bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Self-Affirmation Feedback on Exercise Intention of Women in Their Twenties Depending on Construal Level
Authors: Shin Myoungjin , Roh Miyoung , Moon Minkwon
Published: January 2020

This study examines how type of instructor feedback influences cognitive processes conducive to participants’ health behavior, using a new theoretical approach based on self-affirmation and construal level theory. In Study 1, feasibility self-affirmed feedback (FSF) and desirability self-affirmed feedback (DSF) were qualitatively explored with Vinyasa Yoga instructors, and four FSF and DSF feedback scenarios were developed. In Study 2, 55 (FSF group: 28 and DSF group: 27) women in their twenties participating in a Vinyasa Yoga program were randomly assigned to two experimental self-affirmation feedback groups (FSF and DSF) and exposed to FSF and DSF, respectively, for four weeks based on the scenarios developed in Study 1. The analysis of changes in exercise intention triggered by the participants’ exposure to self-affirmation feedback showed that participants exposed to DSF experienced a more positive influence than those exposed to FSF in their continuation intentions of success.
Stillbirth Among Arab Women in Canada, 1981-2015
Authors: Auger Nathalie , Racape Judith , Raynault Marie-France , Bilodeau-Bertrand Marianne , Lee Ga Eun , Janevic Teresa
Published: January 2020

Objectives:

The Arabic-speaking population is increasing in Europe and North America. Evidence suggests that Arab migrants have a greater risk of adverse birth outcomes than nonmigrants, but the risk of stillbirth is largely understudied. We examined inequality in stillbirth rates between Arab women and the French and English majority of women in Quebec, Canada.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective study of all births in Quebec from 1981 through 2015. We computed stillbirth rates by period and cause of death, and we used log binomial regression to estimate the association between Arabic mother tongue and stillbirth, adjusted for maternal characteristics.

Results:

Stillbirth rates per 1000 births overall were lower among women with Arabic mother tongue (3.89) than among women with French or English mother tongue (4.52), and rates changed little over time. However, Arabic-speaking women from Arab countries had a higher adjusted risk of stillbirth than French- or English-speaking women (risk ratio = 1.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.42). Congenital anomalies, termination of pregnancy, and undetermined causes contributed to a disproportionate number of stillbirths among women with Arabic mother tongue compared with the French- and English-speaking majority.

Conclusions:

Arabic-speaking women from Arab countries have higher risks of stillbirth compared with the French and English majority in Quebec. Strategies to reduce stillbirth risk among Arabic speakers should focus on improving identification of causes of death.
Reconciliation and the secular
Authors: Colorado Carlos
Published: January 2020

Using the lens of political theory, this article examines how the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) captures the ways in which Indigenous political actors operate in a spiritual key in the public sphere. It considers how the Calls to Action of the TRC – the implementation of which has received support from federal, provincial and municipal governments – imply a re-envisioning of Canadian society that cannot be accommodated within a rigidly ‘closed’ secularism, which sequesters ceremony and sacrality to the private sphere. The paper argues that the model of open secularism posited by Jocelyn Maclure and Charles Taylor, allows space for religion as a fundamental component of secular democratic order and participation, central to processes of Reconciliation in Canada.
Post-Brexit Boomer blaming: The contradictions of generational grievance
Authors: Bristow Jennie
Published: January 2020

Following the UK’s 2016 Referendum on membership of the European Union (EU), a narrative emerged positioning Baby Boomers as ‘to blame’ for the result, which drew largely on a pre-existing claim that this generation is responsible for a range of contemporary social problems. Using cultural script analyses of the ‘Baby Boomer problem’, this article considers the development of this narrative and its implications for the sociology of knowledge. A study of newspaper articles published around the time of the EU Referendum finds that the Baby Boomer motif is employed as a metaphorical shorthand for a range of ‘troubling conditions’, including economic crises, cultural conflicts and political divisions. The escalating rhetoric of ‘Boomer blaming’ pursued by claimsmaking organisations has sought to consolidate and extend a sentiment of generational grievance, which informs wider claims about a political divide between old and young. One consequence has been the weaponisation of the concept of generation: a development that threatens to undermine the value of this concept as a way of understanding social and historical change.
Strategic positioning: How policy research actors situate their intellectual labour to gain symbolic resources from multiple fields
Authors: Williams Kate
Published: January 2020

The process of knowledge production involves negotiating several social worlds, whereby actors engage in positioning and repositioning to situate their intellectual labour and gain symbolic resources. This article considers the strategic positioning of policy research actors using interview and document data. It sets out the ways in which individual and institutional actors negotiate and situate their intellectual practice in order to gain capital from a range of relevant fields. The article considers how organisations position themselves in relation to other institutions, and how individual researchers position themselves vis-a-vis their own organisations and others in the hybrid space between more established fields. It demonstrates how identities are constructed in a relational way via comparison and juxtaposition in the liminal space of international development. In doing so, it directs attention to the strategic practices involved in the production of meaningful intellectual interventions.
Supporting Students With Co-Occurring Language and Behavioral Deficits in the Classroom
Authors: Chow Jason C. , Walters Sharon , Hollo Alexandra
Published: January 2020

For all children and youth, language underpins success in academic, social, and behavioral interactions. For students with language deficits, even seemingly simple tasks can be challenging and frustrating. Perhaps not surprising, children with language deficits often exhibit high rates of problem behavior, and children with behavior disorders tend to have low language ability. Because language and behavior are fundamental to success in school, teachers need to understand the comorbidity of these challenges, recognize signs that a student may be struggling with language delays, and have strategies to support students who struggle with behavior and language. In the present article, we (a) introduce and address co-occurring language and behavioral deficits, (b) overview common types of language difficulties in school, and (c) provide classroom management and instructional strategies to support students with these dual deficits.
Governing the night-time city: The rise of night mayors as a new form of urban governance after dark
Authors: Seijas Andreina , Gelders Mirik Milan
Published: January 2020

The urban night has traditionally been a regimented space characterised by strict policing and surveillance. Early research on the night-time economy documented the expansion of nightlife from a centrepiece of culture-led redevelopment strategies in post-industrial cities, to the introduction of a broad governance apparatus to manage the agglomeration of night-time activity. Over the past two decades, a new actor has emerged: more than 40 cities have appointed night mayors or individuals responsible for maintaining nocturnal vibrancy, while mediating between those who wish to work, party or sleep. This article summarises the results of a qualitative study that gathered information on the origins, propagation and geographic variations in the role to provide a first comprehensive look at this position. Data from 35 night mayors and night-time advocacy organisations from around the world revealed that, though cities differ greatly in their approach towards night-time infrastructure and regulation, there seems to be growing consensus on the need for permanent nocturnal governance structures. By encouraging greater dialogue and experimentation, these structures are challenging traditional approaches to urban governance and paving the way for a new wave of studies on the urban night.
Satyrs, spirits, and Dionysian intemperance in Shakespeare’s Tempest
Authors: Ungelenk Johannes
Published: January 2020

The article focuses on the rebellious subplot of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest that forms around Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculo, and reads it as a satyr play. Demonstrated is how the Dionysian subplot stands in close analogical connection with the play’s main action. It is also argued that the storyline emphasises a dimension of the play that is of high relevance to the analysis of its metatheatrical implications. The correspondences between the main action and the satyr play elements highlight the important role that intemperance, excess and the suspension of control play in the Shakespearean theatrical setting.
Case series of therapeutic hypothermia for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy during extracorporeal life support
Authors: Bhandary Prasad , Daniel John M , Skinner Sean C , Bacon Matthew K , Hanna Mina , Bauer John A , Giannone Peter , Ballard Hubert O
Published: January 2020

Therapeutic hypothermia initiated within 6 hours of birth is currently the standard of care for the management of neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Neonates undergoing therapeutic hypothermia for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy are also at risk for severe respiratory failure and need for extracorporeal life support. The risks and benefits of therapeutic hypothermia for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy during extracorporeal life support are still not well defined. We report our experience of a case series of six neonates who underwent therapeutic hypothermia for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy during extracorporeal life support. We also report long-term neurodevelopmental follow-up from 6 to 24 months and add to the current body of evidence regarding feasibility, clinical experience, and short-term complications.
Experience of Stress and Coping Mechanism Among Police Officers in South Western Nigeria
Authors: John-Akinola Yetunde O. , Ajayi Aderonke O. , Oluwasanu Mojisola M.
Published: January 2020

Prior research on stress among police officers in Nigeria is limited. Most researchers have focused on the predictors of workplace stress among the police officer, and fewer still have examined their coping mechanisms. This study assessed the stress experienced and coping mechanism among police officers in Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study, which utilized a pretested self-administered questionnaire. The study population included 342 selected respondents using a multistage sampling technique from police stations in Ibadan North Local Government, Oyo State, Nigeria. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, χ2 test, and Fisher’s exact test at p = .05. Results revealed that majority (92.5%) of the respondents had poor knowledge of stress with a mean knowledge of 5.4 ± 1.7. Majority (80.1%) of the respondents reported experience of stress such as feeling depressed sometimes at work, while 60.5% said that they usually have headache and body ache. In addition, 36.9% had good coping mechanism and more than half (58.8%) had a fair coping mechanism with a mean coping score of 5.0 ± 3.0. This study showed that knowledge of stressors was poor and respondents perceived that they experienced stress and its symptoms. Strategies such as training using teaching, discussion, and explanation to educate the police officers about stress and its coping mechanism and policy interventions to facilitate the construction of standard stress management centers would be appropriate strategies to reduce stress, increase the knowledge of police officers on stressors, and enhance their coping mechanism.
Effect of a cognitive behavioural intervention on depression reduction among community-dwelling adult learners in Nigeria: Implications for adult education administration
Authors: Nwabuko Linus Okechukwu , Okechukwu Ann Ebere , Eneh Eberechukwu Charity , Eze Georgina Chinagorom , Eseabasi Favour Okon
Published: January 2020

Objective

The study objective was to determine the effect of a cognitive behavioural intervention (CBI) on depression among community-dwelling adult learners in Nigeria.

Methods

This was a 10-week randomized control trial. Participants were 82 community-dwelling adult learners with depression. The Beck Depression Inventory-II was used for data collection. Data were analysed using repeated measures analysis of variance.

Results

The initial results showed that the participants in both the treatment group and the usual care control group had severe depression. After 10 weeks of the CBI, there was a significant reduction in depression among adult learners in the treatment group compared with those in the usual care control group. The follow-up assessment indicated a further significant reduction in depression among participants in the treatment group compared with those in the control group.

Conclusion

The CBI was effective in reducing depression among community-dwelling university adult learners in Nigeria.
Resection of benign tumours of the submandibular gland with harmonic scalpel-assisted minimally extracapsular dissection
Authors: Hu Yongjie , Zheng Chongyang , Cao Rui , Hong Weisheng , Zhang Zhiyuan
Published: January 2020

Objective

This study was performed to compare the oncologic and functional outcomes in patients with benign submandibular gland (SMG) tumours after harmonic scalpel-assisted minimally extracapsular dissection (HS-MECD) or total gland excision (TGE).

Methods

In total, 133 consecutive patients who were preoperatively diagnosed with benign SMG tumours (pleomorphic adenoma, Warthin’s tumour, basal cell adenoma, or lymphoepithelial cyst) from 2013 to 2016 were included in this two-centre retrospective study. Sixty-four patients underwent HS-MECD and 69 patients underwent TGE. All tumours were within 4 cm. Surgical variables, complications, functional outcomes, and recurrence rates were evaluated.

Results

The operation time, blood loss, drainage time and volume, and length of hospital stay were significantly lower in the HS-MECD than TGE group. HS-MECD reduced local pain and transient facial nerve paralysis outcomes. Incision scars and facial deformities were less visible according to the visual analogue scale. No significant differences were found in either unstimulated or stimulated whole saliva at 1 month postoperatively, whilst higher unstimulated levels were detected in the HS-MECD group at 6 months. The recurrence rate was similar between the two groups.

Conclusion

For benign SMG tumours of <4 cm, HS-MECD represents a less invasive technique than TGE and affords patients increased postoperative functionality.
Yellow River flooding during the past two millennia from historical documents
Authors: Li Teng , Li Jinbao , Zhang David D
Published: January 2020

The Yellow River has caused suffering to people with its devastating floods throughout human history. Understanding the occurrence of Yellow River floods and their relationship with climate change is crucial for sustainable water governance in North China. Here we synthesize historical and climatic records in the Yellow River basin to investigate their relationship during the past two millennia. Based on historical archives of river floods and levee breaches, we developed a decadally resolved Yellow River flooding frequency record from 221 BCE to 1949 CE, which provides a rare chance to perceive the river’s long-term flood dynamics. As revealed, the Yellow River flooding can be divided into two distinct stages: an early stage of low-frequency floods from the 220s BCE to the 890s CE; and a late stage of high-frequency floods during the 900s–1940s CE. A substantial increase in flooding frequency around the 10th century fell within the transition period into the Medieval Climate Anomaly (MCA), during which the Yellow River basin featured warm and wet climate conditions. Coincidentally, human management of the Yellow River intensified as a response to more severe and frequent floods. The intense river management persisted thereafter and resulted in the super-elevation of the riverbed, which made the river more prone to flooding. Consequently, the Yellow River flooding frequency remained high even after entering the Little Ice Age, during which the river basin featured cool temperature and reduced precipitation. Our study suggests that the dramatic transition from a previous cool, dry into a warm, wet climate during the MCA period triggered intense human management of river channels and the establishment of the flood-prone nature of the Yellow River.
Renal pseudoaneurysm after blunt trauma in a 10-year-old girl: A case report
Authors: Sforza Simone , Persano Giorgio , Cini Chiara , Sforzi Idanna , Grosso Antonio Andrea , Bronzini Francesca , Bussolin Leonardo , Acquafresca Manlio , Masieri Lorenzo
Published: January 2020

Introduction:

Renal trauma is a relevant cause of morbidity in children older than 1 year. Most patients are currently managed conservatively, even in case of high-grade traumas; nevertheless, harmful complications may occur even in hemodynamically stable patients. We present a case of grade IV blunt renal trauma complicated by post-traumatic pseudoaneurysm.

Case description:

A 10-year-old girl was referred to our institution for grade IV trauma of the right kidney. During observation she had persistent hematuria that caused anemia. A second contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan revealed a posttraumatic pseudoaneurysm that was successfully treated by angiographic embolization.

Conclusions:

Although extremely rare after blunt renal trauma, post-traumatic renal pseudoaneurysm may cause severe blood loss and anemia, and angioembolization is therefore indicated. This condition should be suspected and move physicians to investigate further.
Designing an Intervention in Reading and Self-Regulation for Students With Significant Reading Difficulties, Including Dyslexia
Authors: Denton Carolyn A. , Montroy Janelle J. , Zucker Tricia A. , Cannon Grace
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this feasibility study was to inform the development of an intervention to support reading and self-regulation for students with significant reading difficulties and disabilities (RDs), including dyslexia. Participants were 21 special educators, dyslexia specialists, and reading interventionists and 48 students in Grades 2 to 4. Student outcomes were compared using a quasi-experimental design; some teachers provided the research intervention (Idea Detectives [ID] group), whereas others provided the reading interventions typically offered in their schools (business-as-usual [BAU] group). Nearly 90% of BAU students received alternate evidence-based interventions. Results showed that student outcomes did not differ between the ID and BAU groups. Observational data indicated that revisions were needed to improve the intervention’s feasibility, and qualitative teacher data identified barriers to consistent implementation, as well as strengths and shortcomings of the intervention. Teacher data suggested strong support for the inclusion of self-regulation instruction with reading intervention. This study illustrates the importance of teacher–researcher collaborations for the development of instructional interventions.
A novel intuitionistic fuzzy MCDM-based CODAS approach for locating an authorized dismantling center: a case study of Istanbul
Authors: Karagoz Selman , Deveci Muhammet , Simic Vladimir , Aydin Nezir , Bolukbas Ufuk
Published: January 2020

As the number of end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) increases rapidly, their management has become one of the most important environmental topics worldwide. This study is conducted to evaluate various alternatives for location selection of an authorized dismantling center (ADC) for ELVs using a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach. An intuitionistic fuzzy MCDM-based combinative distance-based assessment (CODAS) approach is proposed to aid waste managers and solve their problem. The intuitionistic fuzzy weighted averaging operator is utilized to aggregate individual opinions of decision-makers into a group opinion. The intuitionistic fuzzy Euclidean and Hamming distances are used to calculate the assessment score of alternatives. A real-life case study of Istanbul is provided to illustrate how this novel intuitionistic fuzzy MCDM-based CODAS approach can be used for alternative selection in real-world applications. The comparison with the available state-of-the-art intuitionistic fuzzy set-based MCDM approaches approves the validity and consistency of the proposed intuitionistic fuzzy CODAS approach. The intuitionistic fuzzy CODAS, WASPAS, and TOPSIS approaches generate exactly the same ordering of alternatives for the new ADC in Istanbul. The results show that the intuitionistic fuzzy CODAS approach indicates valid results and is an effective decision-making technique for vagueness and uncertainty nature of linguistic assessments.
Burnout in Canadian Radiology Residency: A National Assessment of Prevalence and Underlying Contributory Factors
Authors: Ferguson Craig , Low Gavin , Shiau Gillian
Published: January 2020

Objective:

To determine burnout prevalence in Canadian radiology residency and identify contributing factors.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective 57-item survey, including the 22-item Maslach Burnout Inventory-Health Sciences Survey, was sent to all Canadian radiology residents, with a total resident population of 359. The association between emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and personal achievement (PA) scores with items in the survey was performed. Continuous data were evaluated using the Student t test for comparing the means between the 2 groups or the analysis of variance test for comparing the means between at least 3 groups. Spearman correlation coefficient was performed when evaluating ordinal categorical data.

Results:

Response rate is 40.1% (n = 144); 50.7% of residents demonstrate high EE, 48.6% demonstrate high DP, and 35.9% demonstrate low PA. Being unhappy with residency and with radiology as a career is associated with burnout ( P < .001). Age, sex, marital status, and children have no impact on burnout. More hours worked is associated with higher EE ( P = .025) and DP ( P = .004). In all, 47.2% residents experienced intimidation or harassment. Feeling unsupported by staff radiologists is associated with higher EE ( P < .001), higher DP ( P = .001), and lower PA ( P = .008). In all, 45.1% of residents have poor work–life balance, and those residents demonstrate higher EE ( P < .001), higher DP ( P = .006), and lower PA ( P = .01). In all, 25% of residents identify poor education-service balance in their residency, and those residents have higher EE ( P < .001), higher DP ( P = .042), and lower PA ( P = .005).

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates significant burnout in Canadian radiology residents with major contributory factors identified.
From unionism to youth activism: Taiwan’s politics of working hours
Authors: Ho Ming-sho
Published: January 2020

This article examines two major protests related to working-hour reforms in Taiwan in 2000 and 2016–18, paying particular attention to the shift in the composition of protesters from union members to youth activists. The decline in mass membership and the failure to consolidate a national federation have diminished the political presence of labour unions. The emergence of youth protest movements, both before and after the 2014 Sunflower Movement, made possible the advent of Taiwan’s youth as political actors. The reconfiguration of Taiwan’s working hour politics has paralleled the global transition from the classical organization-based collective action to the digitally enabled ‘connective action’. The concluding section provides reflections on the impacts as well as the limitations of this newer form of labour politics.
Prediction of random dynamic loads using second-order blind source identification algorithm
Authors: Jia You , Yang Zhichun , Liu Erqiang , Fan Yanhong , Yang Xuexia
Published: January 2020

Traditional load identification methods are based on the frequency response function matrix. However, in some cases, it is impossible to measure the frequency response functions directly, where only the measured structural dynamic response data are available. In this paper, a novel frequency domain method based on second-order blind source identification (SOBI) algorithm is proposed for identifying the random dynamic loads from some dynamic responses of limited test points. Firstly, the SOBI algorithm is applied to identify the modal parameters from the time histories of the measured displacement responses and then the modal loads are estimated by the identified modal parameters and modal responses in the modal space; finally, the random dynamic loads can be identified in the frequency domain. In order to control the error propagation, the theoretical formulas of the regularization process have been deduced, and the regularization parameters are selected by the generalized cross-validation method. A numerical simulation and an eight-storey spatial frame experimental model are studied to validate the proposed method; the comparison results show a good agreement between the identified random dynamic loads and the actually exerted loads.
Reachable domain for satellite relative motion along elliptic orbit with uncertainty and process noise
Authors: Wen Changxuan , Ma Jian
Published: January 2020

For satellite close-range relative motion under uncertainty and process noise, the relative reachable domain is the confidence region, upon providing a user-defined probability level, of the occurrence of a flying trajectory. The relative reachable domain is a risk-assessing tool used to prevent inadvertent collisions. This study conducted a follow-up relative reachable domain investigation with two improvements: (1) the reference orbit of the close-range relative motion is generalized to an arbitrary elliptic orbit and (2) the process noise during the relative motion is incorporated. The equation of the relative reachable domain envelope, the boundary of the relative reachable domain, is derived. An algorithm is proposed to solve for the relative reachable domain envelope. By comparing the solved relative reachable domain envelopes with the results of a direct Monte Carlo simulation, the accuracy of the proposed algorithm is verified. Moreover, a relative reachable domain-based collision detection method is presented to screen out encounters that have a low chance of collision. The proposed collision detection method exhibits efficiency and reliability in deciding whether a passive flyby mission is safe or not.
Life Insurance Industry Agent’s Attrition: A Game Changer for Insurance Business
Authors: Roy Neha Chhabra , Roy N. G.
Published: January 2020

Insurance industry of any country acts as the backbone of its financial risk management system. Although two-thirds of the insurance business in India is carried out through individual agents, recent trends show significant attrition among them. The central argument in this article revolves around identifying the drivers responsible for individual agent’s attrition in India. The methodology used for this factor identification was based on extensive literature review and further validation through a primary survey of the stakeholders in the insurance sector. A conceptual model is also proposed for mitigation of agent’s attrition.
Brand Pride in Consumer–Brand Relationships: Towards a Conceptual Framework
Authors: Nandy Subarna , Sondhi Neena
Published: January 2020

Brands are rapidly moving away from the traditional transactional approach to a relational journey with their users. In most cases, Consumer- Brand Relationships are based on the extent of congruence between individuals and their favourite brands. This paper aims to contribute to this journey and understand the genesis and outcomes of such a relationship wherein the consumer feels “proud” to be associated with his/her brand. Specifically the purpose of the paper is to understand the antecedents and consequences of a less explored construct, Brand Pride. This conceptual paper is based on an extensive and detailed review of literature pertaining to the areas of emotional branding, consumer-brand relationships, pride in brand associations, self-congruence and behavioral outcomes. It also evaluates the impact of a narssistic personality on such relationships. The authors propose a conceptual framework for Brand Pride which would lead to a deeper understanding in the phenomenology of Brand Pride and its subsequent impact on higher order Consumer-Brand Relationships. Crystallization of this concept would lead to invaluable insights in the advancement in emotional branding both for academicians and practitioners, with Brand Pride being the emotion in focus.
Effect of Economic Growth on Unemployment and Validity of Okun’s Law in Mauritius
Authors: Chuttoo Usha Devi
Published: January 2020

This study examines the relationship between unemployment and economic growth in Mauritius. The methodology adopted for this study is the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds cointegration test, ARDL error-correction model (ARDL-ECM) using the ordinary least square (OLS) approach and Okun’s law-gap version. ARDL-ECM estimates the long-run and short-run relationship between economic growth and unemployment. The validity of Okun’s law is tested in the Mauritian context and Okun’s coefficient is thereby estimated. The results obtained from the tests show that both in the long run and short run, there is a negative cointegration between economic growth and unemployment, but it is not statistically significant. Whereas, the result of Okun’s law-gap version shows that Okun’s law is indeed valid in the small economy of Mauritius. From the Okun’s coefficient obtained, it is concluded that 4 percent change in gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate changes unemployment rate by 1 percent in the opposite direction in Mauritius.
High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Risk of Stroke Subtypes: Jichi Medical School Cohort Study
Authors: Watanabe Jun , Kakehi Eiichi , Kotani Kazuhiko , Kayaba Kazunori , Nakamura Yosikazu , Ishikawa Shizukiyo
Published: January 2020

We aimed to investigate the relationship between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration and the incident stroke subtypes. We enrolled 11 027 participants between the ages of 18 and 90 years without a history of stroke in 12 Japanese communities. Cox’s regression models were used for stroke subtypes, adjusted for traditional risk factors, according to the categories based on HDL-C concentrations: 1.04 to 1.55 mmol/L, ≥1.56 mmol/L, and <1.03 mmol/L (as the reference). During a mean follow-up of 10.7 years, 412 stroke events had occurred. However, HDL-C was not significantly associated with the incidence of cerebral infarction and subarachnoid hemorrhage. High HDL-C concentration was associated with a decreased incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage in women (hazard ratio = 0.23; 95% confidence interval = 0.06-0.89), but not in men (hazard ratio = 0.73; 95% confidence interval = 0.27-1.97). Therefore, high HDL-C concentration might have a protective effect on the incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage, particularly in women.
Designing meditation for doctor well-being: can ‘Om’ help obstetrics and gynaecology doctors?
Authors: Allen Rosie , Robinson Andrew , Allen Shelley , Nathan Elizabeth , Coghlan Edwina , Leung Yee
Published: January 2020

Objective:

The study aimed to measure the impact of meditation on participants’ ability to regulate brain wave activity in high-stress situations, control physiological stress responses and improve subjective wellbeing.

Methods:

Twelve obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G) doctors meditated for 20 minutes daily for 21 days utilising a portable EEG (electroencephalogram) providing instantaneous audio feedback. Their brain activity levels and salivary cortisol were measured before and after performing three surgical procedures. Participants were interviewed about their experiences and completed self-ratings of distress (e.g. DASS-21, Depression, Anxiety and Depression Scale). Data were analysed statistically and thematically.

Results:

(a) Measures of pre- and post-operative brain activity showed no significantly higher levels of alpha waves. (b) Pre- and post-operative salivary cortisol levels did not significantly decrease. (c) DASS-21 scores showed significant decreases in levels of anxiety and stress.

Conclusion:

Results suggest that, with biofeedback meditation, O&G doctors can learn to reduce situational stress and improve mood overall through a focussed intervention.
A Standard Reading of Selected Online Readers’ Comments on Domestic Violence against Men in Nigeria
Authors: Aragbuwa Adetutu
Published: January 2020

The study performs a standard reading of online readers’ comments on Domestic Violence against Men (henceforth, DVAM). This is with a view to exploring how the readers’ comments develop dialogically to build up threads that depict salient motifs on DVAM in the Nigerian sociocultural domain. The specific objectives of the study are to identify the dialogic developments of threads among the commenters; construe motifs cum shared socio-cultural values in the identified threadal developments; and elicit the rhetorical implications of the threadal developments on the phenomenon of DVAM in Nigeria. The data comprise two purposively selected online news reports on DVAM with their readers' comments, sourced from the news archives of The News and Sahara Reporters. The study adopts the Dialogic Dual Reading Model as the analytical framework. The standard reading of the threadal developments of the readers’ comments in the two selected news reports reveals that a large number of the commenters maintain the ideological stance that DVAM is unjustifiable; some commenters, however, argue that acts of DVAM are often perpetrated in self-defense. This contrary ideological notion of self-defense not only portrays the women-offenders in these cases as victims but also justifies their acts of violence.
The migration pattern and initial stability of the Optimys short stem in total hip arthroplasty: a prospective 2-year follow-up study of 33 patients with RSA
Authors: de Waard Sheryl , Sierevelt Inger N , Jonker Renee , Hoornenborg Daniel , van der Vis Harm M , Kerkhoffs Gino M M J , Haverkamp Daniël
Published: January 2020

Background and purpose:

The consensus that bone stock preservation and optimal restoration of offset and leg length is important in total hip arthroplasty is now widespread, especially for young and active patients. Short stems seem promising in this aspect, though implant stability is still of concern. This study looked at the migration pattern of the Optimys short stem through RSA analysis.

Patients and methods:

40 patients were included. RSA images were made directly postoperatively (within 5 days), at 6 weeks and at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. Double examinations were made for precision measurement. HOOS and pain scores were obtained preoperatively and at 2 years. 4 patients were excluded due to protocol violation and 1 patient was excluded for RSA analysis with a CN number >110. 2 patients were lost to follow-up after 3 and 6 months ( n  = 1 lost, n  = 1 deep infection, respectively).

Results:

Mean age was 60 years with a mean BMI of 27. RSA analysis of 34 patients showed a significant initial median proximodistal translation (subsidence) of 0.21 mm (IQR 0.64–0.06) and anteversion-retroversion rotation of 0.59° (IQR 0.01–1.34) at 6 weeks, after which the stem stabilises and showed no further significant movement. Median migration in other directions was small. 4 patients had an initial subsidence of >2 mm, all showed secondary stabilisation. HOOS outcomes were satisfactory, with the domain symptoms and pain showing a median score of 95/100 at 2 years.

Conclusions:

After initial migration the Optimys achieves secondary stabilisation, suggesting low risk on long-term aseptic loosening.

Clinical trials registration:

NL47055.048.13.
Cost-utilization of peripheral intravenous cannulation in hospitalized adults: An observational study
Authors: van Loon Fredericus HJ , Leggett Tina , Bouwman Arthur RA , Dierick-van Daele Angelique TM
Published: January 2020

Aim:

In modern healthcare there is increased focus on optimizing efficiency for every treatment or performed procedure, of which reduction of costs is an important part. With this study, authors aimed to calculate the cost of peripheral intravenous cannulation including all components that influence its price.

Methods:

This observational cost-utilization study was conducted between May and October 2016. Hospitalized adults were included in this study, who received usual care. Peripheral intravenous cannulation was carried out according to current hospital protocols, based on international standards for peripheral intravenous catheter insertion. Device costs were assumed equal to the number of attempts multiplied by the fixed supply costs and applicable costs for additional attempts, whereas personnel costs for both nurses and physicians were based on their hourly salary.

Results:

A total of 1512 patients were included in this study, with a mean of 1.37 (±0.77) attempts and a mean time of 3.5 (±2.7) min were needed for a successful catheter insertion. Adjusted mean costs for peripheral intravenous cannulation were estimated to be €11.67 for each patient, but costs increase as the number of attempts for successful cannulation increases. The cost for patients with a successful first attempt was lower, at approximately €9.32 but increased markedly to €65.34 when five attempts were needed.

Conclusion:

Prevention of multiple attempts may lower the costs, and furthermore, additional technologies applied by nurses to individual patients based on predicted difficult intravenous access will make the application of these additional technologies, in turn, more efficient.
Recovery of cognitive function after relapse in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Benedict Ralph HB , Pol Jeta , Yasin Faizan , Hojnacki David , Kolb Channa , Eckert Svetlana , Tacca Beth , Drake Allison , Wojcik Curtis , Morrow Sarah A , Jakimovski Dejan , Fuchs Tom A , Dwyer Michael G , Zivadinov Robert , Weinstock-Guttman Bianca
Published: January 2020

Background:

Cognitive impairment is common in multiple sclerosis (MS) but its manifestation as acute disease activity is underappreciated.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to examine recovery after MS relapse on multiple tests of cognitive and motor function and explore correlates of change with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and cognitive reserve.

Methods:

Fifty relapsing group (RG) and matched stable participants were examined at baseline, during relapse, and at 3-month follow-up. Tests of cognitive processing speed (Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT)) and consensus opinion measures of memory, ambulation, and manual dexterity were administered. All RG patients were treated with a 5-day course of Acthar Gel (5 mL/80 IU).

Results:

In RG patients, SDMT declined from 55.2 to 44.6 at relapse and recovered to 51.7, a slope differing from stable controls ( p = 0.001). A statistical trend ( p = 0.07) for the same effect was observed for verbal memory and was significant for ambulation ( p = 0.03). The Cerebral Function Score from the EDSS also changed in the RG and recovered incompletely relative to controls ( p = 0.006).

Conclusion:

These results replicate earlier reports of cognitive worsening during relapse in MS. Clinically meaningful improvements followed relapse on SDMT and ambulation. Cognitive decline during relapse can be appreciated on neurological exam but not patient-reported outcomes.
Facilitators’ perspectives on a psychoeducational program for parents of an autistic child
Authors: Decroocq Candice , Soulas Thierry , Lichtlé Jérôme , Sankey Carol , Engelberg Aaron , Cappe Emilie
Published: January 2020

The recent increase of diagnosed cases of autism spectrum disorders has led to a considerable rise in the demands for autism-related services and interventions. Parents express the need to access relevant information about their child’s difference, and parent support interventions appear to respond effectively to this demand, as they are knowledge-focused and offer indirect support to the child. The aim of this study was to capture the subjective experience of facilitators who implemented a psychoeducational program called Beyond PDD: Parental Skills within My Reach. Structured interviews of the facilitators ( N = 18) provided insight on institutional support, issues related to the program itself, required and/or recommended professional background, personal experience and competences, and difficulties linked to recruitment and research criteria. Recommendations aiming to enhance program implementation and delivery were then created using facilitators’ feedback on these aspects.

Lay abstract

The recent increase of diagnosed cases of autism spectrum disorders has led to a considerable rise in the demands for autism-related services and interventions. Caring for an autistic child can be perceived as an enrichment, which coexists with stress in parents. Parents express the need to access relevant information about their child’s difference, and parent support interventions appear to respond effectively to this demand, as they are knowledge-focused and offer indirect support to the child. The aim of this study was to capture the subjective experience of facilitators who implemented a psychoeducational program called Beyond PDD: Parental Skills within My Reach. This program is based on the acknowledged fact that parents of autistic children play a central role in their child’s development. Its main goal is to help parents of autistic children under the age of 8 to identify, develop, and update their parenting competences. This program broaches different topics: (1) specific features of an autistic child, (2) post-diagnostic parental adjustment, (3) communication and social relationships, (4) importance of providing the child with a structured environment, and (5) parental emotions and perceptions that impact everyday life. Structured interviews of the facilitators provided insight on institutional support, issues related to the program itself, required and/or recommended professional background, personal experience and competences, and difficulties linked to recruitment and research criteria. Recommendations aiming to enhance program implementation and delivery were then created using facilitators’ feedback on these aspects.
Loneliness in the lives of Danish adolescents: Associations with health and sleep
Authors: Eccles Alice M. , Qualter Pamela , Madsen Katrine R. , Holstein Bjørn E.
Published: January 2020

Aims: We examined the relationship between loneliness and health among young adolescents. We also investigated the validity of a single-item measure of loneliness by comparing this to a composite score. Methods: The current data come from a nationally representative sample of 11- to 15-year-old adolescents ( N=3305; F=52%) from Denmark collected in 2014 as part of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) collaborative cross-national survey. Results: A series of binary logistic regressions showed that higher loneliness among adolescents, whether measured using the single- or multi-item measurement, was associated with poorer self-rated health, higher frequency of headache, stomach ache, backache, difficulties sleeping, greater sleep disturbance and more instances of feeling tired in the morning. Those associations were relatively consistent across sex and age groups. Conclusions: Loneliness is associated with poorer self-reported health and sleep problems among young adolescents. Those findings are similar across two measures of loneliness, suggesting robust findings. The development of interventions and health-education efforts to fight loneliness in adolescence is important.
Using photos for public health communication: A computational analysis of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Instagram photos and public responses
Authors: Kim Yunhwan , Kim Jang Hyun
Published: January 2020

This study aims to explore the use of Instagram by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one of the representative public health authorities in the United States. For this aim, all of the photos uploaded on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Instagram account were crawled and the content of them were analyzed using Microsoft Azure Cognitive Services. Also, engagement was measured by the sum of numbers of likes and comments to each photo, and sentiment analysis of comments was conducted. Results suggest that the photos that can be categorized into “text” and “people” took the largest share in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Instagram photos. And it was found that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s major way of delivering messages on Instagram was to imprint key messages that call for actions for better health on photos and to provide the source of complementary information on text component of each post. It was also found that photos with more and bigger human faces had lower level of engagement than the others, and happiness and neutral emotions expressed on the faces in photos were negatively associated with engagement. The features whose high value would make the photos look splendid and gaudy were negatively correlated with engagement, but sharpness was positively correlated.
The association between hospital ownership and postoperative complications: Does it matter who owns the hospital?
Authors: Atala Robby , Kroth Philip J
Published: January 2020

Postoperative complications place a major burden on the healthcare systems. The type of hospital’s ownership could be one factor associated with this adverse outcome. Using CMS’s publicly available “Complications and Deaths—Hospitals” and “Hospital General Information” datasets, we analyzed the association between four postoperative complications (venous thromboembolism, joint replacement complications, wound dehiscence, postoperative sepsis) and hospital ownership. These data were collected by Medicare between April 2013 and March 2016. We found a significant association ( p = 0.029) between ownership types and the postoperative complication score. A 6-percent drop in the share of not-for-profit ownership, accompanied by a 3-percent increase in each of the government and for-profit ownership, resulted in a 20-percent drop in postoperative complication scores (from 5.75 to 4.6). There is an association between hospital ownership type and postoperative complications. Creating this awareness in leadership should prompt for redesigning of hospitals’ operations and workflows to become more compatible with safe and effective care delivery.