bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete Capsular Repair Restores Native Kinematics After Interportal and T-Capsulotomy
Authors: Baha Pardis , Burkhart Timothy A. , Getgood Alan , Degen Ryan M.
Published: April 2019

Background:

Although the use of hip arthroscopy continues to increase, capsular management remains a controversial topic.

Purpose:

To investigate the biomechanical effect of capsulotomy and capsular repair techniques on hip joint kinematics in varying combinations of sagittal and coronal joint positions.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Eight fresh-frozen hemi-pelvises (78.3 ± 6.0 years of age; 4 left, 6 male) were dissected of all overlying soft tissue, with the exception of the hip joint capsule. The femur was potted and attached to a load cell, while the pelvis was secured to a custom-designed fixture allowing static alteration of the flexion-extension arc. Optotrak markers were rigidly attached to the femur and pelvis to track motion of the femoral head with respect to the acetabulum. After specimen preparation, 7 conditions were tested: (1) intact, (2) after portal placement (anterolateral and midanterior), (3) interportal capsulotomy (IPC) (35 mm in length), (4) IPC repair, (5) T-capsulotomy (IPC +15-mm longitudinal incision), (6) partial T-repair (repair of longitudinal incision with IPC left open), (7) full T-repair. All conditions were tested in 15° of extension (–15°), 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of flexion. Additionally, all flexion angles were tested in neutral, as well as in specimen-specific maximum abduction and adduction, resulting in 15 testing positions. Internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) moments of 3 N·m were manually applied to the femur via the load cell at each position. Rotational range of motion and joint kinematics were recorded.

Results:

In the neutral coronal plane, T-capsulotomy significantly increased IR/ER rotational range of motion compared with intact state at −15° (55.96°± 6.11° vs 44.92°± 7.35°, P < .001), while IPC significantly increased rotation compared with the portal state at 0° (60.09°± 6.82° vs 51.68°± 10.35°, P = .004). No statistically significant increases were found in mediolateral joint translation after IPC or T-capsulotomy. Similarly, no statistically significant increases were noted in anteroposterior translation after IPC or T-capsulotomy. Complete capsular repair restored near native joint kinematics, with no significant differences in rotation or translation between any complete capsular repair groups and the intact state, regardless of joint position.

Conclusion:

Universally, across all conditions, complete capsular repair after interportal or T-capsulotomy restored rotational range of motion and joint translation to values observed in the native joint.

Clinical Relevance:

Where feasible, complete capsular closure should be performed, especially after T-capsulotomy. However, further clinical evaluation is required to determine whether adverse kinematic parameters of an unrepaired capsule are associated with reduced patient-reported outcomes.
Pricing Footraces in the United States: An Application of Hedonic Pricing to the Running Industry
Authors: Grant Randy R. , Teahan Brittany
Published: April 2019

Footraces, as a market commodity, are a curious thing. Nonrunners often ask racers why they pay to engage in an activity that they could do on their own at a much lower cost (both in terms of money and time), not recognizing that races offer unique attributes obtainable only through organized events. Employing more than 1,200 observations from 199 running races that occurred in 2015, this analysis uses a standard hedonic pricing model to identify both demand and supply side factors that determine the final price of a race event across the United States. Results suggest that late registration, race distance, the existence of complementary distances within the race, and the inclusion of a race shirt and/or medal with the paid entry increase the price of the race. Early registration, the number of years a race has been in existence, and a nonpaved race surface have a negative and statistically significant effect on the entry fee.

JEL Classifications: Z20, Z21
A Self-Reliant Umbrella: Defining Successful Aging Among the Old-Old (80+) in Shanghai
Authors: Chen Lin , Ye Minzhi , Kahana Eva
Published: April 2019

The Chinese old-old (80+) population has steadily increased in recent years; however, limited studies have examined how this group ages. The purpose of this study is to explore how the old-old in urban China define successful aging. Guided by grounded theory, we conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with community-dwelling old-old participants (N = 97). Participants identified self-reliance as the goal of successful aging, which was supported by four proactive behaviors: physical activity, financial security, community connectedness, and willing acceptance of reality. In our model, we conceptualized these four proactive behaviors to constitute the ribs of an umbrella, supporting a canopy to protect the pole of self-reliant successful aging. This study offers new understanding of the dynamic and nuanced ways that the old-old in urban China age successfully and of their valiant efforts to maintain self-reliance.
Influence of non-metallic parts of waste printed circuit boards on the properties of plasticised polyvinyl chloride recycled from the waste wire
Authors: Das Rajesha K , Gohatre Omdeo K , Biswal Manoranjan , Mohanty Smita , Nayak SK
Published: April 2019

Extreme complexity in the range of metallic and non-metallic parts present in waste printed circuit boards leads to incineration for collecting valuable metals. The non-metallic parts of the printed circuit board can be used effectively without affecting the environment. In this study, the non-metallic parts of the printed circuit board, which is made up by cross-linked resin and fibre, was used as a filler in recycled plasticised polyvinyl chloride collected from waste wires and cables. The properties of the plasticised polyvinyl chloride matrix and plasticised polyvinyl chloride–non-metallic parts of printed circuit board composite were compared with each other by means of mechanical properties and thermal properties. Both mechanical and thermal properties results indicated that incorporation of non-metallic parts of printed circuit board significantly improved the hardness, stiffness, abrasion resistance and thermal stability of plasticised polyvinyl chloride–non-metallic parts of printed circuit board composite; however, the tensile strength of the composite material is not improved because of poor adhesion between the plasticised polyvinyl chloride matrix and non-metallic parts of printed circuit board filler. The poor chemical interaction is also observed from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results. This plasticised polyvinyl chloride–non-metallic parts of printed circuit board composite can reduce the leaching of a hazardous element from the printed circuit board with effective utilisation of plastics fraction from waste wires and cables.
Leadership and Job Satisfaction: Addressing Endogeneity With Panel Data From a Field Experiment
Authors: An Seung-Ho , Meier Kenneth J. , Ladenburg Jacob , Westergård-Nielsen Niels
Published: April 2019

The interaction between leaders and employees plays a key role in determining organizational outcomes and performance. Although the human resources management literature posits positive effects of leadership behaviors on employee job satisfaction, the causal path between the two is unclear due to potential endogeneity issues inherent in this relationship. To address the issue, we first provide theoretical explanations about why and how transformational and transactional leadership behaviors would enhance employee job satisfaction. Second, we test the relationship between leadership behaviors and employee job satisfaction using panel data from a year-long randomized field experiment that engaged leaders and employees from hundreds of public and private organizations in Denmark. Primary findings suggest that although leadership training does not have direct effects on changes in employee job satisfaction, leadership-training-induced changes in leadership behaviors (transformational leadership and verbal rewards) are positively related to changes in job satisfaction.
SEBS-based thermoplastic elastomers containing aluminum hypophosphite and melamine cyanurate: Thermal degradation, flame retardancy, and mechanical properties
Authors: Cheng Xi , Wu Jianming , Li Yulin , Yao Chenguang , Yang Guisheng
Published: April 2019

Aluminum hypophosphite combined with melamine cyanurate and poly(phenylene oxide) was applied to flame-retard TPE-S system (blends of SEBS and polyolefin). The flame-retardant properties of the TPE-S/AHP/MCA/PPO were investigated by LOI and vertical burning test (UL-94). The results indicated that TPE-S containing 16 wt% AHP, 20 wt% MCA, and 10 wt% PPO reached a V-0 rating in the UL-94 test, and its LOI value was 28.2%. It performed well in the cone calorimeter (reduction in peak heat release rate from 2001 to 494 kW m−2). Thermogravimetric-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy tests showed that AHP and MCA acted in gaseous phase, while AHP and PPO helped to form char residue. The SEM graphs demonstrated that continuous and compact films cover bubbles of the char layer in TPE-S/AHP/MCA/PPO. The proposed flame-retardant mechanisms of such systems were summarized.
An Examination of Group Facilitator Challenges and Problem-Solving Techniques During IEP Team Meetings
Authors: Beck Stephenson J. , DeSutter Keri
Published: April 2019

Special education professionals serve as facilitators of Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team meetings. As special educators serve on many IEP teams during the course of an academic year, and as the member composition for each team varies, facilitators are confronted with a unique set of challenges to managing successful meetings. In this study, the authors investigate the specific types of problems and facilitator techniques occurring in IEP meetings. Findings suggest that facilitation issues and techniques are varied across special education professionals. In addition, facilitator training is needed to review and introduce facilitation techniques that may improve meeting member contributions.
Study on the modification of hexamethylenediamine-phenol-based polybenzoxazine resins by halloysite nanotubes
Authors: Li Jing , Shen Zhiqiang , Xu Li , Song Huaijun , Guan Gang , Liu Guoji
Published: April 2019

In this study, hexamethylenediamine-phenol-based benzoxazine monomer (Ba-h) was synthesized using 1,6-hexamethylenediamine, phenol, and paraformaldehyde. Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were treated with silane coupling agent and succinic anhydride, respectively. Then the pristine and grafted HNTs were used as nano-fillers to modify Ba-h at different mass ratios ranging between 0 and 2.5 wt% via solution processing. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the molecular structure of the monomer. The curing behaviors of the nanocomposites were examined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results of DSC, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic mechanical analysis displayed the obvious improvement in the thermal stability of the nanocomposites modified by the grafted HNTs. The results of impact and flexural tests revealed the improvement in the mechanical property of the nanocomposites modified by the pristine HNTs. These enhancements are related to the homogeneous dispersion of HNTs based on the scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy results.
Experimental study of coverage constraint abrasive flow machining of titanium alloy artificial joint surface
Authors: Zhang Li , Huang Yi , Chen Guoda , Xu Mengru , Xia Weihai , Fu Yufei
Published: April 2019

In order to study the machining mechanism and process of abrasive flow machining for the titanium alloy artificial joint surface, the abrasive flow machining experimental platform and the curved surface profiling flow channel were established for the machining. The influence of various process parameters (abrasive particle size, abrasive particle concentration, and processing time) and interaction factors on surface roughness and surface micro-topography of the workpiece was quantitatively evaluated through response surface analysis, and a surface roughness prediction model was established. The experimental results show that coverage constraint abrasive flow machining can significantly improve the surface quality of the titanium alloy artificial joint surface, thereby improving the wear resistance and service life of the artificial joint. Using abrasive flow machining with a smaller abrasive particle size and a larger concentration can obtain smaller surface roughness. Under the experimental conditions, the influence of process parameters on the surface roughness is in descending order of processing time, abrasive particle concentration, and abrasive particle size. And the interaction of processing time and abrasive particle size is more effective during processing. The research results can provide the basis for optimizing the flow channel structure for the abrasive flow machining of the titanium alloy artificial joint surface and have a certain guiding significance on the process optimization.
Analysis of friction error in CNC machine tools based on electromechanical characteristics
Authors: Huang Xiaoyong , Mei Xuesong , Tao Tao , Zheng Lu , Zhang Dongsheng , Yang Jun , Liu Xun
Published: April 2019

Friction is a kind of inherent and nonlinear disturbance in feed systems, which inevitably deteriorates motion accuracy at velocity reversal. Position error caused by friction is integrally effected by three aspects of feed drives, including command, control, and mechanical subsystems. Unfortunately, the traditional analyses hardly consider all mentioned aspects. Especially, no research has been reported on control characteristic at reverse motion. The purpose of this paper is to reveal the generation mechanism of friction error of a feed drive based on the commercial computer numerical control with three-loop control structure and velocity feedforward and proportional–proportional–integral controllers. Firstly, the generation process of the friction error at velocity reversal is profoundly investigated. Based on it, a simplified control model is conducted to explain transition from presliding to sliding regimes. It is the bond of analyzing friction error from command, control, and mechanical subsystems. Subsequently, the processes of presliding, acceleration, and adjustment stages are analyzed. Moreover, analytical formulas are derived to predict the durations of three stages and describe the shape of friction error. Then, the contour errors of linear and circular motion caused by friction can be predicted online. Experiments are introduced to verify the effectiveness of the proposed methods and formulations.
Prediction of transient vibration response of dual-rotor-blade-casing system with blade off
Authors: Wang Nanfei , Liu Chao , Jiang Dongxiang
Published: April 2019

Fan blade off occurring in a running rotor of the turbofan engine dual-rotor system will cause a sudden unbalance and inertia asymmetry, which results in large impact load and consequently induces the rubbing between blade and casing. In order to reveal the transient dynamic response characteristics of actual aero-engine when fan blade off event occurs, the dynamic model of dual-rotor-blade-casing system is developed, in which the distribution characteristics of the stiffness and mass, the load transfer, and the coupling effects of dual-rotor and casing are included. Considering several excitations caused by blade off, the physical process and mechanical characteristics of the fan blade off event are described qualitatively. Considering that only the casing acceleration signal can be used for condition monitoring in actual aero-engine, the transient response including rotor vibration displacement and casing vibration acceleration during the instantaneous status are obtained. Due to the time-varying and highly nonlinear characteristics of vibration responses, frequency slice wavelet transform is employed to isolate the vibration signal features. The results show that the impact load induced by the sudden imbalance causes significant increase of vibration amplitude. The rubbing action between blade and rotor will impose constraint effects on the rotor, which decreases the transient vibration amplitude. The inertia asymmetry has a big impact on the transient response. The vibration characteristics of casing acceleration under blade off are similar to those of rotor displacement, while casing acceleration response attenuates to stable value faster and is more sensitive to high-frequency components of vibration.
Racism toward the Roma through the affordances of Facebook: bonding, laughter and spite
Authors: Breazu Petre , Machin David
Published: April 2019

This article carries out a multimodal critical discourse analysis (MCDA) of a Romanian Facebook page where comments are made in response to a shared news-clip showing a Roma wedding which clearly invites ridicule. It has been documented that there are well-established discourses representing the Roma as criminal, uneducated, dirty, immoral, and as resisting assimilation into wider society. This Facebook page offers the opportunity to explore which discourses are used in 1500 posts to represent the Roma. We show that the affordances of Facebook open-up the mixing of humor, venting of frustration, extreme racism and sexual violence as those posting entertain each other, create bonds and overtly call out the Roma and others who are believed to be part of a conspiracy against ordinary Romanians. We argue that these newer patterns of representing the Roma are related to the rise of extreme right-wing populist ideology across Europe and beyond. An ideology where direct, simple and violent solutions are required.
Combining biomarker and self-reported dietary intake data: A review of the state of the art and an exposition of concepts
Authors: Gormley Isobel Claire , Bai Yuxin , Brennan Lorraine
Published: April 2019

Classical approaches to assessing dietary intake are associated with measurement error. In an effort to address inherent measurement error in dietary self-reported data there is increased interest in the use of dietary biomarkers as objective measures of intake. Furthermore, there is a growing consensus of the need to combine dietary biomarker data with self-reported data. A review of state of the art techniques employed when combining biomarker and self-reported data is conducted. Two predominant methods, the calibration method and the method of triads, emerge as relevant techniques used when combining biomarker and self-reported data to account for measurement errors in dietary intake assessment. Both methods crucially assume measurement error independence. To expose and understand the performance of these methods in a range of realistic settings, their underpinning statistical concepts are unified and delineated, and thorough simulation studies are conducted. Results show that violation of the methods' assumptions negatively impacts resulting inference but that this impact is mitigated when the variation of the biomarker around the true intake is small. Thus there is much scope for the further development of biomarkers and models in tandem to achieve the ultimate goal of accurately assessing dietary intake.
An adaptive design for the identification of the optimal dose using joint modeling of continuous repeated biomarker measurements and time-to-toxicity in phase I/II clinical trials in oncology
Authors: Altzerinakou Maria-Athina , Paoletti Xavier
Published: April 2019

We present a new adaptive dose-finding method, based on a joint modeling of longitudinal continuous biomarker activity measurements and time to first dose limiting toxicity, with a shared random effect. Estimation relies on likelihood that does not require approximation, an important property in the context of small sample sizes, typical of phase I/II trials. We address the important case of missing at random data that stem from unacceptable toxicity, lack of activity and rapid deterioration of phase I patients. The objective is to determine the lowest dose within a range of highly active doses, under the constraint of not exceeding the maximum tolerated dose. The maximum tolerated dose is associated to some cumulative risk of dose limiting toxicity over a predefined number of treatment cycles. Operating characteristics are explored via simulations in various scenarios.
Integrating subgroups with mixed-type endpoints in early phase oncology trials
Authors: Zhao Lili , Koschmann Carl
Published: April 2019

Testing anti-cancer agents with multiple disease subtypes is challenging and it becomes more complicated when the subgroups have different types of endpoints (such as binary endpoints of tumor response and progression-free survival endpoints). When this occurs, one common approach in oncology is to conduct a series of small screening trials in specific patient subgroups, and these trials are typically run in parallel, independent of each other. However, this approach does not consider the possibility that some of the patient subpopulations respond similarly to therapy. In this article, we developed a simple approach to jointly model subgroups with mixed-type endpoints, which allows borrowing strength across subgroups for efficient estimation of treatment effects.
International Quality Certification and Business Performance of Indian Firms: Evidence from Enterprise Survey Data
Authors: Ali Jabir , Yusuf Nadia
Published: April 2019

This article analyses the difference in firm’s performance between enterprises with and without international quality certification. The study is based on a comprehensive survey of 9,281 Indian firms operating in different regions of the country, conducted under the World Bank’s Enterprise Survey. About 44.9 per cent of the firms have adopted international quality certification for enhancing the quality of their business processes. Chi-square statistics indicate that there is a significant difference in enterprise characteristics by international quality certification. Result of the analysis of variance indicates a significant difference in business performance with and without quality certification in terms of sales, employment growth rates and capacity utilization. Firms with international quality certification perceive comparatively less obstacles than those who are not having international quality certification. This study provides insights on differences in firms’ performance and business obstacles faced by them with or without international quality certification. This study can be helpful in designing policies for promoting certification and accreditation of product quality and processes across business enterprises in a focused manner.
Sexual Relationship Power and Safe Sex Communication Among Partnered Women in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Luft Heidi , Ke Weiming , Trifol Lara , Halpern Mina , Larson Elaine
Published: April 2019

Introduction: Research is needed to identify influences on safe sex communication among specific culture groups. This study aimed to (1) describe sexual behaviors and indicators of sexual power among partnered Dominican women and (2) identify which of these indicators are significantly associated with safe sex communication. Methodology: Cross-sectional surveys, grounded in the theory of gender and power, were conducted with 100 partnered women at a clinic in southeastern Dominican Republic. Linear regression modeling was used to identify significant associations. Results: Self-efficacy (β = 0.48), total personal monthly income (β = 0.21), and history of sexually transmitted infection (β = 0.19) were significantly associated with higher level of partner safe sex communication. Discussion: Nurse clinicians, educators, and researchers should consider self-efficacy, personal income, and history of sexually transmitted infection when addressing communication in HIV prevention efforts among Dominican women.
Latinx Mental Health in the Mexican Consulate: Addressing Barriers Through Social Good
Authors: Helu-Brown Paula , Barrio Concepcion
Published: April 2019

Objectives:

This article examines an innovative mental health program in the largest Mexican consulate in the United States guided by a social good organizing framework and an intersectionality lens. The mental health program, Modulo de Salud Mental, was designed to address barriers to help seeking.

Methods:

The Modulo used the central characteristics of the social good model, such as innovative collaborations between systems that otherwise do not typically collaborate and burgeoning technologies to overcome barriers for service utilization among this population. We conducted a qualitative study to examine how the Modulo addressed structural and cultural barriers to care.

Results:

The salient themes from interviews were classified into four categories: current political situation, reasons for seeking services, prior barriers to care addressed by program, and perceived benefits of the program.

Conclusions:

Findings suggest that the Modulo's services and convenient location in an unconventional setting can serve as a model for promoting social good by facilitating help seeking and alleviating illness burden for this immigrant community.
Pilot Test of an Adapted, Evidence-Based Intervention for Preventing HIV for Women Residing in Domestic Violence Shelters
Authors: Cavanaugh Courtenay , Campbell Jacquelyn , Whitt Vanessa , Wingood Gina
Published: April 2019

This pilot study examined whether an evidence-based intervention for preventing HIV that was adapted for women residing in domestic violence shelters improved residents’ HIV knowledge and condom use self-efficacy. The intervention acceptability, feasibility, and fidelity were also assessed. Seven domestic violence shelter workers facilitated the intervention to 32 shelter residents. Residents had significantly higher HIV knowledge and condom use self-efficacy after the intervention. Residents found the intervention highly acceptable. Intervention facilitators generally agreed that the intervention was acceptable and feasible. Facilitators taught the intervention mostly as suggested, but with some changes. Study implications are discussed.
Does Inter-Municipal Cooperation Really Reduce Delivery Costs? An Empirical Evaluation of the Role of Scale Economies, Transaction Costs, and Governance Arrangements
Authors: Bel Germà , Sebő Marianna
Published: April 2019

Inter-municipal cooperation in public service delivery has attracted the interest of local authorities seeking to reform public service provision. Cost saving, together with better quality and coordination, has been among the most important drivers of such cooperation. However, the empirical results on inter-municipal cooperation and its associated costs offer divergent outcomes. By conducting a meta-regression analysis, we seek to explain this discrepancy. We formulate several hypotheses regarding scale economies, transaction costs, and governance of cooperation. While we find no clear indications of the role played by transaction costs in the relationship between cooperation and service delivery costs, we find strong evidence that population size and governance are significant in explaining the relationship. Specifically, small populations and delegation to a higher tier of government seem to offer cost advantages to cooperating municipalities. As an extension of our model, we seek to disentangle service-related transaction costs based on asset specificity and ease of measurability of the service.
Arts and Humanities Engagement: An Integrative Conceptual Framework for Psychological Research
Authors: Shim Yerin , Tay Louis , Ward Michaela , Pawelski James O.
Published: April 2019

Psychologists are increasingly interested in studying the psychological effects of engaging with various forms of the arts and humanities because of their significance and ubiquity in human life. There is, however, a lack of a robust conceptual framework to support a systematic and integrative approach to the study of the psychological effects of the arts and humanities. Through an extensive review of the extant literature on conceptual and operational definitions of the arts and humanities engagement from historical, institutional, and disciplinary perspectives, the present article further expands an initial conceptualization of the arts and humanities presented in Tay, Pawelski, and Keith. The implications and limitations of the integrative conceptual framework of arts and humanities engagement, as well as directions for future research, are discussed.
Standard and accelerated corneal cross-linking long-term results: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Hashemi Hassan , Mohebbi Masoomeh , Asgari Soheila
Published: April 2019

Purpose:

To compare long-term results between accelerated and standard corneal cross-linking protocols in the treatment of progressive keratoconus and compare their effectiveness between central (cone in the central 3 mm) and peripheral (cone beyond 3 mm) cases.

Methods:

In this randomized clinical trial, we compared 31 eyes treated with accelerated corneal cross-linking (18 mW/cm2, 5 min) and 31 eyes treated with standard corneal cross-linking (3 mW/cm2, 30 min), 16 central and 11 peripheral keratoconus in each group. In this report, 4-year changes in vision, refraction, topography, corneal biomechanics, and corneal cell count were evaluated.

Results:

Uncorrected distance visual acuity improvement was better with standard corneal cross-linking (0.19 ± 0.30 logMAR) than accelerated corneal cross-linking (0.08 ± 0.35 logMAR), but the intergroup difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.283). Cylinder and spherical equivalent significantly increased similarly in both groups. Among topographic indices, anterior Kmax-3 mm showed more reduction in standard corneal cross-linking than accelerated corneal cross-linking (1.35 ± 1.39 vs 0.36 ± 1.10 D, p = 0.011). Anterior Kmax-8 mm reduced by 1.50 ± 1.82 and 0.37 ± 1.58 D in the standard corneal cross-linking and accelerated corneal cross-linking groups, respectively (p = 0.029). Compared to 18-month results, none of the indices at 4 years showed any significant intergroup difference (all p > 0.05). In cases with peripheral keratoconus, changes in anterior Kmax-3 mm (+0.03 ± 0.66 vs −1.17 ± 1.15 D, p = 0.012) and anterior Kmax-8 mm (+0.43 ± 1.09 vs −1.57 ± 1.40 D, p = 0.003) were greater with standard corneal cross-linking. In central cases, no significant intergroup difference was observed.

Conclusion:

At 4 years after the procedure, standard corneal cross-linking offered better anterior corneal flattening in the center and periphery. These differences concerned cases of peripheral keratoconus, and the two protocols were similarly effective in central cases. Beyond the 18th month, the two protocols appeared to be similarly effective.
Dietary Pattern and Their Association With Level of Asthma Control Among Patients With Asthma at Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza Strip, Palestine
Authors: el Bilbeisi Abdel Hamid Hassan , Albelbeisi Ali , Hosseini Saeed , Djafarian Kurosh
Published: April 2019

Background:

This study was conducted to identify major dietary patterns and their association with level of asthma control among patients with asthma in Gaza Strip, Palestine.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted among a representative sample of Palestinian patients with asthma (both sex, aged 19-64 years) receiving care in chest department at Al-Shifa Medical Complex. Asthma control level was obtained using asthma control test. Data regarding other variables were obtained using an interview-based questionnaire and a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.

Results:

Two major dietary patterns were identified including (1) Prudent pattern characterized by a high intake of whole grains, beans and legumes, fish and shellfish products, vegetables, tomatoes, fruits, and vegetable oils, and (2) Western pattern characterized by a high intake of refined grains, red meat, poultry, fast foods, eggs, low-fat dairy product, high-fat dairy products, hydrogenated fats, olive, sugar, sweets, desserts, and snacks. After adjustment for confounding variables, patients in the lowest tertile (T1) of Prudent pattern had a lower odds for poorly controlled asthma (odds ratio [OR] = 0.044, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.002-1.316], P value < 0.05), whereas patients in the lowest tertile (T1) of Western pattern had a higher odds for poorly controlled asthma (OR = 2.499, 95% CI = [1.288-4.850], P value < 0.05), compared with those in the highest tertile (T3).

Conclusion:

A Prudent pattern may be associated with a lower prevalence of poorly controlled asthma, whereas a Western pattern may be associated with a higher prevalence of poorly controlled asthma.
Existing and Emerging Therapies for Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Van-de-Velde Vanessa , Zhou Youwen
Published: April 2019

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) are a heterogeneous group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas characterized by an infiltration of malignant monoclonal T lymphocytes into the skin. Mycosis fungoides (MF), the most common subtype, and the rarer Sézary syndrome (SS), are considered the classical forms of CTCL, which, because of a varying presentation and lack of genetic and immunophenotypical markers, can often have a delayed diagnosis. With skin-directed topical treatment being the mainstay of therapy in the early stages, there is an absence of long-term curative therapies for advanced disease. Recent insight into the pathogenesis of CTCL has identified new potential therapeutic targets including the monoclonal antibody therapies, brentuximab vedotin and mogamulizumab. Brentuximab vedotin, an anti-CD30 antibody-drug conjugate, received extended approval by the US FDA in 2017 to include primary cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphoma and CD30-expressing MF. Mogamulizumab, an anti-CCR4 antibody, received FDA approval in 2018 for relapsed or refractory MF and SS. Further targets and therapies continue to be investigated, including the monoclonal antibody therapy alemtuzumab, an anti-CD52 antibody, and the immune checkpoint blockade therapies, pembrolizumab and nivolumab. These new and emerging targets and therapies may lead to a promising broadening of CTCL treatment options in the future.
Taking interaction seriously: Asymmetrical roles and the behavioral foundations of status
Authors: Wolf Reinhard
Published: April 2019

Status has once again become a prominent topic in international relations. However, vague, incomplete, and incompatible definitions continue to stifle the development of a cohesive research program. Even the most sophisticated conceptualizations proposed fail to comprehend the full range of status conflicts and ambitions. Current research centers on collective beliefs about the traits that are valued in individual actors, so it especially fails to properly account for status differentiations that emerge through bilateral interactions and for defiant acts that upend local status hierarchies. It also neglects the most intense status infringements: acts and relationships that are humiliating. To remedy this conceptual weakness, this article will first review conceptual work in International Relations and beyond. It will then present an integrated model of two distinct status hierarchies — prestige and role status — and their causal linkages. In so doing, the article will attempt to clarify how “status” relates to similar concepts, such as “authority,” “prestige,” “honor,” and “glory.” The explanatory value of this consolidated status framework will be demonstrated through a more nuanced and consistent discussion of Russia’s seemingly erratic status disputes with “the West.”
Use, costs, and predictors of psychiatric healthcare services following an autism spectrum diagnosis: Population-based cohort study
Authors: Croteau Caroline , Mottron Laurent , Dorais Marc , Tarride Jean-Eric , Perreault Sylvie
Published: April 2019

A number of cross-sectional studies report extensive use of psychiatric services and high healthcare costs in autistic youths. However, little is known about how the use of these services evolves from the time of diagnosis, as children grow up. Our objectives were to investigate the use, costs, and predictors of psychiatric services following autism spectrum diagnosis. We built a cohort of 1227 newly diagnosed autism spectrum individuals identified in the Quebec (Canada) Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec administrative database (January 1998 to December 2010). Mean number and cost per individual of psychiatric healthcare use (hospitalizations, medical visits, psychoactive drug use) were calculated yearly for 5 years following autism spectrum diagnosis. Mean number of psychiatric visits decreased over time by more than threefold (7.5 vs 2.1 visits) from year 1 to year 5, whereas psychoactive drug use increased from 16.0 to 25.2 claims. Psychiatric hospitalizations decreased during follow-up, but still represented the greatest costs per individual (CAD9820 for year 1; CAD4628 for year 5). Antipsychotics represented over 50% of drug costs. Mixed-effect model with repeated measures showed that previous psychoactive drug use was the strongest predictor of greater psychiatric healthcare cost during follow-up (odds ratio: 9.96; 95% confidence interval: 7.58–13.10). These trends contrast with guidelines advocating cautious prescribing of antipsychotics with periodical re-assessment of their benefit.
Stuck in the past with push-pins on paper maps: Challenges of transition from manual to computerized crime mapping and analysis in Kenya
Authors: Baraka Gachie Eliud , Murimi Shadrack Kiana
Published: April 2019

Although crimes and the modus operandi of perpetrators across the world change constantly, some policing tools, especially in developing countries, remain the same. This study sought to assess Kenyan police officers’ satisfaction with the use of paper maps and push-pins (manual tools) in crime analysis, and identify challenges to the adoption of computerized tools such as geographical information systems (GIS) at a time when most operations are driven by technology. A descriptive survey targeting 120 Kenyan police officers was carried out at the National Police Service (NPS) headquarters in Nairobi, but only 94 (78.3%) officers responded. The study reveals that 42.3% of respondents found manual tools to be useful in crime mapping and spatial analysis, whereas 67.8% felt that they were easy to use. The study indicates that 55.0% of respondents were satisfied with manual crime mapping and spatial analysis, mainly because it was easy to use. The study also identifies several challenges to the adoption of GIS in crime analysis. The study concludes that majority of respondents found manual crime-mapping tools to be easy to use, but less useful although still usable in the absence of alternatives. The NPS should consider implementing pilot projects of computerized crime mapping and spatial analysis to allow stakeholders to assess police operations against multiple platforms.
The effects of rewards and proactive personality on turnover intentions and meaning of work in hotel businesses
Authors: Akgunduz Yilmaz , Adan Gök Özge , Alkan Ceylan
Published: April 2019

This study investigates the effects of rewards and proactive personality on meaning of work and turnover intention. It is theoretically based on Vroom’s Expectancy Theory, which focuses on three components: valence, expectancy and instrumentality. The theory argues that employees are motivated when the following conditions are met. Employees should first see that there is a positive relation between effort and performance, and performance and reward (expectancy). Then, they should accept that the reward is valuable for them (valence). Finally, they should believe that first-level rewards have instrumental effects on second-level rewards (instrumentality). Data were collected through a survey of 224 hotel employees in Turkey. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to assess the convergent and construct validity of the measurement model, while multiple regression analysis was used to test the research hypotheses. The results indicate that both non-financial and financial rewards have negative effects on turnover intention, while financial rewards and proactive personality have positive effects on meaning of work. The theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
Assessing the impact of cross-cultural communication competence on expatriate business operations in multinational corporations of a Sub-Saharan African context
Authors: Abugre James B , Debrah Yaw A
Published: April 2019

This study investigated the impact of cross-cultural communication competence (CCC) on expatriates’ work outcomes in emerging economies. Using a convergent parallel design methodology of data collection comprising an in-depth face-to-face interview with 21 expatriate executives, and a quantitative survey of 204 expatriates in various subsidiaries in Ghana, a structural equation modeling and a content analysis were the basis of data analysis. Findings suggest that host country culture is related to CCC. Additionally, expatriates’ CCC is influenced by multicultural team effectiveness and their interpersonal skills. The work recommends training of expatriates in cross-cultural communication for subsidiary assignments.
“They took all my clothes and made me walk naked for two days so I couldn’t escape”: Latina immigrant experiences of human smuggling in Mexico
Authors: Cleaveland Carol , Kirsch Vicki
Published: April 2019

Latina migrants often suffer rape, assaults, and gun violence during unauthorized immigration from Mexico to the US. Despite widespread violence during immigration to the US, social work scholarship on this issue is sparse. This article seeks to close that gap by examining the narratives of women who survived smuggling from Mexico. Social workers who practice with immigrants and refugees may encounter women who relied on human smugglers to traverse borders and thus need to understand the human rights violence they may have suffered. The question of how women perceive, navigate, and survive smuggling is critical for understanding the consequences of immigration enforcement and the perpetuation of the human smuggling industry.
Social perceptions of stalking in Spain: The behaviour’s seriousness and legal response
Authors: Villacampa Carolina , Pujols Alejandra
Published: April 2019

The recent process of criminalization of stalking in various European countries has proved to be complex, due to the diffuse nature of the phenomenon. One tool for helping to identify the most appropriate legal response to this issue is social perception studies. This article presents the findings of one such study conducted with a sample of 1010 university students, one of the population segments most victimized by stalking, based on two case scenarios. The aim was to determine, first, this population segment’s perceptions of the incidence and seriousness of the stalking phenomenon and, second, their attitude regarding the proportionate legal response in cases of stalking, depending on both certain personal characteristics of the sample members and other variables related to the case scenario itself. The results show that the sample population’s attitude with regard to the appropriate legal response in such cases is relatively nonpunitive. They also reveal distortions in the sample population’s view of the incidence and seriousness of these behaviours: in contrast to the findings of stalking victimization studies, the respondents considered cases of stalking by strangers to be more serious.
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder diagnoses as ideal types: A reinterpretation of stigma within the context of mainstream education
Authors: Skovlund Henrik
Published: April 2019

Children with psychiatric diagnoses such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder/attention-deficit disorder and autism spectrum disorder have often been the topic of heated debate between those who favour the view that the global increase in children who receive these diagnoses is the result of pathologizing and stigmatizing discourses and those who favour the view that attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder are neurodevelopmental disabilities. This conflict leaves the field divided with regard to which educational strategies teachers and education workers should use with these children in mainstream educational contexts. The core of the problem is the extent to which such diagnoses may be considered a help or stigma in the ongoing quest to include these children in state schools on the same footing as every other child. This article approaches this dilemma from a different theoretical standpoint than those that have guided criticism of psychiatric diagnoses since the rise of anti-psychiatry. The consequence of this theoretical standpoint is that both the idea of the relationship between diagnoses and stigma, and the concept of stigma itself, must be altered when seeking to provide fruitful educational strategies for these children in mainstream educational settings such as state schools.
Fabrication and characterization of electrospun polyurethane blended with dietary grapes for skin tissue engineering
Authors: Mani Mohan Prasath , Jaganathan Saravana Kumar
Published: April 2019

The tissue-engineered skin has emerged as a plausible alternative approach to the traditional wound dressing owing to its inherent advantages. Further, in tissue engineering applications, fibrous scaffold obtained through textile technologies is widely attractive. The present study focused on the fabrication of electrospun textile polyurethane wound dressing scaffold incorporated with grape extract. The fabricated composites showed smooth as well as reduced fiber (730 ± 127 nm) and pore (873 ± 51 nm) diameter than the control polyurethane (fiber diameter –890 ± 117 and pore diameter –1064 ± 74 nm) as revealed in the scanning electron microscopy. The formation of hydrogen bond in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the interaction between the polyurethane and grape. The addition of grape enhanced the wettability behavior (86° ± 2) and the surface roughness (469 nm) of the polyurethane membrane. Thermal gravimetric analysis and mechanical testing revealed the enhancement of thermal and tensile strength with the incorporation of the grape into the polyurethane matrix. The in vitro blood compatibility and cytocompatibility studies revealed enhanced antithrombogenicity behavior and the non-toxic nature to human dermal fibroblast cells for the fabricated composites than the pristine polyurethane. Hence, the addition of grape into the polyurethane matrix had enhanced the physicochemical characteristics and biocompatibility parameters which could promote this candidate as a valid alternative for skin tissue engineering regeneration.