bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Motivational Sequence Model of High School Ensemble Students’ Intentions to Continue Participating in Music
Authors: Yoo Hyesoo
Published: September 2020

Grounded in a hierarchical model of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation (HMIEM), the primary aim of this study was to test a full motivational sequence at the contextual level in a high school ensemble setting (Social-Contextual Factors → Psychological Needs → Motivation → Consequences). I specifically examined the relationships between multifaceted variables within this sequence, including teacher-created social contexts, psychosocial needs, types of motivation, and consequences. A secondary purpose of this study was to determine whether gender would impact the results of the sequence of motivational processes. Structural equation modeling analysis with a sample of 425 high school ensemble students revealed that social-contextual factors provided by the teachers were related to satisfaction of fundamental autonomy, competence, and relatedness needs, which in turn influenced intrinsic motivation, positive motivational outcomes, and persistence in musical activities. The multistep invariance analysis also revealed the model to be invariant for males and females. The results of the study supported the HMIEM and validated the application of the motivational sequence in the context of music education.
External (Versus Internal) Facial Features Contribute Most to Repetition Priming in Facial Recognition: ERP Evidence
Authors: Nie Aiqing , Yu Yao
Published: September 2020

Previous event-related potential (ERP) research demonstrated four successive ERP components in the repetition priming of human face recognition: P100, N170, N250r, and N400. While these components correspond, respectively, to the four stages proposed by the interactive activation and competition (IAC) model, there has been no emphasis in past research on how internal and external facial features affect repetition priming and the sensitivity of these ERP components to item interval. This study was designed to address these issues. We used faces of celebrities as targets, including completely familiar faces, familiar internal feature faces, and familiar external feature faces. We displayed a target face either immediately following its prime (immediate repetition) or after a delay with interference from a presentation of two other faces (delayed repetition). ERP differences at P100 and N170 were nearly statistically non-significant; familiar faces and familiar external feature faces were associated with reliable ERP signals of N250r and N400 in the immediate repetition condition. For delayed repetition, however, N250r and N400 signals were only preserved for the familiar external feature faces. The differences of these ERP components suggest that, compared with internal facial features, external features of a previously presented face contribute more to brain-based facial repetition priming, particularly during the last two stages of the IAC model.
A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Barriers to and Facilitators of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among Adolescents in Montana
Authors: Newcomer Sophia R. , Caringi James , Jones Beth , Coyle Emily , Schehl Timothy , Daley Matthew F.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates among adolescents are lower in rural areas than in urban areas of the United States. The objective of this study was to identify barriers to and facilitators of adolescent HPV vaccination in Montana, a large, primarily rural state.

Methods

Using a mixed-methods design, we integrated quantitative analyses of Montana’s National Immunization Survey–Teen (NIS-Teen) data from 2013-2017 with qualitative data collected at a statewide meeting in October 2018 and from stakeholder interviews conducted from October 2018 through June 2019. Using NIS-Teen data, we identified trends and estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) to identify factors associated with vaccine uptake. Using directed content analysis of qualitative data, we identified themes related to vaccine uptake.

Results

In Montana, initiation of the HPV vaccine series among adolescents aged 13-17 increased from 34.4% in 2013 to 65.5% in 2017. We identified 6 themes related to HPV vaccination from qualitative analyses, including medical providers’ recommendation style as a facilitator of vaccination and parental vaccine hesitancy as a barrier to vaccination. In NIS-Teen 2017 data (n = 326 adolescents), receiving a medical provider recommendation was significantly associated with series initiation (aPR = 2.3; 95% CI, 1.5-3.6). Among parents who did not intend to initiate the vaccine series for their adolescent within 12 months (n = 71), vaccine safety was the top concern (aPR = 24.5%; 95% CI, 12.1%-36.9%).

Conclusions

HPV vaccination rates have increased in Montana but remain lower than rates for other adolescent vaccines. Future work should focus on reducing missed opportunities, increasing parents’ knowledge of and confidence in vaccination, and training medical providers on addressing common vaccine concerns.
From Bright Plots to Blind Spots: Mapping Departures in Case Review Post-Bail Reform in Two New Jersey Courts
Authors: Rengifo Andres F. , Flores Sofía G. , Jackson Ashley N.
Published: September 2020

This study documents the extent to which prosecutors and judges in New Jersey deviate from new case review protocols post-bail reform. We draw on a random sample of hearings observed in two courts ( N = 372) to (a) map prosecutorial requests to depart from risk-based recommendations for pretrial monitoring and (b) explore patterns in judicial review signaling more limited case processing. Findings show that in 16% of cases, prosecutors deviated from guidelines and most of these motions were adopted by judges to increase supervision. Deviations from process by judges were more frequent, with 39% of cases observed linked to one or more markers of reduced review. Multivariate results suggest that case-level factors influenced the patterning of these departures in different ways, with older defendants and most Latinx defendants receiving a more limited assessment of their cases. We discuss findings in connection to literature on corrections reform and smart decarceration initiatives.
Robust H∞ control for nonlinear course system of unmanned surface vessel with polytopic uncertainty based on sum of squares
Authors: Huang Yanwei , Liu Zhenyi , Huang Wenchao , Chen Shaobin
Published: September 2020

In this paper, the nonlinear robust [Formula: see text] control is investigated for nonlinear course control systems of unmanned surface vessel (USV) with uncertain parameters and external disturbance. Firstly, we suppose that the part or all of the system parameters are unknown but within some ranges, due to the effect of different conditions such as the loading of ship. Then, the course system is modeled as a polynomial one with time invariant polytopic uncertainty. With the aid of parameter dependent Lyapunov function method and positive polynomial theory, the sufficient conditions are given for stability and stabilization with [Formula: see text] performance. These conditions are formulated in terms of parameter-dependent nonlinear matrix inequalities which can be verified by semidefinite programming relaxations based on the sum of squares technique. Finally, simulation results show the effectiveness of the approach.
Nasal Inflammation and Ulceration Secondary to Repeated Use of an Intranasal Delivery Device in Rabbits
Authors: Ramot Yuval , Stone Dalia Shabashov , Goldschmidt Ruth , Nyska Abraham
Published: September 2020

Intranasal administration of drugs is gaining popularity in medicine, and several animal models have been used to test the safety and efficacy of this delivery route. Nevertheless, the nasal anatomy of animals is different from humans, which can lead to pathological changes that stem from the delivery device and not the drug itself. Here, we report on nasal inflammation and ulceration in rabbits, secondary to the repeated trauma caused by the intranasal device. Similar changes were noted in the animals treated with the vehicle and with the tested drug, and therefore, these changes were not attributed to the drug itself. In some animals, superficial ulcer and stromal inflammation were noted in the eyes, secondary to nasal duct obstruction from the nasal inflammation. These observations emphasize the importance of proper interpretation of histopathological changes, attributed to trauma-induced pathological changes related to the handling of the animal and not to the tested product, which is the drug itself and the device that is optimized for clinical (human) use.
Pathogenesis and Persistence of Increased Epithelial Mucosubstances in the Nasal Airways of Rats and Mice Episodically Exposed to Ethylene
Authors: Harkema Jack R. , Eldridge Elyse A. , Freeland Amy , Jackson-Humbles Daven , Lewandowski Ryan A. , Wagner James G. , Krieger Shannon M. , Hotchkiss Jon A.
Published: September 2020

Rats repeatedly exposed to high airborne concentrations of ethylene develop eosinophilic rhinitis and mucous cell hyperplasia/hypertrophy (MCH) in nasal respiratory epithelium. Mechanisms underlying these lesions are not well understood to inform occupational exposure guidelines. In this study, we determined (1) the nasal histopathology in rats episodically exposed to ethylene, (2) the ethylene-induced nasal histopathology in similarly exposed mice, and (3) how innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) play a role in ethylene-induced MCH. Animals were exposed to 0 or 10,000 ppm ethylene, 6 h/d, 5 d/wk, for 2 weeks and sacrificed 1 day or 2 weeks postexposure. Others received three 2-week exposure blocks separated by 2-week intervals of no exposure. Episodic exposure was chosen to aid in distinguishing irritant from immune responses. Mucous cell hyperplasia/hypertrophy was induced by ethylene in both species. Rats developed a mild, but transient, eosinophilic rhinitis. Mucous cell hyperplasia/hypertrophy was transient in mice, but persistent in rats. Increases in epithelial mucosubstances after 2 weeks of exposure were only present in ILC-sufficient mice, but not in ILC-deficient mice suggesting that ILCs play a role in MCH and overexpression of genes associated with mucus production/secretion. These findings in animals suggest that inhaled ethylene does not act as a sensitizing agent and will not induce allergen-like nasal airway disease.
At the Intersection of Mainstream & Alternative Media: Spygate & the Hannity Rant
Authors: Atkinson Joshua D. , Ingman Krystal , Pierandozzi John Paul-Jones , Stump Patrick
Published: September 2020

The following paper explores the establishment of credibility by two forms of alternative media: (1) a traditional alternative media site, and (2) an alternative media program embedded within a mainstream channel. We engaged in a qualitative content analysis of the program Declassified produced by Epoch Times and circulated via YouTube, and the program Hannity broadcast by Fox News. In particular, we focused on the claims made by the hosts, and the sources that they provided in their reports. We found that the host of the former worked to overcome an alternative journalism credibility gap by engaging in mainstream news mimicry, while the host of the latter largely relied on the credibility that came from being embedded in a mainstream channel. Overall, these findings hold important implications for the construction of credibility through alternative media channels that are increasingly influencing mainstream political discourse.
Neoliberal-Spotting: Reading the Socioeconomic Symptoms of Trainspotting (1996) and T2: Trainspotting (2017)
Authors: Goss Brian Michael
Published: September 2020

The signature Scottish film Trainspotting (1996) and its continuation T2: Trainspotting (2017) vibrate with symptoms of the United Kingdom’s post-1970s neoliberal economic program. Trainspotting channels neoliberal Thatcherite subjectivity in the relative eclipse of class consciousness and the ensemble of characters’ concerns with (licit and illicit) consumption—albeit, with contradictory elements that implicate the film’s highly stylized evocation of poverty and marginality. Twenty years later, in T2: Trainspotting, Edinburgh is constructed as transformed by neoliberalism’s convulsions that also drive intensified globalization, manifested by the Bulgarian immigrant (quasi- femme fatale Veronika) and the film’s tourism motif. T2 presents the ravages of the neoliberal regime on the ensemble of now middle-aged men (but not “phallically sufficient”) men while also cross-examining the dead-end of Brexit populism. In its closing, T2 retreats from critique into traditionalism in answer to what troubles the U.K., 40 years after the launch of neoliberalism.
Telemedicine Practice Guidelines and Telepsychiatry Operational Guidelines, India—A Commentary
Authors: Dinakaran Damodharan , Basavarajappa Chethan , Manjunatha Narayana , Kumar Channaveerachari Naveen , Math Suresh Bada
Published: September 2020

Recent advancements in technology, access to smartphone, and gains achieved in increased internet speed and data transfer have expanded the scope of health care service delivery through the digital platforms. In India, telemedicine services remain poorly adopted and integrated due to various barriers. The important reasons are lack of legal and administrative clarity in using technology for service delivery and inertia from health service providers to adopt newer developments. However, during coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, these equations are changing. The Telemedicine practice guidelines released in March, 2020, and Telepsychiatry operational guidelines released in May, 2020, appear to remove these barriers and promote equitable access to health care. In this article, the authors discuss the scope of these guidelines.
Marketing System Failure: Revisioning Layton’s Marketing System Model
Authors: Williams Janine , Davey Janet , Johnstone Micael-Lee
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this conceptual paper is to examine the mechanisms of long term marketing system failure from a path dependent, marketing systems perspective in order to identify ways of avoiding such situations in future. Using the model of Layton and Duffy (2018) we critically analyze the current plastic packaging crisis and its evolution over time. Through examining the mechanisms of failure from a systems perspective, we extend the path dependent, marketing system evolution model and advance understanding of marketing system failures. As a result of this analysis, the paper provides five propositions regarding where failure occurs within the system and identifies critical junctures where intervention (self-organized stakeholder initiatives and/or public policy intervention) can facilitate desirable outcomes in the future.
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation signature as a predictor of stomach adenocarcinoma outcomes and its association with immune checkpoint molecules
Authors: Mo Pingfan , Xie Siyuan , Cai Wen , Ruan Jingjing , Du Qin , Ye Jun , Mao Jianshan
Published: September 2020

Objective

Although N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation is the most common mRNA modification process, few studies have examined the role of m6A in stomach adenocarcinomas (STADs).

Methods

In this retrospective study, we analyzed 293 STAD samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas with complete clinicopathological feature profiles. The m6A methylation risk signature was derived from LASSO–Cox regression analyses with 15 m6A regulators. Statistical analysis was performed and figures were prepared using R software ( https://www.R-project.org/ ).

Results

The m6A signature was established as follows: risk score = FTO × 0.127 + YTHDF1 × 0.004 + KIAA1429 × 0.044 + YTHDC2 × 0.112 − RBM15 × 0.135 − ALKBH5 × 0.019 − YTHDF2 × 0.028, which was confirmed as an independent prognostic indicator to predict overall survival of patients with STAD. Risk scores and tumor grades were closely associated. Cell cycle, p53 signaling pathways, DNA mismatch repair, and RNA degradation were enriched in the low-risk subgroup. This subgroup showed significantly higher expression of immune checkpoint molecules including PD-1 (programmed death 1), PD-L1 (programmed death-ligand 1), and CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated antigen 4), suggesting that the signature may be a useful immunotherapy predictor.

Conclusions

We established an m6A methylation signature as an independent prognostic tool to predict overall survival, which may also be useful as an immunotherapy predictor.
Spinal angiolipoma: a report of two cases and review of the literature
Authors: Wang RuiDeng , Tang Hai
Published: September 2020

Spinal angiolipomas (SALs) are extremely rare benign tumors composed of both mature fatty tissue and anomalous vascular channels. We present two cases of SALs and review the clinical presentation, radiological appearance, pathological aspects, and treatment of this distinct clinicopathological mass. The patients’ neurologic symptoms improved postoperatively and follow-up revealed no signs of tumor recurrence or neurological deficit. SAL should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with spinal cord compression. Magnetic resonance imaging is important for detecting and characterizing SALs. The gold standard treatment modality should be total resection.
Novel morphological classification of the normal pancreatic uncinate process based on computed tomography
Authors: Zhu Chunfu , Ma Le , Jia Zhongzhi , Shi Haifeng , Jin Jianliang , Lou Wenhui , Qin Xihu
Published: September 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to assess computed tomographic (CT) features of the normal pancreatic uncinate process (UP) and to classify UP types on the basis of morphological characteristics.

Methods

From November 2017 to December 2018, consecutive Han Chinese adults were enrolled in this retrospective study. Morphometric evaluation of the UP was performed using CT imaging, including assessment of the maximal transverse diameter of the UP (MTDUP) and pancreas head, and assessment of the relationship between the UP and superior mesenteric vessels.

Results

A total of 318 participants were studied. The mean MTDUP and maximal transverse diameter of the pancreas head were 15.89 ± 4.82 mm and 46.47 ± 7.18 mm, respectively. The mean MTDUP was 10.83 ± 2.59 mm for type I UP (21.70% of participants), 13.87 ± 2.35 mm for type II (13.21%), 17.08 ± 3.43 mm for type III (56.29%), and 23.74 ± 5.02 mm for type IV (8.81%). There was a significant difference among the UP types.

Conclusions

Four types of normal UP can be defined on the basis of morphological CT features. The length of the UP significantly increases from types I to IV, and type III accounts for > 50%.
Clinical waste management under COVID-19 scenario in Malaysia
Authors: Agamuthu P , Barasarathi Jayanthi
Published: September 2020

Malaysia recorded 8904 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases and 124 deaths as of 27 July 2020. Globally, everyday there are thousands of new cases of COVID-19 being recorded. Due to the high number of infections globally and nationwide the increase in the amount of clinical waste (CW) generation was expected. Malaysia has reported a 27% (by weight) increase in the generation of CW which was mostly attributed to COVID-19 related waste. This article presents the impacts of COVID-19 in waste generation, policy and regulation of CW management (CWM) in Malaysia and a case study on the CWM at a selected hospital used as a COVID-19 focal point. The current practice of CWM due to COVID-19 related cases follows the existing policy and legislation of CWM detailed in the Schedule Waste Regulation (2005), Environmental Quality Act, 1974, and with the standard operating procedure provided by the Ministry of Health, Malaysia. The case study conducted through survey and questionnaire interviews revealed that the CWM in government hospitals followed existing guidelines for CWM for COVID-19 waste, with some additional precautions and rules by the waste management contractors.
Preparing Mental Health Professionals to Work With Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Sutton Amber , Beech Haley , Ozturk Burcu , Nelson-Gardell Debra
Published: September 2020

Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects millions of individuals across all demographics and ethnicities. Research has revealed a direct link between experiencing IPV and having adverse physical, mental, and financial outcomes which can create difficulties for survivors. Survivors experiencing these adverse outcomes are likely to seek out support to address these issues, increasing the likelihood that they will encounter mental health professionals (MHPs). MHPs can play a significant role in assessing and addressing IPV since they are often critical access points for those experiencing violence and are likely to counsel victims. Accurate identification of current or past IPV victimization is crucial to avoiding the potential of misdiagnosis of survivors. In addition, by applying and emphasizing an understanding of the connection between individual and structural explorations of gender, race, class, and other socially constructed identities, mental health professionals can utilize the skills necessary to challenge inequalities, which in turn can encourage survivors to create strategies that make sense to themselves and their communities. This study explores what is known about how MHPs are prepared to work with IPV. Peer-reviewed journals that were published between 2005 and 2019 were reviewed systematically to develop a better understanding of the existing literature. We sought to answer the question, “What is known about how MHPs are prepared to work with IPV?” This review identified 20 articles regarding training experiences of MHPs and how these experiences shaped their responses to and practice with those experiencing IPV.
The Coronavirus Pandemic and Immigrant Communities: A Crisis That Demands More of the Social Work Profession
Authors: Cross Fernanda L. , Gonzalez Benson Odessa
Published: September 2020

As the coronavirus pandemic has taken over matters of life and death globally, immigrant communities were some of the most deeply impacted. In the United States (U.S.), Latinx immigrants and other minorities have experienced greater economic burden and worse health outcomes, resulting in alarming rates of death from COVID-19. Yet the government’s relief measures to support individuals did not extend to millions of immigrants. This left many immigrants with the cruel choice to either stay home to protect themselves and their loved ones from the virus or go to work to support their families. Disregard for a large segment of the population is further complemented by strict immigration policies, harsher border restrictions, and public health guidelines that failed to account for the realities faced by immigrants. In this brief, we highlight the unequal toll of the COVID-19 pandemic on immigrants and consider social work response. We argue that the pandemic demands more of the social work profession, as the coronavirus crisis exposed more clearly the systemic inequalities toward immigrants and aggravates their vulnerabilities. Insofar as systems are unequal and racist in the context of coronavirus, there is a great need for social work response that is innovative, brave, and deeply connected to communities.
Same-Day Correlates and Prior-Day Predictors of Couples’ Violent Behaviors Based upon Partners’ Daily Reports
Authors: Katerndahl David , Burge Sandra K. , Ferrer Robert L. , Becho Johanna , Wood Robert
Published: September 2020

Although previous research identified predictors of violent events within violent heterosexual couples, findings were limited to the woman’s reports, to her perceptions; his assessments were not obtained. This exploratory study was conducted to gain understanding of proximal predictors of violence assessed in “real-time” from the perspective of both partners. Fifteen adult heterosexual couples in which the woman reported experiencing partner violence in the prior 30 days were enrolled in a primary care clinic. Each partner provided separate daily telephone reports for eight weeks via an automated Interactive Voice Response (IVR), concerning the previous day’s violence, alcohol use, stressors, emotional reactions and concerns for children. Same-day correlates were determined by Pearson correlations while prior-day predictors were identified via vector autoregression. Same-day correlations show that men’s violence was associated with almost every other variable while women’s violence correlated with men’s violence, men’s drug use, women’s alcohol use, anger, closeness, hassles, and all men’s negative feelings. Using prior-day predictors, men’s violence was related to feelings (primarily hers), but women’s violence was more dependent upon feelings of both of them as well as women’s prior-day violence and alcohol use. Men’s violence was dependent upon their partners’ prior-day feelings and the men’s lack of concern about effects of violence on children. Women’s violence was also dependent upon women’s prior-day feelings, as well as women’s violence, alcohol use, marital closeness, and men’s concern for children. Although the co-occurrence of men’s and women’s violence has been seen before, in this study only women’s violence was linked to alcohol use.
Factors Promoting Posttraumatic Growth in Sexual Minority Adults Following Adolescent Bullying Experiences
Authors: Ratcliff Jennifer J. , Tombari Jamie M. , Miller Audrey K. , Brand Peter F. , Witnauer James E.
Published: September 2020

The minority stress model posits that stigmatized identities expose sexual minority individuals to chronic stressors that contribute to health disparities, but that individual-level resources may mitigate psychological distress. Sexual minority adolescents experience one such stressor, bullying victimization, at higher rates than heterosexual peers. Whereas negative consequences of sexual identity-based bullying are well documented, potential positive outcomes are not well understood. The present work examined hypothesized pathways to posttraumatic growth (PTG)—positive psychological changes stemming from trauma—in sexual minority adults following adolescent bullying experiences. We predicted that attributing bullying to one’s sexual identity, as opposed to other factors (e.g., weight/appearance, personality), would exacerbate perceived bullying severity but, in turn, enhance PTG. We also predicted that outness about sexual identity would enhance social support and, in turn, facilitate PTG. The hypothesized conceptual model was tested in two samples of sexual minority adults who had experienced bullying during adolescence (Sample 1: Community Sample [ N = 139]; Sample 2: National Online Sample [ N = 298]), using structural equation modeling with Bayesian estimation. Mediation hypotheses were tested using the PROCESS v3.4 macro. Participants reported their adolescent experiences with bullying, attributions for bullying, outness, social support, and PTG as a result of adolescent bullying experiences, in addition to demographics. Supporting the hypothesized model, in both samples, attributions to sexual identity-based bullying directly and indirectly (via bullying severity) predicted greater PTG, and outness predicted greater PTG through proximal impact on social support. This research underscores the importance of supportive responses to individuals who disclose sexual minority identities and of (re)framing attributions about bullying to facilitate growth.
Intimate Partner Violence and Employment-Seeking: A Multilevel Examination of Barriers and Facilitators
Authors: Tarshis Sarah
Published: September 2020

Intimate partner violence (IPV) impacts career development and negatively influences employment prospects, education attainment, and financial earnings; yet there is a gap in research exploring the experiences of employment-seeking from the perspectives of survivors. An intersectional and social ecological perspective provides an important framework and highlights the multiple intersecting barriers of IPV and employment ranging from mental health concerns such as trauma, anxiety and depression to lack of shelter and childcare, limited access to employment services, and other forms of discrimination. This article responds to this gap in research and provides findings from a constructivist grounded theory study of 16 employment-seeking survivors of IPV. To theorize and understand IPV and employment utilizing an intersectional and social ecological framework, the following research question were addressed: (a) What are the contextual barriers or facilitators that shape the employment-seeking process of survivors of IPV? (b) How do the experiences of discrimination shape the employment-seeking experience of survivors of IPV? (c) What employment services were helpful or unhelpful during the employment-seeking process? Two main themes emerged from analysis: (a) Multilevel barriers to employment and (b) Employment barriers/facilitators to employment-seeking. Findings indicate that survivors of IPV face multiple barriers to employment at the intrapersonal (e.g., depression, anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem), interpersonal (e.g., ties to an abusive partner, responsibilities related to childcare), community (lack of social support, few employment opportunities, poverty), and structural/institutionalized levels (e.g., racism, sexism, transphobia). Implications from these findings illustrate that employment-seeking is shaped by structural inequities, intersecting stigma, individual level barriers, and social identities, as well as experience of abuse, which is an important contribution to IPV research. This study provides insight into the complexities of employment-seeking and helps improve knowledge on the social ecological and intersecting barriers of employment from the perspectives of survivors.
Enhanced CO2 separation properties by incorporating acid-functionalized graphene oxide into polyimide membrane
Authors: Yuan Weiliang , Zhu Lingzhi , Luo Chao , Liu Hongguang , Chen Zan , He Yanzhen , Han Enshan
Published: September 2020

Graphene oxide (GO) was modified using isocyanate (MDI) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) for the fabrication of flat-sheet GO-MDI-EDTA composite. Subsequently, this composite was incorporated into the Matrimid® (PI) matrix to fabricate mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for CO2 separation. The influence of GO-MDI-EDTA composite on the CO2 separation properties of PI was evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy showed that GO-MDI-EDTA enhanced the interface compatibility with the polymer matrix. MMMs showed significantly enhanced CO2 permeability compared with pure Matrimid® membrane. The improvement of CO2 separation performance can be attributed to the uniform dispersion of GO-MDI-EDTA sheets in the PI matrix. The carboxylic group contained in GO-MDI-EDTA has a good affinity with CO2, and the increased carboxyl sites can effectively transport CO2. The GO-MDI-EDTA lamellar structure increased the gas transmission path, which is not conducive to the passage of large dynamic diameter gases (CH4, N2), thereby improving the separation performance. The MMMs doped with GO-MDI-EDTA-0.5% showed optimal gas separation performance. The CO2 permeability is 12.85 Barrer, the CO2/N2 selectivity is 47.59, and the CO2/CH4 selectivity is 53.54.
Multi-modal infusion pump real-time monitoring technique for improvement in safety of intravenous-administration patients
Authors: Hwang Young Jun , Kim Gun Ho , Sung Eui Suk , Nam Kyoung Won
Published: September 2020

Intravenous (IV) medication administration processes have been considered as high-risk steps, because accidents during IV administration can lead to serious adverse effects, which can deteriorate the therapeutic effect or threaten the patient’s life. In this study, we propose a multi-modal infusion pump (IP) monitoring technique, which can detect mismatches between the IP setting and actual infusion state and between the IP setting and doctor’s prescription in real time using a thin membrane potentiometer and convolutional-neural-network-based deep learning technique. During performance evaluation, the percentage errors between the reference infusion rate (IR) and average estimated IR were in the range of 0.50–2.55%, while those between the average actual IR and average estimated IR were in the range of 0.22–2.90%. In addition, the training, validation, and test accuracies of the implemented deep learning model after training were 98.3%, 97.7%, and 98.5%, respectively. The training and validation losses were 0.33 and 0.36, respectively. According to these experimental results, the proposed technique could provide improved protection functions to IV-administration patients.
Concern and control in human agency
Authors: Yanchar Stephen C.
Published: September 2020

Human agency is typically theorized as a unique form of control or countercontrol in a determinant world. Thus, the nature of world (as a closed, determinant space) is taken for granted, creating a notoriously difficult theoretical problem: formulating a persuasive account of how agency as countercontrol might coherently fit within the world conceived and prioritized in this way. Based on hermeneutic thought, I contend that a primary focus on agency as an immanently meaningful phenomenon obviates this problem and offers possibilities for more effective theorizing. From this hermeneutic perspective, agency is conceptualized as concernful involvement in practices; and a concomitant view of world is conceptualized as an immanently meaningful space of participation. I conclude by revisiting the notion of control and offering a brief account of how it fits within this hermeneutic account of agency.
Going Beyond Incrementalism: Climate Projects’ Beneficiaries’ Perspective on What Could Be Described as Transformational Adaptation
Authors: Surugu Justice Issah Musah , Chutab David Nawiene
Published: September 2020

The concept of transformational adaptation is increasingly becoming a buzzword in the field of political ecology or the emerging sub-field of climate change governance. However, what kind of adaptation to climate impact can best be described as transformational? This question is not fully answered, since the concept is still at an embryonic stage of life. In this article, the concept is diagnosed bottom-up—exclusively from the perspective of adaptation project beneficiaries. The question is asked: what kind of adaptation project intervention and outcome do you consider transformational? How is transformational adaptation different from incremental adaptation? Through an interpretive research paradigm, some selected adaptation projects from Ghana were used as a case study. According to the interviewees, climate change adaptation interventions that create a systematic shift in livelihood to a more sustainable option, create equitable power structures that influence adaptive decision-making, minimise vulnerability and create opportunity for scaling up could be described as transformational. Specifically, it was found that project beneficiaries consider transformational adaptation strategies that encourage and support a total shift in livelihood (e.g., from rice farming to snail rearing) as transformational. On the basis of the data, the study concludes, though with some cautious optimism, that transformational adaptation could spur innovations and diffusion of ideas and create a path for poverty reduction.
Sparking Creativity: Composition in Middle School General Music
Authors: Munroe Angela M.
Published: September 2020

Middle school students are old enough to be capable of abstract thought and critical thinking while still being playful and joyfully goofy! Through music composition in general music classes, middle school students can be challenged to make musical decisions. Composition can be especially exciting in middle school because they will be motivated to think critically through music that is relevant to their lives. Composition activities also afford teachers the flexibility to adapt to various learning levels and styles in our classroom. In this article, I will offer concrete ideas for composing in middle school general music, including thoughts on notation and assessment.
Supporting feature-oriented evolution in industrial automation product lines
Authors: Hinterreiter Daniel , Linsbauer Lukas , Feichtinger Kevin , Prähofer Herbert , Grünbacher Paul
Published: September 2020

In the domain of industrial automation companies nowadays need to serve a mass market while at the same time customers demand highly customized solutions. To tackle this problem, companies frequently define software product lines (SPLs), which allow to automatically derive and further customize individual solutions based on a common platform. SPLs rely on defining common and variable platform features together with mappings, which define how the features are realized in implementation artifacts. In concurrent engineering such a feature-oriented process is challenged by the evolution of features, the complexity of feature-to-artifact mappings, and the diversity of the implementation artifacts. To address these challenges this paper introduces an approach supporting feature-oriented development and evolution in industrial SPLs. We outline the key elements and operations of our approach, including an implementation in a development environment. We report results of evaluating our approach regarding functional correctness, usefulness, and scalability based on a case study of a Pick-and-Place Unit (PPU) and an industrial case system.
Comparing Diuresis Patterns in Hospitalized Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Versus Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Broscious Rachael , Kukin Alina , Noel Zachary R. , Devabhakthuni Sandeep , Seung Hyunuk , Ramani Gautam V. , Reed Brent N.
Published: September 2020

Background:

Congestion predominates in exacerbations of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) or preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), but evidence suggests that excess volume may be distributed differently in these 2 subgroups.

Methods and Results:

In this retrospective study, diuretic efficiency (DE, or net urine output per 40-mg of intravenous furosemide equivalent) during the first 72 hours was compared between patients hospitalized with HFrEF (n = 121) versus HFpEF (n = 120). Multivariate analysis was used to compare the 2 groups based on expected baseline differences (e.g., demographics, heart failure etiology, concomitant therapy). During the first 72 hours, mean daily diuretic doses were higher in patients with HFpEF versus HFrEF (172.0 vs. 159.9 mg, respectively, P = 0.026) but urine output was not significantly different (2603.3 mL vs. 2667.5 mL, respectively, adjusted P = 0.100). Similarly, mean cumulative DE did not differ (−673.5 vs. −637.8 mL/40-mg in the HFrEF and HFpEF groups, respectively, adjusted P = 0.884). An exploratory analysis of propensity-matched cohorts yielded similar findings. Correlations between the components of DE varied considerably and only became weak to moderately correlated toward the end of the observation period.

Conclusions:

Although cumulative DE did not differ between patients with HFrEF and HFpEF, variable correlations in the components of DE suggest there may be differences in diuretic response that warrant future analysis.
Factors affecting health-related quality of life among prostate cancer patients: A systematic review
Authors: Odeo Sharon , Degu Amsalu
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Prostate cancer is recognized as the leading cause of malignancy-related incidence and mortality in the male population. The treatment regimens have long-term effects detrimental to the patient's quality of life. Hence, this review was aimed to determine the overall HRQOL and its associated among prostate cancer patients.

Methods

The review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The databases searched were PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar and Cumulative Index to the Nursing and Allied Literature (CINAHL), which provided articles that were critically examined, yielding 52 studies that met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review.

Results

Out of 52 studies, 30 studies reported poor overall HRQOL in various domains after prostate cancer treatment. Contrastingly, 15 studies reported good overall quality of life after treatment. Among the various domains, sexual function was the most grossly affected functional score by the treatment modalities of prostate cancer. Nonetheless, seven studies showed that the absence of a significant change in the overall quality of life after treatment. According to the studies, older age, comorbidities, higher clinical stage, higher Gleason score, greater cancer severity, African American race, impaired mental health, neoadjuvant hormonal therapy and lower level of education were the major poor predictors of HRQOL among prostate cancer patients.

Conclusion

The overall HRQOL in prostate cancer patients was generally poor in various functional domains after treatment. Among the various domains, sexual function was the most grossly affected functional score by the treatment modalities of prostate cancer.
Clinical strategies for optimizing infusion center care through a pandemic
Authors: Hanna Kirollos S , Segal Eve M , Barlow Ashley , Barlow Brooke
Published: September 2020

The national pandemic resulting from the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has made the delivery of care for patients with cancer a challenge. There are competing risks of mortality from cancer versus serious complications and higher risk of death from COVID-19 in immunocompromised hosts. Furthermore, compounding these concerns is the inadequate supply of personal protective equipment, decreased hospital capacity, and paucity of effective treatments or vaccines to date for COVID-19. Guidance measures and recommendations have been published by national organizations aiming to facilitate the delivery of care in a safe and effective manner, many of which, are permanently adoptable interventions. Given the critical importance to continue chemotherapy, there remains additional interventions to further enhance patient safety while conserving healthcare resources such as adjustments in medication administration, reduction in laboratory or drug monitoring, and home delivery of specialty infusions. In this manuscript, we outline how to implement these actionable interventions of chemotherapy and supportive care delivery to further enhance the current precautionary measures while maintaining safe and effective patient care. Coupled with current published standards, these strategies can help alleviate the numerous challenges associated with this pandemic.
Employee Reactions to Preservice Tips and Compliments
Authors: Lavoie Raymond , Main Kelley , Hoegg JoAndrea , Guo Wenxia
Published: September 2020

Preservice tips are becoming increasingly common in the marketplace (e.g., online food delivery, quick-service restaurants). While prior research has investigated how the practice of preservice tipping is perceived by customers, how preservice tipping impacts the perceptions and behaviors of employees remains unexplored. Does tipping early actually elicit better service? Through a series of four studies, our research compares the effectiveness of tips—a financial incentive, with compliments—a nonfinancial incentive. The results indicate that early tips and compliments are both effective in obtaining better service, but the relative effectiveness of a tip versus a compliment depends on the service context. In closed service contexts—which involve a continuous, relatively short interaction—tips are superior. For example, when getting a drink at a bar, buying a sandwich at a quick-service restaurant, or dropping off a car for valet parking, tipping early should lead to better customer service. In contrast, in open service contexts—which involve multiple interactions over a more extended period and provide an opportunity for a social connection—compliments become more effective. The results have practical implications for customers wishing to enhance their service experiences and for managers in motivating their employees.
Trans-jugular AngioJet rheolytic thrombectomy for acute deep vein thrombosis: Alternative to overcome the limitation of patient’s position
Authors: Jung Sang-Hoon , Son Rak Chae , Kim Hyun Kyu
Published: September 2020

Background:

To introduce a transjugular retrograde approach for AngioJet rheolytic thrombectomy (RT) just after transjugular placement of inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) to treat acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Methods:

From September 2018 to April 2019, transjugular Angiojet RT using pulse spray method was performed just after transjugular placement of IVCF in five patients (M:F = 3:2, mean age 70 years). Patients less than 165 cm in height with acute (<14 days) iliofemoral DVT were unable to assume a prone position. All patients underwent pre- and postprocedural venography to estimate thrombus reduction grade. Computed tomography angiograms at 3 and 6 months postoperative were compared with baseline scans. Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) symptoms were evaluated according to Villalta score during 12-month follow-up.

Results:

Mean procedure time for all procedures was 1.4 h. Thrombus was completely reduced in three patients and 50% to 99% reduction was noted in the other two. No patients had major complications during the hospital stay and follow-up period. Distal migration of IVCF occurred in one patient during the procedure and immediate IVCF repositioning was performed. No DVT remained in follow-up computed tomography scans of all patients. PTS did not develop in any patients during the follow-up period.

Conclusion:

In patients who are unable to assume a prone position, a transjugular retrograde approach with AngioJet RT just after transjugular placement of IVCF to treat acute lower extremity DVT was a time-saving and easy alternative. During the procedure, attention to the guiding catheter position and AngioJet device movement was required to avoid affecting the IVCF.
Investigation on tribological properties of used engine oil with graphene
Authors: Kumar Ashwani , Deval Piyush , Shrinet Ekta Singh , Ghosh Subrata Kumar
Published: September 2020

The present work concentrate on the improvement in physico-chemical, and tribological properties of used engine oil using graphene nanoparticles. The used engine oil (15W40) has been collected from heavy earth moving machines (HEMM) of coal mines. The graphene nanoparticles have been used for the preparation of nanolubricants and the properties are compared with unused oil. Kinematic viscosity, viscosity index (VI) and density have been measured to examine the physico-chemical properties of nanolubricants and observe the improvements. The stable chemical structure of nanolubricants has been found with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The performance of nanolubricant has been found by measuring wear and friction coefficient between grey cast iron contacts and observed the significant reduction in wear and friction compared to used oil. The same has been validated by measuring the wear scar with the help of optical microscopy and electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The life of the used oil has been enhanced with the addition of nanoparticles.