bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring nurse managers’ perception of using the RAFAELA system as a management tool in a Norwegian hospital setting
Authors: Lillehol Bodil Mørk , Lønning Kjersti , Andersen Marit Helen
Published: December 2017

Aim

The aim of the study, being part of a Norwegian evaluation project of the RAFAELA system, was to explore nurse managers’ perception of the RAFAELA system as a management tool in a Norwegian hospital setting.

Design

We applied an explorative qualitative design using focus group interviews.

Methods

Two focus group interviews were performed with 12 nurses in different management positions during autumn 2013. The principles of qualitative content analysis were used for analysing data.

Results

Three themes emerged. The informants experienced the RAFAELA system to be a basis for a precise and common langue. Furthermore, the informants considered it to be a system defining quality standards of nursing care. Finally, the RAFAELA system provided daily documentation of nursing intensity and thus was considered an important management tool for balancing patient needs with appropriate staff.
Characterizing the Pattern of Weight Loss and Regain in Adults Enrolled in a 12‐Week Internet‐Based Weight Management Program
Authors: Ross Kathryn M. , Qiu Peihua , You Lu , Wing Rena R.
Published: December 2017

Objective

Although the trajectory of weight change during and/or after behavioral weight management interventions is believed to include a period of weight loss followed by maintenance and later regain, the sparse data produced by existing study designs (conducting assessments at 3‐ to 6‐month intervals) have limited investigation into the precise pattern.

Methods

Seventy‐five adults were asked to self‐weigh daily via “smart” scales during a 12‐week, Internet‐based weight loss program and for an additional 9 months with no further intervention. Longitudinal change‐point mixed‐effect models were used to characterize overall weight change patterns and identify when individuals moved from weight loss to maintenance/regain.

Results

Analyses suggested a three‐phase model. During the first phase, participants lost weight at a (mean ± SE) rate of −0.46 ± 0.04 kg/wk; after 77.66 ± 3.96 days, they transitioned to regain (0.07 ± 0.02 kg/wk). The next transition occurred at 222.55 ± 7.23 days, after which the rate of regain decreased slightly (0.06 ± 0.02 kg/wk). Exploratory analyses identified baseline/demographic factors predicting the timing of transition points and slope of weight change within phases.

Conclusions

In contrast to the hypothesized trajectory, results demonstrated that participants transitioned immediately from weight loss to regain (with no “maintenance” period) and later to a slower rate of regain. Future studies should investigate whether extended‐care programs change or merely delay this pattern.
Simultaneous model predictive control and moving horizon estimation for blood glucose regulation in Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Copp David A. , Gondhalekar Ravi , Hespanha João P.
Published: December 2017

A new estimation and control approach for the feedback control of an artificial pancreas to treat Type 1 diabetes mellitus is proposed. In particular, we present a new output‐feedback predictive control approach that simultaneously solves the state estimation and control objectives by means of a single min‐max optimization problem. This involves optimizing a cost function with both finite forward and backward horizons with respect to the unknown initial state, unmeasured disturbances and noise, and future control inputs and is similar to simultaneously solving a model predictive control (MPC) problem and a moving horizon estimation (MHE) problem. We incorporate a novel asymmetric output cost to penalize dangerous low blood glucose values more severely than less harmful high blood glucose values. We compare this combined MPC/MHE approach to a control strategy that uses state‐feedback MPC preceded by a Luenberger observer for state estimation. In‐silico results showcase several advantages of this new simultaneous MPC/MHE approach, including fewer hypoglycemic events without increasing the number of hyperglycemic events, faster insulin delivery in response to a meal consumption, and shorter insulin pump suspensions, resulting in smoother blood glucose trajectories.
The Impact of Providing Vision Screening and Free Eyeglasses on Academic Outcomes: Evidence from a Randomized Trial in Title I Elementary Schools in Florida
Authors: Glewwe Paul , West Kristine L. , Lee Jongwook
Published: December 2017

More than 20 percent of all school‐aged children in the United States have vision problems, and low‐income and minority children are disproportionately likely to have unmet vision care needs. Vision screening is common in U.S. schools, but it remains an open question whether screening alone is sufficient to improve student outcomes. We implemented a multi‐armed randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the impact of vision screening, and of vision screening accompanied by eye exams and eyeglasses, provided by a non‐profit organization to Title I elementary schools in three large central Florida school districts. We find that providing additional/enhanced screening alone is generally insufficient to improve student achievement in math and reading. In contrast, providing screening along with free eye exams and free eyeglasses to students with vision problems improved student achievement as measured by standardized test scores. We find, averaging over all students (including those without vision problems), that this more comprehensive intervention increased the probability of passing the Florida Comprehensive Achievement Tests (FCATs) in reading and math by approximately 2.0 percentage points. We also present evidence that indicates that this impact fades out over time, indicating that follow‐up actions after the intervention may be necessary to sustain these estimated achievement gains.
Morphological, dielectric, tunable electromagnetic interference shielding and thermal characteristics of multiwalled carbon nanotube incorporated polymer nanocomposites: A facile, environmentally benign and cost effective approach realized via polymer latex/waterborne polymer as matrix
Authors: George Gejo , Simon Sanu Mathew , Prakashan V.P. , Sajna M.S. , Faisal Muhammad , Chandran Anoop , Wilson Runcy , Biju P.R. , Joseph Cyriac , Unnikrishnan N.V.
Published: December 2017

Recent years have witnessed an increased interest in the designing of composite materials in an uncomplicated and economical route for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding applications. Herein we report a simple; user friendly and cost effective method comprising of aqueous emulsion of polypropylene (PP) being used as the polymer matrix to manufacture uniformly and efficiently dispersed multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) incorporated PP composites with excellent electrical conductivity and EMI shielding potential; making use of non‐conventional fabrication techniques. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and field emission SEM (FE‐SEM) analysis revealed the uniform distribution of MWCNT's throughout the PP matrix. The dielectric constant and ac conductivity of the 20 wt% MWCNT incorporated sample showcased few order magnitude increment with the ac conductivity reaching as high as ∼66 S/m. Exemplary EMI shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of ∼57 dB (S band), ∼47 dB (X band), and ∼44 dB (Ku band) was achieved during this study over a broad range of microwave frequency. The composites illustrated marginally improved thermal stability compared to that of neat PP; and the onset crystallization and crystallization temperatures increased with increasing MWCNT concentration. This simple process can be utilized to prepare fine tuned composites/blends of polypropylene with nanofillers/incompatible polymers easily and effectively. Present work also suggests that designing polymer composites based on matrices dispersed in aqueous media is a promising approach to prepare nanocomposites with high filler loading and tunable properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1169–E1183, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
The effects of stacking configuration on the response of tensile and quasi‐static penetration to woven kenaf/glass hybrid composite metal laminate
Authors: Subramaniam Kathiravan , Dhar Malingam Sivakumar , Feng Ng Lin , Bapokutty Omar
Published: December 2017

The hybridization of natural and synthetic fibers in composite materials has gained the attention in the research field due to environmental awareness. Therefore, this study focuses on the effects of fiber stacking configuration on the tensile and quasi‐static penetration of kenaf/glass hybrid fiber metal laminates (FMLs). Kenaf/glass reinforced polypropylene FMLs with two different hybrid stacking configurations were prepared using hot compression process. Non‐hybrid kenaf and glass fiber reinforced metal laminates were also prepared for comparison. The tensile test was conducted according to ASTM E8, while the quasi‐static penetration test was carried out in accordance with ASTM D 6264 using 12.7 and 20 mm hemispherical indenters. The fractured surface of FMLs due to tensile loading was examined using scanning electron microscope, while optical micrograph was used to investigate the failure mechanism of quasi‐statically penetrated laminates. From the results, FMLs with the glass plies at the outer layers of composite (H1) showed a positive hybrid effect as they displayed better tensile and penetration resistance, compared to the non‐hybrid kenaf and glass reinforced FMLs. Furthermore, it could be seen that the overall performance of FMLs decreased as the kenaf content in the laminates further increases for hybrid FML. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:568–577, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Mechanical testing of micromolded plastic parts by nanoindentation
Authors: Zhiltsova Tatiana , Daga Bernardo , Frontini Patricia , Neto Victor , Oliveira Mónica
Published: December 2017

Weld lines occur when two melt streams are combined. They may result in purely cosmetic imperfections, but also may represent part failure if placed in an area on the plastic highly subjected to stress during service. Qualitative assessment of these structural and cosmetics defects is usually accomplished by conventional mechanical characterization, destructive by nature, such as tensile testing or dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Nanoindentation offers the possibility for quick quasi‐nondestructive in situ testing, allowing for monitoring the changes that occur in the surface layer of a plastic micropart. In this study, a methodology for the assessment of the superficial properties: hardness (H) and reduced Young's modulus (Er) of micromolded parts was developed. The microparts, molded from Polyoxymethylene with two different sets of processing conditions were tested throughout the entire length and in the vicinity of the welding line. The observed hardness (H) and reduced Young's modulus (Er) suggest that there is a steady increase in both values along the weld line from the adjoining flow front point at the inner side of the micropart towards the outer edge. In addition, H and Er were found out to vary consistently with the alterations induced by the processing conditions. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:609–614, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Providing Comprehensive Medication Management in Telehealth
Authors: Badowski Melissa E. , Walker Scot , Bacchus Shaffeeulah , Bartlett Sandy , Chan Juliana , Cochran Kelly A. , Coon Scott , Liedtke Michelle , Phillips Bradley G. , White Taylor
Published: December 2017

The goal of this white paper is to provide direction for clinical pharmacists providing telehealth. Telehealth care is rapidly emerging to improve patient access to health care and optimize patient health outcomes. With the increasing ability to access electronic health record portals, as many as 75 million telehealth encounters are expected in North America annually. Although electronic “point of access” undoubtedly increases the use of medical and pharmacy services, the real value of telehealth lies in improved access to patients in remote areas lacking adequate medical and pharmacy services and to high‐risk patients requiring frequent monitoring. This document is intended to serve as a guide for those interested in or already using telehealth to provide direct patient care. Specifically, it focuses on general concepts of telehealth and demonstrates how the delivery of comprehensive medication management (CMM) by telehealth aligns with the Standards of Practice for Clinical Pharmacists set forth by the American College of Clinical Pharmacy. Although clinical pharmacists must be appropriately credentialed and privileged to provide CMM, their process of care must also be adapted to suit the remote patient. Patient assessment, evaluation of medication therapy, development and implementation of a plan of care, follow‐up, monitoring, and documentation of all processes of care are influenced by the technology available, the collaborations established, and the applicable regulations and requirements for telehealth practice.
Solar cell efficiency tables (version 51)
Authors: Green Martin A. , Hishikawa Yoshihiro , Dunlop Ewan D. , Levi Dean H. , Hohl‐Ebinger Jochen , Ho‐Baillie Anita W.Y.
Published: December 2017

Consolidated tables showing an extensive listing of the highest independently confirmed efficiencies for solar cells and modules are presented. Guidelines for inclusion of results into these tables are outlined and new entries since July 2017 are reviewed, together with progress over the last 25 years. Appendices are included documenting area definitions and also listing recognised test centres.
Inheritance and fitness costs of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) resistance to spinosad in Brazil
Authors: Okuma Daniela M , Bernardi Daniel , Horikoshi Renato J , Bernardi Oderlei , Silva Aline P , Omoto Celso
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Spodoptera frugiperda is a pest of economically important crops in South America. In Brazil, this species is considered the most destructive pest of maize. Use of spinosyn insecticides in insect resistance management (IRM) has been one strategy to control this pest. In this study, we selected a strain of S. frugiperda resistant to spinosad and evaluated the inheritance and fitness costs of the resistance.

RESULTS

Estimated LC50 (concentration required to kill 50% of larvae) values were 0.011 and 9.80 µg cm−2 for the spinosad‐susceptible (Sus) and ‐resistant (Spin‐res) strains, respectively. This represents an 890‐fold resistance ratio. LC50 values for reciprocal crosses were 0.18 and 0.14 µg cm−2, indicating that resistance to spinosad is an autosomal incompletely recessive trait. Backcrosses of the F1 progeny from reciprocal crosses with the parental Spin‐res strain showed a polygenic effect. The estimated minimum number of independent segregations was ∼ 2.45, indicating that resistance to spinosad is associated with multiple genes. In greenhouse assays, third‐instar larvae from the Spin‐res strain showed >92% survival on spinosad‐treated maize. By contrast Sus and reciprocal crosses exhibited 0% and <5% survival, respectively, indicating that resistance is recessive. Life history studies to investigate the fitness cost of resistance revealed a 41% reduction in the rate of survival to adulthood and a 49% lower reproductive rate in the Spin‐res strain compared with the Sus strain.

CONCLUSIONS

The autosomal, incompletely recessive and polygenic resistance to spinosad in S. frugiperda and the fitness costs associated with this resistance can be exploited in IRM strategies to preserve the lifetime of spinosad for control of S. frugiperda in Brazil. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Formation of Ag nanoparticles under electron beam irradiation: Atomistic origins from first‐principles calculations
Authors: Andrés Juan , Gouveia Amanda Fernandes , Gracia Lourdes , Longo Elson , Manzeppi Faccin Giovani , da Silva Edison Zacarias , Pereira Douglas Henrique , San‐Miguel Miguel Angel
Published: December 2017

The formation of Ag nanoparticles is currently a topic subject to a great deal of research because they are excellent materials with many technological applications. Recently, the formation of Ag nanoparticles on α‐Ag2WO4semiconductors induced by electron irradiation has been reported, but the mechanism underlying the transformations remains elusive. The aim of this article is to describe the mechanisms of electron beam irradiation on α‐Ag2WO4and its transformation to form Ag nanoparticles in vacuum conditions. To this end, a combined study involving experiments and multiscale computational approaches (density functional theory calculations and molecular dynamics simulations) is presented. With the increasing interplay between experimental and computational approaches at multiple length scales, we will also discuss how these combined data can be used to provide a deep insight into the rationalization of electron beam‐induced transformations. This phenomenon is likely to be promoted by electron charge redistribution in these materials due to electronic excitations combined with the formation of silver vacancies under electron beam irradiation. As this mechanism should be relevant to other Ag‐based materials, our results provide pointers for the further development and optimization of electron beam‐mediated engineering of the atomic structure and electronic properties at the atomic resolution.
Mechanistic study of CO/CO2 conversion catalyzed by a biomimetic Ni(II)‐iminothiolate complex
Authors: Wu Yueshen , Rudshteyn Benjamin , Warnke Ingolf , Xiao Dequan , Batista Victor S.
Published: December 2017

We investigate the CO oxidation into CO2 catalyzed by a biomimetic Ni(II)‐iminothiolate complex in the presence of the sacrificial oxidizing agent methylviologen. We propose a catalytic mechanism supported by the density functional theory analysis of reaction intermediates that agrees with available experimental observations and kinetic data. We rule out a five‐coordinate Ni(II) species as well as a Ni(III) intermediate which was previously proposed and instead identify a key four‐coordinate Ni(II) carbonyl species. We find that the turnover‐limiting step is likely the formation of the Ni(II) carboxylic acid species, although if a worse oxidant were used or if the concentration was less, then the oxidation of the Ni(I) species would be the turnover‐limiting step. The reported findings should enable the design of better catalysts to favor one of the two competing pathways for CO to CO2 conversion as catalyzed by this particular complex.
Well‐Defined Cobalt Catalyst with N‐Doped Carbon Layers Enwrapping: The Correlation between Surface Atomic Structure and Electrocatalytic Property
Authors: Zhang Youkui , Lin Yunxiang , Jiang Hongliang , Wu Chuanqiang , Liu Hengjie , Wang Changda , Chen Shuangming , Duan Tao , Song Li
Published: December 2017

Admittedly, the surface atomic structure of heterogenous catalysts toward the electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are accepted as the important features that can tune catalytic activity and even catalytic pathway. Herein, a surface engineering strategy to controllably synthesize a carbon‐layer‐wrapped cobalt‐catalyst from 2D cobalt‐based metal–organic frameworks is elaborately demonstrated. Combined with synchrotron radiation X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the soft X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure results confirmed that rich covalent interfacial CoNC bonds are efficiently formed between cobalt nanoparticles and wrapped carbon‐layers during the polydopamine‐assisted pyrolysis process. The X‐ray absorption fine structure and corresponding extended X‐ray absorption fine structure spectra further reveal that the wrapped cobalt with Co–N coordinations shows distinct surface distortion and atomic environmental change of Co‐based active sites. In contrast to the control sample without coating layers, the 800 °C‐annealed cobalt catalyst with N‐doped carbon layers enwrapping achieves significantly enhanced ORR activity with onset and half‐wave potentials of 0.923 and 0.816 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode), highlighting the important correlation between surface atomic structure and catalytic property.
Direct Experimental Observation of Facet‐Dependent SERS of Cu2O Polyhedra
Authors: Lin Jie , Hao Wei , Shang Yang , Wang Xiaotian , Qiu Dengli , Ma Guanshui , Chen Chao , Li Shuzhou , Guo Lin
Published: December 2017

Semiconductor‐based surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has attracted great attention due to its excellent spectral reproducibility, high uniformity, and good anti‐interference ability. However, its relatively low SERS sensitivity still hinders its further developments in both performance and applications. Since the SERS is a peculiar surface effect, investigating the facet‐dependent SERS activity of semiconductor nanostructures is crucial to boost their SERS signals. Although the semiconductor facet‐dependent SERS effect is predicted via numerical calculations, convincing experimental evidence is scarce due to complicated and undefined surface conditions. In this work, three facet‐defined ({100}, {110}, and {111} facets) Cu2O microcrystals (MCs) with clear surface atomic configuration are utilized to investigate the facet‐dependent SERS effect. The results from the Kelvin probe force microscopy measurements on single Cu2O polyhedron, demonstrate that the facet‐dependent work function plays a crucial role in the interfacial charge transfer process. Comparing with the {110} and {111} facets, the {100} facet possesses the lowest electronic work function, which enables more efficient interfacial charge transfer. The simulation results further confirm that the {100}‐facets can transfer the most electrons from Cu2O MCs to molecules due to its lowest facet work function, resulting in the largest increment of the molecular polarization.
Guest editor's introduction to the Special Issue on Source Code Analysis and Manipulation (SCAM 2015)
Authors: Khomh Foutse , Lo David , Godfrey Michael W.
Published: December 2017

We are happy to introduce you to this special issue that presents selected papers from the 15th IEEE International Working Conference on Source Code Analysis and Manipulation (SCAM 2015). SCAM is a leading conference that brings together researchers and practitioners working on theory, techniques, and applications that concern analysis and/or manipulation of the source code of computer systems. While much attention in the wider software engineering community is properly directed towards other aspects of systems development and evolution, such as specification, design, and requirements engineering, it is the source code that contains the only precise description of the behavior of the system. The analysis and manipulation of source code thus remains a pressing concern. SCAM 2015 was held on September 27 to 28, 2015, in Bremen, Germany, together with 31st International Conference on Software Maintenance and Evolution (ICSME).
Seven years supporting men's health
Authors: Kirby Roger
Published: December 2017

We are making progress, but there is much more work to be done.
Men's mental health: coming out of the closet?
Authors: Baker Peter
Published: December 2017

The long‐neglected problem of men's mental health may at last be beginning to receive some serious attention. Peter Baker describes the key issues, and discusses some of the approaches that are being used to raise awareness and tackle this important problem.
A brief history of paediatric urology in the UK
Authors: Whitaker Robert
Published: December 2017

Robert Whitaker has lived through the exciting and challenging times covering the development and maturation of paediatric urology. In this article he provides his perspective on the development of the specialty and the key players who made it happen.
Biological crusts of serpentine and non‐serpentine soils from the Barberton Greenstone Belt of South Africa
Authors: Venter Arthurita , Siebert Stefan , Rajakaruna Nishanta , Barnard Sandra , Levanets Anatoliy , Ismail Arshad , Allam Mushal , Peterson Bianca , Sanko Tomasz
Published: December 2017

Climate and geography can influence biological soil crust (BSC) community composition, but local heterogeneity in variables such as soil characteristics or microclimate gradients can also impact cryptogamic diversity. Heavy metals and nutrient imbalances in serpentine soils are known to influence the distributions of higher plants, but cryptogamic species appear to be more tolerant of substrate. The aim of this study was to compare the cryptogamic composition of serpentine and non‐serpentine soils by using integrative taxonomy, which combines morphological and DNA barcoding data, to determine how soil characteristics in combination with rainfall can influence BSC community composition. Samples from serpentine and non‐serpentine soils were enumerated and total genomic DNA was isolated from the soil samples. Analyses of the 16S rRNA gene and ITS sequences were done using the quantitative insights into microbial ecology (QIIME) workflow to determine which eukaryotic microorganisms were present in the samples. Sixty genera from the Cyanophyceae (38), Chlorophyceae (10), Bacillariophyceae (6), Eustigmatophyceae (4), Trebouxiophyceae (1) and Xanthophyceae (1) classes were detected with this approach. Results confirm that algae and cyanobacteria are tolerant of most substrates and can even colonize environments with high levels of heavy metal and nutrient imbalances, if moisture is present. Genera such as Acaryochloris, Annamia, Brasilonema, Chrocosphaera, Halomicronema, Planktothricoides, Rubidibacter, and Toxopsis are reported for the first time for South African soil.
Osteomielite tuberculosa imitando um tumor ósseo lítico: Relato de dois casos e revisão da literatura
Authors: Wiratnaya I. Gede Eka , Susila I. Wayan Restu B. , Sindhughosa Dwijo Anargha
Published: December 2017

A osteomielite tuberculosa é uma forma incomum de tuberculose (TB) e o acometimento isolado da articulação do punho pelo TB é particularmente raro. Os sintomas e a manifestação clínica imitam outras doenças; portanto, um diagnóstico cuidadoso é necessário. Os autores apresentam dois casos de pacientes com massa nas partes moles e lesão óssea lítica. A biópsia revelou osteomielite granulomatosa. A cultura da lesão identificou Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Os autores recomendam que médicos clínicos incluam a TB como um diagnóstico diferencial da causa primária das lesões ósseas líticas, mesmo na ausência de sintomas pulmonares ou fatores de risco de infecção por TB. A inclusão de culturas micobacterianas na análise de biópsias de lesões ósseas líticas também é recomendada.
Dispute Settlement Reports 2004
Authors: World Trade Organization
Published: December 2017

The Dispute Settlement Reports of the World Trade Organization (WTO) include Panel and Appellate Body reports, as well as arbitration awards, in disputes concerning the rights and obligations of WTO members under the provisions of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization. These are the WTO authorized and paginated reports in English. An essential addition to the library of all practising and academic trade lawyers, and needed by students worldwide taking courses in international economic or trade law. DSR 2004: IX reports on the United States anti-dumping act of 1916 (original complaint by the European communities), and contains a cumulative index of published disputes.
Dispute Settlement Reports 2005
Authors: World Trade Organization
Published: December 2017

The Dispute Settlement Reports of the World Trade Organization (WTO) include Panel and Appellate Body reports, as well as arbitration awards, in disputes concerning the rights and obligations of WTO members under the provisions of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization. These are the WTO authorized and paginated reports in English. An essential addition to the library of all practising and academic trade lawyers, and needed by students worldwide taking courses in international economic or trade law. DSR 2005:IV reports on United States - Subsidies on Upland Cotton.
Demographics, Interests, and Quality of Life of Canadian Neurosurgery Residents
Authors: Iorio-Morin Christian , Ahmed Syed Uzair , Bigder Mark , Dakson Ayoub , Elliott Cameron , Guha Daipayan , Kameda-Smith Michelle , Lavergne Pascal , Makarenko Serge , Taccone Michael S. , Tso Michael K. , Wang Bill , Winkler-Schwartz Alexander , Fortin David ,   on behalf of the Canadian Neurosurgery Research Collaborative
Published: December 2017

Background:Neurosurgical residents face a unique combination of challenges, including long duty hours, technically challenging cases, and uncertain employment prospects. We sought to assess the demographics, interests, career goals, self-rated happiness, and overall well-being of Canadian neurosurgery residents.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was developed and sent through the Canadian Neurosurgery Research Collaborative to every resident enrolled in a Canadian neurosurgery program as of April 1, 2016.Results:We analyzed 76 completed surveys of 146 eligible residents (52% response rate). The median age was 29 years, with 76% of respondents being males. The most popular subspecialties of interest for fellowship were spine, oncology, and open vascular neurosurgery. The most frequent self-reported number of worked hours per week was the 80- to 89-hour range. The majority of respondents reported a high level of happiness as well as stress. Sense of accomplishment and fatigue were reported as average to high and overall quality of life was low for 19%, average for 49%, and high for 32%. Satisfaction with work-life balance was average for 44% of respondents and was the only tested domain in which significant dissatisfaction was identified (18%). Overall, respondents were highly satisfied with their choice of specialty, choice of program, surgical exposure, and work environment; however, intimidation was reported in 36% of respondents and depression by 17%.Conclusions:Despite a challenging residency and high workload, the majority of Canadian neurosurgery residents are happy and satisfied with their choice of specialty and program. However, work-life balance, employability, resident intimidation, and depression were identified as areas of active concern.
The Effects of Intraoperative Sedation on Surgical Outcomes of Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery
Authors: Chui Jason , Alimiri Rizq , Parrent Andrew , Craen Rosemary Ann
Published: December 2017

Background:Intraoperative sedation is often used to facilitate deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery; however, these sedative agents also suppress microelectrode recordings (MER). To date, there have been no studies that have examined the effects of differing sedatives on surgical outcomes and the success of DBS surgery.Methods:We performed a retrospective study to evaluate the effect of differing sedative agents on postoperative surgical outcomes at 6 months in parkinsonian adult patients who underwent DBS surgery, from January 2004 through December 2014, at one academic center. Surgical outcomes of DBS were evaluated using a simplified Unified Parkinson Diseases Rating Score-III and levodopa dose equivalent reduction at baseline and 6 months postoperatively.Results:We analyzed data from 121 of 124 consecutive parkinsonian patients. Propofol, dexmedetomidine, remifentanil, and midazolam were used individually or in combination. All sedatives were routinely discontinued 20 to 30 minutes before MER, in accordance with our institutional protocol. We found no statistically significant association between the use of individual agent or combination of sedative agents and surgical outcomes at 6 months, the success of DBS, duration of MER, duration of stage 1 procedure, and perioperative complications.Conclusions:Our study showed that the choice of sedative agent was not associated with poor surgical outcomes after DBS surgery using MER and macrostimulation techniques in parkinsonian patients.
The research to practice continuum: Development of an evidence-based visual aid to improve informed consent for procedural sedation
Authors: Bellolio M. Fernanda , e Silva Lucas Oliveira J. , Alencastro Puls Henrique , Hargraves Ian G. , Cabrera Daniel
Published: December 2017

Introduction

In order to fully participate in informed consent, patients must understand what it is that they are agreeing, or not agreeing, to. In most cases, patients look to their clinicians to help develop the appropriate understanding required to give informed consent. Often the quality of the information available as well as the delivery methods are not optimal.

Methods

Using a visual aid as an adjunct to risk communication in a stressful setting as the Emergency Department has a clear potential in facilitating the communication process. To support more accurate and consistent presentation of risk, we formed a team with implementation scientists, patient education specialists, nurses, physicians, and professional designers to transform the information available into a 6th grade reading level visual aid tool. We applied a DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control) process to design the tool. We measured and analyzed its effectiveness through feedback from providers, patients, and caregivers. This cycle happened 3 times until we reached the final version of the visual aid.

Results

We utilized a DMAIC methodology as well as modified Delphi method to create and refine a visual aid tool. Several rounds of end-user feedback along with DMAIC allowed us to create a tool that was consistently better with each round of development, analysis and feedback. After arriving at the final version of the tool, we surveyed physicians in our Emergency Department. We measured the difficulty to understand the information, whether doctors think the visual aid will help patients to understand the data, and the appropriateness of the tool’s length and the amount of information in it.

Conclusions

We believe that our experience can be replicated by other researchers and clinicians in the endeavor of translating the evidence into clinical practice. An effort should be made to fully translate research findings until the end of the research to practice continuum in order to better translate knowledge into a useful and useable form for informed consent decisions in busy clinical practice.
LOS SALARIOS REALES Y EL NIVEL DE VIDA EN UNA ECONOMÍA LATINOAMERICANA COLONIAL: MONTEVIDEO ENTRE 1760-1810
Authors: Moraes María Inés , Thul Florencia
Published: December 2017

This article makes a contribution to the empirical and methodological discussion on the standard of living in Latin America during the colonial period. It presents evidence obtained from primary sources on the evolution of nominal wages, cost of living and real wages for 10 occupational categories in the region of Montevideo between 1760 and 1810. The results place rural laborers and masons in Montevideo below subsistence levels until at least the first decade of the 19thcentury, a finding that is difficult to reconcile with the demographic and productive growth of the region at the same time. Wages may not be the main component in the structure of family income among the subordinate sectors of the colonial Río de la Plata.
Perceiving the Past: From Age Value to Pastness
Authors: Holtorf Cornelius
Published: December 2017

According to the Austrian art historian Alois Riegl (1857–1905), cultural heritage possesses age value (Alterswert) based on the perception of an object’s visible traces of age. His 1903 essay “The Modern Cult of Monuments” became a classic, and age value has ever since been constitutive for cultural heritage. Closer scrutiny, however, reveals that clever copies, reconstructions, and imaginative inventions can possess age value too. I therefore suggest “pastness” as a useful term for denoting the perception that a given object is “of the past.” Pastness is not immanent in an object but, rather, results from its appearance (for example, patina), its context (for example, in a museum), or its correspondence with preconceived expectations among the audience. In this article, I review the concept of pastness and discuss its implications for the global heritage sector. Age value emerges as being less universal than Riegl thought and was linked to a very particular intellectual and cultural context.
Predictors of coverage of the national maternal pertussis and infant rotavirus vaccination programmes in England
Authors: BYRNE L. , WARD C. , WHITE J. M. , AMIRTHALINGAM G. , EDELSTEIN M.
Published: December 2017

This study assessed variation in coverage of maternal pertussis vaccination, introduced in England in October 2012 in response to a national outbreak, and a new infant rotavirus vaccination programme, implemented in July 2013. Vaccine eligible patients were included from national vaccine coverage datasets and covered April 2014 to March 2015 for pertussis and January 2014 to June 2016 for rotavirus. Vaccine coverage (%) was calculated overall and by NHS England Local Team (LT), ethnicity and Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) quintile, and compared using binomial regression. Compared with white-British infants, the largest differences in rotavirus coverage were in ‘other’, white-Irish and black-Caribbean infants (−13·9%, −12·1% and −10·7%, respectively), after adjusting for IMD and LT. The largest differences in maternal pertussis coverage were in black-other and black-Caribbean women (−16·3% and −15·4%, respectively). Coverage was lowest in London LT for both programmes. Coverage decreased with increasing deprivation and was 14·0% lower in the most deprived quintile compared with the least deprived for the pertussis programme and 4·4% lower for rotavirus. Patients’ ethnicity and deprivation were therefore predictors of coverage which contributed to, but did not wholly account for, geographical variation in coverage in England.
Ascites in an uncorrected tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary valve absence in an adult patient
Authors: Avendaño-Perez Leonel , Espinola-Zavaleta Nilda
Published: December 2017

This is a case of a 37-year-old woman with uncorrected tetralogy of Fallot with the absence of pulmonary valve and history of heart murmur in childhood who did not have a medical approach. At 29 years of age she started with dyspnoea that in the last 7 months progressed to be of small effort and also referred increase of the abdominal perimeter.
Becoming Politicized
Authors: Barkas Dimitrios , Chryssochoou Xenia
Published: December 2017

Abstract. This research took place just after the end of the protests following the killing of a 16-year-old boy by a policeman in Greece in December 2008. Participants (N = 224) were 16-year-olds in different schools in Attiki. Informed by the Politicized Collective Identity Model ( Simon & Klandermans, 2001 ), a questionnaire measuring grievances, adversarial attributions, emotions, vulnerability, identifications with students and activists, and questions about justice and Greek society in the future, as well as about youngsters’ participation in different actions, was completed. Four profiles of the participants emerged from a cluster analysis using representations of the conflict, emotions, and identifications with activists and students. These profiles differed on beliefs about the future of Greece, participants’ economic vulnerability, and forms of participation. Importantly, the clusters corresponded to students from schools of different socioeconomic areas. The results indicate that the way young people interpret the events and the context, their levels of identification, and the way they represent society are important factors of their political socialization that impacts on their forms of participation. Political socialization seems to be related to youngsters’ position in society which probably constitutes an important anchoring point of their interpretation of the world.
Using Qualitative Perspectives of Adolescents With Sickle Cell Disease and Caregivers to Develop Healthcare Transition Programming
Authors: Porter Jerlym S. , Lopez Alana D. , Wesley Kimberly M. , Magdovitz-Frankfurt Paige , Anderson Sheila M. , Cole Audrey R. , Boggs Jacklyn , Hankins Jane S.
Published: December 2017

Youth with sickle cell disease (SCD) are living longer, requiring transition from pediatric to adult health care. Transition programs have been created to improve transition readiness and help patients take responsibility for their health. The aim of this study was to explore the usefulness of current transition materials and identify unmet transition needs from the perspective of adolescents with sickle cell disease (SCD) and caregivers to refine transition programming and interventions. Focus groups were conducted with 14 adolescents with SCD (Mean age = 14.6 years, SD = 1.9) and 20 caregivers (Mean age = 43.2 years, SD = 9.3) to gather perspectives about transition to adult care, current transition program materials and recommendations for future programming. Four themes emerged: (a) transition skills and knowledge needs, (b) change in health care responsibility, (c) concerns with adult SCD care, and (d) useful transition readiness strategies and resources. The findings of this study were used to develop Web based educational modules, experiential transition skills learning, and an adolescent and caregiver hematology support group. Findings highlight the need to conduct periodic readiness assessments, provide opportunities and scaffolding to learn skills based on readiness level, and help build social support networks to encourage and facilitate learning.
Components of Effective Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Pediatric Headache: A Mixed Methods Approach
Authors: Law Emily F. , Beals-Erickson Sarah E. , Fisher Emma , Lang Emily A. , Palermo Tonya M.
Published: December 2017

Internet-delivered treatment has the potential to expand access to evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for pediatric headache, and has demonstrated efficacy in small trials for some youth with headache. We used a mixed methods approach to identify effective components of CBT for this population. In Study 1, component profile analysis identified common interventions delivered in published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of effective CBT protocols for pediatric headache delivered face-to-face or via the Internet. We identified a core set of three treatment components that were common across face-to-face and Internet protocols: (a) headache education, (b) relaxation training, and (c) cognitive skills training. Biofeedback was identified as an additional core treatment component delivered in face-to-face protocols only. In Study 2, we conducted qualitative interviews to describe the perspectives of youth with headache and their parents on successful components of an Internet CBT intervention. Eleven themes emerged from the qualitative data analysis, which broadly focused on patient experiences using the treatment components and suggestions for new treatment components. In the Discussion section, these mixed methods findings are integrated to inform the adaptation of an Internet CBT protocol for youth with headache.
Perspectives From Bereaved Parents on Improving End of Life Care in the NICU
Authors: Baughcum Amy E. , Fortney Christine A. , Winning Adrien M. , Shultz Emily L. , Keim Madelaine C. , Humphrey Lisa M. , Schlegel Amy B. , Gerhardt Cynthia A.
Published: December 2017

Although improving end-of-life (EOL) care for children and their families is a national priority ( American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Bioethics and Committee on Hospital Care, 2000 ; Institute of Medicine, 2003 ), research in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is limited. To improve care, there is a critical need to understand the experiences of these infants and their caregivers. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective study to examine parent perceptions of their infants’ care at EOL in the NICU between 3 months and 5 years of their infant’s death ( M = 38.10 months, SD = 16.87). As part of this pilot study, 29 mothers and 16 fathers representing 31 infants participated in qualitative interviews assessing parents’ satisfaction with their involvement in their infants’ care and decision-making and their advice to NICU providers. Four themes emerged from interview data, including parents as partners in care, communication with the health-care team, relationships with staff, and bereavement support. Both mothers and fathers generally felt positive about their role in treatment decisions, relationships with staff, and memory-making activities. Parents noted areas for improvement, including team communication, anticipatory guidance, family inclusion at bedside, and bereavement care. This study provides a deeper understanding of parents’ experience with their infants at EOL and highlights opportunities for enhancing care. Pediatric psychologists can play an important role in facilitating communication between parents and the health-care team as well as providing bereavement support for these vulnerable families.
Introduction to Special Issue: Improving Clinical Practices in Pediatric Psychology Through Qualitative Research
Authors: Alderfer Melissa A.
Published: December 2017

This special issue of Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology includes 11 articles illustrating the use of qualitative methods in research focused upon improving clinical practice in pediatric psychology. This introduction to the special issue provides a brief overview of these articles that illustrate the use of these methods to: (a) identify clinical care needs and risk and resiliency factors among families of children with medical conditions; b) develop and refine psychosocial models of care, assessment tools, program materials, and interventions for specific issues and groups; (c) define roles for pediatric psychologists in improving the delivery of pediatric medical care; and (d) provide lessons learned in implementing clinical initiatives within health care systems. It is hoped that these examples motivate those in our field to consider additional training in these methods and partnerships with collaborators with expertise in qualitative methods when designing and conducting research to improve clinical practice.
Reviewing Regulatory Focus Based on Four Regulatory Forms
Authors: Chen Yu-Shan Athena , Bei Lien-Ti
Published: December 2017

This study employs the four regulatory forms (goal pursuit, goal maintenance, negative escape, and active avoidance) to illuminate the heterogeneousness among regulatory focus measurements and activations. The first two studies consistently found that promotion focus involves goal pursuit orientation; however, prevention focus encompasses a goal maintenance and a negative escape orientation. The regulatory forms were then applied to regulatory fit research to investigate how the matches of regulatory forms determine the effect sizes of regulatory fit. By meta-analyses, the weak effect in one third of regulatory fit studies, whose regulatory forms were mismatched or partially matched, decreased the overall fit effect and increased the heterogeneousness among regulatory fit studies. However, a strong and consistent regulatory fit effect was found in well-matched of regulatory forms. By examining and extending regulatory forms to measurement, activation, and regulatory fit studies, this paper offers further understanding of the mechanisms of regulatory focus.