bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating energy and environmental management systems to enable facilities to qualify for carbon funds
Authors: Chrysikopoulos Stamatis , Chountalas Panos
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this paper is to propose a practical framework that integrates energy and environmental management systems to satisfy the monitoring and verification requirements of facilities energy conservation and greenhouse gas emissions reduction; these requirements are essential for organisations to access financing mechanisms, such as carbon funds. As a reference point, the framework uses the ISO 50001 standard, which pertains to an organisation’s energy management procedures. This framework is enriched with elements from other standards, such as ISO 14001 (environmental management system) and ISO 14064 (GHG verification system). The framework also incorporates sound technology management practices and other obligations, such as those arising from international law. It, thus, allows for the systematic quantification, assessment and forecasting of the energy and environmental footprints of facilities throughout their life cycles, enabling them to qualify for carbon funds.
Experimental characterization and control of a magnetic shape memory alloy actuator using the modified generalized rate-dependent Prandtl–Ishlinskii hysteresis model
Authors: Shakiba Saeid , Zakerzadeh Mohammad Reza , Ayati Moosa
Published: March 2018

In this article, two models are used, namely rate-independent and rate-dependent generalized Prandtl–Ishlinskii, to characterize a magnetic shape memory alloy actuator. The results show that the rate-independent model cannot consider the effect of input excitation frequency, while the rate-dependent model omits this drawback by defining a time-dependent operator. For the first time, the effects of excitation frequency on the hysteretic behavior of magnetic shape memory alloy actuator are investigated. In this study, five excitation voltages with different frequencies in the range of 0.05–0.4 Hz are utilized as inputs to the magnetic shape memory alloy actuator and the displacement outputs are measured. Experimental results indicate that, with increasing the excitation frequency, the size of the hysteresis loops changes. Since the generalized rate-dependent Prandtl–Ishlinskii model cannot consider the asymmetric hysteresis loops, in the developed model, a tangent hyperbolic function is applied as an envelope function in order to improve the capability of the model in characterizing the asymmetric behavior of magnetic shape memory alloy actuator. The parameters of both rate-dependent and rate-independent models are identified by genetic algorithm optimization. The results reveal that the rate-independent form is not capable of accurately describing the hysteretic behavior of magnetic shape memory alloy actuator for different input frequencies. Simulation and experimental results also demonstrate the proficiency of the developed model for precise characterization of the saturated rate-dependent hysteresis loops of magnetic shape memory alloy actuator. In addition, the proposed model is utilized for determining a proper range for controller coefficients during controller design.
Inter- and Intra-Theatre Learning and British Coastal Air Power in the Second World War
Authors: Hammond Richard
Published: March 2018

Historians have not yet attempted to integrate the global nature of Britain’s war with the process and outcome of military learning, and British approaches are generally presented as being compartmentalized within each theatre. This article demonstrates that in the crucial field of coastal air power, while intra-theatre learning processes were important, the British were indeed capable of inter-theatre learning. A symbiotic, mutually beneficial relationship evolved between the Home and Mediterranean theatres that contributed positively to its development. However, they failed to create a similar arrangement for the Indian Ocean, which could only act as a receptor for externally created knowledge.
Industry Gender Imprinting and New Venture Creation: The Liabilities of Women’s Leagues in the Sports Industry
Authors: Micelotta Evelyn , Washington Marvin , Docekalova Iva
Published: March 2018

This paper examines how industry gender imprinting—the persistence of cultural values, beliefs, norms, and orientations associated with masculinity or femininity—influences new ventures. Our investigation of women’s leagues in the male-dominated sports industry reveals how gender imprinting negatively affects new ventures’ endeavors through three liabilities: identity, conformity, and differentiation. Our findings shed light on the challenges new ventures not aligned with the industry imprint encounter to obtaining material and symbolic support. We contribute to theory by advancing knowledge on how industry-specific sociocultural attributes influence entrepreneurial efforts, and to practice by suggesting how to overcome cultural roadblocks in gendered industries.
A modified accumulation damage algorithm for predicting corrosion fatigue life by considering load interaction for aluminum alloys
Authors: Liu Mu-Dong , Xiong Jun-Jiang , Wang Chi-Quan
Published: March 2018

Fatigue tests were conducted on centrally notched aluminum alloys 2524-T3 and 7050-T7451 under constant-amplitude and actual random spectrum loading in dry air and in 3.5% NaCl sodium chloride solution, and fatigue damage mechanisms under the load interaction and the corrosion effect on fatigue crack initiation and propagation were deduced from fractographic analysis. Pure and corrosion fatigue lives under actual random spectrum load history were modelled based on a modified accumulation damage algorithm accounting for the load interaction. More reasonable predictions were achieved from the modified algorithm proposed in the paper than from the Palmgren–Miner rule.
Factors Associated With the Overuse of Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Systematic Review
Authors: Predmore Zachary , Pannikottu Jean , Sharma Ritu , Tung Monica , Nothelle Stephanie , Segal Jodi B.
Published: March 2018

This systematic review examined factors associated with overuse of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. The authors searched MEDLINE and EMBASE from January 1998 to March 2017. Studies were included if they were written in English, contained original data, involved a US population, and examined factors potentially associated with overuse of CRC screening. Paired reviewers independently screened abstracts, assessed quality, and extracted data. In 8 studies, the associations between patient factors, including age, sex, race, and number of comorbidities, were tested and were inconsistently associated with CRC screening overuse. Overuse of screening was greater in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic regions and in urban areas and was lower in academically affiliated centers. Although the literature supports important overuse of CRC screening, it remains unclear what drives these practices. Future research should thoroughly explore these factors and test the impact of interventions to reduce overuse of screening.
Does Photojournalism Matter? News Image Content and Presentation in the Middletown (NY) Times Herald-Record Before and After Layoffs of the Photojournalism Staff
Authors: Mortensen Tara M. , Gade Peter J.
Published: March 2018

This study explored the photojournalism and news presentation of the Middletown (NY) Times Herald-Record before and after the newspaper laid off its entire photography staff. Differences between professional and non-professional photographs were compared. Following the layoff, the paper published fewer images, and presented less prominently. Professional images captured significantly more elements of photojournalism than non-professionals, including emotion, action, conflict, and graphic appeal. Professional images were presented larger and more prominently. Results of this case study provide evidence that—despite clear differences in image content—photojournalists are struggling to assert their professional legitimacy in the digital age.
Gender Violence as a Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Risk: Uncovering Violence Against Women and Girls as It Pertains to Poor WaSH Access
Authors: Pommells Morgan , Schuster-Wallace Corinne , Watt Susan , Mulawa Zachariah
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this study was to better understand the gender violence risks that exist in communities where poor water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) access is a known problem. Focus groups and key informant interviews were used to capture the lived experiences of community and health care practitioners from Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya. This article provides lived narratives of the various cultural and environmental conditions leading to assaults directly attributable to inadequate WaSH. The results shed light on the complex intersections between water access and violence and have significant implications for achieving gender equity and universal access to WaSH.
Application of bacteriophages for the inactivation of Salmonella spp. in biofilms
Authors: Sadekuzzaman Mohammad , Mizan Md. Furkanur Rahaman , Yang Sungdae , Kim Hyung-Suk , Ha Sang-Do
Published: March 2018

Microbial biofilms pose a serious threat to food industry, as they are difficult to inactivate or remove owing to their inherent resistance to traditional physical and antimicrobial treatments. Bacteriophages have been suggested as promising biocontrol agents for eliminating biofilms within the food industry. The efficacy of phages (BP 1369 and BP 1370) was evaluated against Salmonella spp. in biofilms. Biofilms were grown on food (lettuce), food contact surfaces (stainless steel and rubber), and MBEC biofilm devices. The efficacy of these phages in reducing biofilms was examined following phage (108 PFU/mL) treatment for 2 h. Bacteriophage treatment reduced biofilm cells by 3.0, 2.0, and 3.0 log CFU/cm2 on stainless steel, rubber, and an MBEC device, respectively. The adhered viable cells on lettuce were reduced by more than 1.0 log CFU/cm2 with phage treatment.
Policy Interventions Shaping HIV Prevention: Providers’ Active Role in the HIV Continuum of Care
Authors: Pinto Rogério M. , Witte Susan S. , Filippone Prema L. , Choi C. Jean , Wall Melanie
Published: March 2018

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Diffusion of Effective Behavioral Interventions project has disseminated HIV behavioral interventions (EBIs) across the United States since the 1990s. In 2011, the CDC launched the High-Impact HIV Prevention (HIP) project, providing EBIs plus high-impact services (HIV testing, primary care, and support services). Providers (nurses, social workers, educators) are unable to consistently make linkages; thus, numerous at-risk individuals are not benefitting from HIP. Research on providers’ roles in the HIV Continuum of Care—linking clients to HIV testing, primary care, and support services—is lacking. This article helps fill this gap with evidence that providers exposed to EBIs, whose agencies offer EBIs, more frequently link clients to high-impact services. This is based on diffusion of innovations theory, where individuals in social networks influence one another’s adoption of innovations. We hypothesize that providers are exposed to EBIs via training, reading and hearing about EBIs, and/or discussing EBIs with colleagues. We used cross-sectional data from 379 providers from 36 agencies in New York City. We used multilevel ordinal logistic regression models to test associations between provider exposure to EBIs (agency provides EBIs) and frequency of linkages to high-impact services. Providers exposed to greater numbers of EBIs more frequently link clients to HIV, hepatitis C (HEP-C), and sexually transmitted infections testing; to primary care; and to drug treatment and mental health services. Providers link clients most frequently to primary care and HIV testing and least frequently to HEP-C testing and syringe exchange. Findings suggest a dose effect, with exposure to more EBIs resulting in more linkages. Findings show a staged, evidence-based prevention approach that includes exposure to EBIs, leading to providers linking clients to high-impact services. There needs to be emphasis on inspiring providers to engage with high-impact services at the elevated levels needed to end the epidemic.
How Big Are My Effects? Examining the Magnitude of Effect Sizes in Studies of Measurement Equivalence
Authors: Nye Christopher D. , Bradburn Jacob , Olenick Jeffrey , Bialko Christopher , Drasgow Fritz
Published: March 2018

Recently, an effect size measure, known as d MACS, was developed for confirmatory factor analytic (CFA) studies of measurement equivalence. Although this index has several advantages over traditional methods of identifying nonequivalence, the scale and interpretation of this effect size are still unclear. As a result, the interpretation of the effect size is left to the subjective judgment of the researcher. To remedy this issue for other effect sizes, some have proposed guidelines for evaluating the magnitude of an effect based on the distribution of effect sizes in the literature. The goal of the current research was to develop similar guidelines for effect sizes of measurement nonequivalence and build on this work by also examining the practical importance of nonequivalence. Based on a review of past research, we conducted two simulation studies to generate distributions of effects sizes. Assuming the ideal scenario of invariant referent items, the results of these simulations were then used to develop empirical guidelines for interpreting nonequivalence and its effects on observed outcomes.
Complications and adequacy of transplant kidney biopsies: A comparison of techniques
Authors: Plattner Brett W , Chen Pauline , Cross Richard , Leavitt Matthew A , Killen Paul D , Heung Michael
Published: March 2018

Introduction:

Kidney biopsies are an essential tool in the diagnosis and management of kidney diseases, particularly in kidney transplant recipients. Biopsies carry a risk for serious complications and not all biopsies achieve adequate tissue. We examined the impact of kidney biopsy technique on complications and biopsy adequacy.

Methods:

The cohort consisted of consecutive kidney transplant patients undergoing biopsy by one of three techniques: ultrasound localization, real-time ultrasound guidance, and ultrasound-guided trocar placement. Variables of interest included patient characteristics and procedural characteristics. The primary outcome was serious complication attributable to kidney biopsy, and the secondary outcome was biopsy adequacy as defined by Banff criteria.

Results:

Among 263 patients undergoing biopsy, 27 (10.3%) had a complication (14 with gross hematuria, 10 requiring blood transfusion, 3 requiring an unplanned interventional radiology procedure, 1 kidney loss; no deaths). Complications were more common among patients biopsied using ultrasound-guided trocar compared to real-time ultrasound and ultrasound localization (21.4% vs 7.9% vs 7.1%, respectively, p = 0.008). After adjusting for patient and procedure characteristics, technique was no longer significantly associated with complication. Biopsy adequacy was significantly higher when using ultrasound localization and real-time ultrasound compared to ultrasound-guided trocar (84.6% vs 86.8% vs 69.6%, p = 0.029), and this finding persisted in adjusted analysis.

Conclusion:

Kidney biopsy complications appear to be similar when using any of the three techniques examined in our study. However, ultrasound-guided trocar technique may yield lower biopsy adequacy when compared to non-trocar techniques.
Peripherally inserted central catheters in the treatment of children with cancer: Results of a multicenter study
Authors: Rykov Maxim Yu , Zaborovskij Sergei V , Shvecov Alexander N , Shukin Vladimir V
Published: March 2018

Purpose:

To review our experience with peripherally inserted central catheters in pediatric cancer patients.

Methods:

The analysis included 353 patients (3 months up to 17 years, mean age 11.2 years) with a variety of cancers diseases, which in 2011–2016, 354 peripherally inserted central catheters were placed. All settings are carried out using ultrasound guidance. In 138 (39%) patients, external anatomical landmarks were used and in 216 (61%) intraoperative fluoroscopy.

Results:

Maximal duration of the line was 1.3 years, the lowest 1.5 months, and average 6.3 months. Among the technical difficulties during placement, most frequently have been the migration of the distal end of the catheter into the internal jugular vein against blood flow—32 (9%) patients. In one (0.3%) case, we were unable to catheterize the patient’s vein. Among the most common complications of operation were marked peripherally inserted central catheter clot occlusion of the lumen—26 (7.3%) cases. Symptomatic catheter-related thrombosis was observed in 16 (4.5%) cases. Catheter-related blood stream infections were not reported. Removal of peripherally inserted central catheters related to the complications was performed in 30 (8.5%) patients who were later implanted venous ports.

Conclusion:

Peripherally inserted central catheters are recommend to use in the treatment of children with cancer. There should be trained nursing staff to minimize the risk of complications.
Relational individuality among Native American academics: Popular dichotomies reconsidered
Authors: Dvorakova Antonie
Published: March 2018

An interdisciplinary qualitative study working with 40 Native American academics, who were selected for their specific diverse backgrounds, focused on selected aspects of subjective experiencing they generally had in common. Participants experienced the socio-cultural contexts of mainstream academia and tribal communities as incongruent and based on conflicting values associated with the conceptualizations of individualism versus relationality and communal cooperation. Viewing these seemingly dichotomous concepts from the perspective of Native American tribal world views, however, enabled meaningful integration of these concepts. The innovative relational individuality conceptualization allows for appreciation of uniqueness and self-improvement efforts without adherence to the mainstream principle of competitive individualism. At the core of the involved conceptualization of relationality, with preference for communal cooperation, is the experience of one’s embeddedness in personal relationships and one’s involvement within groups as a valuable member, which cannot be explained by either the necessity of socio-economic and ecological factors or the imperative of conformity to collective conventions. The extent to which the independence–interdependence and individualism–collectivism dichotomies apply to this case is limited. The discussed relational individuality conceptualization, facilitated by Native American tribal world views and culturally specific narratives, extend the repertoire of thus far recognized mechanisms that underlie the existing cultural variation.
Redefining Filter Bubbles as (Escapable) Socio-Technical Recursion
Authors: Davies Huw C
Published: March 2018

Personalisation of media content is not a new phenomenon. Now, however, by configuring our search results and data feeds, algorithms that ‘learn’ from our digital footprint are determining what we see and hear. Pariser calls this the ‘Filter Bubble Effect’. Yet, despite concerns that this effect is a threat to deliberative democracy, we are told there is relatively little evidence to substantiate its existence. This article draws on a case study to argue that this is because the existing research looks for technical effects while neglecting our social lives. If we follow Foucault’s reasoning that systems of thought are also technologies, then we can see that material technologies (or what Foucault called ‘technologies of production’) and immaterial technologies (ideas formed in discourse) can co-constitute filter bubbles. Borrowing language from computing and science and technology studies, this leads to a redefinition of filter bubbles as socio-technical recursion. This case study illustrates just one potential combination of such material and immaterial technologies (namely, search engines and ideas that are encountered and formed during an individual’s social life within their culture and class) that can create socio-technical recursion. The article concludes by arguing the advantage of conceptualising filter bubbles in this way is that it offers us a theoretical foundation for breaking out of this recursion by simultaneously challenging the mediums and messages that sustain them.
Agenda setting with children using the ‘three wishes’ technique
Authors: Kiyimba Nikki , O’Reilly Michelle , Lester Jessica Nina
Published: March 2018

The National Health Service (UK) offers initial screening appointments for children referred to child and adolescent mental health services to determine clinical need and assess risk. Conversation analysis was utilized on 28 video recordings of these assessments, lasting approximately 90 minutes each with a multidisciplinary team. This article focuses on the agenda setting strategies used to establish relevant goals with children and adolescents; specifically, the technique of offering ‘three wishes’. For example, ‘ if you had three wishes, what would you like to make happen?’ In cases where children initially volunteered an assessment-relevant wish, they tended not to articulate further wishes. Non-assessment-relevant wishes (i.e. fantasy wishes, such as being ‘rich’) were treated as insufficient, with many approaches used to realign establishing assessment relevant goals. Where responses were not institutionally relevant, practitioners undertook considerable discursive work to realign the focus of the three wishes task to assessment relevance. In these cases, the wish responses were treated as irrelevant and tended to be dismissed, rather than explored for further detail. Such work with the children’s contributions has implications for engaging children and child-centred practices.
Experiences of adolescents living with cancer: A descriptive qualitative study
Authors: Ang Sin Hui , Koh Serena Siew Lin , Lee Xiu Hua @ Hideka Tamamura , Shorey Shefaly
Published: March 2018

This study aimed to explore the experiences of adolescents from Singapore, aged 10–18 years old, living with cancer and their perceptions on how their psychosocial outcomes can be improved. A descriptive qualitative study design was used. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 10 participants from a pediatric oncology ward in a Singapore hospital. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Five major themes emerged: (1) experience of physical symptoms, (2) emotional response to their condition, (3) changes in social dynamics, and (4) falling behind in academics. The psychosocial outcomes of Singaporean adolescents with cancer could be improved by thorough pain assessments and creating a more conducive hospital environment.
Race and the logic of radicalisation under neoliberalism
Authors: Smith Cameron
Published: March 2018

I argue in this article that race – reconceptualised against the post-racial logic of racial neoliberalism as a material relationship rather than simply an identity – functions within the logic of radicalisation in Australian anti-terrorism to produce the conditions necessary for the reproduction of neoliberal capitalism. Taking theoretical cues from the arguments of David Theo Goldberg and Stuart Hall, I argue that the logic of radicalisation within this process mobilises the raced spectral figure of the essentially violent, extremist Muslim ‘other’ to two key ends: first, the invisibilisation of the political motivations and grievances underpinning the actions of those who commit terrorist violence; second, the reproduction of neoliberal capitalism through the fashioning of neoliberal subjectivities, the salving of collective anxieties at the effects of neoliberal restructuring via ‘authoritarian populism’, and the innovation of new – and augmentation of existing – opportunities for profit and accumulation.
Simultaneously deepening corporatism and advancing neoliberalism: Australia under the Accord
Authors: Humphrys Elizabeth
Published: March 2018

Given recent calls for a new social contract between the unions and government, it is timely to consider the relationship of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) and Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) prices and incomes Accord (1983–97) to the construction of neoliberalism in Australia. Contrary to most scholarly accounts, which posit the ALP and ACTU prices and incomes Accord and neoliberalism as exogenously related or competing processes, this article argues they were internally related aspects of economic transformation. The implementation of the Accord agreement deepened Australia’s existing corporatist arrangements while simultaneously advancing neoliberalism within a highly structured political-economic framework.
Mundane talk at work: Multiactivity in interactions between professionals and their clientele
Authors: Stefani Elwys De , Horlacher Anne-Sylvie
Published: March 2018

This article examines how participants coordinate concurrent activities in hair salon interactions and during driving lessons. In both settings, participants devote considerable time to chatting about mundane topics. This sort of conversation has traditionally been studied as an instance of small talk. The first part of the article retraces the epistemological origins of this notion. The analytical section shows how an analysis based on talk alone may lead researchers to distinguish small talk from task-directed talk, in line with previous studies. The subsequent analysis of the participants’ multimodal conduct reveals that what we call mundane talk is a social activity that participants coordinate with multiple other co-occurring courses of (professional) action. The article subsequently zeroes in on task-directed first pair parts and shows how, on occasion, participants prioritize certain activities over others. The analyses draw on video data of interactions that have taken place in French and Italian and are carried out with conversation analytic methods.
Getting to know you: Teasing as an invitation to intimacy in initial interactions
Authors: Haugh Michael , Pillet-Shore Danielle
Published: March 2018

It is commonly assumed that teasing is restricted to encounters among intimates or close acquaintances. As a result of examining initial interactions among (American and Australian) speakers of English, however, this article shows that teasing also occurs between persons who are becoming acquainted. Analysis reveals that tease sequences unfold across three actions that constitute the tease as an invitation to intimacy: a teasable action on the part of the target, the tease proper and a moment of interactionally generated affiliation. Given teasing is one way of criticising another, it constitutes a potential breach of tact or interactional propriety. In initial interactions, however, participants can construe this potential impropriety as an invitation to intimacy, as it involves the proposal of a shared ironic stance that may be either accepted or declined by the target of the tease.
Citizen typography and political brands in the 2016 US presidential election campaign
Authors: Billard Thomas J
Published: March 2018

The 2016 presidential campaign between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump saw citizen typography emerge in highly visible and highly impactful ways, particularly as the candidates made seemingly little attempt to maintain full control over their visual brand identities. But what does the surprising significance of typography in this recent campaign reveal about marketing and citizen participation in politics, about political brand management in a networked media environment and about typography’s role as a key pillar of branded political communication? This essay offers two key concepts: the networking of political brands and an emerging logic of participatory aesthetics – both of which point to a decentralization of traditional ‘brand management’ in favour of affectively driven political engagement through visual communications disseminated over communication networks.
Feasibility of using the Fitbit® Charge HR in validating self-reported exercise diaries in a community setting in patients with heart failure
Authors: Deka Pallav , Pozehl Bunny , Norman Joseph F , Khazanchi Deepak
Published: March 2018

Background:

Use of wrist-worn activity monitors has increased over the past few years; however, the use of the Fitbit® Charge HR (FCHR) in a community setting in patients with heart failure has not been tested.

Purpose:

The purpose of the study was to assess the feasibility, practicality and acceptability of utilizing the FCHR to validate self-reported exercise diaries and monitor exercise in community dwelling patients with heart failure. Methods: Thirty heart failure patients (12 females and 18 males) aged 64.7 ± 11.5 years were provided with a FCHR. Participants were provided with an exercise routine and for eight weeks, recorded their exercise sessions in self-reported exercise diaries and used the FCHR to record those exercise sessions.

Results:

Exercise data from the self-reported exercise diaries were validated with data from the FCHR. Participants’ perception and acceptance of using the FCHR was positive. Validation of exercise and physical activity interventions using the FCHR appears feasible and acceptable in patients with heart failure.

Conclusion:

Wrist-worn activity monitors can be useful for objective measurement of exercise adherence and monitoring of physical activity in patients with heart failure in a community setting.
Lessons Learned in the Implementation of HealtheSteps: An Evidence-Based Healthy Lifestyle Program
Authors: Simmavong P. Karen , Hillier Loretta M. , Petrella Robert J.
Published: March 2018

Health eSteps is a pragmatic, evidence-based lifestyle prescription program aimed at reducing the rates of chronic disease, in particular, type 2 diabetes. A process evaluation was completed to assess the feasibility of the implementation of HealtheSteps in primary care and community-based settings across Canada. Key informant interviews (program providers and participants) were conducted to identify facilitators and barriers to implementation and opportunities for future program adaptation and improvement. Forty-three interviews were conducted across five regions in Canada (15 sites ranging from remote, rural, suburban, and urban). Transcripts were analyzed using a qualitative naturalistic inquiry approach with several facilitating factors identified: pragmatic program design, in-line goals with sites’ mandates, and access to ongoing support. Barriers were related to administrative challenges such as booking space, personnel changeovers, and scheduling participants. Findings from this analysis revealed insights on program delivery, design, and importance of site champions. Key lessons learned focused on two areas: infrastructure support and program implementation. The application of these learnings from the HealtheSteps program may inform the development of strategies that can optimize program adaptation and support while reducing real and perceived barriers experienced, thus increasing the success of translation of the evidence-based diabetes program to different points of care.
Full Drug-Eluting Stent Jacket: Two-Year Results of a Single-Center Experience With Zilver PTX Stenting for Long Lesions in the Femoropopliteal Arteries
Authors: Phillips John A. , Falls Anna , Kolluri Raghu , Whipp Aaron , Collins Christy , Mohir-Sadaai Samer , Reid Blake , Patil Nirav , Alston Maurice , Troyan Melissa , Ansel Gary M.
Published: March 2018

Purpose: To evaluate the 1- and 2-year patency and reintervention rates with the Zilver PTX drug-eluting stent (DES) in long complex femoropopliteal disease. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of 89 consecutive patients (mean age 68.7±9.8 years; 86 men) with femoropopliteal occlusive disease (Rutherford category 2–6) treated with the Zilver PTX between December 2012 and December 2013. Mean lesion length for the entire cohort was 24.2±11.3 cm (median 24.0, range 4–48). The patient population was dichotomized into a short lesion (≤20 cm) group (n=41; mean lesion length 13.3±5.6 cm) and the full DES jacket (>20 cm) group (n=48; mean lesion length 33.0±6.5 cm). Primary endpoints were duplex-derived restenosis (peak systolic velocity ratio >2.5), clinically driven reintervention, and major amputation. Results: The incidence of restenosis was lower in the short lesion group at 1 year (19% vs 40% for the longer lesions, p=0.050) and 2 years (39% vs 54%, respectively; p=0.331). The short lesion group had significantly lower rates of reintervention at both 1 year (2% vs 21% in long lesions, p=0.009) and 2 years (12% vs 33%, p=0.019). Conclusion: Treatment of femoropopliteal lesions >20 cm with the Zilver PTX appears to be a clinically effective therapy for patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease. However, there is an increase in restenosis and a need for reintervention that continues to progress up to 2 years.
Tele-Savvy: An Online Program for Dementia Caregivers
Authors: Griffiths Patricia C. , Kovaleva Mariya , Higgins Melinda , Langston Ashley H. , Hepburn Kenneth
Published: March 2018

Introduction:

This study examined the feasibility and efficacy of Tele-Savvy, an online version of the Savvy Caregiver Program, a psychoeducation program for caregivers caring for a person with dementia.

Methods:

A convenience sample of 22 caregivers from the Atlanta VA and 42 caregivers from 14 different states enrolled in Tele-Savvy. Pre- and post-program evaluations assessed caregiver burden, caregiver competency, and frequency of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).

Results:

Fifty-seven caregivers completed the 6-week Tele-Savvy program. Caregivers whose care recipients exhibited higher average BPSD frequency at baseline demonstrated significantly greater burden decreases post-program. Caregivers of care recipients in more advanced dementia stages demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in caregiver competence.

Discussion:

The results point to the feasibility of achieving significant results in caregivers’ well-being and care recipients’ BPSD with a fully online program. Tele-Savvy may be particularly efficacious for caregivers whose care recipients exhibit higher BPSD frequency and are in later dementia stages.
Construct Validity of the Participation and Sensory Environment Questionnaire–Teacher Version
Authors: Piller Aimee , Fletcher Tina , Pfeiffer Beth , Dunlap Karen , Pickens Noralyn
Published: March 2018

The Participation and Sensory Environment Questionnaire–Teacher Version (PSEQ-TV) is a teacher report questionnaire designed to examine the impact of the sensory environment on participation for preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study examines the construct validity of the assessment through principal components analysis (PCA). One hundred three preschool teachers completed the research version of the PSEQ-TV. Component analysis revealed six factors: modification, support, preschool tasks, group routines, mealtime, and tactile. This study provides evidence as to the construct validity of the PSEQ-TV. The PSEQ-TV can be used to identify sensory-related environmental barriers within the preschool environment. By identifying these barriers, teachers and other support staff can modify the environment and/or provide support to increase participation of preschool children with ASD across school environments.
Preoperative Embolization of Venous Malformations Using n-Butyl Cyanoacrylate
Authors: Uller Wibke , El-sobky Sherif , Alomari Ahmad I. , Fishman Steven J. , Spencer Samantha A. , Taghinia Amir H. , Chaudry Gulraiz
Published: March 2018

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of preoperative percutaneous n-butyl cyanoacrylate (nBCA) embolization of venous malformations in children.

Material and Methods:

Clinical data were retrospectively reviewed in children who underwent embolization using nBCA followed by resection of venous malformations.

Results:

A total of 17 embolizations were performed in 14 patients (9 females, mean age: 5.5 years; median age: 3 years; range 0.1-16 years). The venous malformations involved the lower extremity and the knee joint (n = 7), the trunk (n = 4), head and neck (n = 2), and hand (n = 1). n-Butyl cyanoacrylate was diluted with iodized oil at a ratio of 1:3 to 1:5. The mean and median volume of nBCA per procedure were 2.1 and 2 mL, respectively (range: 0.5-8 mL). There were no complications associated with the procedures. The mean and median time between final embolization and resection were 3.6 and 2 days, respectively. All children underwent successful resection of the symptomatic lesions. The estimated mean and median blood loss were 75 and 50 mL, respectively (range: 5-350 mL). The postprocedure course was uneventful, the days to discharge ranged between 1 and 6 days (mean 3 days).

Conclusion:

Initial results suggest that preoperative percutaneous n-butyl cyanoacrylate embolization of venous malformations is safe and effective in children, with the potential for minimizing blood loss and inpatient stay.
A flexible human detection service suitable for Intelligent Spaces based on a multi-camera network
Authors: Almonfrey Douglas , do Carmo Alexandre Pereira , de Queiroz Felippe Mendonça , Picoreti Rodolfo , Vassallo Raquel Frizera , Salles Evandro Ottoni Teatini
Published: March 2018

The research field of the Intelligent Spaces has experienced increasing attention in the last decade. As an instance of the ubiquitous computing paradigm, the general idea is to extract information from the ambient and use it to interact and provide services to the actors present in the environment. The sensory analysis is mandatory in this area and humans are usually the principal actors involved. In this sense, we propose a human detector to be used in an Intelligent Space based on a multi-camera network. Our human detector is implemented in the same paradigm of our Intelligent Space. As a contribution of the present work, the human detector is designed to be a service that is scalable, reliable and parallelizable. It is also a concern of our service to be flexible, less structured as possible, attending different Intelligent Space applications and services, as well as their requirements. As it can be found in different everyday environments, a multi-camera system is used to overcome some difficulties traditionally faced by existing human detection approaches. To validate our approach, we implement three different applications that are proof of concept of many day-to-day real tasks. Two of these applications involve human–robot interaction. With respect to time and detection performance requirements, our human detection service has proved to be suitable for interacting with the other services of our Intelligent Space, in order to successfully complete the tasks of each application.
Energy-efficient load balancing in wireless sensor network: An application of multinomial regression analysis
Authors: Zuhairy Ruwaida M , Al Zamil Mohammed GH
Published: March 2018

Wireless sensor networks have become integral components of modern and smart environments. The main challenge for such important data-acquisition tools is the limited amount of available energy. In integrated networks in which cloud systems act as a self-regulatory controller, distributing the computational load among available partitions with rich energy will positively influence the lifetime of the whole network. This article investigates the application of a modified version of multinomial logistic regression model that incorporates spatiotemporal aspects of data collected from smart environments. The contribution of this research is to propose an energy-efficient load balancing strategy based on the proposed prediction model for the purpose of enhancing the lifetime of wireless infrastructure. Our proposed algorithm grows linearly in terms of time complexity. Extensive experiments have been performed to measure the prediction error rate and the energy consumption. The results showed that the proposed model significantly reduces the error rate and distinctly maximizes the lifetime of wireless sensor networks.
Exploring the relationships among instructional leadership, professional learning communities and teacher self-efficacy in China
Authors: Zheng Xin , Yin Hongbiao , Li Zhanglin
Published: March 2018

The study explored the relationships among instructional leadership, professional learning community components, and teacher self-efficacy in the context of mainland China. Study subjects were 1082 elementary school teachers participating in a questionnaire survey. The results showed that instructional leadership had significant effects on the five professional learning community components, four of which, collaborative activity, collective focus on student learning, de-privatized practice, and reflective dialogue, positively predicted teacher self-efficacy. Analysis showed that collaborative activity, de-privatized practice, and reflective dialogue significantly mediated the effects of instructional leadership on teacher self-efficacy. Implications for school leadership and teacher learning are discussed.
Targeting macrophage and microglia activation with colony stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor is an effective strategy to treat injury-triggered neuropathic pain
Authors: Lee SeungHwan , Shi Xiang Qun , Fan Anni , West Brian , Zhang Ji
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Neuropathic pain is a debilitating condition. The importance of neuroimmune interactions in neuropathic pain has been evidenced by the involvement of different immune cells in peripheral and central sensitization of pathological pain. Macrophages and microglia are the most abundant immune cells activated in injured nerves and spinal cord, respectively. Several lines of evidence showed that macrophage/microglia survival, activation, proliferation, and differentiation require the involvement of macrophage-colony stimulating factor. In this study, we investigated whether blocking macrophage-colony stimulating factor/colony stimulating factor 1 receptor signaling can be effective in relieving neuropathic pain.

Materials and methods

Partial sciatic nerve ligation was performed in mice to induce neuropathic pain behavior. Mice were orally treated with a selective colony stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor, PLX5622, daily in both preventive (two days prior to surgery until D14 post-partial sciatic nerve ligation) and reversal paradigms (D28–D33 post-partial sciatic nerve ligation). Animal neuropathic pain behavior was monitored using von Frey hairs and acetone application. Phenotype of macrophages in injured nerves was analyzed at D3 and D33 post-injury using flow cytometry analysis. The effect of PLX5622 on microglia activation in lumbar spinal cord was further examined by immunohistochemistry using Iba-1 antibody.

Results

Significant alleviation of both mechanical and cold allodynia was observed in PLX5622-treated animals, both in preventive and reversal paradigms. PLX5622 treatment reduced the total number of macrophages in injured nerves, it appears colony stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibition affected more specifically CD86+ (M1 like) macrophages. Consequently, the expression of various pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) was reduced. Microglia activation in dorsal horn of lumbar spinal cord following partial sciatic nerve ligation was significantly inhibited with PLX5622 treatment in both preventive and reversal paradigms.

Conclusion

Macrophages in peripheral nerve and microglia in the spinal cord are required in the generation and maintenance of injury-associated neuropathic pain. Blocking macrophage-colony stimulating factor/colony stimulating factor 1 receptor signaling on these myeloid cells along the pain transmission pathway is an effective strategy to alleviate neuropathic pain.
The limits of (digital) constitutionalism: Exploring the privacy-security (im)balance in Australia
Authors: Mann Monique , Daly Angela , Wilson Michael , Suzor Nicolas
Published: March 2018

This article explores the challenges of digital constitutionalism in practice through a case study examining how concepts of privacy and security have been framed and contested in Australian cyber security and telecommunications policy-making over the last decade. The Australian Government has formally committed to ‘internet freedom’ norms, including privacy, through membership of the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC). Importantly, however, this commitment is non-binding and designed primarily to guide the development of policy by legislators and the executive government. Through this analysis, we seek to understand if, and how, principles of digital constitutionalism have been incorporated at the national level. Our analysis suggests a fundamental challenge for the project of digital constitutionalism in developing and implementing principles that have practical or legally binding impact on domestic telecommunications and cyber security policy. Australia is the only major Western liberal democracy without comprehensive constitutional human rights or a legislated bill of rights at the federal level; this means that the task of ‘balancing’ what are conceived as competing rights is left only to the legislature. Our analysis shows that despite high-level commitments to privacy as per the Freedom Online Coalition, individual rights are routinely discounted against collective rights to security. We conclude by arguing that, at least in Australia, the domestic conditions limit the practical application and enforcement of digital constitutionalism’s norms.
Repertoire of Abs primed by bacteria in gnotobiotic mice
Authors: Khasbiullina Nailia R , Shilova Nadezhda V , Navakouski Maxim E , Nokel Alexey Yu , Knirel Yuri A , Blixt Ola , Bovin Nicolai V
Published: March 2018

Innate immunity natural Abs (NAbs) execute a number of functions, including protection and surveillance. Despite active research, the stimuli that induce the formation of NAbs are still described only hypothetically. Here, we compared repertoires of anti-glycan Abs in the peripheral blood of mice that received per os various bacteria. The repertoires of Abs of mice primed in this way were compared using a microarray that included about 350 glycans, as well as 150 bacterial polysaccharides. Sterile mice did not possess anti-glycan Abs. Oral inoculation of a single strain or combination of two to four strains of bacteria, as well as putting the animals on short-term nutrition with non-sterile food, did not contribute significantly to the formation of Abs, whereas a single gavage of digested food of non-sterile mice induced the formation of a repertoire close to the natural ones. Interestingly, the priming with polysaccharide Ags (in a composition of the bacterial cell envelope), that is, dominant Ags of bacteria, led to the induction of Abs against typical glycans of mammalian glycoproteins and glycolipids (e.g. Abs of the ABH blood group system) that do not have a structural similarity to the polysaccharides. The results support the importance of early contact with a naïve immune system with microorganisms of the environment to form a normal NAbs repertoire.