bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of a low-cost measuring and plotting device for photovoltaic modules
Authors: Basu Pal Sudipta , Das Abhijit , Das (Bhattacharya) Konika , Mukherjee Dipankar
Published: September 2019

The photovoltaic module testing apparatus being used presently for photovoltaic measurements acts principally on the method of photovoltaic module loading with resistive, capacitive, and electronic elements. In this work, a new method is described using a supercapacitor as the load to the photovoltaic module. This technique of characterization has proved to generate reliable V–I characteristics as validated by statistical and mathematical analyses in this article. Heat dissipation affecting the functioning of the photovoltaic modules is a common occurrence with resistive and capacitive loading techniques. It is reduced significantly in this method using supercapacitors, and curve tracing time is extremely modest and easily controllable. In effect, a low-cost, portable, and reliable I–V plotter is developed, which is operational from an embedded systems platform integrated with smart sensors. This I–V tracer has been used for the performance assessment of solar modules ranging from 10 to 100 Wp under varying climatic conditions in the eastern region of India. This test kit so developed in the photovoltaic engineering laboratory at Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur, is estimated to be useful for practicing engineers and photovoltaic scientists and in particular for photovoltaic module manufacturers. The performance parameters such as fill factor and performance ratio of photovoltaic modules measured by the device have been found to have almost identical values as the measurements from a reference commercial testing apparatus. The data pertaining to peak wattage as measured by the designed plotter have been found to be closely converging with an industry-friendly YOKOGAWA Power Meter (WT 330). Such peak values of power as measured and claimed by the datasheets will help reduce the uncertainties in measurement, leading to increased confidence of photovoltaic module manufacturers and investors. With this backdrop, the necessary work for scaling up of the low-cost I–V plotter has been taken up for assessing the performance of higher wattage photovoltaic modules.
Introducing systems theory with virtual laboratories at the University of Extremadura: How to improve learning in the lab in engineering degrees
Authors: Tejado Inés , González Isaías , Pérez Emiliano , Merchán Pilar
Published: September 2019

Virtual laboratories have been demonstrated to contribute successfully to the theoretical understanding of many important systems theory and automatic control concepts in engineering education. This paper describes the pilot experience on the use of such laboratories as learning tools in introductory systems theory courses at the University of Extremadura during the academic year 2015/2016. The purpose of the present paper is to offer some objective academic evidence for the effectiveness of the use of virtual laboratories to improve learning in laboratory lessons in engineering.
Energy management strategy for hybrid electric vehicles based on adaptive equivalent consumption minimization strategy and mode switching with variable thresholds
Authors: Li Yang , Jiao Xiaohong
Published: September 2019

To improve the real-time capability, adaptivity, and efficiency of the energy management strategy in the actual driving cycle, a real-time energy management strategy is investigated for commute hybrid electric vehicles, which integrates mode switching with variable threshold and adaptive equivalent consumption minimization strategy. The proposed strategy includes offline and online parts. In the offline part based on the historical traffic data on the route of the commute vehicle, particle swarm optimization is applied to optimize all the thresholds of mode switching, equivalence factor of the equivalent consumption minimization strategy, and the engine torque and speed at the engine-alone propelling mode so as to establish their mappings on the battery state of charge and power demand. In the online part, the established mappings are involved in the energy management supervisor to generate timely appropriate mode switching signals, and an adaptive equivalence factor for instantaneous optimization equivalent consumption minimization strategy and the optimal engine torque and speed at engine-alone propelling mode. To fully demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy, the simulation results and comparison with some other strategies and the benchmark dynamic programming strategy are presented by implementing the strategies on the GT-SUITE test platform. The comparison result indicates that the control effect of the proposed energy management strategy is much nearer to that of the benchmark dynamic programming than those of other strategies (the rule-based control, the conventional equivalent consumption minimization strategy, the adaptive equivalent consumption minimization strategy, the rule-based-equivalent consumption minimization strategy, and the stochastic dynamic programming strategy) with the respective improvement in fuel efficiency by 25.9%, 13.25%, 4.6%, 1.32%, and 1.13%.
Reservation and the Republic: One Constitution, Two Amendments and Seven Decades
Authors: Deshpande Satish
Published: September 2019

This note places the recent 103rd Amendment of the Constitution for introducing 10 per cent reservation for ‘economically weaker’ sections of the upper castes in the larger context of the ongoing effort to redress caste inequalities in law. It compares this amendment to the First Amendment to the Constitution of 1951 and argues that these two amendments describe a full circle. The law seems to have moved from a stance where castelessness was the explicit norm and caste the exception to one where caste identities are now treated as the implicit norm. The note also points to possible routes for legal challenges to this amendment and underlines the Constitution’s continuing refusal – or inability – to deal with caste directly.
A Human Rights Approach to Planning Families
Authors: Hamity Matthew , Dillard Carter , Bexell Sarah M. , Graff-Hughey Catharina
Published: September 2019

We present reflections on the current normative model of family planning and provide a novel alternative model centred on children’s rights. Over the last half-century, environmentalists, ecological economists, and child psychologists have raised key issues facing child rights: the threat of climate change and environmental degradation, the critical importance of childhood development, and growing economic inequality. As these challenges have become more widely recognised, organisations and governments have responded by investing in renewable energy, preschools, and availability of birth control. However, human population is expected to reach an alarming 11 billion or more in 2100, endangering nearly all life on Earth. Family planning interventions are the most effective way to reduce population growth and improve human well-being while simultaneously preventing ecological collapse. However, comprehensive attempts at articulating a human rights approach to family planning are lacking: here is our attempt.
Book review: Rajan Gurukkal and Varier Raghava, History of Kerala: Prehistoric to the Present
Authors: Varghese Rachel A.
Published: September 2019

Rajan Gurukkal and Varier Raghava, History of Kerala: Prehistoric to the Present. Hyderabad, India: Orient BlackSwan, 2018, 366 pp., ₹315, ISBN: 978-93-5287-380-7. (Paperback).
Universalisation of Secondary Education
Authors: Poornima M.  , Nair Jaya Lakshmi
Published: September 2019

The importance of investing and promoting secondary education in any developing country cannot be overemphasised. Secondary education plays a crucial role in ensuring economic growth, creating a pool of people that promote national growth, thereby reducing poverty levels and, reinforcing gender development and equality. However, despite such positive outcomes, the importance of secondary education has been neglected in India. Available statistics on the growth of secondary education and the performance of states in terms of enrolment and educational attainment paint a dismal picture. Many key concerns in this area have not even received the attention of educational planners and policymakers. Against this background, the Council for Social Development organised an international seminar, ‘Universalisation of Secondary Education’ to discuss critical policy issues and the practical problems hindering the development of secondary education. This is a brief summary of the proceedings of the seminar.
A Critical Look Into Stapedotomy Learning Curve: Influence of Patient Characteristics and Different Criteria Defining Success
Authors: Lovato Andrea , Kraak Jeroen , Hensen Erik F. , Smit Conrad F. , Giacomelli Luciano , de Filippis Cosimo , Merkus Paul
Published: September 2019

Purpose:

To evaluate stapedotomy learning curve with cumulative summation methodology using different success criteria (ie, air-bone gap [ABG] ≤10 dB, ABG ≤15 dB, restoration of interaural symmetry, or hearing threshold gain >20 dB), and to assess patient characteristics influencing or modifying the learning curve.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review of primary and revision stapedotomy cases performed by surgeon 1 (S1, n = 78) and surgeon 2 (S2, n = 85).

Results:

Using the classic criterion for a successful stapedotomy (ABG ≤10 dB), patients with preoperative ABG >34 dB were associated with unsuccessful procedures (S1 P = .02; S2 P = .07). Revision surgery was associated with unsuccessful outcomes (S1 P = .005; S2 P = .0012). Cumulative summation plots using different criteria did not show a linear trend of association between stapedotomy success and number of operations, but preoperative characteristics of the patients who underwent stapedotomy significantly influenced the plots. Cumulative summation plots showed an initial increasing tendency with improving results, but when ear surgeons got more skilled, they operated on more complex cases (ie, patients with higher preoperative ABG or revision stapedotomy) and they could not meet the success criteria.

Conclusions:

Cumulative summation plots do not seem useful to evaluate the stapedotomy learning curve, as they do not correctly deal with heterogeneous case series. The increasing complexity of the stapedotomy patients during the surgeons’ career impacts on the outcome of stapedotomy and confounds the evaluation of the growing skills of the surgeon. Stapedotomy audiological success rates are strongly influenced by the success criteria used.
Radically Early College Entrants on Radically Early College Entrance: A Heuristic Inquiry
Authors: Jett Noel , Rinn Anne N.
Published: September 2019

Although acceleration has been studied thoroughly as an educational practice for the gifted, early entrance to college specifically has been overlooked. Furthermore, a large portion of this research pertained to early college entrance programs, which provide resources that many early college entrants may not have. The lived experiences and perceptions of radically early college entrants (3 or more years advanced) were explored through interviews and heuristic inquiry. The interviews addressed affective aspects of early college foremost, with additional discussion of academic experiences, college choice, and career outcomes. Findings support that radically early college entrants are happy with their choice overall, although more specific findings elaborate on the benefits and limitations of early college, possible regrets, and the social issues this population faces.
Leveraging Youth: Overcoming Intergenerational Tensions in Creative Production
Authors: Frenette Alexandre
Published: September 2019

The sociological literature on creativity would suggest that collaboration between newcomers and more experienced members of an art world results in the fruitful combination of novelty and usefulness, though not without some conflict. Drawing on fieldwork and interviews with workers from the popular recording industry (rock/pop) in New York City, this article extends the literature on creativity as collective action by showing how three types of intergenerational tensions (aesthetic, technological, and career) are embedded in the ways newcomers and experienced workers see themselves and each other as agents of change and stasis. I propose a new variable—leveraging age—a mechanism intergenerational collaborators use to resolve or override these tensions to ultimately maximize creativity in group contexts. Leveraging age, as a form of knowledge extraction, occurs in creative bureaucratic organizations and describes how newcomers and experienced workers dualistically draw on each other’s respective strengths (novelty and tradition). I primarily examine the bottom-up part of this process—how experienced workers draw on the insights of newcomers—by analyzing five leveraging-youth practices, which vary by level of formality and intentionality, but mostly limit the interactional challenges between the two groups.
Sex influences in the preventive effects of N-acetylcysteine in a two-hit animal model of schizophrenia
Authors: Monte Aline Santos , da Silva Francisco Eliclécio Rodrigues , Lima Camila Nayane de Carvalho , Vasconcelos Germana Silva , Gomes Nayana Soares , Miyajima Fábio , Vasconcelos Silvania Maria Mendes , Gama Clarissa S , Seeman Mary V , de Lucena David Freitas , Macedo Danielle S
Published: September 2019

Background:

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a neurodevelopmental disorder influenced by patient sex. Mechanisms underlying sex differences in SCZ remain unknown. A two-hit model of SCZ combines the exposure to perinatal infection (first-hit) with peripubertal unpredictable stress (PUS, second-hit). N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been tested in SCZ because of the involvement of glutathione mechanisms in its neurobiology.

Aims:

We aim to investigate whether NAC administration to peripubertal rats of both sexes could prevent behavioral and neurochemical changes induced by the two-hit model.

Methods:

Wistar rats were exposed to polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (a viral mimetic) or saline on postnatal days (PND) 5–7. On PND30–59 they received saline or NAC 220 mg/kg and between PND40–48 were subjected to PUS or left undisturbed. On PND60 behavioral and oxidative alterations were evaluated in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and striatum. Mechanisms of hippocampal memory regulation such as immune expression of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER), α7-nAChR and parvalbumin were also evaluated.

Results:

NAC prevented sensorimotor gating deficits only in females, while it prevented alterations in social interaction, working memory and locomotor activity in both sexes. Again, in rats of both sexes, NAC prevented the following neurochemical alterations: glutathione (GSH) and nitrite levels in the PFC and lipid peroxidation in the PFC and striatum. Striatal oxidative alterations in GSH and nitrite were observed in females and prevented by NAC. Two-hit induced hippocampal alterations in females, namely expression of GPER-1, α7-nAChR and parvalbumin, were prevented by NAC.

Conclusion:

Our results highlights the influences of sex in NAC preventive effects in rats exposed to a two-hit schizophrenia model.
Comparison of Rating Scale, Time Tradeoff, and Conjoint Analysis Methods for Assessment of Preferences in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Kaplan Robert M. , Crespi Catherine M. , Dahan Ely , Saucedo Josemanuel D. , Pagan Casey , Saigal Christopher S.
Published: September 2019

Background. Conjoint analysis is widely used in studies of consumer preference but has only recently been applied to measure patient utilities for health outcomes. We compared the reliability, feasibility, and internal and predictive validity of conjoint scaling methods against better established rating scale and time tradeoff methods for assessing prostate cancer utilities in men at risk for prostate cancer. Methods. In total, 194 men who were biopsy negative for prostate cancer were randomly assigned to complete 2 preference assessment modules, either conjoint analysis and a rating scale module or conjoint analysis and a time tradeoff module. Each participant’s most important attribute was identified and evaluated in relation to age group (age <65, age 65 and older), education (high school, some college, college graduate), race/ethnicity (white, black, Latino), and relationship status (in significant relationship v. not). The methods were also evaluated in terms of ease of use and satisfaction. Results. Rating scales were rated as easiest to use and respondents were more satisfied with rating scales and conjoint in comparison to time tradeoffs. Rating scales and conjoint measures demonstrated significantly higher internal validity compared to time tradeoff when evaluated through R2 of the fitted utility function. The 3 methods were similar in terms of predictive validity, but conjoint analysis outperformed the rating scale method when patients were presented with novel combinations of attribute levels (68% correct v. 43%, P = 0.003). Conclusions. Rating scales and conjoint analysis exercises offer greater ease of use and higher satisfaction when measuring patient preferences in men biopsied for prostate cancer in comparison to time tradeoff exercises. Conjoint analysis may be a more robust approach to preference measurement for men at risk for prostate cancer.
Analysis of 59 cases of congenital leukemia reported between 2001 and 2016
Authors: Zhang Qi , Ren Zhuxiao , Yang Jie , Yin Aihua
Published: September 2019

Congenital leukemia (CL), defined as manifestations of leukemia within the first 4 weeks of life, is a rare condition with an estimated incidence of only 1 to 5 per million live births. Despite extensive research and the clinical application of new therapies, the prognosis of CL remains poor. Few large-scale studies have investigated the factors affecting the outcomes of infants with CL. Here, we conducted a retrospective study and analysis of CL cases published in the English language from 1 January 2001 to 1 May 2016. Our goal was to provide updated information about this rare disease and to investigate factors that may affect the outcomes of patients with CL.
Discrimination Thresholds for Passive Tactile Volume Perception by Fingertips
Authors: Zhang Jian , Zhang Zhilin , Go Ritsu , Li Chunlin , Wu Jinglong
Published: September 2019

Haptic object perception is still poorly understood up to now. This study investigated the ability of human fingers to discriminate the volume of objects by passive touch. Experiments measured the discrimination threshold of volume using three tasks: passive tactile volume perception, passive tactile area perception, and active tactile volume perception. In each trial, we utilized two plastic cubes to successively stimulate the fingers, and participants were instructed to make comparisons between the stimulus objects’ volume and area. Results showed that there was no significant difference in the discrimination thresholds of tactile volume perception between passive touch and active touch, whereas significant differences in the discrimination thresholds between fingertips, such as the thumb versus the pinky finger. In passive touch, the discrimination thresholds of volume perception were larger than that with surface area perception. We found that the discrimination of the volume of objects is more difficult than the discrimination of the area of the objects.
Effect of Self-Efficacy and Instrumentality Beliefs on Training Implementation Behaviors: Testing the Moderating Effect of Organizational Climate
Authors: Quratulain Samina , Khan Abdul Karim , Sabharwal Meghna , Javed Basharat
Published: September 2019

This study examines the individual and work-related factors that can affect the transfer of training processes. Specifically, our study focuses on organizational, individual, and training-related factors that can affect learning transfer in public service organizations. Based on a survey of public sector employees, our findings indicate that instrumentality/utility and self-efficacy beliefs are significant predictors of training implementation behaviors. Furthermore, organizational flexibility and feedback dimensions of organizational climate interact with trainees’ cognitions (instrumentality and self-efficacy) and positively affect training implementation behaviors. Our findings provide important insights that pave the way to extend our current understanding of training transfer processes in public organizations. This study adds to the literature by unpacking instrumentality—an understudied but key element of Vroom’s valence–instrumentality–expectancy framework—as an important predictor of training implementation behaviors among public sector employees.
Field investigation on the lateral resistance of ballasted tracks with strengthened steel sleepers using the multi sleeper push test
Authors: Zakeri Jabbar Ali , Talebi Roshan , Rahmani Fatemeh
Published: September 2019

Lack of lateral resistance is one of the emerging problems in continuously welded rails. Lateral resistance is a type of resistance in which the railway track mobilizes against the applied lateral forces. Thus, curved tracks, especially sharp curves (curves with small radiuses), are the most susceptible segments for the lack of lateral resistance. The reason is, on curved tracks, in addition to the lateral forces applied by the train, longitudinal forces are decomposed into two parts, with one part being tangential (tangent to the curve) and the other part being radial. This radial force causes some defects to the track such as track buckling, transversal shifting of the track, pulling out of fastening shoulders, etc. Therefore, according to the general track instructions, welding of rails is not possible on curved tracks with a radius less than 400 m. With the help of laboratory tests, the authors of this paper previously showed that using two stiffeners under the steel sleeper increased the lateral resistance of the track adequately (by 140%) compared to the track with normal steel sleepers. In this paper, the effect of using two plate stiffeners under the steel sleepers was examined by field investigation on a real track. Two test methods, including the Single Tie (sleeper) Push Test (STPT) and the Multiple Tie (sleeper) Push Test (MTPT), were used to investigate the lateral resistance of the track. The results obtained by the STPT and MTPT methods showed an increase in lateral resistance by 139.6% and 135.5%, respectively. The obtained results are in accordance with the results of the laboratory tests. Moreover, the results showed that using two stiffeners under steel sleepers increased the lateral resistance of the track adequately, thereby enabling rails to be welded on curved tracks.
The effectiveness and tolerability of imiquimod suppositories to treat extensive intra-anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions/warts in HIV-infected individuals
Authors: Fuertes Irene , Bastida Carla , Lopez-Cabezas Carmen , Rodríguez-Carunchio Leonardo , Ordi Jaume , Mallolas Josep , Cranston Ross D , Blanco Jose Luís
Published: September 2019

Topical imiquimod is a potential treatment for intra-anal condyloma and squamous intraepithelial lesions caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). We aimed to assess the effectiveness and tolerability of imiquimod suppositories for the treatment of anal high-grade intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) and condylomas in HIV-infected patients. We conducted a retrospective analysis in a prospectively followed cohort. High-resolution anoscopy was used for diagnosis and assessment following treatment. Patients’ tolerability was assessed with a self-administered survey. Ninety-five patients (94.7% men) were analyzed. All were on combination antiretroviral therapy. Median CD4 T-cell count was 690 cells/µL, 89% had undetectable plasma viral load. Response to imiquimod was seen in 46.3% (complete: 12.5%, partial: 33.8%) in the intent-to-treat analysis, and in 55.2% (complete: 14.9%, partial: 40.3%) in the on-treatment analysis. Higher response rates were observed for anal condyloma compared with HSIL. A significantly poorer response rate was observed in smokers and in individuals with lower nadir CD4 T-cell counts. Imiquimod tolerability was “good” in 57.1% (n = 36), “acceptable” in 33.3% (n = 21), and “poor” in 9.5% (n = 6). Systemic side effects were reported in 20.7% (n = 13). There was no association between treatment effect and tolerability. In conclusion, imiquimod stands as a well-tolerated option for the treatment of HPV-associated intra-anal pathology in HIV-infected individuals.
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis with Aspergillus vertebral osteomyelitis in an HIV-infected adult: a case report
Authors: Senosain-Leon Valeria , Hidalgo-Benites Aida , Arriola-Montenegro Jose , D’Angelo-Piaggio Lorenzo , Beas Renato
Published: September 2019

We report the case of a 29-year-old man with human immunodeficiency virus infection and irregular adherence to antiretroviral therapy who initially presented with pulmonary symptoms and subsequently developed spinal cord compromise symptoms. After many different diagnostic tests, invasive aspergillosis with pleuroparenchymal involvement and vertebral osteomyelitis by Aspergillus spp. was diagnosed. The patient was treated with amphotericin B deoxycholate without improvement and a fatal outcome ensued. Differential diagnoses of vertebral osteomyelitis in immunosuppressed patients should be taken into account for early detection and prompt treatment.
Research on aero-engine steady model based on an improved compact propulsion system model
Authors: Zheng Qiangang , Wang Yong , Sun Fengyong , Fang Juan , Zhang Haibo , Hu Zhongzhi
Published: September 2019

The aero-engine steady model is the basis of the modern advanced control method such as performance seeking control. An improved compact propulsion system model is proposed to improve the steady model accuracy. The improved compact propulsion system model mainly contains linear model, such as steady-state variable model, and physical-based models, such as inlet model, nonlinear model, and nozzle model. The improved compact propulsion system model applied to full envelop by parameter corrections. The basepoint control vector and basepoint output vector of improved compact propulsion system model are four-dimensional interpolation instead of two-dimensional interpolation as conventional compact propulsion system modeling does. The improved compact propulsion system model not only considers the change of engine state but also take the flight parameter into account. The simulations of the conventional compact propulsion system modeling and the improved compact propulsion system model are conducted in subsonic and transonic flight envelop. The simulations show that, compared with the conventional compact propulsion system modeling, the relative testing errors of the improved compact propulsion system model decrease greatly. Moreover, the testing time of the conventional compact propulsion system modeling and the improved compact propulsion system model are both almost equal to 0.027 ms.
Understanding How Markets and State Action Shape Costs and Prices of Healthcare in Post-globalization India: A Study of High-end Imaging Services in Kerala
Authors: Thekkekara John Varghese , Thiagarajan Sundararaman
Published: September 2019

Globalization has pressurized the developing nations to open their health sector for profit-driven private investors—both domestic and foreign. In a private sector dominant unregulated healthcare market like India, the service providers are free to determine the fee for services. In the present policy context of the role of central government shifting to strategic purchasing of services from the private sector (National Health Policy, 2017) and discussions on regulation of prices in private healthcare markets, an understanding of the cost of services and its relationship to prices is essential. Very few attempts have been made to estimate the cost of advanced diagnostic services; those done have most often used the traditional costing methods. Bottom-up micro-costing method which is considered as the gold standard in hospital costing is used in this study to estimate the cost of three services: CT scan, MRI scan and Cath-Lab in three districts of Kerala. A comparison with the per capita income of the population is also attempted to analyse the contextual differences in costs and prices.

Using the bottom-up micro-costing method, the lowest estimated cost of service for a brain CT scan in Kerala is ₹667, for MRI scan of the brain is ₹1,177, for angiogram is ₹4,344 and for Angioplasty is ₹11,291. The costs of services are higher in locations of lower per capita income. However, the price for services is higher in locations of higher per capita income. The market prices appear to be driven by commercial interests that decide on what prices the market can bear, rather than on competition or costs of producing the services. The presence of public facilities offering the selected services at a certain fixed rate influences market prices by influencing private players to limit their prices at a level very close to the public co-players—but prices in public sector are itself significant—and could be exclusionary.
Waiting Time: The Expectations and Preferences of Patients in a Paediatric OPD
Authors: Sengupta Mitali , Chakrabarti Satyajit , Mukhopadhyay Indraneel
Published: September 2019

Quality healthcare and satisfaction are gradually emerging as important areas, which need much attention. The factors of patient satisfaction have been identified under varied conditions globally. In the Indian context, one key patient satisfaction factor has been attributed to waiting time. Long waiting time has been one of the major reasons of patient dissatisfaction and assumes significance when associated with paediatric events. The following study has successfully identified key attributes, which are associated with long waiting times within paediatric outpatient department (OPD) settings. The possible implications of the long waiting periods have been recorded through semi-structured interviews, and further in-depth analysis of individual factors were carried out to predict the probable outcomes.

The qualitative exploratory study design has helped to understand the perception of parents/care givers (in case of neonates and toddlers) and adolescents, thereby successfully highlighting the need for further study in the patient satisfaction domain involving paediatric population. The various implications which the waiting time has on them have been taken into consideration. The inter-related themes have been identified after analyzing the interviews. These substantiate the fact that designing innovative mitigation strategies on proper and timely communication, updated technological know-how, improvising hospital protocols for better operational processes and coordination among the staff can go a long way in enhancing the patient/parent experience within OPD settings.
Living wages in international and European law
Authors: Zimmer Reingard
Published: September 2019

A number of countries worldwide provide for a statutory minimum wage. Generally speaking, however, it is not a living wage, although the right to a living wage is guaranteed in a variety of agreements under both international and European law. The Council of Europe’s European Social Charter (ESC), for example, codifies a living wage and, according to the case-law of its supervisory body, the level of 60 per cent of the net average wage is to be taken as the basis for appropriate remuneration. This article argues that the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union also incorporates the right to a living wage, which should be at least 60 per cent of the net average wage. The Charter is legally binding for EU institutions, agencies and other bodies. Member States are bound only to the extent that the material scope of the relevant EU laws has been opened, which is the case when EU law is implemented or when obligations arising out of specific Union legislation are required for the relevant subject area, as will be explained in the article. In purely national situations nevertheless, values laid down in international law have to be observed when interpreting national laws.
Adult Noncredit Students’ Priorities and Satisfaction
Authors: Davaasambuu Sarantsetseg , Cinelli Jessica , Zagari Christine
Published: September 2019

Background. Adult Student Priorities Survey (ASPS) from Ruffalo Noel Levitz was utilized to examine the level of importance and the level of satisfaction of continuing education students in allied health care and English as a second language (ESL) programs at Kingborough Community College, Brooklyn, NY. Method. Mean scores for both “importance” and “satisfaction” items were calculated by summing participants’ ratings (1-7 Likert-type scale) and dividing them by the number respondents. Mean scores for each scale were also calculated by summing all respondents’ scale scores and dividing them by the number of respondents. Gaps between importance and satisfaction were calculated by subtracting the score for satisfaction from the score for importance. The mean scores of allied health care students were compared with mean scores of ESL students. Results. The highest gap score was observed for academic services (0.91) followed by service excellence (0.85) as reported by the allied health care group, showing that students reported high importance but low satisfaction. There were no statistically significant differences between the average score of the two groups, indicating that the ratings were similar for the groups. Conclusion. Based on our findings, simple fixes such as extending registration times, having additional college and career advisors on staff, and training existing staff on customer service skills have the potential to increase enrollment and revenue, thereby giving us the resources to offer additional classes and programs in response to student needs.
Ceramic Artificial Talus as the Initial Treatment for Comminuted Talar Fractures
Authors: Katsui Ryuhei , Takakura Yoshinori , Taniguchi Akira , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: September 2019

Background:

Comminuted talar fractures are rare. Generally, this fracture occurs as a result of high-energy injuries. Therefore, this operation is challenging for the surgeon. We started to replace the whole talus with a total talar prosthesis in cases of aseptic talar necrosis in 2005. Based on these results, replacement with a ceramic artificial talus was performed as the initial treatment for comminuted talar fractures.

Methods:

From 2009 to 2016, a total of 6 feet of 6 patients with comminuted talar dome fractures or talar body defects were replaced with a ceramic artificial talus. The patients’ mean age was 40.3 years (range, 19-59). Postoperative assessments were performed in accordance with the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle/hindfoot score system. Postoperative range of motion and sports activities were also evaluated. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 84 (mean, 46.8) months.

Results:

The postoperative AOFAS score was on average 78.8 (64-100). The postoperative range of motion was on average 10 degrees (5-20) for dorsiflexion and 31 degrees (15-50) for plantarflexion. Three patients had returned to sport activities.

Conclusion:

Prosthetic total talar replacement was a useful procedure for patients with comminuted talar fractures, which had good congruency of the custom-made implant with the adjacent joints, resulting in stability, and maintained ankle function. Furthermore, this procedure could prevent the complications of long-term external fixation and non-weight-bearing walking seen after open reduction and arthrodesis.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective comparative study.
Technologies of Governance in Context: Four Global Windows Into Neoliberalism and Audit Culture in Higher Education
Authors: Spooner Marc
Published: September 2019

This partial special issue of Qualitative Inquiry, titled “Technologies of Governance in Context: Four Global Windows Into Neoliberalism and Audit Culture in Higher Education,” examines various aspects of the academic impact of neoliberal technologies from four context-specific locations that include Australia, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States, in addition to my own Canadian perspective in this introduction. It is based on a similarly themed plenary panel that was held in 2018 as part of the 14th Annual International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry at University of Illinois, Urbana–Champaign titled “The Politics, Places, Forms, and Effects of Accountability, Quality Assurance, and/or Excellence Frameworks in these Global Troubled Times.”
Cutaneous Manifestations of Zika in Peru
Authors: Ramos Willy , Luna Miguel , Alarcón Tania , Jiménez Gerardo , Díaz Jesús , Calderón María , Gutierrez Ericson L.
Published: September 2019

This article aims to describe the cutaneous manifestations observed in the Zika epidemic in Peru during 2016 and 2017, as well as discuss the potential differential diagnoses. During the outbreak, the main reason for seeking medical advice was the development of a pruriginous maculopapular rash with a marked papular component, which started on the chest and later generalized to the rest of the body. Similar manifestations were noted in adults, children, and pregnant women. Other manifestations such as conjunctivitis, edema, or petechiae on the palate were rare. We suggest that in areas that are endemic for arboviral infections, in the differential diagnosis of a rash one must consider infections such as dengue, Zika, or chikungunya viruses. In nonendemic areas, the diagnosis is more difficult, as the rash may result from other viral infections not transmitted by arthropods and/or reactive or inflammatory diseases (urticaria, atopic dermatitis, systemic lupus erythematosus). We recommend that primary care health personnel are trained in the recognition of the mucocutaneous lesions caused by Zika virus infection, which could contribute to the identification of suspicious cases, particularly pregnant women.
Social media design for youth political expression: Testing the roles of identifiability and geo-boundedness
Authors: Lane Daniel S.
Published: September 2019

Previous research has examined how political expression on social media can affect young people’s engagement in political life. Yet a focus on dominant platforms (i.e. Facebook) and a lack of experimental studies have impeded theoretical understanding of how different features and affordances shape youth political expression. This study used a novel experimental paradigm to test how the design of social media sites can influence young people’s political expression. Participants (18–24 years) interacted with a fictional social media app that was manipulated in terms of identifiability and geo-boundedness. Users in anonymous (vs identifiable) environments reported less political self-presentation concern and were more likely to express their political opinions. In addition, unbounded (non-local) environments were perceived as better places to exert political voice and influence than bounded (local) environments. This study offers a promising starting point for studying and designing social media in which youth political expression can flourish.
Processing fluency scale development for consumer research
Authors: Kostyk Alena , Leonhardt James M. , Niculescu Mihai
Published: September 2019

Processing fluency or the subjective experience of ease that consumers can experience when processing information is a prominent construct in consumer research. Despite its prevalence, however, its measurement has been inconsistent. The present research addresses this methodological gap in literature by developing and testing a scale for assessing the subjective experience of processing fluency. This scale demonstrates strong evidence of convergent and discriminant validity, reliability, and nomological validity across different processing fluency manipulations and marketing contexts. Use of this scale will allow marketing practitioners and academicians to consistently measure a psychological state that is known to have ubiquitous effects on downstream consumer outcomes including trust, attitude, and choice. Researchers can administer this four-item scale by having participants indicate their agreement (1 =  strongly disagree, 7 =  strongly agree) on whether a given marketing communication (e.g., ad copy) is (a) difficult to process, (b) difficult to read, (c) takes a long time to process, and (d) difficult to understand.
Actualizing children’s rights through early childhood care and education: A focus on the Caribbean
Authors: Kinkead-Clark Zoyah , Burns Sheron , Abdul-Majied Sabeerah
Published: September 2019

The vast majority of the islands in the Anglophone Caribbean ratified the Convention of the Rights of the Child shortly after its adoption by the United Nations in 1989. In this piece, we examine how the articulation of the Convention of the Rights of the Child in the Caribbean has shaped early childhood care and education. We note that though significant strides have been made, approximately 30 years after the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, many Anglo-Caribbean islands continue to struggle to fulsomely ensure children’s access to all their fundamental rights. This conceptual article presents a historical overview of the implementation of specific Articles of the Convention of the Rights of the Child in the Caribbean. How these Articles have shaped the policies and practices guiding early education across the region is also explored. We conclude that though much has been achieved, as a region, more progress is needed to ensure that all children have equal opportunities to fulfil their rights.
Developing a Community-Based Research Project Proposal to Build Public Health Educator Capacity: A Graduate Student Perspective
Authors: Baukus Alexander Joseph
Published: September 2019

This article is the author’s first-person perspective of completing an Applied Practice Experience (APE) at an accredited public health program. Graduate-level public health students in the United States are mandated by the Council on Education for Public Health to complete this supervised field experience to apply knowledge and concepts to real-world public health practice. For his APE, the author worked with a faculty advisor and two community groups to facilitate and submit a community-based participatory research grant proposal. This article discusses the author’s experiences before, during, and after the APE. The author outlines challenges and success of working on this applied project. The article concludes with implications for public health education specialists regarding experiential learning and applied practice experiences for graduate students.
LGALS4 as a Prognostic Factor in Urothelial Carcinoma of Bladder Affects Cell Functions
Authors: Ding Yu , Cao Qifeng , Wang Chen , Duan Huangqi , Shen Haibo
Published: September 2019

Background:

To identify the hub genes related to urothelial carcinoma of the bladder prognosis and to understand their underlying mechanism.

Methods:

The expression profiles of 18 pairs of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder patient tissue and paired adjacent tissue obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas were performed. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis was employed to screen gene modules and hub genes with significant differential expressions in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. The hub genes expression in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder tissues was validated by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The overall survival curve and disease-free survival curve of prognostic factor ( LGALS4) were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method. Furthermore, LGALS4 messenger RNA and protein expression were also assessed in 2 urothelial carcinoma of the bladder cell lines (T24 and 5637) by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. The functions of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder cells with transfected pcDNA3.1- LGALS4 were identified through MTT assay, plate clone formation assay, flow cytometry, and cell migration experiments.

Results:

LGALS4 was the hub gene of pink module and it was related to prognosis. Higher LGALS4 expression predicted higher probabilities of overall survival and disease-free survival. Overexpression of LGALS4 in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder cells suppressed cell viability and migration but induced apoptosis.

Conclusion:

LGALS4 played a critical role in the progression of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder and held a promise to be the biomarker for diagnosis and treatment of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. It predicted good prognosis of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder and restrained the growth and migration of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder cells.
Impact of the Time Proportion of Respiratory Phases on Dosimetry in SBRT of Lung Tumor Near the Chest Wall or Diaphragm
Authors: Sun Xuanzi , Li Yi , Li Junjun , Zhang Xiaozhi
Published: September 2019

Purpose:

Large tumor motion often leads to larger dosimetric variation, especially in lung tumors located in lower lobe and adhered to chest wall or diaphragm. The purpose of this work is to discuss the impact of the time proportion of each respiratory phase on dosimetry in stereotactic body radiation therapy with lung cancer tumor close to chest wall or diaphragm.

Methods:

Participants include 14 patients with lung cancer located in the lower lobe. Each patient received treatment planning 3-dimensional computed tomography and an additional 4-dimensional computed tomography simulation under free-breathing condition. The percentage of time intervals for each respiratory phase in a whole respiratory cycle was calculated from respiratory motion curves recorded during 4-dimensional computed tomography scanning. Treatment plan was made upon treatment planning 3-dimensional computed tomography and then transformed onto each image of 4-dimensional computed tomography. The transformed doses on each image of 4-dimensional computed tomography were accumulated with equal weight or with weight of time proportion for each respiratory phase.

Results:

Compared to treatment planning 3-dimensional computed tomography dose, the mean dose of tumor, affected lung, contralateral lung, bilateral lungs, and V20 of affected lung decreased by 2.7%, 4.5%, 1.5%, 1.2%, and 4.1%, respectively, after equal-weighted accumulation, while mean dose of heart increased by 3.6% ( P < .05). Accumulated dose with weight of actual time proportion decreased in the mean dose of tumor, affected lung, contralateral lung, bilateral lungs, and V20 of affected lung by 2.37%, 5.19%, 3.61%, 3.46%, and 5.08%, respectively compared to treatment planning 3-dimensional computed tomography dose, but mean dose of heart increased by 5.12% ( P < .05).

Conclusions:

Doses received by tumor, lungs, and heart changed more significantly after time-weighted 4-dimensional accumulation than equal-weight 4-dimensional accumulation. Utilizing 4-dimensional computed tomography and deformable image registration to introduce time proportions of each respiratory phase to dose distribution evaluation is of significance for accuracy in lung cancer during stereotactic body radiation therapy treatment.