bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic Stapedotomy: Overcoming Limitations of Operating Microscope
Authors: Das Arindam , Mitra Sandipta , Ghosh Debasish , Sengupta Arunabha
Published: July 2019

The study is aimed to assess the scope of endoscopic stapedotomy in overcoming technical challenges faced during conventional stapedotomy using operating microscope. Sixty-four patients with clinical and audiological diagnosis of otosclerosis were randomly assigned into one of the 2 groups—one underwent conventional stapedotomy using operating microscope, while the other group underwent endoscopic stapedotomy, the operating surgeon being the same for both groups, for all cases. The 2 groups were observed in terms of extent of the postero-superior canal bone curettage/drilling, chorda tympani repositioning, visualization of footplate area, surgical time from first incision to ear packing, post-operative morbidity in terms of post-operative pain, vertigo, hearing outcome, and changes in taste sensation. It was observed that irrespective of the width of the external auditory canal, endoscopic approach offered better access to the footplate area requiring lesser bone removal and chorda tympani repositioning. The operating time, post-operative pain, and changes in taste sensation were significantly less in the endoscopic group. However, no difference was noted in terms of the post-operative hearing outcome and incidence of vertigo. Endoscopic stapedotomy has clear advantages in terms of the technicality and accessibility to the working area as well as faster recovery.
Validity Concerns in Research Using Organic Data
Authors: Xu Heng , Zhang Nan , Zhou Le
Published: July 2019

With the advent of computing technologies, researchers across social science fields are using increasingly complex methods to collect, process, and analyze data in pursuit of scientific evidence. Given the complexity of research methods used, it is important to ensure that the research findings produced by a study are robust instead of being affected significantly by uncertainties associated with the design or implementation of the study. The field of metascience—the use of scientific methodology to study science itself—has examined various aspects of this robustness requirement for research that uses conventional designed studies (e.g., surveys, laboratory experiments) to collect data. Largely missing, however, are efforts to examine the robustness of empirical research using “organic data,” namely, data that are generated without any explicit research design elements and are continuously documented by digital devices (e.g., video captured by ubiquitous sensing devices; content and social interactions extracted from social networking sites, Twitter feeds, and click streams). Given the growing popularity of using organic data in management research, it is essential to understand issues concerning the usage and processing of organic data that may affect the robustness of research findings. This commentary first provides an overview of commonly present issues that threaten the validity of inferences drawn from empirical studies using organic data. This is followed by a discussion on some key considerations and suggestions for making organic data a robust and integral part of future research endeavors in management.
From Hybrid Organizations to Social-purpose Hierarchies: Toward a Transaction Cost Economics of Social Enterprises
Authors: Agafonow Alejandro
Published: July 2019

Building on Oliver E. Williamson’s work, this article lays the basis for a transaction cost theory of social enterprises. It is submitted that the more proprietary-centred the creation of value is, the lower the governance costs of economizing on bounded rationality to protect patrons from the hazard of opportunism. Since not all productive activities can be organized within the range of the lowest governance costs, a discrete structural analysis is developed, with different ranges of governance costs suitable for different purposes depending on the kinds of value creation intended and the class of patrons to be protected. Accepting higher governance costs is justified by preventing the exploitation of bargaining asymmetries at the expense of selected classes of patrons like disadvantaged customers and stakeholders at large, subject to what is feasible, or Williamson’s remediableness standard.

JEL: D23, M14
Following the algorithm: How epidemiological risk-scores do accountability
Authors: Amelang Katrin , Bauer Susanne
Published: July 2019

Epidemiological risk scores are calculative devices that mediate and enact versions of accountability in public health and preventive medicine. This article focuses on practices of accountability by following a cardiovascular risk score widely used in medical counselling in Germany. We follow the risk score in the making, in action, and in circulation to explore how the score performs in doctor-patient relations, how it recombines epidemiological results, and how it shapes knowledge production and healthcare provision. In this way, we follow the risk score’s various trajectories – from its development at the intersection of epidemiology, general medicine and software engineering, to its usage in general practitioners’ offices, and its validation infrastructures. Exploring the translations from population to individual and back that are at work in the risk score and in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, we examine how versions and distributions of accountability are invoked and practiced as the score is developed and put to use. The case of a simple risk score used in everyday counselling brings into relief some key shifts in configurations of accountability with emerging versions of ‘health by the algorithm’. While there is an increasing authority of algorithmic tools in the fabric of clinical encounters, risk scores are interwoven with local specificities of the healthcare system and continue to be in the making.
Tracing mutations of neoliberal development governance: ‘Fintech’, failure and the politics of marketization
Authors: Bernards Nick
Published: July 2019

This article interrogates recent policy pronouncements around the promotion of emerging financial technologies (fintech) as means of enabling financial inclusion. It is argued that situating this emergent ‘turn to technology’ in the context of a longer-running pattern of failed efforts to promote the development of financial markets for the poor in the Global South offers us a useful lens on the dynamics of neoliberalism. The article develops this analysis by drawing together interlinked discussions of ‘neoliberal reason’, highlighting the central role played by the diffusion of market institutions in neoliberal projects with Marxian discussions highlighting the crucial underlying role of labour in enabling the operation of markets. In this context the appeal to ever-more fine-grained information with which to allocate credit underlying the turn to technology can both be read as yet another attempt to ‘re-engineer’ the market, and also seen as a doomed project. Empirically, this argument is fleshed out through an engagement with key framework documents around financial inclusion and technology from the World Bank and G20.
Financialization and non-disposable women: Real estate, debt and labour in UK care homes
Authors: Horton Amy
Published: July 2019

This paper contributes to debates on financialization, neoliberalism and labour by investigating the ownership of UK care homes by investment funds. This form of financialized ownership has been driven by debt financing and the realization of value from property assets. Financialization has also been shaped by labour. First, the low status of the mostly female workforce enabled investor buyouts. Second, growing financial pressures have been partly absorbed by the interactive labour of care. This reflects a neoliberal model of investment and regulation, which treats workers as disposable – unskilled and replaceable. Yet many carers reject this, and by continuing to care under deteriorating conditions, they provide a source of value to investors. Third, however, carers’ refusal of disposability can also provoke resistance to financial discipline. This is one of several ways in which caring labour limits financialization. Despite recurrent crises, the system has been condoned by governments as it displaces responsibility for the failures of neoliberal welfare onto financialized corporations. Overall, the paper argues that financialization must be understood as constituted not only by financial practices, property assets and regulation, but also by specific forms of labour.
Fracture energy characterisation of a structured interface by means of a novel J-Integral procedure
Authors: García-Guzmán Lorenzo , Távara Luis , Reinoso José , París Federico
Published: July 2019

In the present investigation, a J-Integral formulation for non-flat crack paths, in the framework of the cohesive zone model, is developed. The formulation allows fracture energy properties in a direction that is not necessarily coplanar with the global crack advance to be analysed. Specifically, the effective fracture energy, [Formula: see text], has been examined based on the horizontal projection of the crack advance, [Formula: see text] (also called effective crack length). The use of [Formula: see text] is convenient in several situations as the case of patterned interfaces in adhesive joints. Finite-element analysis of double cantilever beam specimens including a trapezoidal patterned interface were employed to check the accuracy of this new definition of the contour integral. Post-process of the finite-element model, including those variables involved in the fracture energy calculation, is discussed together with some considerations that distinguish the energy evaluation procedure for flat profiles from structured designs. Finally, [Formula: see text] values obtained using the modified J-Integral formulation are compared with [Formula: see text] values obtained from the load–displacement curve method for comparison purposes.
Bi-national survey of intraoperative cuff pressure monitoring of endotracheal tubes and supraglottic airway devices in operating theatres
Authors: Lee Julie , Reynolds Heather , Pelecanos Anita M , van Zundert André AJ
Published: July 2019

Correct intracuff pressure of endotracheal tubes and supraglottic airway devices is required to avoid complications such as sore throat, dysphagia and dysphonia, while maintaining an adequate airway seal. However, intracuff pressure monitoring of airway devices during general anaesthesia may not receive the attention it deserves. The aim of this survey was to investigate the current practice regarding intraoperative cuff pressure monitoring in hospitals across Australia and New Zealand. An online ten-question survey was disseminated by the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists Clinical Trials Network to a randomised selection of 1000 Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists Fellows working in private and public hospitals of varying sizes. There were 305 respondents in total, but not all respondents answered all questions. In total, 67 of 304 respondents (22.0%) did not have access to a cuff pressure manometer at their main site of work, and of these, 30 (9.9%) expressed that they would like access to one in their daily practice. Of 288 respondents, 122 (40.0%) reported that they used cuff pressure monitoring as part of their routine practice, but 95 (33.0%) measured the cuff pressure at induction only. For supraglottic airway devices, only 44 of 250 respondents (17.6%) aimed for a cuff pressure of 40–60 cmH2O. Of 255 respondents, 101 (39.6%) aimed for a cuff pressure of 20–30 cmH2O for endotracheal tubes. These findings indicate that educational programmes are required to increase the availability and use of cuff pressure monitoring devices for both endotracheal tubes and supraglottic airway devices across Australia and New Zealand.
Targeting CGRP via receptor antagonism and antibody neutralisation in two distinct rodent models of migraine-like pain
Authors: Christensen Sarah L , Petersen Steffen , Kristensen David Møbjerg , Olesen Jes , Munro Gordon
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Rodent disease models can play an indispensable role in drug development. Confirming that translationally-relevant disease mechanisms are engaged in such models is a crucial facet of this process. Accordingly, we have validated the role of calcitonin gene-related peptide signaling in a mouse model of glyceryl trinitrate-provoked migraine-like pain and a spontaneous rat model of migraine-like pain by assessing their pharmacological responsiveness to the small molecule calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist olcegepant, and the humanised monoclonal calcitonin gene-related peptide antibody ALD405.

Methods

Cutaneous sensitivity to hind paw, and periorbital mechanical stimulation were used as surrogate markers of activation of relevant pain pathways in each respective model. Separate experiments were performed to identify the time-course of treatment response to olcegepant (1 mg/kg i.p.) and ALD405 (10 mg/kg i.p.).

Results

Olcegepant and ALD405 significantly alleviated cutaneous mechanical hypersensitivity in both models compared with corresponding control treatments (saline and IgG control antibody respectively). As expected, the duration of anti-nociceptive action obtained with ALD405 was considerably longer than that associated with olcegepant. Surprisingly, in the spontaneous rat model the onset of action of ALD405 occurred within just 4 hours after administration.

Discussion

The current data clearly show that calcitonin gene-related peptide-mediated signaling is critically involved in the manifestation of cutaneous hypersensitivity in distinct rodent models of migraine-like pain and emphasise their translational relevance. Moreover, the unexpected rapidity of onset observed for ALD405 supports i) a probable site of action outside the blood-brain barrier, and ii) a potential clinical utility of specific monoclonal calcitonin gene-related peptide antibodies in the abortive treatment of migraine.
Bikes or Bust? Analyzing the Impact of Bicycle Infrastructure on Business Performance in San Francisco
Authors: McCoy Raleigh , Poirier Joseph A. , Chapple Karen
Published: July 2019

Transportation agencies at the local, state, and federal levels in the United States (U.S.) have shown a growing interest in expanding bicycle infrastructure, given its link to mode shift and safety goals. These projects, however, are far from universally accepted. Business owners have been particularly vocal opponents, claiming that bicycle infrastructure will diminish sales or fundamentally change the character of their neighborhoods. Using the case of San Francisco, this research explores the relationship between bicycle infrastructure and business performance in two ways: change in sales over time, and a comparison of sales for new and existing businesses. An ordinary least squares regression is used to model the change in sales over time, isolating the effect of location on bicycle infrastructure while controlling for characteristics of the business, corridor, and surrounding neighborhood. Through a series of t-tests, average sales for businesses that pre-date bicycle infrastructure and for those that opened after the installation of such projects are compared. Ultimately, the research suggests that location on bicycle infrastructure and changes in on-street parking supply generally did not have a significant effect on the change in sales, with a few exceptions. Businesses that sell goods for the home or auto-related goods and services saw a significant decline in sales when located on corridors with bike lanes. New and existing businesses generally had similar sales, though not across the board. New restaurants and grocery stores had significantly higher sales than their existing counterparts, suggesting bicycle infrastructure may attract more upmarket businesses in those industries.
The Evolution of Subclinical Seizures in Children With Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Authors: de Groen Anne-Elise C. , Bolton Jeffrey , Bergin Ann Marie , Sahin Mustafa , Peters Jurriaan M.
Published: July 2019

Background:

Subclinical seizures are electrographic seizures that present without subjective or objective clinical symptoms. In tuberous sclerosis complex, it is not known whether subclinical seizures occur alone, forewarn, or coexist with clinical seizures. To address this knowledge gap, we studied the prevalence and evolution of subclinical seizures in tuberous sclerosis complex.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed electroencephalography (EEG) data from our tuberous sclerosis complex clinic with subclinical seizures and clinical seizures in a blinded fashion. Based on EEG location and ictal pattern, subclinical seizures were classified as having a clinical counterpart from the same epileptogenic region (match) or not (no match).

Results:

Of 208 children with tuberous sclerosis complex, 138 had epilepsy and available EEG data. Subclinical seizures were detected in 26 of 138 (19%) children. Twenty-four children had both subclinical seizures and clinical seizures captured on EEG. In 13 of 24, subclinical seizures were detected as a novel, not previously recorded seizure type. In these children, subclinical seizures preceded matching clinical seizures in 4 (31%) within a median time of 4.5 months (range 2-14), whereas 9 (69%) never had any matching clinical seizure. In 11 of 24 children, subclinical seizures were not novel and could be matched to a previously recorded clinical seizure. Matching seizure types were focal (n = 10, 67%), tonic (n = 2), epileptic spasms (n = 2), and status epilepticus (n = 1).

Conclusions:

Subclinical seizures occur in one-fifth of children with tuberous sclerosis complex and epilepsy, and match with clinical seizures in a small majority. In a third of patients presenting with a novel subclinical seizure, matching clinical seizures follow.
Factors Associated With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptomology Among Women Who Have Experienced Sexual Assault in Canada
Authors: Du Mont Janice , Johnson Holly , Hill Cassandra
Published: July 2019

There is a dearth of information about the association of victim-related and assailant-related characteristics and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among sexually assaulted women. Recently, Statistics Canada included items measuring the possible presence of PTSD symptoms in their 2014 nationally representative General Social Survey on Victimization (GSS-V), for the purpose of improving the understanding of mental health impacts associated with sexual victimization. The present study used the GSS-V to examine the association of sociodemographic, health, and assailant characteristics and prior traumatic experiences in the form of physical or sexual dating violence, physical assault, stalking, childhood abuse, and witnessing of violence between parents with PTSD symptomology among sexually assaulted women. Among 319 women who reported experiencing at least one incident of sexual assault in the 12 months prior to the survey, 68.6% had experienced at least one negative emotional impact as a result, among whom, 43.6% reported past-month PTSD symptoms. Logistic regression modeling revealed that prior traumatic events in the form of physical or sexual dating violence, stalking, and having witnessed violence between parents were associated with higher odds of experiencing PTSD symptoms, as was having been sexually assaulted by a known assailant. In contrast, the odds of experiencing PTSD symptoms was lower for Aboriginal or visible minority women. The results suggest that PTSD symptoms in the near aftermath of sexual victimization are common, and there are a range of factors that contribute to the likelihood of developing these symptoms. Implications for future research are discussed.
Recurrence of Violence Against Teachers: Two-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Melanda Francine Nesello , Salvagioni Denise Albieri Jodas , Mesas Arthur Eumann , González Alberto Durán , de Andrade Selma Maffei
Published: July 2019

The objective of this study was to analyze whether the experience of violence by teachers in the school environment increases the risk of teachers suffering violence again within a 2-year period. This longitudinal study included 430 primary and secondary public school teachers from a city in the south of Brazil, with data collected at two time points: T1 (2012-2013) and T2 (2014-2015). The data were obtained via face-to-face interviews and the completion of a questionnaire. The forms of violence investigated included reports of insults from students, humiliation or embarrassment by colleagues or superiors, and threats and physical violence from any member of the school occurring in the 12 months prior to the study. McNemar’s test and the Poisson regression with robust error variance were used in the analyses, and the relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated. After 2 years, there was a reduction in violence reported by the teachers from 65.4% (T1) to 56.9% (T2) ( p = .003). Teachers who suffered a certain form of violence had three times the risk of suffering that type of violence again. Those who reported three or four forms of violence at T1 had an RR of 2.23 of suffering any form of violence at T2 (95% CI [1.70, 2.93]) compared with those who did not report violence at T1. Psychological violence at T1 was not associated with physical violence at T2, nor was physical violence at T1 associated with psychological violence at T2. Despite the reduction in violence against teachers reported at T2, some forms of violence remained stable after 2 years. Suffering more forms of violence increases the risk of suffering any future violence.
Genes, Childhood Trauma, and Late Life Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Das Aniruddha
Published: July 2019

Objectives: Findings on gene-environment correlations suggest childhood “environments” may reflect genetic liabilities. The independent psychosocial influence of childhood trauma is unclear. This study examined such effects on adulthood depressive symptoms. Methods: Data were from the Health and Retirement Study. Trauma items included childhood physical abuse and parental substance abuse. Multinomial logit models examined genetic effects on stable and unstable reports. Linear growth models tested associations of stable trauma responses, genes, and their interaction with current depressive symptoms. Results: Genetic risk predicted both stable and unstable trauma reports. With genes controlled, stable responses were associated with life course variations but not late life change in depression. The exception was women’s physical abuse, which moderated genetic effects but had no independent influence. Discussion: Apparent gene-trauma correlations may be driven by flawed retrospective reports. Research is needed to distinguish true from artifactual genetic effects on other environmental factors and establish psychosocial implications.
Finite element analysis and animal test verification of nitinol alloy iliac vein stent performance
Authors: Feng HQ , Wang SB , Wang YG , Li XQ , Mao YJ , Wang XT , Han QS
Published: July 2019

The design and fatigue strength of a nitinol iliac vein stent (NIVS) proposed in this study are assessed using the finite element analysis method. The influence of stent diameter and different release scales on its strength, lifespan and biomechanical properties of the vein wall is analyzed for self-developed NIVS of three different diameters (12, 14 and 16mm) and length of 26mm, which were implanted into the corresponding iliac vein with different release scales (80% and 90%). The results obtained strongly indicate that with an increase in the release scale, the equivalent elastic strain, safety factors of fatigue strength, and equivalent stress of the vessel wall exhibit a downward trend, while the most stressed cross-section coincides with the arc of stent-connecting rods. The efficiency and safety of the above stents were verified by in vivo tests (with observation periods of 30, 90 and 180 days after operation) on ten lab pigs, which underwent NIVS implantation into the iliac veins, with observation of hemodynamics, stent deployment, presence/absence of thrombosis, and monitoring of stent lumen loss and its rate. During the animal test verification, the stent release was satisfactory, while the radiography revealed no obvious stent displacement at different time points. In addition, the patency rate of the stent was 100%. Except for the control group, where a small amount of old thrombus was found, other stents exhibited no thrombus; at the same time, there was no significant difference in the lumen loss rate of the stent at each time point. Therefore, the proposed nitinol NIVS samples demonstrated a good performance, accurate positioning, and release, in addition to the reduced risk of lateral iliac vein thrombosis.
The prediction of wear on a scraper conveyor chute affected by different factors based on the discrete element method
Authors: Xia Rui , Wang Xuewen , Li Bo , Wei Xing , Yang Zhaojian
Published: July 2019

During long-term operation, the scraper conveyor chute is seriously attrited by the friction of coal, gangue, and scraper chain. In this study, the discrete element method was applied to establish the bulk coal–scraper conveyor interaction analysis model to predict the wear of a scraper conveyor chute during the transporting process. The wear of the chute was investigated under various working conditions and bulk coal characteristics. Results indicated that the chute wear has a negative correlation with the laying angle of the scraper conveyor and increased with the chain speed. The wear was more severe as the increasing of gangue content, hardness, and size of the coal particles. In addition, the wear degree in different sections on the chute was predicted. Results showed that the section near the coal falling point underwent more intense collisions and impact and, thus, the wear was more serious at this location. The wear loss decreased with the increasing distance away from this point. This research can be used for predicting the wear of a scraper conveyor working under different mines. What’s more, the wear-resistant treatment can be applied on the particular areas according to the mine conditions based on this study.
Using a low-cost bluetooth torque sensor for vehicle jerk and transient torque measurement
Authors: Tawadros Peter , Awadallah Mohamed , Walker Paul , Zhang Nong
Published: July 2019

This paper presents the use and development of a specific wireless torque measurement system that is used to obtain the transient torque performance of vehicle transmissions. The torque sensor is strain-based, using surface-mounted strain gauges on a prop shaft. The gauges are connected to a compact printed circuit board, which is clamped to the shaft next to the strain gauges using a three-dimensional printed housing. The printed circuit board contains an amplifier, low-pass filter, analog-to-digital converter, microcontroller and bluetooth transceiver. The printed housing is impact resistant carbon-reinforced nylon and securely retains the printed circuit board and the battery powering the device. The transmitted torque data are received by a transceiver, which is interfaced to a PC through an RS-232 connection. NI LabVIEW is used to process, display and save data. The wireless torque sensor was installed to the Unit Under Test at the output shaft of the five-speed manual transmission. The Unit Under Test was installed on a dynamometer for verification purposes and the transient torque was recorded under various operational conditions. The transient output torque of the manual transmission is measured and compared with results obtained from simulations performed under similar operating conditions. The two sets of transient responses show a good correlation with each other and hence demonstrate that the torque sensor meets the major design specifications. The data obtained will be used to enhance the fidelity of the software model.
Securitizing Zika: The case of Brazil
Authors: Wenham Clare , Farias Deborah BL
Published: July 2019

Brazil’s Zika virus crisis (2015–17), following hot on the heels of the Ebola outbreak (2014–15), dominated newsfeeds and high-level discussions amid governments, the UN system and beyond, with emerging fears relating to Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS), embodied by microcephaly. However, beyond the ensuing panic in Latin America facing a generation of Zika babies, the outbreak demonstrates key developments in our understanding of the interaction between health and security, based on the Copenhagen School’s securitization approach. It suggests that unlike previous diseases that were securitized, it was not the virus that was the cause of the security threat, nor how many people were affected, but a combined concern over where (in Brazil at a time of domestic political crisis), when (immediately post-Ebola), who (foetuses and babies), how (unknown disease characteristics) and what was the existential threat (the vectorized unknown). This article shows these developments for global health security through empirical analysis of the multiple securitization processes that occurred within Brazil for the Zika virus, at the subnational and federal levels.
Healthcare staff's experiences of implementing one to one contact in nursing homes
Authors: Helgesen Ann Karin , Fagerli Liv Berit , Grøndahl Vigdis Abrahamsen
Published: July 2019

Background:

Person-centred care is often described as an ideal way of preserving vulnerable persons’ wellbeing and dignity and an essential component of quality-care delivery. However, the staff find that making the care dignified is the most challenging issue, often because of effectivity, everyday stress and overload. In the interests of making the care more person-centred, systematic intervention involving ‘one-to-one contact’ (resident – carer) was trialled for 30 min twice a week over 12 months in two units in a nursing home in Eastern Norway.

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to elicit healthcare staff’s experiences of implementing ‘one-to-one contact’ between residents and carers in nursing homes.

Methods:

The study has a grounded-theory inspired design. Two groups of health care staff were each interviewed three times. Data were collected over an 18-month period.

Ethical considerations:

The study was approved by the Data Protection Official for Research under the auspices of the Norwegian Social Science Data Services.

Findings:

The core category is ‘One-to-one contact’ at a nursing home is possible, but requires open-mindedness. The core category indicates that open-mindedness is required, since it does not take much for scepticism to take over and cause reversion to habitual practices. The category Expectant but Sceptical describes staff thoughts and experiences before the implementation phase got underway. The category Positive but Undecided describes staff experiences 6 months into the intervention and after 12 months.

Conclusions:

This study has revealed that systematic ‘one-to-one contact’ between resident and carer in nursing home is achievable, and that such a simple action might be an important step towards achieving more person-centred care as the resident is seen more as a person. However, in order to make a more person-centred and dignified approach to care constant attentiveness and awareness is required, as there were ongoing factors counteracting it.
Building Resilience Through Strengths-Based Learning During Graduate Study Abroad: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Dresen Chelsea K. , Wilmes Matthew L. , Sullivan Karen R. , Waterbury Theresa A.
Published: July 2019

Background: Leadership growth during short-term study abroad programs remain of critical interest to educators. No research exists on how a strengths-based study abroad curriculum influences resilience growth for working adult graduate students. Purpose: This exploratory study sought to examine how utilizing a strengths-based curriculum contributes to the development of resilience in graduate students during a study abroad program. Methodology/Approach: An online, open-ended survey was distributed to 11 students who participated in a 2018 graduate study abroad program to New Zealand. Responses were analyzed to identify themes by faculty-organized and student-organized activities. Findings/Conclusions: A strengths-based curriculum contributed to the perceived growth of resilience during a study abroad program by providing opportunities to manage, adjust, and overcome challenges. All 11 respondents perceived growth in resilience when planning and implementing the student-organized activities, whereas 9 of the 11 students reported resilience growth within the faculty-organized activities. Implications: Graduate study abroad programs provide a rich environment in which to experience growth in resilience through peer engagement and reflection. The strengths-based curriculum establishes a common language in which to discuss challenges and reflect on experiences.
Knowledge Synthesis for Scientific Management: Practical Integration for Complexity Versus Scientific Fragmentation for Simplicity
Authors: Chen Victor Zitian , Hitt Michael A.
Published: July 2019

Within the boundary of scientific knowledge for management, we discuss the divergence between practical demand for knowledge integration to solve complex problems and scientific fragmentation of academic knowledge for simplicity. We suggest the current incentives underlying elite scientific journals in management cause unintended knowledge fragmentation both between management and foundation disciplines, and within management. In the context of the overall management knowledge ecosystem, we recommend addressing three major constraints that limit our ability to reduce these fragmentations: First, new technologies could be introduced to assist researchers and editors in the development of a complete review of existing theories and evidence. Second, new publication outlets could be designed to serve as information technology–enabled, web-based knowledge synthesis platforms. Third, business schools could develop new incentive systems to enable and promote the use of these new initiatives. We suggest several limitations of our recommendations and discuss extensions into the yet untheorized/untested knowledge domain.
Structural behavior of the steel fiber reinforced concrete beam under multiple impact loadings: An experimental investigation
Authors: Jin Liu , Zhang Renbo , Du Xiuli , Dou Guoqin
Published: July 2019

Steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) has been proved to be an appropriate material to resist extreme dynamic loadings. To explore the structural behavior of the SFRC component under multiple impact loadings, eight beams with continuous rebars were tested with a drop hammer system. Crack patterns were observed while strains of rebar and concrete, deformation of beams, the impact and reaction forces as well as acceleration were recorded during the experiment. The structural performances were analyzed, and influences of steel fiber amount, stirrup ratio, concrete strength and the times of impact loading were discussed. The test observations indicated that compared with ordinary RC beams after the first impact, crack patterns of SFRC beams were changed from punching-shear to bending and the peak mid-span deflection is considerably reduced. Under multiple impact loadings, the crack patterns of SFRC beams are mainly determined by the first blow, and few new cracks will be generated by the subsequent loadings. The increment of maximum mid-span deflection, however, increases as the number of blow increases. The shapes of deflection curves and distribution of internal force (dynamic shear force) for SFRC beams under multiple impact loadings are significantly different from those under static loadings. Moreover, the magnitude of the shear force slightly increases while the peak impact force decreases with the increasing of impact times. With the increasing steel fiber amount, impact force and energy absorption capacity of SFRC beams were increased while the residual deflection was reduced.
Perceptions of Cultural Competence Among Students, Staff, and Faculty in a School of Journalism and Mass Communications
Authors: Erba Joseph , Geana Mugur V. , Aromona Olushola O. , Johnson Jammie A.
Published: July 2019

This study reports the results of a cultural competence self-assessment completed by students, faculty, and staff ( N = 299) at a Journalism and Mass Communications School at a predominantly White public university in the Midwest, where students had been demonstrating against cultural insensitive experiences on campus. Results reveal that all participants perceive themselves as fairly culturally competent, but perceive others as being less culturally competent. This finding, suggestive of a third-person effect, was especially pronounced among faculty. Despite high self-ratings, one out of 10 respondents reported cultural insensitive experiences, mainly dealing with sexism or racism. Implications and recommendations are discussed.
Development of “Predict ME,” an online classifier to aid in differentiating diabetic macular edema from pseudophakic macular edema
Authors: Hecht Idan , Achiron Ran , Bar Asaf , Munk Marion R , Huf Wolfgang , Burgansky-Eliash Zvia , Achiron Asaf
Published: July 2019

Purpose:

Differentiating the underlying pathology of macular edema in patients with diabetic retinopathy following cataract surgery can be challenging. In 2015, Munk and colleagues trained and tested a machine learning classifier which uses optical coherence tomography variables in order to distinguish the underlying pathology of macular edema between diabetic macular edema and pseudophakic cystoid macular edema. It was able to accurately diagnose the underlying pathology in 90%–96% of cases. However, actually using the trained classifier required dedicated software and advanced technical skills which hindered its accessibility to most clinicians. Our aim was to package the classifier in an easy to use web-tool and validate the web-tool using a new cohort of patients.

Methods:

We packaged the classifier in a web-tool intended for use on a personal computer or mobile phone. We first ensured that the results from the web-tool coincide exactly with the results from the original algorithm and then proceeded to test it using data of 14 patients.

Results:

The etiology was accurately predicted in 12 out of 14 cases (86%). The cases with diabetic macular edema were accurately diagnosed in 7 out of 7 cases. Of the pseudophakic cystoid macular edema cases, 5 out of 6 were correctly interpreted and 1 case with a mixed etiology was interpreted as pseudophakic cystoid macular edema. Variable input was reported to be easy and took on average 7 ± 3 min.

Conclusion:

The web-tool implementation of the classifier seems to be a valuable tool to support research into this field.
A Review of Randomized Controlled Trials Utilizing Telemedicine for Improving Heart Failure Readmission: Can a Realist Approach Bridge the Translational Divide?
Authors: Gonzalez Garcia Manuel , Fatehi Farhad , Bashi Nazli , Varnfield Marlien , Iyngkaran Pupalan , Driscoll Andrea , Neil Christopher , Hare David L , Oldenburg Brian
Published: July 2019

Background:

Telemedicine and digital health technologies hold great promise for improving clinical care of heart failure. However, inconsistent and contradictory findings from randomized controlled trials have so far discouraged widespread adoption of digital health in routine clinical practice. We undertook this review study to summarize the study outcomes of the use of exploring the evidence for telemedicine in the clinical care of patients with heart failure and readmissions.

Methods:

We inspected the references of guidelines and searched PubMed for randomized controlled trials published over the past 10 years on the use of telemedicine for reducing readmission in heart failure. We utilized a modified realist review approach to identify the underlying contextual mechanisms for the intervention(s) in each randomized controlled trial, evaluating outcomes of the intervention and understanding how and under what conditions they worked. To provide uniformity, all extracted data were synthesized using adapted domains from the taxonomy for disease management created by the Disease Management Taxonomy Writing Group.

Results:

A total of 12 papers were eligible, 6 of them supporting and 6 others undermining the use of telemedicine for improving heart failure readmission. In general terms, those studies not supporting the use of telemedicine were multicentre, publicly funded, with large amount of participants, and long duration. The patients had also better rates of treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blocker and beta-blockers, and telemonitoring and automatic transmission of vital signs were less utilized, in comparison with the studies in which telemedicine use was supported. The analysis of the environment, intensity, content of interventions, method of communication, quality of the underlying model of care and the ability, capability, and interest from health workers can help us to envisage probabilities of success of telemedicine use.

Conclusions:

A realist lens may aid to understand whom and in which circumstances the use of telemedicine can add any substantial value to traditional models of care. Wider outcome criteria beyond major adverse cardiovascular events, for example, cost efficacy, should also be considered as appropriate for effecting guidelines on care delivery when robust prognostic therapeutics already exist.
On the way to fusion through the pilgrims’ route: Factors that maintain identity fusion in collective rituals
Authors: Lobato Roberto M. , Sainz Mario
Published: July 2019

Identity fusion, a visceral union between personal and group identity is considered to be triggered and maintained by collective rituals with certain characteristics (e.g., opaque causal actions, synchrony, high excitement) and by recalling such rituals. The purpose of the present research was to determine the factors that maintain identity fusion after taking part in the pilgrimage of the Way of Saint James. We conducted a study with pilgrims ( N = 609) to analyze the factors associated with the characteristics of rituals (Wave 1; finishing point of the pilgrimage) and the sharing of episodic memories (Wave 2; three months later) that contribute to maintaining identity fusion. Results indicated that engaging in ritual practices and recalling episodic memories of the pilgrimage through contact with other pilgrims contribute to maintaining identity fusion. The importance of contact after taking part in the ritual is discussed.
Urea injection control strategy in urea-selective catalytic reduction for heavy-duty diesel engine under transient process
Authors: Wu Binyang , Deng Longfei , Liu Yize , Sun Dezeng , Su Wanhua
Published: July 2019

A urea injection control strategy for urea-selective catalytic reduction under a transient process is investigated on a heavy-duty diesel engine test bench in this study. The aim is to improve NO x conversion efficiency and reduce ammonia slip. With the selective catalytic reduction system as the research object, an open thermodynamic conservation system is established. The conservation relationship in the process of urea injection, NO x reduction reaction, ammonia storage, and ammonia slip is investigated. The ideal target ammonia storage area and the ammonia storage characteristics during the transient process are studied. The ammonia storage area and boundary, which change with the transient temperature, are established. Correction of real-time ammonia injection is further deduced from the boundary of the area. The world harmonized transient cycle test cycle result showed that compared to feed-forward control, the NO x conversion efficiency increased by 16% and the NH3 slip decreased by 75% when using the proposed real-time ammonia storage-management control method.
Matrix interference in LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of metanephrines in protein precipitated plasma samples
Authors: Rebane Riin , Herodes Koit
Published: July 2019

Metanephrine and normetanephrine are measured in blood plasma to diagnose different diseases. Simpler sample preparation procedures are preferred but tend to yield less purified extracts. Therefore, thorough investigation of matrix effects is required. In this work, several sample preparation methods and chromatographic modes were compared for liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometric (with electrospray ionization; LC-ESI-MS/MS) analysis of metanephrine and normetanephrine in blood plasma. Protein precipitation with methanol was found to be sufficient for sample preparation and pentafluorophenyl column provided adequate chromatographic separation. A new cheaper and less labor-intensive approach is proposed where necessary quantitation limits are achieved through a sample preparation containing only protein precipitation and dilution of the sample extract. Matrix effects for different sample preparation methods and the use of isotope-labeled internal standards were evaluated. Unusual interference to D3-labeled internal standard of normetanephrine was discovered – signal of interfering compound increased while the matrix effects were reduced by dilution, e.g. dilution eliminates matrix suppression on interfering compound. The results stress the need to monitor interfering compounds and evaluate matrix effects at every step of method development. Matrix effects and interferences can be different for analytes and their corresponding isotopically labeled internal standards. This means that the use of isotopically labeled internal standards cannot guarantee accuracy of obtained results. New method allows quantification of the low nanomolar concentrations of metanephrine and normetanephrine in plasma samples.
The early childhood care and development mission and the institutional circuit of evidence
Authors: Nilsen Ann Christin E , Steen-Johnsen Tale
Published: July 2019

Early childhood care and development has increasingly become a part of the global development agenda. Fueled by a threefold rationale, rooted in development psychology, social economy, and human rights, the arguments for investing in early childhood care and development are virtually unassailable. However, this rationale is somehow at odds with insights developed within the sociology of childhood, emphasizing childhood as a social construction amendable to context and children’s own agency. Inspired by the methodological approach known as institutional ethnography, we explore how development aid workers respond to and enact the early childhood care and development mission. Building on interviews with development aid workers in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, we describe how their actions, when justified, enter into institutional circuits where the demand for evidence is striking. By exploring development aid workers’ own work knowledge, including how they strive to be compliant with the early childhood care and development rationale, yet also oppose it, our contribution points to the importance of re-negotiating evidence in order to discover the blind spots that may be concealed within what we refer to as a “justification loop.”