bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Check Your Truth Conditions! Clarifying the Relationship between Theories of Causation and Social Science Methods for Causal Inference
Authors: Rohlfing Ingo , Zuber Christina Isabel
Published: February 2019

Theories of causation in philosophy ask what makes causal claims true and establish the so-called truth conditions allowing one to separate causal from noncausal relationships. We argue that social scientists should be aware of truth conditions of causal claims because they imply which method of causal inference can establish whether a specific claim holds true. A survey of social scientists shows that this is worth emphasizing because many respondents have unclear concepts of causation and link methods to philosophical criteria in an incoherent way. We link five major theories of causation to major small and large- n methods of causal inference to provide clear guidelines to researchers and improve dialogue across methods. While most theories can be linked to more than one method, we argue that structural counterfactual theories are most useful for the social sciences since they require neither social and natural laws nor physical processes to assess causal claims.
Pleomorphic liposarcoma of chest wall: a rare entity with challenging management
Authors: Khan Yasir , Iqbal Sara , Fatimi Saulat
Published: February 2019

Pleomorphic liposarcoma is the rarest subtype of liposarcoma, with a high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. We present the case of young man with a rapidly growing large anterior chest wall liposarcoma that was excised, but he suffered 3 local recurrences in one year, showing the aggressive nature of the disease. If not completely resected with a tumor-free margin, the patient may have to endure multiple extensive surgeries in quick succession, increasing the chances of metastasis and a fatal outcome. Pleomorphic liposarcoma should be radically excised along with radiotherapy and strict follow-up of such patients.
Slack It to Me: Complementing LMS With Student-Centric Communications for the Millennial/Post-Millennial Student
Authors: Ross Spencer M.
Published: February 2019

Past research has found that students and instructors may be disaffected with many of the most widely used learning management systems (LMS). Other research has found that Millennials and post-Millennials have come to expect open and frequent communication and technologies that facilitate greater teamwork in their business careers. The purpose of this article is to first assess the general attitudes and perceptions of widely used LMS platforms in creating an engaging student learning experience and then present and assess Slack, a business communications tool, as an LMS complement. The author finds that many of the LMS platforms present challenges for students and instructors with respect to course communications, and group communications in particular. The author also finds that Slack positively enhances students’ perceptions of the marketing class as a real-world experience, as well as enhances perceived learning outcomes from groupwork.
The death and life of restaurants: A visualization in the eras of easy online ordering and increased metro mobility
Authors: Zhou Jiangping , Yang Yuling
Published: February 2019

Like pubs in Western countries, restaurants in China are not just places where people consume drinks and eat food. They are also venues where acquaintances, friends, colleagues and families meet, relax, entertain, talk and socialize. In the era of fast-paced life, Fordism, easy online ordering and increased metro mobility, what could happen to restaurants in cities? To answer this, we collected and processed two distinct years (2014 and 2017) of point of interest and metro network data in Shenzhen, China. The visuals based on the data indicate that most metro station areas saw the advent of new restaurants as Shenzhen expanded its metro network, shortening the average travel time by transit between the two officially designated central business districts (CBDs): Luohu and Futian. Several metro station areas in or around the CBDs enjoyed the most growth in new restaurants. In terms of the 10 metro station areas that experienced the greatest decline in the number of restaurants, five of them were in areas that were around 15 minutes’ metro travel from the CBDs. The remaining five scattered within suburbs rather than exurbs.
Modeling the damped dynamic behavior of a flexible pendulum
Authors: Ortega Roberto , Farías Geraldine , Cruchaga Marcela , Rivero Matías , Vázquez Mariano , Casoni Eva , Houzeaux Guillaume
Published: February 2019

The focus of this work is on the computational modeling of a pendulum made of a hyperelastic material and the corresponding experimental validation with the aim of contributing to the study of a material commonly used in seismic absorber devices. From the proposed dynamics experiment, the motion of the pendulum is recorded using a high-speed camera. The evolution of the pendulum’s positions is recovered using a capturing motion technique by tracking markers. The simulation of the problem is developed in the framework of a parallel multi-physics code. Particular emphasis is placed on the analysis of the Newmark integration scheme and the use of Rayleigh damping model. In particular, the time step size effect is analyzed. A strong time step size dependency is obtained for dissipative time integration schemes, while the Rayleigh damping formulation without time integration dissipation shows time step–independent results when convergence is achieved.
Relating Pavement Condition Index and Present Serviceability Rating for Asphalt-Surfaced Pavements
Authors: Bryce James , Boadi Richard , Groeger Jonathan
Published: February 2019

In response to the two latest transportation funding authorization bills, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act and the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, rules that require the reporting of specific pavement condition measures have been developed and encoded into federal regulation. Pavement performance rules published to the federal register require the reporting of the International Roughness Index (IRI), percent cracking, rutting (for asphalt-surfaced pavements) and faulting (for jointed concrete pavements). Allowing that the measurement of the IRI on pavements with a speed limit below 40 mph is not expected to provide a reliable estimation of ride quality, the rules permit the reporting of the present serviceability rating (PSR) on these routes. However, many agencies do not measure the PSR or collect the slope variance data required to estimate the PSR. In light of not having the data required to directly estimate the PSR, this paper presents a model to estimate the PSR using data collected during a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) survey. Furthermore, this paper explores the reasons why pavements can have a good PCI and poor PSR and vice versa. The model presented in this paper provides a reasonable estimate of the PSR, though it is noted that agencies who wish to report PSR should conduct an updated assessment of rider satisfaction to develop a stronger correlation of PSR and PCI.
Gastric banding clip in the urinary bladder
Authors: Tung Joshua Yi Min , Sim Peng Yong , Tung Kean Hin
Published: February 2019

Background and aim:

A wide variety of foreign bodies have been found in the urinary bladder, most often due to self-introduction and autoerotism, or iatrogenically introduced during surgery in the anatomic region. We report the first case of a gastric banding clip found in the urinary bladder.

Case presentation:

We describe the case of a 33-year-old Chinese female who had previously undergone gastric banding and subsequent removal of the band. She presented with lower urinary tract symptoms which followed a diurnal pattern, and investigations revealed a portion of a gastric banding clip in the urinary bladder. There was no sign of perforation or erosion of the bladder. The clip was surgically removed and the patient recovered without complications.

Discussion and conclusion:

This is the first reported case of an intraperitoneal gastric banding clip migrating extraperitoneally into the urinary bladder. The use of the urinary bladder to expel foreign bodies has been documented in other vertebrates, and the mechanism by which this occurs without perforation or erosion of the urinary bladder warrants further investigation.
Inguinal bladder hernia with lipomatosis of the bladder wall: A potential clinical pitfall for cancer
Authors: Cimadamore Alessia , Palagonia Erika , Piccinni Paola , Misericordia Marco , Galosi Andrea Benedetto , Montironi Rodolfo
Published: February 2019

A 70-year-old man was referred to the Urology Service of our University Hospital for an irregular thickening of the left anterior–lateral urinary bladder wall found in a computed tomography scan following gross haematuria. In particular, the computed tomography scan showed irregularity of the mucosal aspect and an irregular thickening of the bladder wall in close proximity of an inguinal hernia. The computed tomography exam also showed an unusual little fatty seizure in the parietal planes. A magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the thickening in the same area as the hernia with a mainly extraluminal presentation and extension in the perivesical adipose tissue. Cystoscopy did not show alteration of the mucosal surface. Urine cytology showed normal urothelium cells. At the time of the left inguinal hernia repair, the bladder was isolated from the inguinal hernia fat tissue and then opened with median cystotomy. Biopsy of the anterior–lateral bladder wall showed normal urothelium and an abundant component of mature lobules of adipose tissue in the sub-epithelial connective tissue extending among the muscle bundles of muscularis propria, compatible with a diagnosis of lipomatosis, a very rare lesion in the urinary bladder.
Reading Agamben backwards: Syrian refugees, biopolitics and sovereignty in Turkey
Authors: Ongur Hakan Övünç , Zengin Hüseyin
Published: February 2019

Despite the growing literature that adapts the Italian thinker Giorgio Agamben’s theory of sovereignty to the analysis of the ruling Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) increasing authoritarian politics in Turkey, this article draws attention to the theoretical pitfalls of this tendency and argues that these studies mostly fall into the trap of mistaking the consolidation of populist power with the establishment of sovereignty. Utilising the AKP’s biopolitical agenda over Syrian refugees fleeing to Turkey as a case study, we attempt to realize a theoretical twist and offer to read Agamben backwards; that is to say, instead of starting with the assumption that the AKP has established sovereignty in the country, we question whether the party is indeed able to perform a consistent type of biopolitics over the Syrian refugees that would suggest the existence of such sovereignty in the first place. Consequently, our analysis reveals that it is not an Agambenian ‘state of exception’ established by the AKP leadership in Turkey that makes recent Turkish politics look more authoritarian than ever; instead, what we witness is a continuation of a strong state tradition inherited from Turkey’s founding Kemalist era that still determines the boundaries of state–society relations in the country.
Biomarqueurs de L’inflammation et Dépression du Post-Partum: Une Revue Systématique De la Littérature
Authors: Lambert Mathilde , Gressier Florence
Published: February 2019

Objectif :

La Dépression du Post-Partum (DPP) affecte plus de 15% des nouvelles mères. Son étiologie est plurifactorielle et encore partiellement méconnue. Certaines hypothèses posent l’idée d’un lien avec l’inflammation. L’objectif de cette revue est d’explorer l’existence de biomarqueurs de l’inflammation associés à la DPP. Puis sera discutée la possibilité de compléments thérapeutiques éventuels, en lien avec ces biomarqueurs.

Méthode :

La revue systématique de la littérature a été réalisée à partir de PubMed, PsycInfo et Embase. Vingt-cinq articles ont été inclus. Différents biomarqueurs ont été identifiés. Les plus étudiés sont la C-Réactive Protéine (CRP), les Interleukines 6 et 10, le Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha et l’Interferon Gamma.

Résultats :

Alors que peu de résultats apparaissent comme significatifs aux différents temps, le dosage de certains biomarqueurs de l’inflammation, notamment la CRP, en toute fin de grossesse ou juste après l’accouchement pourrait être une piste de recherche intéressante avec une orientation prédictive de la DPP. Les interactions entre inflammation et axe corticotrope peuvent expliquer la survenue de la DPP. Des phénomènes épigénétiques pourraient conduire à un état pro-inflammatoire. Plusieurs thérapeutiques offrent des pistes intéressantes grâce à leur propriété anti-inflammatoire.

Conclusions :

Davantage d’études sont nécessaires afin d’évaluer l’intérêt de ces biomarqueurs comme facteur prédictif de la DPP et d’envisager des traitements complémentaires à l’antidépresseur. Si cet intérêt était confirmé, le dosage de marqueur de l’inflammation, notamment la CRP, pourrait aider au dépistage précoce des femmes à risque de DPP, parallèlement à la clinique. Une supplémentation en Zinc pourrait alors être proposée.
Improving Detection of Depression Symptoms in Latino Farmworkers: Latino Farmworker Affective Scale
Authors: Limon Francisco , Lamson Angela L. , Hodgson Jennifer L. , Bowler Mark C. , Saeed Sy A.
Published: February 2019

Latino farmworkers (LFWs) experience depression at a significant higher rate than non-Latino Whites; yet, research regarding depression-screening instruments in Spanish is scarce. The first author created a depression screener using terms used by LFWs to describe symptoms of depression. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Latino Farmworker Affective Scale (LFAS-15) in accurately detecting symptoms of depression in this population as compared with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18), and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10) using the DSM structured clinical interview (SCID) as the reference standard. Study results indicated that the LFAS-15, as well as the PHQ-9, and the BSI-18 performed. The data also indicated that the LFAS-15 has good internal consistency, measures primarily one construct (depression), demonstrated convergent validity with the SCID, and has good combined sensitivity and specificity. Recommendations for clinical practice, policy, and research are offered.
Exploration des liens entre la communication de labels employeurs dans les annonces de recrutement, le mode de gouvernance et l’attractivité des organisations aux yeux des candidats
Authors: Guillot-Soulez Chloé , Saint-Onge Sylvie , Soulez Sébastien
Published: February 2019

Résumé

Afin d’attirer les talents, de plus en plus d’entreprises cherchent à obtenir des labels employeurs. Cette étude expérimentale examine si les liens entre la communication de labels ( Great Place to Work et/ou Ecologique) dans les annonces de recrutement et l’attractivité des organisations aux yeux des candidats sont 1) modérés par le mode de gouvernance de l’organisation (coopérative vs cotée en bourse) et 2) médiatisés par leurs perceptions du prestige de l’organisation et de leur adéquation personne-organisation. L’étude menée auprès de 320 répondants montre que, quel que soit le mode de gouvernance, la communication du label Great Place to Work améliore l’attractivité de l’organisation aux yeux des candidats, via leurs perceptions plus élevées du prestige de cette dernière et de leur adéquation avec elle. Parmi les entreprises cotées en bourse, celles qui communiquent un label Great Place to Work sont perçues comme plus attractives que celles qui affichent un label Ecologique.
Prevalence of Having Advance Directives and a Signed Power of Attorney in Nova Scotia
Authors: Digout Christian , Lawson Beverley , MacKenzie Adrian , Burge Fred
Published: February 2019

Background:

Advance directives are statements that allow a person to express his or her wishes for medical treatment in advance of needing it or to appoint someone else if they are unable to do so.

Objectives:

To estimate the prevalence of decedents having a documented advance directive (AD) and a signed enduring power of attorney (SPoA) and to determine the degrees to which characteristics of decedents and their informant and the care the decedent received were predictive of the decedents having a documented AD and a SPoA.

Methods:

A population-based mortality follow-back survey was conducted in Nova Scotia, Canada. Informants who were knowledgeable of a decedents’ death were invited to participate in a telephone interview based on the After-Death Bereaved Family Member Interview. Regression analyses were used to assess factors that were predictive of having an AD or SPoA.

Results:

Overall, 56.3% of decedents had a documented AD, and 67.6% had an SPoA. Significant predictors of a decedent having a documented AD were their age, where they received the majority of their end-of-life care, whether they received specialized palliative care, whether they were aware they were dying, and the informant’s age. Significant factors in predicting whether a person had a SPoA were whether the decedent received specialized palliative care, where they received the majority of their care, and the age and education level of their informant.

Conclusion:

These results may be used to better target and tailor future efforts to promote use of AD and SPoA.
Hiring People With Criminal Records in South Carolina: Examining Businesses’ Hiring Practices and Views on Incentives
Authors: Martin Tara E. , Huffman Amanda , Koons-Witt Barbara A. , Brame Robert
Published: February 2019

The stigma of a criminal history has well-documented adverse effects on the efforts of ex-offenders to secure employment. What is less well understood is whether interventions or educational efforts targeting employers would improve access to the labor market for this population. We report results from two surveys to better understand attitudes toward hiring ex-offenders among samples of South Carolina businesses. Our results suggest that about half of employers routinely conduct background checks and approximately 60% would consider hiring someone with a criminal record. A key additional focus of our study was whether businesses were aware of various programs and incentives to encourage the hiring of ex-offenders. Our results suggest relatively low levels of awareness among the surveyed businesses and provide limited support for the idea that awareness is linked to more favorable attitudes toward hiring ex-offenders. We conclude with an assessment of study limitations and directions for future research.
Women in Blue: Structural and Individual Determinants of Sex Segregation in Blue-Collar Occupations
Authors: Torre Margarita
Published: February 2019

The number of women occupying male-dominated blue-collar jobs continues to be very low. This study examines segregation in the blue-collar trades, taking into consideration both structural and individual factors. Using nationally representative data for 25 countries, the study shows that segregation in the blue-collar sector does not vary with the strength of vocational education and training programs. At the individual level, findings reveal higher degrees of social reproduction among working-class families, but parental background alone does not fully account for the gender composition of the sector in which children end up working. Overall, the findings point to the existence of a socializing mechanism that entrenches horizontal segregation in the blue-collar sector. The study indicates that to reduce segregation in the blue-collar fields, policies must address this prior mechanism, both at the structural and individual level.
Linking Twitter and Survey Data: The Impact of Survey Mode and Demographics on Consent Rates Across Three UK Studies
Authors: Al Baghal Tarek , Sloan Luke , Jessop Curtis , Williams Matthew L. , Burnap Pete
Published: February 2019

In light of issues such as increasing unit nonresponse in surveys, several studies argue that social media sources such as Twitter can be used as a viable alternative. However, there are also a number of shortcomings with Twitter data such as questions about its representativeness of the wider population and the inability to validate whose data you are collecting. A useful way forward could be to combine survey and Twitter data to supplement and improve both. To do so, consent within a survey is first needed. This study explores the consent decisions in three large representative surveys of the adult British population to link Twitter data to survey responses and the impact that demographics and survey mode have on these outcomes. Findings suggest that consent rates for data linkage are relatively low, and this is in part mediated by mode, where face-to-face surveys have higher consent rates than web versions. These findings are important to understand the potential for linking Twitter and survey data but also to the consent literature generally.
Evaluation of Pharmacist Involvement in Medicare Wellness Visits
Authors: Tran Tram , Miller Heather , Ivy Delaney
Published: February 2019

Purpose:

To evaluate the difference in the number of drug therapy interventions between patients seen by pharmacists and patients seen by nonpharmacist providers during Medicare Annual Wellness Visits (AWVs).

Methods:

Pharmacists completed the medication history portion of AWVs at a primary care, interdisciplinary clinic in Central Texas. Drug therapy problems were collected and compared to those identified by physicians conducting AWVs. Drug therapy problems were grouped into 4 categories: indication, effectiveness, safety, and adherence. Each category was divided into subcategories to further specify the problem.

Results:

Fifty patients received an AWV in each group. Pharmacists identified more drug therapy problems in all 4 categories as compared to physicians (100 vs 20 interventions, respectively) and significant differences were detected in most subcategories: indication without medication ( P = .005), suboptimal regimen ( P = .0034), drug–drug interaction ( P = .0267), warning/precaution requiring additional monitoring ( P = .0267), nonadherence ( P = .0058), and patient lack of understanding medication therapy ( P = .005).

Conclusion:

Pharmacist involvement in AWVs helped identify drug therapy problems.
Vancomycin-Associated Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Adolescent and Young Adult Patients
Authors: Hays William B. , Tillman Emma
Published: February 2019

Background:

Risk factors for the development of vancomycin-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) have been evaluated in both pediatric and adult populations; however, no previous studies exist evaluating this in the critically ill adolescent and young adult patients.

Objective:

Identify the incidence of AKI and examine risk factors for the development of AKI in critically ill adolescents and young adults on vancomycin.

Methods:

This retrospective review evaluated the incidence of AKI in patients 15 to 25 years of age who received vancomycin, while admitted to an intensive care unit. Acute kidney injury in this population was defined as an increase in serum creatinine by 0.5 mg/dL or 50% from baseline. Patients who developed AKI were evaluated for specific risk factors compared to those who did not develop AKI.

Results:

A total of 50 patients (20 developed AKI) were included in the study. There was no difference in vancomycin daily dose or duration of vancomycin therapy. Maximum vancomycin trough (31.15 mg/dL vs 12.5 mg/dL, P = .006), percentage of patients with concurrent nephrotoxic medication (95% vs 60%, P = .012) and concurrent vasopressor (55% vs 23%, P = .029) were higher in those who developed AKI. Percentage of patients who underwent a procedure while on vancomycin (35% vs 6.7%, P = .021) was also higher within the AKI group.

Conclusions:

Vancomycin-associated AKI occurred in 40% of critically ill adolescent and young adult patients. These patients may be more likely to develop vancomycin-associated AKI if they had undergone a procedure, as well as in the presence of high vancomycin trough levels, concurrent nephrotoxic agents, and concurrent vasopressor therapy.
Influence of HTPB prepolymer on achieved properties of composite solid propellant
Authors: Jabez I Kingstone Lesley , Das Urmila , Manivannan R , Anne Sarat Babu
Published: February 2019

Changes/variations during manufacturing and storage of free radical-polymerized hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene resin/prepolymer (widely used binder for the composite solid propellants) are not reflected in terms of appreciable change in the hydroxyl value. As a result, cured properties of the propellant mixed using the given formulation finalized by keeping R ratio (NCO/OH ratio) within 0.7–0.9 did not yield predicted mechanical properties. Investigations carried out subsequently, by the authors, identified the root cause to be variations in molecular weight and its distribution, which were not indicated in terms of change in hydroxyl value. Authors confirmed their findings by 1H1NMR studies whereby the variation in molecular weight distribution could be explained in terms of variation in spin–spin relaxation time ( T 2) values.
Perspectives on railway axle bearing condition monitoring
Authors: Entezami Mani , Roberts Clive , Weston Paul , Stewart Edward , Amini Arash , Papaelias Mayorkinos
Published: February 2019

Defects in railway axle bearings can affect operational efficiency, or cause in-service failures, damaging the track and train. Healthy bearings produce a certain level of vibration and noise, but a bearing with a defect causes substantial changes in the vibration and noise levels. It is possible to detect the bearing defects at an early stage of their development, allowing an operator to repair the damage before it becomes serious. When a vehicle is scheduled for maintenance, or due for overhaul, knowledge of bearing damage and severity is beneficial, resulting in fewer operational problems and optimised fleet availability. This paper is a review of the state of the art in condition monitoring systems for rolling element bearings, especially the axlebox bearings. This includes exploring the sensing technologies, summarising the main signal processing methods and condition monitoring techniques, i.e. wayside and on-board. Examples of commercially available systems and outputs of current research work are presented. The effectiveness of the current monitoring technologies is assessed and the p– f curve is presented. It is concluded that the research and practical tests on axlebox bearing monitoring are limited compared to the generic bearing applications.
Effects of roughness on the performance of axial flow cyclone separators using numerical simulation method
Authors: Jun Li , Ma Chunyuan , Tao Wang , Chang Jingcai , Zhao Xiqiang
Published: February 2019

An axial flow cyclone is a separator with high efficiency and low resistance. Researchers have extensively studied the structure and parameters that have the greatest influence on its performance. However, the influence of wall roughness on the performance of axial flow cyclones has been neglected for a long time. The wall roughness height can be changed by the manufacturing process and the effect of particles on the wall. Thus, in this study, the effects of roughness on an axial flow cyclone are investigated using a numerical simulation method. The Reynolds stress model and discrete phase model are used for gas and particle prediction and the simulation result were verified through experimentation. The results of the numerical simulation show that the roughness height has big influence on axial flow cyclones. The separation efficiency decreases and static pressure drop increases with increasing roughness height. This happens especially at high inlet velocity. The tangential velocity decreases, particularly near the inner surface of the cyclone, and axial velocity increases in the center of the pipe. The trends show that the degree of change reduced for all parameters with increasing roughness height.
Mediterranean landscape change during the Holocene: Synthesis, comparison and regional trends in population, land cover and climate
Authors: Roberts C Neil , Woodbridge Jessie , Palmisano Alessio , Bevan Andrew , Fyfe Ralph , Shennan Stephen
Published: February 2019

This synthesis paper offers a comparative perspective on how seven different Mediterranean regions, from Iberia and Morocco to the Levant, have been transformed by human and natural agencies during the past 10 millennia. It draws on a range of data sources: notably (1) archaeological site surveys ( n = 32,000) and 14C dates ( n = 12,000) as proxies for long-term population change, (2) pollen records as a proxy for past vegetation and land cover ( n = 253) and (3) proxies, such as stable isotopes, from lake, cave and marine records as indicators of hydro-climate ( n = 47). Where possible, these data sets have been made spatially and temporally congruent in order to examine relationships between them statistically and graphically. Data have been aggregated or averaged for each region/sub-region and put into 200-year time windows. Archaeo-demographic data show a clear increase at the start of Neolithic farming, followed by a series of regionally asynchronous fluctuations in population, prior to a pan-Mediterranean Roman settlement maximum. Pollen data indicate a late-Holocene decline in %Arboreal Pollen in those regions that were initially well wooded, but not in drier regions of the southern/eastern Mediterranean. Overall, the clearest palynological proxy for human land cover change is provided by the OJCV (tree crop) index. The cultivation of these trees in the eastern Mediterranean after 6500 cal. yr BP may have been an adaptive response to mid-Holocene climatic desiccation. These anthropogenic pollen indicators correlate more closely with trends in population than with regional hydro-climatic z scores, implying that they reflect primarily human activities. During the mid Holocene, most Mediterranean landscapes were transformed by a combination of climate and rural land use, but after ~3500 cal. yr BP, human actions became increasingly dominant in determining land cover. During the past 1500 years, the dominant landscape trajectory in the eastern Mediterranean was markedly different to that in the central/western Mediterranean.
Preferences for Feeding Tube Use and Their Determinants Among Cognitively Intact Nursing Home Residents in Wuhan, China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ni Ping , Ko Eunjeong , Mao Jing
Published: February 2019

Introduction: Standard advance care planning practice is yet to be established in Mainland, China, and little is known about feeding tube preferences among Chinese nursing home residents. The purpose of the study was to examine preferences for feeding tube use and its predictors among frail and cognitively competent nursing home residents in Wuhan, China. Method: A cross-sectional sample of 682 nursing home residents were interviewed face-to-face using a structured questionnaire from 2012 to 2014. Results: A total of 54.5% of participants would accept feeding tube. Participants who reported greater quality of life (odds ratio [OR] = 2.67), having health insurance (OR = 2.09) were more willing to accept feeding tube. Participants with greater impairment in physical health (OR = 0.94) were less willing to accept it. Discussion: Health care professionals need to routinely assess nursing home residents’ feeding tube preferences. It is imperative to consider sociocultural perspectives in understanding Chinese older adults’ decision making for end-of-life care.
Vibration attenuation in a nonlinear flexible structure via nonlinear switching circuits and energy harvesting implications
Authors: Silva Tarcisio , Tan David , De Marqui Carlos , Erturk Alper
Published: February 2019

We study the suppression of strongly nonlinear vibrations of a flexible structure by using nonlinear switching circuit techniques, namely the synchronized switch damping on short circuit and the synchronized switch damping on inductor circuit, as well as energy harvesting implications through the synchronized switch harvesting on inductor circuit combined with the same nonlinear structure. Nonlinear switching shunts have been mostly explored for suppressing linear resonance in flexible structures. However, such flexible structures can easily undergo undesired resonant bifurcations and exhibit co-existing large- and small-amplitude branches in their frequency response. In this work, we investigate a strongly nonlinear and weakly coupled flexible structure for suppressing its large-amplitude periodic response branch under primary resonance excitation. The synchronized switch damping on short circuit and synchronized switch damping on inductor circuit damping techniques are employed and compared with the baseline (near short circuit) frequency response. It is shown that the synchronized switch damping on inductor circuit can substantially reduce the large-amplitude branch, offering the possibility of entirely suppressing undesired bifurcations. Energy harvesting implications are also explored by using the same structure as a wideband energy harvester. While the harvested power can be boosted with a synchronized switch harvesting on inductor circuit, the large-amplitude branch of the harvester is significantly shortened due to the strong shunt damping effect as a trade-off.
The Introduction to the 1965 Cuban Government's Occupational Health and Safety Manual, With a Statement From Dr. Ernesto Che Guevara
Authors: Orris Peter
Published: February 2019

We are presenting here a translation of the introduction to a Cuban government Manual of Safety and Hygiene for Work that was prepared for Cuban workers in 1965. The manual was written by Lic. Hugo Murua Chevesich and Dr. Antonio Granda Ibarra. The introduction includes a brief statement from Commandante Ernesto Che Guevara, then Cuban Minister of Industry. Noteworthy is that Che explains that occupational health and safety was not a priority in the revolution’s first years under the pressure to increase production. In fact, he says that this pressure caused a certain contempt for personal safety. He declares that this approach must change and states emphatically that protection of workers is essential and that the measures explained in the manual must be implemented immediately.
Health Care While Homeless: Barriers, Facilitators, and the Lived Experiences of Homeless Individuals Accessing Health Care in a Canadian Regional Municipality
Authors: Ramsay Natalie , Hossain Rahat , Moore Mo , Milo Michael , Brown Allison
Published: February 2019

Persons struggling with housing remain significantly disadvantaged when considering access to health care. Effective advocacy for their needs will require understanding the factors which impact their health care, and which of those most concern patients themselves. A qualitative descriptive study through the lens of a transformative framework was used to identify barriers and facilitators to accessing health care as perceived by people experiencing homelessness in the regional municipality of Niagara, Canada. In-person, semi-structured interviews with 16 participants were completed, and inductive thematic analysis identified nine barriers and eight facilitators. Barriers included affordability, challenges finding primary care, inadequacy of the psychiatric model, inappropriate management, lack of trust in health care providers, poor therapeutic relationships, systemic issues, and transportation and accessibility. Facilitators included accessibility of services, community health care outreach, positive relationships, and shelters coordinating health care. Knowledge of the direct experiences of marginalized individuals can help create new health policies and enhance the provision of clinical care.
Getting a Grip on My Depression: How Latina Adolescents Experience, Self-Manage, and Seek Treatment for Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Stafford Allison McCord , Aalsma Matthew C. , Bigatti Silvia , Oruche Ukamaka , Draucker Claire Burke
Published: February 2019

Latina (female) adolescents are more likely to experience depressive symptoms and less likely to receive mental health services than their non-Latina White peers. We aimed to develop a framework that explains how Latina adolescents experience, self-manage, and seek treatment for depressive symptoms. Latina young women ( n = 25, M age = 16.8 years) who experienced depressive symptoms during adolescence were recruited from clinical and community settings and interviewed about experiences with depressive symptoms. The framework was developed using constructivist grounded theory methods. Participants experienced a psychosocial problem that we labeled being overburdened and becoming depressed. They responded to this problem through a five-phase psychosocial process that we labeled Getting a Grip on My Depression. Family members, peer groups, and mainstream authorities were influential in how participants experienced these phases. Future research should further develop this framework in diverse samples of Latino/a youth. Clinicians can use this framework in discussions with Latina adolescents about depressive symptoms.
The Patient’s Situation During Interhospital Intensive Care Unit-to-Unit Transfers: A Hermeneutical Observational Study
Authors: Karlsson Jonas , Eriksson Thomas , Lindahl Berit , Fridh Isabell
Published: February 2019

Interhospital intensive care unit-to-unit transfers are an increasing phenomenon, earlier mainly studied from a patient safety perspective. Using data from video recordings and participant observations, the aim was to explore and interpret the observed nature of the patient’s situation during interhospital intensive care unit-to-unit transfers. Data collection from eight transfers resulted in over 7 hours of video material and field notes. Using a hermeneutical approach, three themes emerged: being visible and invisible; being in a constantly changing space; and being a fettered body in constant motion. The patient’s situation can be viewed as an involuntary journey, one where the patient exists in a constantly changing space drifting in and out of the health personnel’s attention and where movements from the journey become part of the patient’s body. Interhospital transfers of vulnerable patients emerge as a complex task, challenging the health personnel’s ability to maintain a caring atmosphere around these patients.
Outcomes of an Integrated Urology-Palliative Care Clinic for Patients With Advanced Urological Cancers: Maintenance of Quality of Life and Satisfaction and High Rate of Hospice Utilization Through End of Life
Authors: Huen Kathy , Huang Cher , Liu Hui , Kwan Lorna , Pannell Stephanie , Laviana Aaron , Saucedo Josemanuel , Lorenz Karl , Bennett Carol , Bergman Jonathan
Published: February 2019

Introduction:

Systematic integration of palliative care in a surgical setting is important, but has yet to be achieved. Despite evidence of early palliative care improving patients’ quality of life, hospice utilization remains low. Through an integrated palliative care-urology clinic, we aim to assess the effect of early outpatient palliative care on hospice utilization, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and satisfaction in patients with advanced urological cancers.

Methods:

Participants were recruited from 2012 through 2016 in the Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Hospital. We partnered with palliative care clinicians to develop an integrated urology-palliative care clinic, where participants were seen by the palliative care team on the same day as their urological visit. The 12-item Short-Form Survey, Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire Short-Form, Patient Health Questionnaire, and Brief Pain Inventory were administered at initial and subsequent visits. Follow-up questionnaire results were compared between baseline and the 2 follow-up visits, and hospice utilization rates were assessed.

Results:

Fifty-three participants completed baseline questionnaires. Of those 22 (42%) patients completed at least one follow-up assessment. The median time for the first and second follow-up visits was 2.9 and 7.8 months, respectively. There were no significant differences in HRQOL and satisfaction between baseline and subsequent follow-up visits. A total of 36 (68%) of 53 participants who were enrolled at the start of the study were deceased. Of those, 29 (81%) expired within a home or inpatient hospice.

Conclusions:

Rates of hospice use were high in an integrated palliative care-urology model. Health-related quality of life and satisfaction did not worsen over time.
Comparing CALL and VAL-ED: An Illustrative Application of a Decision Matrix for Leadership Feedback Instruments
Authors: Salisbury Jason , Goff Peter , Blitz Mark
Published: February 2019

Initiatives to increase leadership accountability coupled with efforts to promote data-driven leadership have led to widespread adoption of instruments to assess school leaders. In this article, we present a decision matrix that practitioners and researchers can use to facilitate instrument selection. Our decision matrix focuses on the psychometric properties of the instruments, the model of leadership used to construct the instruments, the feasibility of implementation, and the extent to which feedback lends itself to changes in behavior (actionability). We apply this decision matrix to two of the most prominent leadership feedback instruments, Comprehensive Assessment of Leadership for Learning and Vanderbilt Assessment of Leadership in Education. Through our decision matrix, we are able to reveal the commonalities between the measures and also identify tangible differences. We discuss the implications of the comparative strengths and drawbacks of the two instruments and how they might be deployed most effectively to improve leadership practices.
The Effects of a Supportive Care Program on the Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms of Patients With Oral Cancer After Surgery
Authors: Hwang Tzer-Zen , Lin Yu-Hua , Liu Chih-Yi , Kao Chia-Chan , Huang Pei-Chen
Published: February 2019

This study aimed to estimate the effects of a supportive care program on the posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSSs) of patients with oral cancer after surgery. Participants were divided into two groups. Outcome measurements included the Chinese version of the Davidson trauma scale to examine PTSSs at a clinical follow-up 1 week (T0), 1 month (T1), and 3 months (T2) after hospital discharge. The results indicated that the frequency and severity mean scores of PTSSs for the two groups at T0 were significantly higher than those at T1 and T2. Both the groups and times were significantly different; moreover, the supported group’s PTSS score decreased more than that of the nonsupported group. These findings supported the effects of the supportive care program. Health care staff should be aware of the PTSS status of patients with oral cancer who undergo surgery and consider these issues in combination with patients’ discharge care plans.
Aesthetics Assessment and Patient Reported Outcome of Nasolabial Aesthetics in 18-Year-Old Patients With Unilateral Cleft Lip
Authors: Mulder Frans J. , Mosmuller David G. M. , de Vet Riekie H. C. W. , Don Griot J. P. W.
Published: February 2019

Objective:

To determine if there is a correlation between objective nasolabial aesthetics assessment using the Cleft Aesthetic Rating Scale (CARS) and patient satisfaction.

Design:

Retrospective analysis of a generic satisfaction questionnaire and independent assessment by three cleft surgeons of the nasolabial area of these patients on 2D frontal photographs, using the CARS.

Setting:

The Vrije Universiteit Medical Center and The Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam.

Patients:

Thirty-nine 18-year old patients with a repaired complete or incomplete unilateral cleft lip, with or without a cleft palate, and a completed satisfaction questionnaire. Exclusion criteria were an incomplete questionnaire; a history of facial trauma; and congenital syndromes affecting facial appearance.

Main Outcome Measures:

The correlation between surgeon evaluation (on a 5-point Likert scale) and patient satisfaction (not, moderately or very satisfied) on nasolabial appearance was assessed using Spearman rho (ρ).

Results:

There was a negligible correlation between surgeon evaluation and patient satisfaction on nose assessment (ρ = 0.20) and a moderate correlation on lip assessment (ρ = 0.32).

Conclusions:

Most literature supports this discrepancy between different objective aesthetics evaluation methods and subjective patient-reported outcome measures, suggesting there are factors playing a role in patient satisfaction that are impossible to objectify with assessment methods. Therefore, a strong emphasis should remain on clear communication between the physician and patient regarding their expectations, perception, and satisfaction of surgery results.
Postoperative Complications Following Repair of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture
Authors: Stavenuiter X. J. Ruben , Lubberts Bart , Prince Robert M. , Johnson A. Holly , DiGiovanni Christopher W. , Guss Daniel
Published: February 2019

Background:

Controversy remains regarding which patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture would best be treated nonoperatively and which might benefit from operative repair. The primary aim of this study was to characterize the overall incidence of—and specific risk factors associated with—postoperative complications that follow operative repair. We also evaluated the specific differences between complications after the use of an open or minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approach.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review identified 615 adult patients who underwent operative repair for an acute Achilles tendon rupture between January 1, 2001, and May 1, 2016, at 3 level I trauma centers. Minimum follow-up was 3 months. Patient demographics, comorbidities, injury mechanism, procedural details, and surgeon subspecialty were collected. Assessed complications included wound healing issues, rerupture, hematoma, nerve injury, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism.

Results:

Seventy-two patients (11.7%) developed a postoperative complication. Risk factors included advancing patient age (odds ratio [OR], 1.04, P = .007), active tobacco use (OR, 3.20, P = .007), and specific subspecialty training (OR, 2.04, P = .046). No difference in overall complication rate was found between the open and MIS approaches (11.6% vs 13.2%, P = .658). A subgroup analysis among orthopedic subspecialties demonstrated that patients treated by trauma surgeons had increased rates of wound complication ( P = .043) and rerupture ( P = .025) compared with those treated by other subspecialties. Patients treated by trauma surgeons were also more likely to be younger or have a body mass index (BMI) > 30, although neither factor was found to be independently predictive for postoperative complications.

Conclusion:

Approximately 1 in 9 patients undergoing operative repair of an acute Achilles tendon rupture developed a postoperative complication. Advancing age and active tobacco use were independent risk factors for developing such complications. Differences in subspecialty training also appear to impact complication rates, but the potential reason for this discrepancy remains unclear. As controversy remains regarding which patients who sustain acute Achilles tendon rupture should be treated nonoperatively and which would benefit most from surgical repair, a better understanding of postoperative complication rates and associated risk factors may enhance the decision-making processes in treating these injuries. It is not clear whether MIS techniques are superior to traditional open repair in terms of postoperative complications.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative series.