bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Submucosal Injection of Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma for Treatment of Periodontal Disease in Dogs
Authors: Chung Cheng-Shu , Wei Yi-Fang , Lin Lee-Shuan
Published: September 2022

Periodontal disease is the most common oral disease seen in dogs, and its routine treatment usually involves dental scaling. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy may enhance the effectiveness of treatment of periodontal disease, delay the progression of the disease and decrease the time under anesthesia. However, its application in dogs is rarely discussed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the benefits of activated PRP for treatment of periodontal disease in dogs. 43 mL of whole blood was collected from six adult dogs and PRP extracted using the double centrifugation tube method. Subsequently, the PRP was activated using calcium chloride (A-PRP). Significantly elevated concentrations of PDGF-BB (7000.28 pg/mL), TGF-β (378.98 pg/mL), and VEGF (7.14 pg/mL) were detected in the A-PRP. Additionally, three of the dogs with stage 2–3 periodontal disease were enrolled in the clinical trial. Periodontal pocket depth, stage of periodontal disease, gingival index, horizontal bone loss, and alveolar bone density involving the maxillary third and fourth premolar and first molar teeth (107, 108, 109, 207, 208, and 209) were evaluated. Teeth were treated by dental scaling alone (control group) or by dental scaling followed by submucosal injection of 0.1 mL A-PRP per site. After 56 days, significant improvement in periodontal pocket depth, stage of periodontal disease, gingival index, and horizontal bone loss was observed in dogs injected with A-PRP. The high concentrations of growth factors in A-PRP likely contributed to this effect. The use of submucosal injections of A-PRP to treat canine stage 2–3 periodontal disease appears safe and effective for clinical practice.
Dynamic guidance virtual fixture for hydraulic manipulator via learning from demonstration
Authors: Cheng Min , Li Renming , Ding Ruqi , Luo Shaqi
Published: September 2022

Operating heavy-duty hydraulic manipulators with a master-slave control system is very challenging to execute complex tasks in unstructured environments. In this paper, to improve the operational efficiency for performing repetitive tasks, we designed a dynamical guidance virtual fixture via learning from demonstration to assist the operation. A data fitting method is proposed by reconstituting the control vertexes to address the operation noises caused by response lag and oscillation tendency of hydraulic manipulators, such that a smooth nominal trajectory is obtained and used to generate the virtual fixture. Then, a pipe-constraint guidance virtual fixture is designed with multiple control modes to meet the demands of free and constraint motion. Comparative tests were carried out with a 3-DOF hydraulic manipulator to perform trajectory tracking tasks and movement within a limited space. Compared with no assistance, the results show that the average time of task completion can be reduced by over 50% with the proposed guidance virtual fixture. Besides, the mental pressure of the operator can be reduced since collision avoidance can be easily achieved.
Fast cooperative obstacle-avoidance path planning for multiple space manipulators
Authors: Fan Zichen , Huo Mingying , Qi Ji , Zhao Jun , Xu Song , Sun Kang , Qi Naiming
Published: September 2022

For a space manipulator with multiple links, joints, and degrees of freedom, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the motion state of each link to make the manipulator reach the target position. In this regard, this study proposes a fast cooperative obstacle-avoidance path planning method for multiple space manipulators. The proposed method can quickly determine the obstacle-avoidance path of each link in multiple space manipulators with multiple degrees of freedom. In this method, first, the geometric relationship between the space manipulator and the target is used to constrain the range of motion of each link in the space manipulator. Thereafter, the Bezier shape-based (SB) method is used to generate the obstacle-avoidance motion path of each of these links. By comparing the results of the Bezier SB method, the finite Fourier series (FFS) SB method, and the Gauss pseudospectral method (GPM), the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method are verified. The simulation results show that the Bezier SB method yields better results with shorter computation time than the FFS SB method. The results obtained using the Bezier SB method are employed as the initial values for the GPM. And the computation time for the Bezier SB method is less than 2.5% that of the GPM, while yielding results with a performance index difference of approximately 2%. Thus, the proposed method is proved to be considerably effective for quickly determining the cooperative obstacle-avoidance path of multiple manipulators in complex on-orbit service tasks.
Influence of eccentric impeller on pressure pulsation of large-scale vaned-voluted centrifugal pump
Authors: Lu Zhaoheng , Li Na , Tao Ran , Yao Zhifeng , Liu Weichao , Xiao Ruofu
Published: September 2022

Large-scale vaned-voluted centrifugal pump is a key component in water conveyance engineering. Hydraulic performance and pressure pulsation are important assessment indicators for operation efficiency and stability. During the common operation, the impeller eccentricity is easy to occur due to installation error, radial force and other reasons, which results the changes of hydraulic performance and pressure pulsation. In this study, the hydraulic performance and pressure pulsation in the vaneless region are analyzed by computational fluid dynamics method. The influence of eccentric impeller on the hydraulic performance in each components and the pressure pulsation is studied. Results show that the eccentric impeller causes the increasing of hydraulic dissipation especially in the volute. However, decreasing of the hydraulic dissipation happens in the draft tube. Impeller eccentricity significantly enhances the amplitude of rotation frequency, but has no obvious effect on the blade passing frequency and its harmonics. The peak-peak value of pressure pulsation of eccentric impeller increases rapidly with the eccentricity ratio. The results of this study provide scientific support for solving the stability problem caused by eccentric impeller in engineering cases.
The effect of air pollution on systemic lupus erythematosus: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rezayat Arash Akhavan , Niloufar jafari  , Mir Nourbakhsh Sayyedeh Helya , Hasheminezhad Hoseini Faezeh Sadat , Hooshmand Niloofar , Ghasemi nour Mohammad , Handjani Farhad , Tabrizi Reza
Published: September 2022

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease resulting from impaired inflammatory responses. Given the role of air pollution on increasing inflammatory mediators, thus, we aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze evidence regarding an association between short-term exposure to air pollution and SLE onset, activity, and hospitalization.

Methods

Electronic databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Embase were searched for all published articles until July 5, 2021. Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) checklist was used to assess the quality of individual studies. Relevant demographic data and the intended results of the selected studies were extracted, and their adjusted risk ratios (RRs) were pooled using random and fixed effect analysis based on the heterogeneity index.

Findings

Twelve studies were entered in our systematic review, and finally, six publications were enrolled in meta-analysis. Overall, Meta-analysis showed no significant association between an increase of PM2.5 on the third day and SLEDAI score with pooled adjusted RR of 1.212 (95% CI, 0,853–1.721), p-value = 0.284. However, there was a positive relationship between 6 days increase of Particulate matter (PM) 2.5 and the systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity Index (SLEDAI) score (pooled adjusted RR 1.112; 95% CI, 1.005–1.231), p-value = 0.040. There was no significant association between carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), PM2.5, and PM10 increase in the air and hospitalization of SLE patients with pooled RR of 1.021 (95% CI, 0,986–1.1.057), p-value = 0.249, 1.034 (95% CI, 0.996–1.068); p-value = 0.079, 1.042 (95% CI, 0.994–1.092); p-value = 0.084 and 1.004 (95% CI, 0.996–1.013); p-value = 0.323, respectively. Also, analysis showed a significant relation between ozone (O3) increase and hospitalization with a pooled RR of 1.076 (95% CI, 1.009–1.147); p-value = 0.025. Finally, analysis of SO2 increase and risk of hospitalization demonstrated no significant relationship with the pooled RR of 1.011; (95% CI, 0.962–1.062), p-value = 0.0.671.

Conclusion

Our findings prove that PM2.5 was associated with increased SLE risk. We also showed that only O3 was associated with increased hospital admissions of SLE patients.
Managing Electronic Waste: A Qualitative Inquiry into the Behaviour of Young Indian Consumers
Authors: Gautam Shalini , Jain Shanu
Published: September 2022

The exponential increase in the usage of electronic devices by young consumers in India has added to the menace of e-waste. With legislation and some remarkable initiatives already in place, the pro-environmental behaviour of the young generation is efficacious. The present qualitative study investigates the factors that affect e-waste recycling behaviour. A thematic analysis of the interview transcripts, based on virtual interactions with the young students, supports the role of knowledge acquired through social and print media and educational institutions, concern for the environment and responsibility assumed by different stakeholders on recycling behaviour. The dual dimensions, internal and external, explain the perceived behavioural control, and subjective norms also affect the intention. Awareness is revealed to be playing a pertinent role. The recycling behaviour is manifested in four forms, namely giving away in charity, reselling, reusing and discarding. An interesting outcome of the study is the function of the hidden values that an individual puts on the e-waste, impacting the disposal behaviour. The values can be categorized into three segments, namely economic value, emotional value and future value. The study offers logical implications for electronic device manufacturers, marketers, government and other stakeholders while making a significant contribution to the extant literature in the form of a comprehensive conceptual model explaining the e-waste recycling behaviour of the Indian youth.
Organizational Trust in the Age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Shifts in the Form, Production, and Targets of Trust
Authors: Lumineau Fabrice , Schilke Oliver , Wang Wenqian
Published: September 2022

In this essay, we argue that the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution calls for a reexamination of trust patterns within and across organizations. We identify fundamental changes in terms of (1) what form organizational trust takes, (2) how it is produced, and (3) who needs to be trusted. First, and most broadly, trust is likely to become more impersonal and systemic. Trust between actors is increasingly substituted by trust in a system based on digital technology. Second, in terms of trust production modes, characteristic- and institution-based trust production will gain in importance. Third, despite the move toward system trust, there will nonetheless be a need to trust certain individuals; however, these trustees are no longer the counterparts to the interaction but rather third parties in charge of the technological systems and data. Thus, the focal targets of interpersonal trust are changing.
Cognitive-Behavioral Marital Skills Training: Is it Effective on Positive Feelings Toward Spouse and Interpersonal Trust in Married Women?
Authors: Baradaranhezaveh Bita , Hosseinian Simin
Published: September 2022

Training couples is one of the ways to enrich their relationships. The present research set out to study the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral marital skills training on positive feelings toward spouse and interpersonal trust of married women. This quasi-experimental study used the pretest–posttest design with the control group. The statistical population of this paper was all married women who were visiting an educational center in Arak, Iran. Questionnaires were given to 70 married women. Thirty-nine attendees scored lower than average. Thirty out of 39 participated in the study voluntarily. O'Leary et al. positive feelings toward spouse questionnaire and Gorge and Swap Interpersonal Trust Questionnaire were used to collect data. The training course was held in 10 sessions of 90 min 2 times per week for the experimental group. The results of covariance analysis showed that the scores of the positive feelings toward spouse and interpersonal trust in the experimental group had increased significantly after training ( P<.05) compared to the control group. Cognitive-behavioral marital skills training seems to be an appropriate intervention to improve positive feelings toward spouse and interpersonal trust of married women. Therefore, couple therapists, psychologists, and educators can use cognitive-behavioral marital skills training for couples and people about to get married.
Career Adapt-Abilities Scale–Short Form: Validation among Portuguese University Students and Workers
Authors: Soares Joana , Taveira Maria do Céu , Barroso Paula , Silva Ana Daniela
Published: September 2022

Career Adapt-Abilities Scale (CAAS) was recently reduced to a briefer 12-items version, the Career Adapt-Abilities Scale-Short Form (CAAS-SF). Considering its advantages in long protocols, we validated CAAS-SF for the Portuguese context. Participants were 314 university students (17–47 years old, Mage = 21.50, SDage = 4.32, 82.8% females), and 899 working adults (17–66 years old, Mage = 40.14, SDage = 11.95, 76.8% females). Sociodemographic, career adaptability, vocational identity, and life satisfaction measures were applied. Confirmatory factor analyses supported CAAS-SF four-factor hierarchical structure, Cronbach alpha estimates supported CAAS-SF good reliability, and Pearson correlations indicated positive associations with CAAS, vocational identity, and life satisfaction. Multigroup analyses indicated CAAS-SF adequate configural invariance, full metric and scalar invariance across genders, and partial scalar invariance across students and workers’ groups. These findings support CAAS-SF usage as a valid and reliable measure to assess career adaptability with Portuguese university students and workers both in research and practice.
Predictive Model of Chemotherapy-Induced Myelosuppression for Patients with Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Zheng Ziming , Zhang Qilin , Han Yong , Wu Tingting , Zhang Yu
Published: September 2022

Background

The influential factors of chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression in esophageal cancer in central China are unclear. This study aimed to develop a model for prediction of incidence of myelosuppression during chemotherapy among patients with esophageal cancer.

Methods

In this retrospective study, a total of 1446 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent five different chemotherapy regimens between 2013 and 2020 at our institute were randomly assigned in a 7:3 ratio to training and validation data sets. Clinical and drug-related variables were used to develop the prediction model from the training data set by the machine learning method of random forest. Finally, this model were tested in the validation data set.

Results

The prediction model were established with 16 indispensable variables selected from 46 variables. The model obtained an area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of .883 and accompanied by prediction accuracy of 80.0%, sensitivity of 77.8% and specificity of 81.8%.

Conclusion

This new prediction model showed excellent predictive ability of incidence of myelosuppression in turn providing preventative measures for patients with esophageal cancer during chemotherapy.
Economic burden in patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with or without brain metastases, receiving first-line ALK inhibitors
Authors: Wu Yanyu , Ren Kaili , Wan Yin , Lin Huamao M
Published: September 2022

Introduction

This observational study describes the real-world economic burden in patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase ( ALK) positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving a first-line ALK inhibitor, and the economic impact of brain metastases (BM).

Methods

Administrative claims data (Truven Health MarketScan® Commercial Claims and Encounters database and Medicare Supplemental and Coordination of Benefits database; January 1, 2015–March 31, 2020) for adult patients with ALK+ NSCLC who received a first-line ALK inhibitor were retrospectively reviewed. Healthcare costs and resource utilization were calculated on a per-patient-per-month (PPPM) basis and stratified by the presence or absence of BM prior to first-line ALK inhibitor. Factors associated with costs were identified.

Results

A total of 496 patients were eligible for analysis. Mean PPPM total healthcare costs were $21,961 for all patients receiving up to 1 year of a first-line ALK inhibitor. Patients were significantly more likely to have higher mean PPPM total costs if they had BM prior to first-line ALK inhibitor (vs. no BM; odds ratio: 1.11; 95% confidence interval: 1.02, 1.21; p = 0.013). Mean PPPM days of hospital stay ( p = 0.0056), and inpatient hospital visits ( p = 0.0030) were significantly higher for patients with BM compared to no BM. The main cost drivers for non-inpatient procedures for all patients were medications, radiation therapy, and other diagnostic procedures.

Conclusions

The economic burden in patients with ALK+ NSCLC receiving a first-line ALK inhibitor was high. Patients with ALK+ NSCLC and BM had higher healthcare costs and resource utilization than patients without BM.
Developing Sustainable Business Models: A Microfoundational Perspective
Authors: Ringvold Kristin , Saebi Tina , Foss Nicolai
Published: September 2022

Sustainable business models (SBMs) integrate economic with social and/or environmental value creation. Many relevant aspects of organizing for sustainable business model innovation (SBMI) have yet to be accounted for to understand how firms can add a new SBM to their already existing portfolio of business models. Specifically, how the development of a new SBM is influenced by managers’ cognitions, capabilities, behaviors, and interactions, and how the SBMI process can be supported by organizational processes and structures is less well understood. Taking a microfoundational approach, we identify the capabilities at the managerial and organizational level that enable established firms to add a new SBM to their business model portfolio. In a longitudinal study, we explore how Telenor, a multinational telecommunications company headquartered in Norway, introduced a new SBM targeted at providing digital health services in Bangladesh. We offer a framework that highlights key microfoundational elements supporting each of the phases in the SBMI process.
Commentary for the RAIN Symposium: Dutch Water Infrastructure Challenged by Climate Change
Authors: Kuks Stefan M. M.
Published: September 2022

The Netherlands has a history of land reclamation from the sea. They deploy a large amount of infrastructure for water management, e.g., dike rings, pumping stations, drainage canals, and almost every water body in the country is under engineered control. The Dutch consider land as a precious good that shouldn’t be spoiled and as a result, infrastructure is never abandoned, but preferably refurbished, renovated, reinforced or replaced. Over the past 30 years, the Dutch learned that water cannot only be turned and controlled with infrastructure but should also be accommodated and accepted as a guiding principle in spatial policy making. In this commentary we compare lessons from the Netherlands with Florida where engineered water control has also reached its limits. The Dutch developed a Room for the River Program to accommodate more water, a Freshwater Strategy to better utilize the underground sponge capacity, and a Spatial Adaptation Program to better adapt to weather extremes in urban areas.
Subhyaloid hypopyon as a diagnostic cue in syphilitic necrotizing retinitis
Authors: Ramanjulu Rajesh , Kakunje Chaithra , Shanmugam P Mahesh , Sagar Pradeep , Biswal Suchitra
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To describes one case of syphilitic necrotizing retinitis and one case of presumed syphilitic necrotizing retinitis with presence of subhyaloid hypopyon.

Case description

We report two cases of necrotizing retinitis, which were noted to have yellow boat-shaped lesions at the inferior edge of retinitis resembling subhyaloid hypopyon. The subhyaloid location was confirmed on optical coherence tomography in one case. Both the cases were positive for venereal disease research laboratory test (VDRL) and Treponema pallidum hemagglutination (TPHA). But in one case, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the aqueous humor was positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and responded well to piperacillin. As piperacillin is effective against Pseudomonas and the efficacy of piperacillin in the management of syphilis is not studied, we may have to consider it as a case of presumed syphilitic retinitis.

Discussion

Subhyaloid hypopyon is an uncommon presentation and is reported in two cases of syphilitic necrotizing retinitis in literature. Severe infection and necrosis confined to the inner retina leads to collection of white blood cells and necrotic material in the subhyaloid space and would settle down resulting in subhyaloid hypopyon. Two cases of subhyaloid hypopyon reported in literature and 2 cases reported in our article are syphilitic retinitis and is not reported in other entities.

Conclusion

It is possible that subhyaloid hypopyon may serve as a diagnostic cue in syphilitic necrotizing retinitis.
Spontaneous peritoneal dialysis catheter expulsion: A case series
Authors: Sosa Barrios R. Haridian , Burguera Vion Víctor , Fernández Lucas Milagros , Rivera Gorrín Maite E.
Published: September 2022

There are a significant number of mechanical complications related the peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter and early diagnosis is key. Between them, the spontaneous extrusion of the catheter is quite uncommon but it should be included among the possible complications of the technique, given that it can be related to frequent situations in PD patients like abdominal wall issues, past immunosuppression or PD fluid leakage. In 25 years our Unit had three cases, probably related to peritoneal fluid leakage, exit site infection and past steroid treatment. Careful examination of abdominal wall preimplantation, adequate break-in period to allow maturation and early detection of exit site infection to start treatment in a timely fashion could help to prevent this rare complication. The complete extrusion of the catheter does not preclude from continuing PD treatment.
Computational Analyses Reveal Fundamental Properties of the Hemophilia Literature in the Last 6 Decades
Authors: Lopes Tiago JS , Rios Ricardo , Nogueira Tatiane
Published: September 2022

Hemophilia is an inherited blood coagulation disorder caused by mutations on the coagulation factors VIII or IX genes. Although it is a relatively rare disease, the research community is actively working on this topic, producing almost 6000 manuscripts in the last 5 years. Given that the scientific literature is increasing so rapidly, even the most avid reader will find it difficult to follow it closely. In this study, we used sophisticated computational techniques to map the hemophilia literature of the last 60 years. We created a network structure to represent authorship collaborations, where the nodes are the researchers and 2 nodes are connected if they co-authored a manuscript. We accurately identified author clusters, namely, researchers who have collaborated systematically for several years, and used text mining techniques to automatically synthesize their research specialties. Overall, this study serves as a historical appreciation of the effort of thousands of hemophilia researchers and demonstrates that a computational framework is able to automatically identify collaboration networks and their research specialties. Importantly, we made all datasets and source code available for the community, and we anticipate that the methods introduced here will pave the way for the development of systems that generate compelling hypothesis based on patterns that are imperceptible to human researchers.
The Public’s Perceptions of Air Pollution. What’s in a Name?
Authors: Noël Charlotte , Van Landschoot Lisa , Vanroelen Christophe , Gadeyne Sylvie
Published: September 2022

Air pollution is a major global health threat. There is growing evidence for a negative effect of air pollution on health and well-being. Relationships between air pollution and health are mediated by health risk perceptions and play a crucial role in public response to it. Air pollution in the public’s mind is often different from air pollution defined by the scientific community. Therefore, in order to develop successful prevention and alleviation strategies, an understanding of public risk perceptions is key. The central question of this paper is: ‘How does “the public” (in Brussels) perceive air pollution?’ This research is an attempt to enrich the limited body of qualitative research in the field, approaching the topic of perception from 4 different, complementary angles: definition, association, categorisation and problematisation. About 51 interviews were conducted in the Brussels-Capital Region. Consistent with earlier research, this research illustrates that perceptions of air pollution are diverse, subjective, context-dependent and often deviate from conceptualisations and definitions in the scientific community. Respondents underestimate the potential harm and problematisation depends on comparative strategies and perceived avoidability. The novel aspect of this paper is the identification of 5 mental schemes by which specific elements are categorised as being air pollution: (1) the source of the element, (2) its health impact, (3) its climate impact, (4) its functionality and (5) sensory perceptions. The insights gained from this research contribute to the field of environmental epidemiology through a better understanding of how ‘the public’ perceives air pollution and in what way this may deviate from how it is perceived by experts. We hope to raise the awareness among experts and policy makers that air pollution perceptions are far from universal and consensual but on the contrary individual and contested.
Depressive Symptoms and Their Correlates Among Older People in Rural Viet Nam: A Study Highlighting the Role of Family Factors
Authors: Do Trang Thi Hanh , Nguyen Duc Thi Minh , Nguyen Linh Thuy
Published: September 2022

This study examined the prevalence of depressive symptoms among older people living in a rural district in Hanoi, Vietnam in 2021. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a sample of 495 people aged 60 years or older, using a structured questionnaire. The prevalence of self-reported depression, based on the short-form Geriatric Depression Scale—15 items, was 28.7%. Results from multiple variable logistic regression analyses showed that there was a significant association between age, educational level, family support, domestic violence, and depression. The study findings emphasize the importance of screening for depression in older people living in rural areas and the need for interventions aimed to enhance family support and reduce family-related stressors.
Non-linear agenda-building: The impacts of media storms during the 2015 Canadian election
Authors: Dumouchel David
Published: September 2022

A common limitation of most analyses of electoral agenda-building dynamics is that they tend to operate under the assumption that the underlying dynamics between the political actors’ and the media’s agendas are more or less stable across time. Drawing upon recent work on media storms, I theorize that political parties have considerably less influence in periods that are characterized by sudden and explosive increases in media coverage of a particular issue. Using an automated content analysis built around a custom-made dictionary, I examine how parties’ electoral agenda-building efficiency was affected by media storms during the 2015 Canadian federal election. My results support the idea that storm periods diminish parties’ influence on the following day’s media agenda, as the impact of parties’ daily issue attention tend to be weaker. These findings demonstrate the non-linearity of electoral agenda-building dynamics and imply that some electoral contexts are less conducive to political actors’ influence.
Examining the effects of sales and marketing on performance: An exploratory study of the timeshare industry
Authors: Seo Kwanglim , Soh Jungtae
Published: September 2022

The timeshare industry has relied heavily on costly traditional sales and marketing tactics that are extremely labor intensive and consume considerable time and resources. It remains controversial whether conventional sales and marketing strategies are effective in improving firm performance, presenting one of the greatest challenges the timeshare industry is facing. However, while limited research on timeshare is available, there is no scholastic literature discussing this important issue. This study aims to fill this research gap by developing an integrated model to analyze the interrelationships between capital investment, sales and marketing expenses, and performance in the timeshare industry. Findings of this study provide distinct empirical evidence emphasizing the importance of efficient timeshare sales and marketing strategies in contributing to healthy and sustainable growth.
Cash Lotteries in Online Access Panels: Stating the Odds of Winning?
Authors: Gummer Tobias , Bauer Irina
Published: September 2022

Since cash lotteries are frequently employed to stimulate participation in web surveys sampled from online access panels, the present study assesses the research gap concerning the relevance of respondents knowing their odds of winning these cash lotteries. Prior studies on the use of cash lotteries have not provided the odds of winning to respondents, which may have obscured their effects. Based on an experiment in which we varied the number of prizes, the size of prizes, and whether respondents knew the odds of winning, we replicated the findings of prior studies on the use of cash lotteries. Most importantly, our findings show that knowing the odds of winning cash lotteries did not affect the participation in our survey and did not influence the effects of other survey design elements. In our study, we provide survey practitioners with recommendations on the use of cash lotteries in online access panels and close with an outlook for future research on this topic.
Analytical approximate solution of fractional order smoking epidemic model
Authors: Günerhan Hatıra , Rezazadeh Hadi , Adel Waleed , Hatami Mohammad , Sagayam Kulandairaj Martin , Emadifar Homan , Asjad Muhammad Imran , Hamasalh Faraidun K , Hamoud Ahmed A
Published: September 2022

In this paper, the fractional smoking epidemic model is presented. The model is presented in terms of Caputo’s fractional derivation. The fractional differential transformation method (FDTM) is presented to find an approximate analytical solution to the model. The method is tested on the model and the solution is compared with the homotopy transform method. The method shows the form of fast converging series and the results prove the applicability of the proposed technique, which gives accurate results.
Research on fault diagnosis method of aviation cable based on improved Adaboost
Authors: Wang Falin , Yuan Gang , Guo Chaoyang , Li Zhinong
Published: September 2022

In order to solve the problems of short circuit, open circuit and insulation faults in aviation cables, a fault diagnosis method based on BP-Adaboost algorithm is proposed in this paper. The BP neural network is used as the weak classifier in the Adaboost algorithm, and many weak classifiers are composed a strong classifier with stronger classification performance to diagnose fault categories. The BP-Adaboost fault diagnosis model is established, and the BP-Adaboost algorithm is improved to adapt to the multi-classification faults of cables, so as to identify the short circuit, open circuit, and insulation faults in the aircraft cable as well as normal working conditions. The accuracy of classification is analyzed; the results of the algorithm are analyzed by Matlab software, and the analysis results show that the improved BP-Adaboost algorithm has a relatively good classification performance for multi-class aviation cable fault diagnosis. Finally, the feasibility of the algorithm proposed is verified through an example combined with cable fault detection equipment.
Boucicault-O’Casey-Hansberry: Tracing a Line of Influence
Authors: Moran James
Published: September 2022

In 1959, Lorraine Hansberry's play A Raisin in the Sun opened on Broadway after a successful tour. This remarkable performance featured a black cast, and staged a generation that was beginning to find intellectual sources of race pride. By contrast, exactly 100 years earlier, in 1859, the ‘great dramatic “sensation”’ of the New York stage had been Dion Boucicault's The Octoroon, a play set on a plantation and which describes blackness as shameful. In form and in subject matter, these two plays appear to have little in common, but this essay traces a connection between the two. The connection is this: the Irish playwright Sean O’Casey felt inspired by reading and performing the work of Boucicault, and, in turn, O’Casey provided a ‘point of departure’ for Hansberry when she scripted her best-known play. By examining these moments of connection, the essay examines a significant if counter-intuitive line of influence.
Surgeon-administered intraoperative brachial plexus block for open shoulder surgery - a novel and safe technique
Authors: Kamineni Srinath , Cheppalli Naga Suresh
Published: September 2022

In the era of outpatient shoulder surgery, bundled payment, safe, predictable, and time-efficient pain management strategies for shoulder arthroplasty (SA) are important. Ultrasound-guided interscalene blocks (ISBs), currently the gold standard for postoperative pain management after shoulder surgery, can be highly operator dependent, time-consuming, and not without complications. We developed a new surgical technique of surgeon-administered intraoperative brachial plexus block in patients undergoing SA open shoulder surgery using the deltopectoral approach. This procedure could be performed after the exposure, either at the beginning or end of the bony work. This procedure is simple, safe, and effective. We did not notice any complications that are typically seen with ISB-like respiratory depression secondary to phrenic nerve palsy, rebound pain after the block wore off, and pain related conversion of outpatient SA to inpatient, over the period of four years (2018–2022). This technique has additional advantages over the established “gold standard” ISB in terms of time and cost savings and improved operating room efficiency.
Prevertebral fat in Madelung disease mimicking cervical spine injury: A case report
Authors: Hirunpat Pornrujee , Panyaping Theeraphol , Charoensri Attawit , Sanpote Jittipong , Hirunpat Siriporn
Published: September 2022

Madelung disease is defined by multiple symmetric fatty accumulations, usually involving the upper trunk, and may sometimes have excessive fat deposition in the prevertebral space. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), findings of fat that are hyperintense on T1w and T2w images, may simulate subacute hematoma and mimic cervical spine injury. This is the first reported case of Madelung disease with prevertebral fat deposition mimicking prevertebral hematoma found in cervical spine injury on MRI. Fat suppression techniques are helpful in order to differentiate between these two conditions, which should be taken into consideration during routine clinical practice.
Characteristics of myeloproliferative neoplasm-associated portal hypertension and endoscopic management of variceal bleeding
Authors: Huang Xiaoquan , Zhang Ming , Ai Yingjie , Jiang Siyu , Xiao Mei , Wang Lifen , Jian Yourong , Zhuge Yuzheng , Zhang Chunqing , Chen Shiyao
Published: September 2022

Background:

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are a rare yet important clinical cause of portal hypertension, which may cause recurrent gastroesophageal variceal bleeding (GVB). MPN-associated variceal bleeding lacks specific guidelines and clinical consensus and desiderates cohort studies. We performed a multicenter retrospective study to investigate the efficacy of endoscopic management of bleeding in MPNs.

Methods:

We included consecutive MPN patients with gastroesophageal varices in eight tertiary university hospitals between January 2007 and March 2020. The clinical characteristics of participants were summarized. MPN patients with a history of GVB were followed up for the rebleeding and death, compared with controls suffering from schistosomiasis-associated portal hypertension who received endoscopic treatment for variceal bleeding at the same period.

Results:

A total of 62 MPN patients with gastroesophageal varices were identified, and 37 had a history of GVB. Of these, 24 patients received endoscopic variceal ligation and endoscopic injection of cyanoacrylate for the prophylaxis of variceal rebleeding. Endoscopic treatment significantly reduced the rebleeding rate in MPN patients with a history of GVB (28.2% versus 68.3%, p = 0.0269). Multivariable Cox regression indicated that endoscopic treatment (HR = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.02–0.54, p = 0.008) was the independent protective factor for decreasing the 3-year rebleeding rate, while the use of non-selective beta-blockers (NSBB) (HR = 13.41, 95% CI: 2.15–83.42, p = 0.005) was the risk factor for increasing the 3-year rebleeding rate. As for the efficacy of endoscopic management, 3-year rebleeding rate was significantly lower in MPN patients in contrast to 46 controls with schistosomiasis-associated variceal bleeding (32.9% versus 59.0%, p = 0.0346).

Conclusion:

Endoscopic treatment might be a feasible and potent approach in the management of gastroesophageal variceal rebleeding in MPNs, while NSBB might be ineffective.
Apple Card: Transforming the customer experience of using a credit card
Authors: Arkadan Farah
Published: September 2022

Increasingly, companies across diverse fields are focusing on the customer experience as a means to creating compelling customer offerings in highly competitive markets. To gain customer empathy and deliver something that truly resonates with the customer, companies are stepping into the shoes of their customers. The aim of this case study is to allow students to evaluate Apple Card from customer experience and value-in-use perspectives. The case focuses on the nature of Apple’s credit card innovation and sources of customer value when it comes to using a credit card. It provides an opportunity for students to take a management perspective on service experience conception and design by unpacking the dimensions of customer value and mapping the touchpoints in a customer journey. The case also provides an opportunity for students to reflect on organizational challenges of customer experience design execution.
How Knowledge Sharing and Cohesion Become Keys to a Successful Graduation Project for Students from Design College
Authors: Yang Hsi-Hsun , Lin Yi-Tzu
Published: September 2022

College students’ graduation projects reflect their teamwork abilities. The current research develops a practical framework and causal model of knowledge-sharing behavior, cohesion, and team performance for design college students in Taiwan. Using survey data collected from 115 students who completed their graduation projects in a design college, PLS-SEM was run to test the model. In addition, 11 students who were on teams that won competitions or were shortlisted were interviewed. Results found that knowledge sharing has a significant positive effect on team performance, and cohesion has a significant positive effect on both team performance and knowledge sharing. The students with high cohesion often exhibit knowledge sharing behaviors and excellent team performance. These findings suggest project supervisors should induce knowledge sharing behaviors during the graduation project process in order to enhance student group cohesion.
Minimal Human Interaction in Hospitals: Effective Online Registration System Design
Authors: Lin Chin-Feng , Fu Yin-Chih , Lin Liang-Shiun , Fu Chen-Su
Published: September 2022

This study investigated a hospital online registration system using data derived from qualitative and quantitative research and analyzed through the means-end chain (MEC) approach and Kano model. Initial qualitative surveys with 34 interviewees set up the questionnaire items used in a subsequent survey with 376 valid respondents to construct a Kano–MEC hierarchical value map (HVM). HVM depicts the innermost thoughts and cognitive structure of hospital online registration users. Findings showed that offering the functions of right-clicking the registration by department tab or by symptom of a disease and providing outpatients with instant messaging to know the progress of clinic appointment number are the most important features to rapidly improve user satisfaction. Future research may consider following the procedure used in this study to understand the actual needs of users and develop an efficient e-system for them.
An Economic Analysis of Early and Late Complications After Adult Spinal Deformity Correction
Authors: Williamson Tyler K. , Owusu-Sarpong Stephane , Imbo Bailey , Krol Oscar , Tretiakov Peter , Joujon-Roche Rachel , Ahmad Salman , Bennett-Caso Claudia , Schoenfeld Andrew J. , Lebovic Jordan , Vira Shaleen , Diebo Bassel , Lafage Renaud , Lafage Virginie , Passias Peter G.
Published: September 2022

Study design/setting

Retrospective cohort.

Objective

Adult spinal deformity (ASD) corrective surgery is often a highly invasive procedure portending patients to both immediate and long-term complications. Therefore, we sought to compare the economic impact of certain complications before and after 2 years.

Methods

ASD patients with minimum 3-year data included. Complication groups were defined as follows: any complication, major, medical, mechanical, radiographic, and reoperation. Complications stratified by occurrence before or after 2 years postoperatively. Published methods converted ODI to SF-6D to QALYs. Cost was calculated using CMS.gov definitions. Marginalized means for utility gained and cost-per-QALY were calculated via ANCOVA controlling for significant confounders.

Results

244 patients included. Before 2Y, complication rates: 76% ≥1 complication, 18% major, 26% required reoperation. After 2Y, complication rates: 32% ≥1 complication, 4% major, 2.5% required reoperation. Major complications after 2 years had worse cost-utility (.320 vs .441, P = .1). Patients suffering mechanical complications accrued the highest overall cost ($130,482.22), followed by infection and PJF for complications before 2 years. Patients suffering a mechanical complication after 2 years had lower cost-utility ($109,197.71 vs $130,482.22, P = .041). Patients developing PJF after 2 years accrued a better cost-utility ($77,227.84 vs $96,873.57; P = .038), compared to PJF before 2 years.

Conclusion

Mechanical complications had the single greatest impact on cost-utility after adult spinal deformity surgery, but less so after 2 years. Understanding the cost-utility of specific interventions at certain timepoints may mitigate economic burden and prophylactic efforts should strategically be made against early mechanical complications.
The Influence of Organisational Culture on Employee Commitment: An Empirical Study on Civil Service Officials in Bangladesh
Authors: Jahan Iffat , Huynh Thanh , Mass Gideon
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of organisational culture on the commitment of officers in the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS; Administration) cadre. The study examines the relationships between four organisational cultural characteristics and a three-component commitment model. The quantitative data analysis was conducted using data collected via a survey from 211 respondents. The research findings indicate that mission, one of the organisational cultural traits, has a significant impact on the affective, normative and continuing commitment of the BCS (Administration) cadre. Only normative commitment is strongly influenced by involvement, another organisational cultural characteristic. This study’s findings will contribute to the body of knowledge about organisational culture and employee commitment in public organisations. This result can be used to increase officer commitment by top management or the responsible departments. If officers remain committed to the service, this will ultimately result in an increase in productivity, performance and efficiency, as well as a decrease in absenteeism and an increase in officer morale. This will ultimately add value to the services provided to the general public in Bangladesh, as the administration cadre is critical in formulating and implementing public policies.
Building a better host city? Reforming and contesting the Olympics in Paris 2024
Authors: Wolfe Sven Daniel
Published: September 2022

Many cities have abandoned plans for hosting the Olympics due to crises of high costs, unnecessary infrastructures, and a range of socio-spatial exclusions. These problems stem from conflicts between the short-term needs of the event and the long-term needs of the city. In response, Olympic organizers launched a series of reforms to improve alignment between the Games and the host city. This paper examines these reforms, identifies urban development agendas in preparation for Paris 2024, and explores their implications on selected spaces of urban intervention within Paris. Thinking through rhizomatic philosophy, the paper advocates for a more nuanced approach to exploring the problems and potential of mega-event-led urban development. In so doing, the paper maps organizer and activist assemblages, and posits that efforts at reform are stymied by a too-narrow interpretation of who counts as a stakeholder. Subsequently, the spatial articulations of the mega-event risk perpetuating the exclusions that reform intended to resolve. Ensuring a wider representation of resident voices could help minimize the distance between word and deed in the latest rounds of Olympic reform.