bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Holistic assessment of a landfill mining pilot project in Austria: Methodology and application
Authors: Hermann Robert , Baumgartner Rupert J , Vorbach Stefan , Wolfsberger Tanja , Ragossnig Arne , Pomberger Roland
Published: May 2016

Basic technical and economic examinations of Austrian mass waste landfills, concerning the recovery of secondary raw materials, have been carried out by the ‘LAMIS – Landfill Mining Austria’ pilot project for the first time in Austria. A main focus of the research – the subject of this article – was the first devotion of a pilot landfill to an integrated ecological and economic assessment so that its feasibility could be verified before a landfill mining project commenced. A Styrian mass waste landfill had been chosen for this purpose that had been put into operation in 1979 and received mechanically–biologically pre-treated municipal waste till 2012. The whole assessment procedure was divided into preliminary and main assessment phases to evaluate the general suitability of a landfill mining project with little financial and human resource expense. A portfolio chart, based on a questionnaire, was created for the preliminary assessment that, as a result, has provided a recommendation for subsequent investigation – the main assessment phase. In this case, specific economic criteria were assessed by net present value calculation, while ecological or socio-economic criteria were rated by utility analysis, transferring the result into a utility–net present value chart. In the case of the examined pilot landfill, assessing the landfill mining project produced a higher utility but a lower net present value than a landfill leaving-in for aftercare. Since no clearly preferable scenario could be identified this way, a cost–revenue analysis was carried out in addition that determined a dimensionless ratio: the ‘utility – net present value quotient’ of both scenarios. Comparing this quotient showed unmistakably that in the overall assessment, ‘leaving the landfill in aftercare’ was preferable to a ‘landfill mining project’ in that specific case.
The Emotional Freedom Technique: Finally, a Unifying Theory for the Practice of Holistic Nursing, or Too Good to Be True?
Authors: Rancour Patrice
Published: May 2016

The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is defined and described as a clinical procedure for the relief of psychological and physical distress that patients often bring to the attention of nurses. Frequently referred to as “tapping,” this technique combines the cognitive reprocessing benefits of exposure and acceptance therapy with the energetic disturbance releases associated with acupuncture and other energy therapies. More than 60 research articles in peer-reviewed journals report a staggering 98% efficacy rate with the use of this procedure from psychological distress (posttraumatic stress disorder, phobias, anxiety, depression, etc.) to physical conditions (asthma, fibromyalgia, pain, seizure disorders, etc.) to performance issues (athletic, academic). Perhaps because of this, this technique has encountered a fair degree of skepticism within the health care community. Easily taught as a self-help aid that patients can administer to themselves, EFT becomes an efficacious tool in the hands of nurses who are seeking whole person approaches for the healing of a wide variety of psychological and physical conditions. A conceptual framework, mechanisms of action, evidence of safety, literature review, and case studies are also included.
The Hybrid Nature of Volunteering
Authors: Toraldo Maria Laura , Contu Alessia , Mangia Gianluigi
Published: May 2016

This article discusses the nature of volunteering by exploring the features of the exchanges involved and their precise meanings. The context for this analysis is the U.K. music festival industry, where volunteers are offered specific “exchange deals” for providing their work efforts. The article argues that it is in such exchanges, and in their inherent meanings, that the nature of volunteering can be appreciated as a complex and multi-dimensional phenomenon. By theorizing volunteering as possessing Janus-face features represented by its symbolic and economic faces, this research demonstrates that the practice of volunteering is inherently hybrid. This article advances conceptual knowledge on volunteering by showing the irreducibility of the concept to either of these symbolic or economic dimensions. It offers a new perspective that addresses apparently incompatible readings of volunteering, recognizing volunteers’ different experiences and how they feel about the nature of their exchange.
Surviving frontal assault on collective bargaining institutions in Romania: The case of manufacturing companies
Authors: Trif Aurora
Published: May 2016

Romanian labour law was changed radically in 2011, causing a rapid demolition of the multi-layered collective bargaining system, despite the existence of relatively strong unions. This article examines the foundation of new employers’ prerogatives, and whether they have been willing and able to use them in manufacturing sectors and companies where unions have a strong hold. It focuses on extreme cases of change and continuity in setting the terms and conditions of employment after 2008. Employers have been able to use the new legal provisions to worsen employment conditions, but there is variation across companies depending on employers’ attitudes, developments in collective bargaining in other large companies in the area and unions’ capacity to mobilize. This analysis facilitates a better understanding of the consequences of downgrading individual and collective employment rights.
Reconsidering second-person narration and involvement
Authors: Mildorf Jarmila
Published: May 2016

The literature on second-person narration invariably mentions involvement as a special effect of you-narration on readers. This is arguably achieved because you-narration employs direct address and thus ‘communicates’ with real readers. I argue that one needs to take into consideration the second-person pronoun’s occurrence in, and its interplay with, a given discourse context. Using grammatical and narratological description, and drawing on a contemporary fictional example, this paper proposes that a distinction be made between affective-emotional involvement and aesthetic-reflexive involvement. It is hypothesized that it is the collocation of you with lexical items such as emotive verbs and with narrative techniques creating an interior perspective that creates a sense of experientiality and thus triggers emotional responses. Likewise, readers’ feeling of being addressed is shown to be attributable to the ‘interpersonal semiotic’ in various grammatical constructions, rather than to the usage of the second-person pronoun alone. The address function seems to be tied to the postmodern playfulness of you and readers’ aesthetic-reflexive involvement in this.
Reading ‘Class’ in International Law
Authors: Taha Mai
Published: May 2016

While critical histories of international law on the interwar period have focused primarily on nationalism, early conceptions of the right to self-determination, and the dynamic of cultural difference, this article brings to bear another dimension that shaped interwar governmentality of legal institutions, namely class subjectivity. How did international institutions manage ‘class’ in a colonial context and at the height of the ‘self-determination talk’ of the interwar period? Through this inquiry, I study the details of the concrete practices of the International Labor Organization (ILO) in one of its earlier missions sent to Egypt in the 1930s. The claimed success of the ILO’s intervention hinged upon shaping a new politics of expertise through law that divided a fluid and hybrid sphere of social activity into rigid and separate domains: the technical and the political.
The youth unemployment challenge in Africa: What are the drivers?
Authors: Baah-Boateng William
Published: May 2016

Youth unemployment remains a major political and socioeconomic challenge in Africa despite the recent strong growth performance of many African countries. The study undertakes an empirical assessment of the main sources of youth unemployment in Africa. Based on panel data of 41 African countries covering the period 2000–2010, the study finds a demographic youth bulge and poor economic growth from both supply and demand sides of the market to be key drivers of youth unemployment in Africa. Employment-to-population ratio as a measure of country’s job creation ability and vulnerable employment as a proxy for informality are observed to have had a decreasing effect on youth unemployment. The empirical findings also suggest higher youth employment rates among females than males and a higher concentration in urban than rural areas. Investment in the high labour absorption sectors of agriculture and manufacturing is advocated as job creation strategies, along with population control measures to slow the growing youth population in Africa. High growth in the low employment sectors of mining and extractive industries could serve as resource generating avenues to promote investment in education and skill training, along with infrastructure to facilitate growth in high labour absorption sectors.
Innovation and growth: The Australian Productivity Commission’s policy void?
Authors: Dalitz Robert
Published: May 2016

Governments’ economic policies need to be based on a coherent view of the role of innovation and productivity in sustaining growth. This article analyses advice on fostering innovation from Australia’s main statutory economics adviser, the Productivity Commission. It argues that the Productivity Commission’s comprehensive 2007 report,Public Support for Science and Innovation, contributed to a policy vacuum hampering government support for innovation for nearly a decade. First, within the Productivity Commission’s understanding of innovation was a contradiction between its required policy targeting criteria and the impossibility of meeting these criteria. Second, the resulting stance on innovation policy was at odds with research and theory on the drivers of innovation and hence growth – particularly innovation systems theories and those based on evolutionary economics. The ensuing innovation policy vacuum suggests that the Productivity Commission placed the abstract ideological ‘purity’ of neoclassical economic theory above empirical exploration of how government can best support Australia’s future economic development. Since late 2015, moves to fill this policy vacuum have included a Senate inquiry, a government department restructure, and the creation of a new Innovation and Science statutory advisory board. Whether these initiatives foster sustained innovation will depend on the extent to which they adopt approaches based on innovation systems or evolutionary economics, and transcend the static neoclassical mindset espoused by the Productivity Commission.
Administration of Home Intravenous Chemotherapy to Children by their Parents
Authors: McCall Claire , Mannion Michelle , Hilliard Carol , Lannon Pamela , McKenna Fiona , O’Marcaigh Aengus , Slevin Teresa , Smith Owen , Storey Lorna
Published: May 2016

Objectives: Caring for a child with cancer can disrupt family life and financial stability, in addition to affecting the child’s social, emotional, and educational development. Health care providers must consider ways to minimize the negative impact of illness and hospitalization on the child and family. This study evaluates a nationwide initiative to educate and support parents to administer chemotherapy to their child in their home. Method: A questionnaire was circulated to parents participating in a home chemotherapy program from 2009 to 2014 (n = 140), seeking their perspective on the education program, and the benefits and concerns associated with administering home chemotherapy. Data analysis was conducted using a combination of descriptive statistics and content analysis. Results: Questionnaires were received from 108 parents (response rate = 77%). Overall, the program was positively evaluated with 100% of parents (n = 108) reporting that the training met their needs. More than one-third of parents (41%, n = 44) initially felt nervous about home chemotherapy but reported that the education program helped assuage their concerns. Benefits included reduced financial costs, reduced travel time to hospital, less disruption to family life, and less stress for the child and family. No medication errors were reported during the evaluation period. Conclusion: An important feature of the program is the partnership approach, which ensures that parents’ decision to enter the program is informed, appropriate for their situation, and centered on the needs of the child.
The Emergence of Social Work Practice Research in the Peoples’ Republic of China
Authors: Sim Timothy , Lau Victor C. Y.
Published: May 2016

Objective:

In China where social work is a fledgling profession, practice research is still a novelty. This article aims to provide an overview of the development of social work practice research in mainland China.

Methods:

This review analyzes the content of 206 Chinese journal articles published in the Peoples’ Republic of China since 1915 using the China National Knowledge Infrastructure database, with a focus on the question “who published what?”

Results:

The first social work practice research was published in 1999 and it has been increasing in recent years in China. They are predominantly conducted by academics and the collaboration between academics and practitioners is rare and can be further promoted.

Conclusions:

Practice research could be stepped up to build a distinctive professional knowledge base for social work in China considering its unique geographical, cultural, socioeconomic, and political contexts.
Habitual Use of High-Heeled Shoes Affects Isokinetic Soleus Strength More Than Gastrocnemius in Healthy Young Females
Authors: Farrag Ahmed , Elsayed Walaa
Published: May 2016

Background:

Habitual use of high-heeled shoes (HHS) has been reported to negatively impact different body structures. However, few studies have investigated its effect on plantarflexor performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of habitual wear of HHS and knee joint position (to isolate the function of the gastrocnemius) on the isokinetic performance of the plantarflexors and ankle joint range of motion (ROM).

Methods:

A high-heel (HH) group included 12 women (25.4 ± 4.8 y) who have been wearing HHS for ≥40 hours/wk and for at least a year. A control group (CTRL) had 12 women (21.3 ± 0.5 y) who have occasionally been wearing HHS for <10 hours/wk. Participants performed isokinetic (60 degrees/s) plantarflexion movements through a range set between 15 degrees dorsiflexion and 30 degrees plantarflexion. Ankle joint ROM and average peak plantarflexion torque and power were recorded in 2 knee joint positions, extension and 90 degrees flexion.

Results:

Overall, torque was significantly affected by knee position ( P = .04) and habitual use of HHS ( P < .001), whereas power was impacted by knee position only ( P < .001). Within each group, flexing the knee reduced isokinetic measurements. However, the reduction was greater for the HH group (torque: 54 Nm, power: 35.6 W) compared with the CTRL group (torque: 42 Nm, power: 32.5 W). Ankle joint ROM was significantly different between groups in knee flexion only.

Conclusion:

Flexing the knee limited the plantarflexor muscular performance and the limitation was more significant in habitual users of HHS compared to nonusers. Thus, it is concluded that habitual use of HHS impacts the contractile properties of soleus more than gastrocnemius.

Clinical Relevance:

The soleus is important for walking and anterior cruciate ligament protection. Thus, HHS users could be susceptible to injury and may need longer and more intensive posttraumatic rehabilitation. Therefore, clinicians should consider knee position when examining the plantarflexors of habitual HHS users.
Cost and Satisfaction Trends in Swedish Elderly Home Care
Authors: Kazemi Ali , Kajonius Petri J.
Published: May 2016

There is a widespread belief among the public and policy makers that quality of care in terms of user satisfaction can be improved with increased spending. However, recent research indicates that structural resources (e.g., budget per elderly) in elderly home care do not predict quality of care in terms of older persons’ satisfaction with care. In the present study, we analyzed the longitudinal trends in costs and perceived quality of care across 3 years using nationwide data in Swedish elderly home care. The results showed that although costs have been steadily increasing, perceived quality of interpersonal treatment in care has remained at the same level. An important implication is that future research and policy efforts to improve quality should more directly target the mechanisms generating satisfaction.
The futile mission of voluntary registers
Authors: Casey Amanda
Published: May 2016

Clinical physiologists have a vital role to perform in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. They perform sensitive and invasive procedures such as assessments and adjustments of pacemakers, internal ultrasounds and endoscopies, and lung function tests. Despite the risky nature of their work, clinical physiologists fall outside the scope of statutory regulation and are currently only subject to regulation by a voluntary register held by the Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists. While the Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists strives to maintain a register which sets a high practicing standard and which can hold practitioners to account, the nature of voluntary registration means the Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists lacks the statutory power to ensure practitioners comply with the correct processes and requirements and has no authority to discipline clinicians who practice negligently. This means that incompetent practitioners remain practically unaccountable for their actions, leaving patients without much needed protection, and putting their safety at serious risk. Over the past decade, statutory regulation has been recommended on a number of separate occasions by experts including the Health and Care Professions Council, and yet today, the workforce still exists outside the umbrella of professional oversight and scrutiny.
Differences in the nature of employment discrimination litigation between private sector organizations and public sector organizations
Authors: Terpstra David E , Honorée André L
Published: May 2016

This study reports on the results of a content analysis of federal court cases examining employment discrimination litigation in private, federal, and state/local sector organizations. One objective was to determine whether there are differences in the types of employment discrimination claims (e.g. race, sex, age, and disability) across the different sectors. A second objective was to determine whether there are differences in the outcomes (whether the case outcome or ruling was for the plaintiff or the defendant) of the different types of employment discrimination cases across the different sectors. The results of this study indicate that there are substantial differences in both the types of discrimination charges and the outcomes of those discrimination charges across the different sectors. The implications of the most significant findings are discussed, and recommendations are offered to organizations interested in reducing the occurrence of employment discrimination and the costs associated with employment discrimination litigation.
On the effectiveness of rotational friction hinge damper to control responses of multi-span simply supported bridge to non-uniform ground motions
Authors: Shrestha Bipin , Hao Hong , Ibrahim Nazman HJ , Bi Kaiming
Published: May 2016

Base isolation techniques have been extensively used to improve the seismic performance of the bridge structures. The decoupling of the bridge decks from the piers and abutments using rubber isolator could result in significant reduction in seismic forces transmitted to the bridge substructures. However, the isolation devices could also increase the deck displacement and thus enhance the possibility of pounding and unseating damage of bridge decks. Moreover, previous investigations have shown that pounding and unseating damages on isolated bridges exacerbate due to the spatial variation in earthquake ground motions. Recent earthquakes revealed that isolation bearing could also be damaged due to the excessive movements of decks during large earthquake events. This study proposes the use of rotational friction hinge dampers to mitigate the damages that could be induced by large displacement of bridge decks, particularly focusing on pounding and unseating damages and bearing damages. The device is capable of providing large hysteretic damping and the cost of installing the devices is relatively economical. This article presents numerical investigations on the effectiveness of these devices on a typical Nepalese simply supported bridge subjected to spatially varying ground motions. The results indicate that rotational friction hinge dampers are very effective in mitigating the relative displacement and pounding force, as well as controlling the bearing deformation and pier drift. It is also revealed that the effectiveness of the device is not significantly affected by small changes in the slip forces; thus, small variations in the optimum slip forces during the lifetime of the bridge do not warrant any adjustment or replacement of the device.
Multibranched Stent-Grafts for the Treatment of Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Hu Zhongzhou , Li Yue , Peng Ran , Liu Jie , Jia Xin , Liu Xiaoping , Xiong Jiang , Ma Xiaohui , Zhang Hongpeng , Guo Wei
Published: May 2016

Purpose: To evaluate the available literature on endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal (TAAA) and pararenal aortic aneurysms (PRAA) using multibranched stent-grafts. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched between January 2001 and June 2015 to identify articles related to the use of multibranched stent-grafts for the treatment of TAAA and PRAA. Articles with <4 cases and those on juxtarenal aortic aneurysms were excluded. Meta-analyses were conducted to evaluate 30-day mortality, all-cause mortality, spinal cord ischemia, renal insufficiency, endoleak, target vessel patency, and reintervention. Of 370 articles screened, only 4 articles encompassing 185 patients (mean age 71.1 years; 137 men) were aligned with the inclusion criteria. There were 23 PRAAs; the mean aneurysm diameter was 64.5 mm. The Crawford TAAA classification was 10 type I, 47 type II, 37 type III, 58 type IV, and 9 type V; there was 1 Stanford type B dissection in association with a large TAAA. Results of the meta-analyses are reported as proportions and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Pooled analysis indicated a technical success rate of 98.9%. As study heterogeneity was significant, random effects models were used for meta-analysis. The rate for 30-day mortality was 9% (95% CI 3% to 19%), for all-cause mortality 27% (95% CI 17% to 38%), endoleaks 10% (95% CI 1% to 25%), target vessel patency 98% (95% CI 95% to 99%), SCI 17% (95% CI 1% to 26%), irreversible SCI 6% (95% CI 3% to 10%), renal insufficiency 15% (95% CI 0.8% to 41%), and reinterventions 21% (95% CI 4% to 47%). Conclusion: Use of multibranched stent-grafts in the treatment of TAAAs and PRAAs appears to be feasible and safe based on satisfactory early outcomes in the limited literature available to date. Long-term surveillance and further studies are essential to determine the durability of this technique.
Impact of Oversizing on the Risk of Retrograde Dissection After TEVAR for Acute and Chronic Type B Dissection
Authors: Liu Lei , Zhang Simeng , Lu Qingsheng , Jing Zaiping , Zhang Suming , Xu Bing
Published: May 2016

Purpose: To find a suitable rate of thoracic stent-graft oversizing by exploring its association with the occurrence of retrograde type A dissection (RTAD) after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for type B aortic dissection. Methods: From January 2013 to June 2014, 203 patients (mean age 55 years; 167 men) with type B aortic dissection underwent TEVAR. The mean rate of oversizing at the proximal landing zone was 10% (range 0%–32%). Patients were stratified into 2 groups based on the degree of oversizing: ≤5% (n=105, mean 1.2%±1.5%) and >5% (n=98, mean 18.5%±2.8%). TEVAR-related complications, including RTAD, stent migration, and type I endoleaks, were analyzed. Results: There were no significant differences in the preoperative proximal landing zone diameters between the groups (31.1 mm for the ≤5% group vs 31.8 mm for the >5% group, p=0.229). The incidence of type I endoleaks over a mean follow-up 15.1±6.4 months was 5.4% [6 (5.7%) in the ≤5% group vs 5 (5.1%) in the >5% group, p=0.847]. The stent migration rate was low in both groups (1% vs 2%, respectively; p=0.521). The occurrence of RTAD [0 in the ≤5% group vs 11 (11.2%) in the >5% group] was significantly associated with the rate of oversizing (p<0.001). Conclusion: The early and midterm outcomes of this study demonstrate that ≤5% oversizing may be a suitable option for thoracic endografts used to treat type B dissection. The smaller rate of oversizing can lower the incidence of RTAD without increasing stent migration or type I endoleak rates.
Treating Trichotillomania
Authors: Lootens Christopher M. , Nelson-Gray Rosemery O.
Published: May 2016

Trichotillomania (TTM) involves the compulsive pulling of one’s bodily hair and is often associated with significant distress or impairment. The present case study concerns a college-aged woman, whose history of TTM extended over 5 years and had been unsuccessfully treated by psychotherapy and medication management. Although TTM can be a challenging disorder to treat, the literature indicates that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been successful in this regard. Therefore, we implemented CBT based on the manual developed by Keuthen, Stein, and Christenson; specific elements of therapy used included relaxation, self-monitoring, habit reversal training (HRT), reinforcement/punishment contingencies, thought monitoring, and cognitive restructuring. This approach was successful, as the client evidenced a 72% decrease in hair-pulling after using HRT alone, and complete elimination of hair-pulling after introducing the cognitive-restructuring element. Impressively, the gains lasted not only in the short term, but also had been reportedly maintained at a 5-year follow-up.
Glucose Control in the ICU
Authors: Preiser Jean-Charles , Chase J. Geoffrey , Hovorka Roman , Joseph Jeffrey I. , Krinsley James S. , De Block Christophe , Desaive Thomas , Foubert Luc , Kalfon Pierre , Pielmeier Ulrike , Van Herpe Tom , Wernerman Jan
Published: May 2016

In the present era of near-continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and automated therapeutic closed-loop systems, measures of accuracy and of quality of glucose control need to be standardized for licensing authorities and to enable comparisons across studies and devices. Adequately powered, good quality, randomized, controlled studies are needed to assess the impact of different CGM devices on the quality of glucose control, workload, and costs. The additional effects of continuing glucose control on the general floor after the ICU stay also need to be investigated. Current algorithms need to be adapted and validated for CGM, including effects on glucose variability and workload. Improved collaboration within the industry needs to be encouraged because no single company produces all the necessary components for an automated closed-loop system. Combining glucose measurement with measurement of other variables in 1 sensor may help make this approach more financially viable.
A four-drug combination therapy consisting of low-dose tacrolimus, low-dose mycophenolate mofetil, corticosteroids, and mizoribine in living donor renal transplantation: A randomized study
Authors: Yan Tian-zhong , Wu Xiao-qiang , Rong Lu
Published: May 2016

Objective:

We compared a three-drug combination therapy (control group) consisting of tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and corticosteroids in living donor renal transplantation with a four-drug combination therapy (study group), in which the doses of tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil were halved and the immunosuppressive drug mizoribine was added, in order to determine whether the incidence rates of acute rejection after transplantation between the study group and the control group are similar, whether the study group regimen prevents the occurrence of calcineurin inhibitor–induced renal damage, and whether the study group regimen prevents adverse effects such as diarrhea caused by mycophenolate mofetil.

Methods:

We investigated the incidence of acute rejection, serum creatinine levels, and estimated glomerular filtration rate and the incidence of adverse effects such as diarrhea.

Results:

There was no significant difference between the two groups in the incidence of acute rejection. Renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate and serum creatinine) was maintained in the control group whereas in the study group renal function gradually improved, with a statistical difference observed at 12 months. The incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea was significantly higher in the control group than in the study group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of cytomegalovirus infection and other adverse effects.

Conclusion:

These results suggest the study group therapy is an effective regimen in preventing acute rejection and the deterioration of renal function. These results also show this therapy can reduce the incidence of adverse effects such as gastrointestinal symptoms.
Associations between maternal anthropometric characteristics and infant birth weight in Iranian population
Authors: Nourbakhsh Sormeh , Ashrafzadeh Sepideh , Hafizi Ali , Naseh Ali
Published: May 2016

Objective:

To examine the (1) normal ranges of anthropometric and insulin resistance/sensitivity indices (homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, homeostatic model assessment for insulin sensitivity, and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index) for Iranian pregnant women and their newborns and (2) associations between maternal anthropometric and metabolic values and infants’ birth weights among Iranian women.

Methods:

Anthropometric and metabolic values of 163 singleton non-diabetic pregnant women in Tehran, Iran (2014) were collected before and during pregnancy and at delivery. Linear regression, multivariable regression, and Student t tests were used to evaluate correlations between birth weight and maternal variables.

Results:

Linear regression modeling suggested that maternal serum glucose ( p = 0.2777) and age ( p = 0.6752) were not associated with birth weight. Meanwhile, maternal weight and body mass index before pregnancy ( p = 0.0006 and 0.0204, respectively), weight at delivery ( p = 0.0036), maternal height ( p = 0.0118), and gestational age ( p  = 0.0016) were positively associated with birth weight, while serum insulin ( p = 0.0300) and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance ( p = 0.0334) were negatively associated with infant’s birth weight. Using multivariate modeling, we identified severalconfounders: parity (multipara mothers delivered heavier babies compared to first-time mothers) explained as much as 24% of variation in birth weight ( p = 0.005), maternal height explained 20.7% ( p = 0.014), gestational age accounted for 19.7% ( p = 0.027), and maternal body mass index explained 19.1% ( p = 0.023) of the variation in the infant’s birth weight. Maternal serum insulin and infant’s sex were not observed to be associated with birth weight ( p = 0.342 and 0.669, respectively) in the overall model.

Conclusion:

Overweight/obese women may experience higher incidence of delivering larger babies. Multivariable regression analyses showed that maternal body mass index and height, parity, and gestational age are associated with newborn’s birth weight.
Incidental finding of a huge ovarian serous cystadenoma in an adolescent female with menorrhagia
Authors: Abu Sulb Ahmad , Abu El Haija Marwa , Muthukumar Akila
Published: May 2016

Pelvic tumors in adolescent females are very uncommon. While the most common presentation is pelvic discomfort, we report the case of a 14-year-old female presenting with menorrhagia which is an unusual initial complaint for a large pelvic tumor. Adolescent females who present with heavy menstrual bleeding initially undergo assessment to rule out a bleeding disorder. In this case, careful history and physical examination helped in making a quick diagnosis and management. Ultrasound of abdomen showed a huge cystic mass due to serous cystadenoma of the ovary.
Estimating anti-immigrant sentiment for the American states using multi-level modeling and post-stratification, 2004–2008
Authors: Butz Adam M. , Kehrberg Jason E.
Published: May 2016

An estimate is provided of an innovative state-level measure of anti-immigrant sentiment for use in future policy and behavioral studies. State governments became increasingly active in adopting immigrant policies in the 2000s. Previous research highlights the role of public opinion, especially attitudes toward immigrants, in explaining policy priorities and outcomes. Unfortunately, most extant studies utilize political ideology or immigrant populations as rough proxies for public opinion. In this article, we estimate a reliable and valid measure of anti-immigrant sentiment at the state-level using survey aggregation with multilevel regression and post-stratification (MRP) for the period 2004 to 2008. We compare our estimates of anti-immigrant sentiment to alternative measures of immigrant presence and political ideology in predicting multiple variations of state immigrant policies. Ultimately, we find theoretical and statistical advantages of using anti-immigrant sentiment over previous measures in predicting immigrant policies.
The Interactive Effects of National Origin and Immigration Status on Latino Drug Traffickers in U.S. Federal Courts
Authors: Logue Melissa A.
Published: May 2016

The present study was an intragroup examination of noncitizen Latino drug traffickers convicted in the federal courts from 2006 to 2014. Drawing upon focal concerns theory and Sayad’s state-centered perspective on the role of governments in framing the crime–immigration debate, this study assessed whether offenders’ national origin conditions the effects of immigration status on the odds of receiving a downward departure (lenient sentencing) and the magnitude of the sentence discount imposed. Particular attention was paid to whether any effects worked to the detriment of Mexicans relative to non-Mexicans. The findings revealed that the effect of immigration status was contingent on offenders’ national origin for the departure decision, but not the sentence discount. While being undocumented served to decrease the odds of a downward departure regardless of national origin, the effects were greater for Mexicans than for non-Mexicans. These findings indicate that contrary to the goals of the U.S. sentencing guidelines to reduce unwarranted disparities surrounding national origin, the current federal sentencing structure allows them to thrive.
Race and Consumption
Authors: Charron-Chénier Raphaël , Fink Joshua J. , Keister Lisa A.
Published: May 2016

Differences in consumption patterns are usually treated as a matter of preferences. In this article, the authors examine consumption from a structural perspective and argue that black households face unique constraints restricting their ability to acquire important goods and services. Using data from the Consumer Expenditure Surveys, the authors examine racial differences in total spending and in spending on major categories of goods and services (food, transportation, utilities, housing, health care, and entertainment). The authors also capture heterogeneous effects of racial stratification across class by modeling racial consumption gaps across household income levels. The results show that black households tend to have lower levels of total spending than their white counterparts and that these disparities tend to persist across income levels. Overall, these analyses indicate that racial disparities in consumption exist independently of other economic disparities and may be a key unexamined factor in the reproduction of racial inequality.
Leading Through Courageous Following
Authors: Peterson Tim O. , Peterson Claudette M. , Olek Caitlin R. , Peterson Emily N. , Crusz Steve C. , Bollinger Elsa G. , Koch Taylor C.
Published: May 2016

Engaging a student’s mind is critical to the learning process. In this article, you will learn about an assignment that engages the whole mind of a student. You will also learn about the underlying learning theories that make this an effective technique. This art project could be used in many different management courses. Ideas for how to use art in other types of management courses are provided as a supplementary document to this article. Instructors who want an engaging assignment that integrates competencies such as written and oral communication, creativity, and problem solving would find this article useful. You will hear from a group of students and see their artistic depictions of followership and personal leadership. The students involved in this specific project were freshmen, but the authors have used similar art projects with juniors, seniors, and graduate students with positive impact on their leadership development.
A theoretical analysis of the calendering of Ellis fluid
Authors: Javed Muhammad Asif , Ali Nasir , Sajid Muhammad
Published: May 2016

We present a theoretical analysis of calendering of Ellis fluid based on lubrication approximation. The equations governing the flow are nondimensionalized and solved to get closed form expressions of velocity and pressure gradient. Runge–Kutta algorithm is employed to compute the pressure distribution. The operating variables which are used in the calendering process, i.e. roll-separating force, power input to the rolls and exiting sheet thickness are calculated. The influence of the material parameters on the velocity profile, pressure gradient, pressure distribution and operating variables is shown graphically and discussed in detail.
The cystic fibrosis lower airways microbial metagenome
Authors: Moran Losada Patricia , Chouvarine Philippe , Dorda Marie , Hedtfeld Silke , Mielke Samira , Schulz Angela , Wiehlmann Lutz , Tümmler Burkhard
Published: May 2016

Chronic airway infections determine most morbidity in people with cystic fibrosis (CF). Herein, we present unbiased quantitative data about the frequency and abundance of DNA viruses, archaea, bacteria, moulds and fungi in CF lower airways.

Induced sputa were collected on several occasions from children, adolescents and adults with CF. Deep sputum metagenome sequencing identified, on average, approximately 10 DNA viruses or fungi and several hundred bacterial taxa.

The metagenome of a CF patient was typically found to be made up of an individual signature of multiple, lowly abundant species superimposed by few disease-associated pathogens, such asPseudomonas aeruginosaandStaphylococcus aureus, as major components. The host-associated signatures ranged from inconspicuous polymicrobial communities in healthy subjects to low-complexity microbiomes dominated by the typical CF pathogens in patients with advanced lung disease. The DNA virus community in CF lungs mainly consisted of phages and occasionally of human pathogens, such as adeno- and herpesviruses. TheS. aureusandP. aeruginosapopulations were composed of one major and numerous minor clone types.

The rare clones constitute a low copy genetic resource that could rapidly expand as a response to habitat alterations, such as antimicrobial chemotherapy or invasion of novel microbes.
The Feasibility and Utility of Continuous Sleep Monitoring in Critically Ill Patients Using a Portable Electroencephalography Monitor
Authors: Vacas Susana , McInrue Erin , Gropper Michael A. , Maze Mervyn , Zak Rochelle , Lim Eunjung , Leung Jacqueline M.
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND:

Sleep disruption in critically ill adults can result in acute decrements in cognitive function, including delirium, but it is underdiagnosed in the setting of the intensive care unit (ICU). Although sleep stages can be assessed by polysomnography (PSG), acquisition and interpretation of PSG is costly, is labor intensive, is difficult to do over an extended period of time with critically ill patients (multiple days of continuous recording), and may interfere with patient care. In this pilot study, we investigated the feasibility and utility of monitoring sleep in the ICU setting using a portable electroencephalography (EEG) monitor, the SedLine® brain monitor.

METHODS:

We first performed a baseline comparison study of the SedLine brain monitor by comparing its recordings to PSG recorded in a sleep laboratory (n = 3). In a separate patient cohort, we enrolled patients in the ICU who were monitored continuously with the SedLine monitor for sleep disruption (n = 23). In all enrolled patients, we continuously monitored their EEG. The raw EEG was retrieved and sleep stages and arousals were analyzed by a board-certified technologist. Delirium was measured by a trained research nurse using the Confusion Assessment Method developed for the ICU.

RESULTS:

For all enrolled patients, we continuously monitored their EEGs and were able to retrieve the raw EEGs for analysis of sleep stages. Overall, the SedLine brain monitor was able to differentiate sleep stages, as well as capture arousals and transitions between sleep stages compared with the PSG performed in the sleep laboratory. The percentage agreement was 67% for the wake stage, 77% for the non-rapid eye movement (REM) stage (N1 = 29%, N2 = 88%, and N3 = 6%), and 89% for the REM stage. The overall agreement was measured with the use of weighted kappa, which was 0.61, 95% confidence interval, 0.58 to 0.64. In the ICU study, the mean recording time for the 23 enrolled patients was 19.10 hours. There were several signs indicative of poor-quality sleep, where sleep was distributed throughout the day, with reduced time spent in REM (1.38% ± 2.74% of total sleep time), and stage N3 (2.17% ± 5.53% of total sleep time) coupled with a high arousal index (34.63 ± 19.04 arousals per hour). The occurrence of ICU delirium was not significantly different between patients with and without sleep disruption.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results suggest the utility of a portable EEG monitor to measure different sleep stages, transitions, and arousals; however, the accuracy in measuring different sleep stages by the SedLine monitor varies compared with PSG. Our results also support previous findings that sleep is fragmented in critically ill patients. Further research is necessary to develop portable EEG monitors that have higher agreement with PSG.
A Primer on Population Health Management and Its Perioperative Application
Authors: Boudreaux Arthur M. , Vetter Thomas R.
Published: May 2016

The movement toward value-based payment models, driven by governmental policies, federal statutes, and market forces, is propelling the importance of effectively managing the health of populations to the forefront in the United States and other developed countries. However, for many anesthesiologists, population health management is a new or even foreign concept. A primer on population health management and its potential perioperative application is thus presented here. Although it certainly continues to evolve, population health management can be broadly defined as the specific policies, programs, and interventions directed at optimizing population health. The Population Health Alliance has created a particularly cogent conceptual framework and interconnected and very useful population health process model, which together identify the key components of population health and its management. Population health management provides a useful rationale for patients, providers, payers, and policymakers to move collectively away from the traditional system of individual, siloed providers to a more integrated, coordinated, team-based approach, thus creating a holistic view of the patient population. The goal of population health management is to keep the targeted patient population as healthy as possible, thus minimizing the need for costly interventions such as emergency department visits, acute hospitalizations, laboratory testing and imaging, and diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Population health management strategies are increasingly more important to leaders of health care systems as the health of populations for which they care, especially in a strong cost risk-sharing environment, must be optimized. Most population health management efforts rely on a patient-centric team approach, coordination of care, effective communication, robust outcomes data analysis, and continuous quality improvement. Anesthesiologists have an opportunity to help lead these efforts in concert with their surgical and nursing colleagues. The Triple Aim of Healthcare includes (1) improving the patient experience of care (including quality and satisfaction); (2) improving the health of populations; and (3) reducing per-capita costs of care. The Perioperative Surgical Home essentially seeks to transform perioperative care by achieving the Triple Aim, including improving the health of the surgical population. Many health care delivery systems and many clinicians (including anesthesiologists) are just beginning their population health management journeys. However, by doing so, they are preparing to navigate a much greater risk-sharing landscape, where these efforts can create greater financial stability by preventing major financial loss. Anesthesiologists can and should be leaders in this effort to add value by improving the comprehensive continuum of care of our patients.
Paul Samuelson's Historiography: More Wag Than Whig
Authors: Weintraub E. Roy
Published: May 2016

In this review essay of Steven G. Medema and Anthony M. C. Waterman's collection of some of Paul Samuelson's writings in the history of economics, the author argues that Samuelson's claim to have written “Whig history” is spurious. Moreover, the author argues that Samuelson's own writings on modern economics are, whether explicit or not, profoundly autobiographical. Samuelson, in constructing a literature ostensibly about contemporary economics, was simultaneously constructing a literature in which he and contemporary economics could be jointly considered and appraised.