bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance evaluation of web search engines in image retrieval: An experimental study
Authors: CheshmehSohrabi Mehrdad (Mozaffar) , Sadati Elham Adnani
Published: April 2021

This experimental study used a checklist to evaluate the performance of seven search engines consisting of four Image General Search Engines (IGSEs) (namely, Google, Yahoo DuckDuckGo and Bing), and three Image Specialized Search Engines (ISSEs) (namely, Flicker, PicSearch, and GettyImages) in image retrieval. The findings indicated that the recall average of Image General Search Engines and Image Specialized Search Engines was found to be 76.32% and 24/51% with the precision average of 82/08% and 32/21%, respectively. As the results showed, Yahoo, Google and DuckDuckGo ranked at the top in image retrieval with no significant difference. However, a remarkable superiority with almost 50% difference was observed between the general and specialized image search engines. It was also found that an intense competition existed between Google, Yahoo and DuckDuckGo in image retrieval. The overall results can provide valuable insights for new search engine designers and users in choosing the appropriate search engines for image retrieval. Moreover, the results obtained through the applied equations could be used in assessing and evaluating other search tools, including search engines.
Traumatic respiratory failure and veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support
Authors: Salas De Armas Ismael A , Akkanti Bindu , Doshi Pratik B , Patel Manish , Kumar Sachin , Akay M Hakan , Hussain Rahat , Dinh Kha , Baloch Muhammad Yasir , Ahmed Mahmoud Samy , Banjac Igor , Jumean Marwan F , McGinness Kelly , Janowiak Lisa M , Mittal Agrawal Kriti , Nathan Sriram , Zaki John , Nieto Luis , Klein Kimberly , Taub Ethan , Tint Hlaing , Patel Jayeshkumar A , Nascimbene Angelo , Kar Biswajit , Gregoric Igor D
Published: April 2021

Background:

Respiratory failure (RF) is a common cause of death and morbid complication in trauma patients. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly used in adults with RF refractory to invasive mechanical ventilation. However, use of ECMO remains limited for this patient population as they often have contraindications for anticoagulation.

Study design:

Medical records were retroactively searched for all adult patients who were admitted to the trauma service and received veno-venous ECMO (VV ECMO) support between June 2015 and August 2018. Survival to discharge and ECMO-related complications were collected and analyzed.

Results:

Fifteen patients from a large Level I trauma center met the criteria. The median PaO2/FiO2 ratio was 53.0 (IQR, 27.0–76.0), median injury severity score was 34.0 (IQR, 27.0–43.0), and the median duration of ECMO support was 11 days (IQR, 7.5–20.0). For this cohort, the survival-to-discharge rate was 87% (13/15). The incidence of neurologic complications was 13%, and deep vein thrombosis was reported in two cases (13%).

Conclusions:

Survival rates of trauma patients in this study are equivalent to, or may exceed, those of non-trauma patients who receive ECMO support for other types of RF. With the employment of a multidisciplinary team assessment and proper patient selection, early cannulation, traumatic RF may be safely supported with VV ECMO in experienced centers.
Understanding diversity in later life and a new culture of aging: Sociology of aging in Japan
Authors: Watanabe Daisuke
Published: April 2021

This essay introduces sociological studies on aging and related topics in Japan since 2000. It argues the three following points. First, the results of sociological studies on aging, and those from related social science disciplines, have moved away from a uniform understanding of aging to reveal greater diversity in the process. Second, it has become apparent that older people face various social problems, such as social isolation, social disparities, and family care problems. Studies have argued that it is essential to support mutual aid in the community. Finally, the reflexivity of high modernity attempts to push the problem of aging towards autonomy, but a new culture of aging assumes that dependence has the potential to overcome this reflexivity.
Long-term follow-up and successful treatment of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis without hypercholesterolemia with statin therapy: a case report
Authors: Shi Shenyun , Wang Rujia , Chen Ling , Li Yan , Zhang Yingwei , Xin Xiaoyan , Yang Shangwen , Wang Yihua , Xiao Yonglong , Xu Kaifeng
Published: April 2021

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare disorder characterized by the accumulation of excessive surfactant lipids and proteins in alveolar macrophages and alveoli. Oral statin therapy is a novel treatment for PAP with hypercholesterolemia. However, this treatment has never been described in a patient without hypercholesterolemia. Here, we present a case of successful treatment with atorvastatin for a patient with possibly unclassified PAP without hypercholesterolemia who responded poorly to whole lung lavage therapy and inhaled granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. After 18 months of atorvastatin treatment, the patient experienced improvements in dyspnea, radiographic abnormalities and pulmonary function. The present case study supports the feasibility of statin therapy for PAP regardless of the level of cholesterol.
Prevalence and Detection of Meniscal Ramp Lesions in Pediatric Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Deficient Knees
Authors: Bernardini Isabelle , N’Dele Daniel , Faruch Bilfeld Marie , Thevenin-Lemoine Camille , Vial Julie , Cavaignac Etienne , Accadbled Franck
Published: April 2021

Background:

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears represent 13% of knee injuries in children. Medial meniscal tears are commonly associated with ACL ruptures. Ramp lesions correspond to posterior meniscocapsular tears of the medial meniscus. Depending on the study, the prevalence of ramp lesions is inconsistent.

Purpose:

To describe the prevalence of ramp lesions in children and adolescents and to investigate the sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnosing such lesions.

Study Design:

Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

We analyzed videos from arthroscopic ACL reconstruction (ACLR) in children. During these procedures, we systematically looked for potential ramp lesions. To do so, an arthroscope was passed through the intercondylar notch to visualize the posteromedial compartment. A needle was introduced at the site of a posteromedial portal to unfold the meniscocapsular junction to reveal any hidden meniscal tear. Surgical procedures were performed by 2 senior surgeons. Videos were blindly analyzed by a third surgeon. Preoperative MRIs were screened by 2 blinded, independent senior radiologists to look specifically for ramp lesions.

Results:

Videos of 50 consecutive arthroscopic ACLRs concerning 32 boys and 18 girls were analyzed. Mean age at surgery was 14.2 years (range, 8.5-17.6 years). A total of 14 ramp lesions (28%) in 8 boys and 6 girls were identified. In addition, there were 22 tears of the meniscal body in 20 patients (40%). Arthroscopic and MRI findings did not correlate. Among 14 arthroscopically diagnosed ramp lesions, only 8 were detected on the MRI. Conversely, 12 patients had a ramp lesion detected on the MRI, which could not be confirmed intraoperatively. The sensitivity of MRI was 57% and the positive predictive value was 40%.

Conclusion:

A meniscal ramp lesion was present in 14 of 50 children (28%) undergoing ACLR. MRI has a low sensitivity for diagnosis of ramp lesions in children. Careful exploration of the posteromedial compartment is strongly recommended. Overlooking such lesions during ACLR may contribute to ongoing instability and higher re-rupture rates in these young patients.
Optimization of the humic acid separation and coagulation with natural starch by RSM for the removal of COD and colour from stabilized leachate
Authors: Ahmed Zaber , Yusoff Mohd Suffian , Kamal Nurul Hana Mokhtar , Aziz Hamidi Abdul
Published: April 2021

The removal of concentrated colour (around 5039 Pt–Co) and chemical oxygen demand (COD; around 4142 mg L−1) from matured landfill leachate through a novel combination of humic acid extraction and coagulation with natural oil palm trunk starch (OPTS) was investigated in this study. Central composite design from response surface methodology of Design Expert-10 software executed the experimental design to correlate experimental factors with desired responses. Analysis of variance developed the quadratic model for four factors (e.g. coagulant dosage, slow mixing speed and time and centrifugation duration) and two responses (% removal of colour, COD). The model confirmed the highest colour (84.96%) and COD (48.84%) removal with a desirability function of 0.836 at the optimum condition of 1.68 g L−1 coagulant dose, 19.11 rpm slow mixing speed, 16.43 minutes for mixing time and 35.75 minutes for centrifugation duration. Better results of correlation coefficient ( R2 = 0.98 and 0.96) and predicted R2 (0.94 and 0.84) indicates the model significance. Electron microscopic images display the amalgamation of flocs through bridging. Fourier transforms infrared spectra confirmed the existence of selected organic groups in OPTS, which eventually signifies the applied method.
Material selection in design for deconstruction using Kano model, fuzzy-AHP and TOPSIS methodology
Authors: Zoghi Milad , Rostami Ghodsiyeh , Khoshand Afshin , Motalleb Fatemeh
Published: April 2021

During last decade, design for deconstruction (DfD) has attracted the attention of researchers and project managers as an environmentally friendly alternative to the conventional demolition of buildings. Yet, the intensity of raw materials consumption, waste generation and greenhouse gas (GhG) emission in the construction industry proves that current methods of selecting building components have failed to make the deconstruction effectively feasible. Specifically, in the material selection process, most research studies concentrate on assessing environmental and economic aspects while in selecting material for DfD various factors must be considered. To overcome this gap, this study aims to propose a DfD-based material selection model which enables designers to choose materials that make the recyclability and reusability of building components feasible. To this end, the Kano model is first applied to categorize selection criteria identified via a questionnaire. After extracting the weights of criteria by using Fuzzy-Analytical Hierarchy Process, a Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution-based multi-criteria decision-making framework is proposed for choosing the best possible alternatives. Based on the research results, the framework enables designers to find decent materials in terms of DfD requirements. A numerical example is also provided to examine the proposed framework for selecting the most appropriate materials for walls.
Association Between Unbalanced Solutions and Acute Kidney Injury During Fluid Resuscitation in Children With Sepsis
Authors: Fernández-Sarmiento Jaime , Alcalá-Lozano Catalina , Barrera Pedro Alexander , Erazo Vargas Sofía Camila , Gómez Cortes Laura Bibiana , Reyes C Martha
Published: April 2021

Objective:

To evaluate the outcomes of patients with sepsis-associated organ dysfunction and septic shock who receive fluid resuscitation with balanced and unbalanced solutions in a middle-income country.

Design:

An observational, analytical cohort study with propensity score matching (PSM) in children admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Patients from one month to 17 years old who required fluid boluses due to hemodynamic instability were included. The primary outcome was the presence of acute kidney injury and the secondary outcomes were the need to begin continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), metabolic acidosis, PICU length of stay and mortality.

Measurements and Main Results:

Out of the 1,074 admissions to the PICU during the study period, 99 patients had sepsis-associated organ dysfunction and septic shock. Propensity score matching was performed including each patient´s baseline characteristics. The median age was 9.9 months (IQR 4.9-22.2) with 55.5% of the patients being male. Acute kidney injury was seen less frequently in children who received a balanced solution than in those who received an unbalanced solution (20.3% vs 25.7% P = 0.006 ORa, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.65-0.87), adjusted for disease severity. In addition, the group that received balanced solutions had less need for CRRT (3.3 % vs 6.5%; P = 0.02 ORa 0.48; 95% CI, 0.36-0.64) and a shorter PICU stay (6 days IQR 4.4-20.2 vs 10.2 days IQR 4.7-26; P < 0.001) than the group with unbalanced solutions. We found no difference in the frequency of metabolic acidosis ( P = 0.37), hyperchloremia ( P = 0.11) and mortality ( P = 0.25) between the 2 groups.

Conclusion:

In children with sepsis-associated organ dysfunction and septic shock, the use of unbalanced solutions for fluid resuscitation is associated with a higher frequency of acute kidney injury, a greater need for continuous renal support and a longer PICU stay compared to the use of balanced solutions, in a middle-income country.
The Experience of Disgust in Women Exposed to Domestic Violence in Turkey
Authors: Akça Seray , Gençöz Faruk
Published: April 2021

In trauma, fear as a basic emotion that evokes avoidance after exposure to a traumatic event is important for posttraumatic process. Another emotion causing avoidance is disgust. Despite the fact that disgust also plays an important role in trauma, there is limited information about how it is experienced during and after exposure to the traumatic event. In this study, the aim was to understand how women experience disgust during and after domestic violence, as a prolonged and repeated traumatic experience, and how they try to cope with disgust evoking situations in this process. For this aim, qualitative methodology was used. With purposive sampling, six women exposed to domestic violence including physical, verbal and sexual abuse were interviewed. With each woman, approximately seven semi-structured interviews were completed. Forty-one interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Data was analyzed by Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. At the end of the analysis, three superordinate themes, namely, experience of perpetrator-directed disgust with gustatory expressions of moral disgust and association of disgust in domestic abuse to daily life experiences; experience of self-disgust with two themes of internalization of assault without awareness and contamination by sexual abuse; coping with disgust in domestic violence with four subthemes, namely, avoidance from perpetrator, reidentification of the perpetrator with substitutive identity, alienation from self, reidentification of self with new relationships were constructed. Results showed that disgust is experienced in a repressed way as a result of the aversive nature of traumatic experience. The results were evaluated in psychological, social and cultural contexts. Their implications for understanding disgust in domestic violence were discussed.
Improving Quality of Life Among Latina Intimate Partner Violence Survivors Through Economic Empowerment
Authors: Cardenas Iris , Johnson Laura , Postmus Judy L.
Published: April 2021

This study examined the relationship between (1) quality of life and forms of intimate partner violence (IPV) (i.e., psychological abuse, physical violence, sexual violence, and types of economic abuse), and (2) quality of life and economic empowerment among Latina IPV survivors. The authors used data from the Moving Ahead financial literacy program evaluation ( n = 200). Nested random-effects models were conducted. Findings indicated that psychological abuse and economic control were significantly and negatively associated with quality of life. Economic empowerment (i.e., financial knowledge, economic self-efficacy, and economic self-sufficiency) was significantly and positively related to Latinas’ quality of life. Financial strain was inversely associated with Latina’s quality of life. These findings highlight the importance of identifying strategies for increasing the overall well-being of Latina IPV survivors. Economic empowerment interventions can be an effective mechanism for improving their quality of life. As such, domestic violence organizations should include economic empowerment as part of the services offered to survivors.
Factors Contributing to Violence Against Children: Insights From a Multi-informant Study Among Family-Triads From Three East-African Refugee Camps
Authors: Hecker Tobias , Kyaruzi Edna , Borchardt Julia , Scharpf Florian
Published: April 2021

Parental violence poses a considerable, yet mitigable risk for the mental health and well-being of refugee children living in resource-poor refugee camps. However, little is known about potential risk factors for parental violence in these settings. Using an ecological systems perspective and a multi-informant approach, we investigated ontogenic (parental childhood experiences of violence), microsystem (parents’ and children’s psychopathology) and exosystem (families’ monthly household income) risk factors for child-directed parental violence in a sample of 226 Burundian families living in refugee camps in Tanzania. Data were collected through individual structured clinical interviews with mothers, fathers, and children. In the child-report path model [ χ2 (6) = 7.752, p = .257, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.99, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.036 ( p = .562)], children’s posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, externalizing symptoms and paternal PTSD symptoms were positively associated with violence by both parents. Maternal psychosocial impairment was positively associated with child-reported paternal violence. In the parent-report path model [ χ2 (6) = 7.789, p = .254, CFI = 0.97, RMSEA = 0.036 ( p = .535)], children’s externalizing problems as well as a lower monthly household income were positively related to maternal violence. Each parent’s childhood victimization was positively linked to their use of violence against children. Maternal psychosocial impairment and paternal alcohol abuse were positively associated with paternal violence. Child and paternal psychopathology, maternal psychosocial impairment, parents’ childhood victimization, and families’ socioeconomic status may be important targets for prevention and intervention approaches aiming to reduce parental violence against refugee children living in camps.
Maternal History of Child Sexual Abuse and Maladaptive Outcomes in Sexually Abused Children: The Role of Maternal Mental Health
Authors: Langevin Rachel , Hébert Martine , Kern Audrey
Published: April 2021

The effects of child sexual abuse (CSA) have been found to surpass generations as maternal history of CSA is associated with increased difficulties in sexually abused children. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying this association. The present study aimed to test maternal mental health symptoms including psychological distress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and dissociation as mediators of the relationship between maternal CSA and children’s internalizing, externalizing, and dissociation symptoms in a large sample of sexually abused children. A total of 997 sexually abused children aged 3-14 years old and their mothers were recruited at five specialized intervention centers offering services to sexually abused children and their families. The children were divided into two groups depending on their mothers’ self-reported history of CSA. Mothers completed a series of questionnaires assessing their mental health and children’s functioning. Maternal history of CSA was associated with increased maternal psychological distress, PTSD symptoms, and dissociation following children’s disclosure of CSA. In turn, maternal psychological distress and maternal dissociation were associated with increased child internalizing, externalizing, and dissociation symptoms. Maternal PTSD symptoms were associated with child internalizing symptoms. Maternal mental health difficulties mediated the association between maternal CSA and sexually abused children’s maladaptive outcomes. Clinicians should assess for possible history of CSA in mothers of sexually abused children and determine how best to support them to cope with the aftermaths of their child’s disclosure and with their own traumatic past.
Evaluating the Demographic and Health Surveys Mode Switch From PAPI to CAPI: An Experiment From Turkey
Authors: Adalı Tuğba , Türkyılmaz Ahmet Sinan , Lepkowski James M.
Published: April 2021

The Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) have been carried out in over 90 countries since 1984, as interviewer administered household surveys conducted initially by paper and pencil interviews (PAPI). Computer assisted personal interviews (CAPI) were introduced in the 2004 Peru DHS, and since then numerous countries have also switched. However, DHS randomized mode comparisons have been limited. The 2018 Sixth Turkey DHS was conducted using CAPI but allocated one household from 21 in each of 754 clusters to PAPI. This analysis examines a wide range of potential differences between modes: interviewer attitudes toward modes; response rates, underreporting and misreporting of persons or events, number of selections to “check all that applies” questions, respondents' attitudes towards modes reflected by responses to sensitive questions, satisficing behavior such as age heaping, straight-line response patterns, and use of don’t know options; and some operational aspects of modes such as retrospective monthly contraceptive prevalence rates, presence of others during interview, and interview length. Findings show that, despite strong interviewer CAPI preference, CAPI and PAPI were on average almost identical in terms of responses. CAPI took 11 min less (total duration of 33 min). Analysis of retrospective monthly contraception use indicated potential underreporting by CAPI for past use, an issue highlighted before in DHS literature. Overall, the switch to computer technology in DHS surveys does not appear to change estimates or levels of nonsampling errors, although some differences with respect to PAPI mode may need DHS designer attention.
Toileting Disability Among Older Adults in China and Role of Environmental Factors
Authors: Fong Joelle H. , Feng Qiushi
Published: April 2021

Objectives: We investigated the risk factors associated with toileting disability among older adults in China, focusing on environmental factors (physical, social, and external supports). Methods: Data were drawn from the WHO’s SAGE wave 1. We proposed a conceptual framework to guide the selection of risk factors, and implemented logistic regressions separately for urban and rural subpopulations. Results: In both subsamples, older adults who relied on assistive devices were about three times more likely to be toileting-disabled. Rural residents using non-flush toilets were 1.94 more likely to have difficulty toileting than those using flush system toilets. Sharing toilets and did not feel safe in homes were also positively associated with toileting disability. For urban residents, low neighborhood trust was weakly predictive of higher odds of toileting disability. Discussion: This study highlights the importance of environmental factors in explaining toileting disability, and the potential for related policy interventions in developing countries.
Reproductive Work in the Global South: Lived Experiences and Social Relations of Commercial Surrogacy in India
Authors: Jana Madhusree , Hammer Anita
Published: April 2021

This article investigates reproductive work in the Global South which thrives on the commodification of women’s reproductive bodies under local-global reproductive hierarchies, appropriating the process of reproduction for production. Through a qualitative study of commercial surrogacy in north India, it examines the lived experiences of surrogates within the capitalist social relations they are embedded in. Conceptualising surrogacy as reproductive labour which contributes to value generation, the article assesses labour relations at the workplace, for example hostels where surrogates ‘live and work’, and the mechanisms of recruitment, contracting and control which function through dense networks of social and material relations between various stakeholders. The weak bargaining power of surrogates and the immense power of fertility clinics and agents are compounded by the lack of effective regulation and the state’s prohibitionist policy. The article argues for protecting the rights of surrogates as workers rather than the recent ban on surrogacy imposed in India.
Exploring the Influence of Digital Games on Environmental Attitudes and Behaviours Based on the New Ecological Paradigm Scale: A Mixed-Methods Study in India
Authors: Janakiraman Shamila , Watson Sunnie Lee , Watson William R. , Shepardson Daniel P.
Published: April 2021

Anthropogenic activities cause environmental degradation-related problems. However, people fail to perform pro-environmental behaviours because they believe that they cannot make a difference or they focus on short-term benefits. Interventions that address specific target groups aimed at breaking barriers and changing behaviours are required. To teach young learners, environmental education using digital games can be a more effective instructional method. This mixed-methods study, conducted among high school students in India, examined differences in pro-environmental attitudes and behaviours between students who played a game called EnerCities and those students who did not play that game. Significant differences existed between the two groups considering the unidimensional and multi-dimensional properties of the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) scale. Thematic analysis with an inductive approach identified from the interview data: How EnerCities changed participants’ environmental attitudes? This study finds implications for implementing games and using the NEP to examine environmental attitudes of high school students in India.
The toponymy of sporting venues: A multinomial logistic regression analysis of football stadium names
Authors: Rusu Mihai Stelian
Published: April 2021

Extant scholarship on football stadium names is almost exclusively restricted to discussing naming rights deals as expressions of toponymic commodification. Departing from this rather strict focus, this paper sets out to examine the patterns of stadium names from a quantitative perspective that is based on a dataset comprising football stadiums from around the world ( n=1485). Drawing on this empirical material, the paper conducts a multinomial logistic regression analysis focused on determining the factors that influence a stadium’s name as: (a) being neutral (names carrying generic, local and/or descriptive connotations); (b) being political (names celebrating ideological values, historical dates and/or political personalities); (c) representing sports figures (names commemorating sportspersons, either former players or club officials); and (d) representing sponsorship (corporate names). The model points out that variations in stadium names are accounted for mostly by the football continental confederation, but are also influenced by a stadium’s features such as capacity, year of construction and the status of being a shared venue or designated as the national stadium.
When two (or more) do not equal one: an analysis of the changing nature of multiple and single jobholding in Europe
Authors: Conen Wieteke , de Beer Paul
Published: April 2021

The scope and structure of multiple jobholding and its consequences for multiple jobholders are changing in many Western economies. Only limited quantitative empirical knowledge is currently available on the changing features of multiple jobholding and whether the economic vulnerability of multiple jobholders has been changing over time. In this article we focus on the position and trends of multiple jobholders compared with single jobholders in Europe. We study this in terms of working hours, workers’ desire to work more hours, and in-work poverty. To that end, we analyse data since the early 2000s from the EU Labour Force Survey and from the EU Statistics on Income and Living Conditions. Our findings show that multiple jobholding is a significant and increasing labour market phenomenon in many advanced economies, with changing characteristics, for example in terms of gender distribution and combinations of contracts. In-work poverty is relatively high among non-standard workers, but the findings do not indicate a deteriorating trend effect. In-work poverty seems to be on the rise among people who are single, for both single jobholders and multiple jobholders.
The Impact of Health Risk Communication: A Study on the Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika Epidemics in Curaçao, Analyzed by the Social Amplification of Risk Framework (SARF)
Authors: van Goudoever Milou J. F. , Mulderij-Jansen Vaitiare I. C. , Duits Ashley J. , Tami Adriana , Gerstenbluth Izzy I. , Bailey Ajay
Published: April 2021

Epidemics of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika have been threatening the Caribbean. Since risk communication (RC) plays a fundamental role in preventing and controlling diseases understanding how RC works is essential for enabling risk-reducing behavior. This multimethod qualitative study compares news reports with local’s and health professional’s perspectives, currently lacking in RC research. It was found that RC strategies were obstructed by a lack of governmental structure, organization, and communication. The content analysis showed that the majority of newspaper articles contained negative reporting on the government. Furthermore, this study shows how trust and heuristics attenuate or amplify people’s risk perceptions and possibly positively and negatively influence people’s risk-reducing behavior. A transcending approach (e.g., structural, cooperative, and multidisciplinary) of the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases and the corresponding RC is recommended.
“Kicking and Screaming” or “Gracefully Conceding”: Creative Nonfiction Stories of Aging With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Richardson Emma V. , Motl Robert W.
Published: April 2021

Aging with multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex phenomenon. Some individuals report physical and cognitive dysfunctions regarding these combined experiences, whereas others report perceived improvements in quality of life. Beyond this, little is known regarding how people make sense of, and come to embody, negative or positive experiences of MS. Thus, our objectives were to (a) explore how people made sense of aging with MS and (b) present this in an artful, engaging, transformative way. To achieve this, we conducted 40 semi-structured interviews with older adults who had MS, analyzed data using pluralistic narrative analyses, and presented results through two creative nonfictions. We detail our process of creating the nonfictions before presenting the different stories of aging with MS, namely “Kicking and Screaming” and “Gracefully Conceding.” We then offer recommendations and implications for using these stories as knowledge translation devices, and further critique the limitations of these stories in practice.
Bereaved Informal Caregivers Rarely Recall a Relationship Between Transfusions and Hospice in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Cripe Larry D. , Cottingham Ann H. , Martin Caroline E. , Hoffmann Mary Lynn , Sargent Katherine , Baker Layla B.
Published: April 2021

Aims:

The inability to prescribe blood transfusions is a potential barrier to timely hospice enrollment for patients with blood cancers. The benefits and harms of transfusions near the end of life (EOL), however, are poorly characterized and patients’ preferences are unknown. We sought to characterize the recollections of bereaved caregivers about the relationships between transfusions and hospice enrollment decisions.

Methods:

We recruited 18 bereaved caregivers of 15 decedents who died within 6-18 months of the interview. Interviews focused on caregivers’ recollections of transfusion and hospice enrollment decisions. Transcripts were analyzed for themes.

Results:

We identified 2 themes. First, caregivers described that transfusions were necessary and the decisions to receive transfusions or not were deferred to the clinicians. Second, only 1 caregiver recalled transfusions as relevant to hospice decisions. In that instance there was a delay. Caregivers identified difficulties recognizing death was imminent, hope for miracles, and the necessity of accepting life was ending as more relevant barriers.

Conclusions:

The results indicate clinicians’ beliefs in transfusion at EOL may be a more relevant barrier to hospice enrollment than patients’ preferences. Strategies to evaluate accurately and discuss the actual benefits and harms of transfusions at the EOL are necessary to advise patients and integrate their preferences into decisions.
Political Grief
Authors: Harris Darcy
Published: April 2021

Grief is usually understood as the personal response to loss. Thus, there is a tendency to consider grief as an individual experience, most typically related to the death of a loved one. However, recent research and theory have provided a much more complex picture of grief as a broad, interdimensional experience that can be both generated and experienced at micro, mezzo, and macro levels. In this context, consideration is given to grief that occurs as a result of events that take place at the sociopolitical level, which can be experienced both individually and collectively. Collective grief may occur when the loss relates to a group where commonly shared assumptions are shattered. The concept of political grief can be seen as a poignant sense of assault to the assumptive world of those who struggle with the ideology and practices of their governing bodies and those who hold political power. Likewise, political grief would also include the direct losses that are experienced by individuals as a result of political policies, ideologies, and oppression enacted and/or empowered at the sociopolitical levels. Different theoretical perspectives, such as the cultural backlash theory, the role of economic inequality within significant sectors, and predictions of the response to threat by terror management theory may help to understand the rise of governments that increase divisions and the sense of loss experienced by large groups within their jurisdiction.
A Diversity Mindset Perspective on Inclusive Leadership
Authors: van Knippenberg Daan , van Ginkel Wendy P.
Published: April 2021

Team diversity research has established that diversity has the potential to stimulate synergetic performance outcomes through information integration processes, but also has the potential to invite interpersonal tensions that disrupt the very information integration process that can give more diverse teams an advantage over more homogeneous teams. A focus on the role of team leadership in stimulating information integration processes and preempting interpersonal tensions is obvious and important, but surprisingly underdeveloped conceptually and empirically. In this article, we integrate insights from two complementary perspectives on leadership and diversity—inclusive leadership and leadership for diversity mindsets—to advance a more integrative perspective on how team leadership can stimulate both inclusion and synergy from diversity.
Geometrical Measurement of Cultural Differences
Authors: Messner Wolfgang
Published: April 2021

Differences and similarities between countries, regions, and cultures lie at the core of international business, and they are often measured in the form of a distance index originally proposed by Kogut and Singh. Because research results using this index are ambivalent, critical observers have challenged the concept and proposed partial remedies in the form of a standardized Euclidean or Mahalanobis distance measure. This article suggests a different avenue, construes culture as a weight vector based on Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, and specifies a geometrical difference measurement using the angle of heterogeneity between two such vectors. Its performance is assessed using a mathematical simulation and an empirical example from the field of export marketing, which considers the effect of culture on bilateral export flows.
Living Donor Liver Transplantation: The Optimal Curative Treatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Even Beyond Milan Criteria
Authors: Alim Altan , Erdogan Yalcin , Dayangac Murat , Yuzer Yildiray , Tokat Yaman , Oezcelik Arzu
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

Liver transplantation offers the most reasonable expectation for curative treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma. Living-donor liver transplantation represents a treatment option, even in patients with extended Milan criteria. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma patients, particularly those extended Milan criteria.

Materials and Patients:

All HCC patients who received liver transplant for HCC were included in this retrospective study. Clinical characteristics including perioperative data and survival data (graft and patient) were extracted from records. Univariate and multivariate analyses was performed to identify significant prognostic factors for survival, postoperative complications and recurrence.

Results:

Two-hundred and two patients were included. The median age was 54.8 years (IQR 53-61). Fifty-one patients (25.3%) underwent deceased donors liver transplantation and 151 patients (74.7%) underwent living donor liver transplantation. Perioperative mortality rate was 5.9% (12 patients). Recurrent disease occurred in 43 patients (21.2%). The overall 1-year and 5-year survival rates were 90.7% and 75.6%, respectively. Significant differences between patients beyond Milan criteria compared to those within Milan criteria were not found. Alpha-fetoprotein level >300 ng/mL, vascular invasion, and bilobar tumor lesions were independent negative prognostic factors for survival.

Conclusion:

Liver transplantation is the preferred treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma and it has demonstrated an excellent potential to cure even in patients with beyond Milan criteria. This study shows that the Milan criteria alone are not sufficient to predict survival after transplantation. The independent parameters for survival prediction are Alpha-Fetoprotein-value and status of vascular invasion.
Dynamic responses of clearance-type non-linear systems subjected to base harmonic excitation and their experimental verification
Authors: Renji K
Published: April 2021

Realistic joints in a spacecraft structure have clearances at the interfacing parts. Many such systems can be considered to be having bilinear stiffness. A typical example is the propellant tank assembled with the structure of a spacecraft. However, it is seen that the responses of such systems subjected to base excitation are rarely reported. In this work, mathematical expressions for theoretically estimating the amplitude of its response, the frequency at which the response is the maximum and the maximum response when it is subjected to base sine excitation are derived. Several experiments are conducted on a typical such system subjecting it to different levels of base sine excitation. The frequency at which the response is the maximum reduces with the magnitude of excitation. The expressions derived in this work can be used in estimating the amplitudes of responses and their characteristics reasonably well.
Bridging the Gap Between Individualized Inpatient Safety Planning and Postdischarge Efficacy
Authors: Leonard Jessica , Chiappetta Laurel , Stark Stacy , Mitchell Ann M.
Published: April 2021

INTRODUCTION

Implementation of programs that increase both psychiatric patient education and their involvement in treatment programming can lead to positive outcomes postdischarge. Patients involved in programs focusing on skills, recovery, and that are individualized show a reduction in symptoms as well as an increase in engagement, treatment, and recovery posthospitalization.

AIMS

This quality improvement project examines (1) the effectiveness of a safety planning group on an inpatient psychiatric unit for developing individualized safety plans, (2) the usefulness of the safety plans upon discharge, and (3) how helpful the patient found them.

METHODS

A standardized safety plan was presented during 1-hour groups on an adult inpatient unit. Completed safety plans scored using a rubric to determine how patients individualized the content. One week postdischarge, patients were contacted to determine location and use of the safety plan since discharge.

RESULTS

Patient’s ( n = 124) safety plans were relatively individualized when compared to the standardized safety plan (mean [ SD] = 32.85 [8.27] on a 44-point rating). Of those patients who were contacted postdischarge ( n = 76), 73 (96.1%) had a copy of their safety plan 1-week postdischarge while 28 (36.8%) reported using their safety plan since discharge. Many of the patients who used their safety plan reported that it was helpful ( n = 19; 67.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Developing a safety plan can be a helpful tool for individuals admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit.
Systemic neoadjuvant chemotherapy in non-resectable invasive squamous cell carcinoma of ocular surface
Authors: Meel Rachna , Dhiman Rebika , Kashyap Seema , Agrawal Sahil , Pushker Neelam , Bakhshi Sameer
Published: April 2021

Background/objectives:

The conventional modality for management of advanced invasive ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) (AJCC grade T4 and T3 with fornicial involvement) is surgical excision which is not only challenging in terms of ability to achieve tumor free margins and tissue reconstruction but also has high morbidity. We describe the use of systemic neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in cases of advanced invasive OSSN.

Subjects/methods:

This is a retrospective case series. Five cases of histopathologically proven advanced OSSN that were challenging to manage with surgical excision or required exenteration were treated with NAC. Demographic details, previous treatment history, location and extent of tumor, imaging findings, number of cycles and duration of NAC, response to treatment, and final outcome on follow-up were noted.

Results:

A remarkable response to NAC was seen in 4/5(80%) cases. Complete regression was seen in 2/5, partial regression in 2/5, and no response in 1/5 cases. In 75% (3/4) cases who showed response to NAC, minimal or no surgery was required. Exenteration was avoided in 2/3 cases with orbital extension.

Conclusion:

NAC appears to be an exciting option for management of surgically challenging cases of invasive OSSN and may be helpful in avoiding orbital exenteration. However, more studies are required to explore this treatment option.
Optimized and Non-Optimized Personal Protective Equipment Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Thailand: A National Cross-Sectional Survey in a Resource-Limited Setting
Authors: Moolasart Visal , Manosuthi Weerawat , Thienthong Varaporn , Jaemsak Uajai , Kongdejsakda Winnada , Pantool Pimonamorn , Chottanapund Suthat
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV2). COVID-19 is highly contagious, potentially fatal, and a global public health concern. Combining optimized personal protective equipment (PPE) use and hand hygiene is the best strategy for preventing COVID-19 in health care workers (HCWs).

Methods:

We conducted a national cross-sectional web-based survey of HCWs in the infection control program (IPC) in Thailand between May 5, 2020 and May 15, 2020. The primary objective was the prevalence of optimized PPE use amongst HCWs. The secondary objective was identification of the independent predictors of optimized PPE use.

Results:

We received a response from 46% of HCWs (756/1650), and all those who responded were nurse or HCWs who were registered in the IPC network. Five HCWs were excluded because of missing data, and 751 were included in the final analysis. The prevalences of PPE use were 22% (168/751) for optimized PPE use, 78% (583/751) for non-optimized PPE use, 35% (263/751) for PPE overuse, and 43% (320/751) for PPE underused. In univariate analysis, optimized PPE use was significantly associated with age, education level, knowledge of appropriate negative pressure room selection, and knowledge of apparently milder symptom severity in children than adults. In multivariate analysis, independent predictors of optimized PPE use were knowledge of appropriate negative pressure room selection (aOR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.18-3.22), the difference in symptom severity between children and adults (aOR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.37-0.81), and education level (aOR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.04-2.27).

Conclusion:

The prevalence of optimized PPE use amongst HCWs was 22%. Independent predictors of optimized PPE use were COVID-19 knowledge-based factors and education level. Therefore, the continued education training program should be implemented to ensure maintenance of appropriate practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How to be a hero: How managers determine what makes a good manager through narrative identity work
Authors: Rostron Ali
Published: April 2021

The turn to identity within management studies has revealed important insights into management, by recognising its complex, contingent and relational nature, and through focusing on the personal experiences of managers and how they develop an identity as a manager. However, research has focused on processes of being and becoming a manager, rather than how individuals determine what makes a good manager, and what they are actually seeking to be. I therefore present an extended theorisation of narrative identity work which highlights the overlooked role of the ‘personal social landscape’ constructed through narrative, which gives meaning to the actors and actions within it. The theory is illustrated through detailed analysis of three manager accounts, which reveals processes by which managers construct personal versions of the same organisation, as social landscape to their self-narratives, and how these different organisational constructions create different meanings to their self-narratives as acting well as a manager.
A systematic review into healthcare professionals’ attitudes towards self-harm in children and young people and its impact on care provision
Authors: Ribeiro Coimbra Lea Raquel , Noakes Amy
Published: April 2021

Self-harming behaviours in children and young people are an alarming reality, with provision of effective treatment historically compromised. The present systematic literature review highlights attitudes displayed by healthcare professionals towards this health problem, providing valuable insight by analysing how these attitudes can impact patient care. Ten studies were included, allowing creation of a narrative synthesis of qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods evidence. Six themes emerged: negativity, positivity, worry or fear, the emotional impact of working with these patients, professional roles and ward-dependent concerns. Overall, professional negativity towards this patient group, in the form of apprehensiveness, was accentuated by fear of worsening their symptoms. The attitude aforementioned impacts on treatment by hindering creation of meaningful therapeutic relationships. Educational opportunities that increase healthcare professionals’ knowledge of self-harm have the potential to provide invaluable power by promoting positive attitudes.