bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Thermochromic Pigment Printing and Se-NP Multifunctional Finishing of Cotton Fabrics for Smart Childrenswear
Authors: Abou Elmaaty Tarek M. , Abdeldayem Shereen A. , Elshafai Nashwa
Published: January 2020

Thermochromic (TC) pigments offer significant potential for functional and aesthetic design of smart textile materials. In this study, TC (blue and red) pigments were applied to cotton fabrics and printed on especially designed childrenswear by flat screen printing technique. The antibacterial and ultraviolet protection functionalities have been implemented into the fabrics under study by using selenium nanoparticles. The factors affecting the printing process were studied and the optimum formula was screen printed to produce the pattern’s designs of childrenswear. After conducting several tests, the results showed a significant color-changing effect depending on temperature, the color fastness properties to light, wash, and rubbing were excellent. Antibacterial activity of printed fabrics was very good against Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli bacteria and the anti-ultraviolet protection was found to be very good. The printed fabrics can be as protective childrenswear as shown in this work.
Examining the Factorial Validity of the Entrepreneurial Career Motives Scale: A Five-Nation Comparison
Authors: Affum-Osei Emmanuel , Goto Sharon G. , Yeung June Chun , Wang Rong , Lam Hodar , Abdul-Nasiru Inusah , Chan Darius K.-S.
Published: January 2020

This study validates Shane et al.’s Entrepreneurial Career Motives Scale across nations. A total sample of 948 undergraduate and postgraduate students from five nations (China = 229, Hong Kong = 213, Holland = 136, United States = 155, and Ghana = 215) were recruited to complete a survey designed to measure their entrepreneurial motives and other related constructs. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the hypothesized four-factor structure, namely, perceived recognition, sense of independence, pursuit of learning, and perceived roles. Results of the measurement invariance comparisons satisfactorily established measurement equivalence of the scale across nations, language versions, and genders. Both convergent and discriminant validities were established as the motives were associated with different constructs in an expected manner. Interestingly, different patterns in the entrepreneurial career motives emerged across nations. Overall, our findings provide support for the construct validity of the Entrepreneurial Motives Scale. Implications for practice, limitations, and future research directions are discussed.
Examining the Mediating Influence of Interlocking Board Networks on Grant Making in Public Foundations
Authors: Paarlberg Laurie E. , Hannibal Bryce , McGinnis Johnson Jasmine
Published: January 2020

Do interlocking boards provide advantage in the grants marketplace? Drawing upon board data from nine public grant-making organizations in two metropolitan areas and their grant recipients, we test the mediating and moderating relationships between interlocking boards, organizational size, and the size of the grants received. We find that organizational size is not a predictor of grant allocations independent of network characteristics. Larger organizations have larger and better-connected boards, which is associated with larger grants.
University–industry interactions in the Sultanate of Oman: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Chryssou Constantinos E.
Published: January 2020

University–industry (U–I) interactions are increasingly seen as critical components of national innovation systems and for building knowledge economies in developed and developing countries alike. Considering the Triple Helix (TH) model of innovation and the university–business cooperation framework, we report the results of a study on the current state of and barriers to U–I interactions in Oman. The study is based on a qualitative review of published higher education institute (HEI) quality audit reports and questionnaire surveys of HEIs and industry. It is suggested that Oman’s innovation system is currently based on the ‘statist’ model with some initiatives taking place to transition it towards the ‘integrated’ TH model. The results show that U–I interactions are mainly education-related, with limited emphasis on research and valorisation activities. Barriers identified include initiation and awareness constraints, limited funding, internal organisational culture and structure and industry’s limited absorptive capacity.
The power of community in the business professional to academic transition
Authors: Bauer Steven
Published: January 2020

Recent trends have made the transition from business professional to academic increasingly popular as a move to a second career. This article offers a personal perspective on a critical component of a successful transition—the fruitful leveraging of different university communities. The recommendations are in line with studies showing the importance of relationship variables to nontenure track faculty. The article also supports researchers who strive to create a stronger relationship between business and higher education institutions. The roles of departmental faculty mentors, faculty and administration in the larger university community, the student body community, and nonprofit organizations are discussed.
Numerical modeling of the effects hydration and number of hydrogen bonds on the mechanical properties of the tropocollagen molecule
Authors: Mouss Marouane El , Rekik Amna , Zellagui Said , Merzouki Tarek , Hambli Ridha
Published: January 2020

Bone aging involves structural and molecular modifications, especially at the level of type I tropocollagen. This macromolecule shows two main age-related alterations, which are the decrease of both molecular diameter (due to the loss of hydration) and number of hydrogen bonds. In this work, it is proposed to investigate the influence of these two parameters (molecular diameter and number of hydrogen bonds) on the mechanical behavior of tropocollagen using finite element method. To this end, a novel three-dimensional finite element model of collagen molecule accounting for hydrogen bonds was developed. Then, a numerical design of experiments for the diameter of tropocollagen and variations in the number of hydrogen bonds has been established. The mechanical properties (“load–strain” curve and apparent Young’s modulus) of the collagen molecule were obtained by employing the proposed model to uniaxial tensile tests. The parametric study demonstrates that the mechanical properties of tropocollagen are slightly affected by the rate of hydration but considerably affected by variation of the number of hydrogen bonds. Finally, a fitted analytical function was deduced from the above results showing effects of the two parameters (hydration rate and hydrogen bonds) on the apparent Young’s modulus of tropocollagen. This study could be useful to understand the influence of structural age modifications of tropocollagen on the macroscopic mechanical properties of bone.
Design Drives Discovery in Causal Learning
Authors: Walker Caren M. , Rett Alexandra , Bonawitz Elizabeth
Published: January 2020

We assessed whether an artifact’s design can facilitate recognition of abstract causal rules. In Experiment 1, 152 three-year-olds were presented with evidence consistent with a relational rule (i.e., pairs of same or different blocks activated a machine) using two differently designed machines. In the standard-design condition, blocks were placed on top of the machine; in the relational-design condition, blocks were placed into openings on either side. In Experiment 2, we assessed whether this design cue could facilitate adults’ ( N = 102) inference of a distinct conjunctive cause (i.e., that two blocks together activate the machine). Results of both experiments demonstrated that causal inference is sensitive to an artifact’s design: Participants in the relational-design conditions were more likely to infer rules that were a priori unlikely. Our findings suggest that reasoning failures may result from difficulty generating the relevant rules as cognitive hypotheses but that artifact design aids causal inference. These findings have clear implications for creating intuitive learning environments.
miR-137 alleviates focal cerebral ischemic injury in rats by regulating JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang M , Ge DJ , Su Z , Qi B
Published: January 2020

The repairing effect and potential mechanism of miR-137 on cerebral ischemic injury in rats was investigated. The volume of cerebral infarction and calculated brain water content was detected by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. The expression of inflammatory factors was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The pathological damage of brain tissue was analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin and Nissl staining. The apoptosis in ischemic brain tissue was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling. The levels of STAT1 and JAK1 proteins were analyzed by Western blot. The expression of miR-137 in primary hippocampal neurons was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. miR-137 overexpression significantly improved brain damage in rats. miR-137 overexpression can reduce the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. miR-137 overexpression can reduce the degree of brain tissue damage and inhibit the expression of JAK1 and STAT1 proteins. miR-137 overexpression can reduce oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)/R-induced cell damage, improve cell proliferation, and reduce apoptotic rate. JAK1 and STAT1 protein expression was inhibited in hippocampal neurons after OGD/R treatment after transfection with miR-137 mimic. After the addition of the Filgotinib inhibitor, the levels of JAK1 and STAT1 proteins were significantly reduced. The results suggested that miR-137 overexpression can effectively improve ischemic injury after focal cerebral ischemia and protect against by inhibiting JAK1/STAT1 pathway.
Septicaemia is associated with increased disease activity and mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus: a retrospective analysis from Taiwan
Authors: Tsai P H , Jang S S , Liou L B
Published: January 2020

Objective

This study aimed to investigate how septicaemia, non-septicaemia infection and the disease itself are associated with disease activity and mortality in inpatients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Taiwan.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 1115 patients and enrolled 427 with SLE admitted for lupus flare-ups and co-morbidities. Disease activity and infection type/site were recorded and categorized according to the causes of admission and mortality into three categories, of which two were specified as follows: (a) septicaemia admissions, non-septicaemia admissions; and (b) septicaemia mortality, non-septicaemia infection mortality and non-infection mortality. The relationships between lupus flare-ups and mortality in different groups were analysed using an unpaired t-test, Mann–Whitney U-test and logistic regression.

Results

Septicaemia was the major cause of mortality in SLE inpatients. There were 98 (22.95%) mortality patients among all 427 SLE patients. The septicaemia admissions had higher disease activity (SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 = 13.00 ± 7.98) than the non-septicaemia admissions (9.77 ± 5.72; p < 0.01). The mean current SLEDAI score of the septicaemia mortality group (14.91 ± 8.01) was higher than that of the non-septicaemia infection mortality group (10.05 ± 5.75; p = 0.02), in spite of the similar mean earlier SLEDAI score. The risk of mortality in the septicaemia mortality group due to previous septicaemia admissions was 13.2 times (odds ratio) higher than in the non-septicaemia infection mortality group and 15.6 times higher than in the non-infection mortality group.

Conclusion

Septicaemia relates to increased lupus disease activity and is associated with a greater risk of mortality in the SLE patients than other causes of admission. Fewer previous septicaemia admissions decrease the risk of septicaemia mortality.
Inverted Duty Structures and the Paradox of Negative Effective Protection in India, 2000–2014
Authors: Pathania Kanika , Bhattacharjea Aditya
Published: January 2020

In recent years, sections of Indian industry have complained that they are being harmed by an inverted duty structure (IDS). That is, tariffs on their imported inputs are higher than that on their outputs. In this article, we argue that the concept of effective rate of protection (ERP), despite its limitations in the context of general equilibrium theory, provides an appropriate tool for analysing this issue. We outline the theory underlying the calculation of ERP and its relationship with IDS. We then offer new estimates of ERP for the period 2000–2014 using a data source that, unlike those used by earlier authors, enables us to construct a time series on ERP for each sector, using different tariff rates applied by India on imports from different countries. We find many instances of IDS but none of them results in negative ERP. Cases of negative ERP are found in a few sectors and years for which the counterfactual value added under free trade is negative. We discuss some possible explanations for this phenomenon. Finally, we show statistically and econometrically that, in line with theoretical expectations, ERPs are positively related to the degree of tariff escalation.

JEL Codes: F13, F14, O24
Identification of an immune-suppressed subtype of feline triple-negative basal-like invasive mammary carcinomas, spontaneous models of breast cancer
Authors: Dagher Elie , Simbault Laura , Abadie Jérôme , Loussouarn Delphine , Campone Mario , Nguyen Frédérique
Published: January 2020

Feline invasive mammary carcinomas are characterized by their high clinical aggressiveness, rare expression of hormone receptors, and pathological resemblance to human breast cancer, especially triple-negative breast cancer (negative to estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and epidermal growth factor receptor type 2). Recent gene expression studies of triple-negative breast cancers have highlighted their heterogeneity and the importance of immune responses in their biology and prognostic assessment. Indeed, regulatory T cells may play a crucial role in producing an immune-suppressed microenvironment, notably in triple-negative breast cancers. Feline invasive mammary carcinomas arise spontaneously in immune-competent animals, in which we hypothesized that the immune tumor microenvironment also plays a role. The aims of this study were to determine the quantity and prognostic value of forkhead box protein P3-positive peritumoral and intratumoral regulatory T cells in feline invasive mammary carcinomas, and to identify an immune-suppressed subgroup of triple-negative basal-like feline invasive mammary carcinomas. One hundred and eighty female cats with feline invasive mammary carcinomas, treated by surgery only, with 2-year follow-up post-mastectomy, were included in this study. Forkhead box protein P3, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, Ki-67, epidermal growth factor receptor type 2, and cytokeratin 14 expression were assessed by automated immunohistochemistry. Peritumoral regulatory T cells were over 300 times more abundant than intratumoral regulatory T cells in feline invasive mammary carcinomas. Peritumoral and intratumoral regulatory T cells were associated with shorter disease-free interval and overall survival in both triple-negative (ER–, PR–, HER2–, N = 123 out of 180) and luminal (ER+ and/or PR+, N = 57) feline invasive mammary carcinomas. In feline triple-negative basal-like (CK14+) mammary carcinomas, a regulatory T-cell–enriched subgroup was associated with significantly poorer disease-free interval, overall survival, and cancer-specific survival than regulatory T-cell-poor triple-negative basal-like feline invasive mammary carcinomas. High regulatory T-cell numbers had strong and negative prognostic value in feline invasive mammary carcinomas, especially in the triple-negative basal-like subgroup, which might contain a “basal-like immune-suppressed” subtype, as described in triple-negative breast cancer. Cats with feline invasive mammary carcinomas may thus be interesting spontaneous animal models to investigate new strategies of cancer immunotherapy in an immune-suppressed tumor microenvironment.
Magneto-rheological actuator with permanent magnets for low-power activation
Authors: Wiley Blake , Gurocak Hakan
Published: January 2020

This research presents a new magneto-rheological brake that uses only permanent magnets to produce variable torque output. A new magnet array was developed that can be operated by a tiny motor allowing the device to apply 1.8 Nm torque using only 1.4 W of electrical power. In many applications, it is desirable to have actuators with high torque output, low volume, and low input power. In recent years, this has led to extensive study of magneto-rheological brakes since these devices can provide high torque-to-volume ratios when compared to electric motors of similar size. There have been many studies to optimize volume and torque, which usually leads to designs requiring complex internal magnetic flux paths and excessive power requirement resulting in joule heating and reduced performance in long-term use. Our brake can operate for 22 h using a small battery while cycling through full on/off torque output. It can also apply full torque output indefinitely with no power input required to keep it on. There is no joule heating since there are no coils in the design.
Effects of Social Counseling on Parents of a Child With Cancer
Authors: Haunberger Sigrid , Rüegger Cornelia , Baumgartner Edgar
Published: January 2020

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, there can be serious consequences for the entire family. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between social counseling based on different social diagnostic methods and parent’s quality of life, psychosocial burden, and sense of coherence. Seventy-one parents of children with cancer were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups and were interviewed at three measurement times. Analysis of covariance was used for the data analysis. With respect to the effects of social counseling based on different social diagnostic methods, the results are somewhat mixed. We found only few significant effects between the intervention and control groups but a significant influence of moderating variables like the child’s health status. There were significant changes in parent’s quality of life and psychosocial burden, but the findings provided no evidence that one social diagnostic method works better than the other one. Methodological reasons concerning sample size and program integrity are discussed.
Association of Antibiotic Treatment Duration With Recurrence of Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Afolabi Titilola M. , Goodlet Kellie J. , Fairman Kathleen A.
Published: January 2020

Background: Gaps and inconsistencies in published information about optimal antibiotic treatment duration for uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) in pediatric patients pose a dilemma for antibiotic stewardship. Objective: Evaluate the association of antibiotic treatment duration with recurrence rates in children with new-onset cystitis or pyelonephritis. Methods: Retrospective cohort analysis of patients aged 2 to 17 years with new-onset cystitis or pyelonephritis and without renal/anatomical abnormality was conducted using Truven Health MarketScan Database for 2013-2015. Results: Of 7698 patients, 85.5% had cystitis, 14.3% pyelonephritis. Duration of antibiotic treatment was as follows: 3 to 5 days for cystitis (20.4%) or 7 (33.6%), 10 (44.2%), or 14 (1.8%) days for any UTI. Recurrence occurred in 5.5% of patients. Covariates associated with increased recurrence risk included pretreatment antibiotic exposure (odds ratio [OR] = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.06-1.57), pyelonephritis on diagnosis date (OR = 1.44; 95% CI = 1.03-2.00), follow-up visit during antibiotic treatment (OR = 3.21; 95% CI = 2.20-4.68), parenteral antibiotic (OR = 1.89; 95% CI = 1.33-2.69), and interaction of pyelonephritis diagnosis with nitrofurantoin monotherapy (OR = 3.68; 95% CI = 1.20-11.29). After adjustment for covariates, the association between duration of antibiotic treatment and recurrence was not significant (compared with 7 days: 10 days: OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.85-1.33; 14 days: OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.45-1.78). Conclusions and Relevance: Antibiotic treatment duration was not significantly associated with recurrence of uncomplicated UTI in a national pediatric cohort. Results provide support for shorter-course treatment, consistent with antimicrobial stewardship efforts.
The Digital and Physical Footprint of Dark Net Markets
Authors: Thomaz Felipe
Published: January 2020

Over the past decade, the world has been contending with a growing set of challenges related to illicit traffic as advancements in technology, communications, and global integration facilitate the operation of black markets and greater organization of criminal activity. In this study, the dark web and associated dark net markets are introduced as an important context for scholars interested in international marketing. Furthermore, the scale, scope, and structure of the real-world drug trade is empirically analyzed as an example of the work possible within this dark world. The study concludes by highlighting key themes from the literature in international marketing scholarship and focuses on how they might be co-opted to contribute toward the understanding and countermarketing of illicit systems of exchange.
Novel Antiplatelet Agents in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Tscharre Maximilian , Michelson Alan D. , Gremmel Thomas
Published: January 2020

Antiplatelet therapy reduces atherothrombotic risk and has therefore become a cornerstone in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Aspirin, adenosine diphosphate P2Y12 receptor antagonists, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, and the thrombin receptor blocker vorapaxar are effective antiplatelet agents but significantly increase the risk of bleeding. Moreover, atherothrombotic events still impair the prognosis of many patients with cardiovascular disease despite established antiplatelet therapy. Over the last years, advances in the understanding of thrombus formation and hemostasis led to the discovery of various new receptors and signaling pathways of platelet activation. As a consequence, many new antiplatelet agents with high antithrombotic efficacy and supposedly only moderate effects on regular hemostasis have been developed and yielded promising results in preclinical and early clinical studies. Although their long journey from animal studies to randomized clinical trials and finally administration in daily clinical routine has just begun, some of the new agents may in the future become meaningful additions to the pharmacological armamentarium in cardiovascular disease.
Effects of intermediate support stiffness on nonlinear dynamic response of transmission system
Authors: Xu Jinli , Zhu Jiwei , Wan Lei
Published: January 2020

This study is aimed at investigating the effects of intermediate support stiffness on nonlinear vibration response of transmission system. A coupled bending–torsional–lateral dynamic model with 14 degrees of freedom of transmission system is proposed comprehensively considering rubber dynamic stiffness, time-varying stiffness, static transmission error, and backlash. Meanwhile, a model of intermediate support with rubber nonlinear properties is developed to improve the accuracy of analysis. On the basis of the nonlinear differential equations derived by the lumped-parameter method, the dynamic responses of the key parts in the transmission system are obtained using the Runge–Kutta method and the effects of intermediate support stiffness on the dynamic characteristics are analyzed. Numerical results show that complicated interaction occurs and intermediate support stiffness has a great influence on the vibration of the coupled system. With the increase in the intermediate support stiffness, the vibration displacements in the three directions of the gear are progressively reduced and the nature frequencies are changed. The influence of the radial stiffness is greater than that of the axial stiffness. An experiment is performed subsequently to validate the effect of intermediate support stiffness on system, and the experimental results are consistent with numerical ones.
Derailment of trains moving on lead rubber bearing bridges under seismic loads
Authors: Ju Shen-Haw
Published: January 2020

This study investigates the derailment of trains moving on bridges with lead rubber bearings. A moving wheel/rail axis element that couples two wheels and rails together is first developed to generate a train finite element model with 12 cars, while the sliding, sticking, and separation modes of the wheels and rails are accurately simulated. The finite element results indicate that the base shear of the bridge with lead rubber bearings is much smaller than that without lead rubber bearings. Similar to the base shear, the train derailment coefficients for the bridge with lead rubber bearings are much smaller than those without lead rubber bearings because yield lead rubber bearings during large seismic loads can change the bridge natural frequency to avoid resonance. For earthquakes with a very long dominant period, the lead rubber bearing effect to reduce the train derailment may not be obvious because the natural period of the bridge due to the full yield of lead rubber bearings can approach the dominant period of the earthquake.
Eye Vergence Responses During an Attention Task in Adults With ADHD and Clinical Controls
Authors: Jiménez Elizabeth Carolina , Avella-Garcia Claudia , Kustow James , Cubbin Sally , Corrales Montse , Richarte Vanessa , Esposito Flavia Lorena , Morata Imanol , Perera Alexandre , Varela Paloma , Cañete Jose , Faraone Stephen V. , Supèr Hans , Ramos-Quiroga Josep Antoni
Published: January 2020

Objective: ADHD patients show poor oculomotor control and recent studies show that attention-related eye vergence is weak in ADHD children. We aimed to assess vergence as a potential diagnostic biomarker for ADHD in adults. Method: We assessed the modulation in the angle of vergence while performing an attention task ( N = 144), comparing the results for adults previously diagnosed with ADHD ( N = 108) with age-matched clinical controls ( N = 36). Results: Significant differences in eye vergence response modulation between clinical controls and ADHD patients were documented. Diagnostic test accuracy was 79%. Conclusion: In combination with an attention task, eye vergence responses could be used as an objective marker to support the clinical diagnosis of adult ADHD.
A Storytelling Intervention in a Mobile, Web-Based Platform: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Preliminary Effectiveness to Promote Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in Korean American College Women
Authors: Kim Minjin , Lee Haeok , Kiang Peter , Aronowitz Teri , Sheldon Lisa Kennedy , Shi Ling , Allison Jeroan J.
Published: January 2020

Korean American women have substantially greater incidence rates of cervical cancer and the lowest rates of cervical cancer screening in the United States. However, there has been minimal research to promote human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among this population. A pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate preliminary effectiveness of a storytelling video intervention using mobile, Web-based technology. One hundred and four Korean American college women were randomized to the experimental group (storytelling video) or the comparison group (information-based written material). The effects of the intervention were assessed immediately postintervention and at the 2-month follow-up. Both groups improved in knowledge of and attitude toward the HPV vaccine at the postintervention. At the 2-month follow-up, the experimental group was twice as likely to receive the HPV vaccine compared to the comparison group. This preliminary evidence supports the use of a storytelling video intervention and shows substantial promise for further development and testing in larger scale studies.
Traveling to a Gendered Destination: A Goal-Framed Advertising Perspective
Authors: Pan Li , Lu Lu , Gursoy Dogan
Published: January 2020

This study aims to investigate how goal-framed advertising messages paired with destination gender can influence travel decisions. A 2 (goal-framed messages: gain vs. loss) × 2 (destination gender: masculine vs. feminine) between-subjects experiment is conducted with an online consumer panel. Analysis of variance results indicate that gain-framed messages (vs. loss-framed messages) offer a greater advantage in triggering travel intentions toward masculine destinations. This relationship is mediated by processing fluency and gender identity congruity. When a masculine (vs. feminine) tourism destination is portrayed by gain-framed (vs. loss-framed) messages, consumers experience higher processing fluency and perceive greater congruence of gender identity, causing them to be more willing to travel. Findings suggest a matching effect of goal-framed marketing strategy and destination gender. Discussions and implications for destination managers are also presented.
Nurses’ knowledge of the management of drug-induced peripherally inserted central catheter obstruction: A descriptive phenomenological study
Authors: Zheng Li-yuan , Peng Yi , Yuan Hua , Liu Shu-xiang , Xue Hui , Zhang Xiu-ying
Published: January 2020

Objectives:

The purpose of this research is to describe and understand nurses’ knowledge of drug-induced peripherally inserted central catheter obstruction management in developing countries. This research aims to identify the reasons why nurses lack knowledge of the management of drug-induced peripherally inserted central catheter obstruction and do not use the drug-induced peripherally inserted central catheter obstruction management techniques recommended by the Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice.

Methods:

The descriptive phenomenological method was used to investigate nurses’ knowledge of the management of drug-induced peripherally inserted central catheter obstruction. Semi-structured in-depth interviews with 17 nurses from three hospitals in northeast China were used in this qualitative study. Data collection and analysis were conducted simultaneously during the research. Nvivo software 12.0 was used to organize and code the data, and Colaizzi’s seven phases of data analysis were used to form themes.

Findings:

The findings showed that there is inconsistency in nurses’ knowledge of drug-induced peripherally inserted central catheter obstruction and its management, and we suggest reasons for this phenomenon.

Conclusion:

This research has shown that inconsistent practice in the management of drug-induced peripherally inserted central catheter obstruction is a more complex issue than originally thought. These inconsistencies are related to time pressure on nurses, nurses’ knowledge of peripherally inserted central catheter obstruction, and limitations of the clinical work model.
Smartphone ECG Monitoring System Helps Lower Emergency Room and Clinic Visits in Post–Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Patients
Authors: Aljuaid Mossab , Marashly Qussay , AlDanaf Jad , Tawhari Ibrahim , Barakat Michel , Barakat Rody , Zobell Brittany , Cho William , Chelu Mihail G , Marrouche Nassir F
Published: January 2020

Aim:

To evaluate the effectiveness of using a smartphone-based electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring device (ECG Check) on the frequency of clinic or emergency room visits in patients who underwent ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods:

Two groups of patients were identified and compared: The conventional monitoring group (CM group) included patients who were prescribed conventional event monitoring or Holter monitoring systems. The ECG Check group (EC group) included patients who were prescribed the ECG Check device for continuous monitoring in addition to conventional event monitoring. The primary outcome was the number of patient visits to clinic or emergency room. The feasibility, accuracy, and detection rate of mobile ECG Check were also evaluated.

Results:

Ninety patients were studied (mean age: 66.2 ± 11 years, 64 males, mean CHA2DS2-VASc score: 2.6 ± 2). In the EC group, forty-five patients sent an average of 52.8 ± 6 ECG records for either routine monitoring or symptoms of potential AF during the follow-up period. The rhythm strips identified sinus rhythm (84.7%), sinus tachycardia (8.4%), AF (4.2%), and atrial flutter (0.9%). Forty-two EC transmissions (1.8%) were uninterpretable. Six patients (13%) in the EC group were seen in the clinic or emergency room over a 100-day study period versus 16 (33%) in the standard care arm ( P value < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Use of smartphone-based ECG monitoring led to a significant reduction in AF-related visits to clinic or emergency department in the postablation period.
Sometimes. . . Sometimes. . . Sometimes. . . Witnessing Urban Placemaking from the Immanence of “the Middle”
Authors: Platt Louise C. , Medway Dominic
Published: January 2020

This paper offers a critical analysis of how urban placemaking as a top-down or bottom-up action, involving organizational intervention or facilitation, is typified by problematic angles of approach. Instead, we evidence a flat ontological perspective, entering into urban assemblages to feel the chaotic and ever-changing forces that make places. Specifically, we use the Deleuzoguattarian lens of the refrain to employ a transversal analysis of the placemaking inherent within an urban event—the Manchester and Salford Whit Walks, a Church of England procession that has been iterated for over 200 years. This reveals the importance of always-becoming place, characterized by ongoing repetition with difference, and embodied in the notion of Sometimes. . . Sometimes. . . Sometimes. . .. We conclude that urban placemaking is not something that can be simply started through organizational intervention, or facilitation of community-led approaches, but a process that needs to be engaged with from the middle.
Prefiguring alternatives through the articulation of post- and anti-capitalistic politics: An introduction to three additional papers and a reflection
Authors: Zanoni Patrizia
Published: January 2020

In this introduction to the second part of the special issue on alternative economies published in Organization in 2017, I first briefly chart key fora where the debate has continued in the last two years, and then present the three additional contributions included here. Moving the conversation forward, I argue that, in order to evaluate the prefigurative potential of alternative organizations, we need to address more thoroughly the relation between alternatives and their outside. A productive place to ground this reflection is in the debate between post-capitalism and anti-capitalism. The main lines of this debate are reconstructed based on the keynote speeches delivered by Jodi Dean and Stephen Healy at the last Rethinking Marxism conference held in Amherst, Massachusetts, in September 2013. I conclude by claiming that post-capitalist immanence should be articulated with an anti-capitalist communist horizon, and advance the Open Marxist notion of de-mediation of social relations as key to do this. Although capitalist institutions (e.g. the market, the state) mediate all social relations, mediation is never definitive, as it always contains the possibility for its own negation, de-mediation. So conceived, de-mediation redefines our understanding of class struggle beyond the capital-labor relation in the workplace, into society as a whole, broadening the ethical and political scope of the organizational research agenda on alternatives to capitalism.
Barriers to access and utilization of multiple sclerosis care services in a large cohort of Latin American patients
Authors: Carnero Contentti Edgar , Giachello Susana , Correale Jorge
Published: January 2020

Background:

Multiple sclerosis (MS), is an emergent disease in Latin America (LATAM), which raises substantial socioeconomic challenges to a region where most countries remain as economies in development.

Objective:

To assess barriers to access and utilization of MS care services in a regional cohort survey.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional study based on a self-reported survey. Patients with MS (PwMS) completed this regional survey in 12 Latin American (LATAM) countries. PwMS were also divided into those with healthcare insurance (including certain local national social security programs) and those without healthcare insurance (treated at public institutions).

Results:

We surveyed 1469 PwMS and identified significant regional differences in relation to access to complementary tests, rehabilitation services, and prescription of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). Between 44.4% and 73.5% of PwMS were unemployed and nearly 50% had completed higher education. PwMS receiving care from the private sector reported greater access to imaging, DMTs, and fewer problems obtaining DMTs compared to those treated at public institutions. Multivariate analysis showed that lack of private insurance (OR = 2.21, p < 0.001), longer MS duration (OR = 1.02, p = 0.001), lower level of education (OR = 0.66, p = 0.009), and unemployment (OR = 0.73, p = 0.03) were independently associated with inappropriate delivery of DMTs.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest barriers to access and utilization of MS care services across LATAM are prevalent. We identified several factors predicting unmet healthcare needs in PwMS.
Serum neurofilament light chain reflects inflammation-driven neurodegeneration and predicts delayed brain volume loss in early stage of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Srpova Barbora , Uher Tomas , Hrnciarova Tereza , Barro Christian , Andelova Michaela , Michalak Zuzanna , Vaneckova Manuela , Krasensky Jan , Noskova Libuse , Havrdova Eva Kubala , Kuhle Jens , Horakova Dana
Published: January 2020

Background:

Serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) is a marker of neuroaxonal injury. There is a lack of studies investigating the dynamics of relationships between sNfL levels and radiological disease activity over long-term follow-up in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objectives:

To investigate the relationship among repeated measures of sNfL, lesion burden accumulation, brain volume loss and clinical measures.

Methods:

We investigated 172 patients in the early stages of MS (McDonald 2017 criteria). Clinical exams were performed every 3 months and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were collected annually over 48 months. sNfL levels were measured in serum by Simoa assay at the time of treatment initiation and then annually over 36 months.

Results:

In repeated-measures analysis, considering all time points, we found a strong relationship between percentage changes of sNfL and lesion burden accumulation assessed by T1 lesion volume ( p < 0.001) and T2 lesion number ( p < 0.001). There was no relationship between percentage changes of sNfL and brain volume loss over 36 months ( p > 0.1). Early sNfL levels were associated with delayed brain volume loss after 48 months ( p < 0.001). Patients with No Evidence of Disease Activity (NEDA-3) status showed lower sNfL levels compared with active MS patients.

Conclusions:

sNfL is associated with ongoing neuroinflammation and predictive of future neurodegeneration in early MS.
From disenchantment to renewal
Authors: Picciotto Robert
Published: January 2020

Evaluation as a free-standing discipline arose out of the ashes of World War II, a time of optimism, when government turned to the academy to guide public policy. The evaluation pioneers shared a bracing vision: a search for truth in the public interest. Seventy years later the glitter has faded, and disenchantment has taken hold. Evaluation, a quintessential public good, has become a market good, and eminent evaluation thinkers are asking the same questions about evaluation that they have been routinely asking of others—with sobering results. Yet, countervailing currents and turbulent streams lie just below the surface. Once a tipping point is reached, a new wave of evaluation diffusion will begin to curl. What might it look like?
Simplified calculation model for load-bearing cold-formed steel composite walls under fire conditions
Authors: Chen Wenwen , Ye Jihong
Published: January 2020

The conventional simplified model only restricts the bending buckling around the minor axis and overall torsional buckling, which is not suitable for external sandwiched cold-formed steel composite walls. Moreover, a solution to stud–track connections must be achieved in establishing the overall structure model. In this article, a simplified calculation model is proposed to accurately and efficiently reveal the fire performance of cold-formed steel composite walls. A tension spring is adopted to simulate the boundary condition that limits the axial thermal expansion of the studs at elevated temperature. Meanwhile, the simplified applications of the panel constraints and stud–track connections are also given in details. Finite element analysis using the developed simplified calculation model is conducted to simulate five full-scale cold-formed steel composite walls with different configurations. Comparisons between the finite element analysis and fire test results show an overall agreement on the failure modes, cold flange temperatures and lateral deflections at mid-height of the studs. These results demonstrate that the developed simplified calculation model is able to simulate the fire performance and predict the lateral deflection of the external sandwiched cold-formed steel composite walls accurately. Finally, the key factors affecting the lateral deflection of the studs are analysed.
Beam-column modeling and seismic fragility analysis of a prestressed segmental concrete tower for wind turbines
Authors: Cao Yuqi , He Minjuan , Ma Renle , Yang Rongchang , Liang Feng
Published: January 2020

As the development of wind energy in earthquake areas advances, the seismic performance of concrete supporting towers has become an important subject. A beam-column model is developed for a prestressed segmental concrete tower supporting a wind turbine considering the properties of dry joints. The proposed model is in good agreement with the solid element model deformation results and the field test modal results. Based on the beam-column model, nonlinear time history analyses considering uncertainties are conducted to evaluate the behavior of the prototype tower under earthquake action. In the process, a new engineering demand parameter, called the average curvature, is defined. The results are compared with those based on a conventional engineering demand parameter. The availability of the prototype tower under earthquake action and the effectiveness of the newly defined engineering demand parameter are validated.
Negative stiffness devices for vibration isolation applications: A review
Authors: Li Huan , Li Yancheng , Li Jianchun
Published: January 2020

In recent years, negative stiffness vibration isolation device with nonlinear characteristic has become an emerging research area and attracted a significant amount of attentions in the community due to the promising potentials it brought into the field. Its high-static-low-dynamic stiffness property endows the capacity to realize effective vibration isolation and in the meantime to maintain the system stability. This article presents a comprehensive review of the recent research and developments on negative stiffness vibration isolation device. It begins with an introduction on the concept of negative stiffness and then provides a summary and discussion regarding the realization and characteristics of negative stiffness vibration isolation device. The article places its special interest on the principles, structure design, and device characterisation of different types of negative stiffness vibration isolation devices, including spring type, pre-bucked beam type, magnetism type, geometrically nonlinear structural type, and composite structural type. Besides, the applications of negative stiffness vibration isolation device, as well as negative stiffness damper, are summarized and discussed based on the current state-of-the-art. Finally, the conclusions and further discussion provide highlights of the investigation.
Typical effects of occupants’ behaviour on indoor air-conditioned environments in the hot summer and cold winter region of China
Authors: Yan Biao , Meng Xi , Ouyang Jinlong , Long Enshen
Published: January 2020

This paper examines the effects of occupants’ behaviour on the thermal environment in air-conditioned rooms. Typical occupants’ behaviours were determined from survey results in the hot summers and cold winters region of China. The temperature setpoint, intermittent operation and door opening were determined as influencing factors in a theoretical model for maintaining thermal comfort with minimal energy consumption. The concepts of the temperature change index and characteristic temperature were introduced to predict the relationship between the indoor thermal environment and occupants’ behaviour. The model was validated with empirical experiments and numerical simulations. The results indicated that continuous opening of doors and windows in air-conditioned rooms would increase the energy consumption that is needed to maintain a desirable indoor thermal environment. The average indoor temperature at 25°C setpoint heating temperature with the door open at 90° was found equal to the average indoor setpoint temperature of 22°C with the door open at 45°. The relative effects of the tested occupants’ behaviours were also evaluated.
Restorative Proctocolectomy in Ulcerative Colitis: Effect of Preoperative Immunomodulatory Therapy on Postoperative Complications and Pouch Failure
Authors: Karjalainen E. K. , Renkonen-Sinisalo L. , Mustonen H. K. , Färkkilä M. , Lepistö A. H.
Published: January 2020

Background and Aims:

Patients with ulcerative colitis are often treated with multiple immunomodulative agents to achieve remission. In refractory disease, the next option is frequently proctocolectomy with ileal pouch–anal anastomosis. No consensus exists as to whether immunomodulatory therapy at the time of ileal pouch surgery leads to any increase in postoperative complications. Our aim was to assess, in ulcerative colitis patients with restorative proctocolectomy, the effect of preoperative anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy and corticosteroids on postoperative complications and pouch failure.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective medical record review of 445 patients with ulcerative colitis who underwent proctocolectomy with ileal pouch–anal anastomosis in Helsinki University Hospital between January 2005 and June 2016.

Results:

Anti-tumor necrosis factor agents were not associated with postoperative complications. Only high-dose corticosteroids (prednisolone ⩾20 mg or equivalent) were associated with higher incidence of anastomotic leak (12.6% vs 2.5%, P = 0.002) and wound dehiscence (4.2% vs 0%, P = 0.019), but pouch failure rate was no higher (2.1% vs 0%, P = 0.141) than in patients without corticosteroid treatment. A lower dosage of corticosteroids had no effect on early postoperative complications, but pouch failure rate was increased (4.4% vs 0%, P = 0.015).

Conclusion:

Corticosteroids, but not anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy, were associated with postoperative complications. Preoperative use of corticosteroids may increase pouch failure rate, but the risk is still minor in high-volume centers performing ileal pouch surgery.