1 to 12 months). All tumors arose within the interpalpebral region, located in the nasal quadrant in 88% (n = 7) and in temporal quadrant in 12% (n = 1). The mean tumor diameter was 4 mm (median, 4 mm; range, 3 to 5 mm). Lesions showed nodular (n = 4; 50%) or placoid (n = 4; 50%) morphology. The other features included keratin production and intrinsic vascularity (n = 8; 100%), feeder vessels (n = 4; 50%), and intratumoral pigmentation (n = 4; 50%). The diagnosis of OSSN was confirmed by classic anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) features. Tumors regressed after a mean period of 5 months (median, 4 months; range, <1 to 17 months) from presumed onset and a mean period of 2 months (median, 1 month; range, <1 to 6 months) from presentation to the clinic. No recurrences were noted at a mean follow up of 37 months (median, 35 months; range, 17 to 52 months) after spontaneous regression of tumors.

Conclusion

OSSN can spontaneously regress in 2% of cases. Immune-mediated reversal of dysplastic changes may explain this phenomenon.

Précis

In this study, spontaneous regression of presumed ocular surface squamous neoplasia was noted in 2% patients. Tumor regression resulted in restoration of normal epithelial architecture and no recurrences were observed during the follow-up period.
The Effect of Body Mass Index on Brain Volume and Cognitive Function in Relapsing–Remitting Multiple sclerosis: A CombiRx Secondary Analysis
Authors: Ben-Zacharia Aliza Bitton , Janal Malvin N. , Brody Abraham A. , Wolinsky Jerry , Lublin Fred , Cutter Gary
Published: November 2021

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease leading to physical, emotional and cognitive disability. High body mass index (BMI) may impact cognitive function and brain volume in MS. Yet, there is paucity of evidence addressing the impact of BMI on cognitive function and brain volume in MS.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of BMI on normal appearing brain volume and cognitive function in patients with relapsing–remitting MS.

Methods

A secondary data analysis of the NIH CombiRx study was conducted. Multivariate regression and mixed model analyses were executed to analyze the effect of BMI on brain volume and cognitive function.

Results

The mean baseline age of the 768 participants was 38.2(SD = 9.4) years. 73% were female and 88.8% were Caucasian. The mean BMI was 28.8 kg/m2(SD = 6.7). The multivariate regression and mixed model analyses failed to show a clinical effect of BMI on brain volume and cognitive function.

Conclusion

BMI did not show an effect on cognitive function and brain volume among MS patients. Although there is increased interest in the effects of modifiable factors on the course of MS, the effects of BMI on brain volume and cognitive function are debatable and warrant further research. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00211887
Research into the lubrication of a rotary lip seal using ferrofluid
Authors: Szczęch Marcin
Published: November 2021

The paper presents the results of research into a hybrid seal which is a combination of standard rotary lip seals and a magnetic fluid seal. To maintain the magnetic fluid in the friction zone region, either a specially shaped pole piece was used or the shaft was modified accordingly. The research study concerns the allowable operating pressure and lubrication conditions in short-term and durability tests after which shaft wear was also assessed. Magnetic fluids with different rheological and magnetic properties were considered. The test results showed that the long-term operation of a hybrid seal is possible. The requirements, however, are the appropriate value of the magnetic field and dynamic viscosity of the magnetic fluid.
Entrepreneurial orientation, social capital, and firm performance: The mediating role of innovation performance
Authors: Ince Huseyin , Imamoglu Salih Zeki , Karakose Mehmet Ali
Published: November 2021

The relationship between entrepreneurial orientation, social capital, innovation performance, and firm performance has attracted the attention of many researchers. However, there is a lack of research on the mediating role of innovation performance on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation, social capital, and firm performance. The purpose of this study is to investigate the mediating effect of innovation performance on the relationships between entrepreneurial orientation and firm performance and between social capital and firm performance. The study involves a questionnaire-based survey of managers from a variety of firms operating in Turkey. A total of 665 surveys from 298 firms were received and subjected to structural equation modelling analyses. We find that: (1) entrepreneurial orientation and social capital affect innovation performance, (2) innovation performance affects firm performance, and (3) innovation performance mediates the relationship between social capital and firm performance, and between entrepreneurial orientation and firm performance.
Aspirations of People With Intellectual Disabilities Living in a Care Organization
Authors: Benoot Toon , Roose Rudi , Dursin Wouter , Verschuere Bram , McKenzie Judith
Published: November 2021

This article presents the results of a research project involving 10 people with intellectual disabilities concerning their idea of “a good life” in a residential care setting, within a context of personal budgets. We introduce the capability approach as a framework for focusing on the opportunities personal budgets offer for people with intellectual disabilities. We make use of qualitative interviews following a photovoice project in which people with intellectual disabilities documented their lives in order to research what they deem valuable and aspire to.

Findings

In the analysis section, we present the elements which the participants identified as limiting and enhancing for imagining their future. From their stories, we learn that their aspirations are nourished by the encounters and social bonds that they engage in within a residential care context. The results make clear that the use of money offers opportunities to elaborate on what is already known and enables the realization of aspirations, while interactions with significant others more often than not encourage participants to explore and try out changes and thus further develop people’s set of aspirations.

Applications

In drawing the discussion to a close, we explore the implications these stories might have for understanding the role of aspirations in the practice of care and support for people with intellectual disabilities. The findings encourage us to think about a relational pedagogy and to address this in the practices of personal budgets.
Effect of a pylon on the broadband noise sources of counter-rotating turbomachinery
Authors: Tokaji Kristóf , Horváth Csaba
Published: November 2021

Pylons are commonly used for the mounting of engines in the aircraft industry. On the other hand, the installation of a pylon influences the noise generation mechanisms and therefore alters the broadband noise characteristics of a given turbomachinery setup. In this investigation, a counter-rotating open rotor with and without a pylon is investigated in order to determine its effects on broadband noise sources. The various broadband noise sources and their typical frequency ranges have been determined using beamforming maps and spectral analysis. In order to attain a clear impression regarding the broadband noise sources, the Double Filtering beamforming method has been utilized in the investigation. This method removes the tonal components from the recorded signal of a microphone array, resulting in a purely broadband signal. Using beamforming maps, the dominant broadband noise source amplitudes and locations can therefore be investigated in great detail. Compared to other methods, the investigation of measurement data and beamforming maps helps determine the amplitude, the frequency range, and the significance of the various types of broadband noise sources that are truly present in the emitted noise. It has been found for lower frequencies, that the broadband noise sources at the blade root of the aft rotor are dominant, while for higher frequencies, the significant broadband noise sources are localized to the trailing edge region of the forward rotor and the leading edge of the aft rotor. The installation of a pylon has resulted in an additional broadband noise source appearing at the blade tip of the aft rotor.